The Masonic Hall On Filbert Street, Near Eighth, Philadelphia:

velvet cushion , being placed on the pedestal , an anthem was sung . The Grand Master then ordered the Lodge to be Tyled . . The following Lodges were represented , viz .: — Lodges Nos . 2 , 3 , 9 , 14 , 19 , 21 , 41 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 59 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 , ¦ 76 , 77 , 87 , and 91 , being twenty-four Lodges . The Lodge was then uncovered and Grand Lodge opened in ample form

, when the Grand Master mentioned to the Brethren that he was informed that the venerable and Reverend Bro . William Smith , D . D ., Past Grand Chaplain , ancl Past Grand Secretary , had comprsed a prayer appropriate to the day , the said Brother Smith , with the concurrence of the Reverend Bro . John Andrews , D . D ., Grand Chaplain , delivered the prayer ,, to the general satisfaction of the Brethren .

The Grand Secretary intimated the Architect ' s desire to return the implements intrusted to his care , whereupon Bro . Jackson , the Architect , addressed the Grand Master , who expressed his high satisfaction at the completion of the hall , ancl commanded the Grand Wardens to receive back the implements , which was complied with , and they were laid on the Lodge . It may be mentioned that as the building was not erected originally by the Grand Lodgebut merely alteredthat no corner stone was laid .

, , The Grand Secretary then informed the Grand Master that it was the desire of the Society to have the hall dedicated to Masonry , on which the Grand Master commanded his officers to assist in that pleasing ceremony , the music meanwhile playing . The Grand Officers then walked round the Loclge three different times , stopping each time for the ceremony of dedication . At the end of . the first processionthe music being silentthe Grand Master

, , , strewing corn over the Lodge , declared in solemn form the hall dedicated to MASONRY , which being proclaimed by the Grand Secretary , the grand honours were given . At the end of the second procession , the music being silent , the Grand Master , pouring wine over the Lodge , declared in solemn form the hall dedicated to VIRTUE and SCIENCE , which being proclaimed by the Grand Secretary , the grand honours were given as before . At the end of the third

procession , the music being silent , the Grand Master , pouring oil on the Lodge , in solemn form declared the hall dedicated to UNIVERSAL CHARITY and BENEVOLENCE , which being proclaimed by the Grand Secretary , the grand honours were given as before . A grand anthem , adapted to the occasion , set to music by Bro . Reinagle , was sung by Bros . Reinagle , Fox , Warren , and Robins . The Grand Master returned to Solomon ' s Chair , under the acclamations of

the Brethren , and the music performing "When earth ' s foundation first was laid , " etc . The Grand Master was then pleased to deliver an affectionate address , which was received by the Brethren with the most livel y tokens of gratitude and acknowledgment , and their approbation was testified in the usual form . It may be well here to note that these dedicatory services were the first that were used by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania .

The total cost of the building was S 3000 , the alterations and furnishing about § 6000 , making a total of ahont $ 9000 . In consideration of the fraternal affection to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and subordinate Lodges under their jurisdiction of Bro . William Francis in providing them a Temple to work in during the building of the permanent Hall , at a time when they were all destitute of a place of meeting , the Grand Lodge , by resolution , requested the R . W . Grand Master to pass to the chair Bro . Frangis and a Past Master ' s collar and apron was presented to him .

On March 7 , 1803 , the Building Committee were directed to have the Hall insured against accidents by fire . On May 4 , 1807 , the Hall Committee were ordered to purchase six patent lamps and have them fixed in the Hall ,