The proceffion paffes through the arch, and the brethren repairing to their ftands, the grand mafter and his officers take their places on a temporary platform, covered with carpét. An ode on masonry is fung. The grand marshal commands filence, and the neceffary preparations are made for laying the ftone, on which is engraved the year of masonry, the name and titles of the grand mafter, &c. &c.

The ftone is raised up, by means of an engine erected for that purpofe, and the grand chaplain or orator repeats a fhort prayer. The grand treasurer then, by the grand master's command, places under the ftone various forts of coin and medals of the prefent age. Solemn music is introduced, and the ftone let down into its place. The principal architect then presents the working tools to the grand mafter, who applies the plumb, Square and level to the ftone, in their proper pofitions, and pronounces it to be "WELL FORMED, TRUE AND TRUSTY."

The golden and filver veffels are next brought to the table, and delivered, the former to the deputy grand master, and the latter to the grand wardens, who fucceffively present them to the grand mafter and he, according to ancient ceremony, pours the corn, the wine and the oil, which they contain, on the stone, saying,

"May the all-bounteous Author of Nature bless the inhabitants of this place with all the neceffaries, conveniences, and comforts of life; affift in the erection and completion of this building; protect the workmen against every accident, and long preferve this ftructure from

decay; and grant to us all, in needed fupply, the CORN of nourishment, the WINE of refreshment, and the OIL of joy!"

"Amen! fo mote it be! Amen!"

He then ftrikes the ftone thrice with the mallet, and the public honours of masonry are given.

The grand mafter then delivers over to the architect the various implements of architecture, entrusting him with the fuperintendence and direction of the work; after which, he re-afcends the platform, and an oration fuitable to the occafion is delivered. A voluntary collection is made for the workmen, and the fum collected is placed upon the ftone by the grand treasurer. A fong in honour of masonry concludes the ceremony; after which the proceffion returns to the place whence it set out, and the lodge is closed.

THE FOURTH SECTION.

Ceremony obferved at the Dedication of Mafons' Halls.

On the day appointed for the celebration of the ceremony of dedication, the grand mafter 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 mafonry.

The mafter of the lodge to which the hall to be dedicated belongs, being prefent, rifes, and addreffes the grand mafter, as follows.

"MOST WORSHIpful,

"The brethren of Lodge, being animated with a defire of promoting the honour and interest of the craft, have, at great pains and expenfe, erected a masonic hall, for their convenience and accommodation. They are now defirous that the fame should be examined by the M. W. grand lodge; and, if it should meet their approbation, that it fhould be folemnly dedicated to mafonic purposes, agreeably to: ancient form."

The grand mafter then directs the grand fecretary to read the order of proceffion, which is delivered over to the grand marthal; and a general charge, refpecting propriety of behaviour, is given by the deputy grand mafter.

A grand proceffion is then formed in the order laid down in the first section, page 86. The whole move forward to the hall which is to be dedicated, and upon the arrival of the front of the proceffion at the door, they halt, open to the right and left, and face inward; while the grand mafter, and others in fucceffion, pafs through, and enter. The mufic continues while the proceffion marches three times round the hall..

The lodge is then placed in the centre; and the grand mafter having taken the chair, under a canopy of state, the grand officers, and the mafters and wardens of the lodges, repair to the places previously prepared for their reception; the three lights, and the gold and filver pitchers, with the corn, wine and oil, are placed round the lodge, at the head of which stands.

the pedeftal, with the bible open, and the fquare and compass laid thereon, with the conftitution roll, on a crimson velvet cushion. Matters being thus difpofed, an anthem is fung, and an exordium on mafonry given; after which the architect addreffes the grand mafter, as follows: "MOST WORSHIPFUL,

"Having been entrusted with the fuperintendence and management of the workmen employed in the conftruction of this edifice; and having, according to the beft of my ability, accomplished the task affigned me; I now return my thanks for the honour of this appointment, and beg leave to furrender 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 occafion will be crowned with your approbation, and that of the moft worfhipful grand lodge."

To which the grand mafter makes the follow-ing reply:

"BROTHER ARCHITECT,

"The fkill and fidelity difplayed in the execution of the truft repofed in you, at the commencement of this undertaking, have fecured the entire approbation of the grand lodge; and they fincerely pray, that this edifice may continue a lafting monument of the taste, spirit and liberality of its founders."

An ode in honour of masonry is fung, accompanied with inftrumental mufic.

The deputy grand mafter then rises, and says:

"MOST WORSHIPFUL,

"The hall in which we are now affembled, and the plan upon which it has been conftructed, having met with your approbation, it is the defire of the fraternity that it fhould be now dedicated, according to ancient form and ufage."

Whereupon the grand mafter requests all to retire but fuch as are mafter mafons. A proceffion is then formed in the following order, viz.

Grand Sword Bearer;

A Past Master, with a Light;

A Past Master, with Bible, Square and Compass, on a Velvet Cushion ;
Two Past Marters, each with a Light;

Grand Secretary and Treasurer, with Emblems;
Grand Junior Warden, with Pitcher of Corn;
Grand Senior Warden, with Pitcher of Wine;
Deputy Grand Master, with Pitcher of Oil;
Grand Master;

Two Stewards, with Rods.

All the other brethren keep their places, and aflift in performing an ode, which continues during the proceffion, excepting only at the intervals of dedication. The lodge is uncovered, and the firft proceffion being made round it, the junior grand warden prefents the pitcher of corn to the grand mafter, who pours it out upon the lodge, at the fame time pronouncing,

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

The grand honours are given.

The fecond proceffion is then made round the lodge, and the grand fenior warden presents the