CEREMONY OF CONSTITUTION

G.M.: (After Grand Officers have been seated) Brethren, we shall now proceed with the Constitution of this Lodge.

MUSIC

Master: (Goes in front of East, signs or bows and says): Most Worshipful Grand Master, upon the request of a number of brethren residing in this Masonic district, our then Most Worshipful Grand Master, was pleased to grant them a letter of dispensation, bearing date .............................., day of ................. in the year 20 ......., authorizing them to form and open a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in this town (or city ) of ........................ Since then they have regularly assembled and conducted the business of Masonry according to the best of their abilities. Their proceedings have been examined by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge and, being approved a Charter of Constitution was granted to them. The brethren are now desirous that their Lodge be constituted and their officers duly installed, in accordance with the ancient usages and customs of the Craft. In behalf of my brethren of .......................... Lodge, I now respectfully request that you assume the discharge of this important ceremony. (Remains standing)

G.M.: (Rises) Worshipful Master and Brethren: We accept with pleasure the important and significant duty which you have requested. In doing so permit us to express to you and the brethren of ......................... Lodge No. ..........., our hearty congratulations upon this happy occasion. The establishment of a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in any community is an event of vital and far-reaching importance. It indicates a desire of its membership to cultivate and practice the noble attributes of brotherly love, relief and truth. It means the inculcation of all those sentiments, which constitute higher morality and nobler manhood. It contemplates the encouragement of all the virtues, which elevate and ennoble men, making better husbands, better fathers, better sons and better brothers, better citizens and a better and more prosperous community. Realizing, then, and trusting that you all appreciate the great importance of this occasion, we shall cheerfully comply with the desire of yourself and your brethren.

In accordance with the teachings of our Institution, it is our duty, before entering upon any great or important undertaking, to invoke the aid and blessing of God. We will, therefore, reverently unite with our Grand Chaplain in an address to the throne of Grace. (Raps 3x)

Grand Marshal conducts Grand Chaplain to the Altar. Grand Chaplain kneels.

Grand Chaplain: Let us pray. Supreme Grand Master! Great Architect and Ruler of the Universe! We reverently invoke Thy blessing at this time. Grant us Thy aid in our present undertaking, that all we may do, shall be done with an eye single to Thy service and to the good of our Fraternity. Bless the brethren of the Lodge now about to be constituted; impress them with a proper comprehension of their duty to Thee and to one another. May this Lodge become a means of lasting good in this community; may its members be continually guided by the unerring counsel, which Thou hast given them in the great books of nature and revelation. Make them faithful to the obligations, which they have assumed. Bless and prosper them in all their interests. Bless and prosper our beloved Order. Lengthen its cords and strengthen its stakes for greater usefulness to ourselves and our fellowmen: and to Thy great name we will ascribe all honor and glory. Amen.

Grand Chaplain is re-conducted to his seat. GM seats Lodge.

G.M.: Brethren of ………......……..………. Lodge No. ……… your proceedings having been approved, and a charter having been granted to you by the Grand Lodge, we will now proceed, according to ancient usage, to constitute you into a regular Lodge.

Right Worshipful Grand Secretary (rises) you will read the warrant establishing and confirming the brethren of this new Lodge in the rights and privileges of a regularly constituted Lodge.

The Grand Secretary reads the Charter.

G.M.: Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master (rises) you will now present the Master-elect of the new Lodge.

DGM: (Conducts Master in front of East) Most Worshipful Grand Master, I present to you Bro. ………......……..………. whom the brethren of the Lodge, now about to be constituted, have chosen as their Master.