Parsonage: Dedication ritual

5975. Order of Dedication of a Parsonage.

(At the time appointed for the dedication service, an appropriate hymn may be sung by the congregation or by a soloist or choir. Suitable numbers include: “Happy the Home When God Is There,” and “Bless This House.” Then the pastor or other appointed minister shall give an extemporaneous prayer. Then the pastor or other appointed minister shall give a Scripture reading, such as 1 Corinthians 9:7-10, 13–14. Then the district superintendent (1310:14) or representative shall address the congregation, saying:)

The Scriptures clearly teach that as Aaron was divinely appointed to the priesthood, even so today persons are called to the ministry for the purpose of preaching the Word and otherwise giving aid and comfort to the spiritually needy. In the same divine program it is also “commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel” (1 Cor. 9:14). Providing a house for the pastor is a recognition of the minister’s high office and great value to the church. It is a wise provision contributing to proper temporal support. This house about to be dedicated as a pastor’s home has been made possible by the generous gifts of those who are interested in the ministry and the Church such ministry represents.

(Then the trustees of the church shall come and stand before the district superintendent, and the chair of the trustees shall address the district superintendent, saying:)

On behalf of the trustees, the members, and this congregation, I present this house to be dedicated to God as the home for the person whom He has appointed to pastor this people.

(Then the district superintendent may give an appropriate discourse, gratefully commending the people for providing this house and charging the pastor to live here in the fear of God and as a faithful servant of the people. Then the district superintendent shall offer a prayer of dedication, such as the following:)

O most gracious Lord, we acknowledge that we are not worthy to offer unto You anything belonging to us. Yet we ask that You accept the dedication of this home to Your service, and that You will prosper this our undertaking.

Grant that whoever shall dwell in this house shall be so yielded and dedicated to Your service as “vessels sanctified and meet for the Master’s use, prepared unto every good work,” that their ministry shall be a heavenly benediction to all they meet.

Grant, O Lord, that whoever shall enter this the home of Your ministering servants shall be made to sense Your presence, and as they depart shall be strengthened to walk in Your holy commandments, and that all who minister to the material comforts of Your servants in this home shall be richly rewarded by You.

Grant, O Lord, that all who come to this home for spiritual counsel and comfort, shall be made both to perceive and know what things they ought to do, and may have power and strength to fulfill the same.

Grant, O Lord, that whoever shall be joined together in the holy estate of matrimony in this home may faithfully perform and keep the vow and covenant made between them, and may remain in perfect love together all of their lives.

Grant, O Lord, that at the family altar of this home, when prayer with thanksgiving and supplication shall be offered, that they may receive from Your hand such things as are necessary. Also, that as Your servants study and search Your Word, that divine illumination for life and duty may be given as in Your infinite wisdom You shall see to be most expedient for them. All of this we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our most blessed Lord and Savior. Amen.

(Then the district superintendent shall address the congregation, saying:)

I now declare this house duly set apart as the residence of the pastor of the ____________ Wesleyan Church.

(Then the district superintendent or other appointed minister shall pronounce the benediction:)

The Lord bless you, and keep you: the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. Amen.