equest; fulfill now, O Lord! the desires and petitions of Thy servants,
as may be most expedient for them; granting us in this world, knowledge
of Thy truth; and in the world to come, life everlasting. Amen.

Response: So mote it be.

The choir may then sing an Ode, or a piece of instrumental music may be
performed.

Deposit of Memorials.

Grand Master: R. W. Brother Grand Treasurer, it has ever been the
custom, on occasions like the present, to deposit within a cavity in
the stone, placed in the north-east corner of the edifice, certain
memorials of the period at which it was erected; so that in the lapse of
ages, if the fury of the elements, or the slow but certain ravages of
time, should lay bare its foundation, an enduring record may be found by
succeeding generations, to bear testimony to the energy, industry and
culture of our time. Has such a deposit been prepared?

Grand Treasurer: It has, Most Worshipful Grand Master, and the various
articles of which it is composed are safely enclosed within the casket
now before you.

Grand Master: R. W. Grand Secretary, you will read for the information
of the brethren and others here assembled, a record of the contents of
the casket.

Grand Secretary reads a list of the articles contained in the casket.

Grand Master: R. W. Grand Treasurer, you will now deposit the casket in
the cavity beneath the corner-stone, and may the Great Architect of the
Universe, in His wisdom, grant that ages on ages shall pass away ere it
again be seen of men.

Grand Treasurer, assisted by the Grand Secretary, will place the casket
in the cavity prepared, and report:

Most Worshipful Grand Master, your orders have been duly executed.

Presentation of Working Tools.

Principal Architect delivers the working tools to the Grand Master, who
retains the Trowel, and presents the Square, Level and Plumb to the
Deputy Grand Master, Senior and Junior Grand Warden, respectively,
saying:

Right Worshipful Brethren, you will receive the implements of your
office. With your assistance and that of the Craft, I will now proceed
to lay the corner-stone of this edifice, according to the custom of our
Fraternity. Brother Grand Marshal, you will direct the Craftsmen to
furnish the cement, and prepare to lower the stone.

Laying Stone.

The Grand Master will then spread a portion of the cement. The stone is
then lowered slowly, during which there should be appropriate music. The
Grand Maste