and
important undertakings, and inspire the hearts of the people with
virtue, wisdom and gratitude.

Response by the Craft: So mote it be.

Senior Grand Warden advances with the vessel of wine, pouring it on the
stone, and says:

I pour this wine as an emblem of Joy and Gladness. May the great Ruler
of the Universe bless and prosper our National, State and City
Governments; preserve the union of the States in harmony and brotherly
love, which shall endure through all time.

Response by the Craft: So mote it be.

Junior Warden advances with the vessel of oil, pouring it on the stone,
saying:

I pour this oil as an emblem of Peace; may its blessings abide with us
continually; and may the Grand Master of Heaven and Earth shelter and
protect the widow and orphan, and vouchsafe to them, and to the
bereaved, the afflicted and sorrowing, everywhere, the enjoyment of
every good and perfect gift.

Response by the Craft: So mote it be.

Grand Master, extending his hands, pronounces the following invocation:

May corn, wine and oil, and all the necessaries of life, abound among
men throughout the world. May the blessing of Almighty God be upon this
undertaking. May He protect the workmen from every accident. May the
structure here to be erected, be planned with Wisdom, supported by
Strength, and adorned in Beauty, and may it be preserved to the latest
ages, a monument to the energy and liberality of its founders.

Response by the Craft: So mote it be.

Proclamation.

Grand Master: (Addressing Architect.) Worthy sir (or brother), having
thus, as Grand Master of Masons, laid the corner-stone of the structure,
I now return to you these implements of Operative Masonry (presents
Square, Level and Plumb), having full confidence in your skill and
capacity to perform the important duties confided to you, to the
satisfaction of those who have entrusted you with their fulfillment.

The G. M. strikes the stone three times with the gavel, and the public
grand honors are given.

The Grand Master will then make report of his doings, as follows:

I have the honor to report, that in compliance with the request of the
proper authorities, the corner-stone of the ...... building to be
erected on this site, has been laid successfully, with the ancient
ceremonies of the Craft. The Brother Grand Marshal will therefore make
the proclamation.

Grand Marshal: In the name of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free
and Accepted Maso