CEREMONIES FOR THE DEDICATION

of a

COMMEMORATIVE STONE

Mt. Hermon Lodge, No. 179

Hyattsville, Maryland

William M. Clark, Jr., M.W.G.M.

Michael E. Rutledge, W.M.

May 1, 1993

(100-Year Anniversary)

GRAND MASTER: Right Worshipful Brother Senior Grand Warden: The Grand Lodge having been assembled for the purpose of dedicating the Commemorative Stone of this building, here erected one hundred years ago, it is my order that the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge now proceed to the performance of that important ceremony. This, my will and pleasure, you will communicate to the Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden, and he to the Brethren present, that all having due notice may govern themselves accordingly.

SENIOR GRAND WARDEN: Right Worshipful Brother Junior Grand Warden: It is the order of the Most Worshipful Grand Master that this Commemorative Stone be now laid with Masonic honors. This, his will and pleasure, you will proclaim to all present, that the occasion may be observed with due order and solemnity.

JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN: Brethren, and all who are present: Take notice, that the Most Worshipful Grand Master will now deposit this Commemorative Stone in Masonic form. You will observe the order and decorum becoming the important and solemn ceremonies in which we are about to engage.

PRAYER by the GRAND CHAPLAIN

Almighty God, on Whom we build all our hopes for this life and the life to come, bless us in this moment of consecration, as we prepare to lay the Commemorative Stone of this Masonic Temple. We thank Thee for those whose vision and planning became a reality, as upon these foundations a temple was erected to the glory and the cause of Freemasonry 100 years ago. Graciously guard and direct those who shall continue the Masonic traditions within these walls, binding them together into a living Temple, not made with hands, but eternal in the heavens. Amen.

GRAND MASTER: Right Worshipful Brother Grand Secretary: You will deliver the box for the original Cornerstone to the Grand Treasurer. (done)

GRAND MASTER: Right Worshipful Brother Grand Treasurer: You will read the list of the contents of the box to be deposited in the original Cornerstone. (done)

GRAND MASTER: There being no objection, I now order you, Brother Grand Treasurer, to deposit the box, with its contents, in the place prepared for the reception. (done)

(The Grand Master takes the trowel, The Deputy Grand Master takes square, the Senior Grand Warden takes the level, the Junior Grand Warden takes the plumb. The Grand Master stands East of the stone, Deputy Grand Master on his right, Senior Grand Warden at the West, Junior Grand Warden at the South.)

GRAND MASTER: Right Worshipful Brother Deputy Grand Master: What is the proper jewel of your office?

DEPUTY GRAND MASTER: The Square.

GRAND MASTER: Have you applied the Square to those parts of the stone that should be square?

DEPUTY GRAND MASTER: I have Most Worshipful Grand Master, and the Craftsmen have done their duty.

GRAND MASTER: Right Worshipful Brother Senior Grand Warden: What is the proper Jewel of your office?

SENIOR GRAND WARDEN: The level.

GRAND MASTER: Have you applied the level to the Stone?

SENIOR GRAND WARDEN: I have, Most Worshipful Grand Master, and the Craftsmen have done their duty.

GRAND MASTER: Right Worshipful Brother Junior Grand Warden: What is the proper Jewel of your office?

JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN: The Plumb.

GRAND MASTER: Have you applied the Plumb to the several edges of the stone?

JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN: I have, Most Worshipful Grand Master, and the Craftsmen have done their duty.

GRAND MASTER: Right Worshipful Brother Deputy Grand Master: See if the Commemorative stone is well formed, true and trusty.

DEPUTY GRAND MASTER: I find this Commemorative stone well formed, true and trusty, and may this undertaking be conducted and completed by the Brethren according to the grand plan, in Peace, Love, and Harmony.

GRAND MASTER: Having full confidence in your skill in the Royal Art, it remains with me to finish the work.

(The Grand Master then gives three knocks upon the Stone saying:)

Know all of you who hear me. We proclaim ourselves free and lawful Masons, true to the laws of our country, professing to fear God and confer benefits on mankind. We practice universal beneficence towards all. We have secrets concealed from the eyes of men which may not be revealed to any but Masons; they are, however, lawful and honorable. We are assembled in the open day, under the broad canopy of Heaven, to lay the Commemorative Stone of this building. May God prosper our handiwork as shall most please him, and may this building continue as a credit to the City of Hyattsville and a blessing to the citizens thereof.

(The Deputy Grand Master then receives from the Grand Marshal the cornucopia containing corn, and spreads the corn upon the stone, saying:)

May plenty be showered upon the people of this City and State, and may the blessings of the Bounteous Giver of all things attend their philanthropic undertakings.

(The Grand Marshal then presents the cup of wine to the Senior Grand Warden who pours it upon the Stone, saying:)

May the health of the brethren joined in this undertaking be preserved to them, and may the Supreme Grand Architect bless and prosper their labors.

(The Grand Marshal presents the cup of oil to the Junior Grand Warden, who pours it upon the stone, saying:)

May the Supreme Ruler of the world preserve this people in peace and vouchsafe them the enjoyment of every blessing.

GRAND MASTER: May Corn, Wine, and Oil, and all the necessaries of life, abound among men throughout the world; and may the blessings of Almighty God be upon this undertaking, and may the structure here rededicated be preserved to the latest ages.

(At this point the Grand Master spreads the cement and places the stone, with the assistance of the Deputy Grand Master, in the place provided. Public Grand Honors are then rendered by all in attendance, as the Grand Master says, "Brethren, join me in rendering Public Grand Honors."

BENEDICTION by the GRAND CHAPLAIN

And now may the blessings of God, our Father, rest upon us, and upon all who shall enter this Temple, now and in years to come, that through loyalty to Thee, and faithful service to our fellow men, we may glorify Thy Holy Name and build securely upon the Masonic traditions we have inherited from the past. In Thy Holy Name we pray. Amen.