Knight of the Maccabees of the World - Ritual of the Third of Degree of Loyalty

Knights of the Maccabees of the World
Ritual of the Third, or Degree of Loyalty

No date

First Section
In this section the scene is at Modin and represents the Temptation of Mattathias and the revolt of his House. The curtains are to remain across the foot of the room; they should have an opening in the middle. The Tent shows none of the regular furnishings, and the official stations are not occupied. The room should represent a market or other public place, in a dilapidated old Jewish village.
The floor should be devoid of all furniture, except a rude Altar, about eight or ten feet from curtain at foot of Tent, around which are seated on mats, rugs, or low camp stools, five persons, representing Mattathias and four sons. The Lieutenant Commander, who represents Judas, is to be with the Candidate. A light should be burning on, or in front of, the Altar, all others in the room turned down not too low. A Sir Knight should be dressed as a peasant. The Sir Knight so costumed should remain behind the curtains, near foot of Tent, with Apelles and his soldiers, ready to come on the floor quickly with them.
Actors and properties
APELLES—Dressed as Antiochus in the first section, without cloak or beard and wig, with helmet instead of crown and with short sword hanging at side in belt.
MATTATHIAS—dressed as was Eleazar in the second degree, but wearing white wig and long flowing white beard without turban and with staff.
HIS FOUR SONS—dressed as priests.
JUDAS—as in the second degree, third section.
SOLDIERS—as in the second degree.
SIR KNIGHT—as Jewish peasant.
CANDIDATE—as Jewish peasant.
SENTINEL—as a Jewish peasant armed with spear.

Ceremony

By the time the Candidate is ready, the floor should have been arranged. Curtain parted at foot of Tent.
COMMANDER, as MATTATHIAS: Sir Knight Lt. Commander, be pleased to retire and introduce the Candidate.
LT. COMMANDER, as JUDAS, rises, salutes, retires to ante room and addresses Candidate as follows: Having served satisfactorily in the Degrees of Protection and Friendship, you are now entitled to receive the final and highest Degree of our beloved Order, that of LOYALTY or KNIGHTHOOD. Let us enter.
Judas takes the Candidate by the arm, and, without any side conversation, jests, or suggestion of any kind, but in a sober and dignified manner, leads him to the inner door, and knocks several times.
SENTINEL, opening the door slightly, says: Who comes?
JUDAS: Judas, of the house of Mattathias, with a friend.
SENTINEL: I will inform the Venerable Sire of thy presence.
Closes the door and, advancing to the opening in curtain at foot of the Tent, strikes the floor twice with the end of his spear, saying:
SENTINEL: Venerable Sire, without the gate stands thy son Judas, with a friend.
MATTATHIAS: If he be Judas, my son, let him enter, and present his friend.
SENTINEL, returns and opens wide the door and says: Judas, thy father bids thee enter, and present thy friend.
They enter quietly, and stand before the opening in the curtain at foot of Tent, and wait until Mattathias has finished his lament.
MATTATHIAS, in tones of deep distress, with head bowed on left hand: Oh, Jerusalem! The Holy! Thy sanctuary is laid waste; thy feasts are turned into
mourning; thy Sabbath into a reproach; and thy honor into contempt. Wherefore was I born to see this misery of my people, and the sad day when the Holy City should be delivered into the hands of the enemy? To what end should we live any longer?
JUDAS, as soon as all is quiet in a low voice says: Father, I have with me a friend, who, having witnessed the death of Eleazar and having experienced some of the atrocities practiced upon our people, bound himself firmly unto us by a life long covenant of friendship, and who now desires to actively engage with us in the cause of humanity.
MATTATHIAS (Those at Altar rise, the sons assisting Mattathias who tremblingly leaning on his staff, In a feeble voice says): My son, thy friend is welcome; but, before we accept him let him truthfully answer me. Addressing Candidate, says: Art thou true and loyal to thy home and friends? Candidate answers. Dost thou love thy country? Candidate answers. Art thou zealous of its laws? Candidate answers. Dost thou observe them thyself? Candidate answers. Further art thou willing to yield up thy life, shouldst thy country or its institutions require such a sacrifice?
Candidate answers. Kinsman, adversity surrounds us, and the hand of calamity lies heavily upon us. Who knows how soon thy assurances may be put to the test? Perchance, this very night ! If, therefore, thou wouldst recall or modify them, do so now before it is too late. At this moment a flourish of trumpets occurs, with commotion, cheering, etc. Mattathias continuing says: The hour has come.
Apelles and his soldiers, also Peasant, advance from the 2 corner near the foot of the enclosure toward the corner near the head of the enclosure. Soldiers seize and set up Mattathias’ Altar in front of Apelles, and then take places. There should be a small urn with alcohol burning on this altar, also some red fire which the Peasant will light when he offers sacrifice. Then Apelles says:
APELLES: Hear ye! Hear ye! Men of Judea!
The King makes proclamation unto you. Unfolds a scroll and reads.
"I ANTIOCHUS, would have all my kingdom one people. Now, therefore, unto you it is commanded, If that all your former laws and customs shall cease; The Maccabees contemptuously turn away that you shall forthwith set up Altars to Almighty Jove; and that you shall not henceforth discriminate against the flesh of swine. In token of your compliance, you are commanded to sacrifice before the reader these presents.
I, ANTIOCHUS, have spoken!" Folds the Scroll.
During the reading much dissatisfaction is expressed or manifested by the crowd. Mattathias and his sons appear indignant and behave almost with daring. Apelles looks about him and continues: By the authority in me vested by my Illustrious Sovereign, Antiochus, I invite the men of Judea to advance and sacrifice! THUS!
He then places one of the red fires in the urn and burns it. None advance. Then in a louder and more mandatory tone: In the name of the Great King, I command that ye burn incense on this Altar!
None come forward. Apelles now seems to discover the patriarchial form of Mattathias in the crowd.
Behold the noble Mattathias! Come venerable sire, thou of the priestly line of Joarib, set thou an example of obedience to thy hesitating kinsmen!
MATTATHIAS in a calm but determined tone of voice: I cannot obey the order of your king. Soldiers now pass into the crowd as if soliciting men to advance and sacrifice.
APELLES, extending his right hand quickly, as if in warning: Mattathias! Think first, and then make answer! Hast thou not heard why and how the venerable Eleazar perished? Advance and sacrifice!
MATTATHIAS: All Judea hath heard of his fidelity to God and native land, and his dying groans will echo throughout the world while time lasts. God forbid that any of us who remain should deny what he died for. I and my house will remain steadfast!
APELLES, argumentatively: The people of other countries have obeyed—yea even Jason the High Priest at Jerusalem and many more of thine own people have obeyed. Thou art a Father in Israel— thou art a man of influence and crowned with wisdom and Honor. Bow before this Altar and thou and thy house will find favor with the King; receive royal reward; be counted among his friends; never want for power or gold—
Between each sentence the officer must pause an instant as if studying the effect of the bribe on Mattathias. The proffered bribes and fulsome flattery only serve to increase the resistance of the Maccabees. At last, interrupting the speaker when he says "gold."
MATTATHIAS, with tremendous emphasis: I know how Joshua became High Priest and why the vile traitor calls himself Jason! Officer of the King,—though all the nations of the earth should obey Antiochus, and all the children of Israel abandon the faith of our Fathers, I and my house will remain steadfast.
During this response the Apostate Jew has been preparing himself to offer sacrifice, and now steps toward Altar sand says:
APOSTATE: General, I crave the favor of your great King Antiochus, and would burn incense on this Altar.
He now steps forward to the Altar and as he lights the red fire and steps back a few feet and kneels, Mattathias exclaims with tremendous emphasis:
MATTATHIAS: Traitor, thou must DIE!
So saying he brings down his staff upon the offender. Apelles leaps over the prostrate body of the Apostate as if he would protect him and is felled by a blow intended for the Apostate; instantly the four sons engage with the soldiers who have taken up the attack. The lights are turned very low and the red fire is diligently kept burning. Then the scene becomes stationary: The soldiers stand with raised spears as if to hurl them at Mattathias, who throws back his body and holds aloft his staff as if to protect himself; the four sons stand also in an attitude of defense with raised If cudgels; standing thus in tableau for a few moments, the curtain is closed and Judas addresses Candidate as follows:
JUDAS: The scene you have just witnessed, represents the revolt at Modin. The Venerable Mattathias, the father of the Maccabees, was the first man to actively oppose the mandate of the pagan king. He not only scorned the bribes and flatteries of the king’s officer but in a moment of uncontrollable indignation he slew the Apostate Jew in the act of sacrificing to strange gods, and likewise the king’s officer when he attempted to protect the miserable traitor. Do not mistake the significance of this scene. From the heights of Sinai the thunderous command of Jehovah still echoes through the known world. Yes, "Thou shalt not kill," but the staff of Mattathias was not the weapon of a murderer. Its deadly blow was not struck with the fell purpose of the assassin. Rather did it speak the sudden impulse of the patriot, driven to desperation by the wrongs inflicted upon his country and his people, maddened by the craven hypocrisy of an erstwhile Friend and follower, and fired with an unselfish zeal to strike for the liberty of his countrymen, avenge their wrecked hopes and ruined homes, and hold aloft the sacred traditions of his fathers.
Learn from this terrific scene a lesson in genuine - patriotism, and see in it your duty to uphold and defend the rights of liberty and conscience when they are threatened by irresponsible power in any form, regardless of what the destroyer would promise or give in its stead. Let us retire.
Judas retires to ante-room with Candidate and returns to the room to prepare for the next section.

Second Section

Instructions
This section represents a scene in the valley of Jehosaphat not far from the brook of Kedron. It is assumed that, an interval of three years has elapsed since the first journey towards Jerusalem, dramatized in the Second Degree, Section 2. The room must be very bare of furnishings, and, if possible, made to look like the natural scenery of a rocky valley. Light quite low.
Actors and Costumes
Selected Sir Knight as GHOST. Dressed, or wrapped, in a white mantle and wearing on his head an Effigy of a grinning skull; on hands, pair of white gloves. One of the qualifications for the part, is the possession of a deep voice that can be heard and understood in all parts of the room.
Lt. Commander as JUDAS MACCABEUS. Dressed in the garb of a warrior returning from the conflicts and hardships of three years war.
CANDIDATE—In garb of a Jewish soldier of lesser rank than Judas.
Properties
The Altar erected near middle of room and covered with a large square piece of black cloth, split at the head so as to easily inclose the "Ghost."

Ceremony

When everything is in readiness, the Lt. Commander retires to where the Candidate is in waiting and, conducting him into room without ceremony, says:
JUDAS: My friend: It is supposed that a period of three years has passed, and the solemn events of a bloody war concluded, since we last entered the valley of the brook Kedron.
During all of this response, the Lt. Commander and Candidate will slowly pass around the circumference of the room. He must point out the various objects mentioned.
How dark the night is, and yet, how familiar the surroundings seem! Can we ever forget the night we first traveled this way! The rough road we tried to follow; the moss cushioned stone; our capture by a band of bloodthirsty pagans; the cruel tortures they inflicted; the death of one of our number; our miraculous escape! Tonight we return by the same route, but in very different spirits. The war has ended, the tyrant has been overthrown, and the Light of Liberty is about to dawn upon our beloved land.
At this time, it is proper to imitate the dawn by increasing the light in the room.
We must be nearing the brook Kedron. Is not that dark object against the eastern sky, the wall of Solomon.
They halt and look towards the reddening sky. At time the Chorus to "The Holy City" could be sung with effect. After this they resume their walk and on co within a few steps of the draped Altar, Lt. Commander says: AH! Not all of the Altars of our Fathers have been overthrown! Shall we not tarry a moment and offer up our devotions before this sacred shrine?
They kneel upon both knees. At that instant the "Ghost" slowly rises and in slow, distinct whisper, if possible says:
GHOST: O my friends, I am glad of your return. I am he that was ELEAZAR. Ye saw me scourged to death. Here now lie my bones. Beneath many Altars like this one, repose the bones of count-less widows and orphans, still the constant care of the Maccabees! Ye return from many a hard fought battle and about to take part in giving to Judea her first independence and to the world the first Republic. Great shall be your well earned reward! Go now and give what remains of life to the noble work of perfecting constitutional government and universal liberty. Neglect not the cry of the widow, the plaint of the orphan, the silence of disabled warriors. GO! GO!
JUDAS asks Candidate to repeat after him: Venerable spirit of Patriotism, Piety and Humanity! W shall heed thy counsel till the night of death closes over us!
They rise and silently retire to ante-room.

Third Section

Confirmation
This section of the work can be made very impressive and beautiful. No effort should be spared in dressing and conferring it in keeping with its possibilities. Nothing, except the financial strength of the Tent, should limit the amount or the quality of the display. Let these directions then be carefully studied, and the dramatic part thoroughly mastered.
The Tent should be cleared of everything used in the preceding sections and arranged as for general reviews. The banners should be on each side of the Commander’s station.
Actors and properties
COMMANDER—wearing the costume of Antiochus; but having, instead of the crown, a rich turban, and without beard and wig.
PAST COMMANDER—In rich costume, as high priest.
CHAPLAIN—as priest in first section, but without beard.
LIEUT. COMMANDER, MASTER AT ARMS, SERGEANT, and CANDIDATE—as warriors, dressed as soldiers were in first section.
RECORD KEEPER, and PHYSICIAN, as priests in white robes, MASTERS OF THE GUARDS, and SENTINEL— as peasants.
All in this procession must wear at least a gown and a turban.
Furniture—consists of number of imitation palm branches, spears, swords, cymbals, tambourines, reeds, trumpets, etc.

Ceremony

When everything is in readiness, Sir Knights in costume should form in double file in order, leaving a space for the Lieutenant Commander and Candidate to fall into the ranks behind M. of G. The musician takes his place at the instrument; the Sentinel and the Picket remain at their stations. At a given signal, the inner door is thrown wide open. Lieut. Commander with Candidate comes marching in and join the ranks.
A triumphal march is played. The "Coronation March," from Meyerbeer’s Opera, "The Prophet," is appropriate; or "The Conquering Hero Comes," will be found very easy to sing and very fitting. The procession then starts.
They should be about two paces apart in the line and should march around the hail twice. In the second circuit, the officers, as they reach their respective stations, step out of the ranks and occupy them, Past Commander first. At the end of the circuit, all will have taken their places, except the Lieut. Commander and Candidate, who, when they reach the Sergeant’s station, wheel to the right and march straight up to the Altar.
In lieu of a "march" the following, from the Oratorio of Judas Maccabeus, may be sung:—
See the conquering hero comes,
Sound the trumpets, beat the drums;
Sports prepare, the laurel bring,
Songs of triumph to him sing.
Sports prepare, the laurel bring,
Songs of triumph to him sing.
Or the following:
HAIL, VALIANT CAPTAIN!
Hail, valiant captain, hail
Lay down thy coat of mail,
Assume thy right.
And now in many a fold
The angry war clouds rolled,
Enter with joy untold,
In Honor’s might.
CHORUS— Lion of Judah, hail!
And let thy name prevail
From age to age.
And with the rolling years,
Claim for thy own the spheres,
For great is Judas, strong and brave—
The Maccabee.
Victor in this great war,
We hail thy rising star
Of fame and renown.
Blow loud the trumpet, blow,
Wider yon portals throw,
Enter triumphant now,
Accept thy crown!
CHORUS—
If the above song is sung, the marching should be in perfect step with it and both so timed, or a verse of the chorus repeated, as to enable the procession to pass around the room twice. The second round having been completed the Lieut. Commander will proceed to the foot of the Altar with his charge and face head of room. The ceremony continues as follows:
COMMANDER, one rap: Welcome, Judas Maccabeus, thrice welcome art thou! What tidings from the front?
JUDAS, saluting: Sir Knight Commander, the power of Antiochus has been broken! His cruel reign is over! The light of liberty has dawned and the night of bondage is past! JUDEA IS FREE!
The musicians now start a verse or two of "America," or any patriotic song, in which all present should join.
AMERICA.
My country, ‘tis of thee—
Sweet land of liberty—
Of thee I sing!
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the Pilgrim’s pride,
From every mountain side,
Let freedom ring.
My native country, thee,
Land of the noble, free,
Thy name I love;
I love thy rocks and rills,
Thy woods and templed hills,
My heart with rapture thrills,
Like that above!
Our Father’s God, to thee,
Author of liberty,
To thee we sing;
Long may our land be bright,
With freedom’s holy light,
Protect us by thy might,
Great God, our King!
COMMANDER, one rap: To the patriotism of thy father, Mattathias, we owe the beginning of the great war, but unto thee, Judas Maccabeus, is due the honor of having achieved its victories. How can we best express our gratitude and the acclaim of generations yet unborn, for this blessed occasion?
JUDAS: Let us not mar the glory of our miraculous triumph by indulging in any vain praise or empty ceremony. Let us perpetuate the virtues which our fathers have worshipped for a thousand years and which destiny has now placed as a sacred trust in our keeping,—freedom of man’s body, mind, and soul and, the spirit of a universal brotherhood. Let us strongly bind ourselves in a bond of fraternal love in order to better aid one another and protect the widows and orphans of our departed brothers. Let us make a covenant with all mankind that as long as Knights of the Maccabees live in this world, the divine endowment of genuine fraternalism shall not perish in the earth!
And I crave the privilege, Sir Knight Commander, to recommend for the honors of Maccabean Knighthood, this friend—tried and true—who has journeyed with me under the silent stars and stood by my side in the shock of many a bloody battle.
COMMANDER: This last act of thine is greater than any victory thou didst ever win in battle. To defer to a friend is nobler than to wear a crown; and he that ruleth his own spirit is greater than he that taketh a city! Friend of Judas Maccabeus, if you would accept this generous offer, you must first be bound with us in a never ending covenant of loyalty to the principles for which Maccabeeism stands. Are you willing?
Each Candidate answers, "I am."
Lieut. Commander causes Candidate to stand with his left foot advanced, right hand resting on book and circle, left hand over heart. Commander gives three raps. All Sir Knights rise, give "token of sincerity," and stand with left foot advanced.
Chaplain advances to head of Altar. At this moment the members and musicians will sing the following ode. After the ode, the obligation:
HEAR OUR VOW.
Father, hear this solemn vow;
Grant thy presence near us now!
On Honor’s mountain heights display
Thy Justice of the better day,
The Justice of this latter day!
Amen.
CHAPLAIN: You will now repeat after me. "I voluntarily promise, in the presence of these Sir Knights, that I will be as true to my faith, my country, my people, and myself as was Judas Maccabeus to his religious, political, and personal duties,—and like him, to the best of my knowledge and ability, I will ever defend what is just, and right, and true.
Further: I will always uphold the dignity, good name, and influence, and will never impugn the motives of a member, here or elsewhere, nor permit it to be done by another person without protest.
Further: I will bear with modesty and administer with strict integrity each and every trust, official or other, committed to my care or confidence.
Should I intentionally ever violate this my solemn vow of Knighthood, may the fingers of my left hand be struck off at the knuckle joint, and I thus forever afterwards be unable to prove myself a Knight of the Maccabees of the World!
The choir again sings, "Hear Our Vow," after which the Commander seats the members. Chaplain returns to his station. Lieutenant Commander seats Candidate in front of Commander’s station who immediately instructs him in the

Secret Work

COMMANDER, arises: I will now instruct you in the secret work of this Degree.
(1) To gain admission into a Tent open in the Degree of Loyalty, give any number of raps at the outer door. The Picket will open the door, or wicket, and to him you will give in a whisper, the Pass—which for the present term is … gives it. This will admit you into the ante-room, where you must place on your left breast the regulation badge, then give three loud raps on the inner door. The Sentinel will open the wicket and to him you will give in a whisper, your name, and the Token of this Degree, which is Obedience. This will admit you into the Tent.
(2) If you are within the Tent when the same is being opened in this Degree, you will, at the proper time and when so requested, give both the Pass and
the Token to the Record Keeper or Guards as the case may be.
Having been admitted into the room, advance by way of the Sergeant’s station (turning square corners) to the foot of the Altar on which should rest a copy of the Laws of the Order, a copy of the Books of the Maccabees opened at the Third Chapter of the Second hook and a circle resting on both books. If the Altar is not so arranged, give no sign, but ask why the Tent is not opened in regular form. If correctly arranged, give the step and salutation sign of this degree to the Sir Knight Commander, at the same time saying: "Sir Knight Commander." He will recognize you by a nod of the head, or a wave of the hand or gavel. Then you will be at liberty to take your seat.
(3) The Salutation sign of this degree is given by clasping the two middle fingers of the left hand with the thumb, extending the two outside fingers and raising the hand to the level of the face, palm of hand to the front, the arm forming a right angle. This is also the voting sign.
(4) The Recognition sign is given by clasping the two middle fingers of the left hand in the palm with the thumb extending the index and little fingers and placing the hand in any position in which it can be plainly seen. The answer is made by clasping the index and little fingers in the palm and extending the two middle fingers, thus—.
(5) The Ladies Recognition Sign, used by members of The Ladies of the Maccabees, and Knights of the Maccabees in common, is made by clasping the third or ring finger of the left hand with the thumb, extending the other three fingers as much as possible, and placing the hand in any position in which it can be plainly seen, thus . This challenge is used by the ladies only. The answer is given in the same manner.
(6) The Token of Sincerity is made by placing the open left hand over the heart thus ... It must always be given standing and when addressed by, or when you yourself are addressing any officer of the Order within a regularly opened Tent.
(7) When you wish to make or second a motion, or address the Tent, you must rise to your feet, give the Token of Sincerity and say: "Sir Knight Commander." You have no right to begin to speak until you have so addressed the presiding officer and been recognized by him.
(8) The test word is Seebaccam, which is Maccabees spelled backwards; and, in testing a stranger, he must commence the spelling. He gives the first letter, and you the next; and so on, turn about, until spelled. Then pronounce in syllables; he, the first syllable, you the next, and so on. And, when finished, he pronounces the whole word. For your instruction I will test the Sergeant.
The Commander and the Sergeant should then go through with the test word.
(9) Grind Honors, given to Supreme or Great officers, are made by giving the ordinary military salute with the right hand and at the same time giving the Token of Sincerity.
(10) White is the particular color of the Third Degree and symbolizes the unsullied character of Judas Maccabeus, who conducted to a successful termination a most cruel and bloody war without having committed a single crime!
(11) The emblems of our Order are the circle and the Globe. The circle is universally regarded as symbolic of eternity,—it has no ending. So let it be with the vows you have taken and noble duties you have assumed. Keep inviolate every promise you have made to us and then, wherever you may find yourself on the face of the Globe and find another who has taken the same vows, you will always find a brother.
You will now listen to the counsel of our Past Commander.
Lieut. Commander conducts Candidate to Past Commander’s station and seats him.
PAST COMMANDER, arises: My brother, in the First Degree you were informed that The Knights of the Maccabees of the World is a great fraternal business co-partnership founded on HONOR. In that Degree, your first step on the way to Maccabean Knighthood, we magnified the sentiment of HONOR and emphasized some of the more pertinent rules and laws of good business; for without HONOR there can be no Fraternalism that is worthy the name, and without the strict observance of certain regulations and principles there can be no safe business conduct. Therefore we make HONOR the central thought of the Degree of Protection, because it is the foundation of the Mystic Temple we call our Order.
In the Second Degree, we sought to impress upon your heart and mind the importance and power of FRIENDSHIP. We make FRIENDSHIP the governing ideal of the Second Degree, because it is the Mystic Temple we build on, the enduring foundation of Human Honor.
In this, the Degree of Loyalty, we teach, both by precept and example, the hard but glorious lesson of OBEDIENCE. We inculcate and demand an obedient and hearty allegiance to every duty which you, as a rational being, owe to God and to humanity. We expect you to faithfully keep every vow taken at our Altar. We expect you to respond like a man to every demand of righteousness, civil duty, human affection, and personal purity. He who is obedient to the behests of these duties, and honestly tries to discharge them, is Truth’s knight militant and God’s ambassador to needy humanity. He who bravely tries to live like that, will walk with steady tread along the lofty pathway of self denial and universal service, first trod by the Son of Man. Me who thus diligently strives, though he may not fully achieve, will yet be crowned of God and surely live in the affection of those who come after him. This is not the work of a sluggard or a coward, but of a genuine man. We make OBEDIENCE the Master Key of the Degree of Loyalty, because it is the Soul of our Mystic Temple built on the enduring foundation of Human Honor.
Would you become one of earth’s truly great ones? Make HONOR your teacher. Would you make joyous and straight the crooked paths of sorrow and hardship? Be FRIENDLY,—Be Kind. Would you be a leader in the Republic of Man? Be the faithful, honest servant of everything that is good and just and true. Let now this Trinity abide with you; HONOR, FRIENDSHIP, OBEDIENCE—But the greatest of these is OBEDIENCE.
Sir Knight Lieut. Commander, conduct our kinsman to the Commander’s station, there to receive Knighthood.
Lieut. Commander conducts Candidate to Commander’s station, causes him to kneel on his left knee, with his right knee raised in front of him and his right hand resting thereon, removes helmet, and says:
LIEUT. COMMANDER: Sir Knight Commander, our kinsman awaits your pleasure.
COMMANDER: In commemoration of the Valor, touches Candidate’s right shoulder with blade of sword Friendship touches Candidate’s left shoulder with blade of sword and Obedience touches top of Candidate’s head with blade of sword and allowing it to rest there until he orders him to arise, of Judas Maccabeus, one of the first fruits of genuine chivalry, and by the authority in me vested as Commander of this Tent, I now dub, create and proclaim you a Knight of the Maccabees of the World. ARISE, SIR KNIGHT, and stand erect among your equals.
Returns to his station and declares a short recess. During which the Sir Knight should receive the congratulations of the members.

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