Order of the Golden Seal
Initiation Ritual
1907
Opening Exercises
Organist at station, plays march.
Commander enters from robing room and marches to station.
Commander: This Camp is now about to
come to order for business. All who are not entitled to remain will please
retire.
If any who are not members do not retire, the Commander should personally
request them by name to do so.
Commander: The members will please
come to order. The officers will take their respective stations.
Remaining officers enter from the robing room and march to stations.
Commander: The Vice-Commander will
see that the doors are closed and guarded and the Picket and Scout properly
instructed to protect our Camp.
Vice-Commander returns to ante-room, ascertains if the Scout is properly
instructed in the secret work, and if not, instructs him, returns to camp room;
ascertains if the Picket is properly instructed, and if not, instructs him,
returns to station.
Vice-Commander: Most Excellent
Commander, the doors are closed and guarded and the Picket and Scout are
properly instructed to protect our Camp.
No-one shall be admitted into the Camp from this point until the close of the
opening ceremonies.
Commander: The Orderlies will satisfy
the Vice-Commander that they are duly qualified and then proceed to ascertain if
all present are entitled to remain.
Direct those not duly qualified to the Commander to be properly proven and
instructed.
The Orderlies shall together approach the Vice-Commander, who shall arise,
and give to him, in a whisper, the current pass-word and the grip. If incorrect,
the Vice-Commander shall correct the same, and the Orderlies proceed to obtain
the grip and pass-word from each person present: the Orderly beginning at the
left of the Vice-Commander and the Assistant—Orderly at the right; each member
will arise will arise when giving the grip and pass-word; if anyone is present
unqualified, that fact shall be at once reported to the Commander; when the
examination has been completed, the Orderlies will take positions at the altar,
facing the Commander and after saluting, report as follows:
Orderly: Most Excellent Commander, I
am satisfied that all present are qualified to remain.
Commander: With this assurance from
our Orderly we may safely proceed to business. The Orderlies will distribute the
odes and rituals.
The Orderlies march to the Chaplain’s station, thence to the Secretary and
procure the odes and rituals; returning to the Chaplain’s station, cross the
altar, salute, then to the Vice-Commander’s station, where they separate, the
Orderly distributing the odes and rituals to the members on the left of the
Vice-Commander and the Assistant-Orderly on the right, and then assuming their
respective stations.
Commander: The Orderlies will prepare
the altar.
The Orderly and Assistant advance to the altar and salute first the Commander
, then inward face, turn, and salute the Vice-Commander, who holds the colors of
our order, white and gold, in his hand.
Vice-Commander: Behold the colors of
our Order, white and gold. The white symbolizes truth and innocence and teaches
the lesson of heart purity and the gold is emblematic of the solid basis of our
finances.
The Organist plays a march and the Orderlies, keeping step to the music,
advance to the Vice-Commander from whom, they obtain the colors and returning,
drape the altar. Assistant-Orderly turns to the right, faces and salutes the
Chaplain, who holding in hand the Bible, reads from Song of Solomon, the VII.
chapter and 6th verse.
Chaplain: Set me as a seal upon thine
heart; as a seal upon thine arm; for love is strong as death.
The Assistant-Orderly advances in step to music to Chaplain from whom the
Bible is obtained, and the Assistant-Orderly returning, places the Bible upon
the altar.
Orderly turns to the left, faces and salutes the Past-Commander, who holds
the emblem of our Order in his hand.
Past-Commander: Behold the seal of
our Camp, the emblem of hope and promise. All who follow this emblem in the
discharge of their obligation will not fail to reap an abundant reward.
While Organist plays the march, the Orderly advances, in step to the
Past-Commander from whom he receives the emblem, which he places in proper
position upon the open Bible.
Orderlies salute the Commander who holds the Constitution in his hand.
Commander: This is the Constitution
and By-Laws of the Order of the Golden Seal. We accept it as our standard. By
its provisions we are protected in justice and equality. Orderly, we will have
this placed upon our altar.
While the Organist plays a march, the Orderlies advance to the Commander from
whom they obtain the Constitution and both returning, place it upon the altar.
Orderlies retire to their respective stations.
Commander: Friends, give attention to
the Orderly and advance the sign of the Order.
The sign of salutation is advanced by all members present, the Orderly
leading ; and the Commander responding with proper answer.
Commander : Let us sin gour
opening ode.
Either the following odes may be sung.
No. 1 Opening Ode
Let friendship’s happy band
Unite our heart and hand,
In this our Camp.
Let peace and harmony
At all times with us be,
Truth and sincerity
We will adore.
Our fathers’ God, to Thee
Our prayer shall ever be.
For this our Camp,
Give us prosperity,
Love and fidelity
May all united be
With heart and hand.
No. 2 Opening Ode
We meet again tonight,
Each other here to greet
In this our home
May all our lives be bright
With friendship’s holy light,
And may sweet Charity
Our motto be.
We humbly bow to Thee.
Our fathers’ God above,
Be Thou our Guide.
May freinds in numbers grow,
Till conquered every fee,
With work well done below
We meet above.
No 3 Opening Ode
We meet but not for glory,
Nor praise from lips of men.
Our deeds shall tell our story,
Our works shall live again.
We meet to guide our Order
In paths where all may feel
That ev’ry land and border
Knows well our Golden Seal.
Commander: Friends, you will kindly
give your attention to our Chaplain.
Chaplain: Our Father, who art in
Heaven, and who reigneth in the hearts of men, look down upon us at this time
and give us strength to properly perform the work thal is before us. Help us to
realize our dependence upon Thee and fully appreciate the importance of Thy
presence with us. We render thanks that we are again permitted to meet in our
fraternal home, and pray that the kindly feelings we hold toward one another may
be strengthened by Thy presence. Teach us our obligation toward mankind and help
us to remember that our aim should be to do good, practice charity, and have
faith in Thee. Thou hast protected our home and our loved ones and we beseech
Thee to grant unto us a continuance of Thy bountiful mercy. We consecrate
ourselves, our work, and this our Camp and all whom we hold dear to Thy service.
Amen.
Commander: Friends, as the commanding
officer of this Camp, it is my duty as well as my pleasure to extend to all
alike the privileges of our Order that all interests may be satisfied and the
dignity of the Order maintained. Before passing to the business of the Camp
allow me to welcome the officers, members and visitors to our regular
encampment. I earnestly solicit the cooperation of all present in the carrying
out of its rules, and in the endeavor of all to the advancement of such plans as
may be of benefit to each member, to each Local Camp, and to the Supreme Council
in all its deliberations. Let your deportment be such that we may find pleasure
in meeting here and deliberating on questions which are for the benefit of our
loved ones and ourselves. For this purpose we are assembled. Let us judge with
wisdom and admonish with charity and combining wise judgment and charitable
admonition, our association will be profitable and pleasant to ourselves and a
source of growth to our Order.
Commander: I now declare this Camp
duly opened for the transaction of such business as may be properly brought
before it.
Commander: Picket.
Picket: Most Excellent Commander.
Commander: You will inform the Scout
that this Camp is now opened for business.
Picket retires to ante-room and communicates order of Commander to Scout.
Picket returns to station.
Picket: Most Excellent Commander.
Commander: Picket.
Picket: The Scout is informed.
Commander: We will proceed to the
regular order of business.
Order of Business
1. Roll Call
Commander: The Secretary will call
the roll of officers and report the absentees. The Orderly will arise and answer
to the roll call.
2. Reading of Minutes.
Commander: Brother Secretary, I will
thank you for the reading of the minutes of our last regular encampment.
Reading of minutes.
Commander: Friends, these are the
minutes of our last regular encampment which were then read and approved; they
are now read for instruction only.
3. Propositions for Membership.
Commander: The Secretary will read
all applications for membership.
Secretary reads propositions, if any. An investigation committee of three
members should be appointed in the usual way. The committee will convene
immediately and their report be filed with the Secretary who will announce the
result under the proper order of business.
4. Bills and Communications.
Commander: The Secretary will read
all communications, bills and notices.
5. Report of Committees.
Commander: Are there any standing or
special committees appointed prior to this meeting who are now ready to report?
6. Unfinished Business.
Commander: Brother Secretary, is there any unfinished business
appearing on the minutes?
Secretary replies.
Commander: Friends, is there any
unfinished business known to any of yuo to be brought up at this time?
7. New Business.
Commander: Have any of our members
any new business to offer for our consideration?
8. Report of Investigating Committee.
Commander: The Secretary will
announce the findings of the investigating committee.
The report of the committee on each candidate should be read separately,
received and placed on file.
9. Balloting for Candidates.
Commander: The Orderly will prepare
the ballot box.
If two or more candidates are under consideration the Commander should say:
"If no objection is offered we will vote for the candidates collectively.
If three or more black balls are cast on a collective ballot, the ballot must be
taken for each candidate separately."
The Orderly examines and presents the ballot box to the Commander for
inspection. If properly prepared the Commander will say:
Commander: Friends of … Camp, No.
…, we are about to ballot upon the proposition of … for initiation into this
Camp; white balls elect, black balls reject. Vote not from prejudice but only
upon the qualification of the applicant. Orderly, you will proceed with the
ballot.
The Orderly will then again present the ballot box to the Commander, who will
cast his vote, and the Orderly then passes the ballot box to the Past-Commander,
Chaplain, and Vice-Commander, who deposit their ballots. The Orderly places the
ballot box upon the altar. The Commander will give * * *. Members all rise. The
Organist play a march. Orderly and Assistant-Orderly take stations on the side
of the altar nearest the Vice-Commander and raise wands. The members at the left
of the Commander will march to the Vice-Commander’s station, then up to the
altar and deposit their ballots; then the members at the right. The Orderlies
will see that but one person approaches the altar at a time and when all have
balloted, the Orderlies will advance to the altar and salute the Commander with
the sign of salutation.
Commander: Have all members voted? If
so, I declare the ballot closed.
The Orderly presents the ballot to the Vice-Commander for examination and the
to the Commander.
Commander: Vice-Commander, how find
you the ballot?
Vice-Commander: The ballot is
favorable (or unfavorable) Most Excellent Commander.
Commander: Concurring in the report
of the Vice-Commander, I declare the candidate duly elected.
If there are three black balls in the ballot, the Vice-Commander will report:
"the ballot is unfavorable" and the Commander answers, "so I find
it," and the Commander will order another ballot to be taken to ascertain
if there were any mistake in balloting. If three black balls appear on the
second ballot, the ballot is then taken upon each candidate separately and if
upon any ballot, three black balls appear the Commander declare each candidate
rejected.
10. Initiation of Candidate.
Initiation
Commander: The Orderly will inquire
if any candidates desire initiation into our Camp.
Orderly retires to the ante-room, returns, advances to the altar and giving
the sign of salutation, reports.
Orderly: Most Excellent Commander, I
find at the door our Scout who informs me that … (gives
names of candidates) who have been
elected to membership, desire to enter our Camp and participate in its benefits.
Commander: Have the candidates paid
the required fee and are they ready to be initiated into our Order?
Orderly: They have paid the usual fee
and are awaiting your further orders.
Commander: Past-Commander, you will
retire to the ante-room, where the candidates are waiting to be admitted into
our Camp and ask the usual questions.
Past-Commander retires to ante-room and questions each candidate.
Past-Commander: Before entering our Order and receiving the
initiatory service, several questions are required to be answered and without
proper replies you will not be able to obtain our secrets and pass-words.
Are you willing to assist the members of this Camp in all their social and
fraternal endeavors and protect and defend them in all lawful enterprises?
Candidate: I am.
Past Commander: Do you fully
understand that the Order of the Golden Seal is not a company, but that it is
purely a fraternity, each member being a shareholder, and that he who defrauds
the Order in any manner does a personal injury to every member?
Candidate: I do.
Past Commander: Are you willing to
enter into an obligation, to keep secret all that may transpire during your
initiation?
Candidate: I am.
Past-Commander: You will please rise,
place your right hand over your heart and repeat after me: I hereby promise that
I will keep secret whatever may transpire during my initiation, and communicate
the same to no living person whomsoever, unless my initiation shall be
completed, in which case I will recognize any obligation I may hereafter take as
a substitute for this.
Candidate repeats obligation with Past-Commander.
Past Commander: You will await the
direction of our Commander after I communicate your answers. Preserve this
passport and it may aid you.
Past-Commander gives application to the candidate, re-enters camp room and
advances to altar.
Past-Commander: Most Excellent
Commander, the questions have been asked the candidate and affirmative answers
given.
Past-Commander retires to official station.
Commander: The Orderlies will retire
and introduce the candidate.
Orderlies retire to ante-room, prepare candidate and give enter-sign.
Picket: Vice-Commander, strangers
approaching; the Scout is on the alert.
Vice-Commander: Make inquiry of the
Scout if they are friends or foes.
Picket: Scout, who are approaching,
and whence come they?
Scout: Friends, who wish to join our
Camp and receive its protection and benefits.
Picket: Vice-Commander, they are
friends who wish to join our Camp and receive its protection and benefits.
Vice-Commander: Admit them.
Orderlies and candidate enter and march once around the room, and halt in
front of the Commander, the Orderly leading and the Assistant-Orderly bringing
up the rear. The candidate may be blindfolded before entering the camp room.
Orderly: Most Excellent Commander, I
have the pleasure of presenting to you … (gives name
of candidate) who is desirous of joining our Camp and promises a
willingness to assist our Order and protect its members.
Commander: You are welcome, friend;
in your initiation into our Order I trust you will find that aside from any
pecuniary benefit you may expect to derive, you will learn the lesson that
fraternal feeling engenders happiness and kindly acts make devoted friends.
In our Camp circles all are equal and we should never forget the duty we owe
to the whole human family to do unto others as we would like to be done by; then
will our living be fruitful of good deeds and when the last hour shall come, it
may be said of us, every person has lost a friend and no one lost an enemy.
Before proceeding further in our initiation exercises, it will be necessary
for you to give us a solemn pledge that you will keep sacred the secret part of
our service and never divulge the pass-words to any person, not knowing them to
be members in good standing in our Order. Do you so promise?
Candidate: I do.
Commander: Orderly, conduct the
candidate to the altar.
Candidate is conducted to the altar, facing the Commander. The Commander
gives * * * and all the members form a semi-circle facing the Commander.
Commander comes from his station to altar.
Any of the following odes may be sung.
Initiation Ode
Let our Camp fires all be burning
Let our friends in numbers grow,
Till we reach the Camp in Glory,
Till we conquer ev’ry foe.
May the light from ev’ry Camp fire
Shed its radiance far and wide,
Till our circle reaches Heaven
With the Bible for our Guide.
Let us gather ‘round the camp-fire;
Friends thro’ woe and weal
All uniting to sing praises
Of our dear old Golden Seal
Chorus
Sound then the glories
Of our Order loud and clear
Nothing shall sever
Bonds of friendship welded here.
When the toil of day is over
And twilight shadows fall,
We find rest and peace in glad reunion
As we meet in friendship’s hall.
Chorus
Each with earnest, strong endeavor,
Lend a helping hand
And in trials of in life’s affliction
Let us then true comrades stand.
Chorus
Commander: Are you still desirous of
joining our Order and willing to take the obligation of secrecy?
Candidate: I am.
Commander: The pledge you are about
to make calls for nothing more on your part than is consistent with morality and
brotherly love. The Great Book of Law which lies before you should ever be your
guide, and following its teachings you will never fail into error. You will now
kneel at the altar of the Order, place your right hand over your heart, your
left hand resting on the Holy Bible, say I, pronounce your full name and repeat
after me:
Obligation
In the presence of these friends who are members of the Order and have
confidence in me, do solemnly pledge myself to be a true and loyal brother (or
sister) among them, to aid and assist the members of this Order when finding
them in distress and to keep secret the ritual, signs, pass-words, grips, and
other secret work, and all private business transacted in any Camp, of the same.
I also pledge fidelity and friendship for all true and worthy members of the
Order from whatsoever Camp they may hail.
I further promise that I will not make any unlawful claims against this Order
for sickness or disability, or suffer it to be done by another, if known to me,
if in my power to prevent; and if I am advised of any unlawful claims or demands
being presented from my own Camp or another, I further promise that I will at
once notify the Supreme Council of the Order of the Golden Seal through its
Supreme Secretary.
I further promise upon my sacred honor that I will not wrong or defraud the
Order of the Colden Seal in its treasury nor a member in his purse; that I will
promptly pay all dues and make all payments and thus do my duty to myself and to
my fellow-members; that I will not propose for membership any person whom I know
to be of unsound health or of bad repute; that in casting my ballot upon
candidates for membership in this Order I will not be governed by any personal
dislike or grudge, and if the candidate is unknown to me I will not cast an
unfavorable ballot except upon a thorough investigation as to the character of
such candidate and then only when in my judgment the best interests of the Order
shall so demand.
I further promise to be governed and abide by the laws, rules and regulations
of this Camp, of the Supreme Camp, and of the Order of the Golden Seal, as they
now exist or may hereafter be enacted.
I further promise tom endeavor to promote the interests of this Camp and keep
forever sacred this solemn obligation.
All Members: Your vows are
registered.
The following is made optional with each Camp, but should never be omitted
unless absolutely necessary.
Commander: The Orderly and Assistant
will conduct our friend to the ante-room that he mey re-enter and receive the
instructive lessons of our initiation.
Orderlies conduct candidate to the ante-room.
Assistant-Orderly re-enters camp room and assumes station. Orderly advances
to inner door and gives three raps. Picket opens door.
Picket: Who comes there?
Orderly: The Orderly with a stranger
wandering in darkness who was attracted by our Camp fires and now seeks the
protection of our Order.
Picket: You will await the order of
the Commander.
Closes door.
Picket: Most Excellent Commander, our
Orderly seeks admission, having in charge a stranger who desires the protection
of our Order.
Commander: You will inquire of the
Orderly if the stranger brings passports.
Picket re-opens door.
Picket: Does the stranger bring
passports?
Orderly: The stranger has the proper
passports.
Picket: The stranger has the proper
passports.
Commander: You may admit them.
The Camp room should be darkened during the following and the candidate may
not be blindfolded. The lights should remain turned down especially during the
tableaux until the candidate is presented to the Commander.
Picket: Enter. Fraternity will
examine your passport and direct you upon your way.
Fraternity: Friend, Fraternity
extends her hand in welcome, but before you can become a member of our Order
there is a lesson to be learned. If you heed wise counsel your pathway will be
easy and will lead you to success. Fraternity stands ever ready to assist you if
you follow her admonitions. She offers you this talisman, and charges you to
guard it with utmost care; part not with it until your journey is complete. She
also extends this bond of love to guide you through the darkness. Now will your
journey begin.
Fraternity presents the candidate, first, a certificate of membership, then a
loop of ribbon, the colors of our Order, folded from end to end. They advance
around the room until halted by Improvidence.
Improvidence: Hold, what seeks this
stranger here?
Fraternity: This stranger wandering
in darkness seeks guidance and protection. He is in quest of peace and
happiness.
Improvidence: Then why travel at this
solemn pace and burden himself with things like these! Cast them away and take
this.
Takes away certificate and ribbon and casts them aside and places in his hand
a slender chain; Fraternity secures the certificate and ribbon.
Improvidence: It is light and it is
strong. I will introduce him to jolly companions. We will make merry indeed.
What care we for to-morrow?
Improvidence hustles candidate at an increasingly
rapid pace around the hall to a point near the Vice-Commander, winding the chain
about the candidate as they near the stopping place. Here Poverty stops them.
Poverty should be clothed in rags.
Poverty: Hold! Where go ye so blindly at this mad pace?
Improvidence: We are in quest of
pleasure and seek our companions, Folly and Indolence, and who are you who dares
to bar our way?
Poverty: Improvidence, you know me
well. I am Poverty, Pleasure dwells not beyond my doors. I open the eyes of all
who blindly follow you. Think you to find pleasure here? Behold me, my hollow
cheeks, my gaunt and withered form, my raiment of rags, and this my home.
Here curtain is drawn revealing tableau.
Poverty: Behold the cheerless room,
the smoldering fore, the empty cupboard, my couch of rags, cold, sickness and
hunger, all from following your merry life, associating with your jolly
companions and obeying your teachings, Improvidence.
Improvidence: Heed her not. We are
not cold nor hungry. What to us are the miseries of poverty? Let us away.
Fraternity: Stranger, wait. The path
of Improvidence always leads to the door of poverty. You heeded not the counsel
of Fraternity and beguiling you, Improvidence has already enchained you. Forsake
his ways, I entreat you, and set your face the other way. Again the hand of
Fraternity is extended to you. She would remove these fetters and again offer
you this talisman and symbol of love.
Removes chain and blindfold and gives again the certificate and ribbon.
Fraternity: Take them, guard well the
talisman, and want and distress will flee from you as the mist before the
morning sun. You will not want for friends; they will ever be about you and
ready to give you kindly assistance.
Fraternity and candidate march around the room. The Commander gives three
raps and all members rise and sing one verse of some suitable selection.
Fraternity and candidate halting in front of the commander’s station.
Fraternity: Most Excellent Commander,
I bring before you this friend, who has been rescued from Improvidence and
Poverty and brought by virtue of the talisman he bears, out of darkness into the
light. Will you now make plain the lessons we teach?
Commander: Friend, you entered this
Camp as you started in life, groping in the darkness of inexperience.
Improvidence, who provides not for the morrow, induced you to spend lavishly
your substance in the pursuit of pleasure until all was wasted and you stood
face to face with Poverty, with all its horrors, but your eyes have been opened
and reality shows you the result of caring only for the present. You witnessed
that which symbolizes all the word poverty implies, want, darkness and distress.
Here fraternal hands are outstretched to help you; the silken ribbon, which you
hold within your hand is meant to symbolize the bonds of fraternal love. You
turn from Poverty, grasp that bond and you are surrounded by friends having your
welfare at heart. A talisman was placed in your hand which you were enjoined to
guard faithfully. That talisman is a certificate of membership in the Order of
the Golden Seal which if properly protected by your monthly payments will
provide for your comfort and keep you from want in the hour of need. Yes,
friend, the motives that prompted you to join our Order are truly praiseworthy.
We live amid scenes of doubt and uncertainty; accident, adversity and misfortune
are the inseparable companions of our race and it behooves us each and all to
provide ourselves with such a talisman as will protect us against penury and
want and to so perform our part in the fraternal plan that willing hands will be
ever ready to assist us.
A tableau suitably arranged with some member representing Prosperity, in
suitable costume, holding a banner with the motto of our Order appropriately
inscribed, should now be displayed at some convenient place in the camp room.
The candidate should be caused to face the tableau.
Commander: Behold the motto of our
Order. "Economy, Security, and Fraternity." Practicing economy will
bring security and true fraternity enables us to demonstrate the great teachings
of our Order.
Orderly, conduct our friend to the Vice-Commander’s station for further
instruction.
Orderly conducts candidate around the room, stopping in front of
Vice-Commander’s station.
Vice-Commander: Our Order is designed
to promote friendship, to assist each other in time of need, and to provide
safeguards for our loved ones. By a nominal each month our Order offers an
opportunity to share in the accumulation of profits. In the practice of economy
and systematic self-denial wisely directed will be found the secret of
prosperity.
Having taken our obligations you are entitled to all the benefits and
privileges of the Order and to the means of recognition among the members.
This is by use of the word … and may be used to ascertain whether a person
claiming to be a
Member of the Order of the Golden Seal is in fact a member or an impostor.
The word should always be used in this manner.
Gives it with Orderly.
Vice-Commander: Are you a member of
the Order of the Golden Seal?
Orderly: I have taken their vows.
Vice-Commander: How may I be
convinced of the same?
Orderly: By the secret word of our
Order.
Vice-Commander: Give me the word
according to the manner of your instruction.
The Orderly gives the first syllable, the Vice-Commander second, Orderly
third, and so on.
Vice-Commander: Fraternity!
Brotherhood! What a revelation. The whole world is before us and more – the
universe. What a panorama of love and beauty; for is not God our Father – are
we not all brothers; this is what the Master meant when he said, "A new
command give I unto you, that ye love one another, even as I have loved you.
"
Orderly, you will present the candidate to the Past-Commander who will
further instruct him as to fraternity.
Orderly conducts candidate once around the room stopping in front of
Past-Commander's station.
Past-Commander: It is thus Webster
defines fraternity; "It is from the word frater, meaning brother: of or
pertaining to brethren; becoming brothers."
Does Webster say it all; ore are there volumes hidden beneath these few
simple words? I think such is the case. These words are but a mighty, magic
spring, touch them, speak them, feel them. The scope, the magnitude of its
fullest meaning overwhelms our little human minds: we cannot comprehend it till
we grow, till we learn of the Master. Fraternity, brotherly love, that divine
gift from God himself, is embedded in every living soul. Let some great calamity
or distress befall, how quickly the cold scales of formality scatter, and
fraternity gleams forth like a beautiful sunburst after storm.
What is this wonder-working power, fraternity? A vibrant, living principle; a
tie no words can utter; a bond no eye can see; a chain no hand can touch; yet
how tangible, how real a thing it is, soul touching soul, heart touching heart.
How the eyes kindle and glow; how hands clasp closer; how the heavy heads are
lifted; how tired hearts leap with new vigor, and lonely, sad lives are
brightened by the mighty, magic sparks of fraternity. When this power speaks
through the soul, though no word be audible, it reaches far and wide.
The true spirit of fraternity always whispers of love, moderation, tolerance
and broad charity; me bay it is the twin of sweet charity, for it thinks only
for the good of each and all, it considers not the injuries which have been done
you but bids us to forgive and forget.
Fraternity does not mean a strife among us as to who shall be the greatest,
but that each should do the duty which comes, for the good of all. Fraternity
does not mean that we should condone or acquiesce in wrong-doing, but that we
should be patient with each other, patient with our mistakes and blunders; it
means a kindly helpfulness in overcoming faults and rectifying errors.
Fraternity is uniting, it is the real secret of all so-called fraternal
orders. It is fostered under the solemn oaths of obligation, nurtured by the
ceremonial rites of initiation, strengthened by the mystic pass-words, sealed by
the magic handclasp. It is that mysterious, invisible bond, uniting men closer
than the ties of blood; each step in progress is the result of united thought,
united effort for a common cause.
Orderly, we would have our friend learn of our Chaplain.
Orderly conducts candidate around the room, stopping in front of Chaplain’s
station.
Chaplain: I am pleased to welcome you
into our Camp; we form a fraternity, united by sacred ties and bound by our
covenant to each other.
In your journey upon life's highway you have observed with what uncertainty
our footsteps guide us unless light shines upon our pathway. Light, therefore,
which truth ever welcomes and error ever fears, is a cardinal principle of our
Fraternity.
Life is but a pilgrimage from the cradle to the grave, and if upon the
journey we occasionally meet with friends, camping along life's highway, it
should serve to strengthen our fidelity to humanity and make our circle larger.
Be faithful in your attendance upon the meetings of your Camp, make yourself
familiar with its laws.
Be true to your Order; let it be one of your duties to aid in keeping our
camp-fires burning, to welcome strangers; teach them that our Order is dedicated
to fraternal interests and in assist friends in time of need. Fraternity is a
holy, sacred kinship, binding each to each and all to God.
Orderly, you will conduct the candidate to the Most Excellent Commander for
final instruction.
Organist plays a march while the Orderly with the candidate marches around
the hall to the right, halting in front of the Commander.
Orderly: Most Excellent Commander, I
present to you this candidate for final instruction.
Commander: It gives me pleasure to welcome you among us and I trust you will
never regret the step you have taken. Our motto is to help one another and be
charitable to all. It is your duty to promote the interests of our order, and
assist in gaining friends. We are one fraternal band and our aim is to so
conduct ourselves that with our ever widening circle we will at last be a
universal brotherhood, ready at all times to relieve the suffering, minister the
needy, and sympathize with the bereaved. We do not have long ceremonies yet we
have certain signs, grips and passwords. These will now be given to you for your
own benefit and protection. They are:
First, the secret word or means of recognition among the members of the
Order.
Second, the grip.
Third, the enter-sign or alarm at the inner door.
Fourth, the current or annual pass-word, which is changed in January of each
year and with which you will be invested by the Commander, who alone has the
authority to invest members with it.
Fifth, the sign of salutation.
Sixth, the answer to the sign of salutation.
The Commander instructs in the secret work.
If you desire to gain admission into our Camp while it is working, you will
approach the door where the outer guard, called the Scout, is stationed;
announce to him your desire to enter and he will at once alarm the Picket, the
inner guard, by giving the enter-sign upon the door. If the Scout is not at his
station, you may make this enter-sign yourself. Upon hearing the alarm or
enter-sign, the Picket will inform the Commander of the Camp that there is an
alarm at the door. The Commander will instruct the Picket, as soon as
practicable, to attend to the alarm. The Picket will then open the wicket if
there be one, or, if there be no wicket, the door, and you will advance and
whisper in the ear of the Picket, the pass-word for the current term. If the
pass-word be correct, the Picket will open the door and admit you to the camp
room, whereupon you must give to the Picket the grip of the Order. The grip
being correct, the Picket will allow you to enter the room and you will advance
nearly to the station of the Chaplain, turn a square corner, advance to the
altar turn and face the Commander, but standing on the side of the altar nearer
the Vice-Commander. You will address the Commander only with the sign of
salutation and if you are entitled to remain, the Commander will respond with
the proper answer. You will then take your proper station in the room.
In leaving the camp room while at work, you will pass in front of the
Past-Commander and ask to be excused by making the sign of salutation and upon
receiving the proper answer, the Picket will allow you to depart.
The gavel is used by the Commander as a badge of authority and order. One rap
convenes the Camp and calls the members to order. One rap also attracts the
attention of the members when special orders are to be given, and is a general
sign of attention. Two raps call the officers of the Camp to their feet. Three
raps call up the entire Camp. When standing one rap seats them. The gavel should
be strictly obeyed at all times and if disobeyed is a cause for suspension under
the laws of our Order.
And now with a final admonition to ever so conduct yourself toward the
fraternity as to invite their esteem and secure their good fellowship, always
remembering that charity is a virtue worthy of all emulation, and with a
steadfast purpose to promote the interests of our fraternity, I extend to you
all the privileges and protection of this Camp.
All in unison: We welcome you.
Commander: Brothers and Sisters, in
harmony with your wishes, we have received this friend into membership. Tat the
heartiness of this reception may be the more fully expressed, it is for each of
you to extend the hand of fellowship. We will have a brief recess for that
purpose.
After recess the Commander assembles the Camp and proceeds with the regular
order of business.
11. Disability Claims
Commander: The Secretary will read all disability claims requiring
action at this meeting. The Orderlies will furnish the members of this Camp with
blank ballots upon which each member must indicate his judgment as to the number
of weeks that should be allowed on each claim. The
Orderlies will collect the ballot, ascertain the result and report the same to
the Secetary, who will announce it.
12. Sick or Distressed Members.
Commander: Does any one present know
of any member who is sick or in distress or whose family is suffering?
13. Good of the Order.
Commander: Has any member anything to
offer for the good of the Order?
If the Camp has a Committee on entertainment or refreshments, their report
may be received at this time. The Commander should also give proper recognition
to visiting members before passing from the Good of the Order.
14. Reading of Minutes.
Commander: The Secretary will read
the minutes of this meeting. After reading.
Are there any corrections? If not, they stand approved as read.
15. Closing exercises.
Commander: Vice-Commander
Vice-Commander: Most Excellent
Commander.
Commander: Is there any further
business to come up at this encampment?
Vice-Commander replies.
Commander: Friends, is there any
further business known to you to be brought up at this meeting?
Any business proposed that is in order may be disposed of.
Closing Ceremonies
The business of the meeting being completed, the following proceedings for
closing the Camp will be observed.
Commander: Assistant-Orderly,
proclaim to these Friends that I am about to close this Camp.
Assistant-Orderly advances to the side of altar nearest Commander, facing
Vice-Commander.
Assistant-Orderly: Friends, by order
of the Commander I proclaim to you that this Camp is about to close.
Returns to station.
Commander: Will the Picket make known
to the Scout our commands and bid him see that there are no interruptions from
without?
Picket retires to ante-room, informs Scout and returns.
Picket: Most Excellent Commander, the
Scout has your commands and they will be obeyed.
Commander: We will now sing our
closing ode.
Either of the following may be sung
Closing Ode
We’re tenting tonight on our own Camp ground
Give a song to cheer
Those present here, a song of home
And the friends we love so dear
Chorus:
Many are the friends that are meeting tonight
Working for our Order dear
Many are the friends working for the right
Increasing far and near
Tenting tonight, tenting tonight, tenting in their own Camp ground
Tenting tonight, tenting tonight, tenting in their own Camp ground
We’ve been tenting tonight on our own Camp ground
Thinking of days gone by,
Of the loved ones at home that gave us the hand,
And the tear that said good-bye
Chorus
We’ve been tenting tonight on our own Camp ground
Our work is now complete;
And now we’ll leave till next Camp night
When here again we’ll meet.
Or
Ere from this lodge to our homes we go,
Let us rejoice with song;
Sing! There is strength in every strain
To help our Camp along.
Chorus:
Many are the friends who are meeting to-night
Clasping firm each neighbor’s hand;
Joyful in the tie which unites them all
The Brotherhood of man
Meeting to-night, meeting to-night
Meeting for our common weal;
Meeting to-night, meeting to-night
The Order of the Golden Seal
We’ve met here to-night to advance our cause
Sing now with gladsome voice;
In our Order’s growth we pledge our faith,
In its strength do we rejoice
Chorus
We’ve met here to-night, we will meet here again
Sing that our hearts may feel
The love we should bear toward all mankind
The love of the Golden Seal
Chorus
Commander: Friends, you will give
attention to our Chaplain.
Chaplain: Holy and most merciful
Father, we approach Thee with love and reverence, asking Thee to enlighten us as
Thy children. Cleanse our hearts from evil thoughts that may tend to hide Thy
face from us. Fill them with a full understanding of wisdom and charity that we
may show to the world that we have not lived and labored in vain. Teach us the
meaning of the word Fraternity. Let us be ever mindful of the duty we owe to our
God, the love to our associate members and the good-will to all mankind. Let
this Camp be consecrated to Thy glory. Direct us in the ways of truth and love,
and at last the Great Commander will gather us all into that great Camp above.
Amen.
Commander: Friends, we are about to
leave for our several homes and I thank you for your presence and friendly
co-operation in disposing of the matters that have claimed your attention. Go
forth with this motto ever before you, "In unity there is strength.'' Leave
no opportunity unimproved, and no path neglected that may afford us the means of
adding new members to our Camp. In making applications for membership in our
Order we pledged ourselves to assist its growth by inducing our friends to join
with us. Our duty is to our neighbor as well as to ourselves, and a more
charitable deed could not be tendered a friend than the influence which might
obtain his or her application for membership in this Camp. By increasing its
membership we furnish new ideas for the enlargement of our social and
intellectual positions.
The Orderlies will attend at the altar and close the Book of Law; collect the
odes and rituals and other paraphernalia and place them in charge of the
Secretary.
The Orderlies pass from their stations to altar, salute, and close Bible;
thence by way of Vice-Commander’s station, collect odes and rituals on their
respective sides of camp room; thence to Commander’s station; observe open
order to below altar; collect drape, seal constitution, and Bible; both march by
way of Chaplain’s station to Secretary; thence to stations.
Commander: Will the Picket inform the
Scout?
Picket retires to ante-room, informs the Scout, and returns.
Picket: Most Excellent Commander, the
Scout is informed.
Commander: I now declare this Camp
closed in due form until our next regular meeting, unless specially convened.