A History of Horncastle, from the earliest period to the present time

by J. Conway Walter

The Provincial Grand Secretary will read aloud the inscription on the Stone and Plate, which
will then be placed in position.

The W. Master, 1304, will then present the Trowel to the P.G.M., who will adjust the cement,
and the upper stone will be lowered, with three distinct stops.

The R.W. the P.G.M. will now prove the just position and form of the stone by the Plumb Rule, Level, and Square, which will be successively handed to him by the P.G. Junior Warden, the P.G. Senior Warden, and Deputy Provincial Grand Master. Being satisfied in these particulars, he will give the stone three knocks with the Mallet, which will be delivered to him by the Grand Superintendent of Works.

The Cornucopiæ, containing the Corn and Salt, and the Ewers, with the Wine and Oil, will next be handed to the R.W. the P.G.M., who will strew the Corn and Salt, and pour the Wine and Oil over the stone, with the accustomed ceremonies.

Invocation by the P.G. Chaplain.

The R.W. the P.G.M. having inspected the Plan of the intended building, will deliver the same to the Architect, together with the several tools used in proving the position of the stone, and desire him to proceed without loss of time to the completion of the Work, in conformity with the Plan.

The following Hymn will then be sung:—

God of Light! whose love unceasing
Doth to all Thy works extend,
Crown our Order with Thy blessing.
Build—sustain us to the end.

Humbly now we bow before Thee,
Grateful for Thine aid Divine;
Everlasting power and glory,
Mighty Architect, be Thine. So mote it be

The Procession will return in inverse order to the P.G. Lodge Room.