DEDICATION OF MASONIC HALLS
INSTRUCTIONS
The ceremony of dedication may be open to the public.
The members of the Lodge whose hall is to be dedicated, properly clothed as Master Masons, shall be seated on the North side of the Lodge, the officers by rank toward the East with their respective aprons and jewels.
Neither shall the Great Lights of the Lodge appear nor did Lesser Lights light until the Grand Lodge has been opened.
EMBLEM
A rectangular table wide enough on which to place the Emblem (a small oblong box or casket representing the Masonic Lodge whose hall is about to be dedicated), the consecrating vessels and tapers, shall be placed at the center between the Altar and the East. The table shall be draped with white linen reaching down the floor. On this table shall be placed the Emblem, also covered with white linen and loosely draped with the same material, and three candle holders, each on the East, West and South sides of the Emblem.
At the appointed time of the dedication ceremony, the Grand Master and his officers, accompanied by members of the Grand Lodge, meet in a room convenient to the hall to be dedicated. The Grand Lodge is then opened in ample form. The Grand Master announces the object of the communication and directs the Grand Marshal to form the procession. The Grand Marshal shall form the procession at the ante room in the following order.
ORDER OF PROCESSION
Grand Marshal Grand Tyler (GTyl), with drawn sword Senior Grand Steward - Senior Grand Steward with rods A Past Master (PM) bearing Lighted Taper Grand Chaplain (GCh) - Grand Lecturer (GLec) Grand Bible Bearer (GBB), carrying Great Lights Two Past Masters (PMs) bearing Lighted Tapers Grand Treasurer (GT) - Grand Secretary (GS) Junior Grand Warden,(JGW), carrying a silver vessel of Oil Senior Grand Warden (SGW), carrying a silver vessel of Wine Deputy Grand Master (DGM), carrying a golden vessel of Corn A Past Master (PM), bearing the Book of Constitution The Grand Master (GM) Supported by the Senior (SGD) and Junior Deacons (JGD) with rods Grand Sword Bearer (GSB)
Before the procession enters, the Grand Marshal shall attend the Altar, (Opens the Great Lights and lights the Lesser Lights). He shall then request the brethren in the Lodge to rise.
Under the direction of the Grand Marshal, the procession enters in two columns; left column headed by the Senior Grand Steward on the North pavement, and the right column by the Junior Grand Steward on the South. Officers stop but keep distance along respective pavements, then face inward at the signal of the Grand Marshal.
The Grand Marshal stands before the Altar, facing West, as he directs the entrance of the Grand Officers.
The Grand Master, supported by the Grand Deacons with rods crossed over him, stops at the end of the columns in front of the West and upon order of the Grand Marshal, Grand Honors (Battery of 3 x 3) are given by the officers and brethren of the Lodge.
Then the Holy Bible and Book of Constitution are placed on a pedestal or small table provided for them, immediately in front of the East.
The brother carrying Taper No. 1 followed by the Junior Grand Warden, then places his taper and vessel of Oil at the South side of the Emblem.
Now the brother carrying Taper No. 2 followed by the Senior Grand Warden, places his taper and vessel of Wine at the West side of the Emblem.
Then the brother carrying Taper No. 3 followed by the Deputy Grand Master, places his taper and vessel of Corn at the East side of the Emblem.
Now, the Grand Master supported by the Grand Deacons, proceeded by the Grand Sword Bearer, and followed by the Deputy Grand Master, goes to the East and immediately sits down. The Grand Officers shall then repair to their respective places and stations but remain standing until seated by the Grand Master.
(At this time music may be played.)
CEREMONY OF DEDICATION OF MASONIC HALLS
(After the officers have been seated)
Appropriate Music
(Grand Master stands and announces the purpose of the assembly then says)
GM: Worshipful Master and Brethren: We read in the Holy Writings that when all the work that Solomon made for the House of the Lord was finished, he assembled the elders of Israel, all the heads of the tribes, and the Chief of the Fathers of the children of Israel; and then the house, which was erected to God, was dedicated to His Holy Name.
We have gathered today in imitation of the children of Israel to dedicate this building to Freemasonry. Virtue and Universal Benevolence, thus perpetuating a custom which has come down to us from the immemorial.
Among the ancients, every temple, altar and statue was dedicated to some divinity. The Hebrews extended this ceremony even to their private houses; and it was a custom in Israel to dedicate a new house to God with prayer, praise and thanksgiving: this was done in order to secure the Divine Presence blessing; for it was believed that no pious or sensible man could expect to dwell safely in a house which was not under the immediate protection of God. They made a distinction between consecration and dedication; for sacred things were both consecrated and dedicated; while profane things, such as private dwelling houses, were only dedicated. This distinction has already been observed among nations, many of whom (and in the early ages all), consecrated their churches to the worship of God, but dedicated them, or placed them, under the special patronage of some particular saint.
You will remember, that a similar practice prevails in our Institution; and that while we consecrate our Lodges to the honor and glory of God, we dedicate them to the memory of the Holy Saints John; and the building itself is dedicated to the purposes for which it is set apart.
Our temples are dedicated to Freemasonry, Virtue and Universal Benevolence; and you may be interested in knowing that this was the form of dedication of the first edifice ever erected as a Masonic Hall of which we have authentic information, and that the ceremony of that first dedication in 1774 was in all its essential identical with that which will be performed today. To those unmindful of its symbolism, it will be nothing but an unmeaning form; but it is truth and fact, as are all our ceremonies fraught with significance.
The Masonic elements of consecration are corn, wine and oil. In devoting anything to religious purposes, the anointing of oil was considered as a necessary part of the ceremony. The tabernacle in the wilderness, and all its holy vessels, were by God's express command anointed with oil; and hence "Freemasons' Lodges, which are but temples to the Most High, are consecrated to the sacred purposes for which they were built by strewing corn, wine and oil upon the Emblem."
Only the corn is carried in a golden pitcher, the wine and oil being contained in silver vessels. It is to remind us that the first, as a necessity and the "staff of Life," is more important and more worthy of honor than the others, which are but comforts.
The symbolism of the procession, to be later a part of the ceremony, may be explained as a reminder that in pilgrimage of life, as each proceeds along the path allotted to him, he should share his later crust of bread with the hungry, cheer the sorrowful, and pour the healing oil of consolation into the wounds which sickness has made in the bodies, or affliction has rent in the hearts of his fellowmen. This brief explanation will we hope bring a clearer understanding of the significance of the ceremony. (Sit down)
(Master of the Lodge approaches the East, signs or bows and addresses the Grand Master):
WM: M.W. Grand Master, the brethren of ................................. Lodge No. .......... being animated with the desire to promote the honor and the interest of the Craft, have erected and furnished this Hall for their convenience and accommodation. They are desirous that you as M.W. Grand Master, examine the same and, should it meet with your approbation, that it be solemnly dedicated to Masonic purposes, agreeably to ancient form and usage. (Remains standing)
GM: (Standing): Worshipful Master & brethren, Having heretofore made inspection, and the building and the plan upon which it is constructed meeting with our unqualified approbation, we are pleased to comply with the desires of the brethren and to discharge the importance and interesting duty which devolves upon us. I avail myself of this opportunity to express to the brethren our hearty appreciation of the enterprising spirit which has actuated them in the erection of this structure - an edifice which is not only a credit to the Fraternity, but as well an ornament of this beautiful city.
In accordance with the teachings of our Institution, it is our duty, before entering upon any great or important undertaking, to invoke the blessing of God. We will, therefore, unite with our Grand Chaplain in an address to the Throne of Grace.
(GM raps 3x. Grand Marshal conducts Grand Chaplain to the Altar, who kneels at the Altar, and offers the following):
PRAYER
G Chap. O lord God! Source of Light and Love! Supreme Grand Master and Great Architect of the Universe! Who from Thy Throne in the Highest Heaven, in mercy lookest down upon all the dwellers on earth; lend, we beseech Thee, Thine ears to the prayers and petitions of Thy children now assembled in Thy presence; enabled us to properly comprehend and practice the precepts of this sublime edifice erected to Thy Holy and Glorious Name. Pour upon us, and upon all the members of our Mystic Craft withersoever dispersed throughout the world, the rich blessings of Thy providence. Give us strength to overcome temptation, to subdue our passions, and to practice virtue. Fill our hearts with reverence for Thy great and holy name; with an affection for Thy divine goodness; with piety toward Thee; and with love for our fellowmen. Make us faithful to our friends and charitable to our enemies. Dispose our hearts, O Thou Great Jehovah! To receive light and truth from the Great Source of Light, that our steps may be directed in the paths of virtue. And whilst we dedicate this Temple to Thee, enable us to prove to mankind by our actions that our lives are sincerely dedicated to our God, and to the relief and wellbeing of our fellow creatures. And finally when our pilgrimage in life is ended, may we be admitted into the sublime and eternal Lodge where Thou dost forever preside. Amen.
Brethren: So mote it be. (Marshal reconducts Chaplain to his place, GM Seats Lodge)
(Chief Architect (Ch. Arch) advances to front of East signs or bows and addresses the GM)
Ch. Arch: M.W. Grand Master: having been entrusted with the duty of supervising and directing the workmen employed in the construction of this edifice, and having to the best of my ability accomplished the task assigned to me, I now return my thanks for the appointment and beg to return to you the implements committed to my care when the cornerstone of this structure was laid (presents the trowel, square, level and plumb), and humbly hope that the result of our labors will be crowned with your approbation and that of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge.
(Remains standing)
GM: I deem it not improper to say publicly to you at this time, that you and those who worked with you in the preparation of the plan upon which this building was constructed, are to be particularly commended for having so evidently kept in mind the purposes for which it is to be used; for having erected an edifice which is an ornament to the city, a building which is every way meets the requirements of those who caused it to be erected for their convenience and accommodation. The skill and ability displayed in the execution of the trust reposed on you at the commencement of this undertaking have received, as they so well deserve, the entire approbation of the Grand Lodge, and it is our hope that this edifice may continue as a lasting monument to the genius of our Institution.
DGM: M.W. Grand Master: The Hall in which we are now assembled and the plan upon which it is constructed having met with your approval, it is the desire of the brethren that it now be dedicated according to ancient form and usage.
GM: Rt. W. DGM. Agreeably to the request of the brethren, the building will be dedicated according to the ancient form and usage. Brother Grand Marshal, you will form the Grand Officers in procession.
(While the officers are assembling and appropriate dedication hymn may be played or sung.)
ORDER OF PROCESSION
From North side of Lodge, facing East
Grand Master Deputy Grand Master Grand Treasurer Grand Sword Bearer Grand Bible Bearer Senior Grand Deacon Junior Grand Deacon Senior Grand Warden Junior Grand Warden Junior Grand Steward Senior Grand Steward Grand Marshal Grand Secretary Grand Lecturer
(Grand Officers march once around the Symbol of the Lodge while an appropriate music is sung or played. When the GM arrives at the East, the music ceases, procession halts, and all officers face inward, standing as indicated in the diagram)
GM: (Raps 3x). The Grand Officers will kneel on the right knees.
(Grand Chaplain at the Altar offers the following):
Consecration Prayer
Great Architect of the Universe! Maker and Ruler of all the world! Reign from Thy celestial temple, from realms of light and glory, to bless us in all purposes of our present assembly! We humbly implore Thee to give us at this, and at all times, wisdom in all our doings, strength of mind in all our difficulties, and the beauty of harmony in all our undertakings. Permit us, O Thou Author of Light and Life, Great Source of Love and Happiness, to consecrate this Hall and dedicate it to Thy Honor and Thy Glory. Amen.
BRETHREN: Glory to God on High; on earth peace, goodwill toward men.
(Lodge is seated)
(Grand Officers rise, walk slowly once around the Symbol of the Lodge as before. Time so that reading by Chaplain is finished when Grand Master reaches the East)
CHAPLAIN: (Standing before the Altar, reads the following): And Solomon determined to build a house for the name of the Lord, and a house for his kingdom...
(When GM reaches East, halts, faces inward, Grand Marshal uncovers the Emblem, Deputy Grand Master advances and delivers vessel of corn to Grand Master and says):
DGM: M.W. Grand Master, In the dedication of Masonic Halls, it has been the immemorial custom to pour corn upon the Lodge as an emblem of nourishment. I, therefore, present to you the Vessel of Corn, by you to be employed according to ancient usage.
GM: (GM raps 3x and pours corn upon Emblem saying) In the name of the Great Jehovah, Whom we all honor and glorify, I do solemnly dedicate this Hall to Freemasonry.
(Grand Honors are then given once by officers under direction of the Grand Marshal).
Brethren: As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
(Chaplain reads and GM sprinkles wine and oil in turn; appropriate prayers and Grand Honors follow, concluding with the invocation and proclamation that the Hall has been dedicated.)