Page:Manual of the Lodge.pdf/227

182 The Grand Master pours the wine upon the stone, and the Junior Grand Warden presents him with the silver vessel of oil, saying:

Most Worshipful, I present you with the oil of joy.

The Grand Master pours the oil upon the stone, and standing in front of all, and extending his hands, he makes the following invocation:

May the all-bounteous Author of Nature bless the inhabitants of this place with all the necessaries, conveniences, and comforts of life; assist in the erection and completion of this building; protect the workmen against every accident; long preserve this structure from decay; and grant to us all a supply of the of nourishment, the of refreshment, and the  of joy. So mote it be. Amen.

The Grand Master then strikes the stone three times with his hiram, and the brethren give the public grand honors of Masonry by three times three.

The Grand Master then ascends the platform, and delivers over the various implements of architecture to the architect, saying:

Worthy Sir (or Brother), having thus, as Grand Master of Masons, laid the foundation stone of this structure, I now deliver these implements of your profession into your hands, intrusting you with the superintendence and direction of the work, having