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Introduction |
 Grand Master: To all who shall witness this ceremony, Greetings. On September 24, 1858, Most Worshipful John L Lewis, Jr., The Grand Master of Masons in New York State, presided over the ceremonies commemorating the laying of the cornerstone of the New York State Inebriate Asylum, a magnificent Castellated Gothic Revival building which was the first significant work of the architect Isaac G. Perry.The Masons have assembled here to commemorate the laying, in due and ancient form, of a symbolic cornerstone for Binghamton's Castle, built in 1858. From its earliest known history, Master Masons have had an immemorial right to gather and dedicate Lodges, Public Buildings, and memorials. We continue that tradition today. Let us begin the re-dedication ceremony. Let the Chaplain begin by invoking Divine assistance.
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Invocation
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| Chaplain: Great Architect of the Universe, Fountain of light and Life, peace and joy, vouchsafe we humbly beseech thee thy blessing upon us and our present work. Direct us with thy continual help, that this work begun, continued, and ended in thee, may glorify thy holy name. May the present work proceed unhindered, may no harm befall the builders, and may all work be true to the square, the level and the plumb. Amen.
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| All: |
So mote it be. |
Laying of the stone
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| GM: |
Deputy Grand Master, What is the proper jewel of your office? |
| DGM: |
The Square. |
| GM: | What is its moral and Masonic use? |
| DGM: |
To square our actions by virtue, and to square and prove our work. |
| GM: |
Apply the implement of your office to that portion of the cornerstone as needs to be squared and make a report. (DONE) |
| DGM: |
Most Worshipful Grand Master, I find the stone to be square; the Craftsmen have performed their duty. |
| GM: |
Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden, what is the proper jewel, of your office? |
| SGW: |
The Level. |
| GM: |
What is its moral and masonic use? |
| SGW: |
Morally, it reminds us of equality, and we use it to lay horizontals. |
| GM: |
Apply the implement of your office to the cornerstone and make report. (DONE) |
| SGW: |
Most Worshipful Grand Warden, I find the stone to be level; the craftsmen have performed their duty. |
| GM: |
Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden, what is the proper jewel of your office? |
| JGW: |
The Plumb. |
| GM: |
What is its moral and Masonic use? |
| JGW: |
Morally, it teaches us rectitude of conduct, and we use it to try perpendiculars. |
| GM: |
Apply the instrument of your office to the several edges of the cornerstone and make report. (DONE) |
| JGW: |
Most Worshipful Grand Warden, I find that the stone is plumb; the workmen have performed their duty. |
| GM: |
This corner-stone having been tested by the proper implements of Masonry, I declare this cornerstone plumb, square, and level, and may the Grand Architect of Heaven and Earth, bless this work here begun, and crown this reconstruction with every success. |
Consecration
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| GM: |
Let the elements of consecration be presented. |
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Deputy Grand Master: (takes the cornucopia of corn, spreads it upon the cornerstone.) I scatter this corn as an emblem of plenty; may the health of the workmen employed be preserved to them, and may the Supreme Architect bless their labors. May this work inspire the hearts of the people with virtue, wisdom, and benevolence.
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| All: |
So Mote It Be |
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Senior Grand Warden: (takes the cup of wine, pours it over the stone.) I pour this wine as a symbol of joy and gladness. May the Great Architect of the Universe look down with favor upon our leaders here assembled, giving them long life and good health, and may joy and gladness be the bond of friendship and brotherly love that shall endure through time.
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| All: |
So Mote It Be. |
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Junior Grand Warden: (Takes the cup of oil and pours it over the stone.) I pour this oil as an emblem of peace, joy, and gladness.. May the Supreme Architect preserve all people in peace, shield the widow and the orphan, and bestow his mercy upon the bereaved, the afflicted, and the sorrowing, that they may find peace.
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| All: |
So Mote It Be. |
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Grand Master: ( Strikes stone three times with his gavel.) We have now, with the assistance of the Grand Lodge and the Fraternity, duly re-dedicated the foundation-stone of Binghamton's Castle of 1858, according to rules of our ancient craft. May the great Architect of the Universe be pleased to favor with His blessing, all who work and dwell here. May the work done within its walls be productive of good to our common humanity, the just pride of our civilization, and an honor to those who labored on its behalf.
Please be reverently attentive to our Chaplain for the Benediction.
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Benediction
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| Chaplain: Most Holy and Glorious Lord God, The Giver of all good gifts and graces, bless those here assembled, bless those who have inhabited this place in the past, and bless those who will receive care here in the future; assist in the completion of this building; protect the workmen from every accident; and as was prayed 150 years ago, long preserve this structure from decay, and grant us all a supply of the corn of nourishment, the wine of refreshment, and the oil of joy. Amen.
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All: |
So Mote It Be. |
Grand Honors
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| GM: |
My Brother, Grand Honors will now be given. (Done by all Masons present.) |
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