MASONIC ODE
The following ode was composed for the occasion of laying the corner stone of the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia, which took place December, 1854
” 0! glorious Builder of the vaulted skies!
Almighty Architect of Earth and Heaven!
Come down and bless the Mason’s enterprise,
To Thee, 0 God, in Faith and Mercy given.
A home to Friendship, Truth and Love we raise,
Where, ages yet to come, shall sound our Master’s praise.
“0 make its deep foundations firm and fast!
0 bless the rearing of the mighty pile!
And when to Thee its spires look up at last,
Upon its finished work, the workmen smile!
Nor less the inner works of kindness bless!
And make the Mason’s labor-peace and happiness!
“Enlarge our spirit!-let our means improve!
Enforce our faith!-make strong our mystic ties!
Exalt our friendship, and refine our love!
And let our hearts be pure before Thine eyes,
So that, while God approves, the world may see
How great and good a thing is Ancient Freemasonry!
“Aid us to wipe the widow’s bitter tears!
Help us to hear the orphan’s lonely cries!
Be present when we soothe a Brother’s cares!
And be our strength in all calamities!
For what can we as one, or many, do,
Unless, 0 Lord! with Thee, our labors we pursue!
“0! therefore, Builder of the vaulted skies!
Almighty Architect of Earth and Heaven!
Come down and bless our holy enterprise,
To Thee, 0 God, in Faith and Mercy given.
A home to Friendship, Truth and Love we raise,
Where, ages yet to come, shall sound our Master’s praise.”
The builder of earth he might be, but the heaven will always belong to thee.