Page:Manual of the Lodge.pdf/236

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ANCIENT CEREMONIES—DEDICATION OF HALLS.
191

The Master of the Lodge to which the Hall to be dedicated belongs, then rises, and approaching the East addresses the Grand Master as follows:

The brethren of . . . . . . Lodge, being animated with a desire to promote the honor and interest of the craft, have erected a Masonic Hall for their convenience and accommodation. They are desirous that the same should be examined by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, and if it should meet their approbation, that it should be solemnly dedicated to Masonic purposes agreeably to ancient form and usage.

The Architect then addresses the Grand Master as follows, presenting to him the Square, Level, and Plumb:

Most Worshipful, having been intrusted 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 honor 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 following 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