G. M.: What are its moral and Masonic uses?
D. G. M.: To square our actions by the rule of virtue, and prove our
work.
G. M.: Apply the implement of your office to that portion of the stone
that needs to be proved, and make report.
The Square is applied to the four corners.
D. G. M.: Most Worshipful Grand Master, I find the stone to be square.
The Craftsmen have done their duty.
G. M.: R. W. Senior Grand Warden, what is the proper implement of your
office?
S. G. W.: The Level.
G. M.: What are its Masonic uses?
S. G. W.: Morally, it teaches Equality; and by it we prove our work.
G. M.: Apply the implement of your office to that portion of the
corner-stone that needs to be proved, and make report.
Level is applied to the top surface.
S. G. W.: Most Worshipful Grand Master, I find the stone to be level.
The Craftsmen have done their duty.
G. M.: R. W. Junior Warden, what is the proper implement of your office?
J. G. W.: The Plumb.
G. M.: What are its moral and Masonic uses?
J. G. W.: Morally, it teaches rectitude of conduct; and by it we prove
our work.
G. M.: Apply the implement of your office to that portion of the
corner-stone that needs to be proved, and make report.
The Plumb is applied to the sides of the stone.
J. G. W.: Most Worshipful Grand Master, I find the stone to be plumb.
The Craftsmen have done their duty.
Grand Master (striking the stone three times with his gavel), says:
This corner-stone has been tested by the proper implements of Masonry. I
find that the Craftsmen have skillfully and faithfully done their duty;
and I do declare the stone to be well formed and trusty, truly laid, and
correctly proved according to the rules of our Ancient Craft. May the
building be conducted and completed amid the blessings of Plenty, Health
and Peace.
Response by the Craft: So mote it be.
Consecration.
Grand Master: Brother Grand Marshal, you will present the elements of
consecration to the proper officers.
Grand Marshal presents vessel of corn to the D. G. M.; the wine to the
S. G. W.; and the oil to the J. G. W.
Deputy Grand Master advances with the corn, scattering it on the stone,
and says:
I scatter this corn as an emblem of Plenty; may the blessings of
bounteous Heaven be showered upon us, and upon all like patriotic and
important undertakings, and inspire the hearts of the people with
virtue, wisdom and gratitude.
Response by the Craft: So mote it be.
Senior Grand Warden advances with the vessel of wine, pouring it on the
stone, and says:
I pour this wine as an emblem of Joy and Gladness. May the great Ruler
of the Universe bless and prosper our National, State and City
Governments; preserve the union of the States in harmony and brotherly
love, which shall endure through all time.
Response by the Craft: So mote it be.
Junior Warden advances with the vessel of oil, pouring it on the stone,
saying:
I pour this oil as an emblem of Peace; may its blessings abide with us
continually; and may the Grand Master of Heaven and Earth shelter and
protect the widow and orphan, and vouchsafe to them, and to the
bereaved, the afflicted and sorrowing, everywhere, the enjoyment of
every good and perfect gift.
Response by the Craft: So mote it be.
Grand Master, extending his hands, pronounces the following invocation:
May corn, wine and oil, and all the necessaries of life, abound among
men throughout the world. May the blessing of Almighty God be upon this
undertaking. May He protect the workmen from every accident. May the
structure here to be erected, be planned with Wisdom, supported by
Strength, and adorned in Beauty, and may it be preserved to the latest
ages, a monument to the energy and liberality of its founders.
Response by the Craft: So mote it be.
Proclamation.
Grand Master: (Addressing Architect.) Worthy sir (or brother), having
thus, as Grand Master of Masons, laid the corner-stone of the structure,
I now return to you these implements of Operative Masonry (presents
Square, Level and Plumb), having full confidence in your skill and
capacity to perform the important duties confided to you, to the
satisfaction of those who have entrusted you with their fulfillment.
The G. M. strikes the stone three times with the gavel, and the public
grand honors are given.
The Grand Master will then make report of his doings, as follows:
I have the honor to report, that in compliance with the request of the
proper authorities, the corner-stone of the ...... building to be
erected on this site, has been laid successfully, with the ancient
ceremonies of the Craft. The Brother Grand Marshal will therefore make
the proclamation.
Grand Marshal: In the name of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free
and Accepted Masons of the State of Arkansas, I now proclaim that the
corner-stone of the structure to be erected, has this day been found
true and trusty, and laid according to the old customs, by the Grand
Master of Masons.
Closing Ode.
Oration.
Benediction.
Glory be to God on High, and on earth peace, good will toward men! O
Lord, we most heartily beseech Thee with Thy favor to behold and bless
this assemblage; pour down Thy mercies, like the dew that falls upon the
mountains, upon Thy servants engaged in the solemn ceremonies of this
day. Bless, we pray Thee, all the workmen who shall be engaged in the
erection of this edifice; keep them from all forms of accidents and
harm; grant them in health and prosperity to live; and finally, we hope,
after this life, through Thy mercy and forgiveness to attain everlasting
joy and felicity in Thy bright mansion, in Thy holy temple, not made
with hands, eternal in the heavens. Amen.
Response: So mote it be.
After which, the Grand Lodge, with escort, returns to the place whence
it started, and is closed.
The Lodges, and other Masonic bodies, return to their respective halls.
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