And here have we built, as a shelter from danger,
A temple to friendship and virtue combin'd,
Where the orphan, the widow, and destitute stranger,
A Mason's compassion and favor may find.
Far from deceit and art,
Freely with hand and heart,
Welceme the brother, whoever he be!
Here may the pilgrim guest
Find the sweet home of rest,
Of Masonry's Orders, accepted and free.
May the Grand Master whom, all things possessing,
The heaven of heavens can never contain,
Crown this good work with His favor and blessing,
And Charity's fabric in mercy sustain!
Till as the courses rise,
Up to the radiant skies,
In that Grand Lodge may all mankind agree;
And in the reign of peace,
Only with time shall cease
Great Masonry's Orders, accepted and free.
A collection is then made by the Grand Stewards, for the relief of distressed Masons, their widows and orphans. The grand procession is resumed, and after marching three times round the hall, with the Lodge, as at entrance, during which a grand piece of music is performed, the procession returns to the place whence it set out, where the laws of the Order are rehearsed, and the Grand Lodge is closed in ample form.
Note—When the distance is such that the Grand Master with his Grand officers can not conveniently attend, he may depute some skillful Past Master to represent him, who may call other worthy brethren to his assistance, and the form of proxy therefor is the same as that contained on page 124, for tin Constitution of a Lodge, with the necessary verbal alterations.
