Iota Phi Theta Fraternity
‘Going on Ceremony’

 
n.d.

Polaris: Greetings, Brothers. It brings me honor and great joy to convene … Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. You have been summoned to this Special Meeting in order to conduct the Rite of Passage for … of men into our organization. Before we begin this endeavor, I ask for the Chaplain to invoke the presence of our God(s) to oversee our Mission. Brother Chaplain.
Chaplain: (prayer) Amen. Brothers should be aware and be respectful of the various religions and/or beliefs by the various Brothers of the Chapter.
Polaris: Brother Secretary, would you call the roll?
Secretary: Polaris, Vice-Polaris, Treasurer, Historian, Chaplain. Brothers, please state your names in order. Brothers respond respond. All are present and in good standing.
Polaris: Brother Historian, have you marked the day, place and time?
Historian: Yes, Brother Polaris. On … (date), … (place), at 5PM, … (number) Candidates have been tried and deemed worthy of acceptance by the Membership Committee to travel the road to Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. They are … names of candidates.
Polaris: Brother Treasurer, have all financial obligations been met?
Treasurer: They have. (Total dollars) have been received and forwarded to the Regional Polaris and Grand Council.
Polaris: Brother Vice-Polaris, go find the candidates who seek knowledge about our Brotherhood. Make them ready to be received.
Vice-Polaris, brings in the group, blindfolded: Brother Polaris, I present to you and the Brothers of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. … candidates names. They seek more knowledge of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
Polaris: Since time is immemorial, no great undertaking has been done without the aid of prayer. Young men, kneel and pray together that your God(s) will watch over you and guide you along the way.
(Pause) Now, rise and face the Brothers of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. Brothers, do you agree with the Membership Committee?
(Brothers respond Yes/No)
Polaris: Candidates, before I go any further, you must be prepared to respond affirmatively to each of these questions.
I. I will know and understand the ideals expressed in my fraternity ritual and will strive to incorporate them in my life.
II. I will strive for academic achievement and practice academic integrity.
III. I will respect the dignity of all persons’ therefore I will not physically, mentally, psychologically, or sexually abuse or haze any human being.
IV. I will protect the health and safety of all human beings.
V. I will respect my property and property of others; therefore, I will neither abuse nor tolerate the abuse of property.
VI. I will meet my financial obligations in a timely manner.
VII. I will challenge all my fraternity members to abide by these fraternal expectations and will confront those who violate them.
Polaris: Brother Vice-Polaris, please present the candidates with their ribbons.
Polaris addresses candidates: These ribbons presented to you represent your love and devotion to Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. They are to be worn, at all times, on your outer garment, over your heart. Note that they are Gold over Brown, signifying the colors of a Candidate for Membership. Protect your ribbons at all cost, for without them, you will never find your way to Iota. Brothers, come forth and meet your Little Brothers, collectively known as (line name).
 
 
‘Centaur Ceremony’
 
The purpose of this Ceremony is to induct the members of the intake group of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. into the ‘Centaur Club’. It should be held on the Wednesday after the ‘Going on Ceremony’. Also, this should be the first full-scale session, in which all financial, active Brothers should be present to signify its importance. A financial member (advisor) of the local graduate/alumni chapter must be present during this Ceremony.
 
The Ceremony
A) The ‘intakes’ are informed of the importance of the Ceremony, which will NOT be held if all members are not present.
B) The ‘intakes’ are gathered together and blindfolded. They are then taken to some specified location where the Ceremony will take place.
C) After arriving, the Intake Group is asked to perform for the Brothers, who are supposed to be acting in a gentlemanly manner during this time.
D) The intake group is then made to kneel, in a circular position. The Chapter Polaris will then address the group. The brief resume is left up to his discretion, but should contain something to the effect that the ‘intakes’ have come this far, that there should be no turning back, and how rewarding it will be after they become Brothers of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
E) The Centaurs should be made to hold Yellow Candles to signify that ‘Brotherhood is the light of the world’. These same candles will then be collected and used in the Going Over Ceremony for the drops of wax.
This is the End of the Centaur Ceremony.
 
 
Induction Ceremony
 
Preparations
Materials needed
- Table for Altar (with white tablecloth for cover)
- Large Iota Shield (full color)
- Sacred Cup (Evian water for beverage)
- Sacred Paddle
- Lectern or Reading Stand
- Five (5) Gold Candles
- One (1) Red Candle
- Appropriate Candle Holders
The Centaur(s) will be prepared to appear before the chapter blindfolded, in coat and tie dress clothing. The Brothers shall also be in coat and tie.
The Centaur(s) will be prepared by Director of Membership Intake in an another room and instructed to follow directions, listen and watch closely; the Rule of Silence is to be observed among the Brothers, as well as the Centaur(s), so that all may sharpen their concentration on what they are about to hear and see.
All Ceremony participants should be informed of the religious connotations contained within this ritual, and any objections should be noted and advised. Any references made to any divinity or deity may be left unspoken by those individuals with sincere objections upon their request.
The ritual materials shall be placed upon the altar with the five (5) candles grouped together in a row. The candles will be lighted and the room darkened. The Brothers will hum the bridge of the Hymn of Iota.
From this point forward, there should be no words spoken, except by the ritual participants!
   

The Induction Ceremony
Ritual of the Third Degree
 
Brethren hum the bridge of the hymn.
Director of Membership Intake knocks on the door of the Ceremonial Chamber.
Polaris: Who comes here?
Dir of M.I.: It is the Director of Membership Intake, and I have … Centaurs who would like to present themselves as candidates for the Brotherhoord.
Brethren reply loud and in unison, as if in disagreement. Those ‘in favor’ eventually overrule the others.
Polaris: Let them enter and approach the sacred altar of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc.
The director of Membership Intake brings the Centaur(s) into the room. The Centaur(s) is/are placed in a semi-circle and instructed to kneel.
Brethren cease humming.
Polaris: My friends, you are about to enter the final state of your journey. By your own desire, you tread pathway worn deep through the years by a procession of brothers, who have consecrated themselves to the ideals of this Order. But, before you take these, your final, and most sacred lessons, lest you fall by the wayside.
Vice-Polaris: Scholarship is the key to your future. In the days of slavery, the oppressors strove to deprive those who would quench their thirst for knowledge. This is because these oppressors understood that the ‘light of knowledge’ will always sweep away the shadows of ignorance. In the absence of ignorance, enlightenment reigns supreme. From enlightenment comes understanding, and from understanding comes the power to change the world. From this, we realize that the true Iota man must foster and nurture the precept of scholarship deep within his being, so that he might be able to understand and positively affect his environment.
Polaris: Citizenship is a priceless jewel. Our forefathers bled and died selflessly to allow us the privilege to exercise its precious gift. Although we have been born to its inherent rights and privileges, we must be diligent to guard against complacency and apathy. The forces that might be served by our oppression are always at the ready, and if we are not forever vigilant, these forces will attempt to reverse the progress of our forefathers, dooming us to enslavement once again. The true Iota man must keep dear the jewel of citizenship and realize the opportunity it offers, as well as remaining ever mindful of the responsibility that it represents.
Vice-Polaris: If scholarship is the key, and citizenship the jewel, then leadership is the light. You have learned that Polaris, the north star, served as a shining beacon, guiding ships and sailors through the night. It is no less crucial that the Polaris of Iota be the guiding light within Iota Phi Theta. Even further, each and every Iota man must strive to let the light of leadership shine within himself. He must lead by deed, as well as word. He must also lead by following those who are charged to lead him. The true Iota man must shine brightly with the light of leadership so that he may serve as a source of guidance and wisdom to all.
Polaris: Fidelity is that which gives honor. In life, there is nothing as precious as this. Throughout life, we are called upon to make commitments and take responsibilities. Without fidelity, none of these will have meaning. The word of man is his bond, and as such, fulfillment of his commitments is paramount to his existence. Further, without fidelity, the sacred bond of Iota Phi Theta will no longer be intact. The true Iota man must constantly and unswervingly demonstrate fidelity and hold it sacred.
Vice-Polaris: Brotherhood is the source of strength. What does it profit a man that he possesses all the attributes of greatness and yet fails to live in harmony with his fellow man? He who would live most fully and reap the greatest rewards must prove the most worthy comrade. When clouds of adversity darken the pathway, the true friend, who has been loyal to his fellow man, will be sustained and comforted by them. History demonstrates that all great achievements have been the result of coordinated endeavor, and those who have arrived at success have walked there, shoulder-to-shoulder, with loyal comrades. The true Iota man shall always and forever strive to walk the path of brotherhood.
Polaris: Centaurs, you have heard the principles of Iota Phi Theta. If it is your wish to uphold them, adhere to their teachings, and carry them with you forever, then extend your right hand to receive them.
The Polaris comes from behind the altar to administer wax to each Centaur. With each drop of wax, the Polaris gives a star, which the Centaur is to repeat. After each Centaur, the Polaris proceeds to the next. When complete, the Polaris returns to the altar.
Vice-Polaris: Centaurs, as true men of Iota Phi Theta, you must be forever prepared to make the sacrifices that will be necessary to uphold traditions, tenets and honor of this Order. If you are prepared to do this, then signify your love of the Fraternity by kissing the sacred insignia of Iota Phi Theta.
The Director of Membership Intake will remove the sacred paddle from the altar and allow each Centaur to kiss it. When this is completed, het returns it to the altar.
Polaris: In the days of old, hunters would go forth, periodically, with great pomp and circumstance to slay game, which would provide for the sustenance for their people. Before the hunt, they would meet to mentally fortify and bond themselves to insure success. As a part of their bonding process, they would each drink of a sacred beverage, to signify the mingling of their collective lifeblood, to provide collective strength.
Centaurs, if it is your solemn desire to bond with the brethren of Iota Phi Theta and share its lifeblood, then signify your desire by drinking from the sacred cup of Iota Phi Theta. The last of you must ensure that none of the beverage is left unconsumed.
The Director of Membership Intake will remove the sacred cup from the altar and allow each Centaur to drink, taking care to distribute it equally. It is important to note that this is not a test of endurance, but rather an opportunity to allow the Centaurs to symbolically receive a portion of the lifeblood of the Fraternity.
Director of Membership Intake removes blindfolds.
Polaris: I greet you as Brothers, for such you now are. On behalf of … Chapter, I now cause you to receive the recognition paraphernalia of the Fraternity, Director of Membership Intake presents each of the new Brothers with an item of fraternity paraphernalia, and now take heed as you are instructed as to the symbolism of the Fraternity.
The Vice Polaris points to each item as it is discussed. The shield of Iota Phi Theta is of an original design by founding Brother Charles Briscoe. Experts consider it heraldically incorrect, and this is so by design. Its shape is Unique, and it symbolizes the uniqueness of Iota Phi Theta and our unwillingness to conform to established norms, rather to always strive for excellence in all endeavors.
The five stars signify the five principles of Iota Phi Theta, from left to right: Scholarship, Leadership, Brotherhood, Fidelity, and Citizenship. The stars are placed at the base of the shield to signify that these principles are the foundation of our existence, and everything that we stand for, as men of Iota, rests upon them.
The black cross signifies the death of Brother James Anthony Watson. Inasmuch as Brother Watson made the ultimate sacrifice, the cross symbolizes the personal sacrifices each of us must make in order to uphold the ideals of Iota. The cross was added to the shield in 1966.
The twelve golden rays above the cross represent the twelve founding brothers of Iota Phi Theta. The green centaur is symbolic of the strength and stamina of the mythical centaur that each of us must embody in our daily lives to uphold the ideals of Iota. The centaur was added to the shield in 1965.
The red candle, with its dripping wax, represents the rough and winding path that the centaur must travel to attain the light of Polaris, embodied in the golden flame. The flame lies uppermost on the shield to signify that the light of Polaris illuminates all.
The five golden rays above the flame are further representation of the five principles of scholarship, leadership, brotherhood, fidelity and citizenship. The candle was added to the shield in 1965.
Taken together, these symbols have further significance, because of their color – red, black end green – are representative of Africa and our ties to her as men of color. As such, we must always be mindful of our responsibility to our race and its uplift.
The official Fratenity colors are charcoal brown and gilded gold. These, respectively, symbolize black brotherhood and the pursuit of scholastic, social and monetary enrichment.
The fraternal handclasp, exchanged as a recognition sign between brothers, is in two parts: Vice-Polaris and Director of Membership Intake demonstrate speak the words ‘I” and ‘Phi’.
The challenge is to be administered upon meeting any individual who represents himself as a Brother of Iota Phi Theta, to establish that he is, in fact, so. It is spoken as follows:
Vice-Polaris: How many stars exist in the heavens?
Director of Membership Intake: There are five, but which shines the brightest?
Vice-Polaris: The light of Polaris, for it illuminates all!
Polaris: Centaurs, you have received your final enlightenment. You have learned the history and precepts of the Order of Iota Phi Theta. If you are prepared to accept them, unreservedly, you will repeat the words of the final oath, dedicate yourselves to the Brotherhood.
The Polaris raises his right hand before administering the oaths. All Brothers repeat the oath as it is delivered by the Polaris.
Say ‘I’, state your full name, do hereby, in the presence of the almighty God, and the Brethren of Iota Phi Theta, promise and swear, to always abide by and uphold, the tenets of this Fraternity, and of the Brotherhood in general, as practiced by all men of good will.
I promise further, to always give aid, to a needy Brother of Iota Phi Theta, upon knowing him to be in distress, providing my actions do not bring me harm to me, the Fraternity, or others dear to me; and to suffer the penalty, for neglectfully failing to do so. Such penalty being no less, than the loss of aid for myself.
Moreover, I swear that I will never knowingly reveal, through signs, words, deeds, or otherwise, any of the secrets of Iota Phi Theta, unless such revelation, be to a Brother, whom I know to be worthy, after having examined him properly.
To all of this, I do solemnly swear, without any hesitation, or mental reservation, in me whatsoever, to be bonding upon me, from this day forward. Amen.
Polaris: I now deliver to you this final charge. In the name of the Grand Council of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc., and as a representative of the Fraternity, having instructed you in the secret and intimate matters of this Brotherhood, I, in the name of the Fraternity, admonish you to keep then secret and safe, for they are the keys to the innermost sanctums of our Order.
In the name of the Grand Council, I now greet you as Brothers of this Fraternity, in full; and regular standing. I now invite you to join the circle of Brotherhood and sing with us the hymn of Iota.
Brothers ‘circle up’ to sing the Fraternity hymn. All head covering should be removed and placed in the middle of the circle, except for those coverings having religious connotations.
 
Hymn of Iota
 
(Hum), Iota
Iota Phi Theta,
Our star o’er land and sea.
They spirit is ever near,
To bind us faithfully.
Iota Phi Theta,
We pledge from whence we came.
To always be Iota men,
And glory in thy name.
 
(Hum), Iota
O hear us Iota, we’re men of thy fold,
Who never shall dismay.
Whenever we’re needed to champion they cause,
With reverence, we answer this way;
Iota Phi Theta,
To thee our hearts we bring.
In token of lasting love,
To thee we proudly sing.
Iota Phi Theta,
We vow eternally,
To wear thy shield of Brotherhood,
For all the world to see.