Christian Cyclopedia

Religious ceremony whereby anything is dedicated or consecrated to the service of God. In OT the tabernacle (Ex 40; Nm 7), Solomon's temple (1 K 8; rededication 2 Ch 29), Zerubbabel's temple (Ez 6:16–17) were dedicated. This custom was followed by Maccabaeus (1 Mac 4:52–59) and Herod (Josephus, Antiquities, XV, xi, 6). Cities, walls, gates, houses were also consecrated (Dt 20:5; Ps 30, title; Neh 12:27).

Eusebius describes the dedication of the cathedral at Tyre ca. 315 (HE, X, iv). By the 13th c., dedication consisted of 6 parts: blessing outside, blessing in middle of ch., preparation for altar consecration, altar consecration, procession of relics, blessing of altar vessels and furnishings.

In the RC Ch. solemn consecration (permanent chs.) is only by bp., blessing (temporary chs. and those of metal or wood) by priest. The ceremony consists of prayers, sprinkling with holy water, followed by mass.

Luther rejected concepts of magic and superstition in dedicatory act (WA 50, 644–645). Preaching and prayer sanctify and dedicate chs. (WA 49, 588–615). Scripture readings, hymns, and prayers occupy a prominent place in Luth. ceremonies of groundbreaking, cornerstone laying, dedication, and consecration.

The Minister's Handbook of Dedications, ed. W. H. Leach (New York, 1961); English Orders for Consecrating Churches in the Seventeenth Century, Together with Forms for the Consecration of Churchyards, the First Stone of a Church, the Reconciliation of a Church, and the Consecration of Altar Plate, ed. J. W. Legg (London, 1911); R. W. L. Muncey, A History of the Consecration of Churches and Churchyards (Cambridge, Eng., 1930).