A triumphal arch is usually erected at the place where the ceremony is to be performed. The procession passes through the arch, and the brethren repairing to their stands, the grand master and his officers take their places on a temporary platform, covered with carpet. An ode on masonry is sung. The grand master commands silence, and the necessary preparations are made for laying the stone, on which is engraved the year of masonry, the name and titles of the grand master, &c. &c.

The stone is raised up, by means of an engine erected for that purpose, and the grand chaplain or orator repeats a short prayer. The grand treasurer then, by the grand master's command, places under the stone various sorts of coin and medals of the present age. Solemn music is introduced, and the stone let down into its place. The principal architect then presents the working tools to the grand master, who applies the plumb, square and level, to the stone, in their proper positions, and pronounces it to be "WELL FORMED,

TRUE AND TRUSTY."

The golden and silver vessels are next brought to the table, and delivered, the former to the deputy grand master, and the latter to the grand wardens, who successively present them to the grand master and he, according to ancient ce

remony, pours the corn, the wine and the oif which they contain, on the stone, saying,

"May the all-bounteous Author of Nature bless the inhabitants of this place with all the necessaries, conveniencies and comforts of life; assist in the erection and completion of this building; protect the workmen against every accident, and long preserve this structure from decay; and grant to us all, in needed supply, the CORN of nourishment, the WINE of refreshment, and the OIL of joy!"

"Amen! so mote it be! Amen!"

He then strikes the stone thrice with the mallet, and the public honours of masonry are given.

The grand master then delivers over to the architect the various implements of architecture, entrusting him with the superintendence and direction of the work; after which, he re-ascends the platform, and an oration suitable to the occasion is delivered. A voluntary collection is made for the workmen, and the sum collected is placed upon the stone by the grand treasurer. A song in honour of masonry concludes the ceremony, after which the procession returns to the place whence it set out, and the lodge is closed.

The Fourth Section.

Ceremony observed at the Dedication of Masons” Halls.

On the day appointed for the celebration of the ceremony of dedication, the grand master and his officers, accompanied by the members of the grand lodge, meet in a convenient room near to the place where the ceremony is to be performed, and the grand lodge is opened in ample form in the first three degrees of masonry.

The master of the lodge to which the hall to be dedicated belongs, being present, rises, and addresses the grand master, as follows:

"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 prosession, which is de

livered 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 100. The whole moves 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; whilst 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 giv. en; after which the architect addresses the grand master, as follows:

"MOST WORSHIPFUL,

"Having been entrusted with the superintendence and management of the workmen employed in the construction of this edifice; and having, according to the best of my ability, accomplished the task assigned me; I now return my thanks for the honour of this appointment, and beg leave to surrender up the implements which were committed to my care when the foundation of this fabric was laid; humbly hoping, that the exertions which have been made on this occasion, will be crowned with your approbation, and that of the most worshipful grand lodge."

To which the grand master makes the follow ing reply:

"BROTHER ARCHITECT,

"The skill and fidelity displayed in the execution of the trust reposed in you, at the commencement of this undertaking, have secured the entire approbation of the grand lodge; and they sincerely pray, that this edifice may continue a lasting monument of the taste, spirit and liberality of its founders.”

An ode in honour of masonry is sung, accompa nied with instrumental music.

M