Classic Poem

When the kindled wrath
Of offended Heaven
Gave, in smoldering smoke and flame,
The wealth that He had given;
Though that day, in black dismay,
Saw our city melt away,
Yet we hoped, 'twas not in vain,
God would smile on us again.
Then deeply lay the stone;
Plant it firm and true;
So shall distant ages own
The work the Masons do.

In its deep recess,
Set with mystic care,
Hark, our faithful witnesses,
The Level, Plumb, and Square! —
" Nations sink beneath the curse
As they deviate from us;
In unerring truth may yours
Last while circling time endures! "
Then strongly lay the stone, etc.

Hear our prayer, O God,
Thou, the Nation's trust!
And may these walls majestic rise
When we are in the dust!
Humbly — we are but as one;
Hopeful — are we not Thine own?
Midst this mighty gathering
To Thy name we rise and sing,
And grandly lay the stone;
Plant it firm and true;
So shall distant ages own
The work the Masons do.