I
FORM FOR THE
LAYING OF A FOUNDATION STONE OF A CHURCH

HYMN

¶ All things being disposed in order for the Laying of the Stone, the Bishop shall say:

    Dearly beloved in the Lord, we are gathered together here to lay the Foundation Stone of a building which we humbly trust may in due time be consecrated as a house of God. And first, let us praise God’s Holy Name for the mercy and goodness with which He has so far prospered our work; and let us further devoutly pray that He will bless all who are engaged in this work, and who in any way contribute to its completion.

¶ Then shall be sung or said Psalm lxxxiv.
Quam dilecta.

    O how amiable are Thy dwellings: Thou Lord of hosts!
    My soul hath a desire and longing to enter into the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God.
    Yea, the sparrow hath found her an house, and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young: even Thy altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.
    Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house: they will be alway praising Thee. Blessed is the man whose strength is in Thee: in whose heart are Thy ways.
    Who going through the vale of misery use it for a well: and the pools are filled with water.
    They will go from strength to strength: and unto the God of gods appeareth every one of them in Sion.
    O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer: hearken, O God of Jacob.
    Behold, O God our defender: and look upon the face of Thine Anointed.
    For one day in Thy courts: is better than a thousand.
    I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God: than to dwell in the tents of ungodliness.
    For the Lord God is a light and defence: the Lord will give grace and worship, and no good thing shall He withhold from them that live a godly life.
    O Lord God of hosts: blessed is the man that putteth his trust in Thee.
    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 shall be read the Lesson.

Ezra iii. 10 to 12; or Zech. iv. 6 to 11; or I Cor. iii. 10 to 17.

¶ Then shall be said or sung.

    V. O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is gracious: for His mercy endureth for ever.
    R. O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is gracious: for His mercy endureth for ever.
    V. O give thanks unto the God of all Gods.
    R. For His mercy endureth for ever.
    V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost.
    R. O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is gracious: for His mercy endureth for ever.

Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.

    Our Father, which art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, The power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.
 

    V. Behold I lay in Sion a Chief Corner Stone, elect, precious.
    R. And he that believeth in Him shall not be confounded.
    V. Except the Lord build the house.
    R. Their labours is but lost that build it.
    V. Our help is in the Name of the Lord.
    R. Who hath made Heaven and Earth.
    V. Blessed be the Name of the Lord.
    R. From this time forth for evermore.

¶ Then shall the Bishop say.
The Lord be with you.
Answer. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.

    O Almighty Lord God, Who although the heaven of heavens cannot contain Thee, yet dost vouchsafe to dwell with Thy Church on earth: visit, we beseech Thee, with Thy loving kindness, this place whereon we lay the foundations of a house to the praise and honour of Thy Holy Name. Let it not be profaned by impiety, or put to common use; and as Thou didst fulfil the devotion of Thy servant David through the labours of his son, so likewise grant that our desire may be accomplished, that Thy servants may see Thy work, and their children Thy glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

¶ Then the Bishop, laying his hand upon the Stone, shall say:

    O Lord Jesu 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 Cornerstone; bless what we now do in laying this Stone in Thy name, and be Thou, we beseech Thee, the beginning, the increase, and the consummation of this our work, which is undertaken to the glory of Thy name, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit livest and reignest, one God, world without end. Amen.

Then, all things being made ready, the Stone shall be laid by the person appointed thereto, with these words:

    In the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, we place this Foundation Stone, in the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. Amen.

¶ Then shall the Bishop say.

    Here let the true faith and fear of God, with brotherly love, ever abide; and may this place now set apart with prayers, 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. Amen.

¶ Then shall be sung a Hymn or the Doxology.

    Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,
    Praise Him, all creatures here below,
    Praise Him above, angelic Host,
    Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Let us pray.

    Almighty and Everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified; receive our supplications and prayers, which we offer before Thee for all estates of men in Thy Holy Church, especially for those who have given of their substance to this good work; that every member of the same, in his vocation and ministry, may truly and godly serve Thee; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

    O God, who art the Shield and Defence of Thy people, be ever at hand, we beseech Thee, to protect and succour the builders of this house; preserve them in body and soul, and shelter them from all accident and peril, that the work which, through Thy mercy, hath now been begun, may by their labour be brought to a happy end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ Then one or more addresses shall be given, after which a Hymn shall be sung, and the offerings collected and placed upon the Stone.

¶ Then shall the Bishop say.

    Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings with Thy most gracious favour, and further us with Thy continual help, that in all our works begun, continued and ended in Thee, we may glorify Thy Holy Name, and finally by Thy mercy obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

    The blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen.
 

II

FORM FOR THE
DEDICATION OF A CHURCH
OR
MISSION CHAPEL

¶ The Churchwardens, or other fit persons, shall say at the main entrance:

    Reverend Father in God (or, if the Bishop has appointed a Deputy, Reverend Sir), on behalf of the people of this (District) (Parish), we request you to dedicate this church to the honour and glory of God, and in memory of His Servant Saint————.

¶ The Bishop, having declared his readiness to proceed to the Dedication, shall pass with the Clergy, the Churchwardens, and others towards the Holy Table, Psalm cxxii. being meanwhile said or sung.

Lætatus 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’ sakes: 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 Bishop, standing at the Holy Table, and turning to the people, shall say:

    Dearly beloved in the Lord, forasmuch as devout and holy men, as well under the Law as under the Gospel, moved either by the secret inspiration of the Holy Spirit, or by express command of God, or by their own reason and sense of the order and decency of things, have erected houses for the public worship of God, in order to fill men’s minds with greater reverence for His glorious majesty, and to affect their hearts with more devotion and humility in His service; which pious works have been approved and graciously accepted by our Heavenly Father: let us not doubt that He will also graciously approve our godly purpose of setting apart this place, in a solemn manner, to the performance of the several offices of religious worship: and let us faithfully and devoutly beg His blessing on this our undertaking.

¶ Then, the people kneeling, the Bishop shall say:

Let us pray.

    O Eternal and Gracious Lord God, who hast permitted us to build this house to the glory of Thy Holy Name, turn not away from us who are defiled with many sins, but forgive our trespasses, and strengthen us by the grace and presence of Thy Holy Spirit: Hearken unto us, O God our Saviour, and sanctify this House, for praise and worship, for the ministry of Thy Word and Sacraments, and for the spiritual sacrifices of Thy Church: Fill it with everlasting light, adorn it with heavenly gifts, make it a haven for the tempest-tossed, a place of healing for those that suffer, a refuge for the sick, and a house of defence against all our enemies. Let Thine ears be always attentive to our prayers, and grant that, with the intercessions of Thy whole Church, they may ascend unto Thee; through the mediation of our Great High Priest, Thy Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
    Regard, O Lord, the supplications of Thy servants, and grant that they who are here baptized into the death of Thy Son may be partakers of his glorious resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
    Give Thy blessing, O Lord, to all who shall be confirmed in this place: Strengthen them with the Holy Ghost the Comforter, and daily increase in them Thy manifold gifts of grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
    Sanctify, O Lord, and bless those who shall here be joined together in Holy Marriage, that they may please Thee both in will and deed, and live together in holy love unto their lives’ end. Amen.
    Almighty and everlasting God, who didst give to Thine Apostles grace truly to believe and to preach Thy Word; Grant, we beseech Thee, unto Thy Church, to love that Word which they believed, and both to preach and receive the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
    Be gracious, O Lord, to all those who in this place shall receive the sacred mysteries of the Body and Blood of our Saviour Christ, that they who see Thee now by faith, may after this life have the fruition of Thy Glorious Godhead; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
    O most glorious Lord God, we acknowledge that we are not worthy to make our offerings unto Thee: yet we beseech Thee of Thy goodness mercifully to accept the dedication of this place to Thy worship and service. Receive the prayers and intercessions of us and all Thy servants, who, entering into this Thine house, shall call upon Thee: and by Thy grace prepare our hearts to serve Thee with reverence and godly fear: give us a deep sense of Thy Divine Majesty, and of our own unworthiness: that so approaching Thy sanctuary with lowliness and devotion, with purity and sincerity of heart, we may be acceptable in Thy sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
    Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

¶ Then shall a hymn be sung.

¶ Then shall follow (in shortened form) the order of Morning or Evening Prayer. The Proper Psalms shall be Psalms lxxxiv, cxxii (one or more). The first Lesson shall be 1 Kings viii, 22 to 32. The second Lesson shall be 1 Cor. iii, 10 to 18, or Heb. x, 19 to 27.

¶ The following Prayer shall be said after the Collect for the day:

    O most blessed Saviour, who didst hallow with Thy Presence the Feast of Dedication: be present at this time with us Thy people: and because holiness becometh Thine house for ever, sanctify us by Thy Holy Spirit, that we may be living temples holy and acceptable to Thee: and that being cleansed from all carnal and corrupt affections, we may be devoutly given to serve Thee in all good works: who dwellest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

¶ If there be a Celebration of the Holy Communion, the Collect, Epistle and Gospel shall be those of the Festival of the Saint in whose name the Church is dedicated. If there be none appointed, the Collect shall be that for all Saints Day, the Epistle Rev. vii, 13 to the end, and the Gospel S. Matt. v, 1 to 13.
 

III

FORM OF
CONSECRATION OF A CHURCH
IN THE
PROVINCE OF NEW ZEALAND

¶ The Bishop, attended by his Chaplain, is to be received at the West door, by the Minister and Clergy, the Churchwardens, and some of the principal inhabitants. At the place where the Bishop is received, a Petition, signed by the Vicar and Churchwardens, shall be delivered to the Bishop, praying that he will consecrate the Church. The Bishop will receive the Petition, order the same to be read, and signify his consent to consecrate the Church according to the prayer therein contained.

¶ Then the Bishop shall say:
Let us pray.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.

    Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil. Amen.

¶ Then the Bishop shall enter the Church, followed by the Procession, and a key of the Church shall be handed to him.

¶ Then the Bishop, standing near the west end of the Church, shall say:

    Enter, O Lord, this House, we beseech Thee, and within the hearts of Thy faithful people establish for Thyself an everlasting habitation: that this church, which is built to Thy glory, may be glorified also by Thine abiding presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
    Peace be to this House from God our Heavenly Father. Peace be to this House from God who is our peace.
    Peace be to this House from the Holy Ghost, the Comforter.

¶ Then shall they proceed through the Church from West to East, singing—

PSALM 24.

    The earth is the Lord’s, and all that therein is: the compass of the world, and they that dwell therein.
    For He hath founded it upon the seas: and prepared it upon the floods. Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord: or who shall rise up in His holy place?
    Even he that hath clean hands, and a pure heart: and that hath not lift up his mind unto vanity, nor sworn to deceive his neighbour.
    He shall receive the blessing from the Lord: and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of them that seek Him: even of them that seek Thy face, O Jacob.
    Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors: and the King of Glory shall come in. Who is the King of Glory: it is the Lord, strong and mighty, even the Lord mighty in battle.
    Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors: and the King of Glory shall come in.
    Who is the King of Glory: even the Lord of Hosts, He is the King of Glory.
    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 Bishop shall then lay the key of the Church upon the Altar.

¶ After this the Congregation shall be desired, secretly in their prayers to make their humble supplications to God for his blessing upon the Church, for which purpose silence shall be kept for a space. After which shall be sung Veni, Creator Spiritus.

HYMN 157.

Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire,
And lighten with celestial fire;
Thou the anointing Spirit art,
Who dost Thy seven-fold gifts impart:

Thy blessed unction from above
Is comfort, life, and fire of love;
Enable with perpetual light
The dulness of our blinded sight;

Anoint and cheer our soiled face
With the abundance of Thy grace:
Keep far our foes, give peace at home:
Where Thou art Guide no ill can come;

Teach us to know the Father, Son,
And Thee, of Both, to be but One;
That through the ages all along
This may be our endless song.
    Praise to Thy eternal merit,
    Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
 

¶ Then shall the Bishop rise and say this Prayer, the people still kneeling.

Let us pray.

    O Eternal and Gracious Lord God, who hast permitted us to build this House to the glory of Thy Holy Name, turn not away from us who are defiled with many sins, but forgive our trespasses, and strengthen us by the grace and presence of Thy Holy Spirit: Hearken to us, O God our Saviour, and sanctify this House, for praise and worship, for the ministry of Thy Word and Sacraments, and for the spiritual sacrifices of Thy Church; Fill it with everlasting light, adorn it with heavenly gifts, make it a haven for the tempest-tossed, a place of healing for those that suffer, a refuge for the sick, and a house of defence against all our enemies. Let Thine ears be always attentive to our prayers, and grant that, with the intercessions of Thy whole Church, they may ascend unto Thee; through the mediation of our Great High Priest, Thy Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.

¶ After which, the Bishop, with the Vicar and the Churchwardens, shall proceed round the Church, and, at the Font and other appointed places, shall say the versicles and prayers following:

At the Font.

V. Reckon ye yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin;
R. But alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

    Bless this Font, O Lord, which we now dedicate to Thy service, and grant that they who are baptised into the death of Thy Son may be partakers of His glorious resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

At the Chancel Steps.

    V. Thy God hath sent forth strength for thee.
    R. Stablish the thing, O God, that thou hast wrought in us.

    Give Thy blessing, O Lord, to all who shall be confirmed in this place; strengthen them with the Holy Ghost the Comforter, and daily increase in them Thy manifold gifts of grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

V. Let every one of you so love his wife even as himself.
R. And the wife see that she reverence her husband.

    Sanctify, O Lord, and bless those who shall here be joined together in Holy Marriage, that they may please Thee both in will and deed, and live together in holy love unto their lives’ end. Amen.

At the Lectern.

V. When Thy Word goeth forth:
R. It giveth light and understanding unto the simple.

    Grant, O Lord, that all who in this place shall hear Thy Holy Word, may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil the same; through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

At the Pulpit.

    V. O send out Thy light and Thy truth, that they may lead me:
    R. And bring me unto Thy holy hill, and to Thy dwelling.

    Almighty and everlasting God, who didst give to Thine Apostles grace truly to believe and to preach Thy Word: Grant, we beseech Thee, unto Thy Church to love that Word which they believed, and both to preach and receive the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

At the Choir Stalls.

V. God is the King of all the earth.
R. Sing ye praises with understanding.

    O God, look down in mercy upon all who in this place shall lead the praises of Thy people; and grant them grace so to worship Thee here on earth, that, this life ended, they may inherit everlasting joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

At the Sanctuary Steps.

V. The Lord send thee help from the Sanctuary.
R. And strengthen thee out of Sion.

    Be gracious, O Lord, to all those who in this place shall receive the sacred mysteries of the Body and Blood of our Saviour Christ, that they who see Thee now by faith, may after this life have the fruition of Thy glorious Godhead; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

At the Altar.

V. I will go unto the Altar of God:
R. Even unto the God of my joy and gladness.

    Bless, O Lord, we beseech Thee, this Altar, for the celebration of the Holy Mysteries, wherein is shown forth the perpetual memorial of the one most blessed Sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ, who once for all suffered for the sins of the whole world, and now for ever liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

¶ The holy vessels and fair linen shall then be presented to the Bishop to be laid upon the Altar.
 

After which the Bishop shall say:

    O Lord, we beseech Thee of Thy merciful goodness to accept these offerings that we make, not of our own, but of Thine, for all things come of Thee, and of Thine own do we give Thee: Grant them for ever to be hallowed by Thy blessing; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
    Bless Thy Priests, O God: replenish them with the truth of Thy doctrine, and endue them with innocency of life, that they may faithfully serve before Thee in this place, and receive the crown of everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
    O merciful God, grant that Thy people may be sanctified as temples of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
    Grant that their prayers may ascend unto Thee as the incense, and that the lifting up of their hands may be as the daily sacrifice. Amen.
    Grant that this House, now dedicated to Thee by our office and ministry, may be for ever hallowed by Thy grace and heavenly benediction. Amen.

¶ Then shall the Bishop seat himself in his Chair, and order the Sentence of Consecration to be read, the people standing. Which done, the Bishop shall sign the Sentence, and order the document to be preserved among the muniments of the Diocese.

Then shall the Bishop say:

    By virtue of our sacred office in the Church of God, we declare this church to be consecrated, under the name of ———, to the glory of the ever blessed Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
    Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

¶ Then shall follow the Office for the Holy Communion.

The Collect.

    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 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Epistle, 1 S. Peter ii, 1 to 11.
The Gospel, S. John iv, 21 to 27.

After the Gloria in Excelsis, the Bishop shall say:

    O Eternal Lord God, who holdest all souls in life, we beseech Thee to shed forth upon Thy whole Church in Paradise and on earth the bright beams of Thy light and heavenly comfort: and grant that we, following the good examples of those who have served Thee here and are at rest, may with them enter into Thine unending joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

NOTE.—The Congregation is requested not to leave the Church after the Prayer for the “Church Militant,” but to remain throughout the Service until the Bishop and Clergy shall have passed out.
 

IV
THE OFFICE FOR THE
CONSECRATION
OF A
CHURCHYARD OR BURIAL GROUND

¶ The Deed of Conveyance; or, if the ground be a portion of a Public Cemetery, the consent of the Trustees: together with such other Documents as may be necessary, shall be laid before the Bishop some time before the day appointed for the Consecration.

¶ At the time of the Consecration the Bishop shall be received at the entrance of the Church, Churchyard, or portion of ground to be consecrated, by the Clergy, Churchwardens and others. The Petition for Consecration shall then be presented and read, and the Bishop shall signify his assent to the Petition, in these words:

    I will consecrate the ground in accordance with your petition.

¶ If there be a Church upon or near the ground, the Shortened Form of Morning or Evening Prayer may then be said.

Proper Psalm, xc.
Proper Lessons, Gen. xxiii., and S. John v. 21 to 30.

¶ Then, or if there be no Morning or Evening Prayer, immediately after his assent to the Petition, the Bishop, preceded by the Churchwardens, and followed by the Clergy, Choir and people, shall proceed round the ground to be consecrated, saying or singing one or more of the Psalms following:

Psalm xvi.

    Preserve me, O God: for in Thee have I put my trust.
    O my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord: Thou art my God, my goods are nothing unto Thee.
    All my delight is upon the saints, that are in the earth: and upon such as excel in virtue.
    But they that run after another god: shall have great trouble.
    Their drink offerings of blood will I not offer: neither make mention of their names within my lips.
    The Lord Himself is the portion of mine inheritance, and of my cup: Thou shalt maintain my lot.
    The lot is fallen unto me in a fair ground: yea, I have a goodly heritage.
    I will thank the Lord for giving me warning: my reins also chasten me in the night-season.
    I have set God always before me: for He is on my right hand, therefore I shall not fall.
    Wherefore my heart was glad, and my glory rejoiced: my flesh also shall rest in hope.
    For why? Thou shalt not leave my soul in hell: neither shalt Thou suffer Thy Holy One to see corruption.
    Thou shalt shew me the path of life; in Thy presence is the fulness of joy: and at Thy right hand there is pleasure for evermore.
    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.

Psalm xxiii.

    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 against them that trouble me: Thou hast anointed my head with oil, and my cup shall be full.
    But 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.

Psalm xlix.

    O hear ye this, all ye people: ponder it with your ears, all ye that dwell in the world;
    High and low, rich and poor: one with another.
    My mouth shall speak of wisdom: and my heart shall muse of understanding.
    I will incline mine ear to the parable: and shew my dark speech upon the harp.
    Wherefore should I fear in the days of wickedness: and when the wickedness of my heels compasseth me round about?
    There be some that put their trust in their goods: and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches.
    But no man may deliver his brother: nor make agreement unto God for him;
    For it cost more to redeem their souls: so that he must let that alone for ever;
    Yea, though he live long: and see not the grave.
    For he seeth that wise men also die, and perish together: as well as the ignorant and foolish, and leave their riches for other.
    And yet they think that their houses shall continue for ever: and that their dwelling-places shall endure from one generation to another; and call the lands after their own names.
    Nevertheless, man will not abide in honour: seeing he may be compared unto the beasts that perish; this is the way of them.
    This is their foolishness: and their posterity praise their saying.
    They lie in the hell like sheep, death gnaweth upon them, and the righteous shall have domination over them in the morning: their beauty shall consume in the sepulchre out of their dwelling.
    But God hath delivered my soul from the place of hell: for He shall receive me.
    Be not thou afraid, though one be made rich: or if the glory of his house be increased;
    For he shall carry nothing away with him when he dieth: neither shall his pomp follow him.
    For while he lived, he counted himself a happy man: and so long as thou doest well unto thyself, men will speak good of thee.
    He shall follow the generation of his fathers: and shall never see light. Man being in honour hath no understanding: but is compared unto the beasts that perish.
    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 weather be inclement, it shall suffice to say Psalm xxiii, standing in some convenient place.

¶ Then shall the Bishop say.

    The Glorious Majesty of the Lord our God be upon us. Prosper Thou the work of our hands upon us, O prosper Thou our handiwork. Amen.
    O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who art the God, not of the dead, but of the living:
    O Lord Jesus Christ, who by Thy death hast overcome death, and opened to us the gate of everlasting life:
    O Holy and blessed Spirit, Lord and Giver of Life: O Most Blessed Trinity, accept, sanctify and bless this place wherein shall lie the bodies of Thy servants; and grant that they, with us, and with all Thy saints departed this life in Thy faith and fear, may have our perfect consummation and bliss, both in body and soul, in Thy eternal and everlasting glory. Amen.

¶ Then shall the Bishop order the Sentence of Consecration to be read, which done, he shall sign the Sentence, and order the document to be preserved among the muniments of the Diocese.

¶ Then shall the Bishop solemnly pronounce the Consecration, saying:

    By virtue of our sacred office in the Church of God, we do now consecrate, and set apart from all profane and common uses, this ground, to be the resting-place of them that sleep; in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

¶ After this, a Hymn may be sung, and an Address given:

¶ Then shall the Bishop say:

    O Eternal Lord God, who holdest all souls in life, we beseech Thee to shed forth upon Thy whole Church in Paradise and on earth the bright beams of Thy light and heavenly comfort: and grant that we, following the good examples of those who have served Thee here and are at rest, may with them enter into Thine unending joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE BLESSING.

    The Lord bless you and keep you: the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. Amen.
 

V

FORMS OF SERVICE FOR
DEDICATION
AND
PATRONAL FESTIVALS

¶ If the Dedication or Patronal Festival falls on a Sunday or Holy Day for which Special Psalms and Lessons are appointed in the Book of Common Prayer, such Psalms and Lessons must be used and the Collect for the Sunday or Holy Day shall always be said first.

A. DEDICATION FESTIVAL
(The Anniversary of the Consecration of a Church).

Special Psalms.
Any of the following may be used:

24, 26, 27, 84, 100, 103, 122, 132, 133, 134, 150.

Special Lessons.
Any of the following may be used:

    First Lessons.—Haggai ii., to v. 10; Isaiah lxi. Malachi iii.; Deut. viii.; I Chron. xxix., to v. 26 I Kings viii., 22 to v. 54.
    Second Lessons.—Acts iii.; Ephes. ii., 11; Rev. xxi. to v. 9; S. John x., 22; Heb. x., 19; Ephes. iv. to v. 17; I Peter ii., to v. 18.

For the Collect:

The following may be used:

    O most blessed Saviour, who didst hallow with Thy Presence the Feast of Dedication, be present at this time with us Thy people: and, because holiness becometh Thine house for ever, sanctify us by Thy Holy Spirit, that we may be living temples, holy and acceptable to Thee: and that being cleansed from all carnal and corrupt affections, we may be devoutly given to serve Thee in all good works; who dwellest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
    O God our Father, by whose mercy we are again permitted to celebrate the consecration of this Thy temple: hearken to the prayers of Thy people, and grant that whosoever here shall call upon Thy Holy Name, may evermore rejoice in the fulfilment of Thy promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Epistle.—I Cor. iii., to v. 18.
Gospel.—Mark xi., 11 to v. 20.

The following Collect may be used immediately before the blessing:—

    O Eternal Lord God, who holdest all souls in life, we beseech Thee to shed forth upon Thy whole Church in Paradise and on earth the bright beams of Thy light and heavenly comfort, and grant that we, following the good examples of those who have served Thee here and are at rest, may with them at length enter into Thine unending joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

B. PATRONAL FESTIVALS.
On the Holy Day or Saint’s Day from which the Church takes its name.

    1. On Patronal Festivals, where the Saint or “Mystery” in whose name the Church is dedicated has a proper office in the Book of Common Prayer, the service shall be that appointed for the day.
    2. Where the Church is dedicated to our Lord under any title, the following Collect, together with Epistle and Gospel for S. Mark’s Day, shall be used.
    Collect for S. Mark’s Day, omitting the words “Evangelist S. Mark” and substituting the word “Evangelists.”
    3. In all other cases, the Collect, Epistle (omitting verses 5 to 10) and Gospel for All Saints’ Day shall be used.
 

VI

FORM FOR THE
LAYING OF A FOUNDATION STONE
OF A CHURCH SCHOOL

¶ After the singing of a Hymn, The Bishop or the person appointed shall say:

    Brethren, we are gathered together here for the purpose of laying the Foundation Stone of this School for the glory and service of God in the education of His children: And forasmuch as we can do no good thing without His gracious favour and continual help, let us humbly and heartily pray for His blessing on this our undertaking.

Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.

    Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses. As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil. Amen.

    V. Except the Lord build the house:
    R. Their labour is but lost that build it.
    V. Our help is in the name of the Lord:
    R. Who hath made Heaven and Earth.
    V. Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid:
    R. Which is Jesus Christ.
    V. Show Thy servants Thy work:
    R. And their children Thy Glory.
    V. And the glorious Majesty of the Lord our God be upon us.
    R. Prosper Thou the work of our hands upon us, O prosper thou our handiwork.
    V. Lord hear our prayer.
    R. And let our cry come unto Thee.

Let us pray.

    O Lord Jesus Christ, who art the Chief Corner Stone of Thy Church, and the unchanging Foundation of its doctrine, we pray Thee to establish the buildings of which this stone now about to be laid is the foundation; and as Thou art the First and the Last, through whom all things have been made, so be, we beseech Thee, the beginning, the increase and the completion of this our work; who, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, livest and reignest, one God, world without end. Amen.
    O Lord God, who art the Giver of all wisdom, and dost will that children shall be brought up in the fear and love of Thy Holy Name: pour down, we beseech Thee, the gift of Thy loving kindness upon this place, that all who shall be gathered together here may learn to love what Thou commandest, and to desire that which Thou dost promise; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Apostles Creed shall be said.

¶ Then all things being made ready, the stone shall be laid by the person appointed thereto with these words:—

    To the glory of God and in the faith of Jesus Christ we place this Foundation Stone, in the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Then shall be sung a Hymn.

Or,

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, angelic host,
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

The Lesson.
S. Luke ii., 40.

The following prayers shall then be said:

Let us pray.

    Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings with Thy most gracious favour, and further us with Thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in Thee, we may glorify Thy Holy Name, and finally, by Thy mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
    O God, without whom our labour is but lost, give Thy grace, we beseech Thee, to those who shall teach in this School, granting them a pure intention, patient faith, sufficient success upon earth, and the bliss of serving Thee in Heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
    O Lord Jesus Christ, who, though Very God, wast subject unto Thine earthly parents, grant unto Thy children in this place to be gentle and teachable, that they may readily obey those set over them, and that as they grow in years they may grow in grace and in Thy favour; who with the Father and the Holy Ghost, reignest, one God, world without end. Amen.
    O God, who art the Shield and Defence of Thy people, be ever at hand, we beseech Thee, to protect and succour the builders of this School, that the work which through Thy mercy hath been begun, may by their labour be brought to a happy end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ Here an address shall be given, followed by a Hymn, during which the offerings of the people shall be received and placed upon the stone.

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 a holy temple acceptable unto Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
    The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace, now and evermore. Amen.
 

VII

FORM OF
INSTITUTION TO A CURE

¶ The Bishop, Clergy and Choir shall be met at the principal door of the Church by the Churchwardens and Vestrymen, and shall be led by them into the Chancel, during the singing of a Hymn.

Then shall the Bishop say:

    Dearly beloved in the Lord: In the Name of God, and in the presence of this congregation, we purpose now (by direction of the Bishop) to institute into the Cure of Souls in this Parish (or Parochial District) this our brother in Christ, A. B., (M.A.) And, forasmuch as the charge of immortal souls, which our Lord has purchased with His precious blood, is so solemn and weighty a thing, we beseech you to join with us in hearty prayer to Almighty God, that He will grant to this His servant grace to serve Him faithfully, both in will and deed.

The Lord be with you.
And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.

    Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that 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.
O Lord, send him help from Thy holy place.
And evermore mightily defend him.
Be unto him a tower of strength.
From the face of his enemy.
O Lord, hear our prayer.
And let our cry come unto Thee.

    O Lord Jesu Christ, who at Thy first coming didst send Thy messenger to prepare Thy way before Thee: Grant that the ministers and stewards of Thy mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready Thy way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at Thy second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in Thy sight, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
    O Almighty God, who by Thy Son Jesus Christ didst give to Thy Apostles many excellent gifts, and commandedst them earnestly to feed Thy flock: make, we beseech Thee, all Bishops and Pastors diligently to preach Thy holy Word, and the people obediently to follow the same, that they may receive the crown of everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
    Almighty God, the giver of all good gifts, who by Thy Divine Providence hast appointed divers Orders in Thy Church: give Thy grace, we humbly beseech Thee, to this Thy servant, now called to the charge of this Parish; and so replenish him with the truth of Thy doctrine, and endue him with innocency of life, that he may faithfully serve before Thee, to the glory of Thy great Name, and the benefit of Thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Then, the Congregation being seated, the Bishop sitting in his chair, the Priest to be instituted standing before him, the Bishop shall call upon him to make the required Declarations.

This done, the Priest shall kneel, and the Letters of Institution having been read, the Bishop shall deliver them into his hand, with these words:

    Be thou a faithful Minister of God’s holy Word and Sacraments, and a faithful Pastor under the great Shepherd of souls.

Then laying his hands upon the Vicar, the Bishop shall say:

    The Lord bless thee and keep thee: the Lord make His face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: the Lord lift up upon thee the light of His countenance, and give thee peace, now and for evermore. Amen.

    If the cure be that of a Parish, the Senior Churchwarden shall then deliver the keys of the Church, Vicarage and School to the Vicar, saying:

    In the name of this Parish I do receive and acknowledge you, the Rev. A. B., as Vicar of the same: in token whereof I give into your hands the keys of the Church, Vicarage and School.
The Lord preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth for evermore.

Then, the people standing, the Bishop shall say:

    Hear the words of St. Paul, written in the fifth chapter of the First Epistle to the Thessalonians: “We beseech you, brethren, to know them which are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.”
    I charge and exhort you, dearly beloved, to pray continually for this your Minister, called to the spiritual oversight of this Parish, and to assist him zealously and lovingly in all the duties of his holy calling.

¶ Then shall silence be kept for a space while the Congregation secretly in their prayers make their humble supplications to God for all these things.

¶ After which shall be sung (kneeling) the Veni Creator, as follows:

Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire,
And lighten with celestial fire;
Thou the anointing Spirit art,
Who dost Thy sevenfold gift impart.

Thy blessed unction from above
Is comfort, life, and fire of love;
Enable with perpetual light
The dulness of our blinded sight.

Anoint and cheer our soiled face
With the abundance of Thy grace;
Keep far our foes, give peace at home;
Where Thou art Guide no ill can come.

Teach us to know the Father, Son,
And Thee, of Both, to be but One;
That through the ages all along
This may be our endless song.
    Praise to Thy eternal merit,
    Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

¶ Then the Bishop shall say:

    The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make thee perfect in every good work to do His will, working in thee that which is pleasing in His sight; through Jesus Christ, to Whom be glory for ever. Amen.

Then shall be said Morning or Evening Prayer, to the end of the Third Collect.

Proper Psalms—cxxi., cxxii.
First Lesson—Isaiah lxi.
Second Lesson—John xxi. 15 to v. 20; or 2 Cor. vi. to v. 11.

After this, a Hymn may be sung and an Address given. Then shall follow:
The Prayer of St. Chrysostom.
The Blessing.
 

VIII

THE FORM OF
ADMISSION OF A LAY READER
TO HIS OFFICE

¶ On the day appointed, after Morning or Evening Prayer, the person to be admitted standing before him at the entering of the Chancel, the Curate shall say:

    Dearly beloved in the Lord, in answer to a petition signed by myself and others, the Bishop has granted his license to A.B. to serve as Lay Reader in this Parish (or Parochial District), in token whereof, and that you may know the terms of the said license, I will now read it, after which we shall pray that, by the grace of His Holy Spirit, God will enable this our brother in Christ for the work to which he is called.

¶ The License shall then be read, and after that the Curate shall say:

Let us pray.

    Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil. Amen.

    O Lord God Almighty, who dost enable with Thy blessing those who love Thy Word: Look in mercy upon this Thy servant, now called to read and teach the same: pour down upon him the abundance of Thy grace, and make him modest and diligent in his ministrations, careful to maintain good works, and ready to obey those who are set over him in the Lord. Grant him so to increase in the knowledge of Thee, and the love of Thy holy Name, that, serving Thee faithfully in this life present, he may inherit everlasting glory in the life to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ Then shall the Curate deliver the License into his hands, with this blessing:

    The Blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost be upon you, and remain with you for ever. Amen.

    Note—Diocesan Lay Readers shall be admitted to their office by the Bishop or his Commissary only.