Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Initiation Ritual

 
1989

Opening Ceremony
 
E. A.: Eminent Warden, is it your belief that all persons present are members In good standing of Sigma Alpha Epsilon?
E. W.: Such is my belief, Eminent Archon.
The Eminent Archon raps twice. The members rise.
E. A.: Greeting then, Adelphoi, one and all in the bonds of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
Members: Greeting, Eminent Archon, greeting and prosperity to our beloved Order.
E. A.: Adelphoi, be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love, in honor preferring one another.
Members: Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for Brothers to dwell together in unity!
The Eminent Archon raps once. The Members are seated.
E. A.: Eminent Recorder I call the roll.
Roll Call.
After roll call, the Eminent Recorder notifies the Eminent Archon as to whether there is or is not a quorum. Should the latter be the case, the Eminent Archon so notifies the Chapter, and a vote is taken as to adjournment. If there is a quorum, the meeting continues as follows:
Eminent Archon raps twice. Members rise.
E. A.: ΣΑΣ Spoken in low tones, in Greek.
The Members and the Eminent Archon salute each other simultaneously.
The Eminent Chaplain may now read a selection of verses from the Bible, or other appropriate source, and offer prayer.
Any Brother, entering late, shall salute the Eminent Archon, and, upon being recognized, take his seat among the Brothers.
 
 
Initiation Ceremony
 
E. A.: Eminent Warden, is it your belief that all persons present are members in good standing of Sigma Alpha Epsilon?
E. W.: Such is my belief, Eminent Archon.
The Eminent Archon raps twice. The Members  rise.
E. A.: Greeting then, Adelphoi, one and all in the bonds of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
Members: Greeting, Eminent Archon, greeting and prosperity to our beloved Order.
E. A.: Adelphoi, be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love, in honor preferring one another.
Members: Behold, how good and how pleasant it ia for Brothers to dwell together in unity!
E. A.: ΣΑΣ Spoken in low tones, in Greek.
The Members and the Eminent Archon salute each other simultaneously.
E. A.: Eminent Chaplain, lead us in a prayer appropriate for this occasion .
Eminent Chaplain prays.
The Eminent Archon raps once. The Members are seated.
E. A., remains standing: Adelphoi, we have assembled at this time for the purpose of performing a most solemn and sacred ceremony. Those whom we have chosen to serve with us at the Altar of Friendship are about to be admitted to our noble Order, and as Members of our Fraternity they may justly claim our brotherly regard and esteem. It is, then, extremely important that at the very outset we should impress them with the spiritual quality of our Order and the sacredness of the relationship which they are about to assume. Therefore. let us be quiet and orderly, as is well fitting the nature of the ceremony now to take place.
Eminent Warden, is all in readiness that we may proceed with the initiation?
E. W.: All is in readiness, Eminent Archon.
E. A.: Eminent Herald, are you ready to perform the commission entrusted to your care?
E. H.: I am ready.
E. A.: Then, I charge you, seek out those whom we have chosen to honor by electing them members of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, that we may, with all due form and ceremony, initiate them into this, our Brotherhood.
The Eminent Herald leaves the temple. The Eminent Archon raps twice. All stand.
E. A.: From these our mysteries, all ye profane, ye uninitiate, far off retire;
But Brothers 'round this mystic altar fire, within yourselves commune.
Let silence reign, and guards be placed around this sacred fane;
For hither led, some Neophytes draw near,
Uncertain in the night of what awaits them here.
Adelphoi, e're the stars' pale light shall wane,
Our love must be their comfort and their stay,
When fondest hopes lie crushed and sorrows come,
When fortune frowns, and earthly tasks are done,
Friendship shall brighten the darkness of the way,
Till in Phi Alpha's morning bright, we gaze together on the perfect light.
At the last word, the Eminent Herald, accompanied by the Neophytes, shall knock three times at the Temple door. The Eminent Warden should cue the Eminent Herald' s knock in case the poem cannot be readily heard from the outside.
E. W.: Who knocks?
E. H.: Adelphos.
E.W.: Who is Adelphos?
E. H.: A brother in Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
E. W.: Whence gained you this distinction?
E. H.: Through the wisdom of Minerva.
The Eminent Warden then partially opens the Temple door and sees that the Eminent  Herald is not alone.
E. W.: Whence come these strangers?
E. H.: From the uninitiated many.
E. W.: What seek they here?
E. H.: Entrance to our noble Brotherhood.
E. W.: Have they considered well the step which they are about to take ?
E. H.: It is my belief that they have.
E. W.: Eminent Archon, high and honored Brother of our beloved Order, here stand some Neophytes in the sacred and solemn mysteries of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
E. A.: Who brings them hither?
E. W.: A brother of our Order.
E. A.: Then I charge you, admit them.
As the neophytes, who shall not at any time be blindfolded, enter the hall, the Members, upon cue from the Eminent Archon, cover their faces with upraised right arms. Members sitting parallel to the Eminent Chronicler will use the left arm for this purpose, The Eminent Herald conducts the neophytes into the hall, past the station of the Eminent Chronicler, and positions them before the Eminent Archon. The Eminent Warden brings up the rear. When in front of the Eminent Archon, the Eminent Herald is always on the neophyte's left and the Eminent Warden is on the neophyte's right. After the neophytes have been lined up in front of the altar to the satisfaction of the Eminent Archon, he will drop his arm, and the Member, will do likewise. The Eminent Herald then speaks.
E. H.: Eminent Archon, I have duly performed the commission entrusted to me and now present to you these Neophytes who have been formally pledged to Sigma Alpha Epsilon, have satisfactorily served a pledgeship in full accord and agreement with all National Laws and Chapter By-Laws, and do at this moment meet every financial, scholastic, and moral requirement for initiation imposed by the By-Laws of the … Chapter, the regulations of … University (College) and the National Laws of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
E. A.: Neophytes, forasmuch as you are about to enter our noble Order and assume the responsibilities which it will entail upon you. it becomes us to state in brief our creed and principles, that you may the more willingly subscribe to them when called upon to do so.
We teach that man, forgetting self, should rise to higher duties and acknowledge other laws than those of mere personal enjoyment. And in so doing, we strive to impress upon our members the necessity and practice of four virtues: Loyalty, Friendship, Honor and Fraternity. With us you will find ready hands and willing hearts to aid you in all of your high aims and noble ambitions, to cheer you in your moments of despondency and gloom, and to share alike your joys and sorrows. Only be true to the obligations which you are about to take, and Sigma Alpha Epsilon will in turn be true to you.
Momentary pause.
E. A.: With this understanding of the aims and ideals of our Order, do you wish to become Members of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity?
Neophytes: I do.
E. A.: Do you here in the sight of heaven and in the presence of these Brothers, without making the least mental reservation, solemnly declare that you will not reveal, or cause to be revealed, to any living soul, by words or actions, or by any means whatsoever, anything of the nature, design, mode of operation, or procedure of the Fraternity, or anything which at this time passes between its Members and yourselves?
Neophytes: I do.
E. A.: Eminent Recorder, proceed to instruct these neophytes in the principles, precepts and objectives of our Order as originally prescribed by our founding brother, Noble Leslie DeVotie.
The Eminent Archon raps once. Members are seated. At the sound of the gavel, the neophytes, escorted by th Eminent Herald and the Eminent Warden, proceed in regular formation to the altar of the Eminent Recorder and stand facing it. In crowded quarters where an orderly procession is impossible, neophytes may execute a left face and stand facing the Eminent Recorder.
E. R., repeats from memory with feeling and clarity: Since man is a social being, and in his proper sphere only when associated with his fellow men, we believe that in proportion to his alienation from his own kind will be his disquietude and distance from the path marked out by the Beneficent Creator. The isolated individual, whether savage or civilized, for the want of proper objects on which to bestow his affection, looks with distrust on all around him; but he who is bound by the ties of fraternal affection, though wandering in desert wilds, or cast on barren sands, or tossed on the heaving ocean's wave, feels that there are those who care for him, and their fond remembrance pours the balm of joy and consolation on his otherwise desponding heart. Knowing the beneficial effects that must necessarily flow from such associations, and believing that when properly conducted they must give rise to many and great advantages, by reason both of intellectual and moral cultivation, we form ourselves into a brotherly band, to be known as and called the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity.
But inasmuch as moral depravity is calculated to lessen our esteem for character, and believing that it will weaken and eventually destroy the bonds of friendship, and thereby seriously interfere with the objects and welfare of our Fraternity, we pledge ourselves to be strictly moral and upright in our intercourse with one another, and in our dealings with our fellow men, 'and in all of our transactions during life.
As the best means of accomplishing this end, we hold the following principles: "The objects of the Fraternity shall be to cultivate the morals and improve the intellectual faculties of its members; to surround each member with friends, whose care and duty it shall be to make him happy; and to provide him with brothers to whom he can turn for advice and assistance when needed."
As we turn from the teaching of our Founders, let us consider further the requirements for membership in Sigma Alpha Epsilon embodied in the National Laws. To be admitted to membership in Sigma Alpha Epsilon, the candidate must be a man socially acceptable throughout the entire Fraternity and in full accord with the traditional social standards and original objectives of the Founders of Sigma Alpha Epsilon: strictly moral, of gentlemanly deportment, and of creditable intellectual ability and attainment. No one shall be admitted who is known to have been a member of another national college fraternity, or whose character lacks those social qualities so necessary to the perpetuation of the most intimate friendship.
Anyone possessing the qualities and qualifications set forth may, by the prescribed vote of the Chapter concerned, become a Member.
Membership is for life, unless immoral conduct, scandalous offense against the laws of the college or of the land, divulging any secret or private matters of the Fraternity, union with another college fraternity, or other violation of the pledges given at the time of initiation shall make expulsion necessary.
E. R.: Do you promise that you will endeavor to conform with and carry out to the best of your ability each and all of the provisions of the National Laws of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, in which you have already been instructed, and that you will cheerfully be governed by these rules and regulations whenever they are imposed by lawful authority?
Neophytes: I do.
E. R.: Do you promise that you will not join or organize any other college fraternity, or other society, membership in which may be forbidden by the National Laws of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, by the By-laws of the collegiate institution of which you are a student, or by the By-laws of the Chapter under whose jurisdiction you may be?
Neophytes: I do.
E. R.: Eminent Archon, high and honored Brother of our beloved Order, these Neophytes have now been sufficiently and properly instructed in the principles of our Founders and the requirements of the National Laws.
E. A.: Eminent Chronicler, then you may proceed.
The Eminent Chronicler rises. The neophytes remain standing in their place.
E. Ch. : Neophytes, come hither and give heed to the reading of the mystic scroll.
At the last word of the above command, the neophytes, escorted by the Eminent Herald and the Eminent Warden, march in regular order to the back of the hall and thence to the altar of the Eminent Chronicler and stand facing the latter. If the quarters are too small for an orderly procession, the neophytes may execute an about face and stand in their positions facing the Eminent Chronicler. The Eminent Chronicler, preceded by the Eminent Warden carrying the water vessel, then performs the cleansing ceremony by dipping each neophyte's finger tips in the water and touching the neophyte's lips and eyes with his moistened fingers and saying:
E. Ch. : May these hands be clean,
These lips from guile be free,
These eyes scorn base suspicion.
The Eminent Chronicler now read directly from the Mystic Scroll.
E. Ch. : To become a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, you will be required to pledge yourself to nothing that is not entirely and perfectly consistent with the character of a true man and a gentleman. Nevertheless, if there is still any doubt in your mind upon any point whatsoever, speak it now, for once you have entered, you have entered forever. Pause.
Having no such doubt, then sign here your full name, in token that you willingly and of your own accord enter into compact of 'brotherhood with us, the Members of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity.
If objection is made, the proceedings shall be stopped, and the Eminent Archon shall request the neophyte(s) to express openly the nature of the doubt. If the doubt can be resolved, the initiation shall proceed; otherwise the neophvte(s) who made the objection(s) shall be asked to withdraw, after having signed the following oath:
“I hereby promise and swear, pledging my honor as a gentleman, that I will never reveal or cause to be revealed to anyone any account or communication which has ever passed between myself and … Chapter of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity."
The Eminent Herald then takes the left arm of the first neophyte, escorts him to the desk of the Eminent Chronicler. While the neophyte is signing, the Eminent Herald moves to his right side. Meanwhile, the Eminent Warden has moved behind the line of neophytes and has positioned himself to the left of the second neophyte. When the first neophyte has finished signing, the Eminent Herald takes his right arm and escorts him, clockwise, behind the line to his original position. Simultaneously, the Eminent Warden proceeds as above with the second neophyte. The same procedures at used for the other neophytes, the Eminent Herald and Eminent Warden alternating.
During the signing of the Mystic Scroll the song "Yours in the Bonds" may be rendered in such manner as the Chapter prefers. If the class is large, the song should be postponed until there remain only two or three neophytes to sign and then should continue until the signing is finished.
E. Ch. : Do you promise that you will so conduct yourself in all the affairs of life, in all its transactions and duties as not to reflect adversely upon the good name of the Fraternity?
Neophytes: I do.
E. Ch. : Do you promise that you will faithfully and promptly pay and discharge all financial obligations incumbent upon you as a member of the Fraternity, and, until these obligations are fully met, you will consider them as debts of honor and of law and standing as preferred claims against you?
Neophytes: I do.
E. Ch. : Eminent Archon, the neophytes have duly signed the mystic scroll.
E. A.: Then let them again approach the altar.
At the last word the neophytes, escorted by the Eminent Herald and the Eminent Warden, march to the front of the hall and stand facing the altar of the Eminent Archon. If the quarters are small, the neophytes may execute a left face and remain in their positions in front of the altar of the Eminent Archon.
The Eminent Archon raps twice. The Members rise.
E. A.: Raise your right hand. Each neophyte raises his right hand. Say, "I". Each neophyte says "I". Looking toward the first neophyte Pronounce your name individually, each neophyte in turn pronounces his full name and repeat after me: In the sight of God / and in the presence of these Brothers, / without any mental reservation whatsoever, / solemnly swear and affirm / that I will strive to advance the interests / and promote the progress of the Fraternity / by diligent application to / and performance of duty, / by the cultivation of all that is noble and pure / in man's nature and character, / and by earnest endeavor / to restrain the evil passions / to which human nature is subject; / and by all these means / commend it to the favor of man.
I promise that 1 will endeavor / to promote and maintain / the highest standards of scholarship / not only for myself / but also for all the members of the Fraternity, / recognizing that such standards / are held as reflections of character / and individual worth / which make possible / the enjoyment of true and lasting friendship / in the bonds of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
I promise that I will ever regard / the members of the Fraternity / with feelings of the most sincere friendship, / and that my conduct toward them / shall be that which will justly claim for myself / their brotherly regard and esteem.
I further bind myself that, / whenever any reflections / shall be made in my hearing / upon the character of any member of the Fraternity, / which I know / or have reason to believe to be false, / I will deny them, / and treat their author with that manly indignation / which he so justly deserves.
I also solemnly engage that I when I know any enmity to exist / between any members of the Fraternity, / I will use my influence / to remove these ill feelings / and to restore these Brothers / to friendly relations; / and that if I am one of those estranged, / I will, / whenever consistent with the strictest principles of honor, / yield to the advice of my Brothers.
Each and all of these things / I solemnly promise and swear, / so help me God.
The Eminent Archon raps once. Members are seated.
Neophyte remain standing in their places or at a signal from the Eminent Archon may move backward three or four steps in order to get a better view of the initiatory paraphernalia now to be used.
E. A.: Eminent Preceptor, faithful and learned brother of our Order, instruct these neophytes in the meaning of the insignia of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
The Eminent Preceptor, previously selected by the chapter or an appropriate committee thereof, is chosen for his ability as a ritualist. He may be a member of the active Chapter who has been prepared for this service since his own initiation in order to be available for several years, or he may be an alumnus of outstanding ability. He should memorize his part of the Initiation Ceremony and speak with clarity and feeling.
If a suitable Eminent Preceptor is not available, the Eminent Archon shall say:
E. P.: It now becomes my duty to instruct you in the meaning of the insignia of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
The Coat-of-Arms is now illuminated and remains lighted throughout the ceremony. The Eminent Preceptor, whose at is at the left of the Eminent Archon, moves with pointer in hand before the Coat-of-Arms and addresses the neophytes.
E. P.: The Fraternity is symbolized by the emblem which is displayed before you. This is divided into four quarters. As Minerva, the Goddess of the Fraternity, is the spirit of heart virtue, which has four divisions, so we represent in the quarterings the cardinal virtues of our noble Order: Loyalty, Friendship, Honor and Fraternity.
The Eminent Preceptor points with hi s scepter or staff to the quarters of the Coat-of-Arms.
E. P.: In the first quarter, loyalty is represented by three Greek crosses, whose color and background indicate the splendor and beauty of the virtue; they symbolize the trinity of qualities of which it is composed: determination, enthusiasm and perseverance. Loyalty never fails, it is never fickle, but clings to the object of its devotion with a constancy and fidelity which death itself cannot destroy.
There is but one way by which a Member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon can leave his Fraternity.
The Eminent Preceptor pauses a moment during which three previously designated initiated members, seated in the front row near the altar, step up to the right side of the Eminent Preceptor several paces from the altar and in front of the neophytes. The expellee stands with head bowed, eyes downcast and a sorrowful expression on his face, with his arms folded behind his back. The two expellers, one on each side of the expellee, stand holding the arms of the expellee.
E. P.: Adelphoi, a Brother has broken his vows, disgraced his character, so that the Fraternity is to him but a name; no longer can we regard him with brotherly love and esteem, Our path lies clearly before us, and it becomes our duty to impose and execute the sentence which he deserves. Brothers, what shall that sentence be?
Members: He shall be expelled!
At the pronouncement of this sentence, one of the expellers will remove the badge worn by the expellee and, walking slowly to the altar, hand it to the Eminent Archon. Then the two expellers con duct the expellee slowly and without show of force across the room between the altar and the neophyte to the back of the hall where they will be seated in three chairs previously reserved for them. The back door of the hall may be opened and closed─but not too loudly, lest the effect bespoiled─to indicate that the expellee has left the Temple .
E. P.: This illustrates most forcefully the promptness with which the Fraternity will expel all unworthy and disloyal members. But for the Brother who continues faithful to the precepts and principles of our cherished Order there is reserved the tender ministration of loving hands, and when death shall come to take him from our midst, his remains shall be carried by the strong arms of his sorrowing and afflicted Brothers to his final resting place, while the memory of his good deeds and the example of his noble life shall ever abide with us as a lasting heritage throughout all succeeding generations.
Eminent Chaplain, make ready the final tribute of respect and affection to our Brother of the Chapter Eternal, that we may show these neophytes how we honor the memory of the faithful departed, and bemoan the loss of the Brother whom death claims from our Mystic Circle . During the later stage of the expulsion scene, the funeral bier has been arranged and exposed in the rear of the hall, with one of the members up on it to represent the Chapter Eternal, with candles at the head and foot and, if convenient, a wreath or vase of flowers up on it, and an illuminated representation of the inescutcheon over it. The Eminent Chaplain stands behind the funeral bier. At the end of the foregoing speech, the Eminent Archon and the Eminent Preceptor, followed by the Eminent Herald, the neophytes, and the Eminent Warden, march to the funeral bier. The other officers bring up the rear and stand behind the neophytes. If the gathering is small enough, all present should take part in the funeral procession.
As the Eminent Preceptor finished speaking the words " Mystic Circle ", the Eminent Archon raps twice; the Members rise. If desired, the Song Leader may lead the Members in singing the Chaplain's prayer after he has spoken it.
Pledge we now the mystic token
That our bond remains unbroken,
Firm and lasting as before.
Death may veil, but cannot sever,
Love still lives and lives forever,
Strong and constant, as of yore.
 
Yonder in Phi Alpha's dawning,
Highest hopes and holiest longing
Shall their full fruition find.
There, with perfect bonds fraternal,
'Neath the All-seeing Eye Eternal,
Love our hearts shall closer bind.
At the end of the Eminent Chaplain's speech the procession moves slowly back toward the altar until all have resumed their former place. The Eminent Archon raps once and the Members are seated.
As soon the funeral procession is finished and the song ended, the Rear Scene Shifters should quickly and quietly place in the rear of the hall a small stand with a lamp on it, the two articles resembling as closely as possible the figures in the second quarter of the coat-of-arms. Over and slightly behind this stand two Brothers in robes exemplify the unguarded hand clasp. At this point this tableau of friendship should be in readiness and the lamp lighted.
E. P.: In the second quarter Friendship is represented. Purple upon immaculate ermine signifies the strength and purity of this virtue, and composes an appropriate setting for Friendship's sacred altar where burns an eternal flame.
As physically it is by the burning power of the air that the heat of flesh is sustained, so Minerva is spiritually the Goddess of all glowing virtues, the unconsuming fire and inner lamp of life, the fire of the heart.
Momentary pause.
E. P.: One of the first qualifications of a member of the Fraternity is that he shall be capable of making and keeping friends. The sacred tie of Friendship cannot be better symbolized than by the clasped hands of two loving and devoted Brothers.
The Eminent Preceptor walks toward the tableau illustrating Friendship. The Eminent Herald and Eminent Warden cause the neophytes to face about.
E. P.: Draw near, then, and behold how beautiful is Friendship; observe how strong the tie of true fraternal love. The clasped hands before you are those of loyal Brothers, united in the bonds of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
Members: Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for Brothers to dwell together in unity!
The Eminent Preceptor points to the lamp of friendship.
E. P.: This is the sacred flame of Friendship.
Members: So may the sacred flame of Friendship be kindled now upon the altars of your hearts.
E. P.: May the sacred flame of brotherly love never cease with its genial warmth to strengthen your attachment for your Brothers. May the touch of a Brother's hand never fail to awaken in you a growing sense of the solemn obligations of Friendship and fill your hearts with undying zeal and devotion for your cherished Fraternity.
Song: Friends
The song "Friends", and any other songs in the ceremony, shall be rendered in such manner as the Chapter prefers.
At the conclusion of the song "Friends", the Eminent Preceptor walks back to the Coat-of-Arms while the Eminent Herald and Eminent Warden cause the neophytes to face the altar.
The Hand Claspers should hold their position until the Eminent Preceptor returns to the front of the hall and the neophytes are again facing the altar.
The Eminent Preceptor points to the third quarter of the Coat-of-Arms.
E. P.: In the third quarter Honor is represented. Drops of blood surround and lie beneath the fleur-de-lis, the traditional symbol of the incorruptibility of a gentleman's honor. In its turn, the fleur-de-lis derives from the ancient symbol of the Greek iris, beloved of Minerva.
Eloquently these drops declare that with our life's blood we will guard unsullied the sacred trust reposed in us as loyal sons of Minerva.
As Minerva was at once the embodiment of wisdom and power among gods and goddesses, so she alone of them all maintained her purity; her heart was inaccessible to the fires of passion. She was the patroness of all useful arts, the preserver and protectress of the State, and of all that gives the State strength and prosperity. She created the olive tree, symbol of peace and plenty. Withal she is no weakling goddess, but in time of strife wears the armor of purity, carries the weapons of wisdom and knowledge, and both leads and protects her followers.
This, then, is your heritage. You henceforth are to be loyal sons of Minerva. Therefore, in all the transactions and duties of your college life, and in the larger life beyond the walls of your alma mater, prove yourselves always and under all circumstances to be honorable, courteous and high-minded gentlemen.
Song: Violets
The song "Violets” is rendered in such manner as the Chapter prefers.
The Eminent Preceptor points to the fourth quarter of the Coat-of-Arms.
E. P.: The Phoenix in the fourth quarter, ever living, ever dying, yet failing never, growing eternally, is alone the adequate symbol of Fraternity. In their youth it calls its members; for a day it holds them to its bosom, then sends them to the world strong in its spirit and followed by its loving eye.
In part it dies as each elder son lays down life's task; yet with each new youth it calls, it grows the stronger. Ever increasing in virility, it goes from strength to strength, presenting evidence of its eternity.
The Eminent Preceptor points to the other parts of the Coat-of-Arms as he speaks the following:
E. P.: The purple border charged with twenty-two fleurs-de-lis of gold represents that faithful band of Brothers, our first chapter, Mother Mu.
The fimbriated cross of silver, uniting while separating the quarterings of the shield, without beginning, without ending, repeats the thought "Eternity."
The casque with purple plumes and the crest surmounting the escutcheon bespeak the nobility of our Fraternity, and the scroll beneath bears the name. The inescutcheon represents Phi Alpha, our guiding motto.
Song: Hail to the Purple.
During the song the Eminent Preceptor should move back to the altar halfway between the Coat-of-Arms and the badge and face the neophytes.
E. P.: Having thus interpreted for you the symbolism and significance of this, our emblem, it becomes my duty to instruct you further in the unwritten forms of our laws and Ritual.
The Eminent Archon raps twice with the gavel. The Members rise.
E. P.: The name of this Fraternity shall be Sigma Alpha Epsilon, which are the initial letters of the Greek phrase … signifying ….
For emphasis, the Eminent Preceptor pauses and repeats the Greek phrase above and its translation.
The Greek phrase represented by the letters ΣΑΣ, and its English translation, must be transmitted only by word of mouth. Neither shall be inserted here nor shall be written nor printed anywhere, under any circumstances.
The Members salute the Eminent Archon who returns the salute. The Eminent Archon raps once.
The Members are seated. The badge is illuminated.
E. P.: The badge shall be rhombic and its material gold. In the upper corner of the badge, arranged in a straight line, appear the Greek letters of our name, and immediately beneath, the figures in our crest.
In the lower corner of the badge, upon a pure white background and surrounded by an olive wreath, appear the Greek letters Phi Alpha, which are the initial letters of the first and last words of our guiding motto: … signifying ….
For emphasis, the Eminent Preceptor pauses and repeats the Greek phrase above and its translation.
The Greek phrase, represented by the letters ΦΑ, and its English translation must also be transmitted only by word of mouth. Neither shall be inserted here nor shall be written or printed anywhere, under any circumstances.
E. P.: These words describe the illuminating and enlightening power of our goddess of wisdom. Her coming was like the rising of the sun.
Eminent Preceptor points to the inescutcheon in the Coat-of-Arms.
E. P.: She dispelled the mists of ignorance. As the sun at break of dawn rises in all its splendor upon a dark and silent earth, so truth breaks forth in unveiled brilliancy from the obscurity of prejudice and superstition, and shines ever more and more unto the perfect day.
The background of white, upon which rest the mystic letters, represents her immaculate purity. The olive wreath is the symbol of victory and the reward of high achievement with which she delights to crown her faithful and zealous disciples.
The lion, noble king of the forest, the ancient and traditional emblem of the strength and glory of our Fraternity, also represents, as the most savage of wild beasts, the untamed passions of man. As Minerva holds him docile at her feet, so may you through wisdom learn to subdue the baser passions and instincts of your natures and attain that true nobility of character in which strength and virtue are united.
The Eminent Preceptor moves back to the altar, half way between the Coat-of-Arms and the badge, and looks directly at the neophytes.
E. P.: These insignia, therefore, are intended to remind you of these things: the power of truth; the need of purity in the pursuit of truth; and the reward which comes to those who seek the truth.
The Eminent Preceptor pauses and repeats the entire sentence above.
E. P.: Eminent Archon, I have now duly instructed these neophytes in the meaning of the insignia of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
This concludes the service of the Eminent Preceptor, who now returns to his seat.
The Eminent Archon rises and speaks.
E. A.: Whenever any member wishes to enter the Temple , he shall signify his desire by three distinct raps upon the door.
At this point a Rear Scene Shifter will rap loudly and slowly three times. At the end of the third rap the Eminent Herald and Eminent Warden step two reps in front of the neophytes and face each other.
The Eminent Archon resumes:
E. A.: When the Eminent Warden shall ask─.
W.: Who knocks?
E. A.: The member replies─
E. H.: Adelphos.
E. W.: Who is Adelphos?
E. H.: A brother in Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
E. W.: Whence gained you this distinction?
E. H.: Through the wisdom of Minerva.
Momentary pause.
E. A.: Until these signs and passwords are given, no one shall be admitted.
E. A.: The Members of the Fraternity shall recognize each other by a grip of the hand given in the following manner: ….
At this point the Eminent Herald and Eminent Warden advance and exemplify the grip, first unguarded and then guarded. They remain standing in this position facing each other as the Eminent Archon resumes:
E. A.: Members may also recognize each other by a salute, given in the following manner: ….
The Eminent Archon, the Eminent Herald and the Eminent Warden now exemplify the salute.
At this point the Eminent Archon raps three times with the gavel. The officer sitting on the right of the Eminent Archon starts the first grip circle. All Initiated Members form this grip circle, with the exception of necessary officers and a guardian at the door if one is used. The neophytes stand in their places inside the grip circle. The Eminent Warden advances to the Altar and takes the pin cushion and lines up on the left side of the Eminent Archon, the Eminent Herald being on his right. These three officers standing within the grip circle face the neophytes.
E. A.: Neophytes, now soon to be addressed as Brothers and received into the full fellowship of our Order, you are standing for the first time in the presence of the grip circle of Sigma Alpha Epsilon which symbolizes, as our name implies, that we are united one with another in a Bond of Brotherhood complete and everlasting.
May you never by thought, word or deed throughout your whole lives mar this perfect union; but abiding under the branches of the olive of peace may you find happiness in the sacred friendship which we thus typify; and when death shall come to take you from our midst, may you be received into that ever widening Mystic Circle of Brothers of the Chapter Eternal with your bond unbroken, firm and lasting as before.
Momentary pause.
The grip circle is released, led by the Eminent Archon.
E. A.: Now that you have subscribed to each and all of the articles of the National Laws and Chapter By-Laws and have been instructed in the signs, passwords and precepts of our noble order, I, the (Acting) Eminent Archon of … Chapter, do hereby declare you members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and endow you with all the honors, privileges and responsibilities of the Fraternity, and in token thereof, extend to you the right hand of brotherhood and present you each a badge, feeling confident that if you wear it worthily, you will never regret having adopted it.
The Eminent Archon, with the Eminent Warden on his left and the Eminent Herald on his right, proceeds to the first neophyte. The Eminent Archon removes a badge from the cushion and pins it on the neophyte. He leaves the badge unfastened and extends the grip to the new Member. The Eminent Archon then moves to the left to repeat the procedure with the next neophyte while the Eminent Herald fastens the badge on the first and extends the grip. The procedure continues until all have received their badges. The Eminent Warden, Eminent Archon and Eminent Herald then return to the front of the Altar and face the new Members.
E. A.: In accepting the custody of this badge, do you promise that you will guard it carefully?
Neophytes: I do.
E. A.: That you will be loyal to the principles for which it stands?
Neophytes: I do.
E. A.: And that you will wear it as a constant reminder of your obligations and responsibilities as a Member of the Fraternity?
Neophytes: I do.
E. A.: As Eminent Archon of … Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, I solemnly charge and admonish you to cherish the teachings of the Fraternity, to respect and obey her National Laws and the By-Laws of your Chapter, to guard well her honor and her interests, and finally to maintain her reputation and high standing by exemplary conduct throughout life.
E. A.: Adelphoi, I take pleasure in presenting to you these Brothers into the sacred fellowship of our Order.
Members: We welcome them to our hearts.
The second grip circle is now immediately formed, started by the Eminent Archon. The Eminent Warden returns the pin cushion to the Altar. All officers and Members step in quickly to introduce the new Brothers into the grip circle, instructing them in its formation. All persons present are now in the grip circle.
E. A., raps three times: Adelphoi, may the bonds of fidelity and friendship, which we thus symbolize, grow firmer and stronger each day of our lives; may harmony and good feeling reign in our midst; may no discord ever mar our union; but abiding under the branches of the olive of peace, let us cultivate in ourselves and in one another those noble and manly virtues which are most conducive to the welfare of our Order and the happiness of its members.
As we go out from the temple, let us remember that each day brings its trials and temptations, its joys and sorrows. Let us meet them in the spirit of that philosophy which our Order enjoins. Let us strive to draw closer together in the bonds of our Fraternity, and resolve to emulate its virtues and cherish its teachings, ever keeping the unity of the spirit in the bonds of peace.
Members: With shoulder firm to shoulder
And hand fast clasped in hand t
Remain we Brothers ever,
Of this our lasting band.
E. A.: ΣΑΣ Spoken in low tones, in Greek.
As soon as the Greek words have been spoken, the Song Leader should lead the Chapter in singing "Friends,” and, if desired, may also lead the ΣΑΣ yell. After the song or yell the grip circle dissolves. The initiates remain standing in their places facing the inside. Members move counterclockwise to congratulate all the new Members.
 
 
Closing Ceremony
 
At adjournment, the Eminent Archon raps three times and the Eminent Archon and members form the Grip Circle .
E. A.: Adelphoi, may the bonds of fidelity and friendship, which we thus symbolize, grow firmer and stronger each day of our lives ; may harmony and good feeling reign in our midst; may no discord ever mar our union; but abiding under the branches of the olive of peace, let us cultivate in ourselves and in one another those noble and manly virtues which are most conducive to the welfare of our Order and the happiness of its members.
As we go out from the temple, let us remember that each day brings its trials and temptations, its joys and sorrows. Let us meet them in the spirit of that philosophy which our Order enjoins. Let us strive to draw closer together in the bonds of our Fraternity and resolve to emulate its virtues and cherish its teachings, ever keeping the unity of the spirit in the bonds of peace.
Members: With shoulder firm to shoulder
And hand fast clasped in hand,
Remain we Brothers ever,
Of this our lasting band.
E. A.: ΣΑΣ Spoken in low tones, in Greek.
As soon as the Greek words have been spoken, the Song Leader should lead the Chapter in singing “Friends” and, if desired, may also lead the ΣΑΣ yell.

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