The Ahiman Rezon; Containing a View of the History and Polity of Free Masonry Together with the Rules and Regulations of the Grand Lodge and of the Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter of Pennsylvania (Paperback)

Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: servant Moses in a flame of fire, out of the midst of a bush, enkindle, we beseech thee, in our hearts a flame of devotion to thee, of brotherly kindness to each other, and of charity to all mankind. And now to thee, King immortal and invisible, the only wise God, be everlasting glory and honor. Amen. Response by the brethren. Amen! So mote it be! Amen! Sec. II. The ceremony observed at laying the foundation stones of public structures. This ceremony must only be performed by the grand lodge, in general communication. 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 brethren are convened at some convenient place, approved of by the grand master. A band of music is provided, and the brethren appear in the insignia of the order, well dressed, with white gloves and aprons. The grand lodge is opened, in the first degree, by the grand master, and the rules for 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 grand lodge is adjourned; after which, the procession being arranged by the grand marshal, sets out in the following order: The grand marshal attends on horseback to regulate the procession. A triumphal arch is usually erected at the place where the ceremony is to be performed. The procession passes under 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 free masonry is sung. The grand master commands silence, and the necessary preparations are made for laying the stone, on whi...