The Diocese of Portsmouth

Consecrating and Dedicating Church Buildings

Introduction

The Diocese has no set order of service because needs and situations vary. Instead, these guidelines are intended to help construct a rite for a particular occasion - in close consultation with the bishop or his representative(s). 

It is hoped that these guidelines will help to encourage creativity and enthusiasm for what should be an exciting and enriching event for a particular community. It is perfectly in order to use materials and texts other than those suggested, as long as the bishop gives permission. There is little material from the Roman Rite included here. Some may wish to make use of it. If there are other items to be blessed, other than those mentioned (e.g. organ/ windows / items of furniture, etc) suitable prayers can be added.

There are two parts to these Guidelines:

1) An Introduction.

2) A draft Service.

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Part One: Introduction

Consecration sets apart a person, an object or a place for the worship and service of God. 
The consecration of a church building marks an important moment in the life of any community, for it represents a time of new vitality and life for worship, fellowship and mission. If a building is not to be fully consecrated, it can be dedicated for worship - in this case there is no legal Deed of Consecration. If an already consecrated building is extended, and the extension is built in a consecrated churchyard, then technically it does not need to be reconsecrated - although it may seem right to do so.

Smaller rites can be used in an already consecrated building, for the blessing of alterations, additions, or new furnishings.

A place of worship should be a holy space where people can gather to hear the Word of God, to offer  intercession and praise, to offer up the joys and pains of their daily lives, and to celebrate the sacraments - through which we are nourished and strengthened as God’s pilgrim people. The building itself therefore, stands as an ever-present image of the Church - God’s temple built from living stones - where God The Holy Trinity is worshipped in spirit and in truth.

Consecration and dedication can be traced back many centuries. In the Old Testament there is Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of The Temple (1 Kings 8). Later, beyond the earthly life of Jesus, The Venerable Bede tells us that the Upper Room was ‘enclosed’ by a beautiful church. Other rites of consecration and dedication can be traced back to the time of the Emperor Constantine.

As well as the words used, there may be visible signs - for example anointing, lighting, sprinkling and censing - which visibly express, amongst other things,  a renouncing of evil and our claiming of the building for God, to his glory. Like baptism, these are expressions of our new birth in Christ. 

The rite of consecration is intended for use when a building is ready for regular worship. The rite is very much the prerogative of the bishop. It is important, of course, that the ministers of the parish(es) should be involved. Just as importantly, the laity should take as active a part as possible, especially those who had anything to do with building, preparation and furnishings: architects, surveyors, builders, tradespeople, all who gave money or furnishings, and so on. Neighbouring Christian ministers and representatives of the  local community and the wider church should also be present.

Most rites begin with the the entry of the bishop and people into the church, as they claim and dedicate the building for Christ - sometimes symbolized by the marking of the threshold with the sign of the cross. In earlier times the bishop would trace the alphabet in Latin and Greek on the floor of the church. A perambulation of the church often follows, during which the various parts of the building and its furniture, vessels and ornaments are blessed, concluding with the blessing of the altar - after which the Eucharist is immediately celebrated. 

About consecration, Walter Frere, a former Bishop of Truro and co-founder of the Community of the Resurrection in Mirfield wrote, “In the earliest days, when first a building was set apart for divine worship, it was considered that in the celebration of the Holy Mysteries [The Eucharist] there was in itself sufficient consecration. As soon as there was formulated any idea of a consecration at all, as a solemn and final setting apart of the place and building from profane use, and Dedication to Holy Worship, it was held to be ratified by the celebration of the mass.”

Thus, the natural climax of the rite of consecration is the celebration of the Eucharist, which should always be part of  a rite of dedication and consecration. In the celebration of the Eucharist, the universal Lord of the ages is made present, as sign, sacrament and promise of the kingdom both here and yet to come.

Through such a rite, we give thanks to God for the past, we enjoy him in the present and we entrust the future to his guidance and grace. We then go out into the world in the power of the Holy Spirit, as living witnesses to his dwelling among us.

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Part Two:
A Draft Service

Close consulation with the bishop or his representative(s) must be maintained at all times.

It is important to have the particular character of the building firmly in mind at all times. 
Draft service orders need to be ‘walked through’ in the building itself.

At the beginning of a printed order of  service, a short general introduction (no more than an A5 side) is appropriate, perhaps based on Part One of these guidelines. In addition, a brief description of how the current building came to be - and any personal acknowledgements felt to be appropriate.

Outside the Building

The rite should be begin outside the building, even if only part of the congregation are outside, with the rest seated inside. A procession or some other visual, dramatic display may be appropriate. The procession could include the carrying of vessels, decorations and ornaments to be placed in the church. Perhaps also the property deed, architect’s drawings and blueprints, keys, tools used in the work, etc. Perhaps a musical band or group. Balloons, decorations, banners, etc.......

The Paschal candle may be carried in alight - or could be in position at the font and lit when the font is dedicated. In the latter case, another light could be carried in at the beginning. Or perhaps a flaming torch carried from Cathedral/mother church/ another church in the parish or nearby.

The procession may circle the building and then go to the main door. As the procession approaches the door, rousing music/hymn/psalm [eg Psalms 121/122/127, Te Deum, etc]

Let us pray:

Almighty God, we thank you for making us in your image, and to share in the ordering of your world. Receive the work of our hands in this place, now to be set apart for your worship, the building up of the living, and the remembrance of the departed, to the praise and glory of your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

At the Door

The Bishop knocks three times on the door with his pastoral staff, saying:
Lift up your heads, you gates,
and be lifted up, you everlasting doors,
and the King of Glory shall come in.

(All Loudly !) Who is this King of Glory ?

It is the Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. 
The Lord of hosts, he is the King of Glory       (Psalm 24)

The door is opened by a lay person (representative of the builders ?)

Hymn ? To cover entrance ?

Inside the Building

The Archdeacon makes the following bidding:

Through the ages, Almighty God has moved his people to build houses of prayer and praise, and to set them apart for the ministry of his holy Word and Sacraments. Reverend Father in God, we invite you to consecrate this church dedicated to...... 

The Archdeacon invites amoment of prayer and reflection, then says:
Peace be to this house from God our Father
Peace be to this house from his Son Jesus Christ
Peace be to this house from the Holy Spirit
Blessed be God forever ! Amen ! Amen !

The bishop marks the floor with the letters Alpha and Omega (perhaps in sawdust/ ash / or wet concrete, etc) And says:

We take possession of this place in the name of Christ. He is Alpha and he is Omega, the beginning and the end, who was and is and is to come. In this place we set his mark. May he banish all evil and scatter the darkness from before our path.

If the paschal candle was carried in, it is lit here and the Gloria (or a suitable hymn) is sung as the procession moves to the Font [unless font is highly inaccessible !]

The Font

Opening Prayer - Either:

Father, we thank you that through the waters of baptism we die to sin and are made new in Christ. Grant through your Spirit that those baptised here may enjoy the liberty and splendour of the children of God.

Archdeacon: There is one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism
One God and Father of all

We dedicate this font in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Or:

Archdeacon: There is one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism
One God and Father of all

Almighty God, Whose Son Jesus Christ was baptised in the River Jordan, bless and hallow this font which we dedicate to your service,. May all who are baptised here be remade by your Spirit in the likeness of Christ, to die with him and rise with him, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit be praise and glory now and forever, Amen.

Water is then poured into the font.

If there is to be asperging - or people are coming up to splash themselves, a prayer for the blessing the water is used. Perhaps this one:

Open the gates of righteousness
that we may enter and give thanks to the Lord.

For with you is the well of life
And in your light shall we see light.

It is indeed right to give you thanks and praise,
Lord God Almighty, creator of all life;
For in your great love you redeem us:
As we pass through the deep waters of death
we are raised to new life in Christ our Lord.
Therefore, heavenly Father, by the power of your life-giving Spirit,
sanctify these waters of your new creation
that we, with all who have been born anew by water and the Spirit,
may be renewed in your image, 
and walk by the light of faith.
Forgive the sins of your people
and preserve your Church from all harm
that we may stand before you in purity of heart;
through your anointed Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom with you and the Holy Spirit
we lift our voices of praise:
Blessed be God, our strength and our salvation,
now and for ever. Amen

Then may follow by the asperging of the people and the building’s walls during hymn/ litany/ music.

[If there is a small chapel to be blessed; apart from a Chapel for the Blessed Sacrament - that would come after Communion]

Living God, hallow this Chapel

which we consecrate in honour of (chapel’s dedication)
May this be a place where all may find solace,
peace in the storms of life,
and strength to move forward.
May this be a place of fellowship and growth
for your people,
strengthening them in the service of the Living Lord,
who was crucified and now reigns
with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Lectern:

a) If there is ALSO a pulpit:

Father, your eternal Word speaks to us through the words of Holy Scripture. Here we read about your mighty acts and purposes in history, and about those whom you chose as the agents of your will. Inspired by the revelation of yur Son, we seek your present purposes. Give us ears to hear and hearts to obey.
May the words of our mouth and the meditation of our heart
Be acceptable to you, O Lord our God

We dedicate this lectern in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

b) Or, if there is NO pulpit:

Archdeacon: Your Word is a lantern to our feet
and a light to our path

Almighty God, in every age you have spoken through the voices of prophets, pastors and teachers. Bless and hallow this lectern which we dedicate to your service. Purify the lives and lips of those who proclaim your holy Word from here, that all may hear your message of salvation through Christ our Lord, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit be praise and glory now and for ever. Amen

A Bible is then placed on the Lecturn

Pulpit:

Father, in every age you have spoken through the voices of prophets, pastors and teachers. Purify the lives and the lips of those who speak here, that your word only may be proclaimed, and your Word only may be heard.

Your Word is a lantern to our feet
and a light to our path

We dedicate this pulpit in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

The Ministry of the Word

Sit for the readings.

The readings for a coinciding festival; or the readings of the day may be used.

Or from the following:
First reading:  Joshua 4:1-9 or 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27b-30 or 2 Samuel 6:12-15, 17-19 or Psalm 48 or Psalm 84 or Revelation 21:2-7 or 1 Corinthians 3:1-11, 16-17 or 1 Peter 2:1-9

Gospel reading: Matthew 7:13-14,24-25 (or 24-29) or Matthew 21:10-14 or Luke 21:1-6 
or John 1:35-42  

Sermon
     
The Consecration of the Church

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God
It is right to give him thanks and praise.

Father in heaven, source of all love and holiness,
it is right to offer you thanks and praise.
For today we dedicate to your lasting service
this house of prayer, which reflects the mystery of your church:
a temple built of living stones,
founded on the apostles and prophets,
your Son Jesus Christ its Chief Corner Stone;
a city set upon a hill,
bright with the glory of your presence 
and echoing the prayers of your saints.

Lord, send your Spirit from heaven to sanctify this place
that it may be a sign of your presence among us.
Here may the Gospel be proclaimed with boldness.
Here may the waters of baptism cleanse and renew us.
Here may yur people celebrate the memorial of Christ’s risen presence.
Here may prayer resound through heaven and earth,
as a plea for the world’s salvation.
Here may the poor find justice,
the victims of oppression, true freedom.
Here may the sick find healing,

and those in darkness and despair find light.

From here may your whole creation,
clothed in the liberty of the children of God,
enter with gladness your city of peace.

Through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom with you and the Holy Spirit
we lift our voices of praise:
Blessed be God, our strength and our salvation,
now and for ever, Amen.

The Altar

Archdeacon: Let us now pray for the setting apart of the Altar.

(With arms extended, the Bishop says:)
We praise you, Almighty and Eternal God, that for us and for our salvation, you sent your Son Jesus Christ to be born among us, that through him we might become your sons and daughters.
Blessed be your name, Lord God.

We praise you for his life on earth, and for his death upon the cross, through which he offered himself as a perfect sacrifice.
Blessed be your name, Lord God.

We praise you for raising him from the dead, and for exalting him to be our great High Priest.
Blessed be your name, Lord God.

We praise you for sending your Holy Spirit to make us holy, and to unite us in your holy church.
Blessed be your name, Lord God.

 the Bishop lays a hand upon the table - or anoints with chrism (five crosses), and saying:

Lord God, hear us. Sanctify this table dedicated to you. Let it be to us a sign of the heavenly Altar where your saints and angels praise you for ever. Accept here the continual recalling of the sacrifice of your Son. Grant that all who eat and drink at this holy Table may be fed and refreshed by his flesh and blood, be forgiven for their sins, united with one another, and strengthened for your service.
Blessed be your Name, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; now and for endless ages. Amen.

The Altar is then dressed and made ready by members of the congregation 
(soft music or a short, reflective anthem may be sung)

The Peace

[ A possible preface to the Peace:
Christ is our peace.
If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation;
the old has passed away: behold the new has come] 

The Peace of the Lord be always with you
and also with you
Let us offer one another a sign of peace 
(Or: let us greet one another in the name of the Lord)

The Eucharist continues with the Offertory Hymn

It ia advised that the gifts are offered [and censed] during the hymn, so that at the end of the hymn, the Eucharistic Prayer begins.

A possible preface for the Eucharistic Prayer:

It is indeed right, it is our duty and our joy
at all times and in all places 
to give you thanks and praise
Holy Father, Heavenly King, 
almighty and eternal God,
through Jesus Christ your only Son, our Lord.

On this day we give you thanks as we consecrate to your glory
this work of our hands, this house of prayer.
In your Church on earth is foreshadowed the mystery 
of your heavenly city, the new Jerusalem.

Through your grace we offer you the sacrifice of praise;
we who are your chosen stones,
cemented together by love,
built by your Spirit into a temple made without hands,
even the body of your Son Jesus Christ.

Therefore with angels........

After Communion

If there is an aumbry or tabernacle to be blessed, 
newly consecrated Elements are taken there and a suitable prayer is said.

Pause for silence/ quiet music.

Post-Communion Prayer: could be the Collect of the Day.

The Mandate   is read by the Diocesan Registrar and the Deed signed.

Once the Deed has been signed, the Bishop says:

By virtue of our office in the Church of God we now declare this House of God consecrated, under the title of...............
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

A Form of Blessing:

May God who has prepared for you a city,
eternal in the heavens
bring you to the joy of that city of the great King.
Amen.

May he raise up and strengthen
whatever you build on Christ, the corner stone,
and draw you into the fellowship of the saints in glory.
Amen.

May he grant you the Spirit of wisdom
to know the hope to which he has called you,
and make you living temples of his presence.
Amen

And the blessing......

A Form to prefix the Dismissal:

To God be glory in the Church
in Christ Jesus
for ever and ever, Amen !

Go in peace.........

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