"MOST WORSHIPFUL,

"The brethren of

lodge, being animated with a desire of promoting the honour and interest of the craft, have, at great pains and expense, erected a masonic hall, for their convenience and accommodation. They are now desirous that the same should be examined by the M. W. grand lodge; and, if it should meet their approbation, that it should be solemnly dedicated to masonic purposes, agreeably to ancient form."

The grand master then directs the grand secretary to read the order of procession, which is delivered over to the grand marshal; and a general charge, respecting propriety of behaviour, is given by the deputy grand master.

A grand procession is then formed in the order laid down in the first section, page 82. The whole move forward to the hall which is to be dedicated, and upon the arrival of the front of the procession at the door, they halt, open to the right and left, and face inward; while the grand master, and others in succession, pass through, and enter. The music continues while the procession marches three times round the hall.

The lodge is then placed in the centre; and the grand master having taken the chair, under a canopy of state, the grand officers, and the masters and wardens of the lodges repair to the places previously prepared for their reception; the three lights, and the gold and silver pitchers, with the corn, wine and oil, are placed round the lodge, at the head of which stands the pedestal, with the bible open, and the square and compass laid thereon, with the constitution roll, on a crimson velvet Cushion. Matters being thus disposed, an anthem is

sung, and an exordium on masonry given; after which the architect addresses the grand master, as follows:

All the other brethren keep their places, and assist in performing an ode, which continues during the procession, excepting only at the intervals of dedication. at the interva The lodge is uncovered, and the first procession being made round it, the junior grand warden presents the pitcher of corn to the grand master, who pours it out upon the lodge, at the same time pronouncing,

"In the name of the great Jehovah, to whom be all honour and glory, I do solemnly dedicate this hall to MASONRY."

The grand honours are given.

The second procession is then made round the lodge, and the grand senior warden presents the pitcher of wine to the grand master, who sprinkles it upon the lodge, at the same time saying,

"In the name of holy Saint John, I do solemnly dedicate this hall to VIRTUE."

The grand honours are twice repeated.

i

The Ceremony observed at Funerals, according to ancient custom; with the Service used on the occasion.

No mason can be interred with the formalities of the order, unless it be by his own special request, communicated to the master of the lodge of which he died a member, foreigners and sojourners excepted; nor unless he has been advanced to the third degree of masonry; and from this restriction there can be no exception. Fellow crafts, or apprentices, are not entitled to funeral obsequies, nor to attend the masonic procession on such

occasions.

The master of a lodge, having received notice of a master mason's death, and of his request to be interred with the ceremonies of the order, fixes the day and hour for the funeral, and issues his command to summon the lodge. He may invite as many lodges as he thinks

proper, and the members of those lodges may accompany their officers in form; but the whole ceremony must be under the direction of the master of the lodge to which the deceased belonged, and he and his officers must be duly honoured, and cheerfully obeyed, on the occasion.* But in case the deceased was not a member of either of the attending lodges, the procession and ceremony must be under the direction of the master of the oldest lodge.

All the brethren who walk in procession should ob serve, as much as possible, an uniformity in their dress. Decent mourning, with white stockings, gloves and aprons, is most suitable.

The Funeral Service.

The brethren being assembled at the lodge room, (or some other convenient place) the presiding master opens the lodge, in the third degree, with the usual forms; and having stated the purpose of the meeting, the ser vice begins.

Master. "What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? Shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave?"

Response. "Man walketh in a vain shadow; he heapeth up riches, and cannot tell who shall gather them." Master. "When he dieth, he shall carry nothing away; his glory shall not descend after him."

Response "Naked he came into the world, and naked he must return."

* Except when the grand or deputy grand master is present, and exercises his authority.