CHAPTER 84
Laying Cornerstones and Dedicating Lodge Buildings
Neither the Grand Lodge nor
a subordinate lodge shall lay a cornerstone except when the building is in its
initial stage, when the walls have not been raised above the level of the stone
when set in its place. The stone shall be a bearing stone and shall be set in
the northeast, or symbolic northeast corner of the building. For the purpose of
this Regulation the symbolic northeast corner shall be understood to be the
right hand corner of the building as one faces the front of the building. [27-1.3.M; 34-19.2].
1. There are no
Masonic ceremonies for setting or placing a sheet or slab of marble or stone
even if it is called a cornerstone.
2. If a
cornerstone of a church, Masonic building, or a public building is to be laid
with Masonic ceremonies, those having the matter in hand shall request the
Grand Master to lay it. He may do the work himself or he may appoint a Master
Mason to act for him.
3. The stone
shall be in fact a cornerstone and not a slab or sheet of stone and there shall
be engraved thereon the year of Masonry and the name of the Grand Master
together with such other particulars as may be deemed necessary.
REG. 84-2
BUILDING DEDICATIONS.
If a Masonic hall or
building is to be dedicated, those having the matter in hand shall request the
Grand Master to do the work. He may do it in person or he may appoint a Master
Mason to act for him. The whole or any part of a building may be dedicated
under Masonic usage when owned by a lodge or a recognized body of Masons and
used exclusively by Masons or by them and by bodies requiring Masonic
connections. [34-19.2].
REG. 84-3
COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUES.
A subordinate lodge shall
have the right to set or place a commemorative plaque in or on the wall of an
existing building, and a deposit of certain memorials may be placed in the
opening provided therefor, with appropriate Masonic ceremonies conducted by the
Grand Lodge. [45-11; 84-4; 34-19.2].
1. The plaque may
be either stone or metal.
2. There shall be
engraved thereon the year of Masonry and the name of the Grand Master, together
with such other particulars as may be deemed necessary.
REG. 84-4
HOW AND BY WHOM CONDUCTED.
Any of the ceremonies
provided for in this chapter may be conducted by the Grand Lodge or by a
subordinate lodge at the discretion of the Grand Master, but the Grand Master
or his duly appointed representative shall preside. The lodge making the
request for such ceremonies shall bear the entire expense thereof.
1. The Grand
Lodge, or a subordinate lodge, shall be opened on the Degree of Master Mason,
the usual ceremonies conducted and instruction and information given relative
to the special ceremonies to be conducted. The minutes shall be read, approved
and the Grand Lodge or subordinate lodge shall be closed, after which the
special ceremonies shall be conducted. The charter of the subordinate lodge
need not be removed from the lodge hall if the special ceremony is conducted in
another location. [13-3.7; 38-3.1; 41-8; 38-3.4].
2. The ceremonies
provided for in this chapter shall not be conducted on Sunday. [45-11].