THE Right Worshipful GRAND MASTER and GRAND OFFICERS of the Ancient and Honourable Society of FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS of the State of Pennsylvania, &c. with the Officers of the different LODGES under their Jurisdiction, beg Leave to return their most sincere Thanks to their Reverend Brother DR. SMITH, for the SERMON delivered by Him at their Request, in Christ-Church yesterday. And as they conceive, from its Excellency, that the Publication thereof would contribute to the further Promotion of the Charity for which it was originally intended, they request that he will favour them with a Copy for that Purpose, as soon as possible. By Order of the R. W. G. M. &c. &c. JOHN COATS, G. SEC. PRO TEM. PHILADELPHIA, DEC. 29, 1778. TO HIS EXCELLENCY GEORGE WASHINGTON, ESQUIRE, GENERAL AND COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF THE ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES OF NORTH-AMERICA; THE FRIEND OF HIS COUNTRY AND MANKIND, AMBITIOUS OF NO HIGHER TITLE, IF HIGHER WAS POSSIBLE; THE FOLLOWING SERMON, HONOURED WITH HIS PRESENCE WHEN DELIVERED, IS DEDICATED, IN TESTIMONY OF THE SINCEREST BROTHERLY AFFECTION AND ESTEEM OF HIS MERIT, BY ORDER OF THE BRETHREN, JOHN COATS, GRAND SECRETARY, PRO TEM. THE FOLLOWING SHORT ACCOUNT OF THE PROCESSION OF THE BRETHREN TO AND FROM CHURCH, &C. IS RE CORDED BY DESIRE. AT nine o'clock, a. M. near three hundred of the body assembled at the college; where being properly clothed-the officers in the jewels of their lodges, and other badges of their dignity-the procession began at eleven o'clock, viz. 1. The Sword Bearer. 2. Two Deacons, bearing wands, tipt with gold. 3. The Three Orders, Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian; borne by three Brethren. 4. The Holy Bible and Book of Constitutions, on crimson velvet cushions; borne by the Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary. 5. Our reverend Brother, William. Smith, D. D. appointed as Preacher. 6. Four Deacons, bearing Wands. 7. His Excellency, our illustrious Brother George Washington, Esq. supported by the Grand Master and his Deputy. 8. The Two Grand Wardens, bearing the proper Pillars. 9. The Past Masters of different Lodges. 10. The present Masters of ditto. 11. The Senior Wardens, 12. The Junior Wardens, 13. The Secretaries, Of different private Lodges. 14. The Treasurers, 15. Brother Proctor's Band of Music. 16. Visiting Brethren: and, 17. Members of different Lodges; two and two, according to Seniority. The Procession entered the Church in the order of March; and being seated in the middle Aisle, Prayers were read by the Rev. Mr. White, the Rector, now the Right Rev. Bishop White; and the following Anthem sung in its proper place by sundry of the Brethren, accompanied with the organ and other instrumental music, viz. A GRAND SYMPHONY. Chorus. Behold, how good and joyful a thing it is, brethren, to dwell together in Unity. Solo. I will give thanks unto Thee, O Lord! with my whole heart. Secretly among the brethren, and in the congregation will I praise Thee! I will speak the marvellous works of Thy hands; the Sun, the Moon and the Stars, which Thou hast ordained. Solo. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great Light; and on them that dwelt in the land of the Shadow of Death, doth the glorious Light of Jehovah shine. Solo. Thou hast gathered us from the East, and from the West, and from the North, and from the South—Thou hast made us companions for the mighty upon Earth-even for princes of great nations. Trio. O! I AM! inspire us with wisdom and strength to support us in all our troubles, that we may worship Thee in the beauty of holiness! After Sermon, near Four Hundred Pounds were collected for the relief of the Poor. The Brethren then returned to the College in the same order as above described; from thence they departed to their several Lodges, and spent the remainder of the day with their usual good harmony and sociability. |