HOUSE DEDICATION CEREMONY
www.gmwp.org/1998/ceremony.html
Brother Tom Boduch (PM 038): It is now time to cease our labors and dedicate this house. In the tradition of our ancient brethren, who always began every great and important undertaking by invoking the blessing of Diety, Brother Chaplain you will lead our devotions.
Brother Ralph McElroy (PM 719, Secretary): Most merciful God, Supreme Architect of heaven and earth, we beseech Thee to guide and protect these brethren, sisters, new homeowners and family members here assembled, and fulfill at this time that divine promise Thou wast pleased to make those who should be gathered together in Thy name. Teach us to know and serve Thee. Bless and prosper this laudable undertaking, whose labors are now at an end. Grant O God, that our conduct may tend to Thy glory, to the advancement of Freemasonry, and finally to our own salvation in that blessed kingdom where the righteous shall find rest. Amen.
RESPONSE: So mote it be.
Brother Tom Boduch: In constructing this house, we used the same working tools used by our ancient stone mason brethren. Even today, these working tools are used to teach important Masonic lessons, all of which are based on the word of God given us in the Holy Writings (points to bible), that great light of Masonry, which directs us to all truths, leads our paths to the temple of happiness and points out to us the whole duty of man.
Each year, when being installed into their offices, Lodge Officers are reminded of the important lessons taught us by these working tools. These lessons have been continually reinforced to us as we have labored to construct this house. Now, as our labors are at an end, and as we dedicate this house, let up pause to reflect upon what we have learned.
Brother DAVID WILLIAMSON (SW 469): (holding plum bob) The plumb admonishes us to walk uprightly in our several stations; to do unto others as we would have others do unto us; to avoid the just medium between intemperance and pleasure, and make our passions and prejudices coincide with the line of our duty.
Brother Larry Price (PM 469, Secretary): (holding level) The level teaches that we are descended from the same stock, partake of the same nature, and share the same hope; 'that we are children of one common father, heirs of the same infirmiites and exposed to the same vissicitudes.' It reminds us that although distinctions among men are necessary to preserve subordination, no eminence of station should make us forget that we are brethren, and that in the Lodge and in our Masonic associations, we are on a level. The implement teaches us that a time will come, and the wisest knows not how soon, when all distinctions but that of goodness shall cease, and Death, the grand leveler of all human greatness reduce us to the same state.
Brother Terry Dickenson (WM 519, BMC President): (holding skirrett line) The line teaches us the criterion of moral rectitude, to avoid dissimulation in conversation and action, and to direct our steps in the path which leads to immortality.
Brother Carl Reneau (PM 469, BMC Founder): (holding measuring tape) The Rule directs that we should punctually observe our duty; press forward in the path of virtue, and inclining neither to the right nor to the left, in all our actions, have eternity in view.
Brother Bill Neubert (128 PM, Secretary): (removes compasses from Bible) The Compasses teach us to limit our desires in every station, that rising to eminence by merit, we may live respected, and die regretted.
Brother Troy Morgan (181 WM): (removes square from the Bible) The Square teaches us to regulate our actions by rule and line, and to harmonize our conduct by the principles of morality and virtue.
Brother Tom Boduch: Most Worshipful Grand Master, there are but two things left to be done--the presentation of this bible and the keys to this home to the Lambert family. May we prevail upon you to complete our labors?