Additional Directions

The complete form of the service for the Dedication and Consecration of
a Church is to be used at the opening of a church or chapel. This service
does not require that the premises be debt-free or owned.

When the clergy and people assemble before the service, they may gather
out of doors, in the parish house, in a former or neighboring place of
worship, or in some other building. When convenient, the procession
may go around the building(s) to be dedicated and then go to the
principal door. Hymns or psalms may be used in procession. The use of
portable musical instruments is suitable. If there is an organ, it is
appropriate that it remain silent until dedicated. When the weather is
inclement, or other circumstances make it necessary, the congregation
may assemble inside the church; but the bishop, other clergy, and
attendants will enter in procession through the principal door.

When a new church is being consecrated, it is desirable that sacred
vessels, ornaments, and decorations be carried into the building in the
procession. Such things as the deed for the property and the blueprint of
the building(s), the keys, and the tools used in its construction may also be
carried by appropriate persons.

The cross signed on the threshold by the bishop may be marked in lasting
from (incised, painted, inlaid). In place of a pastoral staff, the foot of
a processional cross may be used for the signing.

At the dedication of the font, children or other lay persons are to be
assigned the task of pouring the water. If Holy Baptism is not to be
administered, in addition to saying the prayer over the font as given, the
bishop may consecrate oil of Chrism, as in the service of Holy Baptism,
for subsequent use in this church.

If Baptism is to be administered, the following order is used: The Gospel
from "At Baptism," page 928; then the service of Holy Baptism, beginning
with the Presentation of the Candidates, and concluding with the
reception of the newly baptized.

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As the furnishings in the church are dedicated, they may be decorated by
members of the congregation with flowers, candles, hangings, or other
ornaments.

Selected verses of psalms and hymns, or instrumental music may be used
as the ministers move from one part of the church to another.

If one reading stand is to serve as both lectern and pulpit, only one of the
prayers, and one of the versicles and responses, are used, followed by the
words of dedication.

At the dedication of the lectern, the Bible is brought forward and put into
place by a donor, or a lay reader, or another suitable person.

If there is an address instead of a sermon, it is suitable that a warden or
other lay person outline the plans of the congregation for witness to the
Gospel. The bishop may respond, indicating the place of this congregation
within the life of the Diocese.

The sermon or address may be followed by an appropriate Pastoral
Office, such as Thanksgiving for the Birth or Adoption of a Child,
Commitment to Christian Service, or Blessing of Oil for the Sick.

Any of the usual forms of the Prayers of the People may be used; or some
other form may be composed for the occasion, having due regard for the
distinctive nature of the community, and with commemoration of
benefactors, donors, artists, artisans, and others.

For the covering and decoration of the Altar, it is suitable that the donors
of these furnishings, or other lay persons, bring them forward and put
them in place. If incense is to be used, it is appropriate at this time.

Instead of the Proper Preface suggested, that of the season may be used,
or one appropriate to the name of the church.

For the Dedication of Churches
and Chapels in Special Cases

If the place of public worship is also to serve as a school or parish hall, or
for some other suitable purpose, the service may be adapted to the
circumstances.

576    Consecration of a Church

If the church is also to be used for regular worship by other Christian
bodies, it is appropriate that their representatives take part in the service,
and that the service be adapted.

Suitable portions of this service may be used by the bishop, or by a priest
with the bishop's permission, for dedicating a private chapel or oratory.

For the Dedication of Furnishings,
or Parts of a Church or Chapel

Relevant portions of the service for the Dedication and Consecration of a
Church may be used by the bishop or a priest for blessing alterations,
additions, or new furnishings in a church or chapel. In each such case, the
appropriate prayer may be said, or adapted to the circumstances; and
prayers and Bible readings related to the particular occasion may be
selected. When possible, the areas or furnishings should be put into use at
this time.

The blessing of a new font or baptistry should always be done by a
bishop, and should be followed, if possible, by the administration of
Holy Baptism.

The blessing of an Altar is also reserved for a bishop, and is always to be
followed by the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

For a Church or Chapel Long in Use

When buildings have been used for public worship for an extended
period of time without having been consecrated, the following order may
provide an opportunity for the congregation to reaffirm its commitment
to its mission and ministry, and it will be particularly appropriate when a
congregation attains recognition as a parish.

1. Proession
2. Signing of threshold
3. Litany of Thanksgiving for a Church, page 578
4. Te Deum

Consecration of a Church    577

5. Liturgy of the Word, with sermon or address
6. Renewal of Baptismal Vows
7. Intercessions, including commemoration of benefactors
8. The Peace
9. The Eucharist, beginning with the Offertory

A Litany of Thanksgiving for a Church

Let us thank God whom we worship here in the beauty of
holiness.

Eternal God, the heaven of heavens cannot contain you,
much less the walls of temples made with hands. Graciously
receive our thanks for this place, and accept the work of our
hands, offered to your honor and glory.

For the Church universal, of which these visible buildings are
the symbol,
We thank you, Lord.

For your presence whenever two or three have gathered
together in your Name,
We thank you, Lord.

For this place where we may be still and know that you
are God,
We thank you, Lord.

For making us your children by adoption and grace, and
refreshing us day by day with the bread of life.
We thank you, Lord.

For the knowledge of your will and the grace to perform it,
We thank you, Lord.

For the fulfilling of our desires and petitions as you see
best for us,
We thank you, Lord.

578    Consecration of a Church

For the pardon of our sins, which restores us to the company
of your faithful people,
We thank you, Lord.

For the blessing of our vows and the crowning of our years
with your goodness,
We thank you, Lord.

For the faith of those who have gone before us and for our
encouragement by their perseverance,
We thank you, Lord.

For the fellowship of [N., our patron, and of] all your
Saints,
We thank you, Lord.