The Praetorians
The Modern Order of Praetorians was a typical fraternal insurance society
similar to the Modern Woodmen of America. It was organized in 1898 by Charles B.
Gardner, and admitted men and women on equal terms. In 1923 there were 599
lodges and 36,752 benefit members.
As a fraternal benefit society, the Praetorians had a secret ritual in the
typical fashion of fraternal orders.
Local groups were known as Councils, the national governing body was called the
Supreme Senate.
In 1957 it converted to a regular, commercial mutual life insurance company.
Ritual of the Praetorian Degree
Ritual of the Ladies' Degree