FORM OF PRAYER AND Ceremonies USED AT THE CONSECRATION OF CHURCHES, CHAPELS, AND CHURCHYARDS, IN THE DIOCESE OF OXFORD. A new Edition. LONDON: J. MASTERS, 33 ALDERSGATE STREET, AND 78 NEW BOND STREET. M.DCCC.XLVIII. Oxford Diocese. FORM OF CONSECRATING A CHURCH OR CHAPEL. The Bishop, attended by his Chaplain, will be received at the door of the Church by the Commissary, the Registrar, the Clergy, and others attendant on the occasion. He will proceed immediately to the Communiontable, where a petition will be presented, praying him to consecrate the Church. The petition having been read, the Bishop signifies his consent, and commences the Consecration Service by walking in procession down one of the aisles, and returning again, attended by the Commissary and the Clergy; the Bishop and the Clergy alternately repeating the 24th Psalm; the Bishop beginning: THE Psalm xxiv. HE earth is the Lord's, and all that therein is; the compass of the world, and they that dwell therein. 2. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and prepared it upon the floods. 3. Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord, or who shall rise up in his holy place? 4. Even he that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; and that hath not lift up his mind unto vanity, or sworn to deceive his neighbour. 5. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. |