Page:Manual of the Lodge.pdf/222

Rh SECTION VI.

AT LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONES OF PUBLIC STRUCTURES.

HIS ceremony must only be performed by the Grand Master, assisted 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 called off from labor, after which, the procession, being arranged by the Grand Marshal, sets out in the following order:

Tiler, with drawn sword;

Two Deacons, with staves;

Two Standards (Faith and Hope);

Twelve Fellow Crafts, two and two;

Tiler, with drawn sword;

Entered Apprentices, two and two;

Fellow Crafts, two and two;

Master Masons, two and two;

Tiler, with drawn sword;

Two Deacons, with staves,

Two Standards (Charity and Wisdom);

Secretaries of Lodges, with rolls, two and two