Ancient Order of Druids - Primitive Degree Ritual

Ancient Order of Druids
Primitive Degree Ritual

1948

Opening

Archdruid, Vice-Archdruid, Director of Ceremonies, Secretary and Guardian assume official collars, the Director of Ceremonies having previously ascertained that no person is present who is not a fully initiated brother of the Order.
Archdruid: Brother Director of Ceremonies, you will secure the door and proceed with the duties of your office.
Director of Ceremonies having secured the door, advances to the centre of Lodge room.
Director of Ceremonies: Brethren, I will thank you to be upstanding and assist the Archdruid to open the Lodge.
Archdruid gives one knock, repeated by Vice-Archdruid
Director of Ceremonies: Brother Officers, please assume Regalia.
Archdruid: Brother Vice-Archdruid, what is the first care of an Archdruid?
Vice-Archdruid: Noble Archdruid, your first care is to see the secret avenues secure, the necessary officers at their respective posts, and none but duly initiated Brethren present.
Archdruid: Brother Director of Ceremonies, you have my command to place the Guardian on duty with the
Passwords.
Guardian, who is standing opposite the Secretary’s desk, is then conducted to the door by the Director of Ceremonies, who gives him Passwords in a whisper, and his wand or symbol of office. Here he must remain until after the Lodge is closed.
Director of Ceremonies: Noble Archdruid, your instructions have been obeyed.
Archdruid: Brother Guardian, are the secret avenues secure?
Guardian: They are all secure, Noble Archdruid.
Guardian holds wand horizontally—level with his breast—at opening and closing of Lodge when addressing the Archdruid.
Archdruid: Brother Director of Ceremonies, are you satisfied that all present are duly initiated brothers of the Order?
Director of Ceremonies: Iam entirely satisfied, Noble Archdruid.
Archdruid: Nevertheless, Brethren, I will thank you to prove yourselves Druids.
Brothers must now give sign.
Archdruid: Vice-Archdruid and Brethren, having ascertained that the secret avenues are secure, the necessary officers at their respective posts, and none but duly initiated Brethren present, I now declare this, our ... Lodge, No ..., in union with the Imperial Grand Lodge, duly and legally open for the, purpose of its first institution, namely, Benevolence, Harmony, Fraternity, Initiation, and any business which may be brought before me or the Archdruid presiding, beneficial to this Lodge, or the Order in general. I now declare the Lodge open and all Laws in force.
Gives Primitive knocks, repeated by Vice-Archdruid and Guardian.
Director of Ceremonies: Brothers, I will thank you to be seated and assist in singing the opening hymn.

Opening hymn

From discord and dissension free
Let each and all with heart and hand
Proclaim in peace and harmony
The precepts of our loyal band.
Brothers all, our rites attend,
For duty’s call brooks no delay;
And while each brother greets a friend,
Time in pleasure glides away.

Chorus: From discord and dissension free
Let each and all with heart and hand
Proclaim in peace and harmony
The precepts of our loyal band.

Let envy, hatred, malice, pride,
Ne’er enter here to mar our peace,
But ever more be cast aside
That all such feelings soon may cease.
Joys—not sorrows—here abound,
And in care we chase away,
our midst content is found
From dawn unto the close of day.

Chorus: From discord, etc.

If all the world were in one band,
Like Druids joined, and all combined,
How happy mortals through the land
Might be in friendship’s link entwined
Harmony our minds would sway
Good fellowship each hour increase
And every day would pass away
In concord, unity, and peace.

Chorus: From discord, etc.

Archdruid, Vice-Archdruid and Guardian rise in turn to sing the first, second and third verses respectively and remain standing with their supporters—all Brothers upstanding for the chorus of the third verse.
At the singing of each verse the Director of Ceremonies attends, and with lamp or taper lights candles at respective pedestals.
Director of Ceremonies: Brethren, please be seated.
Archdruid: Vice-Archdruid and Brethren, I claim your attention to our Brother Secretary, who will now read the minutes of the last Lodge meeting.
Secretary reads Minutes.
Archdruid: Vice-Archdruid and Brethren, are there any comments? Pause. All of you who were present at the last Lodge meeting and consider the minutes as read by our Brother Secretary to be a correct record will signify the same in the manner observed amongst Druids.
Show of hands.
Archdruid: On the contrary?
Archdruid, if the minutes are carried: Brother Secretary, I declare the minutes as read duly confirmed.
The minutes must now be presented to the Archdruid for signature.
Director of Ceremonies: Brothers who have not yet registered should take this opportunity of doing so.
Minstrel plays short overture.
Archdruid: Brother Secretary, is there any business arising from the Minutes?
Such business, if any, is now undertaken.

General Business

Archdruid: Brother Secretary, we will now take correspondence and other business.
Communications from Imperial Grand Lodge, other correspondence, and general business should now be disposed of.
Archdruid: Has any Brother a friend to propose, or anything to advance for the benefit of the Order? Proposals and suggestions—if any.
Is there a Companion of a Royal Arch Chapter who wishes to propose a Brother for recommendation to that Degree?
Recommendations to Royal Arch Degree—if any.
I now declare business closed for this evening.
Initiations and other approved ceremonies held on appointed occasions must be performed and concluded before the Second Care.

Official Toast

First four to be taken in immediate rotation.
Director of Ceremonies faces each officer in turn. Director of Ceremonies: Brethren, I will thank you to be upstanding and assist in honouring the first four Official Toasts.
Archdruid: Our first Official Toast: “The King and the Druids.”
Vice-Archdruid: Second Official Toast: “T.D.o.a.a.v.p.”
Director of Ceremonies: Brethren, the next Toast is observed in silence and with the S.o.t.S.
Secretary: Third Official Toast: “To the memory of Past Grand Archdruid Hurle, the father and founder of the revived Order.”
Guardian: Fourth Official Toast: “All Lodges in Union and Unity in all Lodges.”
The Lodge may now proceed to Ceremonies, Lectures, and Harmony.

Initiation

Strict order must be maintained during the Ceremony.
The Candidates having been proposed and elected according to Constitutional Law, a selected Past Archdruid prepares them for Initiation.
Bards, with as many fully robed brothers as possible, holding crooks in left hands, are placed in position by Director of Ceremonies.
The Candidates are brought blindfolded to Lodge door with their hats on.
Outer Guardian gives Primitive knocks on the wicket.
Guardian repeats knocks inside.
Outer Guardian repeats knocks outside.
Guardian repeats knocks inside.
Outer Guardian repeats knocks outside.
Guardian, repeats knocks inside, then opens wicket and says: Who comes here?
Outer Guardian: Brother Past Archdruid ... accompanied by Mr ... and Mr ..., who desire to be initiated into this Ancient and Honourable Order.
Guardian: I will report your request to the Archdruid. Closes wicket, advances to centre of carpet—at base of Emblem—and reports: Noble Archdruid, Brother Past Archdruid ... seeks admission for Mr ... and Mr ..., who desire to be initiated into this Ancient and Honourable Order.
Archdruid: Brother Secretary, have they been duly proposed and elected according to Constitutional Law?
Secretary: They have, Noble Archdruid.
Archdruid: Brother Director of Ceremonies, upon admission you will take charge of these gentlemen, and conduct them to the Vice-Archdruid. Brother Guardian, admit the Candidates.

First Initiation Chorus

Hark! Hark! the sounds we hear
Denote a stranger near;
With friendship’s hand
He joins our band,
And he has naught to fear.
Now, bards, prepare your lays
And loud your voices raise!
While round the flame
We all proclaim
Our ancient Order’s praise!
So now your rites prepare
With secrecy and care; Druids arise,
Unbind his eyes,
Our mysteries let him share,
During Chorus the Director of Ceremonies leads Candidates around the Lodge Room, and before the close of last verse, halts facing the Vice-Archdruid.
Director of Ceremonies: Brother Vice-Archdruid, standing before you are ... Candidates for initiation.
Vice-Archdruid: Gentlemen, is it of your own free will and accord that you present yourselves here to be initiated into the mysteries of Druidism?
Candidate(s): It is.
Vice-Archdruid: Gentlemen, this, the Ancient Order of Druids, is not to be entered into rashly or without deliberation. Before final acceptance of Candidates for initiation, we demand from them an assurance of secrecy regarding the affairs of the Order; therefore, if you are not. prepared to give and strictly abide by a solemn promise to this effect, we will proceed no further with your initiation, and you will be permitted to retire in the same manner as you entered. I must here impress upon you that your WORD OF HONOUR, which we Druids deem the most sacred pledge on earth, will be at stake, and I will thank you, each according to the dictates of his conscience, to answer me the following questions. Are you prepared as true and just men to undertake this obligation of secrecy?
Candidate(s): I am so prepared.
Vice-Archdruid: Will you support the elected authorities in all just and lawful proceedings?
Candidate(s): I will.
Vice-Archdruid: Brother Director of Ceremonies, you will now conduct the Candidates to the Sacred Altar, there to undertake the obligation of a Druid.
A few bars of music, while Candidates are again conducted around until facing the Archdruid.
Archdruid: Brother Guardian, are the Secret Avenues secure?
Guardian: They are all secure, Noble Archdruid.
Archdruid: Brother Director of Ceremonies, you will please administer to these gentlemen the solemn obligation which binds all Druids to secrecy and fidelity.
Gives Primitive knocks. All Brothers upstanding.
Director of Ceremonies (audibly to each Candidate, who, when practicable, should be addressed by name): Gentlemen, you will each take your hat off with your left hand, and place your right hand over your heart. Now please repeat after me, giving your names in full: I, ..., hereby solemnly promise that I will never make known nor disclose to any person or persons, whomsoever or wheresoever, any of the rites, signs, passwords, ceremonies, mysteries, or other secrets with which I may now, or on any future occasion be entrusted. I recognise that it is my bounden duty at all times to assist a worthy brother in doubt, difficulty or distress, and further promise to abide by the Constitutional Laws of the Order into which I am being initiated. To this obligation, as a true and just man, I now pledge my word of honour.
Director of Ceremonies: The obligation has been duly taken, Noble Archdruid.
Archdruid gives Primitive knocks, Brothers resume seats, except Bards, who remain standing. A Past Archdruid lights Sacred Fire with lamp or taper. All other lights are now extinguished except candles. Director of Ceremonies instructs candidates to remove right hand from breast.
Archdruid: In your present state of darkness, what is it you most desire?
Candidate(s): Light.
Archdruid: Unveil their eyes and let them behold it.

Second Initiation Chorus

See, see the flames arise!
Brothers, now your songs prepare,
And ere their vigour droops and dies,
Our Mysteries let him share.
While thus before the sacred shrine
We hail him with our songs divine,
And let him know.
The Mistletoe,
And Togo Dubeline.
Refrain. —See, see the flames, etc.
Director of Ceremonies: Gentlemen, you will please pay attention to our Noble Archdruid, who will instruct you in the rise and historical associations of our Order.
Archdruid and Supporters upstanding.

Address

Archdruid: Gentlemen, the origin of the Order into which you are being initiated is of the most remote antiquity, being far more ancient than that of the Persian Magi, the Brahmins of India, the Chaldeans, or Assyrians. Its character is social, benevolent, patriotic, and fraternal, and the information I am about to give, as well as the principles I wish to inculcate, will, I trust, command your most marked and serious attention.
It is a circumstance much to be lamented that the early history of our Order is involved in fable and. obscurity. The Ancient Druids, although associated with the greatest scholars of their day, committed no portion of their important doctrines to writing, lest, at any time, these secrets should become known by the common multitude. For that reason their communications were entirely oral, and much of the information they possessed was locked in their bosoms and perished with its owners.
Their scientific attainments were considerable, for they made great progress in the study of astronomy, geometry, and natural philosophy, and are said to have been able to calculate eclipses. They spoke a language both copious and energetic, and their religious tenets bore a strong affinity to those of the Brahmins of India.
Among the principles inculcated by them were the immortality of the soul, which inspired them with courage and contempt of death, the difference between virtue and vice, the happiness attending the practice of the former, and the misery which never fails to follow the pursuit of the latter.
They discoursed with youth concerning these doctrines, instilling into their minds a love of justice tempered with mercy, and, under seal of the most inviolable secrecy, communicated to them the sublime mysteries of their religion.
In them were consolidated the three distinct characters of judge, legislator, and priest. They were called Druids, and the ancient Keltic word Derw, signified an oak, which was to them the symbol of the all-powerful Creator, the Giver of all Good; and under the shelter of its branches they taught their novitiates, held their courts of law and justice, and conducted their religious rites and festivals.
How interesting would it have been had the knowledge they possessed descended to us, but, alas, the loss of such a national treasure is as irretrievable as it is lamentable, for we have no authentic record prior to the birth of our venerated predecessor, which, according to tradition, took place under the following extraordinary circumstances previous to the invasion of Great Britain by the Romans.
S... R..., a Priestess of the Druids, having, contrary to her vows, given her hand in marriage to Tacitus Magullus, a noble British Bard, by him became pregnant. In the meantime, this island was subjected to a hostile invasion, and Tacitus Magullus, in assisting to repel the enemy, was numbered amongst the valiant slain.
R..., in order to conceal her grief and hide her condition from the world, retired to the innermost recesses of a lonely wood, where, in due time, and within the spacious cavity of an oak, she was safely delivered of a son.
The infant, in this situation, and during the temporary absence of his mother, was discovered by the Archdruid, who, according to annual custom, and attended by a numerous and stately train, had entered the wood in search of the sacred mistletoe.
The singularity of this incident so impressed the Druids, that these holy men were convinced of the infant’s future greatness, and conveyed him to their sacred groves, where they educated him with great care, and gave him the name of T... D..., which signified “one born to great fame.” Nor in their anticipations were they disappointed, for he became an ornament to the age in which he lived, and a bright example to after generations.
At an early age he was elected Archdruid, which exalted office he held with the greatest credit to himself and to the highest satisfaction of the Order.
He was a student of natural as well as moral philosophy, and discovered the process of distilling the potent juices of medicinal plants, whereby the Druids became renowned as healers. He also introduced a method of preparing fermented liquor from malted grain, but taught his followers to be discreet in the use of this beverage for, as he wisely and justly declared, “if taken in moderation it enlivens the spirits and dispels the clouds of care, but if taken to excess it debases the mind and degrades the character.”
He instituted a code of moral law, which is observed even to the present day, and likewise renovated and remodeled the Order, which had much degenerated from its pristine purity, and re-established it upon the firm and lasting basis of justice, philanthropy, and brotherly love.
Thus, intended Brothers, have I given you but a brief outline of the history of the Order into which you are being initiated, but I trust I have afforded you sufficient reason why we venerate the Oak, for as the early inhabitants of this island so venerated that tree, surely we should regard it no less, seeing it has proved the great bulwark of our national independence and prosperity, and will, ever stand as Nature’s living emblem of silent strength and lasting glory.
The Archdruid resumes his scat.

Third Initiation Chorus
(Tune “Fiat Lux,” Hymn 360 A. and M.)

All hail! we welcome you;
May each prove staunch and true,
E’en as the Oak.
Here, music’s heavenly joy,
Pleasure, without alloy,
Care’s dreary spells destroy,
While round the Oak.
Thus may there ever be
Concord and Unity
All round the Oak;
So, joined in Friendship’s band,
Firm as a rock we’ll stand,
Heart to heart, hand in hand.
Under the Oak
Director of Ceremonies: Gentlemen, you will now be instructed in the Sign, Token, Outer and Inner Passwords, and Entersign of the Order.
At the word “Brothers” the Bards simultaneously recover crooks, holding them upright before them with both hands. Archdruid again upstanding.
Archdruid: Gentlemen—nay Brothers—for by that endearing term I am now permitted to address you—we have a Sign, Token, Outer and Inner Passwords, and Entersign peculiar to the Order. The Sign of a Druid is twofold and typical of o.a.a.s. It is rendered as follows:
Extend horizontally the first two fingers and thumb of the right hand and s.a.i.w.a.i.l.g.b., for as a.l.g.b. denotes o.a., so should o.a. command your veneration and respect. Then place the back of the first finger of the right hand to the lips, thus, to denote s. - o.a.a.s. The Archdruid again gives the signs.
The Director of Ceremonies will now place you in possession of the Token of a Druid, whlch is communicated by the friendly grip of a Brother’s right hand.
Director of Ceremonies, addressing each Initiate audibly: Grasp my hand, e.o.u.t.h.h. - u.t.w.o. - t.h.h. THIS is the Token of a Druid. Noble Archdruid, our brothers are now in possession of the Token.
Archdruid: The Password of the Druids was formerly P.S., thus reversing the name of the Roman General, who, by command of the Emperor Nero had massacred their priests, and destroyed their sacred groves in the Island of Mona. The password now used in our Lodges is S.P., with the addition of the words e.B., This, however, is seldom given at length, but as you will hear the Director of Ceremonies and myself render it in alternate words: ...
Director of Ceremonies: S.
Archdruid: P.
Director of Ceremonies: e.
Archdruid: B. - S.P.e.B. This for a time was our ouly password. It was, however, deemed expedient to have another, which is called the Inner Password and is changed every twelve months, that for the present period being ... These passwords should claim your particular attention, for where there are two Guardians on duty, you will be required to give the Outer Password and Token to the Outer Guardian, and the Inner Password to the Inner Guardian, but where there is only one Guardian, you will give both Passwords to him; and the Token on entering.
In demonstrating Entersign the Archdruid must use the official headdress, which, however, must not be worn.
The Entersign of a Druid is as follows: ...
It is customary in all well regulated societies, on entering a room where a chairman presides, to pay some form of salutation to the chair, and we, in order to render ourselves more secure from the intrusion of strangers, have adopted the following peculiar method of our own.
On arriving at the Lodge door, you will give two distinct knocks on the wicket, thus ..., sufficiently loud, for the Guardian within to hear. He will then open the wicket, and you will give him the Sign and Passwords which I have already made known to you.
The Guardian, having satisfied himself that you are a Druid, will admit you, and you will advance to the centre of the Lodge w.y.h.o., and face the Chair. Taking your h.o.w.y.r.h., you will place it o.t.l., thus, and with the f.f.o.t.r.h. you will d.t.d.c.r.t.c., in this manner, in token of the s.a.m.r.t.e., and the triple constitution of the Order, then, placing the b.o.t. r.h.t.t.f., with a s.i.o.t.b., you will salute the Noble Archdruid, thus—to denote your obedience to the Chair and to the rules and regulations of the Order.
Turning round, you will also salute the Vice-Arch-druid.
The Candidates new turn, advancing a few paces, and face the Vice-Archdruid who rises with his supporters.
Archdruid: Brother Vice-Archdruid, the brethren now before you have been duly instructed in the Sign, Token, Passwords, and Entersign of the Order. You will examine them and report to me accordingly.
Vice-Archdruid: Brethren, in answering the following questions you will be guided in your replies by the Director of Ceremonies. What is the meaning of the Sign of a Druid?
Candidate(s): O.a.a.s.
Vice-Archdruid: How is it rendered? Candidates give Sign.
Vice-Archdruid: Advance individually and give me the grip—the Token of a Druid. Candidates do so.
Vice-Archdruid: How do you gain admission to a Druids’ Lodge?
Candidate(s): By giving two knocks on the wicket, and also proving to the Guardian by Sign, Token, and Passwords that I am a member of the Order.
Vice-Archdruid: What is the outer Password, and our present Inner Password?
Candidate(s): The Outer Password is S.P.e.B., and the present Inner Password is ...
Vice-Archdruid: To whom is the Entersign rendered?
Candidate(s): To the Noble Archdruid.
Vice-Archdruid: That is so. On this occasion, however, it is to be demonstrated to me. P.y.h.o. and proceed.
Candidates give Entersign.
Brother Director of Ceremonies, you will now conduct our Brothers to their former position facing the Chair.
Candidates now face Archdruid.
Archdruid: Brother Vice-Archdruid, what have you to report?
Vice-Archdruid: Noble Archdruid, in obedience to your commands, I have examined these Brothers, and am satisfied that they have full knowledge of the Sign, Token, Passwords and Entersign.
Vice-Archdruid and supporters resume seats. Archdruid: Brethren, your attention to these Signs and
Passwords, together with your future good conduct, will gain you admission into this Lodge and all Lodges in union with the Grand Lodge of England. Immediately after giving the entersign you will attend the Registrar, see your name inscribed in a book kept for that purpose, and remain with your head uncovered during lodge hours. The By-laws of this Lodge may be perused upon application to the Secretary. The Constitutional Laws, by which our Order is governed, are contained in the Introductory Book, which will presently be handed to you, but it is my duty now to instruct you with regard to some of our regulations: We allow no immoral songs, toasts, or expressions, and no religious or political discussion, but expect your conduct to be at all times that of a gentleman and Druid. In conclusion, I desire to draw your attention to a few of the many excellent maxims handed down to us by our venerated predecessor, maxims to which it is expected that you, our newly initiated Brothers, will strictly adhere:
Let temperance and moderation be your guides in all places and upon all occasions.
Let integrity rule your heart and secrecy guard your tongue.
Be charitable, for loving Charity is the bond of peace and the greatest of all virtues.
Write these maxims upon the tablets of your heart, meditate upon them in your hours of solitude as well as during your daily social intercourse with the world—nay, do more, practise them—practise them, I beseech you not only as they bear relation to the comparatively small circle of our Society, but as they have reference to the whole human family.
I have little further to add, dear Brothers, except to congratulate you upon becoming members of this our most ancient and honourable Order, and personally to thank you for your courteous attention to my brief address. You will now retire for the space of a few minutes with the Brother who introduced you, then work your way back into the Lodge in the manner in which I have instructed you, and spend the remainder of this meeting, and I trust the rest of your life, in social harmony with your newly found friends and Brethren.
Noble Archdruid raises his arms: And may the Great Giver of All Good grant you His infinite blessing.
As Minstrel commences to play Recessional Music, Initiates and Bards turn to their left. Initiates are preceded by Director of Ceremonies, who is in turn preceded by Bards; a Past Archdruid follows Initiates. In this order they make a complete circuit of the room.
On passing the Chair, Director of Ceremonies, Initiates, and Past Archdruid salute the Chairman.
Bards, having now taken their positions to right and left of door, form an avenue of arched crooks.
Initiates file out between them, and must remain with Director of Ceremonies in ante-room until summoned to re-enter Lodge. No Applause.
Officers at once disrobe and prepare for reception of Initiates.

Reception of Initiates

Initiates, having given Knocks, Signs, and Passwords to Guardian, are announced. All Brothers of the Lodge remain seated.
Guardian: Noble Archdruid, the Director of Ceremonies desires to enter the Lodge, accompanied by our newly initiated Brothers.
Archdruid: Have they proved themselves?
Guardian: They have, Noble Archdruid.
Archdruid: Then admit them.
Director of Ceremonies and Initiates advance to centre of Lodge and render Eutersign. The Initiates are then presented to the Archdruid and thereafter conducted to seats placed at right angles to his rostrum.
Archdruid: Brethren, please be upstanding.
Director of Ceremonies: Brethren, our Ancient Welcome.
Archdruid: Vice-Archdruid and Brethren, I give you Health, Wealth, and Happiness to our newly admitted Brothers.
All Brothers repeat.
Vice-Archdruid: And may they never regret the day they became Druids.
All Brothers repeat.
Archdruid: Brethren, attention, please to our Director of Ceremonies for the Druidical Fire.
Director of Ceremonies: Brethren, please assist me in giving our “Ancient Druidical Fire.” You will stand to order and copy me.
The Director of Ceremonies gives the sign of O.A.a.S. once, then taps the left forearm with the palm of the right hand three times; he then gives the sign of O.A.a.S. again; then with the palm of the right hand taps the left forearm three times; he gives the sign of O.A.a.S. once more, and with the palm of the right hand taps the left forearm three times.
Care should he taken that the movements are given simultaneously and quietly by the Brothers taking part.
Director of Ceremonies: Brethren, please be seated.
Archdruid: Brother Initiates, at our Lodge meeting next you will be given an official certificate of membership and the identification signal for use outside the Lodge.
We shall now be pleased to hear a few words in reply to the welcome accorded you.
Having responded, the Initiates are permitted to take seats in any part of the room.

Second care

Archdruid: Brother Director of Ceremonies, the Second Care.
Director of Ceremonies: Brother Officers, I will thank you to be upstanding while the Archdruid takes his Second Care.
Archdruid: Brother Vice-Archdruid, you will now place me in possession of the Second Care of an Archdruid.
Vice-Archdruid: Noble Archdruid, your Second Care is to return thanks to all Imperial Grand Officers, Colonial, Provincial, and District Grand Officers, present and past, Past Archdruids, Companions of the Supreme Chapter or others of the Royal Arch Degree, and visitors, not forgetting those members of your own Lodge who have honoured you with their attendance.
Director of Ceremonies: Brother Officers, please be seated.
Archdruid: Brother Registrar, please read the record of attendances.
Registrar: I will do so, Noble Archdruid. Register is now read.
Archdruid: Is there any Brother who has not heard his name correctly called, or who has not attended the Registrar ?
The Registrar then hands to the Archdruid a list of representative Visitors, beginning with the Imperial Grand Lodge, other Grand Lodges, Chapters, and Primitive Lodges, in order of seniority.
Archdruid, returns thanks in suitable terms and calls for responses at his discretion.

Fifth Official Toast

The announcement, if any, of a brother’s death, should be made immediately before this toast is honoured and the Lodge formally placed in mourning for a period specified by the Archdruid.
Archdruid: Brethren, please be upstanding while the Director of Ceremonies gives the Fifth Official Toast.
Director of Ceremonies lights fire and takes up his position in the centre of carpet—at the base of the Emblem—with trailed wand, facing the Archdruid. Bards arrange them. selves on both sides of altar with crooks trailed and interlocked.
Director of Ceremonies: Brethren, please assist in honouring the Fifth Official Toast. “To the memory of those brothers who have passed to that Supreme Lodge above reserved only for the worthy, and more especially of those who have died for their country.
Brothers stand at the salute during short silence.
Appropriate music by the Minstrel.
If desired the proceedings may be extended as follows.
Archdruid, with hand upraised: Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Oh, Thou, who givest all, we commend to Thy Fatherly keeping all those of our Brethren who have died that we might live. May we, so live our lives as to prove to all the world that they did not die in vain, and may their souls rest in peace.
Then should be sung the solo “Rest in the Lord” —Elijah, by a selected Brother, concluding with one verse of the Hymn “Abide with me,” sung very softly by all Brethren present, or if preferred the following hymn may be substituted.

Hymn
(Tune” Melita,” Hymn 370 A. and M.)
Lord God of Hosts, Whose Mighty Hand,
Dominion holds on sea and land; in Peace and War
Thy Will we see, Shaping the larger liberty.
Nations may rise and nations fall,
Thy Changeless Purpose rules them all.
When Death flies swift o’er wave or field,
Be Thou our sure defence and shield!
Console and succour those who fall.
And help and hearten each and all!
O, hear the brothers’ prayers for those
Who fearless faced their country’s foes!
At the conclusion the Archdruid gives one knock and the Brethren silently resume their seats.

Closing

Archdruid: Brother Director of Ceremonies, the Closing Hymn.
Director of Ceremonies: Brethren, please assist in singing the Closing Hymn. You will rise for the last verse and remain upstanding until the Lodge is closed.
Archdruid, Vice-Archdruid and Guardian rise in turn to sing first, second, and third verses respectively, and remain standing with their supporters, all brothers joining in the chorus of each verse.

Closing Hymn

Now let your voices ring,
The joys we feel each heart can tell,
While in concord loud we sing,
Brothers all, farewell;
Loyal Druids we,
Enemies to care,
Friends around we see,
And harreony we share.

Chorus: Now let your voices ring,
The joys we feel each heart can tell
While in concord loud we sing,
Brothers all farewell.

Here, free from war’s alarms,
Peace o’erflows from pleasure’s bowl,
While music’s heavenly charms
Enrapture every soul;
And while the oak will bear
An acorn on its bough,
We’ll strive to banish care,
And smooth the furrowed brow.

Chorus: Now let your voices ring, etc.

Old Time, he waits for none;
Sure his sands ne’er went so fast,
And now our harmony is done,
Our social joys are past;
Yet, although we part,
The thought will e’er remain
In each brother’s heart,
We part to meet again.

Chorus: Now let your voices ring, etc.

Archdruid: Brother Vice-Archdruid, I will now thank you to place me in possession of the Third Care of an Archdruid.
Vice-Archdruid: Noble Archdruid, your Third Care is to see the Secret Avenues secure, the necessary Officers at their respective posts, and then to declare this, our ... Lodge, No ... in union with Imperial Grand Lodge, duly and legally closed.
Archdruid: Brother Guardian, are the secret avenues secure?
Guardian: They are all secure, Noble Archdruid.
Archdruid: Brother Vice-Archdruid, do you report the Lodge as properly constituted?
Vice-Archdruid: The necessary Officers are present, Noble Archdruid.
Archdruid: Brother Vice-Archdruid, I having ascertained that the Secret Avenues are secure and the necessary Officers at their respective posts; it is for you to instruct the Brethren as to our next meeting.
Vice-Archdruid: Noble Archdruid and Brethren, this Lodge will be re-opened here on ... next at ... o’clock, for the purpose of its first institution, namely, Benevolence, Harmony, Fraternity, together with any business which may be brought before the Archdruid presiding, beneficial to this Lodge or the Order in general.
Director of Ceremonies: Brethren, the National Anthem.
National anthem is now sung.
Director of Ceremonies extinguishes candles.
Archdruid: Vice-Archdruid and Brethren, I am now able to declare this our ... Lodge, No ... in union, legally closed, the next meeting duly announced, and all Laws out of force.
Archdruid gives Primitive knocks repeated by Vice-Archdruid and Guardian.

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