odge, against the course of the
sun, singing the following song, and giving all the signs from an
Entered Apprentice to that of Most Excellent Master. When opposite the
Most Excellent Master, the first time they march around the Lodge,
each member gives the first sign of an Entered Apprentice, and
preserves it until he nearly arrives opposite the Most Excellent a
second time, then gives the second sign, and continues it in the same
manner, and so of all others, up to that of this degree, saying,

All hail to the morning that bids us rejoice,
The Temple's completed, exalt high each voice.
The copestone is finished--our labor is o'er,
The sound of the gavel shall hail us no more.

To the power Almighty, who ever has guided
The tribes of old Israel, exalting their fame;
To Him who hath governed our hearts undivided,
Let's send forth our vows to praise His great name.

Companions, assemble on this joyful day
(The occasion is glorious!) the keystone to lay;
Fulfilled is the promise, by the ANCIENT OF DAYS,
To bring forth the copestone with shouting and praise.

The keystone is now produced and laid on the altar.

There is no more occasion for level or plumb-line,
For trowel or gavel, for compass or square;[7]
Our works are completed, the ark safely seated,[8]
And we shall be greeted as workmen most rare.

Names, those that are worthy our tribes, who have shared,
And proved themselves faithful, shall meet their reward;
Their virtue and knowledge, industry and skill,
Have our approbation--have gained our good will.

We accept and receive them,[9] Most Excellent Masters,
Trusted with honor, and power to preside
Among worthy craftsmen where'er assembled,
The knowledge of Masons to spread far and wide.

Almighty Jehovah,[10] descend now and fill
This Lodge with Thy glory, our hearts with good-will;
Preside at our meeting, assist us to find
True pleasure in teaching good-will to mankind.

Thy wisdom inspired the great institution,
Thy strength shall support it till nature expire;
And when the creation shall fall into ruin,
Its beauty shall rise through the midst of the fire.

[At the time the ark is placed on the altar, there is also placed on
it a pot of incense, to which fire is communicated by the Most
Excellent Master, just as the last line of the song is sung; this pot