THE ARCANE SCHOOLS - Fort Myers Beach Masonic Lodge No. 362

the Pagans borrowed the custom of consecrating and dedicating their
sacred
edifices, altars, and images, from the Hebrews.
The Lodge having been thus consecrated to the solemn objects of
Freemasonry, and dedicated to the patrons of the institution, it is at
length prepared to be constituted. The ceremony of constitution is then
performed by the Grand Master, who, rising from his seat, pronounces
the
following formulary of constitution:
"In the name of the most Worshipful Grand Lodge, I now constitute and
form
you, my beloved Brethren, into a regular lodge of Free and Accepted
Masons. From this time forth, I empower you to meet as a regular lodge,
constituted in conformity to the rites of our Order, and the charges of
our ancient and honorable fraternity;--and may the Supreme Architect of
the Universe prosper, direct, and counsel you, in all your doings."
This ceremony places the lodge among the registered lodges of the
jurisdiction in which it is situated, and gives it a rank and standing
and
permanent existence that it did not have before. In one word, it has,
by
the consecration, dedication, and constitution, become what we
technically
term "a just and legally constituted lodge," and, as such, is entitled
to
certain rights and privileges, of which we shall hereafter speak.
Still,
however, although the lodge has been thus fully and completely
organized,
its officers have as yet no legal existence. To give them this, it is
necessary that they be inducted into their respective offices, and each
officer solemnly bound to the faithful performance of the duties he has
undertaken to discharge. This constitutes the ceremony of installation.
The Worshipful Master of the new lodge is required publicly to submit
to
the ancient charges; and then all, except Past Masters, having retired,
he
is invested with the Past Master's degree, and inducted into the
oriental
chair of King Solomon. The Brethren are then introduced, and due homage
is
paid to their new Master, after which the other officers are obligated
to
the faithful discharge of their respective trusts, invested with their
insignia of office, and receive the appropriate charge. This ceremony
must
be repeated at every annual election and change of officers.
The ancient rule was, that when the Grand Master and his officers
attended
to constitute a new lodge, the Deputy Grand Master invested the new
Master, the Grand Wardens invested the new Wardens, and the Grand
Treasurer and Grand Secretary invested the Treasurer and Secretary. But
this regulation has become obsolete, and the whole installation and