|
Of The Ancient Ceremonies
Of The Order
SECTION VI
BOOK II -
General Remarks:
including an Illustration of the Lectures
illustrations of masonry
william preston
We shall now proceed to illustrate the Ancient Ceremonies of the Order,
particularly those observed at the Constitution and Consecration of a Lodge, and
the Installation of Officers, with the usual Charges delivered on those
occasions. We shall likewise annex an explanation of the Ceremonies used at
laying the Foundation Stones of Public Structures, at the Dedication of Public
Halls, and at Funerals; and close this part of the treatise with the Funeral
Services.
The Manner of constituting a Lodge, including the Ceremony
of Consecration &c (etc.)
Any number of Master-masons, not under seven, resolved to form a New Lodge,
must apply, by petition , to the Grand
Master; setting forth 'that they are regular masons, and are at present, or have been, members of regular lodges:
That having the prosperity of the fraternity at
heart, they are are willing to exert their best endeavours to promote and
diffuse the genuine principles of masonry: That, for the convenience of their
respective dwellings, and other good reasons, they have agreed to form a New
Lodge, to be named.
That, in consequence to this resolution, they pray for a warrant of
constitution, to empower them to assemble as a regular lodge on the .......day
of every month, at ................; and then and there to discharge the duties
of Masonry in a regular and constitutional manner, according to the original
forms of the Order, and the laws of the Grand Lodge: That they have nominated
and do recommend A.B. to be the first Master, and C.D. to be the first Senior
Warden, and E.F. to be the first Junior Warden, of the said lodge: That the
prayer of the petition being granted, they promise strict conformity to every
regular edict and command of the Grand Master, and to all the constitutional
laws and regulations of the Grand Lodge.
This petition, being signed by at least seven regular masons, and recommended
by the Masters of three regular lodges adjacent to the place, where the New
Lodge is to be held, is delivered to the Grand Secretary; who, on presenting it
to the Grand Master, or in his absence to the Deputy, and, on its being approved
by him, grants a dispensation, authorising the brethren specified in the
petition to assemble as masons for forty days, and until such time as
constitution can eb granted by command of the Grand Lodge, or that authority be
recalled.
In consequence of this dispensation, a lodge is held at the place specified;
and the transactions of that lodge being properly recorded, are valid for the
time being, provided they are afterwards approved by the brethren convened at
the time of Constitution.
When the Grand Lodge has signified his approbation of the New Lodge, and the
Grand Master is thoroughly satisfied of the truth of the allegations set forth
in the petition, he appoints a day and an hour for constituting [and
consecrating] the New Lodge; and for
installing its Master, Wardens, and Officers.
If the Grand Master in person attend the ceremony, the lodge is said to be
constituted IN AMPLE FORM; if the Deputy Grand Master acts a Grand Master,
it is said to be constituted IN DUE FORM; and if the power of performing the
ceremony is vested in the Master of a private lodge, it is said to be
constituted IN FORM.
Ceremony of Constitution
On the day and hour appointed, the Grand Master and this Officers, or
the Master and Officers of any private Lodge authorised by the Grand Master for
that purpose, meet in a convenient room; and when properly clothed, walk in
procession to the lodge room, where the usual ceremonies being observed, the
lodge is opened by the Grand Master, or the Master in the Chair, in all the
degrees of Masonry. After a short prayer, an ode in honour of masonry is sung.
The Grand Master, or Master in the Chair, is then informed by the Grand
Secretary, or his locum tenens. That the brethren then present, being
duly instructed in the mysteries of the Art, [naming them,] desire to be formed
into a New Lodge, under the Grand Master's patronage; that a dispensation has
been granted to them for that purpose, and by virtue of that authority, they had
assembled as regular masons, and had duly recorded their transactions. The
petition is read, as is also the dispensation, and the warrant or charter of
constitution, granted in consequence of it. the minute of the New Lodge while
under dispensation, are read, and being approved, are declared to he regular,
valid and constitutional. The Grand Master, or Master in the Chair, then takes
the warrant in his hand and requests the brethren of the New Lodge, publicly to
signify their approbation or disapprobation of the Officers nominated in the
warrant to preside over them. This being signified accordingly, an anthem is
sung, and an oration on the nature and design of masonry delivered.
The ceremony of Consecration succeeds.
Ceremony of Consecration
The Grand Master and his Officers, accompanied by some distinguished
Clergyman, having taken their stations, and the lodge which is placed in the
centre, being covered with white satin, the ceremony of Consecration commences.
All devoutly kneel, and the preparatory prayer is rehearsed. The chaplain, or
orator, produces his authority, and being
properly assisted proceeds to consecrate.
Solemn music is introduced, while the necessary preparations are making. At
length the lodge is uncovered, and the first clause of the consecration prayer
is rehearsed, all devoutly kneeling. The response is made, GLORY TO GOD ON HIGH.
Incense is scattered over the lodge, and the grand honours of masonry given. the
grand Invocation is then pronounced, with the honours; after which the
consecration prayer is concluded, and the response repeated as before, together
with the honours. The lodge is again covered, and all rising up, solemn music is
resumed, after which a blessing is given, and the response made as before,
accompanied by honours. an anthem is then sung and the brethren of the New Lodge
advance according to rank, and offer homage to the Grand Master, when the
consecration ends.
The above ceremony being finished, the Grand Master then advances to the
Pedestal, and constitutes the New Lodge in the following manner:
In the exalted character to which the suffrages of my brethren have raised
me, I invoke the NAME of the MOST HIGH, to whom be glory and honour! May he be
with you at your beginning, may he strengthen you in the principles of our royal
Art, may he prosper you with all success, and may your zealous pursuits rebound
to the good of the Craft! By the divine aid, I constitute and form you, my good
brethren, into a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons; and from henceforth empower
you to act as a regular lodge, constituted in conformity to the rites of our
venerable Order, and charges of our ancient fraternity. May God be with you.!
Amen.
Flourish with drums and trumpets.
The grand honours are given, and the ceremony of Installation succeeds.
Ceremony of Installation
The Grand Master asks his Deputy, whether
he has examined the Master nominated in the warrant, and finds him well skilled
in the noble science and the royal Art. The Deputy answering in the affirmative, by the GrandMaster's order takes the
candidate from among his fellows, and presents him at the pedestal, saying, Most
worshipful Grand Master, [or right worshipful, as it happens] I present to you
my worthy brother, A.B. to be installed Master of this New Lodge. I find
him to be of good morals, and of great skill, true and trusty; and as his is a
lover of the whole fraternity, where forever dispersed over the face of the
earth, I doubt not he will discharge his duty with fidelity.
The Grand Master order a summary of the ancient charges to be read by the Grand Secretary [or acting
Secretary] to the Master elect.
I. You agree to be good man and true and strictly obey the moral law.
II. You agree to be a peaceable subject and cheerfully conform to the laws of
the country in which you reside.
III. You promise, not to be concerned in plots or conspiracies against
government, but patiently to submit to the decision of the supreme legislature.
IV. You agree to pay a proper respect to the civil magistrate, to work
diligently, live creditably, and act honourably by all men.
V. You agree to hold in veneration the original rulers and patrons of the
Order of Masonry, and their regular successors, supreme and subordinate,
according to their stations; and to submit to the awards and resolutions of your
brethren in general chapter convened, in every case consistent with the
constitutions of the Order.
VI. You agree to avoid private piques and quarrels, and to guard against
intemperance and excess.
VII. You agree to be cautious in carriage and behaviour, courteous to our
brethren, and faithful to our lodge.
VIII. You promise to respect genuine brethren, and to discountenance
impostors, and all dissenters from the original plan of Masonry.
IX. You agree to promote the general good of society, to cultivate the social
virtues, and to propagate the knowledge of the Art.
On the Master Elect signifying his assent to these Charges, the Secretary
proceeds to read the following regulations.
I. You admit that it is not in the power of any man, or body of men, to make
innovation in the body of masonry.
II. You promise to pay homage to the Grand Master for the time being, and to
his Officers, when duly installed, and strictly to conform to every edict of the
Grand Lodge, or General Assembly of Masons, that is not subversive of the
principles and groundwork of Masonry.
III. You promise a regular attendance on the committees and communications of
the Grand Lodge, on receiving proper notice; and to pay attention to all the
duties of masonry, on convenient occasions.
IV. You admit that no new lodge shall be formed without permission of the
Grand Master or is Deputy; and that no countenance be given to any irregular
lodge, or to any person clandestinely initiated therein, being contrary to the
ancient charges of the Order.
V. You admit that no person can be regularly made a mason in, or admitted
member of, a regular lodge, without previous notice, and due inquiry into his
character.
VI. You agree that no visitors shall be received into your lodge without due
examination, and producing proper vouchers of their regular initiation.
These are the regulations of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons.
The Grand Master then addresses the Master Elect in the following manner: Do
you submit to those Charges, and promise to support those Regulations, as
Masters have done in all ages before you.?
The New Master having signified his cordial submission, is regularly
installed, bound to his trust and invested with the badge of office by the Grand
Master, who thus salutes him:
Brother A. B., in consequence of your cheerful conformity to the Charges and
Regulations of the Order, I appoint you Master of this New Lodge, not doubting
of your care, skill, and capacity.
The warrant of constitution is then delivered over to the Master; after which
the Holy Writings, the rule and line, the square and compasses, the
constitutions, the minute book, the mallet, the trowel, the chisel, the movable
jewels, and all the insignia of the different Officers, are separately presented
to him, and charges suitable for each delivered. The New Master is then conducted by the Grand
Stewards, amidst the acclamations of the brethren, to the Grand Master's left
hand, where he returns his becoming acknowledgements; first, to the Grand
Master; and next, to all the Officers in order; after which he is saluted by the
Brethren in a grand chorus suitable for the occasion. The members of the New
Lodge advance in procession, pay due homage to the Grand Master, and signify
their promise of subjection and obedience by the usual congratulations in the
different degrees of masonry.
This ceremony being concluded, the Grand Master orders the New Master to
enter immediately upon the exercise of his office; by appointing his Wardens.
They are conducted to the pedestal, presented to the Grand Master, and installed
by the Grand Wardens; after which the New Master
proceeds to invest them with the badges of
their offices in the following manner:
Brother C.D. I appoint you Senior Warden of this lodge; and invest you with
the ensign of your office. Your regular
attendance on our stated meetings is essentially necessary; as in my absence you
are to govern this lodge, and in my presence to assist me in the government of
it. I firmly rely on your knowledge of the Art, and attachment to the lodge, for
the faithful discharge of the duties of this important trust.
Brother E.F. I appoint you Junior Warden of this lodge; and invest our with
the badge of your office. To you I entrust
the examination of visitors, and the introduction of candidates. Your regular
and punctual attendance is particularly requested; and I have no doubt that you
will faithfully execute the duty which you owe to your present appointment.
The New Master then addresses his Wardens together:
Brother Wardens, you are too expert in the principles of masonry, to require
more information in the duties of your respective offices; suffice it to
mention, that I expect that what you have seen praise-worthy in others, you will
carefully imitate; and what in them may have appeared defective, you will in
yourselves amend. Good order and regularity you must endeavour to promote; and,
by due regard to the laws in your own conduct, enforce obedience to them from
the other members.
The Wardens retire to their seats, and the Treasurer
is invested. The Secretary is then called to
the pedestal, and invested with the jewel of his office; upon which the Mew
Master addresses him:
I appoint you, Brother G.H., Secretary of this lodge. It is your province to
record the minutes, settle the accounts, and issue out the summons for our
regular meetings. Your good inclinations to masonry and the lodge, I hope, will
induce you to discharge your office with fidelity, and by so doing, you will
merit the esteem and applause of your brethren.
The Deacons are then named, and invested, upon which the New Master addresses
them as follows:
Brothers I.K.and L.M. I appoint you Deacons of this lodge. It is your
province to attend on the Master, and to assist the Wardens in the active duties
of the lodge; such as in the reception of candidates into the different degrees
of masonry, and in the immediate practice of our rites. Those columns, as badges
of your office, I entrust to your care, not doubting your vigilance and
attention.
The Stewards are next called up, and invested, upon which the following
charge is delivered to them by the New Master:
Brothers N.O. and P.Q. I appoint you Stewards of this lodge, The duties of
your office are, introduce visitors, and see that they are properly
accommodated, to collect subscriptions and other fees, and keep an exact account
of the lodge expenses. Your regular and early attendance will afford the best
proof of your zeal and attachment.
The Master then appoints the Tyler, and delivers over to him the instrument
of his office, with a short charge on the occasion, after which he addresses the
members of the lodge at large, as follows:
BRETHREN
Such is the nature of our constitution, that as some must of necessity rule
and teach, so others must of course learn to submit and obey. Humility in both,
is an essential duty. The brethren whom I have appointed to assist me in the
government of this lodge, are too well acquainted with the principles of
masonry, and the rules of good manners, to extend the power with which they are
entrusted; and you are too sensible of the propriety of their appointment, and
of too generous dispositions to envy their preferment. From the knowledge I have
of both officers and members, I trust we shall have but one aim, to please each
other, and unite in the grand design of communicating happiness.
The Grand Master then gives the Brethren joy of their Officers, recommend
harmony, and expresses a wish that the only contention in lodge may be, a
generous emulation to vie in cultivating the royal Art, and the moral virtues.
The New Lodge joins in the general salute, and the new-installed Master returns
thanks for the honour of the constitution.
The Grand Secretary then proclaims the New Lodge three ties, with the honours
of Masonry; flourish with horns each time; after which the Grand Master orders
the lodge to be registered in the Grand Lodge books, and the Grand Secretary to
notify the same to the regular lodges.
A song with a chorus, accompanied by the
music, concludes the ceremony of constitution, when the lodge is closed with the
usual solemnities in the different degrees, by the Grand Master and his
Officers; after which the procession is resumed to the apartment whence it set
out.
This is the usual ceremony at the Constitution of a New Lodge, which the
Grand Master may abridge or extend at pleasure; but the material points are on
no account to be omitted.
The Ceremony observed at the laying of the Foundation Stones of Public
Structures.
This ceremony is conducted by the Grand Master and his Officers, assisted by
the Members of the Grand Lodge. No private member, or inferior officer of any
private lodge, is admitted to join in the ceremony. Provincial Grand Masters are
authorised to execute this trust in their several provinces, accompanied by
their Officers, and the Masters and Wardens of regular lodges under their
jurisdiction. The Chief Magistrate, and other civil officers of the place where
the building is to be erected, generally attend on the occasion. The ceremony is
thus conducted.
At the time appointed, the Grand Lodge is convened at some convenient place
approved by the Grand Master. A band of martial music is provided, and the
brethren appear in the insignia of the Order, elegantly dressed , with white
gloves and aprons. The lodge is opened by the Grand Master, and the rules
regulating the procession to and from the place where the ceremony is to be
performed, are read by the Grand Secretary. The necessary cautions are then
given from the chair, and the lodge is adjourned; after which the procession
sets out in the following order:
Two Tylers, with drawn swords
Music
Members of the Grand Lodge, two and two;
A Tyler in his uniform;
Past Grand Stewards;
Grand Tyler;
Present Grand Stewards, with white rods;
Secretary of the Stewards' Lodge;
Wardens of the Stewards' Lodge;
Master of the Stewards' Lodge'
Choristers;
Architect;
Swordbearer, with the sword of state;
Grand Secretary, with his bag;
Grand Treasurer, with his staff;
The Bible, Square and
Compasses, on a crimson
velvet cushion, carried by the Master
of a lodge, supported by two
Stewards with white rods;
Grand Chaplain;
Provincial Grand Masters;
Past Grand Wardens;
Past Deputy Grand Masters;
Past Grand Masters;
Chief Magistrate of the place;
Grand Wardens;
Deputy Grand Master;
The Constitution carried by the Master of the oldest
Lodge;
GRAND MASTER.
Two Stewards close the procession.
A triumphal arch is usually erected at the place where the
ceremony is to be performed, with proper, scaffolding for the reception of
private brethren. The procession passes through the arch, and the brethren
repairing to the 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 are engraved the year of our Lord and of Masonry, the
name of the reigning Sovereign and the name, titles, Etc of the Grand
Master. The Stone is raised up, by 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 coins and
medals of the present reign. Solemn music is introduced, an anthem sung, and the
Stone let down into its place and properly fixed; upon which the Grand Master
descends to the Stone, and gives three knocks with his mallet, amidst the
acclamations of the spectators. 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
subscription 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, and the
lodge is closed by the Grand Wardens.
The Ceremony observed at the Dedication of Mason's Halls
On the day appointed for the celebration of the ceremony of
Dedication, the Grand Master and his Officers, accompanied by all the Brethren
who are Members of the Grand Lodge, meet in a convenient room adjoining to
the place where the ceremony is to be performed, and the Grand Lodge is opened
in ample form in all the degrees of masonry. The order of procession is read by
the Grand Secretary, and a general charge respecting propriety of behaviour
given by the Deputy Grand Master. The lodge is then adjourned and the procession
formed as follows;
Two Tylers with drawn swords;
Music;
Members of the Grand Lodge, two by two;
A Tyler in his uniform;
Past Grand Stewards;
Grand Tyler;
Present Grand Stewards, with white rods;
Secretary of the Stewards' Lodge;
Wardens of the Stewards' Lodge;
Master of the Stewards' Lodge'
Choristers;
One Brother carrying a gold Pitcher; containing corn;
Two Brothers, with a silver Pitcher, containing wind and oil;
Four Tylers, carrying the Lodge, covered with white satin;
Architect;
Grand Swordbearer, with the sword of state;
Grand Secretary, with his bag;
Grand Treasurer, with his staff;
The Bible, Square and
Compasses, on a crimson velvet
cushion, carried by the Master of a Lodge, supported by two
Stewards;
Grand Chaplain;
Provincial Grand Masters;
Past Grand Wardens;
Past Deputy Grand Masters;
Past Grand Masters;
Chief Magistrate of the place;
Two large lights;
Grand Wardens;
One large light;
Deputy Grand Master;
The Constitution carried by the Master of the oldest Lodge;
GRAND MASTER.
Two Stewards close the procession.
The Ladies who attend are introduced, and the musicians repair to their
station. On the procession reaching the Grand Master's chair, the Grand Officers
are separately proclaimed according to rank; as they arrive at that station; and
on the Grand Master's being proclaimed, the music strikes up, and continues
during the procession three times round the Hall.
The Lodge is then placed in the center, on a crimson velvet couch; 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 which
have been previously prepared for their reception: The three lights, and the
gold and silver pitchers, with the corn, wine and oil, are placed on the Lodge,
at the head of which stands the pedestal, on which is placed a crimson, velvet
cushion, with the Bible open, the Square and Compasses being laid thereon, and
the Constitution roll. An anthem is then sung, and an exordium on masonry given;
after which the Architect addresses the Grand Master in an elegant speech,
returns thanks for the honour conferred on him, and surrenders up the implements
which had been entrusted to his care at the laying of the Foundation Stone. The
Grand Master expresses his approbation of the Architect's conduct, an ode in
honour of masonry is sung, accompanied by the band, and the ladies retire, with
such of the musicians as are not masons.
The lodge is then tiled, and the business of masonry resumed. The Grand
Secretary informs the Grand Master, that it is the design of the fraternity to
have the Hall dedicated to Masonry; upon which he orders the Grand Officers to
assist in the ceremony, during which the organ continues playing solemn music,
excepting only at the intervals of Dedication. the Lodge being uncovered, the
first procession is made round it, and the Grand Master having reached the East,
the organ is silent, and he proclaims the Hall duly dedicated to MASONRY, IN THE
NAME OF THE GREAT JEHOVAH, TO WHOM BE ALL GLORY AND HONOUR; upon which the
Chaplain strews corn over the Lodge. The organ plays, and the second procession
is made round the Lodge, when, on the Grand Master's arrival at the East, the
organ is silent, and he declares the Hall dedicated as before, to VIRTUE; on
which the Chaplain sprinkles wine on the Lodge. The organ plays, and the third
procession is made round the Lodge, when, the Grand Master having reached the
East, the music is silent, and he declares the Hall dedicated to UNIVERSAL
BENEVOLENCE; upon which the Chaplain dips his fingers in the oil, and sprinkles
it over the Lodge; and at each dedication the Grand honours are given. A solemn
invocation is made to Heaven, and an anthem sung; after which the Lodge being
covered, the Grand Master retires to his chair, and the business of masonry is
again adjourned.
The ladies are then introduced; an ode for the occasion is performed; and an
oration delivered by the Grand Chaplain, which is succeeded by an anthem.
Donations for the charity are collected, and the grand procession is reformed.
After marching three times round the Hall, preceded by the Tylers carrying the
Lodge as at entrance, during which the music continues to play a grand piece,
the brethren return to the place whence they set out, where the laws of the
Order being rehearsed, the Grand Lodge is closed in ample form in all the
degrees.
The Ceremony observed at Funerals, according to ancient Custom: with the
Service used on that occasion.
No mason can be interred with formalities of the Order, unless it be by is
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 form this restriction there can be no
exception. Fellow-crafts, or apprentices, are not entitled to the funeral
obsequies.
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; if more
lodges are expected to attend, he must make application by the Grand Secretary
to the Grand Master or his Deputy, to reside over such brethren from other
lodges as may assist in forming the procession, who are to be under his
direction for the time; and all the brethren present must be properly clothed.
The dispensation being obtained, the Master may invite as many lodges as he
thinks proper, and the members of those lodges may accompany their officers in
from; but the whole ceremony must be under the direction of the Master of the
lodge to which the deceased belonged, for which purpose on the dispensation is
granted; and he and his officers must be duly honoured, and cheerfully obeyed,
on the occasion.
All the brethren who walk in procession, should observe, as much as possible,
an uniformity in their dress. Decent mourning, with white stockings, gloves and
aprons, is most suitable. No person should
be distinguished with a jewel, unless he is an officer of one of the lodges
invited to attend in form, and the officers of such lodges should be ornamented
with sashes and hatbands; as also the officers of the lodge to whom the
dispensation is granted, who are, moreover, to be distinguished with white rods.
The Funeral Service
The brethren being assembled at the house where the body of the deceased
lies, the Master of the lodge to which he belonged, opens the lodge in the third
degree, with the usual forms, and an anthem is sung. The body being placed in
the centre on a couch, and the coffin which it is laid being open, the Master
proceeds to the head of the corpse, and the service begins.
MASTER: What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? Shall he deliver
his soul from the hand of the grave?
Man walketh in a vain shadow, he heapeth up riches, and cannot tell who shall
gather them.
When he dieth, he shall carry nothing away; his glory shall not descend after
him.
Naked he came in to the world, and naked he must leave return: the Lord gave
and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord!
The grand honours are then given, and certain forms used, which cannot be
here explained. Solemn music is introduced, during which the Master strews herbs
or flowers over the body, and taking the SACRED ROLL in his had he says:
Let us die the death of the righteous, and let our last end be like his!
The Brethren answer:
God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even unto death!
The Master then puts the ROLL unto the coffin and says.
Almighty Father! Into thy hands we commend the soul of our loving brother!
The Brethren answer three times, giving the grand honours each time:
The will of God is accomplished1 So be it!
The Master then repeats the following prayer:
Most glorious God! Author of all good, and giver of all mercy! Pour down thy
blessings upon us, and strengthen our solemn engagements with the ties of
sincere affection! May the present instance of mortality remind us of our
approaching fate; and draw our attention towards toward thee, the only refuge in
time of need that when the awful moment shall arrive, that we are about to quit
this transitory scene, the enlivening prospect of they may mercy may dispel the
gloom of death; and after our departure hence in peace and in thy favour, we may
be received into thine everlasting kingdom, to enjoy, in union with the souls of
our departed friends, the just reward of pious and virtuous life. Amen!
An anthem being sung, the Master retires to the pedestal, and the
coffin is shut up. An oration, suitable to the occasion is delivered; and the
Master recommending love and unity, the brethren join hands, and renew their
pledged vows. The lodge is then adjourned, and the procession, to the place of
interment is formed:
The different lodges rank according to seniority, the junior proceeding; each
lodge forms on division, and the the following order is observed:
The Tyler, with his sword;
The Stewards, with white rods;
The Brethren, out of office, two by two;
The Secretary, with a roll;
The Treasurer; with his badge of office;
The Senior and Junior Wardens, hand in hand;
The Pastmaster;
The Master;
The Lodge to which the deceased Brother
belonged, in the following order;
all members having flowers
or herbs in their hands;
The Tyler;
The Stewards;
Martial Music [Drums muffled and trumpets covered]
The Members of the Lodge;
The Secretary and Treasurer;
The Senior and Junior Wardens;
The Pastmaster;
The Holy Writings, on a cushion, covered with
a black cloth, carried by the oldest
Member of the Lodge;
The Master
The Choristers, singing an anthem;
The Clergymen;
The BODY with the regalia placed thereon and two swords crossed;
Carried by the Pall Bearers;
Chief Mourner;
Assistant Mourners;
Two Stewards;
A Tyler.
One or two lodges advance, before the procession begins, to the
church-yard, to prevent confusion, and make the necessary preparations. The
brethren are not to desert their ranks, or change places, but to keep to their
different departments. When the Procession arrives at the gate of the
church-yard, the lodge to which the deceased brother belonged, the mourners, and
attendants of the corpse, halt, till the members of the other lodges have formed
a circle round the grave, when an opening is made to receive them. They then
advance to the grave; and the clergyman and officers of the acting lodge taking
their station at the head of the grave, with the choristers on each side, and
the mourners at the foot, the service is resumed, an anthem sung, and the
following exhortation given;
Here we view the striking of the uncertainty of life, and the
vanity of all human pursuits. the last offices paid to the dead, are only useful
as lectures to the living; from them we are to derive instruction, and consider
every solemnity of this kind, as a summons to prepare for our approaching
dissolution.
Notwithstanding the various mementos of mortality with which we
daily meet, notwithstanding Death has established his empire over all the works
of Nature, yet, though some unaccountable infatuation, we forget that we are
born to die. We go on from one design to another, add hope to hope, and lay out
plans for the employment of may years, till we are suddenly alarmed with the
approach of Death, when we least expect him, and at an hour which we probably
conclude to be the meridian of our existence.
What are all the externals of majesty, the pride of wealth, or
charms of beauty, when Nature has paid her just debt? Fix your eyes on the last
scene, and view life stripped of her ornaments, and exposed in her natural
meanness; you will then be convinced of the futility of those empty delusions,
In the grave, all fallacies are detected, all ranks are leveled, and all
distinction are done away.
while we drop the sympathetic tear over the grave of a deceased
friend, let charity incline us to throw a veil over his foibles, whatever they
may have been, and not with-hold from his memory the praise that his virtues may
have claimed. Suffer the apologies of human nature to plead in his behalf.
Perfection on earth has never been attained; the wisest, as well as the best of
men have erred. His meritorious actions it is our duty to imitate, and from his
weakness we ought to derive instruction.
Let the present example excite our most serious thoughts, and
strengthen our resolutions of amendment. As life is uncertain, and all earthly
pursuits are vain, let us no longer postpone the important concern of preparing
for eternity; but embrace the happy moment while time and opportunity offer, to
provide against the great change, when all the pleasures of this world shall
cease to delight, and the reflections of a virtuous life yield the only comfort
and consolation. Thus our expectations will not be frustrated, nor we hurried,
unprepared into the presence of an all-wise and powerful Judge, to whom the
secrets of all hearts are known, and from whose dread tribunal no culprit can
escape.
Let us, while in this stage of existence, support with propriety
the character of our profession, advert to the nature of our solemn ties, and
pursue with assiduity the sacred tenets of our Order: Then, with becoming grace,
to ensure the favour of that eternal Being, whose goodness and power know no
bound; that, when the awful moment arrives, be it soon or late, we may be
enabled to prosecute our journey, without dread or apprehension, to that far
distant country whence no traveler returns. By the light of the divine
countenance, we shall pass, without trembling, through those gloomy mansions
where all things are forgotten; and at the great and tremendous day of trial and
retribution, when, arraigned at the bar of divine justice, let us hope that
judgement will be pronounced in our favour, and that we shall receive our
reward, in the possession of an immortal inheritance where joy flows in one
continued stream, and no mound can check its course.
The following innovations are them made by the Master, the usual
honours accompany each.
MASTER. May we be true and faithful; and may we live and die
in love!
ANSWER. So mote it be.
MASTER. May we profess what is good, and always act agreeably to
our profession!
ANSWER. So mote it be.
MASTER. May the Lord bless us, and prosper us; and may all our
good intentions be crowned with success!
ANSWER. So mote it be.
The Secretaries then advance, and throw their rolls into the grave
with the usual forms, while the Master repeats with an audible voice:
Glory be to God on high, on earth peace, goodwill towards men!
ANSWER. So mote it be, now, from henceforth, and for evermore.
The Master then concludes the ceremony at the grave, in the
following words:
From time immemorial it has been the custom among the fraternity
of free and accepted masons, at the request of a brother on his death-bed, to
accompany his corpse to the place of internment; and there to deposit his
remains with the usual formalities.
In conformity to this usage, and at the request of our deceased
brother, whose memory we revere, and whose loss we now deplore, we have
assembled in the character of masons, to resign his body to the earth whence it
came, and to offer up to his memory, before the world, the last tribute of our
affection; thereby demonstrating the sincerity of our past esteem, and our
inviolate attachment to the principles of the Order.
With proper respect to the established customs of the country in
which we live; with due deference to our superiors in church and state, and with
unlimited goodwill to all mankind, we here appear clothed as masons, and
publicly crave leave to express our submission to peace and good government, and
our wish to serve the interests of mankind. Invested with the badges of
innocence; we humbly bow to the universal Parent; and implore his blessing on
every zealous endeavour to promote peace and good-will, and pray for our
perseverance in the principles of piety and virtue.
The great Creator having been pleased, out of his mercy, to remove
our worth brother from the cares and troubles of a transitory life, to a state
of eternal duration; and thereby to weaken the chain by which we are united, man
to man; may we, who survive him, anticipate our approaching fate and be more
strongly cemented in the ties of union and friendship; that, during the short
space allotted to our present existence, we may wisely and usefully employ our
time; and in the reciprocal intercourse of kind and friendly acts, mutually
promote the welfare and happiness of each other.
Unto the grave we resign the body of our deceased friend, there to
remain until the general resurrection; in favourable expectation that his
immortal soul may then partake of joys which have been prepared for the
righteous from the beginning of the world: And may Almighty God, of infinite
goodness, at the grand tribunal of unbiased justice, extend his mercy toward
him, and all of us, and crown our hope with everlasting bliss in the expanded
realms of a boundless eternity! This we beg, for the honour of his name, whom be
glory, now and for ever. Amen!
Thus the service ends, and the usual honours are given; after
which the procession returns in form to the place whence it set out, where the
necessary duties are complied with, and the business of masonry renewed. The
regalia, and ornaments of the deceased, if an officer of the lodge, are returned
to the Master, with the usual ceremonies; after which the charges for regulating
the conduct of the brethren are rehearsed, and the lodge is closed in the third
degree with a blessing.
back to top |
