Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen
Ritual
Opening Ceremony
1944
At the time designated for the opening of the Lodge the President, or Acting
President will assume his station and will call the meeting to order by giving
three distinct raps with the gavel. Officers will assume their respective
stations and members their seats. Visiting members and candidates will retire to
the ante-room, except that the International President or his representative may
remain. The President will fil1 all vacancies by appointment. In the absence of
the President, Vice-President, Past President, International President, or his
Representative, the members shall select the General Chairman, or a member of
their lodge to act as President Pro Term. Officers who are selected to fill
vacancies will serve Pro-Term during the session, unless relieved by the arrival
of the duly elected officers.
President: Brother Outer Guard, you will retire to the ante-room,
close and lock the door, and guard it until further orders.
President: Brother Inner Guard, you will close the inner door and
return to your station.
President: Brother Warden, you will advance to the President’s
station and qualify yourself to examine the Brothers.
The Warden approaches the President’s station, places his left hand on
President’s right shoulder, and with the right hand gives the grip, which is
made by … and whispers the word in his left ear. The Warden will then examine
each Brother in turn, they qualifying in like manner, commencing at the right of
the President, passing around the Lodge, concluding his duties by examining the
Outer Guard, seeing that the Guards are at their posts and the doors securely
locked.
In the examination of the Lodge, should the Warden find an officer or member
without the word, he will address the President as follows: "Worthy
President, I find Brother … not qualified". The President will then
inquire of the Financial Secretary as to the Brother’s standing, and if he
advises that the member is entitled to the word, the Warden will be instructed
to communicate it as heretofore described. When the Warden has completed the
examination, he will return to his station and announce:
Warden: Worthy President, I find all members qualified to remain.
The President gives two raps with the gavel and all members will arise to
their feet and remain standing.
President: Brother Chaplain, you will advance to the Altar and
open the sacred Book, in which is taught the beautiful lesson of Charity, Peace
and Brotherly Love.
Ceremonies at the Altar may be dispensed with, excepting the opening of the
Bible. For those who may wish to introduce prayer, the following is offered:
Chaplain’s Prayer
Chaplain: Grant us, Heavenly Father, that these our Brothers,
assembled here in the name of our Brotherhood, may labor in harmony; that all
our doings may be acceptable in Thy sight. Guide us in the path of duty and
enlighten our minds with that understanding of our laws so as to make us devoted
to our Brotherhood. Remember the families of our departed Brothers, and may we
so prosper that at all times we may respond to the call of Charity, and practice
those virtues with which our banner is inscribed, and when is ended may our
reward be such as cometh to him who doeth all things well.
At the conclusion of the Prayer by the Chaplain, he will return to his
station.
President: My Brothers, we are assembled to transact the business
of our Lodge. Let peace and harmony prevail. I now declare … Lodge No. … of
the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen open in form. Brother Inner
Guard, you will notify the Outer Guard that this Lodge is now open and ready to
admit all qualified members; ascertain and report if there are any visiting
Brothers in waiting.
President then gives one rap with the gavel and seats the Lodge. Should there
be any visitors in waiting, the President will address the Warden as follows:
President: Brother Warden, you will retire to the ante-room and
examine such visitors as are in waiting, accompany them to the Altar, and
introduce them to the Lodge.
The Warden will retire in form, go to the ante-room, and be introduced by the
Outer Guard to all visitors, and will receive from them their grip, quarterly
pass and receipt for monthly assessments for the month in which the visit is
made.
In the event of a visitor being without the quarterly pass, but having an
official receipt for the current month, the Warden will permit him to enter the
lodge and announce the fact to the President, who will at his convenience,
examine the receipt, and if found correct, will communicate the password,
In the event of there being two or more visitors, the Warden will receive and
examine them singly in the ante-room, and when all are examined and found
qualified, the Warden will give the proper alarm upon the inner door. The Inner
Guard will open the wicket and the Warden will announce:
Warden: Warden of this Lodge, with duly qualified visiting
Brother.
Inner Guard will announce to the President:
Inner Guard: Worthy President, Warden of this Lodge with qualified
visitor.
President: Brother Inner Guard, admit the Warden with visitor.
The door will then be opened by the Inner Guard, President will give two raps
with the gavel, and all will arise and remain standing, Warden will enter with
visitor (or visitors), in a single file, and cross the lodge room in front of
the Vice-President’s station, so that in approaching the Altar all will be in
company front, When they reach the Altar the Warden will introduce them. After
being greeted by the President, the Warden will then escort them to seats.
Warden: Worthy President and Brothers, I have the honor to present
at the altar of our Brotherhood, Brother … of Lodge ….
President: Brother, I bid you welcome. I trust your visit will be
one of pleasure as well as profit. Please be seated.
President gives one rap with the gavel and all members will be seated,
Regular order of business will then be taken up.
Ceremonies of Initiation
Officers and members of Lodges, when conducting the ceremonies of an
initiation, are prohibited from using any appliance or device which will result
in physical injury or mental shock to a candidate.
Prior to the initiation of a Candidate, and before the Past President and
Financial Secretary retire to the ante-room for the purpose of examining the
Candidate, the President will ask the following:
President: Brother Recording Secretary, have you the name of the
Candidate (or Candidates) in waiting, and has he been elected by our secret
ballot?
Recording Secretary shall give the President the required information and
hand him the application for beneficiary certificate, if any, of the Candidate,
or Candidates, in waiting.
President: My brothers, Mr. … is waiting for initiation. The
Past President and Financial Secretary will now retire to the ante-room, examine
the Candidate (or Candidates), collect such fees as are necessary and return
with the Candidate (or Candidates) provided examination is satisfactory.
The Past President and the Financial Secretary will retire and secure the
necessary information and fees.
Outer Guard: Mr. …, I have the honor to introduce to you the
Past President and Financial Secretary of this Lodge who desire certain
information of you, and the fees of initiation.
Past President: My friend, were you ever rejected or expelled from
any Lodge of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen? If so, which
one?
Candidate, or Candidates, shall answer yes or no. If the answer be yes the
Past President will make such inquiries as are necessary to satisfy himself as
to the fitness of the Candidate.
Past President: Do you seek membership in this Order of your own
free will, and are you prepared to take an obligation to cheerfully obey all the
rules and regulations of the Order, and to faithfully keep your vows?
Candidate, or Candidates, answer yes or no. The Financial Secretary will
collect such fees as are required by the Lodge before the initiation, and return
to the Lodge with the Past President and Candidate, being admitted by the Inner
Guard by an unusual alarm. The Inner Guard reporting the return of the Past
President and Financial Secretary as follows:
Inner Guard: Worthy President, the Past President and Financial
Secretary of this Lodge, with the Candidate (or Candidates).
President: Admit them.
Inner Guard opens the door and permits the Past President and Financial
Secretary with the Candidate to enter the Lodge. They will approach the Altar in
company front, and report as follows:
Past President: Worthy President, I have examined Mr. … and I am
satisfied he is worthy of membership.
If the Past President is not satisfied with the qualifications of the
Candidate, he will return to the Lodge and report accordingly.
Financial Secretary: Worthy President, the initiation fees have
been collected.
Past President: You now stand before the Altar of the Brotherhood
of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen. There is an obligation, severe in its
solemnity, and as binding as the laws of God to man, which you are required to
take before you can be accepted into membership. You will be asked to pledge
your full support and strength to this organization, and adhere firmly to its
laws, rules and regulations; in none of which will you be required to violate
the duties which you owe to either your God, your family, your country or
yourself. With this assurance are you still desirous of proceeding farther?
Candidate, or Candidates, will answer.
Past President: To impress upon you the seriousness of our
obligations, the sacredness of the relations which exist between members, and
the penalties for a disregard or violation of these obligations or relations,
your attention is especially directed to the law of the Brotherhood concerning
slander, which provides that any officer or member who shall write or cause to
be written, circulate or cause to be circulated, any false or slanderous letter
or document of any kind, or circulate or cause to be circulated any false or
slanderous report or statement concerning the policy of this organization, or
any of its officers or members, or who, in allegiance to any other organization,
shall perform or cause to be performed any act derogatory to the interests of
this organization, shall, upon conviction thereof be expelled from all the
benefits and privileges of the Brotherhood, including participation in the
Insurance Departments.
At the conclusion of the charge, the Past President will address the
President as follows:
Past President: Worthy President, I have the pleasure to present
at the Altar of our Brotherhood Mr. …, who is prepared to obligate himself in
accordance with our solemn rites.
At this point the President will give two raps with the gavel, officers and
members will arise; the President and Chaplain approaching the Altar; the
President facing the Candidate; the Chaplain standing at left of Altar. Other
officers and members will quietly advance and form a complete circle around the
Altar by clasping hands, surrounding the President, Past President, Chaplain and
Candidate, excepting the Vice-President. Inner and Outer Guards, who will remain
at their respective stations.
President: My friend, you will now listen to the advice of our
Worthy Chaplain.
Chaplain: My friend, as all good workers have been apprentices to
their trade, so are you now an apprentice in our Order, learning those first
lessons that are the ground work of all success in life. Our principal object is
to promote the welfare of our brothers and their families in sickness and
health. In order to carry out these benevolent objects, the assessments of each
member must be promptly paid; and yours with the rest. Law must govern every
society, and law must govern us; to this law you must submit, or be false to
your oath. Not only do we aim to be benevolent, but we aim to teach the great
lesson of sobriety. Be honorable in your dealings, faithful at your post, and I
can assure you, my friend, our Order will be proud to number you among its
members. Remember, the motto of our Order is ‘Protection, Charity, Sobriety
and Industry.’
President: Having received instructions as to your duties, I now
admonish you to reflect and answer for yourself before these witnesses if you
still desire membership in this Order.
Candidate, or Candidates, answer.
President: Worthy Past President, you will have the Candidate
stand erect, place his left hand over his heart and raise his right hand, open
palm outward, to level of his head.
When the Candidate is in proper position the Past President will then
announce:
Past President: Worthy President, the Candidate stands in proper
form and awaits your pleasure.
The President will then proceed to administer the following obligation:
President: You will now pronounce your full name, and repeat in a
clear and audible voice the following obligation: I, …, of my own free will,
before God and my fellow man, solemnly promise and vow that I will never, by
word or deed, betray any of the rites or mysterious ceremonies of the
Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen, as here revealed to me. I will
faithfully keep inviolate my solemn oath of membership, and at all times and
under all circumstances discharge every duty devolving upon me as a member. I
will obey the Constitution and By-Laws and always recognize the authority vested
in the officers of this Lodge and the Grand Lodge. I will never incite
rebellion, or antagonize the brothers on account of religion or nationality, but
at all times put forth every effort to maintain peace, harmony and brotherly
love. I will never speak ill of my brother, or in any manner knowingly do him an
injury. I will never write, paint, cut, carve, hew or engrave the secret pass,
grip, signs, or any of the mystic ceremonies, so that they may become revealed
to an impostor, nor permit the same to be done by another if in my power to
prevent. Should I violate any part of this, my solemn obligation, may I be
driven from among the tried and true, and be pointed out with the finger of
scorn as a man devoid of principle and honor.
President then takes Candidate by the right hand and says:
President: My Brother, for by that name I am now privileged to
Call you, having been received and obligated by the most solemn vows, I greet
you as a member of … Lodge No. ….
Vice-President gives one rap with the gavel at the conclusion of the
declaration of membership to the Candidate, or Candidates, by the President,
when entire lodge will quietly return to their seats, and officers to their
stations, except the Past President, who will escort the newly admitted member,
oz members, to the President’s station to be instructed in the secret work.
Exemplification of the secret work by the President
Entering a Lodge
President: Brother …, you will now give your strict attention
while I instruct you in the Secret Work of this Order. Desiring to enter a Lodge
of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen, you will give any alarm
at the outer door that will attract the attention of the Outer Guard, who will
open the wicket and inquire: ‘Who demands admission?’ You will then give him
your name, and say: ‘Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen, Lodge
No. ….’ The door will then be opened by the Outer Guard and you will be
permitted to enter the anteroom. You will, then (unless the Lodge is performing
the opening ceremony) advance to the inner door and give raps which are as
follows: three distinct raps.
"The Inner Guard will report to the Vice-President an alarm. The
Vice-President will say, ‘Attend the alarm and report.’ The Inner Guard will
then give three distinct raps and upon the wicket being opened by the Inner
Guard, he will inquire: ‘Who demands admission?’ You will reply by giving
your name, the name and number of your Lodge, and in a low whisper the Secret
Word. Having communicated the word to the Inner Guard, the wicket will be
closed, and the Inner Guard will report to the Vice-President as follows: ‘Worthy
Vice-President, it is Brother … of … Lodge No. ... and he is correct in the
word.’ The Vice-President will reply: ‘Permit him to enter.’ The Inner
Guard will then open the door, and you will enter the Lodge and quietly take
your seat.
Secret Word
The Secret Word is a pass which gains you entrance into the Lodge, and which
changes quarterly on the first day of January, April, July and October. The word
for this quarter is: … This word can only be given to you by a Grand Lodge
Officer, the President, or the Financial Secretary of your Lodge, or the
President or the Financial Secretary of a Sister Lodge, when you present an
order for the Secret Word, or by the Warden at the examination of the Lodge, and
under instructions of the President. Under no circumstances will you communicate
this word except to the Warden of your Lodge or of a Sister Lodge which you may
be visiting, or to the Inner Guard upon entering this lodge or a Sister Lodge,
unless you have been specially deputized by the President of your Lodge to
communicate the pass to another. This word you will at all times carefully
guard, for should you in any manner divulge it, expulsion from the Order under
the most trying circumstances will be the penalty.
Grip
The Brotherhood has adopted a Grip to be used by our members in the Lodge
room, and in the ante-room by the Warden when qualifying members, and is made as
follows: you will grasp the two first fingers of the Warden’s right hand with
your two first fingers, allowing your thumb to touch the ends of your fingers
around the Warden’s fingers, at the same time placing the left hand upon each
others shoulder, which signifies: we are linked together.
Retiring from the Lodge
Desiring to, retire from the Lodge while in session, you will arise from your
seat and say: ‘Worthy President, may I retire?’ If your request is granted
you will proceed to and in front of the Altar, facing the President’s station,
and give the Retiring Sign, which is made as follows:
Right hand extended straight outward towards the top of the Altar, fingers
closed, palm upwards, which signifies, ‘No malice do I hold;’ then opening
the hand, palm still upwards, which signifies, ‘None do I carry with me;’
then carrying hand to and over the heart, which signifies, ‘My secrets I shall
keep.’
The President will respond by placing his right hand over his heart.
Whereupon you will advance in a direct line to the station of the
Vice-President and from there to the inner door. The Inner Guard will then open
the door and permit you to retire to the ante-room. When you are prepared to
depart the Outer Guard will open the outer door and allow you to go about your
business.
Visiting a Sister Lodge
Desiring to visit a Sister Lodge, should you be present before the opening of
the Lodge and in the Lodge room, upon hearing three raps of the gavel by the
President, you will immediately retire to the outside anteroom and there remain
until the Warden of the Lodge is introduced to you by the Outer Guard for
examination. Should you not arrive before the Lodge opens you will give any
alarm at the outer door, and upon the wicket being opened by the Outer Guard,
you will give your name and say, ‘Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and
Enginemen, Lodge No. …’, which will gain your admission into the ante-room,
and the Outer Guard will convey the information of your presence as a visitor to
the Inner Guard. When the Warden of the Lodge enters the ante-room, and you have
been introduced to him by the Outer Guard, the Warden will say to you: ‘Brother
…, you will qualify for admission.’ You will then hand the Warden your
receipt for examination, showing your standing for the month in which you are
visiting the Lodge, and give the Warden your right hand and with it the Grip.
With the Grip you will whisper the Word in his left ear. Having necessary
receipt, and being correct in the Word and Grip, the Warden will escort you to
the inner door, where he (the Warden) will give the usual alarm, and upon the
wicket being opened by the Inner Guard, he will announce, ‘The Warden of this
Lodge with visiting Brother (or Brothers), duly qualified.’ Upon the door
being opened the Warden will escort you to the Altar in the usual manner, and
will introduce you. After being greeted by the President, the Warden will direct
you to a seat.
Should you desire to visit a Sister Lodge and find yourself without the Word,
you can only gain admittance by having a Receipt for your assessments for the
month in which you are visiting. In such cases the Warden will permit you to
enter the Lodge room where the fact of your being without the word will be
announced to the President who will direct the Warden to communicate the Word to
you.
The Raps of the Gavel
The Gavel is used by the President of the Lodge to preserve order, and is the
badge of authority to be recognized at all times by officers and members alike.
The sound of the Gavel is just as imperative and potent as is the voice of the
President. Members will respond to the raps of the Gavel. Three raps of the
Gavel call the Lodge to order, and the officers to their stations, preparatory
to the opening of a session of a Lodge. Two raps of the Gavel call the Lodge to
their feet. One rap of the Gavel seats the Lodge. Any other raps of the Gavel
are known as false alarms.
As the President raps the members present will properly respond.
Voting Sign of the Order
The Voting Sign of the Order is made by lifting the right hand, open, palm
outward; and you are required to vote upon every question that arises in your
Lodge unless excused by the President of the Lodge.
Travelling Card
The Brotherhood has adopted for the use of its members a card known as a
Traveling Card. This is a Traveling Card shows Card.
It will bear the exact date upon which it was issued, the name and number of
your Lodge, the President’s name and the Financial Secretary’s name; also
the signature of the General Secretary and Treasurer, the Local Lodge Seal and
the Grand Lodge Seal. The number of your Lodge will be perforated through the
top of the Card. Upon the back of the Card will appear the length of time for
which the Card is issued, where you are employed, if upon a railroad, and what
one, and the Card shall bear your signature in your own handwriting; also a
description of the bearer, and upon the margin of the Card will be the months
and days. The letter ‘F’ opposite the description of the bearer, and the
expiration of the Card, will be punched with Official Punch. When traveling, if
desirous of introducing yourself through this Card you will address the party as
follows: ‘Good morning’ or ‘Good evening,’ as the case may be. The party
whom you approach, if he is a member, will say ‘Good morning,’ or ‘Good
evening,’ as the case may be. The holder of the Card will then say: ‘Where
have I met before.’
The party addressed, if a member of the Order, will say: ‘You should know.’
The holder of the Card will say: "Am I mistaken.’
The party addressed will say: ‘Key’.
The holder of the Card will give number of letters in quarterly word.
Then the party addressed will give last letter of quarterly word.
The holder of the Card will then give first letter of quarterly word; at the
same time present receipt for the current month together with traveling card,
saying: ‘examine my card an receipt.’
The Card or receipt shall not be produced until both have made themselves
known to each other as members of the Brotherhood, by the interchange of the
Secret Work, when the Card and receipt will be presented for identification.
I desire you to make yourself familiar with the use of this Card, so that if
a stranger should call upon you bearing a Card, you can prove him a member, if
such he be. You should not recognize a person having a Traveling Card or receipt
unless the foregoing secret work has been gone through with to satisfy yourself
the person having Card and receipt is a member in good standing. In order to
obtain a Traveling Card, under any circumstances, you
must be in good standing. In the event of you having a Card in your
possession, and it having expired by limitation, it must be returned to the
Financial Secretary of your Lodge before another can be issued.
My Brother, you have been instructed in the Secret Work of our Order. I now
present you with a copy of our Constitution and By-Laws, which you should study
thoroughly, so you will fully understand what our Order expects of you. I now
grant a few moments intermission, whereby the brothers will have the pleasure of
greeting you as a member.
Lodge will be called to order at the expiration of the intermission.
President: Worthy Past President, you and the newly admitted
member (or members) will retire to the ante-room in form, and you will assist
him in working his way into the Lodge.
NOTE: In conferring this lesson upon the candidate, make it brief but
impressive; prohibit any member from using profane or abusive language or the
word SCAB, or any other phrase which will mar the intent of the lesson taught;
this is imperative.
During the absence of the Past President and Candidate, or Candidates, the
President will appoint two members to act as Prosecutors, and two members to act
as Defenders for the Candidate, should he sign, or attempt to sign the Register
Test. it is understood that not more than one Candidate will be taken through
this part of the ceremony at one time. During this part of the ceremony the
floor will be kept clear from all obstructions, as it is intended to make this
ceremony impressive on the mind of the Candidate, and the strictest order must
prevail.
When Past President and Candidate work their way into the Lodge they will
approach the Altar and remain standing while the President says:
President: Brother …, you will be required upon bended knees at
our Altar, amid the silence of our Lodge, to fill out this blank, President
hands blank to Warden who will take it to the Candidate and if you
subscribe to all that is required thereon, you will be entitled to a seat in the
Lodge. Worthy Past President and Warden you will assist the brother in filling
out the blank.
Should the Candidate sign, or attempt to sign, the Quarterly Pass, the Past
President will seize and hold him, while the Warden will seize the blank, and
hold it until the President gives three raps of the gavel, and says;
President: What is the cause of this disturbance?
Warden: Worthy President, this man has attempted to sign away the
Quarterly Pass.
Warden takes the blank to the President.
Past President: Worthy President, perhaps he can justify his
action.
President: Sir, have you any explanation to make that will justify
your action?
Candidate makes his explanation.
President: Brothers, are you satisfied with this explanation?
At this Point the Prosecutor will arise and say:
Prosecutor: Worthy President.
President: My Brother.
Prosecutor will then reprimand the Candidate in such language as will be
appropriate for the occasion. When the Prosecutor resumes his seat one of the
Defenders will arise and say:
Defender: Worthy President.
President: My Brother.
Defender will use such language as is appropriate In defense of Candidate.
The Prosecutors will then be heard, and the last Defender will conclude, closing
his remarks with a motion that the Candidate be forgiven for his offense and
restored to good standing in the Lodge. If a motion is adopted the President
will summon the Candidate before him.
President: My Brother, our Lodge has shown you that we practice
charity in its broadest sense by extending to you forgiveness, even though you
had violated your obligation. I therefore extend to you the warm right hand of
the Brotherhood and welcome you to our fold with all my heart.
President grasps him by the right hand and shakes it cordially.
President: Worthy Past President, you will now escort our newly
admitted Brother to his seat.
Emblematic Lecture
To be introduced, if a Lodge so desires, the first time the Candidate is
presented at the Altar. If introduced it should be done just alter Financial
Secretary reports that fees have been collected. A screen and lights should be
previously arranged. The lecture should be committed to memory and delivered by
the Chaplain, or some one especially selected by the President. The operator
should shift the scenes to fit the language of the lecture. The strictest order
must be maintained by members during this part of the ceremony, as it is
intended to be impressive.
NOTE: It is optional with the Lodge whether or not they deliver the following
emblematic Lecture, provided they have a lantern and slides for that purpose.
Chaplain: My friend, the purposes for which the Brotherhood of
Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen was organized were to protect its members from
injustice; to bestow upon them and their loved ones charitable donations that
will make life’s burden lighter at a time when death has robbed the helpless
and afflicted of all means of support. The Brotherhood teaches them that a duty
they owe their families and themselves is not to allow a passion for
intoxicating liquor to lead them to poverty and degradation. It also teaches
that a man to earn a reputable position in life must be industrious. It was upon
these principles that the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen was
founded and for these principles the Brotherhood has labored for many years.
Brothers, what is the Motto of our Order?
All members present will slowly and distinctly pronounce in concert the Motto
Members: Protection --- Charity --- Sobriety --- Industry.
Chaplain: My friend, I will now illustrate to you incidents that
daily occur in the life of an Engineman.
The ‘Home scene’ is produced on the screen and the hoodwink lifted from
the eyes of the Candidate.
Chaplain: You now see before you an Engineman in the prime of his
manhood bidding farewell to all that is dear on earth, his loving wife and
innocent, prattling babes. It was ordained by the Creator that a knowledge of
impending danger should be withheld, that our happy moments should not be marred
by vision of coming adversity. This man affectionately bids adieu to his loved
ones, and with light and joyous heart sees for the last time the little cottage,
the pride of his being, the scene of his happiest days.
Scene changes, showing a roundhouse.
Chaplain: He now approaches the field of his everyday labor while
earning for himself and family those necessaries and little luxuries that it is
his pride to see his family enjoy. Here is the busy engine-house. Men getting
engines ready for the road; others returning to their homes after a day of
honest toil; and yet others preparing to go out on trips from which some may
never return except as a mangled and lifeless form.
Scene changes, showing a railway train.
Chaplain: A train laden with precious lives speeds on its journey.
The engineer and fireman, loyal to the trust imposed upon them, having the
confidence of those in their keeping, faithfully perform their duty. Faster and
faster speeds the massive engine; dashing through village, whirling by the
riverside, out upon the broad prairies, through valleys, over hills and through
fields of yellow grain.
Scene changes, showing the wreck.
Chaplain: The veil which covers the face of futurity Is woven by
the hand of mercy.
No man knows what the morrow will bring forth. Death comes like a thief in
the night and steals away that which only the Creator can return.
Scene changes, showing the funeral.
Chaplain: The last debt that we can pay our fellow man is to
consign him to his grave, to tenderly and affectionately lay him to eternal
rest. We here see all that is mortal of our departed brother pausing on the
brink of the grave. A heart-broken mother, an aged father, a despairing widow,
weeping orphans here fix their eyes for the last time on the quiet, pale face of
him that but yesterday was in the vigor of life.
It is a mission of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen to
perform these last sad rites, to comfort the bereaved parent, to console the
widow and orphan.
Scene changes, showing the paying of the claim.
Chaplain: It must be a bright ray of hope; a moment of happiness,
though in the presence of death, when the thought flashes on the mind of a dying
man that he has provided sustenance for those whom he is leaving behind. What
must be the agonizing thought of a man on the verge of eternity when he realizes
that he has done naught to protect his loved ones from hunger and cold, has
carelessly allowed to pass by opportunities to provide for their future welfare,
and has left them to the charity of a heartless world. It is here we see the
Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen perform its sacred mission. The
weeping widow is ours to solace. The defenseless orphan is ours to protect and
keep. It is at this moment that the Brotherhood pays its greatest obligation by
securing to the widow and orphans the means by which a home may be purchased and
the orphans educated.
Scene changes. showing the three graces, Faith, Hope and Charity.
Chaplain: And now abideth Faith, Hope, and Charity, these three;
but the greatest of these is Charity.
Scene changes, showing the Grand Lodge.
Chaplain: A charitable organization, like all others, must be
governed by law and order. Here is illustrated the law-making body of our
Brotherhood. Each and every member is entitled to representation in the Grand
Lodge and it is his sworn duty to obey the rules and regulations emanating from
this assemblage. Without this allegiance to the Constitution our Brotherhood
would soon cease to exist, and without our Brotherhood where will we turn for
that protection that it alone can give. My friend, you will now look upon the
symbols of our Motto: Protection --- Charity --- Sobriety Industry.
As the Chaplain pronounces each word the appropriate symbol is produced upon
the screen. The Chaplain should allow the
Candidate sufficient time to view each symbol before announcing another.
Chaplain: The Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen is
an International organization. We know no political or geographical lines in our
jurisdiction. We recognize no political or religious creed. We are a band of
brothers, united for protection under the banners of the United States, Canada
and Mexico.
As the Chaplain says this the coats of arms of the above named countries are
produced on the screen.
Chaplain: Many years ago a man who has since passed away conceived
the idea of this Brotherhood. By his efforts it was made possible that you
should stand beneath its protecting influence. That man was our first Grand
Master, Joshua A. Leach, to whose memory we gladly extend the affections of our
grateful hearts.
As the Chaplain pronounces the name of Brother Leach his portrait is produced
on the screen. The light from the stereopticon is then entirely concealed and
the Chaplain proceeds.
Chaplain: My friend, you have thus looked upon the scenes
incidental to the life of an engineman. You have witnessed the grand work of the
Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen, and I hope its influence will
ever be impressed upon your memory. You will now be initiated into the deeper
mysteries of the Order.
Closing Ceremony
When the business of the Lodge is concluded, the President will arise and
say:
President: Brethren, our labors being concluded, we will close.
Brother Chaplain, you will attend at the altar.
The President will give two raps with the gavel and all members will arise
and the Chaplain will advance to the Altar facing the President and offer the
following prayer:
Chaplain: Our Heavenly Father, bless, we beseech Thee, the labors
of this meeting. May we all profit thereby. May a spirit of peace, harmony and
good will prevail among all the brothers, and may we go forth to our duties upon
the rail with renewed courage. Protect us from all danger, and when life’s
work is ended, receive us into Thine everlasting kingdom. Amen.
At the end of the prayer. Chaplain will close the Bible and return to his
station. Prayer may be dispensed with at the discretion of the Lodge. In such
cases the Chaplain will close the Bible.
President: Brother Warden, you will collect the rituals and Lodge
property, and return them to my station.
The President will take charge of the rituals and see that they are placed
under lock and key for safe keeping.
President: Brothers, the business of this meeting being concluded,
we will now close, until our next regular meeting, unless a special meeting
shall be deemed necessary; on either occasion I hope to see a full attendance.
You will give the Retiring Sign.
Members in giving sign at the close of Lodge, will repeat in one voice with
the President the following explanation of the retiring Sign: ‘No
malice do I hold;’ ‘None do I carry with me;’ ‘My secrets I shall keep.’
President: Guards, you will open the doors and permit the members
to retire, as the Lodge is now closed.