Pi
Lambda Phi
Initiation
Ritual
Opening
of Meetings
The
Justice should determine that the ordering of the room is correct, then
ascertain that all officer posts are occupied, designating substitutes where
necessary. If the Justice is absent, the Vice Justice should serve in such
capacity.
The
Marshal should urge all members to take their seats and close the meeting room
doors.
In
keeping with the tradition of this Fraternity and for purposes of uniformity in
operating procedures, all meetings should be opened in the following manner:
The
Justice should sound the gavel ONCE and say: I
now declare this meeting of … Chapter of Pi Lambda Phi duly opened for
business. Let’s proceed with the order of business, keeping in mind the
principles and ideals of Justice, Equality, and Understanding upon which our
Fraternity is founded.
Thereafter,
the Chapter will proceed with the Order of Business under Robert’s Rules of
Order.
Formal
Initiation
After
the room has been properly prepared and the officers have taken their proper
seats, the Marshal shall go to where the initiates, chapter members, and chapter
guests are assembled and inform them that the Initiation is about to commence.
The Marshal shall admit the chapter members into the room where the Initiation
is to take place and seat them in the chairs reserved for members. Then the
Marshal shall escort the guests into the room and seat them in the seats
reserved for guests.
The
Marshal and a designated member shall return to where the candidates are waiting
and shall form them into a single line in alphabetical order. After this is
accomplished, the designated member shall return to the Chapter Room and
indicate to the Chapter Justice that the candidates are ready to be escorted
into the presence of the Chapter
While
the Chapter Justice is being so informed that the candidates are ready to be
escorted into the Chapter Room, the Marshal shall address the candidates: I
will now escort you into the presence of the … Chapter for your initiation
into Pi Lambda Phi. Please give your serious attention to our statement of
principles and ideals which will be given to you during this ceremony. As you
enter the room, please remain standing until you are asked to be seated.
When
notified that the candidates are ready to enter, the Justice shall sound the
Gavel and say: The
candidates for admission into Pi Lambda Phi are about to be escorted into the
Chapter Room.
Will all
present please stand.
Whereupon
the Marshal shall escort the candidates into the Chapter Room and station them
before the chairs provided, taking care that the alphabetical arrangement is not
disturbed.
Then
the Justice shall say: Please
be seated
Then
the Justice shall sound the Gavel and say: The
purpose of this meeting is the Initiation of new members into our Fraternity and
Chapter. This is a proud and happy occasion for the … Chapter, as the benefits
of membership in Pi Lambda Phi and active participation in Fraternity activities
will now be possible for a new group of members.
On
behalf of the Chapter, I extend a cordial welcome to our prospective members.
I ask
your careful attention and earnest consideration of our statement of principles
which follows.
The
Marshal shall then stand at the front center of the seated candidates and shall
address the Chapter Justice as follows: Justice
…, I am pleased to present the following candidates for membership in Pi
Lambda Phi Fraternity, International:
Then
the Marshal shall read the list of all candidates:
…., etc. I request that they be admitted into membership of Pi Lambda Phi so
that the Bond of Fraternalism which is the essence of Pi Lambda Phi may be
extended to each of them.
Then
the Justice shall address the candidates thusly: You
have been invited to join with us in the membership of Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity,
International. Before we proceed, however, there is a duty which the laws of the
fraternity lay upon me. I must place before you certain matters of which we
request your deepest consideration. Pi Lambda Phi offers you an opportunity to
translate an ideal into the practical side of your life. As aspiring members of
Pi Lambda Phi, you must assume certain obligations and loyally fulfill them.
This being so, in fairness to you and to ourselves, some indication of these
obligations should necessarily be given to you at this time. The fact that you
are here together is symbolic of our Fraternity. With a common purpose and
united by that bond which is Pi Lambda Phi, we aid each other in finding the way
to honorable service within society. United by that bond, we can achieve much
for ourselves, for our community, and for humanity.
The
attributes of Justice, Equality, and Understanding are fundamental principles of
Pi Lambda Phi, and the indispensable ingredients of the character of a man. The
Chapter Officers, here with me, will now address you concerning these
attributes.
Addressing
the candidates, the Vice Justice shall say: Justice
is one of the indispensable attributes of society. It is that unchanging spirit
of fidelity to principles which makes it impossible for a true man to mislead,
distort the rules of man, or deceive another man as to the strength or weakness
of his cause. It is that undeviating loyalty to truth which makes it impossible
for one to mislead another as to the status of a matter. It is that
subordination of one’s own personal gain or an advantage for one’s higher
principle which makes candor a habit and a man’s word a universally accepted
bond. Integrity makes of each member a custodian of those high principles of
justice which ensure our heritage of human freedoms, individual liberties and
equal justice under law for all of our citizens; to tolerate the abridgement of
these principles is to forfeit the right to declare that one is just.
Addressing
the candidates, the Clerk shall say: Equality
is an additional principle which every man must possess. Equality leads a man to
accept the cause of the unfortunate, the underprivileged, and those who are the
object of scorn and public disfavor. Courage brings a member to press these
causes and to defend the rights of these persons with full abilities and a stout
heart. Compassion and Courage are essential if man is to be a true servant of
society for all the people. One who would serve society and attempt less than
complete loyalty to these principles is unworthy of the status of a man, or of
membership in this Fraternity.
Addressing
the candidates, the Treasurer shall say: In
conjunction with the principles of Justice and Equality– and deriving strength
from them - is another which is required. This principle is Understanding.
Understanding is of vital importance in our everchanging world and increasingly
complex society. Understanding is the capstone of a man’s essential structure
of principles and virtues. Public trust demands the enlightened leadership which
members are especially well qualified to provide. If the understanding man is to
fulfill his responsibilities to society, we must assume the obligations of
effective and competent understanding and must discharge these responsibilities
with the utmost of our abilities. Only then will our free institutions survive
and the principle of Equal Justice Under Law become a reality for all of
humanity.
Understanding,
in every form, is a proper complement to a man’s indispensable attributes of
Justice and Equality and is the essence of Pi Lambda Phi.
JUSTICE:
So that you may
better understand your responsibilities as a member of Pi Lambda Phi, the
Chapter Vice
Justice
will now explain to you the symbolic meaning of our Coat of Arms.
Whereupon
the Marshal shall place the Coat of Arms in a position where it is readily
visible to all the candidates and proceed to a standing position adjacent to the
initiates. After this has been accomplished, the Vice Justice shall address the
candidates thusly: Before
you is the Coat of Arms of our Fraternity. An understanding of the symbols of
our Coat of Arms will give you a better understanding of the principles and
ideals of Pi Lambda Phi and of your responsibilities as a member of our
Fraternity. The Golden Torch, located on the right side of the shield, typifies
that immortal and undying spirit which is in truth justice. May this flame,
inspire you with an everabiding faith in justice, which is worthy of your
loyalty and support....pause...The Lamp of Learning, located
above the shield, signifies that only through great industry and application
will true learning be acquired. You must be diligent in your application to
academics throughout your life. Only then will your accomplishments serve as a
true guide to those who follow you...pause...The
Scroll, located between the shield, contains the name of our Fraternity...Pi
Lambda Phi...and signifies that fraternal bond which unites us into a cohesive
force for the advancement of the legal profession and of our Fraternity...pause...
Our
name...Pi Lambda Phi...connotes the Greek phrase “Philos Adelphos Dikaios”.
Translated into our contemporary language “Philos Adelphos Dikaios” stands
for “Justice is a Dear Brother”, and in another translation, “Love of
humanity and justice for all”.
Our name
thus signifies the two basic precepts upon which our Fraternity is founded:
Fraternalism – the joining together in a common spirit; and Justice - that
ideal which we who have chosen the path must preserve by exemplifying the
principles of Justice, Equality, and Understanding by devoting our time and
talent to society...pause...
The
Shield, which supports and sustains all the other symbols on the Coat of Arms,
represents our membership, whose duty it is to maintain the principles and
ideals of Pi Lambda Phi and to pass them on, intact, to those who follow us.
Then
the Marshal shall return to seat provided for the Marshal. Thereafter, the
Justice shall say:
As you become members of Pi Lambda Phi, we ask your aid and support to ensure
that our Fraternity and its principles will endure into the future - as it has
in the past – with the aid of those who have preceded you as members of Pi
Lambda Phi Fraternity, International.
Then
the Justice shall address the candidates: You
have now heard our statement of those principles and ideals which must dominate
the activities of a member of Pi Lambda Phi...pause...
To
signify your acceptance of these principles and ideas as your own, I will now
administer to you the Oath of Membership in Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity,
International. Will the candidates please stand.
Then
the Marshal shall stand at the rear of the candidates. Thereupon, the Chapter
Justice shall stand and raising the right arm in the manner of giving an oath,
shall administer the Oath of Membership, saying: Raise
your right hand and repeat after me:
I
solemnly and sincerely promise and swear...that I will support...the laws and
legal precepts of my country...and of its legal entities...that I will respect
their courts...and obey their legal mandates...that I will be just and
honorable...in all my activities...and will be faithful...to my brothers...and
that I will support...the Constitution, Rules and Principles...of Pi Lambda Phi
Fraternity, International,...insofar as they do not conflict...with my religious
or civil duties.
JUSTICE:
Please be seated.
After
all the candidates have been seated, the Marshal shall return to the regular
station, and the Justice will be seated.
Thereupon,
the Justice will say: In
a moment you will sign the Official Roll of the Chapter signifying your formal
entry into the membership of this Chapter. You will receive the Fraternal
Greeting of the Fraternity, which consists of a normal handshake with the index
finger extended along the wrist of the other member touching the pulse.
This
greeting is symbolic of the Bond of Fraternalism which Pi Lambda Phi
exemplifies. Thereupon,
the officers shall leave their posts and in single file, station themselves near
the table upon which the Roll of the Chapter is placed:
After
all officers are at their proper stations, the Clerk shall open the Roll of the
Chapter to the proper place and distinctly call, alphabetically, the name of
each initiate, who will then sign the Roll.
After
the signing of the Roll of the Chapter, the Justice shall extend the Fraternal
Greeting to each initiate, followed by the Vice Justice and Treasurer.
It
is appropriate and recommended at this portion of the ceremony that each
initiate be invested by the Vice Justice and Treasurer, aided by the Marshal,
with an appropriate item of Fraternity jewelry, or in lieu thereof, with a Red
Carnation, the official flower of the Fraternity.
Thereafter,
each initiate should return to the seat heretofore provided. After the above has
been accomplished, the officers shall return to their seats.
Then
the Justice shall address the Chapter, saying: Members
of Pi Lambda Phi, I take you all to witness that the candidates here present
have been duly initiated into our Fraternity and Chapter, have taken the Oath of
Membership, and have signed the Official Roll of the Chapter.
Then
the Justice will sound the gavel and shall address the candidates: Will the candidates please stand.
After
all candidates are standing, the Justice shall stand and raise the right arm in
the manner of giving an oath and say: Now,
by virtue of the authority vested in me, I declare you members of Pi Lambda Phi
Law Fraternity, International, and of the … Chapter of the Fraternity. I
hereby invest you with all the rights and privileges appertaining thereto.
Please
be seated.
After
all candidates are seated, the Justice will be seated and, addressing the
candidates,
shall
say: On behalf of
all members of Pi Lambda Phi, I extend to you a cordial welcome into our
Fraternity. We are happy to have you join with us in furthering the principles
and ideals of Pi Lambda Phi.
Here
the Justice may add such additional words of welcome as are appropriate.
Then
the Justice will face the Alumnus Member and say:
I now
recognize …, who is present as a representative of the Alumni of Pi Lambda
Phi. The Justice may add such introductory remarks as may be appropriate to
further identify the Alumnus Member.
Then
the Alumnus Member will stand and say: As
a member of the Alumni of Pi Lambda Phi, and representing all of its alumni
members, I extend to each of our new members a fraternal welcome into our
Fraternity...pause...
Facing
the new members, the Alumnus Member shall say: To
you, our new members, we offer the assistance of the Alumni in the achievement
of your goals. I urge each of you to seek the aid and guidance of the Alumni of
Pi Lambda Phi whenever we can be of service.
You will
find us ever ready to be of help to you...pause...
Turning
to face the assembled Chapter Members (or Chapter Officers), the Alumnus Member
shall say: To you,
the older members of this Chapter, I commend these new members and urge you to
make them welcome in your midst so that they may soon realize the true and full
significance of membership in our Fraternity. Then the Alumnus Member shall be
seated.
Thereafter,
the Justice shall address the new members thusly: The development and maintenance of a special relationship between the
student and alumni members of Pi Lambda Phi is of vital importance and is a
unique characteristic of our Fraternity. I commend to you the greetings of our
Alumnus Member.
Then
the Justice shall face the Alumnus Member and say: …
name of Alumnus Member,
on behalf of our Chapter, please accept our sincere appreciation for your
presence and participation, which will serve as a reminder to each of us of the
Bond of Fraternalism which exists between all members of Pi Lambda Phi.
Then
the Justice shall address the new members thusly: Your
initiation into Pi Lambda Phi is now completed, and you are now full members
with us in Pi Lambda Phi. I charge each of you to hold foremost in mind the
principles and ideals to which you have subscribed today. With your help, Pi
Lambda Phi can remain a real, living force for the advancement of our fraternity
and so of humanity.
Adjournment
We have
gathered here today to advance in this meeting the principles and ideals of Pi
Lambda Phi by the initiation of the new members present here with us. The
admission of our new members will ensure the future of Pi Lambda Phi and of our
Chapter, and we are indeed proud to have them join us in Pi Lambda Phi. In
adjourning this meeting, let us do so with the firm resolve that our new members
will be made welcome into our midst as full members of this Fraternity and
Chapter. I now declare this meeting of the … Chapter of Pi Lambda Phi
Fraternity, International, adjourned.
Thereafter,
the members present will be afforded the opportunity to greet and congratulate
the new members.
If
there is no response, the Justice shall rise and say: Please
rise.
We have
gathered here to advance in this meeting the principles and ideals of Pi Lambda
Phi.
Before
we began, we directed our minds to the noble purpose of the Fraternity.
In
closing, let us lay aside any differences of opinion that may have arisen.
Elsewhere they may breed hard feelings and deep enmities; but not so with us.
For us they are, and must ever be, forgotten in that bond of fraternalism, Pi
Lambda Phi, which we all share.
I now
declare this meeting of … Chapter adjourned.
Pi
Lambda Phi offers an opportunity to translate an ideal into the practical side
of our life. It offers you an opportunity to assume obligations and to loyally
fulfill them to the best of your abilities. To build and maintain our
Fraternity, which is a real living force in safe-guarding the highest ethics of
society, is a task worthy of the best endeavors of each of our members. This is
the opportunity and the responsibility which Pi Lambda Phi offers to each of
you. . . pause.
Having now heard the basic principles and ideals of Pi Lambda Phi, in the name
of … Chapter, I now ask you whether you desire to accept the invitation to
association in this Chapter as prospective members of Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity,
International.
Will you
subscribe with us to these principles and ideals and will you now make a
personal commitment to join our Chapter and Fraternity as a full member, should
such an invitation be extended to you?
Please
indicate a response to this invitation as I call your name. …, etc. naming
them all.
As
each name is called, each candidate shall clearly and unequivocally accept or
decline.
If
any decline, they shall be removed. The Justice shall rise, assume a station
directly in front of the candidates, and shall say: You will now take upon yourselves a solemn obligation, which I charge you
never to forget. Raise your right hand and repeat after me.