Deutsche Orden der Harugari
This order was formed in 1847 in New York as a fraternal group that would bring
the german immigrants together socially and to practice their mother tongue. The
order was also begun out of a concern for some group defense against the strong
native-American sentiment that prevailed at that time. The name Harugari was
chosen in honor of the old Teutons who were called Harugaris by virtue of their
meeting in forests. Haruc means grove or forest.
The order's motto has always been "Friendship, Love and Humanity." As
a fraternal benefit society, the organization has been recognized for its
altrustic demeanor. Some critics, however, have felt that de order has been
antagonistic toward the Roman Catholic Church. The order had nothing with
christian religion. The oaths made during the initiations were not made on the
Bible.
The order had five degrees, an initiatory degree, three more and a Grand Lodge
degree.
Ritual of the Initiatory Degree
Ritual of the First Degree
Ritual of the Second Degree
Ritual of the Third Degree