XI.

A FORM FOR THE
BENEDICTION OF A PARISH HOUSE OR MISSION ROOM

All being assembled in the principal Room, a Hymn of Praise shall be sung.

The Minister shall then say:

Be kindly affectioned one to another, with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; not slothful in business, fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.

Let us pray.

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

Our Father.

    V. Our help is in the Name of the Lord:
    R. Who hath made heaven and earth.

Blessed be Thy Name, O Lord, that it hath pleased Thee to put into the hearts of Thy servants to build and dedicate this Parish House to Thy glory and for the use of Thy people. Accept, we pray Thee, the offering of Thy servants, and remember for good all who have contributed to this work. Let Thy blessing rest upon this House, that it may serve the purposes for which it is intended. Grant that here brotherly love and true fellowship may ever abound, and Thy people encourage one another in all good works, to the honor of Thy Name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

    V. Behold how good and joyful a thing it is:
    R. For brethren to dwell together in unity.

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who art the chief Cornerstone of Thy Church; Bless this Building which is now completed in Thy Name, and grant that it may tend to promote Thy glory, and the welfare of Thy people in this place. Fill those who shall frequent it with a spirit of love towards Thee, and towards all men. Within these walls may harsh thoughts be ever subdued, and unkind words unspoken, and may those who here shall learn the way of Thy statutes, walk before Thee with a perfect heart, and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

    V. May our sons grow up as the young plants:
    R. And our daughters be as the polished corners of the temple.

We beseech Thy special blessing, O Father, on the Sunday School held in this House. Grant to teachers faithfulness, diligence and devotion, and to the scholars pure hearts and open minds, that they may be trained in Thy knowledge and love, to serve Thee faithfully in their generation and to find acceptance with Thee at the last; through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord. Amen.

Then shall the Minister say:

In the Faith of Jesus Christ we dedicate this Building to the glory of God; in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Here an Address may be given, followed by a Hymn, during which an offering may be made.

Then shall the Minister say:

Visit, O Lord, we beseech Thee, this place with Thy mercy, and drive far from it all snares of the enemy. Let Thy holy angels dwell herein to preserve us in peace, and may Thy blessing be upon us evermore; through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost, bless, preserve, and keep you, now and evermore. Amen.

Note.—If a Service for Laying the Foundation Stone of a Church Room or institute be required, the Form for Laying the Stone of a School Building may be used, with the Lesson, 1 Cor. xiii. The prayers that follow the Lesson to be taken from this Office, with such alteration as is necessary.

XII.

FORM FOR THE
BENEDICTION OF A NEW RECTORY
 

The Clergy and people being assembled in a convenient place at the entrance to the House, the Minister shall say:

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
    Whoso dwelleth under the defence of the Most High:
    Answer. Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
    Priest. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost;
    Answer. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.

Priest. The Lord be with you.
Answer. And with thy spirit.

Let us pray.

Direct, 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.

PSALM 121. Levavi oculos.

    I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills : from whence cometh my help.
    2 My help cometh even from the Lord : who hath made heaven and earth.
    3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved : and he that keepeth thee will not sleep.
    4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel : shall neither slumber nor sleep.
    5 The Lord himself is thy keeper: the Lord is thy defence upon thy right hand;
    6 So that the sun shall not burn thee by day : neither the moon by night.
    7 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil : yea, it is even he that shall keep thy soul.
    8 The Lord shall preserve thy going out, and thy coming in : from this time forth for evermore.
    Glory be.

PSALM 127. Nisi Dominus.

    Except the Lord build the house : their labor is but lost that build it.
    2 Except the Lord keep the city : the watchman waketh but in vain.
    3 It is but lost labor that ye haste to rise up early, and so late take rest, and eat the bread of carefulness : for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
    4 Lo, children, and the fruit of the womb : are an heritage and gift that cometh of the Lord.
    5 Like as the arrows in the hand of the giant : even so are the young children.
    6 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them : they shall not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.
    Glory be.

The Lesson. Col. iii. 12 to the end.

Here may follow an Address; which ended, the Minister shall say:

IN THE HALL.

    V. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in:
    R. From this time forth for evermore.

Let us pray.

O God of unchangeable power and eternal light, from whom every good thing hath its beginning, and receiveth its life and growth; We pray Thee send Thy blessing on this house, and on all who shall dwell therein. May they offer to Thee a willing sacrifice of their bodily strength, and of all the powers of of their mind, and may they be preserved by Thee both in body and soul; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

    V. Behold, how good and joyful a thing it is:
    R. For brethren to dwell together in unity.

Let us pray.

O Almighty God, grant unto Thy servants whom from time to time Thou shalt bring together in Thy providence to dwell as one household in this place, that they may dwell in love and peace together according to Thy law. Grant that as Thou hast placed us in various kindreds, friendships, and relations, as the school of discipline for our affections; so by the due exercise thereof we may improve to perfection; till all partial affection be lost in the entire universal love of Thee, and Thou, O God, shalt be all in all; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

IN THE STUDY.

    V. Mine eyes prevent the night watches:
    R. That I might meditate in Thy Word.

Let us pray.

Merciful Lord, grant Thy blessing to Thy servants the Clergy of this parish in the study of Thy Holy Word, and of all that helps to the knowledge and to the effectual ministry of the same. Give them grace to lay aside the study of the world and the flesh, and so enlighten their minds with Thy truth, and their hearts with Thy love, that they may be faithful teachers and examples in Thy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

IN THE DINING ROOM.

    V. Whether ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do:
    R. Do all to the glory of God.

Let us pray.

O Lord, who hast ordained that by daily food we shall renew our strength for daily labor; Bless, we pray Thee, this room to the use of Thy servants in their social meals. Pour Thy grace into their hearts, that, being here nourished by Thy gifts, and living in cheerful harmony one with another, they may be enabled to render to Thee thanks and praise in the keeping of Thy commandments; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

IN THE BED ROOMS.

    V. I will lay me down in peace, and take my rest:
    R. For it is Thou, Lord, only, that makest me dwell in safety.

Let us pray.

O most merciful Father, who givest to Thy beloved sleep, and to Thy wearied ones rest; May those Thy servants, who shall occupy these chambers, lie down in peace, and may their sleep be sweet to them. Give Thine Angels charge concerning them, to keep them in body and soul; when they wake may they rise with renewed strength and thankful hearts, devoting to Thy service day by day the life which Thou lengthenest; and when at last they lie down to die, grant to them a peaceful passing and a blessed resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn.

Let us pray.

Our Father.

Visit, O Lord, we beseech Thee, this house and drive far from it all the snares of the enemy; let Thy holy angels dwell herein to preserve us in peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you, and remain with you always. Amen.

FORM FOR THE
OPENING OF A HOSPITAL OR A WARD OF A HOSPITAL
 

After a Hymn has been sung, the Bishop or other Minister shall say:

Let us pray.

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

Our Father.

    V. Whoso dwelleth under the defence of the Most High:
    R. Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
    V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost;
    R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.

PSALM 121. Levavi oculos.

    I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills : from whence cometh my help.
    2 My help cometh even from the Lord : who hath made heaven and earth.
    3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved : and he that keepeth thee will not sleep.
    4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel : shall neither slumber nor sleep.
    5 The Lord himself is thy keeper: the Lord is thy defence upon thy right hand;
    6 So that the sun shall not burn thee by day : neither the moon by night.
    7 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil : yea, it is even he that shall keep thy soul.
    8 The Lord shall preserve thy going out, and thy coming in : from this time forth for evermore.
    Glory be.

Then one of the following Lessons may be read:

St. Matt. ix. 1-9; St. James v. 11-17; Ecclus. xxxviii. 1-15.

The Minister.

Let us pray, brethren, unto the Lord our God, that He may enlighten this Hospital with His loving kindness, and grant unto its inmates the protection of His divine Majesty.

Then shall follow one or more of these Prayers:

O God, who ever governest Thy creatures with tender affection; Incline Thine ear to our supplications, and graciously regard Thy servants who in this house are suffering from any sickness or weakness. Visit them with Thy saving health, and bestow on them the medicine of Thy heavenly grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O heavenly Father, we give Thee hearty thanks that Thou hast enabled us to erect these Buildings for Thine honor and glory, and for the relief of the suffering of our fellow men; and we beseech Thy goodness graciously to accept them for this sacred service, and to prosper our undertaking. Receive our prayers, and the prayers of all Thy servants who, entering this house, shall call to Thee for help. Prosper all the works of tenderness and skill that shall be done in Thy spirit, and bless this home for ever to the assuaging of pain, the solace of helplessness and weariness, and to the comfort of the dying; through Jesus Christ our Saviour, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

Then shall the Minister say:

In the Faith of Jesus Christ we dedicate this Building to the glory of God; in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Then an Address may be given, after which a Hymn may be sung and the alms of the people collected for the Hospital.

Which ended, the Minister shall say:

    Let us pray for all Benefactors of this Hospital.
    V. Blessed be the man that provideth for the sick and needy:
    R. The Lord shall deliver him in the time of trouble.

Bless, O Lord, the work of Thine own hands; and grant that all they who with pure intent have given their aid to the raising of this Building, whensoever they shall call upon Thy holy Name, may be preserved both in body and soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

O Lord, the healer of all our diseases, who knowest how the sick have need of a physician; Bless all whom Thou hast called to be sharers in Thine own work of healing with health alike of body and soul; that they may ever exercise their art ‘in dependence upon Thee, in purity of spirit and in reverent care for Thy sake of Thy people to whom they minister; grant unto Thy servants such a life of healing that they may both succor Thy troubled children and glorify Thee who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

    Let us pray for the Nurses.
    V. Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of the least of these My brethren:
    R. Ye did it unto Me.

O Almighty Father, look with Thy mercy upon Thy servants who have been called to tend the sick and suffering; grant to them the guidance and comfort of Thy Holy Spirit, that with purity, patience and tenderness, wisdom and strength, they may faithfully minister to those to whom Thou shalt send them; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Almighty Lord, who is a most strong tower to all them that put their trust in Him, to whom all things, in heaven, in earth, and under the earth, do bow and obey, be now and evermore our defence, and make us to know and feel that there is none other Name under heaven given to man, in whom, and through whom, we may receive health and salvation, but only the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Blessing.

Unto God’s gracious mercy and protection we commit you. 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, both now and evermore. Amen.

Additional Prayers at the discretion of the Minister.

FOR THE HOSPITAL.

Raise up, we pray Thee, O Lord many who shall willingly dedicate their substance to (he upbuilding and) support of this Hospital. Let there be no lack of means to carry on continuously and successfully its work of mercy. And may the influence of its ministry to the sick and to the wounded; to the young and to the old, ever be to the advancement of Thy Kingdom, to Thy honor and glory who livest and reignest with the Father and the Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

FOR THE NURSES’ HOME.

Almighty God, grant that those who shall dwell in this place, may live together in true fellowship, loyal to those in authority over them, and to the cause which they represent; not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. And when, in due time, they go hence, may they be well fitted for their work of caring for the sick. All this we ask for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

FOR THE DEDICATION OF A BED.

The Hymn. and Lesson may be omitted. The Psalm shall be Ps. 23.
The Office being said to the end of the Psalm the Minister shall say:

Blessed be Thy Name, O Lord, that it hath pleased Thee to put into the hearts of Thy servants to provide a Bed for this Hospital to Thy honor and glory for the alleviation of the sufferings of the sick. Bless them, O Lord, their families, and their substance and accept the works of their hand: remember them concerning this; forget not this kindness that they have shewed for the sick and needy, and grant that all who shall enjoy the benefit of this work, may show forth their thankfulness to the glory of Thy blessed Name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

In the faith of Jesus Christ we dedicate this Bed to the glory of God and in loving memory of ——.

O Lord, we beseech Thee of Thy merciful goodness to accept the offering of this Hospital Bed that we make to Thee, not of our own but of Thine, for all things come of Thee, and of Thine own do we give Thee: and grant that all those who shall use it may receive Thy blessing, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O everlasting God, who hast ordained and constituted the services of Angels and men in a wonderful order; Mercifully grant that, as thy holy Angels always do Thee service in heaven, so, by Thy appointment, they may succor and defend us on earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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.

A FORM FOR THE
DEDICATION OR BENEDICTION OF VARIOUS GIFTS AND MEMORIALS

This Office may be used by itself, or in connection with the Holy Communion or Morning or Evening Prayer.

The Gifts or Memorials, if they are such as can be conveniently handled, shall be placed upon the Holy Table or on some suitable table in or near the Sanctuary, that the Priest may conveniently lay his hand upon them.

If the thing to be blessed is permanently fixed, as a Font or Window, the Priest shall go to the place and say the appointed prayer.

At the appointed time, all things being placed in. order, the Minister standing before the Altar shall say:

PSALM 132. Memento Domine.

    Lord, remember David : and all his trouble:
    2 How he sware unto the Lord : and vowed a vow unto the Almighty God of Jacob
    3 I will not come within the tabernacle of mine house : nor climb up into my bed;
    4 I will not suffer mine eyes to sleep, nor mine eyelids to slumber : neither the temples of my head to take any rest;
    5 Until I find out a place for the temple of the Lord : an habitation for the Mighty God of Jacob.
    6 Lo, we heard of the same at Ephrata : and found it in the wood.
    7 We will go into his tabernacle : and fall low on our knees before his footstool.
    8 Arise, O Lord, into thy resting-place : thou, and the ark of thy strength.
    9 Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness : and let thy saints sing with joyfulness.
    10 For thy servant David’s sake : turn not away the presence of thine anointed.
    11 The Lord hath made a faithful oath unto David : and he shall not shrink from it
    12 Of the fruit of thy body : shall I set upon thy seat.
    13 If thy children will keep my covenant, and my testimonies that I shall learn them : their children also shall sit upon thy seat for evermore.
    14 For the Lord hath chosen Sion to be an habitation for himself : he hath longed for her.
    15 This shall be my rest for eve : here will I dwell, for I have a delight therein.
    16 I will bless her victuals with increase : and will satisfy her poor with bread.
    17 I will deck her priests with health : and her saints shall rejoice and sing.
    18 There shall I make the horn of David to flourish : I have ordained a lantern for mine anointed.
    19 As for his enemies, I shall clothe them with shame : but upon himself shall his crown flourish.
    Glory be.

Then shall he read the Lesson.
Exodus xxxv. 21-30.

    The Lesson ended the Minister shall say:
    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. Henceforth and for evermore.
    V. The Lord be with you:
    R. And with thy spirit.

Let us pray.

Almighty God, who from ancient times hast put it into the hearts of Thy people to make offerings for Thy Service and the use of Thy Sanctuary and who hast been pleased at all times to accept gifts at their hands; We pray Thee to accept this gift [memorial] which we now set apart in Thy Name. May Thy blessing rest on this gift [and the giver of it] that Thy Church may be benefited, Thy worship made more worthy, and Thy Name may be exalted and glorified continually; we ask this in the name and for the merits of Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Then drawing near and laying his hand upon the gift or memorial he shall say:

In the faith of Jesus Christ our Lord we dedicate this —— to the glory of God [and in memory of His servant —— ——], in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Then shall follow the proper Prayer.

OF A FONT.

    V. Thou shalt purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean
    R. Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
    V. O God, make clean our hearts within us
    R. And take not Thy Holy Spirit from us.

Let us pray.

Almighty God, hallow by Thy heavenly visitation, and the radiancy of Thy Holy Spirit, this Font, which we dedicate unto Thee, that whosoever shall be baptized therein, being cleansed by the threefold washing, may of Thy bounty obtain the pardon of all their sins; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty and everlasting God, bring us to the fellowship of heavenly joy; that Thou mayest vouchsafe an entrance into Thy kingdom to those that are born again of the Holy Ghost, and that the flock may reach that place whither the Shepherd hath gone before; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

    V. When Thy Word goeth forth:
    R. It giveth light and understanding unto the simple.
    V. Open Thou mine eyes:
    R. That I may see the wondrous things of Thy law.
    V. Thy word is a lantern unto my feet
    R. And a light unto my paths.

Let us pray.

[If it be a pulpit]

O Almighty God, who dost enlighten the minds of Thy servants with the knowledge of Thy truth; Give, we beseech Thee, to those who shall preach in this Pulpit the spirit of wisdom and understanding, of counsel and might, that they may speak those things which belong unto eternal life: and grant that Thy people, taught in Thy ways, may so take heed what they hear, as to fulfil all the wholesome precepts delivered to them; so that by the Word of Truth they may at length attain unto Him who is the Way, the Truth and the Life, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[If it be a lectern]

Grant, O Lord, that all who in this place shall read the Scriptures which Thou hast given us may be filled with the faith of the Gospel, and with thankfulness to Thee who dost reveal Thyself to men by the Word of Life. And grant that all who hear may receive that word into honest and good hearts, and may bring forth fruit with patience; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

OF AN ORGAN.

    V. O God, my heart is ready, my heart is ready:
    R. I will sing and give praise with the best member that I have.
    V. Awake, thou lute and harp:
    R. I myself will awake right early.
    V. Upon the harp will I give thanks unto Thee: O God, my God.
    R. I will sing and give praise with the best member that I have.

Let us pray.

O God, who by Thy servant David didst appoint for the Levites instruments of music, to praise Thee; Graciously vouchsafe to receive at our hands, this Organ, which we dedicate unto Thy service, that we may sing our songs thereto all the days of our life in the House of the Lord; and grant us so to do with the spirit and with the understanding also, that we may be numbered among them who shall sing the new song before Thy throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

We praise Thee, Lord, for Thy blessings upon us, and for all Thy servants into whose hearts Thou hast put it to dedicate this Organ unto Thy Name. Bless them with the riches of Thy goodness, and grant that by the reverent and holy use of this instrument Thy praise may now and ever be set forth in Thy Church, and Thy service day by day be done in the beauty of holiness for Thy honor and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

OF A BELL, OR A PEAL, OR A CHIME.

    V. Sing we merrily unto God our strength:
    R. Make a cheerful noise unto the God of Jacob.
    V. Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of Thy countenance.
    R. Make a cheerful noise unto the God of Jacob.

Let us pray.

Almighty God, who by the mouth of Thy servant Moses didst command to make silver trumpets for the convocation of solemn assemblies; Be pleased to accept our offering of this the work of our hands; bless, and hallow these Bells for our use, and grant that through this generation, and through those that are to come they may continually call together Thy faithful people, to praise and worship Thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Grant, O Lord, that whosoever shall be called by the sound of these Bells to Thine House of Prayer may enter into Thy gates with thanksgiving, and into Thy courts with praise; and finally may sing the song of the Lamb in Thine House not made with hands, eternal in the heavens; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Grant, O Lord, that whosoever by reason of sickness or any other necessity, is hindered from coming into the House of the Lord, may by these Bells be reminded of the prayers of Thy Church, and rejoice in the ‘Communion of Saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Grant, O Lord, that they who with their outward ears shall in their daily calling hear the sound of these Bells, may be stirred inwardly in their hearts, and draw nearer in spirit to Thee, the God of their salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Grant, O Lord, that all they who shall minister to Thy service by. ringing these Bells may be filled with reverence and godly fear, and mindful of the sacredness of Thy House, may put away from them all idle thoughts and .vain words and render to Thee an acceptable service, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Grant, O Lord, that all they, for whose passing away from this world these Bells shall sound, may be received into the Paradise of Thine elect, and find grace, light, and everlasting rest; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

    V. Turn us again, O Lord God of Hosts:
    R. Show the light of Thy countenance, and we shall be whole.
    V. Show Thy servants Thy work:
    R. And their children Thy glory.
    V. Prosper Thou the work of our hands upon us:
    R. O prosper Thou our handiwork.

Let us pray.

O Almighty Father, Lord of heaven and earth, the entrance of whose Word giveth light; Vouchsafe, we beseech Thee, to accept this offering at our hands, for the adornment of Thy House of Prayer, and to consecrate this our gift to Thy glory and ourselves to Thy service, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

O Almighty and eternal God, whose Divine Majesty filleth heaven and earth, who nevertheless dost deign to receive our willing offerings of what Thyself hast given; Vouchsafe, we humbly beseech Thee, to accept this Window which we now dedicate to Thy honor, for the adornment of Thy House [and in memory of Thy servant]. Grant that they who worship here, being drawn by thy Holy Spirit to the contemplation and love of heavenly things, may daily be conformed to the image of Thy dear Son; to whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and praise now and for evermore. Amen.

OF A CHANCEL SCREEN.

    V. Blessed is the man whose strength is in Thee:
    R. In whose heart are Thy ways.
    V. They will go from strength to strength:
    R. And unto the God of gods appeareth every one of them in Sion.

Let us pray.

O Almighty Father, Lord of heaven and earth; Vouchsafe, we beseech Thee, to accept this offering at our hands, which we dedicate to Thee for the adornment of Thy Sanctuary and House of Prayer, and to consecrate this our gift to Thy glory, and ourselves to Thy service for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

Grant, O Lord, that all who shall approach Thy Sanctuary through these gates, may come before Thee with pure thoughts and clean hearts, and serving Thee with reverence and godly fear, may be acceptable in Thy sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Grant, O Lord, that we with all those that are departed in Thy faith and fear, may be counted worthy to enter hereafter through the gates into the heavenly Jerusalem, and be partakers of Thy everlasting kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

OF A REREDOS.

    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.
    V. I will wash my hands in innocency, O Lord: and so will I go to Thine altar.
    R. And bring me unto Thy holy hill and to Thy dwelling.

Let us pray.

Lord, we beseech Thee of Thy merciful goodness to accept the Offering of this Reredos that we make not of our own but of Thine, for all things come of Thee and of Thine own do we give Thee; and grant that what neither art nor costliness can make meet for Thy service may ever be hallowed by Thy blessing; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O God, who didst teach Thy servant Moses to build Thee a tabernacle after the pattern that was shown him in the mount, making earthly things to be a sign and token of things heavenly; Grant to us who have been brought unto Thee by the more excellent ministry of Thy Son, to grow into an holy temple in the Lord, builded together for an habitation of God in the Spirit; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

O God, who in a wonderful Sacrament hast left us a memorial of Thy passion; Grant us, we beseech Thee, so to venerate the sacred mysteries of Thy Body and Blood that we may ever perceive within ourselves the fruit of Thy holy redemption, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.
 

    V. O God, make clean our hearts within us:
    R. And take not Thy Holy Spirit from us.
    V. Thou givest them Bread from Heaven:
    R. Containing in itself all sweetness.

Let us pray.

O Almighty God, who didst appoint of old time vessels of gold and silver for the service of Thy Sanctuary; Vouchsafe we pray Thee to bless, hallow and consecrate these Vessels we offer for the service of Thy Church on earth, and the glory of Thy Name.

Grant, O Lord, that those who shall receive from these Vessels the Sacramental Gifts which Thou by Thy Son hast appointed may be fed with the Food of Everlasting Life, and hereafter eat and drink with Thee in Thy Kingdom, where with the Son and the Holy Ghost Thou art worshipped God for evermore. Amen.

OF A PASTORAL STAFF.

To be said by a Bishop.

    V. Honor them who have the rule over you:
    R. And esteem them highly for their work’s sake.
    V. Lord, hear our prayer:
    R. And let our cry come unto Thee.

Let us pray.

Almighty God, who from the beginning hast been pleased to appoint men to hold office in the worship of Thy Sanctuary and in the care of Thy people, and hast in Thy wisdom given unto them symbols of the offices they hold for Thee; Bless, sanctify, and hallow this Staff which we bless in Thy Name and Presence, and grant that he to whom it shall be committed may ever be found worthy to bear it before Thee. May he be diligent in gathering Thy people, especially those who like sheep have gone astray; may he rule the faithful in righteousness; and may he be careful in Thy Name to correct offenders and to stir up those who are negligent; and grant that he, filled with the Holy Ghost, may so persevere in all holiness of living and service that, when the great Shepherd shall appear, he may be found among His faithful servants and find a place of rest at Thy Right Hand with Him in glory, through the same Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

OF MISCELLANEOUS GIFTS.

    V. Our help is in the Name of the Lord:
    R. Who hath made heaven and earth.
    V. Lord, hear our prayer:
    R. And let our cry come unto Thee.

Let us pray.

Almighty God, who wiliest that all things should be done decently and in order, and acceptest from the hands of Thy servants things great and small; Accept bless and sanctify this —— —— which we now offer for the service of Thy House and grant that all our gifts and prayers may come up before Thee and be acceptable in Thy sight, through the merits of Thy Son Christ our Lord. Amen.

If the gift be a Memorial of one departed the following prayer may be added:

Almighty God, with whom do live the spirits of those who depart hence in the Lord, and with whom the souls of the faithful, after they are delivered from the burden of the flesh, are in joy and felicity; We give Thee hearty thanks for our brother whom it hath pleased Thee to deliver out of the miseries of this sinful world; beseeching Thee, that it may please Thee, of Thy gracious goodness, shortly to accomplish the number of Thine elect, and to hasten Thy kingdom; that we, with all those that are departed in the true faith of Thy holy Name, may have our perfect consummation and bliss, both in body and soul, in Thy eternal and everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Minister having completed the Dedication shall return to the Altar and say:

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.

XV.

SERVICE FOR
DEDICATION FESTIVAL OR ANNIVERSARY OF THE CONSECRATION OF A CHURCH
 

Morning and Evening Prayer shall be the same with the usual Of/ice for the Day, except where it is in this Office otherwise appointed. If the Service is said on a Sunday or Holy Day the Lessons shall be the Lessons proper for the Day, but the Psalms shall be those appointed in this Office, and the Collect for the Sunday or Holy Day shall be the first said.

PROPER PSALMS.

Any of the following may be used: Psalms 24, 26, 27, 84, 122, 132, 133, 134.

PROPER LESSONS.

Any of the following may be used:

First Lesson. Hag. ii. 1-10; 1 Chr. xxix. 1-23; 1 Kings viii. 22-54; or 1 Kings viii. 54 to end.
Second Lesson. Heb. x. 19-26; Rev. xxi. 1-8; Eph. ii. 11 to end.

The Collect.

O most blessed Saviour, who by Thy gracious presence at the Feast of Dedication didst approve and honor such services as this which we are now performing unto Thee; Be present at this time with us also, 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.

Epistle. 1 Cor. iii. 16 to end.
Gospel. St. John x. 22-29.

The following Collect may be used immediately before the Blessing:

O Lord, we glorify Thee in Thy servants our founders and benefactors departed out of this present life; beseeching Thee that, as they for their time bestowed charitably to our comfort the temporal things which Thou didst give them, so we for our time may fruitfully use the same to the setting forth of Thy holy Word to Thy laud and praise; and finally that both they and we may reign with Thee in glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

At Morning or Evening Prayer.

Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to our prayers, that all we who enter this temple (the dedication of which we celebrate on this anniversary), may please Thee with full and perfect devotion of soul and body; that while we now render to Thee our prayers, we may by Thy help be enabled to attain Thine eternal rewards; through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.