BPOE - Initiation

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
Initiation

This ritual was adopted by the Grand Lodge in 1979

Opening

The Exalted Ruler assumes his station and by sound of the gavel calls the lodge to order.
Exalted Ruler: I am about to open ... Lodge, No. ..., of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Brother Inner Guard, inform the Tiler, invite all Elks to come within the lodge room, and guard well the inner door.
The Inner Guard complies with the order.
Inner Guard: Exalted Ruler, your order has been obeyed.
Exalted Ruler: Esteemed Loyal Knight, with the assistance of the Esteemed Lecturing Knight, you will ascertain if all present; are qualified to remain.
These officers shall meet at the altar and advance from either side thereof to the station of the Exalted Ruler, to whom they shall exhibit their membership cards. Thereupon they shall proceed to examine the brothers on their respective sides of the room, commencing at the right and left of the Exalted Ruler.
If any brother be found without a member ship card showing that his dues are paid for the current period, the fact shall be reported to the Exalted Ruler. Thereupon the Exalted Ruler shall ascertain from the Secretary whether or not the brother is entitled to remain in the lodge room and shall direct the examining officer accordingly. If the brother is not entitled to remain by reason of nonpayment of current dues, he shall be given an opportunity to pay the same, in default of which he shall immediately withdraw.
After completing their duties, the examining officers shall advance to the altar and in unison salute the Exalted Ruler with the hailing sign.
Esteemed Loyal Knight: Exalted Ruler, all present, excepting visiting brothers, have been examined and are qualified to remain.
The Esteemed Loyal Knight and the Esteemed Lecturing Knight shall then return to their respective stations. If there are no visiting brothers present, the words “excepting visiting brothers” and the following portions relative to visitors may be omitted.
Exalted Ruler: Visiting brothers will please rise. Brother Esquire, are you satisfied that these visiting brothers are qualified to remain?
Esquire: I am, Exalted Ruler.
Exalted Ruler: Brother Esquire, you will cause the visiting brothers to approach the altar and introduce them to the lodge.
The Esquire assembles the visiting brothers across the lodge room about two paces in front of the altar. He shall introduce each brother separately by giving his name and the name and number of his lodge. The visiting brother, when the number of his lodge is announced, shall take one step forward and give the hailing sign. On being recognized by the Exalted Ruler he shall resume his former position until all have been introduced and until the Exalted Ruler shall have directed that the visiting brothers be seated.
Exalted Ruler: In the name of the Order, and on behalf of this lodge, I greet you as brothers. You may be seated.
Exalted Ruler: Brother Esquire, have you performed your duties?
Esquire: I have, Exalted Ruler; a quorum is present, the officers are at their stations in proper
regalia, and the altar emblems await your command.
Exalted Ruler: Brother Inner Guard, ascertain if this lodge is properly tiled.
It is the duty of the Inner Guard to open the door and ascertain if the Tiler is at his station and in the performance of his duties.
Inner Guard: Exalted Ruler, the lodge is properly tiled.
Exalted Ruler: What is your duty?
Inner Guard: To guard well the inner door of the lodge, to permit none to enter except those duly qualified, and none to retire without your permission.
Exalted Ruler: Brother Esquire, what is your duty?
Esquire: To receive candidates, prepare them for initiation, act as their guide through the ceremony and explain to them the procedures of the Order; to see that the signs are given correctly, examine and introduce visiting brothers, make all arrangements for ritualistic work, prepare and carefully guard the ballot, and see that the orders of the Exalted Ruler are properly executed.
Exalted Ruler: Esteemed Lecturing Knight, what is your duty?
Esteemed Lecturing Knight: To exemplify the motto of this station — Brotherly Love.
Exalted Ruler: Esteemed Loyal Knight, what ii your duty?
Esteemed Loyal Knight: To see that each brother is rewarded as he shall deserve, thereby exemplifying the motto of this station — Justice.
Exalted Ruler: Esteemed Leading Knight, what is your duty?
Esteemed Leading Knight: To assist the Exalted Ruler in conducting the business of the lodge and to preside during his absence; to stand ready to hear the cry of affliction, to aid those in distress, and by precept and example inculcate the motto of this station — Charity.
Exalted Ruler: Brothers, what is the motto of the station of the Exalted Ruler?
All: Fidelity.
Exalted Ruler: Fidelity, my brothers, is of supreme importance, for only while we remain faithful to our obligation will we act toward one another with Charity, Justice and Brotherly Love. It is the duty of the Exalted Ruler to preside with impartiality, and it is the duty of the brothers, under their obligation, to assist in upholding and maintaining the honor and dignity of the Order and of this lodge. Brother Esquire, arrange the altar.
The Esquire approaches the altar. After saluting the Exalted Ruler with the hailing sign, he proceeds to the station of the Esteemed Leading Knight.
Esquire (standing before the station, addressing the Esteemed Leading Knight): Esteemed Leading Knight, I come to you for the emblem of your station, the American Flag, that it may be placed in position of honor at the right of the Altar of Elkdom.
Exalted Ruler: Brothers, salute our Flag.
The Brothers give the civilian salute.
Esteemed Leading Knight (hands Flag on staff to Esquire): Place this Flag lovingly beside the altar, Brother Esquire, and may its beauty increase the devotion of the members to its radiant stripes and celestial stars that insure protection of our land of liberty and testify to its glorious victories.
The Esquire, carrying the Flag on its staff, proceeds in an orderly manner to a position one pace in front of the center of the altar, faces the Exalted Ruler, and delivers this tribute.
Esquire: This is the Flag of our country, the emblem of freedom and the symbol of unity. As Americans and patriots we first place it beside our altar. And as the American flag typifies the glory of our nation we have adopted it as emblematic of the cardinal principle of our Order — Charity.
After delivering this tribute, the Esquire places the Flag in its stand to the right of the altar. During this Flag ceremony the Brothers should be standing at salute and the organist should be playing our National Anthem.
Exalted Ruler: My brothers, recite with me the Elks’ Pledge.
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands; one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
After the Pledge of Allegiance, the Lodge will be at ease and the Esquire proceeds to the station of the Esteemed Loyal Knight, from whom he receives the Bible. Upon receiving the Bible, the Esquire will step back one pace and then proceed in an orderly manner to the altar, and hold the Bible reverently and unopened.
Esquire: This is the Bible, the Book of Law, upon which is founded Justice.
The Esquire then places the Bible, opened, upon the altar.
The brothers sing or the Organist plays “Nearer, My God, to Thee,” after which the Esquire proceeds to the station of the Esteemed Lecturing Knight, from whom he receives the Emblem. The Esquire steps back one pace and then proceeds in an orderly manner to the altar. Meanwhile the Organist plays softly “Auld Lang Syne,” beginning as the Esquire starts toward the station of the Esteemed Lecturing Knight.
Esquire: These are the antlers, the emblem of our Order, significant of the protection afforded through Brotherly Love.
The Esquire then places the Emblem in back of the Bible as viewed by the candidate and with the Emblem facing the station of the Esteemed Leading Knight
The brothers sing or the Organist plays “Auld Lang Syne.”
Esquire: Exalted Ruler, the altar has been arranged.
The lights are all turned out and while the room is in total darkness the Esquire returns to his station.
Exalted Ruler: Upon these sacred emblems will now be shed the soft and fervent glow of the fixed star, emblematic of Fidelity.
Light is turned on the star.
Exalted Ruler: Brothers, unite in singing the opening ode.
Air, “Auld Lang Syne.”
Great Ruler of the universe
All-seeing and benign,
Look down upon and bless our work,
And be all glory Thine;
May Charity as taught us here
Be ever borne in mind,
The Golden Rule our motto true,
For days of Auld Lang Syne.
God Bless America may be sung as an alternate. During the singing the Chaplain takes his position at the altar.
Chaplain: Let us pray: Our Father Who art in Heaven, direct us in all our deliberations with Thy most gracious favor, and further us with Thy continual help, that in all our works begun, continued and ended in Thee, we may glorify Thy holy name. Enlighten our minds more and more with the principles of our Order — Charity, Justices Brotherly Love and Fidelity. Let the light of Thy countenance shine upon us even as the light of this star. Increase in us true benevolence, nourish us with all goodness, keep us faithful to our obligation, and lead us and all Elks beside the still waters of peace, for Thine is the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
All: Amen
The lights are now turned on, first giving the Chaplain sufficient time to return to his station.
Exalted Ruler: Brothers, give the sign. I now declare ... Lodge, No. ..., regularly opened Brother Inner Guard, inform the Tiler.
The Inner Guard shall open the door and inform the Tiler that the lodge is opened.

Initiation

Any subordinate lodge desiring so to do may utilize the services of a drill team in connection with the ceremony of initiation, such team to be composed of members of the local lodge or of another lodge. When the ceremony is performed by the regular officers of the lodge, the Exalted Ruler shall preside. If the Exalted Ruler be absent, the Esteemed Leading Knight may preside. As an act of courtesy any one of the following officers may be invited to preside: any Past Exalted Ruler of the local lodge, the Exalted Ruler or any Past Exalted Ruler of another lodge, the District Deputy, the Grand Exalted Ruler, or any other officer of the Grand Lodge.
Prior to the beginning of the ceremony of initiation, the Secretary shall require each candidate to sign the question book (provided the applications are not kept as a permanent record) and pay the balance of the initiation fee and dues for the current period.
Smoking is positively prohibited during initiation.
Exalted Ruler: Brother Secretary, are there any candidates awaiting initiation?
Secretary (standing): Exalted Ruler Mr ... (and ... other American gentlemen) is in waiting and requests initiation into this lodge.
Exalted Ruler: Has the candidate been duly elected to membership in our Order, and has he complied with our laws?
Secretary: He has.
The Secretary resumes his seat.
Exalted Ruler: Brother Esquire, you will retire to the anteroom, prepare the candidate for initiation and conduct him to the door of the lodge.
The Esquire retires. If there should be more than one candidate, the foregoing and subsequent responses must be made to conform to the plural. The Esquire shall select such assistants as may be necessary.
Exalted Ruler: My brothers, we are about to perform the solemn ceremony of initiation; and, as the impressions produced on the mind of the candidate are likely to be lasting, I earnestly charge you to observe the utmost decorum during its progress. You will refrain from smoking, cease conversation, and so deport yourselves as not to disturb the officers in charge or distract the attention of the candidate.
With this reminder of the important work we are about to undertake, I now declare this lodge ready for initiation.
Brother Inner Guard, inform the Esquire that the lodge is prepared to receive the candidate.
The candidate shall be conducted by the Esquire to the inner door. The Esquire shall give the rap for admission and the Inner Guard shall respond.
Inner Guard: Who seeks admission?
Esquire: The Esquire, with Mr. ... who desires to become a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
If more than one candidate, then the Esquire, Inner Guard and Exalted Ruler shall omit any reference to individual names, and the Esquire shall substitute “... American Gentlemen,” and when the Inner Guard addresses the Exalted Ruler, he will say, “seeks admission with ... American Gentlemen,” and when the Exalted Ruler addresses the candidates he shall say, “Gentlemen.”
Inner Guard: Is he properly prepared and vouched for?
Esquire: He is properly prepared and I, as an Elk, vouch for his identity.
Inner Guard: I will report to the Exalted Ruler.
The door is closed.
Inner Guard: Exalted Ruler, the Esquire seeks admission with Mr. ... who requests initiation into our Order.
Exalted Ruler: If he is properly prepared and vouched for, admit him.
Music. — The Inner Guard opens the door. Lights should be dimmed.
Inner Guard: The Exalted Ruler bids you enter.
The Esquire conducts the candidate to the right and walks with him once around the lodge room As he passes the stations of the several chair officers they will deliver the following.
Esteemed Loyal Knight: Be just to your fellow-man.
Esteemed Lecturing Knight: Ever practice brotherly love.
Esteemed Leading Knight: Be charitable to all mankind.
The Esquire brings the candidate before the altar.
Esquire: Exalted Ruler, I present the candidate.
Exalted Ruler: Mr. ..., you have been duly accepted by the brothers of this lodge as worthy to become united with them in the noble work to which this Order is dedicated. Before proceeding further with your initiation, it is necessary for you to take the solemn and binding obligation of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. In this, I assure you, there is nothing which will interfere with your duty to yourself or your family, or conflict with your religious or political opinions. Are you willing to assume such an obligation?
Candidate replies.
Exalted Ruler: Do you believe in God?
Candidate replies.
Exalted Ruler and Chaplain approach the altar — the Chaplain to the left of the Exalted Ruler, both facing the candidates and standing close to the altar.
Exalted Ruler: The Chaplain will lead us in prayer.
Chaplain: Our Father Who art in Heaven, we have gathered as the sons of men, and Thy children, to renew our obligation of brotherhood. Prosper us in this labor of love. Bless this candidate, and grant that he may become a true and loyal brother among us, exemplifying the virtues of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity. In all our endeavors for good, lead us and all Elks into the green pastures of knowledge, and beside the still waters of peace. Amen.
All: Amen.
Exalted Ruler: Brother Esquire, place the candidate in position to assume the obligation, standing erect, his left hand over his heart, his right hand uplifted above the altar upon which rest the Holy Bible and the antlers of protection.
The Esquire places the candidate in position before the altar. If there is a large number of candidates they should be arranged in single, or, when necessary, in double or triple file about the altar, facing the station of the Exalted Ruler.
Esquire: Exalted Ruler, the candidate is in position.
Exalted Ruler: My Brothers, be attentive while I am administering the obligation.
All lights, except the star, are to be extinguished until after the Eleven O’Clock Toast. The Organist should play softly the strains of some sacred music.
Exalted Ruler: The candidate will say, “I,” pronounce his name in full, and repeat after me:

Obligation

I, ... in the presence of God and this lodge of Elks, do solemnly promise and swear that I will never reveal any of the confidential matters of this Order which have been, or may hereafter be, committed to my charge and keeping.
I will support the Constitution, and obey the statutes, rules and’ regulations of this Order, and the by-laws of ... Lodge, No. ... and those of any other lodge of which I may hereafter become a member.
I will uphold the Constitution and laws of the United States of America.
I will propose no one for membership in this Order whom I do not sincerely believe to be worthy thereof.
I will ballot for a worthy candidate and against an unworthy candidate when proposed by another.
I will not permit any political, sectarian or personal prejudice to influence me in the slightest degree in the exercise of my right of franchise in the Order.
I will obey any lawful summons sent me by any competent authority of the Order.
I will never apply to the courts for redress in any matter concerning the Order, without first appealing to the councils of the Order.
I will never reveal to anyone, not an Elk, the name of a brother asking or receiving aid or relief from the Order.
I will not, directly or indirectly, use my membership in this Order, nor any emblem, insignia or sign thereof, for business or commercial purposes.
I will never introduce into the Order anything of a political or sectarian character, nor in any way by my conduct bring reproach upon it.
I will always protect a brother, his good name and his family; and I will always respect and defend the purity and sanctity of his home and fireside
If I break this obligation, may I wander through the world forsaken; may I be pointed out as a being bereft of decency and manhood, unfit to hold communion with true and upright men. And may God help me, and keep me steadfast in this my solemn and binding obligation in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America. Amen
All: Amen.
Exalted Ruler: At ease.
The Esquire withdraws the initiate a step from the altar. The members sing “Nearer, My God, to Thee”.
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee;
E’en though it be a cross
That raiseth me;
Still all my song shall be,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee.
The Esquire shall cause the gong to strike eleven slowly. At the eleventh stroke the Esquire shall say solemnly: It is the Hour of Recollection.
Exalted Ruler: My brother, you have heard the 2 tolling of eleven strokes. This is to impress upon you that with us the hour of eleven has a tender significance. Wherever an Elk may roam, whatever his lot in life may be, when this hour falls upon the dial of night, the great heart of Elkdom swells and throbs. It is the golden hour of recollection, the homecoming of those who wander, the mystic roll call of those who will come no more. Living or dead, an Elk is never forgotten, never forsaken. Morning and noon may pass him by, the light of day sink heedlessly in the West, but ere the shadows of midnight shall fall, the chimes of memory will be pealing forth the friendly message, “To our absent brothers.”
Lights turned on.
Brothers, for the instruction of this newly-made brother, extend the right hand in token of the renewal of your obligation.
Each Brother stretches forth his right hand.
This, my brother, is to teach you that while you remain faithful to your obligation, these hands and the hands of every Elk on the face of the earth will be stretched forth to you in a spirit of fellowship
and to relieve your distress should you be overtaken by adversity and misfortune. On the contrary, should you prove unfaithful, these same hand. will be clenched each member clenches his right hand to drive you from our midst and punish you for your infidelity.
The Exalted Ruler and Chaplain return to their stations.
Exalted Ruler: Brother Esquire, you will now instruct our brother in the procedures of the Order.
The Esquire takes position to the left of the altar facing the candidate. The rap for admission shall be illustrated by the Inner Guard, and the raps of the gavel by the Exalted Ruler at the precise time of reference to them by the Esquire during his instructions.
Esquire: My brother, the membership card, which will be presented to you by the Secretary, is a means of identification. It shows that you are a member in good standing in this lodge. You should carry it with you at all times. You are required to present it in order to gain admission to this lodge, and without it you cannot gain admission to another lodge.
The hailing sign is made by bringing the hands in one circular movement to a position over the head, palms to the front. It denotes the spreading antlers of an elk. It should be given only in front of
the altar in the lodge room, while the lodge is in session or when ordered by the Exalted Ruler.
The civilian salute to the Flag is made standing erect with the right hand over the heart.
The voting sign is made by uplifting the right hand, palm to the front.
In explanation, suit the action to the words.
The gavel in the hand of the Exalted Ruler is the emblem of authority. One rap (*) calls the lodge to order, or seats it when standing; two raps (* *) call up the officers; three raps (* * *) call up the entire lodge.
At the opening of the lodge, when called upon so to do, you will exhibit your membership card to either the Esteemed Loyal Knight or the Esteemed Lecturing Knight.
If you wish to gain admission to this lodge when it is in session, you will give an alarm at the outer door, which will be opened by the Tiler. To him you will exhibit your membership card. If found correct you will be admitted to the anteroom, and will then advance to the inner door and give a rap for admission. The Inner Guard will open the wicket and to him you will give, in a whisper, your name and the name and number of your lodge. The Inner Guard will report to the Exalted Ruler, at whose direction you will be admitted. You will then advance before the altar, face the Exalted Ruler and salute him with the hailing sign. It will be answered by the Exalted Ruler by a wave of the hand. You will then be seated.
You shall not cross the floor after the lodge has been opened without permission of the Exalted Ruler, and in no case shall you pass between the altar and the station of the Exalted Ruler except as Ritual requires during the initiation, or when so ordered by the Exalted Ruler.
Should you wish to retire while the lodge is in session, you will advance before the altar and salute the Exalted Ruler with the hailing sign. When answered by him you will be at liberty to retire.
In visiting another lodge, in addition to exhibiting your membership card, it will be necessary for you to undergo such examination as may be required by the Esquire.
For your further instruction you will pay strict attention to the dialogue between the Exalted Ruler and myself.
The Esquire faces the Exalted Ruler.
Exalted Ruler: What made you an Elk?
Esquire: My solemn and binding obligation.
Exalted Ruler: How can you prove yourself an Elk?
Esquire: By exhibiting my membership card.
Exalted Ruler: What is an Elk?
Esquire: An American citizen who guides his course in life by the cardinal principles of our Order: Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity.
Exalted Ruler: Give the hailing sign.
The Esquire gives the hailing sign.
Exalted Ruler: What does this sign denote?
Esquire: The spreading antlers of protection.
Exalted Ruler: Why were you asked if you believed in God?
Esquire: Because had I not so believed I would not have been permitted to take the obligation.
Exalted Ruler: What is the motto of our Order?
Esquire: The faults of our brothers we write upon the sand, their virtues upon the tablets of love and memory.
Exalted Ruler: What is the foundation and groundwork of our Order?
Esquire: To do unto others as we would they should do unto us.
Esquire returns to position beside the Brother.
Exalted Ruler: Brother Esquire, you will now conduct our brother to the station of the Esteemed Lecturing Knight for further instruction.
Vocal or instrumental music, during which the Esquire conducts the candidate to the station of the Esteemed Lecturing Knight, and in so doing passes in order the stations of the Esteemed Loyal Knight and of the Exalted Ruler, placing the candidate in position facing the Esteemed Lecturing Knight and immediately in front of his station.
Esquire: Esteemed Lecturing Knight, by direction of the Exalted Ruler, I present this brother for further instruction.
Esteemed Lecturing Knight: My brother, I welcome you to this station which is dedicated to Brotherly Love. Upon our altar it is symbolized by the antlers of protection.
The animal from which our Order derives its name is noted for gentleness and timidity. It is strong of limb, fleet of foot, quick and keen of perception. So should we be, my brother, quick to hear the cry of distress, timorous of doing wrong and fleet of foot to relieve the unfortunate, thus conforming to the Golden Rule which should govern all mankind.
In this rule, which is the foundation and ground-work of our Order, Brotherly Love finds its perfect expression; and it is best exemplified by practicing the teachings of our motto—“The faults of our brothers we write upon the sand, their virtues upon the tablets of love and memory.”
It softens the stern realities of life and manifests itself in good fellowship, in sympathy, and in kindness of thought, word and deed. It has smiles and laughter for us in seasons of joy, and it sits with us in the shadow and weeps in the hour of bereavement. It teaches us to scatter flowers along life’s pathway and to speak words of kindness to the living as well as to cherish the memory of the dead.
As we therefore have opportunity, let us do good unto all men, for we pass this way but once. We cannot retrace our steps nor call back the days that are gone; but the passing moment is ours long enough to grasp the hand in friendship, to lighten each other’s burdens, to bring rest to the weary, and to comfort those who mourn—this is Brotherly Love.
Brother Esquire, yow will now conduct our brother to the station of the Esteemed Loyal Knight for further instruction.
Vocal or instrumental music, during which the Esquire conducts the candidate to the station of the Esteemed Loyal Knight, and in so doing passes the station of the Esteemed Leading Knight, placing the candidate in position facing the Esteemed Loyal Knight and immediately in front of his station.
Esquire: Esteemed Loyal Knight, by direction of the Esteemed Lecturing Knight, I present this brother for further instruction.
Esteemed Loyal Knight: My brother, upon the altar before which you have just assumed the solemn obligation of our Order, there lies the open Bible. It is the emblem of this station, whose motto is Justice.
You have sworn to support the Constitution and comply with the laws of this Order and the by-laws of this lodge. Justice requires that your observance of that obligation should be full and complete, for the first lesson it teaches is that of duty and obedience to constituted authority.
When you have signed our roster and received your membership card the Secretary will present you with a copy of the Constitution and Statutes of this Order and the by-laws of this lodge.
I charge you to familiarize yourself with their every provision; for, while Justice is not vindictive, it is exacting; and no violation of your obligation, no failure to perform your fraternal duty, can be permitted to pass this station unnoticed.
But the Order of Elks not only exacts from you the strict performance of the duties of membership; it likewise bestows upon you cherished rights and privileges which its whole power and authority will insure and protect. Should you feel at any time that these rights have been invaded, the courts of the Order are open to you. The decision of its highest tribunal should be accepted as final.
Brother Esquire, you will now conduct our brother to the station of the Esteemed Leading Knight for further instruction.
Vocal or instrumental music during which the Esquire conducts the candidate to the station of the Esteemed Leading Knight, and in so doing passes in order the stations of the Exalted Ruler and of the Esteemed Lecturing Knight, placing the candidate in position facing the Esteemed Leading Knight and immediately in front of his station.
Esquire: Esteemed Leading Knight, by direction of the Esteemed Loyal Knight, I present this brother for further instruction.
Esteemed Leading Knight: My brother, the emblem of this station is the Flag of our Country; and its motto is Charity, the cornerstone of every Elk structure, the highest virtue of every Elk creed.
The daily gifts we bestow increase our own riches. The help we extend to those in need is added to our own strength. The witchery of wealth is not in having, but in sharing. The real benefactor of mankind counts his store in what is given, not in what is saved.
But, as Elks, we teach not alone the charity of alms, but the higher and nobler charity of thought, word and deed. Our whole influence in life is determined by the good deeds we do rather than by the emotions we feel. The kindliest feeling may vanish, the best resolve may be forgotten; but the influence of a good deed, honestly and promptly performed, will continue forever.
There’s a legend that in olden times a feast was laid on high Olympus for all the gods, and thither each did bear the goddess of his highest choice, until the throng had filled the mountain top.
Wealth and Riches came resplendent in their robes of gold, and Greed and Avarice their companions were. Peace came, and all did wonder that she leant upon the arm of War. Justice and Mercy entered, and between, them proudly walked the god of Right. Faith came with Doubt, and Hope entered by the side of Fear.
Thus, each in turn, until at last, uninvited and unattended, came sweet Charity, in flowing robes of purest white, and in her arms she bore a wilderness of flowers, dear tokens of remembrance for them all.
Then Wealth and Riches drew their gorgeous robes aside, while Greed and Avarice protested loudly that one so poorly dressed should royal feast attend.
Charity gave them answer soft and mild: “Have I in truth no welcome here, and is there none in all this company who will my companion be? Behold, I bring you sweetest flowers in offering and beg that you accept them from my hand. Royal robes would not befit me well, for what grace I have is not in figure nor in form. True, I come in simple raiment, unannounced, yet Misery and Want await me at the door. I speak to you of their distress, and argue for their cause.”
Whereupon the gods with one acclaim did vote her purest, truest: noblest of all the Graces, ladened her with royal gifts, proffered her a crown and begged that she would sit upon the throne.
But she made them answer, that she sought her throne not among the gods, but in the hearts of men; and, commending kindly deeds unto them all, went again upon her way.
This legend teaches us, my brother, that Charity is the greatest of all the virtues; and that it should ever rule us in our hearts and in our lives, leading us to speak no unkind word, to harbor no evil thought, to bear no malice, to support no wrong; but to nurture, love and protect; to condone, forgive and forget.
Esteemed Leading Knight: Brother Esquire, you will now conduct our brother to the station of the Exalted Ruler for final instruction.
Vocal or instrumental music, during which the Esquire conducts the candidate to the station of the Exalted Ruler, and in so doing passes the station of the Esteemed Loyal Knight, placing the candidate in position facing the Exalted Ruler and immediately in front of his station.
Esquire: Exalted Ruler, by direction of the Esteemed Leading Knight, I present this brother for final instruction.
The Esteemed Leading Knight gives three raps of the gavel, the members rise and sing “America,” upon the conclusion of which the Esteemed Leading Knight gives one rap of the gavel and seats the members.
Exalted Ruler: My brother, I welcome you to this station for final instruction. You may well be proud that the members of this lodge have deemed you worthy of their confidence. I trust that you may continue to merit their approval, and become a true and faithful brother among us. To accomplish this, you must at all times have in mind the solemn and binding obligation which you have so recently assumed, and I charge you that your highest duty as an Elk is to keep it inviolate. Conscience will not permit you to expunge a paragraph, eliminate a sentence, or evade a responsibility; nor can you lay it aside when you leave the lodge room, for it must henceforth be your constant guide and faithful monitor.
The cardinal principles of our Order are Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity. Each has been adopted as the motto of a station in the lodge, Fidelity being the motto of this, the principal station. It is symbolized by the star which shines above our altar.
Fidelity implies strict adherence to our obligation and faithfulness in the discharge of our duty as members of society.
As time runs on, in sun and shade, may you bear with you ever in life’s changing course the sense of obligation and of wrong, and in your heart the rapture of a high resolve.
Life’s story has been often told, yet each must solve anew its problems for himself.
Our time upon the stage of action is but brief, yet in the drama each must play a part. The character is left for each to choose; a villain if we will, or man of honor, holding high above all things—high as Hope’s great throbbing star above the darkness of the dead—respect for virtue, and love of wife and home and friend.
‘Mid swiftly changing scenes that mark the action of the play, we by each other oft may be aided in our part, or from each other catch inspiration for a high resolve; and to this end exists the brotherhood of Elks.
The Order of Elks. is distinctively American. Linking the destiny of our Order with the destiny of our country we have made its Flag the symbol of the crowning virtue.
The Esteemed Leading Knight gives three raps. The lodge rises and remains standing at Flag salute during the delivery of the tribute to the Flag.
Exalted Ruler: Brothers, salute our Flag.
The Exalted Ruler produces the Flag, holding it in his hands The Organist plays softly “The Star Spangled Banner”.
As this emblem is first in our hearts as loyal Americans, so is it close to our altar as loyal Elks. The gentle breezes with lingering caress kiss the folds of no flag which can compare with it in beauty. There is no such red in budding rose, in falling leaf or sparkling wine; no such white in April blossom, in crescent moon or mountain snow; no such blue in woman’s eye, in ocean’s depth or heaven’s dome; and no such pageantry of clustering stars and streaming light in all the spectrum of the sea and sky.
In the name of this great brotherhood, and on behalf of this lodge, I present you with this, our Flag.
The Organist plays loudly the concluding chords of “The Star Spangled Banner.” The Exalted Ruler presents the Flag to the candidate. If there are a number of candidates the Exalted Ruler may deliver the Flags to the Esquire to hand to them.
Preserve it as a memento of this occasion, and may it ever stimulate you to the performance of your full duty in the preservation and defense of all it represents.
Brief pause. Lodge at ease.
Finally, my brother, strive diligently that the name of Elk as borne by you may be worthy of an American gentleman—one who loves his fellow man.
Exalted Ruler: My brothers, how do Elks receive their brothers?
All give the hailing sign.
All: Under the spreading antlers of protection.
Exalted Ruler: My brother, by virtue of the authority in me vested, I now declare you to be a
member of ... Lodge, No. ..., of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America, and, after signing the Constitution and By-Laws, entitled to all its rights and privileges. You may be seated.
It is the duty of the Secretary to see that each candidate signs the Constitution and By-Laws after initiation and within the lodge room, during which vocal or instrumental music may be rendered.
The presentation of Thanatopsis is optional. but if used shall be recited by the Exalted Ruler or by some brother whom he shall designate immediately following the instructions by the Esquire on the procedure of the Order. The candidate should be seated. Each lodge may work out its own plan of presentation, so long as it is in keeping with the solemnity of the poem and the dignity and impressiveness of the initiatory work.

Thanatopsis

To him who in the love of Nature holds
Communion with her visible forms, she speaks
A various language; for his gayer hours
She has a voice of gladness, and a smile
And eloquence of beauty, and she glides
Into his darker musings, with a mild
And healing sympathy, that steals away
Their sharpness, ere he is aware. When thoughts
Of the last bitter hour come like a blight
Over thy spirit, and sad images
Of the stern agony, and shroud, and pall.
And breathless darkness, and the narrow house
Make thee to shudder, and grow sick at heart—
Go forth, under the open sky, and list
To Nature’s teachings, while from all around
Earth and her waters, and the depths of air,
Comes a still voice—Yet a few days, and thee
The all-beholding sun shall see no more
In all his course; nor yet in the cold ground,
Where thy pale form was laid with many tears,
Nor in the embrace of ocean,shall exist
Thy image. Earth, that nourished thee, shall claim
Thy growth, to be resolved to earth again,
And, lost each human trace, surrendering up
Thine individual being, shalt thou go
To mix forever with the elements,
To be a brother to the insensible rock
And to the sluggish clod, which the rude swain
Turns with his share, and treads upon. The oak
Shall send his roots abroad, and pierce thy mould.
Yet not to thine eternal resting-place
Shalt thou retire alone, nor couldst thou wish
Couch more magnificent. Thou shalt lie down
With patriarchs of the infant world—with kings,
The powerful of the earth—the wise, the good,
Fair forms, and hoary seers of ages past,
All in one mighty sepulchre. The hills,
Rock-ribbed and ancient as the sun,—the vales
Stretching in pensive quietness between;
The venerable woods-rivers that move
In majesty and the complaining brooks
That make the meadows green; and, poured round all,
Old ocean’s gray and melancholy waste,
Are but the solemn decorations all
Of the great tomb of man. The golden sun,
The planets, all the infinite host of heaven,
Are shining on the sad abodes of death,
Through the still lapse of ages. All that tread
The globe are but a handful to the tribes
That slumber in its bosom. Take the wings
Of morning, pierce the Barcan wilderness,
Or lose thyself in the continuous woods
Where rolls the Oregon, and hears no sound,
Save his own dashings—yet—the dead are there;
And millions in those solitudes, since first
The flight of years began, have laid them down
In their last sleep—the dead reign there alone.
So shalt thou rest, and what if thou withdraw
In silence from the living and no friend
Take note of thy departure? All that breathe
Will share thy destiny. The gay will laugh
When thou art gone the solemn brood of care
Plod on and each one as before will chase
His favorite phantom; yet all these shall leave
Their mirth and their employments and shall come
And make their bed with thee. As the long train
Of ages glides away the sons of men
The youth in life’s green spring and he who goes
In the full strength of years, matron and maid,
The speechless babe, and the gray-headed man,
Shall one by one be gathered to thy side,
By those who in their turn shall follow them.
So live, that when thy summons comes to join
The innumerable caravan which moves
To that mysterious realm, where each shall take
His chamber in the silent halls of death,
Thou go not, like the quarry-slave at night,
Scourged to his dungeon, but sustained and soothed
By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave,
Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch
About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams.

Closing

When all the business of the session is ended the Exalted Ruler shall sound the gavel and say:
Exalted Ruler: Brothers, having passed our regular order of business, and complied our laws, I shall now proceed to close the lodge. Brother Inner Guard, inform the Tiler.
The Inner Guard opens the door and informs the Tiler and, returning, reports.
Inner Guard: Exalted Ruler, your order has been obeyed.
Exalted Ruler: My brothers, in closing this lodge let me admonish you, under the penalty of your obligation, against revealing to any one, not an Elk in good standing, anything of a confidential nature, which has occurred at this session. May the lessons of the evening increase within each of us Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity.
The Esquire takes his position before the altar, standing about two paces from it.
Exalted Ruler: Brothers, give the sign. The brothers, led by the Esquire, give the hailing sign.
Exalted Ruler: Brother Esquire, attend the altar.
The Esquire advances to the altar, removes the emblem and delivers it to the Esteemed Lecturing Knight at his station, the Organist softly playing the strains of “Auld Lang Syne.”
Esquire: Esteemed Lecturing Knight, into your charge and keeping is now committed the emblem of our Order.
The Esteemed Lecturing Knight receives the emblem, holding it during his response.
Esteemed Lecturing Knight: May its spreading antlers ever protect us.
The Esquire returns to the altar, closes the Bible and delivers it to the Esteemed Loyal Knight at his station, the Organist softly playing the strains of “Nearer, My God, to Thee”.
Esquire: Esteemed Loyal Knight, to you is entrusted the Book of Law.
The Esteemed Loyal Knight receives the Bible, holding it during his response.
Esteemed Loyal Knight: May we ever be faithful to its precepts.
The Esquire returns to the altar and, before taking the Flag from its stand, shall pause for a moment until the Brothers salute the Flag.
Exalted Ruler: Brothers, salute our Flag.
The Esquire shall then take the Flag on its staff and deliver it to the Esteemed Leading Knight at his station, the organist playing softly the strains of the National Anthem. A Flag escort may accompany the Esquire in returning the Flag. That is optional with the lodge.
Esquire: Esteemed Leading Knight, to you is returned, unsullied, the Flag of our country.
Esteemed Leading Knight receives the Flag on its staff, holding it during his response.
Esteemed Leading Knight: May we ever love and defend it.
Esteemed Leading Knight places Flag in stand at his right The. Lodge will then be at ease.
The Esquire, remaining at the station of the Esteemed Leading Knight, steps a little to his left and faces the Exalted Ruler.
Esquire: Exalted Ruler, the emblems have been returned in accordance with your instructions.
Exalted Ruler: The star of fidelity continues ever to burn. Brother Chaplain, you will lead us in prayer.
Chaplain (from his station without advancing to the altar): Our Father, Who art in Heaven, we thank Thee for the fellowship and accomplishments of this hour. As we began our session in acknowledgment of Thee and Thy goodness and mercy, may we close by asking Thy benediction. May the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity guide us until we meet again. Amen.
Exalted Ruler: I now declare ... Lodge, No ..., of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks closed.

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