THE BOOK OF OFFICES
Services for Certain Occasions
not provided for in the Book of Common Prayer
Compiled by the Liturgical Commission
and commended for use by the General Convention
Second Edition, The Church Pension Fund, 1949
Foreword
I am sure my brother Bishops and other clergy have felt the need of a revised book of offices providing services for various special occasions. Such a book was authorized by the General Convention of 1937 and is presented herewith. Its use in a Diocese is conditioned upon the approval of the Diocesan. We are indebted to the Liturgical Commission of General Convention for the work done in preparation of this book. It is hoped it will find a useful place in the work of the Church.
H. St. George Tucker
Presiding Bishop
May 3, 1939
Preface
The Book of Offices has been compiled by the Liturgical Commission, and is published in accordance with the following resolution passed by the General Convention of 1937, viz.:
“Resolved, The House of Deputies concurring, that the House of Bishops approve of the publication for authorization by Bishops for use in their Dioceses the Book of Offices in process of preparation by the Liturgical Commission.”
The character of the book is indicated by its subtitles. In the words of the Commission’s Report to Convention: “It is not a series of Offices such as would be found in the book called ‘The Kingdom, the Power and the Glory,’ which was recommended for use at the last Convention, Offices designed for devotional occasions; but rather a Book containing Offices for the many specific purposes which occur in the work of the Bishops and other Clergy: Offices for the Dedication of Buildings of one kind or another, or the Blessing of articles of Church furniture, and the like.” Much of the material in this book is taken from “Offices for Special Occasions,” which is published, as revised in 1916, by the Morehouse-Gorham Co. of New York.
For the Commission
John W. Suter, Secretary
January, 1940
Preface to the Second Edition
Advantage has been taken of this new edition to make extensive revision in the light of actual use. The Office of Commemoration, rarely used, has been omitted. Various offices, printed separately before, but of similar nature, have been combined under the Admission of Lay Ministers, the Founding of a Church, and the Blessing of Houses. New services for Admission to Communion of those already confirmed, the Blessing of Married Persons, the Order for the Adoption of Children, and the Litany for the Church, have been added.
The Admission to Communion is a form in common use. The Blessing of Married Persons is adapted from the Scottish Book of Common Prayer. The Order for the Adoption of Children, already published by the Morehouse-Gorham Co. in pamphlet form, was authorized by the General Convention of 1946, and is reprinted here by permission of the publishers. The Installation of a Bishop is based on the form used in the Diocese of New York. The Founding and Opening of a Church adapt to modern use certain traditional ceremonies of the undivided Church.
For the Commission
Morton C. Stone
Authorization
This second edition has been approved by the Standing Liturgical Commission.
H. McF. B. Ogilby, Secretary
February 15, 1949
Table of Contents
Admission to Communion
The Blessing of Married Persons
The Order for the Adoption of Children
The Form for the Setting Apart of Deaconesses
The Installation of a Bishop
The Admission of Lay Ministers
Readers Sacristans or Altar Guild Members
Acolytes Catechists or Teachers
Choristers Wardens and Vestrymen
A Litany for the Church
The Founding of a Church
Breaking Ground
Laying the Corner Stone
The Opening of a Church
Benediction of Church Ornaments
Altar Organ
Chalice and Paten Bells
Altar Vestments Pictures and Statues
Cross Windows
Lamps and Candlesticks Clergy Seats
Clergy Vestments Chancel Screen
Lay Vestments Font
Bible, Epistle or Gospel Book Grave or Cemetery
Service Book Any Church Ornament
Lectern General Benediction
Pulpit
The Blessing of Houses
Home Hospital
Parish House Conventual House
School, College or Seminary
Admission to Communion
¶ For use by the Bishop in admitting into the Communion of this Church persons already Confirmed in another part of the holy Catholic Church, not in communion with this Church.
¶ Such persons, having presented evidence of Baptism and Confirmation, after examination by the Minister as to their sincerity of purpose, and instruction in the differences between this Church and the Church from which they come, may receive the Holy Communion, but shall be admitted formally by the Bishop at his next visitation.
¶ If such persons are to be received at the time of Confirmation, they shall be presented, examined, and admitted after all have been confirmed, immediately before the Lord’s Prayer.
¶ The Candidates shall stand before the Bishop, sitting in his Chair, and the Minister presenting them shall say,
Reverend Father in God, I present unto you these persons, already Confirmed, to be admitted into the Communion of this Church
¶ The Bishop, addressing the Candidates shall say,
Do you believe that this Church is a true part of Christ’s One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church?
Answer. I do.
Bishop. Do you promise to conform to the teaching, discipline, and worship of this Church?
Answer. I do.
¶ Then the Candidates shall kneel severally before the Bishop, who shall take them by the right hand, saying,
N. I admit you into the Communion of this Church, and welcome you into our fellowship. May the Peace of the Lord be always with you; In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
¶ When this order is used separately from the Confirmation service, the Bishop shall conclude with the Lord’s Prayer, any other suitable prayers desired, and the Blessing.
The Blessing of Married Persons
¶ This form may be used when the Priest is satisfied that the Marriage is in conformity with the Canon. No entry shall be made in the Parish Register.
¶ The Priest, standing before the Altar, with the Husband and Wife standing before him, shall say,
Dearly beloved, forasmuch as you have been joined together in holy Matrimony, which is an honourable estate instituted of God, and have come hither to ask for the blessing of the Church; I require that you promise, by the help of God, to fulfill the obligations which Christian marriage demands.
¶ Then, addressing the Husband, the Priest shall say,
N. dost thou promise to love this thy Wife, to comfort, honour, and keep her, in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?
¶ And the Husband shall answer,
I do.
¶ Then, addressing ht Wife, the Priest shall say,
N. dost thou promise to love this thy Husband, to comfort, honour, and keep him, in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?
¶ And the Wife shall answer,
I do.
¶ Then the Priest may bless the Ring or Rings, as follows.
Let us pray.
O God, whose blessed Son sanctified, with his presence, the marriage at Cana; Bless, we beseech thee, this ring, to be the token of the union of this man and woman in holy Matrimony; that ever growing in love, they may abide in thy peace, and continue in thy favour unto their life’s end; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
¶ Then, the Ring or Rings having been returned and replaced, the Priest shall say,
Let us pray.
¶ Then the Priest and Couple, still standing, shall say the Lord’s Prayer.
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
¶ Then the Priest shall say,
O eternal God, creator and preserver of all mankind, giver of all spiritual grace, the author of everlasting life; Send thy blessing upon these thy servants, this man and this woman, whom we bless in thy Name; that they, living faithfully together, may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant betwixt them made, (whereof this ring is a token and pledge,) and may ever remain in perfect love and peace together, and live according to thy laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
¶ Then the Priest may add one or both of the following prayers.
O almighty God, creator of mankind, who only art the well-spring of life; Bestow upon these thy servants, if it be thy will, the gift and heritage of children; and grant that they may see their children brought up in thy faith and fear, to the honour and glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, who hast so consecrated the state of Matrimony that in it is represented the spiritual marriage and unity betwixt Christ and his Church; Look mercifully upon these thy servants, that they may love, honour, and cherish each other, and so live together in faithfulness and patience, in wisdom and true godliness, that their home may be a haven of blessing and peace; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.
¶ Then the Priest shall join their right hands together, and say,
Those whom God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.
¶ Then the Husband and Wife kneeling, the Priest shall add this Blessing.
God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his favour look upon you, and fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace; that ye may so live together in this life, that in the world to come ye may have everlasting life. Amen.
The Order for the Adoption of Children
¶ The Minister shall stand at the entrance of the Chancel, facing the People. The foster Parents shall stand before him, with two Witnesses, one of whom shall hold the Child to be adopted. All shall stand throughout the Service.
¶ The Minister shall begin by saying the following Versicles with the People.
I Bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Praise ye the Lord;
The Lord’s Name be praised.
¶ Here may be sung the following Hymn.
Our Father, by whose Name
All fatherhood is known,
Who dost in love proclaim
Each family thine own,
Bless thou all parents, guarding well,
With constant love as sentinel,
The homes in which thy people dwell.
O Christ, thyself a child
Within an earthly home,
With heart still undefiled,
Thou didst to manhood come;
Our children bless, in every place,
That they may all behold thy face,
And knowing thee may grow in grace.
O Spirit, who dost bind
Our hearts in unity,
Who teachest us to find
The love from self set free,
In all our hearts such love increase,
That every home, by this release,
May be the dwelling place of peace.
¶ Then the Minister and People shall say responsively the following.
From Psalm 68. Justi epulentur.
Let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God;
Let them also be merry and joyful.
He is the Father of the fatherless, and defendeth the cause of the widows;
Even God in his holy habitation.
He setteth the solitary in families;
The Congregation shall dwell therein.
Praised be the Lord daily,
Even the God that helpeth us, and poureth his benefits upon us.
Thy God hath sent forth strength in thee;
Stablish the thing, O God, that thou hast wrought in us.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
¶ Then the Minister shall read the Gospel, first saying,
Hear the words of the holy Gospel according to Saint Mark.
Glory be to thee, O Lord.
The Gospel. St. Mark 9:33.
Jesus came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.
Praise be to thee, O Christ.
THE PROMISES
¶ Then the Minister shall ask the following Questions, the Parents alone making reply.
Do you desire to take this Child for your own?
Answer. I do.
Minister. Will you be to him a true Father and Mother, in spirit and in deed?
Answer. I will, by God’s help.
Minister. Will you show him love and understanding; give him comradeship and guidance; and treat him with patience and forbearance?
Answer. I will endeavour so to do.
Minister. Will you bring him up in the knowledge and love of the Lord, and of his holy Church?
Answer. I will, God being my helper.
May our heavenly Father, who hath put it into your hearts to do all these things, grant you his grace to fulfill the same unto the end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
¶ Then, if the Child be of sufficient years to answer for himself, the Minister shall say,
Do you desire to have this Man and this Woman for your Father and Mother, and to be their Child?
Answer. I do.
Minister. Will you love, honour, and help your Father and Mother?
Answer. I will, by God’s help.
May God, who hath given you a good will, grant you his grace to perform the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE ADOPTION
¶ Then the Minister, taking the Child in his arms, or by the hand, shall give the Child to the Mother, saying,
As God hath received us as his children, so now receive this Child as your own son; In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
¶ Then the Father shall lay his hand upon the Child, saying,
May God, who hath redeemed us, bless this Child, and us: and may our Name be named upon him. Amen.
¶ Minister and People
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. Amen.
Thou wilt be a Father unto us;
And we shall be thy sons and daughters.
The Lord be with you;
And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
O God our Father, who makest us thy children by adoption and grace; Give thy blessing, we humbly beseech thee, to this family, who have now bound themselves one to another in thee, that dwelling together in holiness, they may be made perfect in love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.
May God the Father, who hath adopted you as his children, grant you his grace; May God the Son, who dwelt in the home of Nazareth, fill you with his love; May God the Holy Ghost, who hath united you in one family, keep you in his peace; And may the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be with you, and remain with you always. Amen.
The Form for the Setting Apart of Deaconesses
¶ All things being in readiness, a Priest shall present to the Bishop, sitting in his chair near the Holy Table, such as are to be set apart as Deaconesses, saying,
Reverend Father in God, I present unto you these women, to be set apart to the office and work of Deaconess.
¶ Then shall the Bishop say,
Declare, we pray you, unto those who are here gathered what the office and work of a Deaconess are.
¶ Then shall the Priest, addressing the People, say,
Dearly beloved, that it is agreeable to the mind of Christ that women should do him service by offices of loving-kindness, we gather from Saint Paul, who saith to the Philippians, Help those women which laboured with me in the Gospel, and who also commendeth unto the Romans one Phoebe, a Deaconess of the Church which was at Cenchrea.
Touching the duty of women set apart to this office and ministry, the Canons of the Church affirm that it is to assist the Ministry in the care of the poor and sick, in the religious training of the young and others, and in the work of moral reformation. That they may be duly appointed to such service, have these women come hither.
¶ Then shall the Bishop say,
Beloved, we have good confidence that they who are now presented to be set apart to the office of Deaconess are competent thereto, for it hath been so certified unto us, as the Canons require, by them whose word we trust. Nevertheless, if there be any who can allege aught on account of which it is inexpedient that these persons be so set apart, let protest be now made openly and before all men.
¶ If no good reason be alleged by any why any should not be set apart, the following Lesson shall be read.
Romans 12.
¶ Then shall be said or sung Psalm 100, or the Magnificat.
Psalm 100. Jubilate Deo.
O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands: * serve the Lord with gladness, and come before his presence with a song.
Be ye sure that the Lord he is God; it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; * we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; * be thankful unto him, and speak good of his Name.
For the Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlasting; * and his truth endureth from generation to generation.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
¶ Then, all kneeling, the Bishop shall say,
Unto thee lift we up our eyes;
O thou that dwellest in the heavens.
As the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters;
And as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress;
Even so our eyes wait upon thee, O Lord;
Until thou have mercy upon us.
O Lord, have mercy upon us.
Have mercy upon us.
O Lord, let thy mercy lighten upon us;
As our trust is in thee.
¶ The Bishop shall then say,
O eternal God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hast in all times accepted and blessed the services of holy women; Look mercifully, we beseech thee, upon these thy servants, about to be set apart to the office and work of Deaconess. Protect them in the way wherein they go, and grant that in singleness of purpose and with a willing mind they may worthily accomplish the task committed to them, to thy glory and to the praise of thy Christ, to whom with thee, O Father, and thee, O Holy Ghost, be glory and worship for ever and ever. Amen.
¶ Then shall the Bishop ask of them the following questions, to which each Candidate shall answer for herself.
Dearly beloved in the Lord, who are minded to take upon you this service in the Church of God, have you duly considered how weighty an undertaking this is, and are you prepared with a willing mind to take upon you this office of ministering to the suffering and needy, and in all humility and godly submission to help the Ministers of God’s Word and Sacraments?
Answer. I have so considered it, and will do so, by the help of God.
Bishop. Will you be obedient to those who are over you in the Lord, cheerfully and faithfully performing the service that shall be appointed to you?
Answer. I will, by the help of God.
Bishop. Inasmuch as this office is not to be lightly undertaken, is it your desire to give yourself to the work of the Lord as a Deaconess in singleness of heart?
Answer. I desire to do so, by the help of God.
¶ Then shall the Candidate kneel, and the bishop shall say,
Almighty God, who hath called you to serve him in this holy life, give you the power to fulfill this your service acceptably; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
¶ Then shall the Bishop lay his hand upon the head of the persons to be made Deaconess, saying,
God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost, bless, preserve, and sanctify you; and so endow you with all faith, wisdom, and humility, that you may serve before him to the glory of his great Name, and to the benefit of his Church and people; and make you faithful unto death, and give you the crown of everlasting life. Amen.
N. I admit thee to the office of Deaconess, In the Name of the Father, and of . the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Let us pray.
O God, who didst teach the hearts of thy faithful people, by sending to them the light of thy Holy Spirit; Grant unto this thy servant by the same Spirit to perceive and know what things she ought to do, and to have grace and strength evermore to do the same; direct her in all times of doubt and perplexity; strengthen her to bear the trial of her faith and patience; comfort her in times of sorrow; cheer her when faint and weary in the way. May thy love, abounding towards her more and more, stir up her heart to greater deeds of love to thee, and to all who need her service. And upon all those called to the office of Deaconess in thy Church bestow thy grace and heavenly benediction; enable them to bear each other’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Make them to know and feel their oneness in the mystical Body of thy dear Son, so that their fellowship here in works of love may prove to them a blessed discipline, and thus prepare them at last for the society of thy redeemed in heaven; through Jesus Christ our most blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen.
O God, who in thy holy Word dost commend above all goodly apparel the ornament of a quiet spirit; Adorn, we beseech thee, these thy servants with the meekness and the gentleness of Christ, that in all humility and singleness of heart they may run the way of thy Commandments; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
¶ It is desirable that the Service of Holy Communion should follow, the newly set apart Deaconesses communicating.
At the Communion
The Collect
O God, who hast prepared for those who love thee such good things as pass man’s understanding; Pour into our hearts such love toward thee, that we, loving thee above all things, may obtain thy promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Epistle. Romans 15:1–6.
The Gospel. St. Luke 12:35–39.
The Installation of a Bishop
¶ The Institutor shall be the Presiding Bishop, or a Bishop or Priest appointed by him. The Warden of the service and other Ministers shall be Clergy and Laity of the Diocese, appointed by the Institutor.
THE INDUCTION
¶ When Ministers and People have assembled in the Church, all shall stand facing the Door. The Warden shall close the Door, and wait inside to open it. The Bishop, standing outside with his attendants, shall knock on the Door three times, saying,
Open me the gates of righteousness, that I may go into them, and give thanks unto the Lord.
¶ The Warden shall open the Door, and say,
He that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep; to him the porter openeth.
¶ The Bishop shall enter the Church, stopping inside the Door. As he enters trumpets may be sounded or bells may be rung. Then he shall make his Petition, as follows.
I, N., whom God hath ordained to be a Shepherd and Servant, whom also you have chosen, coming before you in all humility, desire to be Inducted, and Invested, as Bishop of ——, and to be Installed in the Chair of this Church pertaining to this Office.
¶ The Warden shall reply,
We are ready and willing to do so. But that all men may know that we do act according to the Canons of the Church, we require that the Certificate of Election be read in your presence, and in the presence of this Congregation.
¶ Then the Clerk shall read aloud the said Document. After which the Warden shall conduct the Bishop to the Chancel Gate. Meanwhile a Hymn may be sung.
¶ Arrived before the Institutor, who shall sit in a Chair at the Chancel Gate, the Warden shall say,
Most Reverend Father in God, we present unto you our Bishop to be Inducted, Invested, and Installed in his Office.
¶ Then the Institutor, still seated, shall say,
By the authority committed unto me, and with the consent of those who have chosen you, I Induct you, Right Reverend Father in God, N., as Bishop of ——, with all the temporal and spiritual rights and responsibilities of the same; In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
THE INVESTITURE
¶ Then the Institutor and Warden shall conduct the Bishop before the Holy Table. Meanwhile the Cantor shall say responsively with the People the following Antiphon and Psalm.
Antiphon. I will give you pastors according to mine heart, * which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.
Psalm 23. Dominus regit me.
The Lord is my shepherd;
Therefore can I lack nothing.
He shall feed me in a green pasture;
And lead me forth beside the waters of comfort.
He shall convert my soul;
And bring me forth in the paths of righteousness for his Name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;
For thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff comfort me.
Thou shalt prepare a table before me in the presence of them that trouble me;
Thou hast anointed my head with oil, and my cup shall be full.
Surely thy loving-kindness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
¶ Then the Reader, standing before the Altar, facing the Bishop, shall read the Lesson, as follows.
Hear the words of the Apostle Peter
The Lesson. 1 St. Peter 5:2.
Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
¶ Then the Institutor may take from the Altar the Pastoral Staff and give it to the Bishop, saying,
In the name and behalf of the Diocese of ——, I do receive and acknowledge you, Right Reverend Father in God, N., as Bishop of the same; (and in token thereof give into your hands the Pastoral Staff.)
¶ The Bishop, (holding the Pastoral Staff,) shall place his right hand on a Bible, held by the Warden, and shall take his Oath, as follows.
I, N., (receive this Staff at your hands, as the pledge of my institution, and of your recognition, and) promise to be a faithful shepherd unto you; So help me God, and the contents of this Book.
THE INSTALLATION
¶ Then the Institutor and Warden shall conduct the Bishop to his Chair. Meanwhile the following Anthem may be sung or said.
Anthem. I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; * that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on the thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
¶ The Anthem being ended, the Warden shall bow to the Bishop, and say,
Right Reverend Father in God, N., we Install you in the Chair pertaining to your Office, and we salute you as Bishop of ——, in which may our Lord Jesus Christ preserve and keep you.
¶ Then the People shall say,
The Peace of the Lord be always with you.
¶ And the Bishop, still seated, shall reply,
And with thy spirit.
¶ Here trumpets may be sounded or bells may be rung. Then the Clerk shall say,
So now is our Right Reverend Father and Faithful Pastor really and lawfully Inducted, Invested, and Installed. Nought remains but to thank God upon the occasion, and to petition the Divine Majesty: that this his servant may be blest in the execution of his office, and that he, together with the people committed to his charge, may at last attain unto eternal life.
THE PRAYERS FOR THE BISHOP
¶ Then all still standing, the Bishop alone kneeling at his Chair, the Institutor, standing before him, shall say with the People the Kyries and Lord’s Prayer.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil. Amen.
O Lord, save thy servant;
Who putteth his trust in thee.
Send him help from thy holy place;
And evermore mightily defend him.
Be unto him a strong tower;
From the face of the enemy.
Lord, hear our prayer;
And let our cry come unto thee.
O God, great in power, unsearchable in understanding, wondrous in counsels towards the children of men; Do thou fill with the gift of the Holy Spirit him whom thou hast willed to undertake this Ministry; that he may be worthy to stand before thy holy Altar unblameably, to announce the Gospel of thy Kingdom, to administer the Word of thy truth, to offer gifts and spiritual sacrifices unto thee, and to renew thy people in the font of Regeneration; that, at the second coming of thine only-begotten Son, he may go forth to meet him, and by the multitude of thy mercies receive his reward; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.
¶ Then the Institutor shall bless the bishop, saying,
Receive this Blessing to defend thee this day and all thy days to come. May the People honour thee. May God be thy Father, and the Angels of God protect thee. May the Church be thy Mother, and the Apostles thine examples. The Lord confirm and strengthen thee in righteousness and true holiness. And may the Blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, come down upon thee from above and remain with thee always. Amen.
¶ Then the Te Deum or a Hymn may be sung, and the bishop, or someone appointed may deliver an Address.
THE PRAYERS OF THE BISHOP
¶ Then the Bishop shall go to the Altar and kneel before it, all others kneeling with him, and say this Prayer.
O Lord, attend our supplications; and graciously hearken unto me, who am the first to need thy mercy; and as thou hast made me the Minister of this work, not by choosing me on account of merit, but by the gift of thy grace, so give me confidence to perform thine office; and do thou thyself, by our ministration, fulfill the purpose of thine own loving-kindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
¶ If the Holy Communion is to follow, this office shall end here, the following Collect being used as the Collect of the Day in the Liturgy. Otherwise, the Bishop, standing, shall say the following.
O Lord, we beseech thee, graciously to cast thy light upon thy Church; that thy flock may everywhere go on and prosper, and its pastors, by thy governance, may become acceptable to thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.
¶ Then, turning to the People, the Bishop shall give them his Blessing, saying,
The Almighty Trinity and one true God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, grant you to desire him wholly, to know him truly, and to love him sincerely; and bestow upon you such perseverance in his faith and love that he may bring you hereafter to himself and his unchangeable glory, world without end. Amen.
¶ When the Bishop is to be Installed at the time of his Consecration, the Acts of Induction, Investiture, and Installation, and such other parts of this service as the Presiding Bishop shall think convenient, shall be used immediately after the Consecration and before the continuation of the Liturgy.
The Admission of Lay Ministers
¶ To be used before the Liturgy, or after the Collects of the Daily Offices, or separately.
¶ The Priest shall appoint a Sponsor who shall instruct and examine the Candidates in the duties of their Office, and present them for Admission.
¶ Candidates for different Ministries may be presented and examined together, but shall be admitted separately with the Proper pertaining to their Office.
THE PRESENTATION
¶ The Congregation being seated, the Priest shall stand at the Chancel Gate, facing the People, the Sponsor and the Candidates, clad in the proper vesture of their Office, standing before him. The Sponsor shall say,
Reverend Sir, I present unto you these persons, to be admitted to the Office of Reader (or Acolyte etc.) in this Parish.
Priest. Are the persons whom you present duly prepared by purity of life, regular attendance at Church, and knowledge of their duties, to exercise their ministry to the honour of God and the edifying of the Church?
Sponsor. I have instructed and examined them, and believe them so to be.
THE EXAMINATION
¶ The Priest, addressing the Candidates, shall say,
Dearly beloved, who desire to be admitted to the Office of Reader (or Acolyte etc.) in this Church, are you convinced that the work of this ministry is so important that, while you are appointed thereto, you should be diligent in performing the same?
Answer. A am so convinced.
Priest. Will you try faithfully and reverently to execute the duties of your Office to the best of your ability, as unto the Lord and not unto men?
Answer. I will try to do so.
Priest. Will you strive to live in accordance with the sacredness of this Office?
Answer. I will so strive, the Lord being my helper.
Priest. May God guide and bless you in the doing of this work.
¶ Then, all standing, the following Antiphon and Psalm shall be sung or said.
Antiphon. Praise the Lord, ye servants; * O praise the Name of the Lord.
Psalm 100. Jubilate Deo.
O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands; * serve the Lord with gladness, and come before his presence with a song.
Be ye sure that the Lord he is God; it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; * we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; * be thankful unto him, and speak good of his Name.
For the Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlasting; * and his truth endureth from generation to generation.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.
THE ADMISSION
¶ Then, the People being seated, the Candidates, standing, shall be admitted as follows. First the Lesson proper to the Office shall be read. Then the Priest shall take each Candidate by the right hand, saying the words of Admission, “I admit thee etc.”. Then he shall give the Candidate the Token of the Office, saying, “And I give thee etc.” Then he shall bless the Candidate saying, “In the Name etc.”. Then, the Candidates kneeling, all others standing, the Priest shall say over them the Antiphon, Versicle, and Collect.
1. OF READERS
The Lesson. Nehemiah 8:1.
All the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel. And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people: (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up: and Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. And the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground. So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.
The Admission
I admit you, having been duly licensed, to the Office of Reader in this Church; and I give you this Bible as a Token of your Ministry; In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Antiphon. When all Israel is to come to appear before the Lord thy God in the place which he shall choose; * thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing.
Thy word is a lantern unto my feet;
And a light unto my paths.
Let us pray.
O almighty God, whose blessed Son didst read the holy Scriptures in the synagogue; Look graciously upon the Readers of thy Church, and so enlighten them with wisdom and understanding that they may read thy holy Word to the edification of thy people, and the glory of thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
2. OF ACOLYTES
The Lesson. St. Luke 12:35.
Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching. Verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
The Admission
I admit you to the Office of Acolyte in this Church; and I give you this Candle as a Token of your Ministry; In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Antiphon. My sons, be not now negligent; for the Lord hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him; * and that ye should minister unto him.
I will go unto the altar of God;
Even unto the God of my joy and gladness.
Let us pray.
O glorious King, before whose heavenly throne the angels stand to do thy will; Bless, we beseech thee, the Acolytes of thy Church, that ministering before thine earthly throne they may serve thee with reverence and true holiness, to the honour and glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
3. OF CHORISTERS
The Lesson. Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
The Admission
I admit you to the Office of Chorister in this Church; and I give you this Hymnal as a Token of your Ministry; In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Antiphon. These are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the Lord; * and they ministered before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of the congregation with singing.
O come, let us sing unto the Lord;
Let us heartily rejoice in the strength of our salvation.
Let us pray.
O God, who didst inspire thy servant David both to write songs, and to appoint singers for thy worship; Give thy grace to the Choristers of thy Church, that speaking together in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, they may sing and make melody in their hearts to thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
4. OF SACRISTANS OR ALTAR GUILD MEMBERS
The Lesson. 1 Chronicles 9:26.
These Levites were in an office of trust, and were over the store-rooms and treasuries of the house of God. And they lodged round about the house of God, because the charge was upon them, and the opening thereof every morning pertained to them. And certain of them had charge of the ministering vessels, that they should bring them in and out. Some of them also were appointed to oversee the vessels, and all the instruments of the sanctuary.
The Admission
I admit you to the Office of Sacristan in this Church; and I give you this Purificator as a Token of your Ministry; In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Antiphon. Ye shall keep charge of the sanctuary, * and charge of the altar.
In this temple doth everything speak of his honour;
Holiness becometh thine house for ever.
Let us pray.
O God, who of old didst give the Levites the charge of the instruments of thy holy temple; Give thy grace, we beseech thee, to the Sacristans of thy Church, that devoutly caring for the vessels and vestments of thy worship, and adorning the place of thy sanctuary, they may make the place of thy presence glorious; though Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
5. OF CATECHISTS OR TEACHERS
The Lesson. Deuteronomy 4:1.
Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers giveth you. Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you. Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons.
The Admission
I admit you to the Office of Catechist in this Church; and I give you this Prayer Book as a Token of your Ministry; In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Antiphon. These words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart; * and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children.
O teach me true understanding and knowledge;
For I have believed thy commandments.
Let us pray.
O God, whose blessed Son taught in the temple; Give thy blessing and the guidance of thy Holy Spirit to the Catechists of thy Church, that teaching thy children both by word and good example, they may lead them to the knowledge and love of thee and of thy holy Church; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
6. OF WARDENS AND VESTRYMEN
The Lesson. Numbers 11:16.
The Lord said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee. And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not by thyself alone.
The Admission
I admit you to the Office of Warden (or Vestryman) in this Church; and I give you this Book of Canons as a Token of your Ministry; In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Antiphon. Without counsel purposes are disappointed: * but in the multitude of counselors they are established.
I am thy servant, O grant me understanding;
That I may know thy testimonies.
Let us pray.
O eternal God, the fountain of all wisdom; Enlighten with thy grace the Wardens and Vestrymen of thy Church, and so rule their minds, and guide their counsels, that in all things they may seek thy glory and the welfare of thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE CONCLUSION
¶ Here may follow an Instruction or Sermon.
¶ When used at another service the Kyries and Lord’s Prayer shall be omitted.
¶ Minister and People
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil. Amen.
Teach me thy way, O Lord, and I will walk in thy truth;
O knit my heart unto thee, that I may fear thy Name.
So will I always sing praise unto thy Name;
That I may daily perform my vows.
The Lord be with you;
And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
Regard, we beseech thee, O Lord, our supplications, and confirm with thy heavenly benediction thy servants whom we have admitted to the lay ministry of thy Church, that with sincere devotion of mind and body they may offer a service acceptable to thy divine Majesty; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.
A Litany for the Church
¶ For use at the Founding and Opening of a Church, and at other times.
O God the Father, Creator of heaven and earth;
Have mercy upon us.
O God the Son, Redeemer of the world;
Have mercy on us.
O God the Holy Ghost, Sanctifier of the faithful;
Have mercy upon us.
O holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, One God;
Have mercy upon us.
O Christ, the Rock upon which thy Church is built, whereon thy People, as living stones fitly framed together, grow into a spiritual house;
Defend thy Church, O Lord.
O Christ, the Vine of which thy People are the branches, that they may bring forth fruit an hundredfold;
Defend thy Church, O Lord.
O Christ, the Head of thy Body, the Church, whereof all thy People are the members;
Defend thy Church, O Lord.
O Christ, our Prophet, who teachest the way of God in truth;
Defend thy Church, O Lord.
O Christ, our Priest, who didst offer up thyself upon the Cross, and ever livest to make intercession for us with the Father;
Defend thy Church, O Lord.
O Christ, our King, who reignest over all the earth, and makest us the citizens of thy heavenly Kingdom;
Defend thy Church, O Lord.
O Christ, who didst send the Holy Ghost upon the Church at Pentecost, enduing it with power from on high;
Defend thy Church, O Lord.
We do beseech thee to hear us, O Lord God; and that we may continue steadfastly in the Apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That we may make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That thou wilt fulfill thy promise to be with us always, even unto the end of the world;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That thou wilt bless the Clergy of thy Church, that they may diligently preach the Gospel, and faithfully administer the holy Sacraments;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That thou wilt heal the divisions in thy Church, that we all may be one, even as thou art one with the Father;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That every member of the Church in his vocation and ministry may truly and godly serve thee;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
¶ When this Litany is used separately the Kyries and Lord’s Prayer shall follow here.
Arise, O God, maintain thine own cause;
And forget not the congregation of the poor for ever.
Look down from heaven, behold, and visit this vine;
And the branch that thou madest so strong for thyself.
Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness;
And let thy saints sing with joyfulness.
The Lord be with you;
And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
O Lord, we beseech thee, let thy continual pity cleanse and defend thy Church; and because it cannot continue in safety without thy succour, preserve it evermore by thy help an goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.
Now unto him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus through all ages, world without end. Amen.
The Founding of a Church
I. BREAKING GROUND
¶ Before the service four stakes may be set in the ground at the four corners of the proposed building. And three cords may be prepared, two to extend diagonally from corner to corner, and a third to enclose the space. A spade shall be placed at the site of the Altar.
¶ The Bishop, or a Priest appointed by him, shall officiate. Having vested near by, the Ministers shall go in procession, with the People, to the site of the new Church, singing or saying the Prayer Book Litany or the Litany for the Church. Then an appointed Minister shall read the lesson, as follows.
Hear the words of the First Book of Chronicles.
The Lesson. 1 Chronicles 21:18
The angel of the Lord commanded Gad to say to David, that David should go up, and set up an altar unto the Lord in the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. And David went up at the saying of Gad, which he spake in the Name of the Lord. Then David said to Ornan, Grant me the place of this threshing floor, that I may build an altar therein unto the Lord. And Ornan said to David, Take it to thee, and let my lord the king do that which is good in his eyes: lo, I give it all. And king David said to Ornan, Nay, but I will verily buy it for the full price: for I will not take that which is thine for the Lord, nor offer burnt offerings without cost. So David gave Ornan for the place six hundred shekels of gold by weight. Then David said, The house that is to be builded for the Lord must be exceeding magnifical; I will therefore now make preparation for it. Then he called Solomon his son, and charged him to build an house for the Lord God of Israel.
¶ Here may follow a Hymn, and an Instruction or Sermon. Then, while the following Antiphon and Psalm are being sung or said, appointed Laymen may stretch the two cords diagonally, from the northeast to the southwest, and from the southeast to the northwest, securing them to the stakes, thus forming the Greek letter X, the symbol both of the Cross and of the Name of Christ, across the space.
Antiphon. Thou son of man, show the house to the house of Israel, * and let them measure the pattern.
From Psalm 132. Memento, Domine.
Lord, remember David,
And all his trouble.
How he sware unto the Lord,
And vowed a vow unto the Almighty God of Jacob.
I will not come within the tabernacle of mine house,
Nor climb up into my bed;
I will not suffer mine eyes to sleep, nor mine eyelids to slumber;
Neither the temples of my head to take any rest;
Until I find out a place for the temple of the Lord;
An habitation for the mighty God of Jacob.
Arise, O Lord, into thy resting-place;
Thou, and the ark of thy strength.
Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness;
And let thy saints sing with joyfulness.
For thy servant David’s sake,
Turn not away the face of thine anointed.
For the Lord hath chosen Sion to be an habitation for himself;
He hath longed for her.
This shall be my rest for ever;
Here will I dwell for I have a delight therein.
I will deck her priests with health,
And her saints shall rejoice and sing.
There shall I make the horn of David to flourish:
I have ordained a lantern for mine anointed.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
¶ During the following Antiphon and Psalm the Laymen may stretch the third cord completely around the four stakes, enclosing the area, moving clockwise, beginning and ending at the southeast. If convenient, the Ministers and People may follow in procession.
Antiphon. We have a strong city; * salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks.
From Psalm 48. Magnus Dominus.
Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised,
In the city of our God, even upon his holy hill.
The hill of Sion is a fair place, and the joy of the whole earth;
Upon the north side lieth the city of the great king: God is well known in her palaces as a sure refuge.
Like as we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God,
God upholdeth the same for ever.
We wait for thy loving-kindness, O God,
In the midst of thy temple.
O God, according to thy Name, so is thy praise unto the world’s end;
Thy right hand is full of righteousness.
Let the mount Sion rejoice, and the daughter of Judah be glad,
Because of thy judgments.
Walk about Sion, and go round about her;
And tell the towers thereof.
Mark well her bulwarks, consider her palaces,
That ye may tell them that come after.
For this God is our God for ever and ever:
He shall be our guide unto death.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
¶ Here a Hymn may be sung. Then the Officiant, standing at the site of the Altar, shall say,
Forasmuch as devout and faithful people have taken in hand to build on this ground, now marked with the symbol of Christ, a House to be dedicated to the glory of God, (and in honour of ——,) to be known as (Title), wherein the Gospel shall be truly preached, the Sacraments duly administered, and the service of Prayer and Praise offered in this and coming generations;
¶ Then, taking the spade, and removing the first shovelful of earth, he shall continue,
Therefore I break ground for this Church; In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
¶ Minister and People
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. Amen.
O God, wonderful art thou in thy holy places;
Stablish the thing that thou hast wrought in us.
O be favourable and gracious unto Sion;
Build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
The Lord be with you;
And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
O Lord God of Israel, who didst move thy servant David to find out a place for thy temple, and dost have thy habitation among the sons of men; Vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to hallow this ground, upon which we propose to build a Church and to set up an Altar therein, that the work now begun may be brought to completion, to the honour and glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
¶ Here shall follow the Collect of the Name of the Church. Then the Officiant shall say,
Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God; arise therefore and build ye the sanctuary of the Lord God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the Name of the Lord; and may the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you, and remain with you always. Amen.
II. THE LAYING OF THE CORNER STONE
¶ Before the service, the Foundation Symbols, namely, the Cross, the Holy Bible, the Book of Common Prayer, the Record of Founders, and any other articles to be deposited in the Corner Stone, shall be ready at the place of vesting.
¶ The Record of Founders, copies of which shall be filed with the Bishop and with the Clerk of the Congregation, shall contain the names of the Bishop, the Clergy and Lay Officials of the Congregation, and the Contributors to the building.
¶ The Bishop, or a Priest appointed by him, shall officiate. Having vested near by, the Ministers shall go in procession, with the People, to the site of the new Church, singing or saying the Prayer Book Litany or the Litany for the Church. Appointed Laymen shall bear the Foundation Symbols. An appointed Minister shall read the Lesson, as follows.
Hear the words of the First Epistle General of Saint Peter.
The Lesson. 1 St. Peter 2:1.
Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: if so be that ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore it is contained in the scriptures, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light; which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
¶ Here may follow a Hymn and an Instruction or Sermon. Then the persons appointed shall deposit the Foundation Symbols in the Corner Stone, as follows.
1. The Cross
Layman. I place the Cross of Christ in this foundation; In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Officiant. God forbid that I should glory save in the Cross;
People. For other foundation can no man lay that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
2. The Holy Bible
Layman. I place the Holy Bible in this foundation; In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Officiant. Seek ye out the Book of the Lord and read;
People. For we are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief Corner Stone.
3. The Book of Common Prayer
Layman. I place the Book of Common Prayer in this foundation; In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Officiant. Prayer shall be made ever unto him, and daily shall he be praised;
People. That we may continue steadfastly in the Apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers.
4. The Record of Founders
Layman. I place the Record of Founders in this foundation; In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Officiant. A book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his Name;
People. This shall be written for those who come after, and the people which shall be born shall praise the Lord.
¶ Then mention shall be made of any other articles to be deposited, and they shall be placed in the stone. After which, while the following Antiphon and Psalm are being sung or said, the receptacle shall be sealed and the Corner Stone made ready for laying.
Antiphon. Behold, I lay in Sion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: * judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet.
From Psalm 118. Confitemini Domino.
O Give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious;
Because his mercy endureth for ever.
Let Israel now confess that he is gracious;
And that his mercy endureth for ever.
Yea, let them now that fear the Lord confess;
That his mercy endureth for ever.
The Lord is my strength and my song,
And is become my salvation.
The voice of joy and health is in the dwellings of the righteous;
The right hand of the Lord bringeth mighty things to pass.
The right hand of the Lord hath the pre-eminence;
The right hand of the Lord bringeth mighty things to pass.
Open me the gates of righteousness;
That I may go into them, and give thanks unto the Lord.
This is the gate of the Lord;
The righteous shall enter into it.
I will thank thee for thou hast heard me;
And art become my salvation.
The same stone which the builders refused,
Is become the head stone in the corner.
This is the Lord’s doing,
And it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day which the Lord hath made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Help me now, O Lord;
O Lord send us now prosperity.
O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious;
And his mercy endureth for ever.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
¶ Then the Officiant shall say,
O Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who art the brightness of the Father’s glory, and the express image of his person, the one foundation, and the chief corner stone; Bless what we do now in laying this stone in thy Name, and be thou, we beseech thee, the beginning, the increase, and the consummation of this work, which is undertaken to the glory of thy Name; who with the Father and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, one God, world without end. Amen.
¶ Then, assisted b the builders, the Officiant shall lay the stone, and striking it three times with a trowel, shall say,
I Lay this Corner Stone: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Here let the true faith and fear of God, with brotherly love, ever abide; and may this place now set apart with prayer, and with the invocation and praise of the Most Holy Name, be evermore the Temple of the Most High God; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.
¶ Here trumpets may be sounded, and the Officiant shall say,
Praise ye the Lord, because the foundation of the House of the Lord is laid!
¶ And the People shall reply with a loud voice,
ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA!
¶ Here a Hymn may be sung. Then the Officiant shall conclude with the following.
Anthem. Except the Lord build the house; their labour is but lost that build it; * the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are his.
¶ Minister and People
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. Amen.
Prosper thou the work of our hands upon us;
O prosper thou our handy-work.
Let thy merciful kindness, O Lord, be upon us;
Like as we do put our trust in thee.
The Lord be with you;
And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
O almighty God, who hast built thy Church upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the head corner stone; Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their doctrine, that we may be made an holy temple acceptable unto thee; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
¶ Here shall follow the Collect for the Name of the Church. Then the Officiant shall say,
O God, who laid the foundations of the earth; Make sure this corner stone and the foundation of the Church now begun in thy Name, and bless all who take part in this holy undertaking; remember for good those who give alms; guide those who plan and direct the work; give skill to the workmen and protect them from harm; that the building of thy temple may be completed, to the glory of thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.
Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee: he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord; And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be with you, and remain with you always. Amen.
The Opening of a Church
¶ For use before the Consecration.
¶ The Bishop, or a Priest appointed by him, shall officiate. But if the Opening and Consecration take place at the same time, the Bishop shall officiate.
¶ Bells and organ shall remain silent, and no lights shall be lighted, until the time appointed. The Altar shall be bare, its vestments and ornaments being placed near by.
THE OPENING OF THE DOOR
¶ The People having assembled in the Church shall stand facing the Door. The Senior Warden, or some other appointed Layman, shall close the Door, and wait inside to open it. The Officiant and other Ministers, having vested, shall go outside to the Church Door, where the Officiant, with the foot of the Pastoral Staff or of the Processional Cross, shall knock three times, saying,
Open me the gates of righteousness, that I may go into them, and give thanks unto the Lord.
¶ The Warden shall open the door, and say,
This is the gate of the Lord, the righteous shall enter into it.
¶ Then the Officiant, with the foot of the Pastoral Staff or of the Processional Cross, may mark the threshold with the sign of the cross, and shall say,
Peace be to this House, and to all who enter here; In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
¶ Then the Procession shall enter the Church, stopping inside the Door. Meanwhile an appointed Minister shall say responsively with the People the following Antiphon and Psalm.
Antiphon. This is none other than the house of God, * and this is the gate of heaven.
Psalm 122. Laetatus sum.
I was glad when they said unto me,
We will go into the house of the Lord.
Our feet shall stand in thy gates,
O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is built as a city,
That is at unity in itself.
For thither the tribes go up, even the tribes of the Lord;
To testify unto Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the Lord.
For there is the seat of judgment;
Even the seat of the house of David.
O pray for the peace of Jerusalem;
They shall prosper that love thee.
Peace be within thy walls;
And plenteousness within thy palaces.
For my brethren and companions’ sake,
I will wish thee prosperity.
Yea, because of the house of the Lord our God,
I will seek to do thee good.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
¶ The People kneeling, the Officiant and other Ministers shall proceed up the centre aisle to the Chancel Gate, saying or singing the Prayer Book Litany or the Litany for the Church.
BENEDICTION OF THE ORNAMENTS
¶ Then, the People standing, the Officiant may go with the other Ministers to bless the various Ornaments, Vessels, and Vestments of the Church, beginning with the Font, and ending with the Altar, using the forms provided under Benedictions. A Hymn may be sung while the Ministers move to the various stations.
THE DEDICATION
¶ After blessing the Altar, the Officiant shall turn to the people, and say,
The Lord be with you;
And with thy spirit.
Lift up your hearts;
We lift them up unto the Lord.
Let us give thanks unto our Lord God;
It is meet and right so to do.
¶ Then turning back to the Altar, he shall continue,
It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, holy Father, who dwellest in the heavens, yet hast thy habitation among the sons of men; who by thy blessed Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, didst cleanse the temple, that it might be a house of prayer for all people; Regard, we beseech thee, the supplications of thy people; cleanse and sanctify this house, which we desire to dedicate unto thee, that being devoted henceforth to the proclamation of thy glorious Gospel, the ministration of thy holy Sacraments, and the offering of prayer and praise, it may be filled with the glory of thine abiding presence, and may be an holy temple acceptable unto thee; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord; by whom, and with whom, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, all honour and glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world without end. Amen.
¶ Then the Officiant may pour water on the midst of the Altar in the form of a cross, and shall say,
I dedicate this Altar, and this Temple, together with all the Vessels and Vestments thereof, to the glory of God, and in honour of ——: In he Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
¶ Here bells may be rung, and the organ shall sound for the first time. The Officiant shall dry the Altar with a towel, and then go to his seat.
THE VESTING OF THE ALTAR
¶ While the following Antiphon and Canticle are being sung, appointed Ministers shall vest the Altar, place the Ornaments, and (unless the Consecration is to follow) light the lights.
Antiphon. Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Sion: * put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city.
Canticle. Benedictus es, Domine.
Blessed are thou O Lord God of our Fathers: * praised and exalted above all for ever. Blessed art thou for the name of thy majesty: * praised and exalted above all for ever.
Blessed art thou in the temple of thy holiness; * praised and exalted above all for ever.
Blessed art thou that beholdest the depth, and dwellest between the Cherubim: * praised and exalted above all for ever.
Blessed art thou on the glorious throne of thy kingdom: * praised and exalted above all for ever.
Blessed art thou in the firmament of heaven: * praised and exalted above all for ever.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
¶ If the Consecration is to follow, the Bishop shall proceed to that service immediately. Otherwise the Officiant shall begin the Holy Communion, at which the following shall be the Collect, Epistle, and Gospel.
THE HOLY COMMUNION
The Collect
O almighty God, who in every place art present, and yet dost hallow the places set apart to thy Name; Pour forth thy blessing upon this House of Prayer; and grant that all who shall seek thee here, may ever find the light of thy countenance, and the joy of thy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
¶ Then shall be said the Collect of the Name of the Church.
The Epistle. Revelation 4.
After this I looked, and behold a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. And out of the throne proceeded lightenings, and thunderings, and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God. And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes before and behind. And the first was like a lion, and the second like a calf, and the third had a face as a man, and the fourth was like a flying eagle. And the four living creatures had each of them six wings about him: and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those living creatures give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, the four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
The Gospel. St. Mark 14:12.
And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the Passover, his 1-1disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover? And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him. And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? And he will show you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us. And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.
Benediction of Church Ornaments
¶ For use at the Opening of a Church, at the Blessing of Houses, and at other times when new things are to be blessed.
¶ To be used at the Offertory of the Liturgy, after the Collects of the Daily Offices, or separately.
AN ALTAR
Antiphon. Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: * and make there an altar unto God.
I will go unto the altar of God;
Even unto the God of my joy and gladness.
Let us pray.
Almighty God, who of old didst command thy servants to erect altars unto thy Name, and by thy blessed Son didst sanctify the Holy Table in the upper room by the offering of the Holy Eucharist; Bless, we beseech thee, this Altar, set up to thy glory, (and in honour of ——,) and grant that the offerings made here may be acceptable unto thee, both to the relief of our necessities and to the setting forth of thy glory; though Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
CHALICE AND PATEN
Antiphon. O taste and see how gracious the Lord is; * blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the Body of Christ?
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the Blood of Christ?
Let us pray.
Almighty God, who by thy blessed Son didst institute the blessed Sacrament of his Body and Blood; Bless, we pray thee, this Chalice and Paten, for use at the altar of thy Church, and grant that herewith the sacrifice of thy dear Son may be continually offered, and that those who receive therefrom the holy Mysteries may be filled with thy grace and heavenly benediction; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
ALTAR VESTMENTS
Antiphon. This is the offering which ye shall take of them; * gold, and silver, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen.
O Lord my God, thou art become exceeding glorious;
Thou art clothed with majesty and honour.
Let us pray.
O glorious God, whose perfect beauty the wonderful design of all thy works proclaim; Bless, we beseech thee, this ——, which we devoutly offer unto thee, that it may beautify the place of thy sanctuary and show forth thy glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A CROSS
Antiphon. God forbid that I should glory, * save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He became obedient unto death;
Even the death of the cross.
Let us pray.
O heavenly Father, who gave thine only-begotten Son both to die for our Sins, and to rise again for our justification; Bless, we beseech thee, this Cross, that looking upon it with reverence and true devotion, it may be unto us the sign of triumph, and the banner of our salvation; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
LAMPS AND CANDLESTICKS
Antiphon. There were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, * which are the seven spirits of God.
Thou also shalt light my candle;
The Lord my God shall make my darkness to be light.
Let us pray.
O heavenly Father, who showed thy Son amidst the candlesticks, and thy Spirit in seven lamps of fire before thy throne; Bless, we beseech thee, these ——, for use in the service of thy Church, that being kindled for thy glory as we worship thee, they may ever remind us of thy presence; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
CLERGY VESTMENTS
Antiphon. Thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother. * for glory and for beauty.
Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness;
And let thy saints sing with joyfulness.
Let us pray.
O God, who didst reveal thy blessed Son clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about with a golden girdle; Bless, we beseech thee, this ——, for the use of the clergy of thy holy Church, that being clothed with humility, as they minister to thee, they may show forth his eternal priesthood; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
LAY VESTMENTS
Antiphon. I beheld, and low, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindred, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the lamb, * clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands.
He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation;
He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness.
Let us pray.
O God, before whose heavenly throne thy ransomed servants, arrayed in white robes, continually minister unto thee; Hallow, we pray thee, this ——, for the lay ministers of thy Church, that serving before thy earthly throne with true piety, they may worship thee in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A BIBLE, EPISTLE OR GOSPEL BOOK
Antiphon. Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, * that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
Then opened he their understanding;
That they might understand the Scriptures.
Let us pray.
O heavenly Father, whose blessed Son taught the disciples in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself; Bless, we pray thee, this Bible, and grant us so diligently to search thy holy Word, that we may be wise unto salvation, and furnished unto every good work; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A SERVICE BOOK
Antiphon. So the service of the house of the Lord, * was set in order.
All kings shall bow down before him;
All nations shall do him service.
Let us pray.
Bless, we beseech thee, O Lord of hosts, this Book of Common Prayer; and grant that as thy saints and angels always do thee service in heaven, so we, with them, may worship thee acceptably upon earth, to the glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A LECTERN
Antiphon. Jesus, as his custom was, went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, * and stood up for to read.
They read in the book in the law of God distinctly;
And caused them to understand the reading.
Let us pray.
Bless, O Lord, this Lectern, and grant that all who shall here read the Scriptures which thou hast given us, being trained in mind and heart and voice, may be filled with the faith of the Gospel; and that all who hear thy holy Word may receive it into an honest and good heart, and may bring forth fruit with patience; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A PULPIT
Antiphon. Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood * which they had made for the purpose.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me;
To preach good tidings unto the meek.
Let us pray.
Show the light of thy countenance upon us, O Lord, and bless both this Pulpit and those who shall preach therefrom; that the going forth of thy Word may so enlighten us, that we may rightly understand and truly perform thy will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
AN ORGAN
Antiphon. They take the timbrel and harp; * and rejoice at the sound of the organ.
Praise him in the sound of the trumpet;
Praise him upon the strings and pipe.
Let us pray.
O Lord, before whose throne angelic trumpets sound, and saints and angels sing the song of Moses and the Lamb; Accept and bless this Organ for the worship of thy holy temple; that joy and gladness may be found therein, thanksgiving and the voice of melody; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
BELLS
Antiphon. Their sound is gone our into all lands; * and their words into the ends of the world.
Unto you, O men, I call;
And my voice is to the sons of men.
Let us pray.
O God, who of old didst appoint silver trumpets to sound in the temple; Bless now, we beseech thee, this Bell, that the voice thereof may call men to worship, and that with joy we may lift up our hearts unto thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PICTURES AND STATUES
Antiphon. He carved all the walls of the house round about, * with carved figures of cherubim and palm trees and open flowers, within and without.
A word fitly spoken;
Is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
Let us pray.
O God, whose invisible things are clearly seen by the things which are made; Accept and bless, we beseech thee, this ——, the figure of ——, which we dedicate to the glory of thy Name, for the adornment of thy temple and the edification of thy people, that looking thereon with spiritual understanding, we may be inspired to give our lives to thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
WINDOWS
Antiphon. I will make thy windows of agates, * and all thy borders of pleasant stones.
Look upon the rainbow, and praise him that made it;
Very beautiful it is in the brightness thereof.
Let us pray.
O God, who hast filled the world with the radiance of thy glory; Bless, we beseech thee, this Window, which we dedicate to thee, (in honour of thy servant ——,) that as the light shines through it in many colors, so our lives may show forth the beauty of thy manifold gifts of grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
CLERGY SEATS
Antiphon. Behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne; * and round about the throne were four and twenty seats, and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting.
The Lord hath prepared his seat in heaven;
And his kingdom ruleth over all.
Let us pray.
O God, whose blessed Son promised that the Apostles should sit on thrones, judging the tribes of Israel, Bless, we beseech thee, this Chair, for the official use of the Bishop of this Church, and grant that he may exercise the authority which thou hast given him with such humility and love, that he may be an example to the flock committed to his charge; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A CHANCEL SCREEN
Antiphon. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say his flesh, * let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.
O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving
And into his courts with praise.
Let us pray.
O God, who hast consecrated for us a new and living way into the holiest, by the death and resurrection of thy dear Son; Bless, we pray thee, this Rood Screen as the sign of the veil between the visible and the invisible worlds, and grant that as we enter through the gates thereof, we may ever strive to lay hold on the things which are eternal; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A FONT
Antiphon. Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, * calling on the Name of the Lord.
Thou shalt purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean;
Thou shall wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.
Let us pray.
Almighty God, we pray thee to hallow with thy heavenly benediction this Font which we dedicate to thee; that whosoever shall be baptized therein, being cleansed from sin, may be born again into the family of thy holy Church, and may attain unto everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A GRAVE OR CEMETERY
Antiphon. In the place where he was crucified there was a garden: * and in the garden a new sepulcher, wherein was never man yet laid.
The eternal God is thy refuge;
And underneath are the everlasting arms.
Let us pray.
O God, whose blessed Son was laid in the holy sepulcher in the garden; Bless, we beseech thee, this Grave, that he whose body is buried here may dwell with Christ in paradise, and may come to thy heavenly kingdom; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
ANY CHURCH ORNAMENT
Antiphon. He beautified the sanctuary, * and multiplied the vessels of the temple.
Glory and worship are before him;
Power and honour are in his sanctuary.
Let us pray.
O God, who by thy blessed Son hast sanctified and transfigured the use of all material things; Bless with the presence of thy hallowing grace this ——, which we desire to set apart for the service of thy holy Church, that using it humbly as we minister to thee, we may glorify thy holy Name; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A GENERAL BENEDICTION
Antiphon. Every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving; * for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
Thou hast created all things;
And for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Let us pray.
Almighty God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; Bless, we beseech thee, this ——, that receiving it with thanksgiving, we may use it for the relief of our necessity and the setting forth of thy glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Blessing of Houses
¶ For the Benediction of Homes, and of Ecclesiastical, Educational, and Medical Buildings.
¶ Any religious ornaments may be blessed in the rooms in which they are to be used, the Priest using the form provided under Benedictions.
AT THE DOOR
¶ As the Priest enters the House he shall say,
Peace be to this House, and to all who enter here.
Anthem. Through wisdom is a house builded, and by understanding is it established; * the house of the righteous shall stand, and by knowledge shall the rooms be filled with riches.
¶ Then shall follow the Blessing of the Light, or the Priest may pass at once to the Blessing of the Rooms, at his discretion.
THE BLESSING OF THE LIGHT
¶ A Candle shall be brought to the Priest, who shall light it and bless it as follows.
Hear the words of the holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew.
Glory be to thee, O Lord.
The Gospel. St. Matthew 5:14.
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your lights so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Praise be to thee, O Christ.
There is sprung up a light for the righteous;
And joyful gladness for such as are true-hearted.
The Lord be with you;
And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
O God, whose glory shines as the light in the face of Jesus Christ; Bless, we beseech thee, this candle for the illumination of this place, and grant that as it giveth light unto all that are in the house, so those who enter here may show forth in their lives the brightness of good works; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
¶ This Candle shall be borne before the Priest into all the rooms that are to be blessed, and other lights in the house may be kindled from it.
THE BLESSING OF THE ROOMS
THE ENTRANCE HALL
Antiphon. Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, * and shut thy doors about thee.
The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in;
From this time forth for evermore.
Let us pray.
O Lord, who art about our paths and art acquainted with all our ways; Preserve all in this house in their going out and coming in, that ever seeking to walk with thee, they may attain at last unto the eternal habitations; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE ORATORY
Antiphon. Whoso dwelleth under the defence of the Most High, * shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Have respect unto the prayers of thy servants;
And to their supplications.
Let us pray.
Give ear, Lord, unto the prayers which shall be offered here, and with thy grace protect those who offer them, pouring forth blessings upon both their souls and bodies, that they may so serve thee in this life, that in the world to come they may have life everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Antiphon. Obey them which have the rule over you, and submit yourselves, * for they watch for your souls as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy and not with grief.
Know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord;
And esteem them very highly in love for their works’ sake.
Let us pray.
Almighty God, be present in this place with those whom thou hast set in authority over this house, and so stir in them the manifold gifts of thy Holy Spirit, that both by their life and doctrine they may show forth thy true and living word; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE COMMON OR LIVING ROOM
Antiphon. A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another as I have loved you; * by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples.
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love;
In honour preferring one another.
Let us pray.
O God, who hast taught us that all our doings without charity are nothing worth; Give thy blessing to all who shall share this room, that they may be knit together in true fellowship here upon earth, and finally may be joined in the communion of thy saints in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE STUDY, LIBRARY, OR CLASS ROOMS
Antiphon. Every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, * which bringeth forth out of his treasures things new and old.
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser;
Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
Let us pray.
O God the Holy Ghost, the Teacher who leadest into all truth; Grant us so to give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine, and so to meditate in thy law, that we may be filled with the knowledge of thy will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE LABORATORIES AND WORK ROOMS
Antiphon. Study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, * that ye may walk honestly towards them that are without, and that ye may lack nothing.
Work your work betimes;
And in his time he will give you your reward.
Let us pray.
O God, the Creator of all things, whose blessed Son worked in the carpenter shop of Nazareth; Be present with those who work in this place, and grant that, laboring diligently as fellow-workers with thee, they may share in the joy of thy creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE DINING ROOM OR REFECTORY
Antiphon. The eyes of all wait upon thee, O Lord, * and thou givest them their meat in due season.
The poor shall eat and be satisfied;
They that seek after the Lord shall praise him.
Let us pray.
O God, who givest food to all flesh; Fill our hearts with joy and gladness, that we, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound unto every good work; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE KITCHEN
Antiphon. Behold, I will send you corn and wine and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith; * be glad then and rejoice in the Lord your God.
Thou, O God, hast of thy goodness prepared for the poor;
Thou fillest us with the flour of wheat.
Let us pray.
O eternal God, who fillest the hungry with good things; Send thy blessing upon this Kitchen and upon all who work in it, and make us ever thankful for our daily bread; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE BEDROOMS OR DORMITORIES
Antiphon. Save us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping, * that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.
Have I not remembered thee in my bed;
And thought upon thee when I was waking.
Let us pray.
O heavenly Father, who dost ever guard thy children by thy grace; Bless, we beseech thee, this room, and thy servants who occupy it, that waking they may be thankful for thy protection, and asleep they may rest in thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE INFIRMATY OR WARDS
Antiphon. Jesus sent them to preach the kingdom, * and to heal the sick.
Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed;
Save me, and I shall be saved; for thou art my praise.
Let us pray.
Almighty God, the giver of life and health, who didst send thine only-begotten Son into the world, that all thy children might be made whole; Send thy blessing on all who are sick in this place, and upon those who minister to them of thy healing gifts, that they may be restored to health of body and of mind; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE GUEST ROOM
Antiphon. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, * for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Love ye therefore the stranger;
For ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
Let us pray.
O almighty God, who by thy holy Apostle hast taught us to use hospitality without grudging; Bless, we beseech thee, this guest room that all who sojourn here may be received in true friendship and love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE PORCH, CORRIDORS, OR CLOISTERS
Antiphon. Jesus walked in the temple, * in Solomon’s porch.
Teach me thy way, O Lord;
And I will walk in my house with a perfect heart.
Let us pray.
O God, who dost ever guide us by thy Holy Spirit; Give thy blessing to all who walk here, that ever seeking to know and to fulfill thy will, they may come to the way which leadeth to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE BLESSING OF THE HOUSE
¶ Proceeding again to the Entrance, or to some other convenient place, the Priest shall complete the blessing of the House as follows.
Anthem. The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever; * and my people shall dwell in peaceable habitations, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.
¶ Minister and People
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil. Amen.
O Lord, protect this house;
And let thy holy angels dwell herein.
The Lord be with you;
And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
¶ Here the Priest shall use one of the following Prayers, according to the nature of the building, and shall conclude with the Blessing.
For a Home
O heavenly Father, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named; Be present in this house, that all who live here, being kindly affectioned one to another, may find it an haven of blessing and of peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For a Parish House
O God, who by thy Holy Spirit has made us all members of the fellowship of thy holy Church; Give thy blessing to this Parish House, which we now dedicate to the use of thy Church, and grant that all who enter here, whether to teach or to learn, to work or to play, may be bound together in thy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For a School, College, or Seminary
O Lord our God, the source of all knowledge and all truth; Bless with thy heavenly grace this School, and all who study here, that by the inspiration of thy wisdom, both teachers and scholars may love thee with all their mind, and find in all created things the revelation of thy glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For a Hospital
O God, the giver of health and salvation; Give thy blessing to this Hospital, and to all who serve herein, that doing all that they do for love of thee, they may with wisdom, skill, and sympathy minister to the sick; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For a Conventual House
O God, who preparest a mansion in heaven for all those who forsake this world; Enrich, even now, this earthly house with thy heavenly treasure, and grant to the members of this Community such grace, that having served thee with constancy upon earth, they fail not finally to attain thy heavenly promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us bless the Lord;
Thanks be to God.
The Almighty and merciful Lord, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, bless and keep us. Amen.
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