"On the most ordinary occasions, forms and ceremonies are bene ficial; on important occasions they become necessary; and most Burely those persons are not wise who regard them with indifference, much more those who regard them with contempt." DUDLEY'S NAOLOGY. CEREMONIES OF THE ORDER. SECTION I. CONSECRATION OF A NEW CHAPTER. THA new Chapter will meet in its hall, and open on the Royal Arch degree; the Grand Officers will meet in an adjoining room, and on being notified by a committee of the new Chapter that its members are ready for their reception, they will proceed to the Chapter room, where being received by the new Chapter with the Grand Honors, the officers of the new Chapter resign their stations to the Grand officers. A procession is then formed by the Grand Captain of the Host, as follows, which repairs to the church, or place designated for the performance of the ceremonies. Sentinel. Mark Masters, by twos. Past Masters, by twos. Most Excellent Masters, by twos. Royal Arch Masons, triangularly, two in front and one behind. Members of the new Chapter, triangularly. Masters of the First and Second Veil, Grand Captain of the Host. Masters of the Third Veil. Royal Arch Captain, Principal Sojourner. Secretary and Treasurer. One Companion carrying the Pot of Incense. High Priest. Grand Sentinel. Members of the Grand Chapter, triangularly Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer. Deputy Grand High Priest. Grand Scribe, Grand King. Grand High Priest. On arriving at the church, or place where the ceremonies are to be performed, the procession halts, faces inwards, and the Grand officers and others pass through. All being seated, the ceremonies commence as follows: ANTHEM. PRAYER BY THE GRAND CHAPLAIN. Almighty and Supreme High Priest of Heaven and Earth! Who is there in heaven but thee! and who upon earth can stand in competition with thee! Thy OMNISCIENT Mind brings all things in review, past, present, and to come; thine OMNIPOTENT Arm directs the movements of the vast creation; thine OMNIPRESENT Eye pervades the secret recesses of every heart; thy boundless beneficence supplies us with every comfort and enjoyment; and thine unspeakable perfections and glory surpass the understanding of the children of men! Our Father, who art in heaven, we invoke thy benediction upon the purposes of our present assembly. May this Chapter be established to thine honor, and consecrated to thy glory; may its officers be endowed with wis |