At the time appointed, the Grand Lodge is convened at some suitable place, approved by the Grand Master, the brethren appearing in the insignia of the Order, with white gloves and aprons. The Lodge is then opened in ample form, and the rules for regulating the procession are read by the Grand Secretary. The Lodge is then called from labor in the Lodge room, and placed in charge of the Grand Marshal, and sets out to perform the ceremony of laying the corner-stone in the following manner, viz: MARSHALL Entered Apprentices; "R. W. G. S. Warden: The Grand Lodge of Texas having been invited to lay the corner-stone of this edifice, and having assembled for that purpose, I now order that this, the representation of the Grand Lodge of Texas, do now assist me in the performance of this work. This my will and pleasure you will, therefore, proclaim to the Grand Junior Warden, that the brethren and others present may have due notice thereof." The Grand Senior Warden says: "Bro. Grand Junior Warden: It is the order of the M. W. G. Master that the corner-stone be now laid with Masonic honors; this you will proclaim to all present, that the occasion may be observed with due order and solemnity." The Grand Junior Warden then says: "Brethren and all persons present will take notice that the M. W. G. Master will now proceed to lay this corner-stone in due Masonic form. You will, therefore, observe the order and decorum becoming the important and The Grand Master then says: "R. W. G. Treasurer: I now order you to deposit the corn, medals and papers in the place prepared for their reception." The principal Architect then presents the working tools to the G. Master, who directs the G. Marshal to present them to the Deputy G. Master and Grand Senior and Junior Wardens. The G. M., D. G. M., and G. Wardens then descend from the platform; the G. M. with the Trowel, the D. G. Master with the Square, the G. S. Warden with the Level, and the G. J. Warden With the Plumb--the G. M. standing at the East of the stone, his Deputy on his right, the G. S. Warden at the West and the G. J. Warden at the South side of the stone. The Grand Master then spreads the cement, and when done, directs the G. Marshal to order the Craftsmen to lower the stone by three motions. The Public Grand Honors are then given. The Square, Level and Plumb are then applied to the stone by the proper officers. G. M.--R. W. D. G. Master: What is the proper Jewel of your office? A.--The Square. G. M.--Have you applied the Square to those parts of the stone that should be squared? "I find this foundation-stone well formed, true and trusty, and may this undertaking be conducted and completed by the Craftsmen, according to the Grand Plan, in Peace, Love, and Harmony." The D. G. M. then receives from the Grand Marshal the vessel containing Corn, and, spreading the corn upon the stone, says:
Fellow-Crafts;
Two Tilers, with drawn swords;
Tiler of the oldest Lodge, with a drawn sward;
Two Stewards of the oldest Lodge;
Master Masons;
Stewards;
Junior Deacons;
Senior Deacons;
Secretaries;
Treasurers;
Past Wardens;
Junior Wardens;
Senior Wardens;
Mark Masters;
Past Masters;
Royal Arch Masons;
Knights Templars;
Masters of Lodges;
Music;