I.

THE ORDER FOR
THE BREAKING OF THE GROUND FOR
A NEW CHURCH

 
The Bishop with the Clergy, Choir, and others being
assembled at the place, the Bishop shall say:

    In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

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

Our Father.

Then shall be said

PSALM 48. Magnus Dominus.

    Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised : in the city of our God, even upon his holy hill.
    2 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.
    3 For lo, the kings of the earth : are gathered, and gone by together.
    4 They marvelled to see such things : they were astonished, and suddenly cast down.
    5 Fear came there upon them, and sorrow : as upon a woman in her travail.
    6 Thou shalt break the ships of the sea : through the east-wind.
    7 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.
    8 We wait for thy loving-kindness, O God in the midst of thy temple.
    9 O God, according to thy Name, so is thy praise unto the world’s end thy right hand is full of righteousness.
    10 Let the mount Sion rejoice, and the daughter of Judah be glad : because of thy judgments.
    11 Walk about Sion, and go round about her : and tell the towers thereof.
    12 Mark well her bulwarks, set up her houses : that ye may tell them that come after.
    13 For this God is our God for ever and ever : he shall be our guide unto death.
    Glory be.

After which the following Lesson shall be read:

Ezra i. 1-6

Then may be sung a hymn.
Then the Bishop shall say:

Forasmuch as devout and faithful men have taken in hand to build on this place a House to be dedicated to the glory of God (and in honor of His servant Saint ——), wherein the Gospel shall be truly preached, the Sacraments duly administered, and the service of Prayer and Praise ever offered, in this and coming generations, let us ask the blessing of Almighty God upon this undertaking.

Let us pray.

O Almighty God, whom the heavens and the earth cannot contain; yet who humblest Thyself to dwell with Thy Church here on earth; Mercifully grant that all evil may be far from this place whereon we are about to build a house for Thy honor and worship. Bless this ground now to be broken for this holy purpose, and let Thy benediction rest upon all materials to be used here, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O Almighty God, who hast taught us that whatsoever we do whether in word or in deed we shall do it in the Name of Thy Blessed Son Jesus Christ; Mercifully receive us coming to Thee in His Name. Hear our prayers and vouchsafe to bless, consecrate and hallow this ground, upon which we purpose to build a Church to Thy glory and for Thy worship, and grant that all who shall serve at Thy Altar therein, and they who shall in it receive the ministry of The Word and Sacraments according to Thine ordinance, may love Thee with all their heart and mind and soul and strength, and, fortified by Thy gifts, may serve Thee faithfully unto their life’s end, through the same Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Then shall the Bishop standing at the site of the Altar of the Church, remove the first shovel of earth, saying:

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, I break the ground for this Church, and may the Lord bring our undertaking to a prosperous end. Amen.

The Rector and other Clergy or Church Officers present may also remove earth, each one as he does so saying:

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
 

Then shall be said
PSALM 122. Lætatus sum.

    I was glad when they said unto me : We will go into the house of the Lord.
    2 Our feet shall stand in thy gates : O Jerusalem.
    3 Jerusalem is built as a city : that is at unity in itself.
    4 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.
    5 For there is the seat of judgment even the seat of the house of David.
    6 O pray for the peace of Jerusalem : they shall prosper that love thee.
    7 Peace be within thy walls : and plenteousness within thy palaces.
    8 For my brethren and companions’ sakes I will wish thee prosperity.
    9 Yea, because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek to do thee good.
    Glory be.

Let us pray.

1. The Collect of the Saint whose name the Church will bear.

2. Accept, we pray Thee, O Lord, the service of this day. Let Thy continued blessing rest upon the work now begun. Put it into the hearts of Thy servants to give liberally for the building and maintenance of this Church (of Saint ——). Watch over all those who shall take part in the work, that they may be preserved from all danger and accident. Give us all thankful hearts that we may ever praise Thee for all Thy goodness to us, through Thy Son our Lord, who with Thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth God for ever and ever. Amen.

Then may be sung a Hymn of thanksgiving during which shall be collected the offerings made by those present for the building.

The Te Deum Laudamus may then be sung.

The Benediction.

NOTE.—If the Bishop be not present the service shall be taken by the Rector of the Parish.

If so desired the first shovel of earth may be moved by the donor of the Church or other layman, the Rector and Clergy following as appointed.

THE ORDER FOR
LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OR
CORNERSTONE OF A CHURCH
 

While the Bishop, or Priest by him appointed, with the Clergy and Choir, shall proceed to the place where the Foundation Stone is to be laid, a Hymn may be sung.

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, of His good Providence, bless all who in any way help forward its completion; that He will protect from danger those who may be engaged in the building: and that He will send His blessing upon our undertaking.

Let us pray.

We yield Thee hearty thanks, most merciful Father, for that Thou hast blessed and forwarded the work of our hands hitherto accept the praises that we offer unto Thee from true and grateful hearts, that rejoicing in Thy goodness we may be accepted of Thee, and this holy place may be filled from its beginning with the spirit of thankfulness and loving homage, to Thy honor and glory, who livest and reignest God for ever and ever. Amen.

Then shall be read the Lesson.

Ezra iii. 10-11; or Zech. iv. 6-10; or 1 Cor. iii. 10-15.

Then shall be said or sung:

    V. O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is gracious:
    R. 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.

    V. Behold I lay in Sion a chief Cornerstone, elect, precious:
    R. And he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded.
    V. The Stone which the builders refused:
    R. Is become the Headstone of the corner.
    V. This is the Lord’s doing:
    R. And it is marvellous in our eyes.
    V. Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid:
    R. Which is Jesus Christ.
 

Let us pray.

O Almighty Lord God, who although the heaven of heavens cannot contain Thee, yet dost vouchsafe to dwell with Thy Church here on earth; Visit, we beseech Thee, with Thy loving kindness, this place whereon we lay the foundations of a house to the praise and honor 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 labors 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 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 Cornerstone; 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 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, he shall lay the stone, striking it three times, with these words:

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 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 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, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth, one God, world without end. Amen.

Then shall be said:

    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.

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 defense of Thy people, be ever at hand, we beseech Thee, to protect and succor the builders of this house; keep them in their labor from all sin and profaneness, and shelter them from all accident and peril, that the work which, through Thy mercy, hath now been begun, may by their labor be brought to a happy end, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Then shall the Bishop speak to the people: after which a Hymn may be sung and the offerings of the people be collected. The Bishop shall then say the following prayers:

Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings, with Thy most gracious favor, 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 Almighty God, who hast built Thy Church upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the head cornerstone; 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 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 for evermore. Amen.
 

THE ORDER FOR THE
BENEDICTION OF A CHURCH OR CHAPEL
 

To be used by the Bishop, or a Priest appointed by him, when for any good cause the Church cannot be consecrated. A Church thus blessed must however be duly consecrated when this shall become possible.

At the appointed time the Bishop with attendant Clergy standing before the Altar shall say:

PSALM 122. Lætatus sum.

    I was glad when they said unto me : We will go into the house of the Lord.
    2 Our feet shall stand in thy gates : O Jerusalem.
    3 Jerusalem is built as a city : that is at unity in itself.
    4 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.
    5 For there is the seat of judgment even the seat of the house of David.
    6 O pray for the peace of Jerusalem : they shall prosper that love thee.
    7 Peace be within thy walls : and plenteousness within thy palaces.
    8 For my brethren and companions’ sakes I will wish thee prosperity.
    9 Yea, because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek to do thee good.
    Glory be.

The Bishop then, turning towards the congregation, shall say:

Good people, we have met together at this time to bless this Church [Chapel or Building] for the service of Almighty God, and the use of His Church. It has pleased God to teach us in His Holy Word that such dedications are acceptable to Him; we have therefore good hope that this our work will be pleasing in His sight. Let us therefore lift up our prayers to Him, asking that His Blessing may rest upon this place, that His Spirit may guide those who shall herein minister in His Name, and that those who worship here may draw near to Him at all times with reverence and godly fear.

Let us pray.

The Bishop, followed by the Clergy, Churchwardens or others, may then pass around the church saying or singing

The Litany.

If the size or arrangement of the building will not permit of passing around within, the Bishop shall kneel at the Chancel steps attended by two Priests.

The Litany being said as far as the end of the Lord’s Prayer, the Bishop standing at the Chancel steps shall say the Prayers following:

Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, who hast appointed divers services and ministrations to be performed in Thy Church; May Thy Holy Spirit guide and direct those who minister in this place, and fill the hearts of Thy people that they may rightly take their part in and profit by the same.
    Grant that all Thy children born again in Baptism, and strengthened by Thy gift in the Laying on of Hands, may walk before Thee in newness of life. Give to all who in true penitence seek it the Absolution and Remission of their sins. Grant that all who are partakers of the blessed Body and Blood of Thy dear Son may receive the Bread of Everlasting Life, and ever live in oneness with Him and He with them. Encourage and strengthen all faithful souls by Thy presence, that they may continue before Thee in Holiness and Righteousness unto their life’s end. Amen.

O Father Beloved, who didst send Thy dear Son to preach peace to them that are far off as well as to them that are nigh; Make this place to be a witness for Thee and Thy love. Grant that by the preaching of the Gospel herein many who now know Thee not may hear of Thee, and turning with all their hearts to Thee may be cleansed from sin, and made partakers of all the gifts Thou givest without measure to Thy faithful children. Grant this our prayer for the love of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

A General Thanksgiving.

Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we, Thine unworthy servants, do give Thee most humble and hearty thanks for all Thy goodness and loving-kindness to us, and to all men. We bless Thee for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all, for Thine inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we beseech Thee, give us that due sense of all Thy mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful; and that we show forth Thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up ourselves to Thy service, and by walking before Thee in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen.

The Grace.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.

Here may follow a Hymn and a Sermon.

If there be a celebration of the Holy Communion:

The Collect.

O Almighty God, who hast built Thy Church upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the head cornerstone; 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.

Epistle. Ephesians ii. 13-22.
Gospel. St. John xvii. 20-26.

After the Celebration or a Sermon, immediately before the final Blessing:

Let us pray.

O Lord God, who dost vouchsafe to have Thy dwelling upon earth in houses built for the worship of Thy Name though the heavens and earth cannot contain Thee; We beseech Thee that, mindful of the work and labor of all Thy Saints, Thou wouldest visit this place erected to Thy glory [and in honor of N]. Cleanse it, by Thy grace, from all defilements, and ever keep it pure and without spot; And as Thou didst crown the pious desires of David Thy servant in the work of Solomon his son, so do Thou of Thy great goodness fulfil our mind in driving hence all spiritual wickedness; through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with Thee and the Holy Ghost be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen.

Blessed be Thy Name, O Lord God, that it hath pleased Thee, by Thy good Spirit, to put into the hearts of Thy servants the desire to erect this House to Thy honor and worship. Bless them, O Lord, their families and their substance, and accept the work of their hands; and grant, we beseech Thee, that all who shall enjoy the benefit of this pious work, may show forth their thankfulness by making a right use thereof, to the glory of Thy blessed Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

IV.

THE ORDER FOR
THE RE-OPENING OF A RESTORED CHURCH

The Bishop is received at the entrance of the Restored Church, or of the Churchyard, by the Minister and the Churchwardens, and proceeds with the Clergy, the Churchwardens and others towards the Holy Table, Psalm cxviii. 19-29 being said or sung as follows:

    Open the 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 marvellous 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.
    Blessed be he that cometh in the Name of the Lord : we have wished you good luck, ye that are of the house of the Lord.
    God is the Lord, who hath showed us light : bind the sacrifice with cords, yea, even unto the horns of the altar.
    Thou art my God, and I will thank thee : thou art my God, and I will praise thee.
    O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious and his mercy endureth for ever.
    Glory be.

Then shall the Bishop, standing in the Chancel, say this prayer, all standing:

Let us pray.

We are not worthy, O Lord, to enter into Thy presence, for Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil. But Thou, Lord, art merciful and full of compassion. Grant that Thine eyes may be upon us continually as we enter into this Thine house, and that all our thoughts and words may be hallowed by Thy presence. Let Thy Holy Spirit be within us, and Thy holy angels be with us and about us, that in all our ways we may glorify Thy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Then shall the Bishop, standing at the Holy Table, and turning to the people, say:

Dearly beloved in the Lord, we are gathered together to-day to render humble and hearty thanks to Almighty God for His goodness in prospering the work of the Restoration of this Church, arid to implore the continuance of His favor and blessing upon it.

After this shall be sung, all still kneeling, the following Hymn:

Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire.

Then the Bishop shall say:

O most blessed Saviour, who in the days of Thy earthly Ministry, by Thy gracious presence at the Feast of Dedication, didst approve and honor such service as this which we are now offering unto Thee; Be present with us by Thy Holy Spirit; and because holiness becometh Thine House for ever, sanctify us, we pray Thee, that we may be living Temples, holy and acceptable unto Thee; and so dwell in our hearts by faith, and possess our souls by Thy grace, that nothing which defileth may enter into us; but that, being cleansed from all carnal and corrupt affections, we may ever be devoutly given to serve Thee in all good works, who art our Saviour, Lord, and God, blessed for evermore. Amen.

Blessed be Thy Name, O Lord, that it hath pleased Thee to put into the hearts of Thy servants to restore and adorn this House, for Thy honor and worship, and for the ministry of Thy Holy Word and Sacraments. Bless them, O Lord, their families, and their substance, and accept the work of their hands; remember them concerning this; forget not this kindness that they have shewed for the House of their God, and for the offices thereof; and grant, that all who now or hereafter shall enjoy the benefit of this pious work, may shew forth their thankfulness to Thee for the same, by making a right use of it, to the glory of Thy blessed Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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, that every member of the same, in his vocation and ministry, may truly and godly serve Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

We pray for all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, particularly for those of this Diocese and Parish, that they may be always found waiting on their ministry, and by their life and doctrine may set forth Thy glory, and set forward the salvation of the immortal souls committed to their charge; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Now unto the King Eternal, Immortal, and Invisible, the only wise God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Here may be sung a Hymn.

If Morning Prayer is said:
 

PSALM 15. Domine, quis habitabit?

    Lord, who shall dwell in thy tabernacle : or who shall rest upon thy holy hill?
    2 Even he that leadeth an uncorrupt life : and doeth the thing which is right, and speaketh the truth from his heart.
    3 He that hath used no deceit in his tongue, nor done evil to his neighbor : and hath not slandered his neighbor.
    4 He that setteth not by himself, but is lowly in his own eyes : and maketh much of them that fear the Lord.
    5 He that sweareth unto his neighbor, and disappointeth him not: though it were to his own hindrance
    6 He that hath not given his money upon usury : nor taken reward against the innocent
    7 Whoso doeth these things : shall never fall.
    Glory be.

PSALM 84. Quam dilecta!

    O how amiable are thy dwellings: thou Lord of hosts!
    2 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.
    3 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.
    4 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be alway praising thee.
    5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee : in whose heart are thy ways.
    6 Who going through the vale of misery use it for a well : and the pools are filled with water.
    7 They will go from strength to strength: and unto the God of gods appeareth every one of them in Sion.
    8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer: hearken, O God of Jacob.
    9 Behold, O God our defender: and look upon the face of thine anointed.
    10 For one day in thy courts : is better than a thousand.
    11 I had rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God : than to dwell in the tents of ungodliness.
    12 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.
    13 O Lord God of hosts : blessed is the man that putteth his trust in thee.
    Glory be.

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.
    2 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.
    3 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.
    4 For the Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlasting: and his truth endureth from generation to generation.
    Glory be.

Proper Lessons.

First. Ezra iii. or Haggai ii.
Second. St. John iv. 19-26 or Heb. ix. 1-15.

At the Holy Communion:

The Collect.

O most glorious Lord, we acknowledge that we are not worthy to offer unto Thee any thing belonging unto us; yet we beseech Thee, in Thy great goodness, graciously to accept this place for Thy service, and to prosper this our undertaking; receive the prayers and intercessions of all those Thy servants who shall call upon Thee in this house; and give them grace to prepare their hearts to serve Thee with reverence and godly fear : affect them with an awful apprehension of Thy Divine Majesty, and a deep sense of their own unworthiness; that so, approaching Thy sanctuary with lowliness and devotion, and coming before Thee with clean thoughts and pure hearts, with bodies undefiled and minds sanctified, they may always perform a service acceptable to Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Epistle. Rev. xxi. 2-5.
The Gospel. St. Matt. xxi. 9-17.