Sigma Chi
Initiation Ritual
2001
Ritualistic Opening
The
time for the Initiation having arrived, the Consul raps
* * * and challenges the Kustos.
CONSUL:
Kustos, take your station.
Kustos
takes his station at the door and the brothers take their respective places.
CONSUL,
* * *: Are none but true Sgima
Chis present?
KUSTOS:
None, Worthy Consul.
CONSUL:
In order that we may be doubly sure the Pro Consul and the Annotator shall pass
the Challenge.
The
Consul shall challenge first the Pro Consul and the Annotator. These officers
shall in turn challenge the brothers next to them. These brothers in turn shall
pass it on until the entire circle has been challenged. When the Pro Consul
notices that all have been challenged, he shall turn to the Consul and give the
sign of salutation, saying:
PRO
CONSUL: Worthy Consul, all have
been challenged.
CONSUL:
Brothers, in what name come we hither?
BROTHERS:
In the name of Friendship, Justice, and Learning.
The
Pro Consul shall stand at the altar, before which the seven-branched candlestick
shall have been placed before the opening. The Pro Consul shall light the seven
tapers, in order from right to left as viewed from the chapter circle. As
rapidly as each taper is lighted, the Consul shall pronounce in impressive voice
the virtue it typifies.
Lighting of the Seven
Lights
Only
the phrase, “The Light of Courage,” etc. is given. The name of the Founder
represented and the chapter response following the name of the Founder, are NOT
given at the opening.
CONSUL:
The Light of Courage. . . The Light of Wisdom. . . The Light of Integrity. . .
The Light of High Ambition. . . The Light of Self-Control. . . The Light of
Courtesy. . . The Light of Fidelity.
Brothers, what is
true Sigma Chi enlightenment?
BROTHERS:
That which we receive before the Seven Lights.
CONSUL:
For what purpose do we receive this enlightenment?
BROTHERS:
To ennoble our lives by the practice of the Seven Virtues.
CONSUL:
Let us pray that we may be endowed with Friendship, Justice, and Learning.
The Prayer
PRO
CONSUL: O God, Who has taught
us that true friendship is true service, enable us, we pray Thee, so to befriend
our brothers that we may assist them to attain those virtues which are pleasing
to Thee.
BROTHERS:
Amen.
PRO
CONSUL: O Lord, our Judge, Who
has commanded us to speak righteousness and to judge uprightly, grant that
iniquity may not be found in our mouths, nor wickedness in our minds, but that
from pure hearts we may speak and do those things that are just in Thy sight.
BROTHERS:
Amen.
PRO
CONSUL: O God, our Father,
grant that we find in Thee the light of knowledge and the fullness of all
virtue, and grant that while we seek for the gifts of learning we may never
depart from Thee, the fountain of all wisdom.
BROTHERS:
Amen.
The
Pro Consul extinguishes the Seven Lights.
Entrance of the
Magister & Candidates
CONSUL:
Brothers, we are assembled to confer the honor of initiation upon … giving
the full name or names.
Before we proceed to
make them our brothers it is my duty to remind you that the ties by which we
shall bind these candidates to our Fraternity are sacred. Therefore, I urge upon
you to strive to make this initiation a true expression of the worth of the
Fraternity into which they are entering. Let no levity nor unseemly conduct
prevent them from learning those lessons whose meaning they must grasp if they
are to be true Sigma Chis.
Let us remember that
these lessons are also for us to follow; and in our thoughts, let us renew
before our altar the lessons of The White Cross we love so well.
CONSUL,
*: Brothers, be seated.
MAGISTER
raps on the door with the rap code.
KUSTOS:
Who comes here?
MAGISTER:
Your Magister with friends, … giving
the full name or names who desire admission into our Fraternity.
KUSTOS:
In what name come you hither?
MAGISTER:
In the name of Friendship, Justice and, Learning.
KUSTOS:
I will report to our Worthy Brothers and inform you of their pleasure.
Kustos
closes the door. If all is in readiness for the Initiation, the Kustos salutes
the Consul with the sign of salutation, who responds with the sign of
recognition; and the Kustos then opens the door.
KUSTOS:
Brother, it is well; you are welcome. Bring with you your friends, and may they
ever prove themselves worthy of our confidence.
The
Magister enters and moves at the head of the procession immediately to the place
where the candidates will take their station. Each candidate shall be conducted
into the chapter room on the arm of his guide.
The
Magister salutes the Consul with the sign of salutation, who responds with the
sign of recognition.
The Vouching
CONSUL:
Whom have we here?
MAGISTER.
Worthy Consul, benighted candidates who desire admission into our Order.
CONSUL:
Have they been duly obligated?
MAGISTER:
They have, Worthy Consul.
CONSUL:
Have they been duly examined?
MAGISTER:
They have, Worthy Consul.
CONSUL:
Have they been duly cleansed?
MAGISTER:
They have, Worthy Consul.
CONSUL:
Do you consider them worthy and well qualified?
MAGISTER:
I do, Worthy Consul.
CONSUL:
Are they duly vouched for?
MAGISTER:
They are.
CONSUL:
Who vouches for these candidates?
At
this point the Magister gives a signal to those assembled and the response
should be given in unison as follows:
ALL:
We all do.
CONSUL:
Then must they indeed be truly worthy.
The Enlightenment
CONSUL:
My friend(s), you are now standing in the sacred shrine of Sigma Chi , whose
beauties you do not appreciate because your eyes cannot see them. It is well,
for the sight of our symbols, instead of accomplishing your enlightenment, would
confuse your untutored mind(s).
By the manner of your
enlightenment you will be reminded that the progress of true learning is
gradual; for your light will increase as you advance in knowledge. Brother
Magister, you will remove the blindfold(s).
The
Magister assisted by the guides removes the blindfolds; while this is being done
the room is darkened.
The Lighting of the
Seven Candles
The
Pro Consul standing at the right of the Consul shall be provided with a lighted
taper for the purpose of lighting the candles in the seven-branched candlestick.
The candles shall be lighted from right to left as viewed from the Chapter
circle. When the room is darkened, save for the light of the taper, the Consul
continues.
CONSUL:
You will now hear the names of the seven Founders of the Sigma Chi Fraternity
and the reasons why we honor them.
The
Pro Consul lights the first candle. Having done so, and after a pause for the
candle to be in full flame, the Consul shall pronounce in a solemn voice the
name:
Benjamin Piatt Runkle
ALL:
All honor to his name!
If
desired, the Founders’ parts may be delivered by members of the Chapter other
than the Consul.
CONSUL:
As a student at
His superb courage
kept him always in the army of the nation for which he so often risked his life.
He loved his country with an intense patriotism; and so he loved Sigma Chi all
his days, giving to her the same full measure of devotion. His life inspires us
to assume all the duties of citizenship in peace as well as in war. As he made
sacrifices for his country so let us show our devotion to our country, by
obedience to its laws and by our constant vigil for the betterment of city,
state, and nation.
To him is dedicated
this LIGHT OF COURAGE.
The
Pro Consul lights the second candle; and, as before, the Consul shall pronounce
the name:
Thomas Cowan
ALL:
All honor to his name!
CONSUL:
A genial comrade among his fellow students, he early displayed an ardent love
for learning. In college he devoted himself to a wide range of reading, and his
early writings show his scholarly tastes. He adopted education as a career and
became a college president; and his genius for administration brought him
financial independence. His learning ripened into wisdom, and his students were
inspired to acquire knowledge not only for its power but for its highest
purpose, the development of character. Happy is the man that findeth wisdom and
that getteth understanding. She is more precious than rubies. Length of days is
in her right hand; and in her left, riches and honor.
To him is dedicated
this LIGHT OF WISDOM.
The
Pro Consul lights the third candle; and, as before, the Consul shall pronounce
the name:
William Lewis
Lockwood
ALL:
All honor to his name!
CONSUL:
He guided the finances of our first chapter until his graduation from college.
His business records show the integrity and promptness with which he completed
every transaction of the chapter. Suffering from the wounds of war, the young
soldier bravely fought the battle of life. He met the business world with
confidence and won success through fairness and rectitude. He was engaging in
manner and cultured, sacrificing and generous; given to philanthropic service,
and had that high sense of honor which scorns deception and trickery. Though
taken early by his honorable wounds, his life is a rich legacy to Sigma Chi,
inspiring us to discharge every financial obligation; to live prudently within
our means; to appreciate the dignity of labor; and to be trustworthy in every
relation.
To him is dedicated
this LIGHT OF INTEGRITY.
The
Pro Consul lights the fourth candle; and, as before, the Consul shall pronounce
the name:
Isaac M. Jordan
ALL:
All honor to his name!
CONSUL:
In college he was known for his energy and for his faithful performance of every
task. His brilliance as an orator, his leadership in law, his usefulness as a
member of Congress, were the natural fruits of his high ambition, studious
habits, and untiring industry. His life teaches us that the highest success may
be achieved by energy, persistence, good habits, and high ideals. With
affability, sincerity, and earnestness he used to the utmost the high powers of
mind and heart with which nature endowed him. In the height of his success he
was proud to say: “Sigma Chi was my first love, and it shall be my last.”
His zeal in his profession, in the duties of citizenship, and for the
advancement of our Fraternity, inspires us to follow in his footsteps and
emulate his success.
To him is dedicated
this LIGHT OF HIGH AMBITION.
The
Pro Consul lights the fifth candle; and, as before, the Consul shall pronounce
the name:
Daniel William Cooper
ALL:
All honor to his name!
CONSUL:
His temperance, self-control, and purity in thought, word, and deed reflected
the nobility of his character. By common choice, he was Consul of our first
chapter until his graduation. As a noble preacher of the Cross he gave his long
and useful life to lead men to spiritual heights. As long as Sigma Chi shall
live, his example will teach us to abhor intemperance, impurity, and the
debasement of the body, which is the
To him is dedicated
this LIGHT OF SELF-CONTROL.
The
Pro Consul lights the sixth candle; and, as before, the Consul shall pronounce
the name:
Franklin Howard
Scobey
ALL:
All honor to his name!
CONSUL:
Warm-hearted, generous, and gifted, he possessed remarkable ability to win
friends and to hold their loyal friendship. His courtesy and tact were not
simply matters of social form but were the outgrowth of a spirit of kindness and
good-will. In the difficulties and trials of building the Fraternity his
optimism dissipated all discouragement, for his name on the roll meant his heart
in the work. His enthusiasm for his Chapter, and for the Fraternity as it grew,
gave courage to his associates. Throughout his life and even in the affliction
of his later years he radiated hopefulness and good cheer. And now abideth
faith, hope, love, but the greatest of these is love.
To him is dedicated
this LIGHT OF COURTESY.
The
Pro Consul lights the seventh candle; and, as before, the Consul shall pronounce
the name:
James Parks
ALL:
All honor to his name!
CONSUL:
Youngest among the Founders of our Fraternity, nevertheless he was held in honor
among them for his faithfulness. While a prisoner of war, he was offered his
freedom on condition that he renounce his allegiance to the Confederacy, but
fidelity to principle caused him to remain true to the Southland. In like manner
he ever remained loyal to Sigma Chi. He was possessed of a fine mind, unusual
attainments in scholarship, and a chivalrous disposition. He was a brilliant
writer and an able lawyer. In these callings he sacrificed advantages which
might have been his had he forsaken his fixed ideals. His sense of honor and
responsibility teaches us to be true to the trust reposed in us by our kindred,
our associates, our college, and our Fraternity. Be thou faithful unto death and
thou shalt receive a crown of life. To him is dedicated this LIGHT OF FIDELITY.
CONSUL:
Candidate(s), these seven lights represent Courage, Wisdom, Integrity, High
Ambition, Self-Control, Courtesy, and Fidelity. You will observe that the lights
are supported by seven arms, branching from one common standard. The union of
the arms with the standard is emblematic of the strength of your character when
endowed with the virtues we emulate.
The Three Great Aims
This
portion may be delivered by a Chapter member other than the Consul.
CONSUL:
The Three Great Aims of this Fraternity are Friendship, Justice, and Learning.
They contain the elements of a complete personality; for Friendship is the
noblest expression of our emotions; Justice must dominate every decision of the
will; and Learning is the goal of every trained intellect.
These have been the
great aims of our Fraternity from its beginning. The trials to which our
Founders were subjected bound them together in an unusually close and enduring
friendship. The inception of Sigma Chi was a protest against injustice in their
college life. All of our founders were proficient as students and most of them
entered the learned professions.
The Seven Virtues
which we emulate are closely related to these Three Great Aims. Courtesy and
Fidelity are noble expressions of true Friendship; Courage and Integrity must
ever characterize our sense of Justice; Wisdom and Self-control will follow
Learning; while these Three Great Aims are true goals of High Ambition.
The Appearance of
CONSUL:
In order that you may still better understand the meaning and importance of the
Seven Virtues and the Three Great Aims of this Fraternity, I shall now call upon
our ancient patron, the Emperor Constantine, to give you further light. May you
profit by his teachings.
The
Consul extends his hand and looks toward the place where
Constantine
appears at the Scene.
The seven lights are left burning until after the obligation.
CONSTANTINE
:
Hear the words of one who in his own day was mighty. I, Constantine, the
Emperor, address you, that I may enlist your lifelong devotion to my cause. You
have taken vows of eternal friendship and manly honor. Let your friendship be
enduring and your life beyond reproach.
The
light of the Scene is turned on. The candidates are in a position where they may
clearly see the Scene.
Observe these emblems
of mortality. In the chill arms of death we must all at last repose. The young,
the strong, the buoyant, the happy, and the beautiful must all, like the weak,
the poor, and the wretched, succumb at last. But we are taught that he who nobly
lives may nobly die, an honest man, the noblest work of God.
A
short pause.
Remember now thy
Creator in the days of thy youth, before the evil days come, and the years draw
nigh when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; before the sun and the
light and the moon and the stars are darkened and man goeth to his everlasting
home and the mourners go about the streets; before the silver cord is loosed, or
the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is broken at the fountain, or the
wheel broken at the cistern, and the dust returneth to the earth as it was and
the spirit returneth to God who gave it.
A
short pause.
A true friend
unbosoms freely, advises justly, assists readily, adventures boldly, takes all
patiently, defends courageously, and continues a friend unchangeable. Death
cannot kill what never dies, nor can spirits ever be divided that love and live
in friendship; this is the comfort of friends, that though they may be said to
die, yet their friendship and society are in the best sense ever present,
because immortal.
A
short pause.
You will fall upon
your knees, close your eyes, and engage in silent prayer to Almighty God.
While
the candidate(s) kneel(s) with bowed head(s), The White Cross appears.
Lift your eyes
heavenward, and look! When disaster was imminent, in my despair I was inspired
to forsake the gods of stone; I besought the God of the Christians for mercy; in
answer to my prayer The White Cross appeared unto me in the heavens and an angel
said: “Thou shalt make a representation of the sign thou hast seen; of gold
and precious stones shalt thou make it. It shall be thine emblem and the emblem
of thy followers henceforth and forevermore.” Amen! Amen.
CONSUL:
You will arise. In the presence of this scene which conveys its own somber
lesson to every sensitive heart and intelligent mind; and after I charge you
that this Fraternity is banded together for the practice of pure and steadfast
friendship toward every worthy brother until death; of strict justice to all
men; for the acquirement and diffusion of true learning, and for the practice of
the Seven Virtues of which we have learned – and that this requires more of
you than the world requires of other men – is it still your desire to become a
member of this Fraternity, knowing that your obligations are of lifelong
duration?
The
candidate(s) must make an affirmative answer.
CONSUL:
Friend(s), kneel upon your right knee; place your left hand upon your left
breast; raise your right hand; and repeat after me:
The Obligation
To
insure absolute accuracy, this obligation may be read.
I, … repeat your
name, / of my own free will, / before the All-seeing Eye of Almighty God / and
in the presence of this Chapter, / do sincerely promise and solemnly swear /
that I will keep inviolably secret / everything connected with my Initiation /
and all that is contained in the Ritual / and Ritualistic Statutes of this
Fraternity; / also each and every secret sign, / symbol, password, and grip / of
the Fraternity / which I have learned, / or may hereafter learn. / I will
neither write / nor otherwise record the secret mottoes / or the description of
the grips, of this Fraternity / in any manner whatsoever. / Nor will I, for any
reason, / copy any portion of the Ritual without legal permission / as provided
by the Constitution. /
I will cheerfully
obey all of the laws of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, / and of … Chapter, / and of
any chapter of which I may hereafter become a member. / Furthermore, I will at
all times, / throughout life as well as in college, / use my utmost endeavor in
all honorable ways / to promote the welfare and prosperity / of this Fraternity
and its individual members. / And, above all, I will ever strive / to interpret
the ideals of this Fraternity / in my own personal character and conduct. /
These promises I make for all time, / to be equally binding while in or out of
this Fraternity, / under the stigma of committing moral perjury, / if at any
time I violate this my solemn oath / and binding obligation, / so help me God.
CONSUL:
You will arise.
The
seven lights are extinguished.
The Presentation of
the Badge
CONSUL:
The great moment of your life has come. We are about to place upon your breast
The White Cross of Sigma Chi, and you are about to learn the significance of our
beautiful emblem. To wear it worthily will require an exercise of all the good
qualities of your character and all the strength of your manhood. To the world,
it will identify you as a Sigma Chi. To your brothers, it will have a deeper
meaning, standing for the noble qualities of your heart. When they see The White
Cross upon your breast, they will believe you to be true, brave, honest, and
full of that brotherly love taught by the Christ of whom our badge reminds us.
Your quest for The
White Cross was a symbolic mission, that you were caused to undertake for your
own good. You did not find what you sought. You may never find it. A Sigma Chi
wears upon his breast a badge which is a representation of The White Cross, but
The White Cross itself is an ideal. Your search for it is emblematic of your
course in college and your career throughout life, which ought to be so
conducted that you will always be finding what is noblest and best. In your
Interview others put severe questions to you. Henceforth you will have to be the
judge of your own faithfulness in seeking what is worthy. The Cross is the
emblem of sacrifice. Let it remind you that no achievement is accomplished
without both sacrifice and service; and that only as The Cross conquers in your
heart can you attain the ideals for which it stands.
Until
this time the badges which are to be presented have been kept from view. The Pro
Consul now produces them, arranged upon a suitable tray, and bears them to the
Consul. The Consul shall take the badges singly from the tray, placing one upon
the left breast of each initiate and saying to each:
CONSUL:
My Brother, may you wear this Cross through life without soiling the purity of
its whiteness or dimming the luster of its gold.
The
Consul returns to his station.
The Explanation of
the Badge
The
representation of the Badge is illuminated at this point.
CONSUL,
or may be delivered by another chapter member:
Observe now this representation of The Cross you wear, and give heed to the
meaning of its emblems. The Badge of this Fraternity is the Sigma Chi Cross of
gold, indicating true worth. The arms of white enamel are emblematic of the
purity of our motives and the high sense of honor which should characterize all
our actions. The black enamel surrounding the letters in the center of the Badge
reminds us of the secrecy which guards the mottoes for which the letters stand.
Upon the upper arm are crossed keys, emblematic of our duty to unlock the
secrets of learning and of the access of each to his brother's heart. Upon the
right arm is an eagle's head, emblematic of our lofty aspirations. Upon the left
arm is a scroll, typifying our literary character. Upon the lower arm are
clasped hands, denoting friendship; and seven stars, indicating the perpetuity
of our union and the equality and brotherhood of our chapters.
The chains connecting
the right and left arms with the top of The Cross teach us that we are bound by
a double obligation; for the duties which we owe to the Chapter and to the
Fraternity at large are equally imperative. As the absence of one chain destroys
the symmetry of the Badge, so the neglect of either obligation will mar your
character as a Sigma Chi.
The Explanation of
the Grand Seal
The
representation of the Seal is illuminated at this point.
CONSUL,
or may be delivered by another chapter member: Around
the circumference of the Grand Seal is the name of our Fraternity. The numerals
1855 represent the year of our origin. The seven stars indicate the perpetuity
of our union. They also remind us of the Seven Founders of our Fraternity, and
of the seven virtues which we teach in their names. The seven-branched
candlestick in Holy Writ exemplifies perpetual illumination. In Sigma Chi it
reminds us of our enlightenment, and that our obligations are of lifelong
duration.
Entering a Chapter
Meeting
CONSUL:
The Pro Consul will now instruct you in the manner of gaining admission to a
chapter meeting and in the use of the Challenge by which you may recognize a
Sigma Chi.
PRO
CONSUL: When a brother desires
to enter a chapter meeting, he shall rap at the door; the Kustos will answer
with any number of raps on the inner side of the door. The brother desiring
admission will then answer with one less rap.
The Challenge Lecture
PRO
CONSUL: To determine who is a
Sigma Chi the challenger gives the sign of salutation demonstrates,
which should never be used where there is danger of detection. The meaning is
Sigma Chi. The person challenged, if a Sigma Chi, responds with the countersign
of recognition demonstrates,
which is used only in answer to the sign of salutation. Its meaning is the same,
Sigma Chi.
The permanent
password,
The brother
challenging asks: “Are you a Sigma Chi?”
The answer is: “I
am.”
The challenger says:
“Begin.”
The brother
challenged responds: “Con”
The challenger
answers: “Stan”
The brother
challenged responds: “Tine”
Either brother may
then apply such further tests as he shall see fit.
The challenge grip is
then given, and while giving it the challenger speaks the first secret motto,
say-kahs-kar-ah-tahs.
Its meaning is Shrine
of Friendship.
The challenged
responds with the second secret motto, steggah-man-krees-tose. Its meaning is We
Protect the Worthy
In our ordinary
association with our brothers, however, the fraternal grip is given and not the
challenge grip.
The Challenge
Exemplification
PRO
CONSUL: I will now request two
of our brothers to exemplify the whole challenge, while I explain it further.
The
Pro Consul designates two brothers, who come forward and exchange the entire
challenge. They must proceed slowly, so as to give the Pro Consul time for the
explanations; and for this purpose the whole form should be made a matter of
careful rehearsal beforehand.
The
First Brother gives the sign of salutation.
PRO
CONSUL: This is the sign of
salutation. He
indicates its formation. Its meaning is Sigma Chi.
The
Second Brother gives the sign of recognition.
PRO
CONSUL: This is the sign of
recognition. He
indicates its formation. Its meaning is the same, Sigma Chi. These
signs are used only in fraternal salutation and never where there is danger of
detection.
FIRST
BROTHER: Are you a Sigma Chi?
SECOND
BROTHER: I am.
FIRST
BROTHER: Begin.
SECOND
BROTHER: Con.
FIRST
BROTHER: Stan.
SECOND
BROTHER: Tine.
PRO
CONSUL: This is our permanent
password, whose meaning and relevance you understand. At this point either
brother may apply such further tests as he shall see fit.
The
First and Second Brothers exchange the challenge grip.
PRO
CONSUL: This is the challenge
grip. He indicates
its formation. Its meaning is Sigma Chi.
FIRST
BROTHER, gives the first secret motto:
Say-kahs-kar-ah-tahs.
PRO
CONSUL: This is our first
secret motto, repeating
it say-kahs-kar-ah-tahs. Its meaning is Shrine of Friendship.
SECOND
BROTHER, gives the second secret motto: Stegg-ah-man-krees-tose.
PRO
CONSUL: This is our second
secret motto, repeating
it stegg-ah-man-krees-tose.
Its meaning is We Protect the ….
The
First and Second Brothers exchange the fraternal grip.
PRO
CONSUL: This is our fraternal
grip. He indicates
its formation. In our ordinary associations with our brothers this
grip is given, and not the challenge grip.
By means of the
Challenge we determine who are true brothers. Everyone admitted to our Chapter
meetings is put to these tests. Should you ever visit another chapter, and be
unable to answer the Challenge, your ignorance would not only cause you
embarrassment, but would arouse the suspicion that you are an impostor.
PRO
CONSUL, addressing First and Second Brothers: Brothers,
I thank you. They
resume their places in the circle.
The
Pro Consul salutes the Consul with the sign of salutation, who responds with the
sign of recognition; and the Pro Consul resumes his station.
The Enrolment
CONSUL:
Brothers, for by that endearing name we are now privileged to address you,
having assumed your obligations and responsibilities, you now have the honor of
recording your name upon the roll of the initiates of … Chapter.
The
official Roll Book as pre p a red and issued by the General Fraternity must be
used. The Magister shall conduct each initiate to the Annotator’s stand for
his enrolment. After the initiate has signed the Roll with first middle and last
names spelled out without use of initials, the Annotator shall salute the
Consul.
ANNOTATOR:
Worthy Consul, it is written ….
Reads
the entire name of the initiate in a clear voice; and the Magister shall
re-conduct the initiate to his place before the Consul.
The
Pro Consul shall light the tapers, in order from right to left as viewed from
the chapter circle.
The Charge
CONSUL:
My brothers, having been found worthy, you have had the ceremonies of Initiation
conferred upon you, a distinction which but few merit, and an honor to which but
few attain. By this act of ours you know yourself to be the special object of
our esteem. By this act of ours you know that our implicit confidence is placed
in you. You are never to engage in anything that would prove derogatory to your
character as a high-minded man and a gentleman. Let your conduct at all times be
an evidence to the world of the noble purposes and designs of this Fraternity.
Let your motives be pure and honest, and in your intercourse with others let
your deportment be genteel and affable, being ever mindful of what you speak, to
whom, when, and where. In a word, let your life be an exemplary one; by so doing
you will not only identify yourself with respectable society, but you will
advance the interests of the Fraternity of which you now have the honor of being
a member.
Our brothers, who are
found in all parts of the world–North, South, East, and West–and on whose
breasts glitters in its purity, the emblem or our Fraternity, will always
receive you with welcome hands and warm hearts, and stand ever ready to assist
you in time of need. Henceforth you are bound to us by the most sacred ties of
friendship and love. In weal or in woe, in sickness or health, in poverty or
wealth, through youth, manhood, and old age, you are indissolubly linked to us
by that firm chain, the links of which can only be broken by the angel of death.
Your joys, your sorrows, your afflictions, have all become ours. When the dark
clouds of adversity gather around you and your heart is sore, your faith weak,
and your courage well-nigh gone, forget not that there are strong arms around
you, true hearts upon which to rest, and tender sympathies from which to draw
consolation for the past, comfort for the present, and hope for the future.
Remember, too, that
the bond is reciprocal. To you we have committed the care of our reputation, and
our honor is in your keeping.
The stain of dishonor
will blacken not your character alone, but will also rest upon us. Think no
thought, utter no word, do no deed, which will, through you, cause the name of
Sigma Chi to be dishonored.
Strive ever to
conform to that standard of manhood which is noblest and best. Cherish within
your heart the love of those principles which control and direct the actions of
all truly honorable men, keeping ever before you the obligations which you have
voluntarily taken upon yourself. Let your whole life be such that when you go
down to the dark river of death and its chill water dampens your feet, you may
be able to say, looking back over your past life: “I have fought the good
fight; I have finished my work; The White Cross of Sigma Chi has gained new
luster by my life.”
Bidding you Godspeed,
my brothers, I greet you forever in the sacred bonds of Sigma Chi.
Here
the Consul goes to each initiate and gives him the fraternal grip, after which
he returns to his station.
CONSUL:
Magister, you will conduct our new brothers to their proper place in the circle.
The
CONSUL
to the new initiates: At the
Chapter meeting closing it is traditional to conduct the Friendship Circle,
which is begun by the Consul passing around the circle, commencing with the
Annotator, giving to each Brother in turn the fraternal grip and saying “I
seek true friendship.” And, the answer from each Brother is: “You find it
here.” As I proceed around the circle, I am followed closely by the Annotator,
whom the Brothers shall follow consecutively, starting with the most recent
initiate.
Ritualistic Closing
CONSUL:
Brothers, the time of closing is at hand. As we separate, let us resolve anew to
wear The White Cross worthily through life and to help one another to attain its
virtues.
The
Consul raps * * *; he then passes around the circle, commencing with the
Annotator, giving to each brother in turn the fraternal grip and saying:
CONSUL:
I seek true friendship.
BROTHER:
You find it here.
After
the Consul has proceeded around the entire circle, he shall resume his place;
the Consul shall be followed closely by the Annotator, whom the brothers shall
follow consecutively in the order of their seating, each saying in turn to the
remaining members of the circle:
BROTHER:
I seek true friendship.
OTHER
BROTHER: You find it here.
After
all of the brothers have passed the Pro Consul who has been the last in the
circle they shall return to their places.
CONSUL:
Who is our Ancient Patron?
BROTHERS:
CONSUL,
giving the sign of salutation: Brothers,
guard well the honor of The Cross.
BROTHERS,
giving the sign of recognition: In
Hoc Signo Vinces.
CONSUL:
Brothers, we part in unity.
BROTHERS:
So mote it be.
CONSUL:
*.