Patrons of Husbandry – Grangers
Fourth Degree - Home

 
1946

Instructions on Degree Work
 
This degree symbolizes Winter and the good cheer of the Farm Home.
 
PREPARATION
 
Court Robes—Light blue Ceres, trimmed with yellow; Pomona, white; Flora, pink. Appropriate headdress—Ceres, wheat heads; Pomona, fruit buds; and Flora, flowers. Each lady officer carries a bouquet of flowers.
A Harvest Feast Table, set with luscious fruits of the farm and garden, the voluntary contributions of Husbandman and Matron.
 
PARAPHERNALIA
 
The A.S. shall prepare:
1.: Sufficient badges on desk of M. for all candidates;
2.: A highly polished Agate on desk of M.
 
DEGREE WORK
 
On the desk of the M. should be the badges of this degree and an Agate for the M. to use in explaining the symbolism of his lecture.
The table should be spread with luscious fruits and viands for the festivities—the voluntary contributions of the members.
The candidates in charge of the A.S. and L.A.S. are now admitted and instructed by the various officers.
After the Obligation has been administered by the M. occurs the formation of the Altar Circles, which, when properly performed, constitute a most impressive feature, which the candidates can never forget.
 
ALTAR CIRCLES
 
The Obligation should be followed immediately by singing one verse of the “Obligation Song”. During this singing S. comes forward, takes staves from the A.S. and L.A.S. and assumes position slightly at right of M.’s station (standing). Immediately at the conclusion of one verse of the “Obligation Song,” the “Patrons’ Chain” is started. While first verse is being sung, C., P. and F. come forward [no others] and join hands with A.S., L.A.S., and candidates, to form complete altar circle, enclosing M. [C. stands directly behind the M, P. takes hand of L.A.S., and F. the hand of A.S.] Two candidates at end will complete circle by joining hands. After first verse is finished, M. gives charge, “Here, Brothers and Sisters, around our altar,” etc.
Second verse of “Patrons’ Chain” is then sung, during which the members advance from their seats and with joined hands form a complete second circle around the first, standing thus [no marching] while M. gives charge, “As we in form thus enclose you within a sacred circle,” etc. Then O. calls down; members return quietly to their seats; S. presents staves to A.S. and L.A.S. and passes to his station.
In arranging for the Fourth Degree circles at the altar, it is very desirable to select a leader for starting the second circle, in which the members are to participate, and have it clearly understood in advance that no one is to start making the second circle until the leader gives the cue; similarly, the return to seats will await the initiative of the leader.
In the event of a crowded hall it will probably be wise to request in advance that only those in he front row of seats on each side of the hall come forward to make the second circle, provided this number will be sufficiently large to enclose completely the first circle. Confusion at this point is inevitable unless this caution is observed.
 
CONTINUATION OF DEGREE
 
After candidates leave the altar they will be conducted once around the hall and introduced to L., the work then following according to the Manual, command of the M. the candidates are conducted to C., P. and F. for instruction in the lessons of the signs of the degrees. It is recommended that a tableau be shown at this point,
presenting a winter scene, which should show the home of a prosperous farmer enjoying with his family the fruits of the season’s labors.
Sufficient time should be allowed to permit the members to view the tableau before Ceres begins to deliver her charge C., P. and F. give their respective charges, and candidates are then conducted around the hall to station of M., for instruction in the U.W. [Whenever the stage is used for tableaux C., P. and F. will be stationed on time floor of the hall directly in front of stage.
After the candidates have received instruction from the M. in the U.W. and in the symbolism of this degree, and following the Secretary’s charge they are invited to the feast.
 
THE HARVEST FEAST
 
As suggested in the Manual either one of two methods may be adopted for illustrating this closing feature of the Fourth Degree.
If a table is to be placed in the hall, it should be attractively prepared outside, in readiness for immediate presentation at the point where M. invites to the feast. In such event at should be placed near the center of the hall, with positions of M, O., L. and Chap. as indicated in the Manual.
If all can be seated at one time in the dining-room, the Master’s invitation to the feast may he followed by a march to dining-room—officers first, led by A.S. and L.A.S., then candidates, visitors and members of the host Grange. Officers will occupy same positions as already prescribed. When the feast has ended [before any are permitted to leave] M. will rise and slowly and impressively deliver the final lecture of the degree. If least is to be given in the dining-room after Grange is closed the Master should so announce. Same instructions as to march, seating, closing lecture, etc, will then apply.

CANDIDATES—HUSBANDMEN AND MATRONS
THE LESSON—FIDELITY
SYMBOLS—WINTER—OLD AGE—THE FEAST.
EMBLEM—THE AGATE
SCENE—A Farm Home in the Winter Season.
 
 
Opening
 
M. calls to order and stands during the opening ceremony; each officer, as he takes part, should stand while speaking: The hour of labor has arrived and the work of another day demands our attention. Let each repair to his or her allotted station. Worthy Overseer, are all present correct?
O.: Worthy Steward, you will ascertain
S.: My assistants will make examination and report.
O.: Worthy Master, we find all present correct.
M. will call the seated officers to rise and they will remain standing until the close of the opening ceremony.
M.: Worthy Steward, are the gates properly guarded
S. examines and finds G K at his post: They are, Worthy Master
M.: Worthy Steward, inform the Gate Keeper that we are preparing for work.
S. opens wide the I.G.: Brother Gate Keeper, the Worthy Master directs me to inform you that we are preparing for work
G.K. closes the O.G.: I therefore close this Outer Gate in F. in H. and in C. and will guard it with P.
M.: Right, Worthy Gate Keeper. To Chaplain: And now, Worthy Chaplain, as Laborers tinder the Great Master of the Universe, let us bow in prayer. Calls up entire Grange.
Chap.: Almighty Father, Maker of Heaven and Earth, and Giver of all good, we return our heartfelt thanks that we are permitted again to meet each other here to work in this glorious cause. Endow us with prudence and wisdom in our counsels as a body, that our work may be good and acceptable in Thy sight, and that our labors may be blessed with a liberal harvest; and when we are called to lay down our implements on earth, may we enter the Paradise not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, and receive that welcome plaudit: “Well done, good and faithful servants.”
We beseech Thee to bless the officers and members of this Grange, and all connected with the Order, from the highest to the lowest degree, and grant them prosperity. We ask all in Thy holy name.
All: Amen
Opening Song.
M.: Worthy Steward, please close the Inner Gate.
S. closes the I.G.: In F. in H and in C. I close this Inner Gate, and will guard it with F.
Grange Salutation.
M.: Patrons, in F. in H. in C. and with F. this Grange is now opened in ample form in the Fourth Degree. Worthy Overseer, please proclaim it accordingly.
O.: By command of the Worthy Master, I proclaim this Grange opened in ample form for promoting the welfare of our country and of mankind, and for advancing the interests, elevating the characters, and increasing the influence of all Patrons of Husbandry, by properly transacting our business and by exemplifying our principles in F. in H. in C. and with F.
 
 
Initiation
 
As in previous degrees the candidates should be in readiness in the anteroom in charge of the A.S. and L.A.S. Alarm from the A.S.
S.: Worthy Overseer, an alarm at the Gate.
O.: See who approaches.
S.: Who comes?
A.S.: Brothers and sisters, who have finished their labor in the harvest field, and now seek advancement
S.: Do you vouch for them?
A.S.: I do.
Song.
Steward opens the Inner Gate, the line will march once around hall and halt at the station of the Worthy Steward. At the conclusion of song, Steward advances and says: Brothers and Sisters, I welcome you on your way. It is now the Fourth Degree, in the Grange, on the Farm, and in our lives. The seasons of Preparation, Culture and Harvest have passed. It is in the Home that we enjoy the fruits of our labors in the fields of the farm, and the fields of life. In winter, the season of rest from active toil, we sit down with our families, our friends and neighbors, and enjoy together the good things our labors in the lower degrees have brought us. So also in old age we enjoy the fruits of a well-spent life, surrounded by friends, and in a happy Home, “Noted for FIDELITY.” You will now be conducted to the Worthy Overseer.
Song.
A.S.: Worthy Overseer, these brothers and sisters, who have served faithfully, desire to become Husbandmen and Matrons.
O.: Brothers and Sisters, your industry, zeal and efficiency have gained you the approbation of your companions in our Order, and I rejoice at your advancement. The position to which you have now arrived confers upon you great privileges, and binds you in a closer tie of brotherhood. You will now apply in a higher station the wisdom gained in the previous degrees. Faithful there, we expect continued FIDELITY here. Is it your wish to proceed?
Candidates in unison: It is.
O.: You will then give us a further pledge of honor to secrecy and fidelity as a Patron, which will not interfere with your duty to God, to your country, or to yourself. With this assurance will you give it?
Candidates in unison: We will.
O.: Worthy Assistants, you will now conduct these brothers and sisters to the altar, where they will register their pledge in the Fourth Degree of our Order.
Song.
During the singing the candidates are led around the hall, reaching the altar at the close, where they are met by the Master.
M.: Worthy Assistant, whom bring you to our altar?
A.S.: Brothers, true, worthy and well qualified.
M.: Worthy Lady Assistant, whom bring you to our shrine?
L.A.S.: Sisters, who have gleaned in the field.
M.: Have you a precedent for so doing?
L.A.S.: I have.
M.: Will you give it?
L.A.S.: In Ruth, the Moabitess, who gleaned in the fields of Boaz.
M.: When urged by Naomi to return to her kindred, how did she reply?
L.A.S.: “Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people, shall be my people, and thy  God, my God: where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.”
M.: Right, sister; let us trust that equally strong friendship may exist between us all in our fraternity.
O. calls up and M. administers the Obligation.
M.: Brothers and Sisters, I will now administer the Obligation. You will repeat after me: “I hereby renew and confirm the obligations I have heretofore taken in this Order and solemnly declare that I will never communicate the secrets of this Order to anyone unless legally authorized to do so and that I will endeavor to be a true and farihful Patron of Husbandry, perform the duties enjoined in this Order and aid others in the performance of the same. I further promise to uphold the Constitution of the United States and to obey the laws of the land.”
Altar Circles and Songs.
During singing of first verse of Patrons’ Chain, A.S., L.A.S., Ceres, Pomona and Flora join hands with the candidates, making first circle around the M. and the altar, and M says: Here, Brothers and Sisters, around our altar, with hands united, we pledge to you our friendship, and accept your pledge of fidelity in return.
During singing of second verse of Patrons’ Chain outer circle is formed and M. will continue: As we in form thus enclose you within a sacred circle, so does this Grange in the name of our noble and beneficent Order pledge to you a pure friendship, enduring through life, to shield you from harm. And now, Brothers and Sisters, loose hands, but let us ever hold fast and firm our obligations of FIDELITY. O. calls down.
Worthy Assistants, you will now conduct the candidates to the Worthy Lecturer.
Music.
A.S.: Worthy Lecturer, our Worthy Master desires you to instruct the candidates.
L.: Brothers and Sisters, to live in the country and enjoy all its pleasures, we should love rural life. To love the country is to take interest in all that belongs to it—its occupations, its sports, its culture, and its improvement—to gather the flocks around us and feed them from our own hands—to make the birds our friends, and call them all by their names—to rove over the verdant fields with a higher pleasure than we should have in carpeted halls of regal courts—to inhale the fresh air of the morning as if it were the sweet breath of infancy—to brush the dew from the glittering fields, as if our paths were strewn with diamonds—to perceive this glorious temple all instinct with the presence of the Divinity, and to feel, amid all this, the heart swelling with an adoration and a holy joy absolutely incapable of utterance. This it is to love the country, and to make it not the home of the body only, but of the soul. The teachings of our Order would make the farmer’s home the brightest and happiest place on earth.
Music.
A.S.: Worthy Overseer, our brothers and sisters are on their way to receive their reward, and desire counsel from you.
O.: Brothers and Sisters, you are now about to receive your reward as faithful Harvesters and Gleaners—a position reached by merit alone. As Husbandmen and Matrons look with earnest solicitude upon children and their welfare; and remember that they are to follow in our footsteps and occupy our positions. If we desire to encourage them to love rural life, we must make its labors cheerful. What a child sees makes the most lasting impression. We may tell them of the pleasures and independence of the farmer’s life; but if their daily intercourse with us shows it to be tedious, irksome, laborious, without any recreation of body or mind, they will soon lose all interest in it and seek enjoyment elsewhere. Therefore, strive to make your homes pleasing— make them more and more attractive. Adorn your grounds with those natural attractions which God has so profusely spread around us; and especially adorn the family circle with the noble traits of a kind disposition—fill its atmosphere with affection, and thus induce all to love and not to fear you; for love is the only enduring power. Speaking the truth in love, you will impress your memory on the mind of childhood in characters which floods cannot wash out, nor even the slow-moving ages of eternity obliterate. Be careful, also, to engraft only such truths as will be guide and teacher when your voice shall be silent on earth, and you have passed to another and a better world.
Song.
A.S.: Worthy Master, our brothers and sisters are now ready to receive their reward.
M.: Brothers and Sisters, you have labored diligently, and I say unto you, “Well done, good and faithful servants.” As Husbandmen and Matrons, the Assistant Steward and Lady Assistant Steward will now decorate you with the regalia of our Order, an emblem of Fidelity and Fraternity. Brothers and Sisters, wear it with honor and dignity. You will now be instructed in the lessons of the signs of the degrees. The first you will receive from Ceres.
Music—If candidates march.
Candidates will be marched once around halt and halted before Graces, except that in case of a small or very crowded hall Graces may give their charges while candidates remain in position before station of M. Same rule obtains after charge of F.
C.: Brothers and Sisters, my tribute is the seed corn. Have FAITH. Faith in the spring of the year, and the springtime of life. Even as little children have Faith in their parents, so should we have Faith in the Great Provider. We prepare our fields and plant the seed, having Faith in its resurrection.
L.A.S.: Brothers and Sisters, give heed to further lessons from Pomona.
P.: I need not prompt you to nurture HOPE. Hope is the heavenly light that gilds our labors. Were we deprived of that source of consolation, life would indeed be dreary. When you see the blossoms open in the early summer, Hope is there for the luscious fruit. The labors of the Husbandman and Matron encourage Hope at every turn. Let the fruit blossoms be to you an emblem of HOPE.
L.A.S.: By Flora you will be further taught.
F.: Let flowers be to you an emblem of CHARITY. In kind words and deeds dispense. Charity, as freely as flowers do their perfume, and as generously as they cover all God’s footstool. Beautify and adorn your homes with flowers. The home that is thus made fragrant and cheerful is prepared to be the abode of sweeter affections and more radiant virtues.
A.S.: We will now return to the Worthy Master.
Music—If candidates march.
M.: Let the Agate be to you an emblem of FIDELITY May your principles of manhood and womanhood be as firmly impressed as the lasting colors in the stone, and may our friendship be as firm as the stone itself. I now give you the sign and salutation of this degree. Imparts same.
Brothers and Sisters, you are now Patrons of Husbandry in the Fourth Degree of our honorable Order. The salutation of this degree signifies that “A good Patron places Faith in God, nurtures Hope, dispenses Charity, and is noted for Fidelity.”
I will also impart to you the signal and degree words of this degree, annual word, voting sign, sign of recognition, grip, Patrons’ test, and instruct you in the use of the gavel Imparts secret work, with proper exemplification of same.
The Worthy Secretary will now instruct you as to your obligations to this Grange.
A.S..: Worthy Secretary, it is the wish of our Worthy Master that these newly initiated Patrons of Husbandry shall be instructed by you concerning their obligations to this Grange.
Secy.: Inasmuch as you are now members in the Fourth Degree of this Grange, it is important that your obligations to the Order be fully understood. One of the essential virtues in a good Patron is punctuality—in attendance upon meetings, in response to parts assigned, and in meeting financial requirements. In our fraternity there, is work for all and those reap the most abundant harvest of Grange benefits who contribute most liberally of their own strength, time and talent.
The members’ quarterly dues constitute the financial lifeblood of the Order, and subordinate, Pomona, State and National Granges are supported almost entirely by this small contribution from the membership. Dues are payable in advance on or before the first meeting in the quarter and should always be cheerfully and promptly met.
No member may receive the annual password whose dues are not paid in full to December 31st of the previous year. Prompt advance payment of dues by all members assures good financial standing by the Grange and contributes very materially to its prosperity and growth.
A.S.: And now once more to our Worthy Master.
Song.
M.: Now, Brothers and Sisters, having merited and received the approval of your companions, I cordially invite you to join us in the enjoyment of the fruits of our labors in the preceding degrees.
The exercises at the table may be opened with song and the positrons around the table will be as follows: M. at the head, with Chap. at his left, L. at his right, and O. at the opposite end. When all have taken positions M will say: Worthy Chaplain, our harvest being ended, and the fruits thereof spread before us, it is meet that we return thanks to the Great Creator for these blessings.
Chap.: Heavenly Father, who openest Thine hand to satisfy the desires of every living thing, make us grateful for Thy present provision, and may the strength it imparts be expended in Thy service and that of humanity.
All: Amen.
Make the Feast cheerful with pleasant conversation and songs. At the close of the Feast, M., standing at his place at the table, will call to order and deliver this closing Lecture of the Degree.
M.: Another season in the work of our Order has passed. The lessons we have endeavored to inculcate are appropriate to all the walks and seasons of life. In the morning or Springtime, as Laborers and Maids in field and household, we are admonished to be diligent—persevering in our researches for truth, and in a faithful discharge of the various duties that devolve upon us. As Cultivators and Shepherdesses, we are impressed with maxims that lead to habits of observation, industry and order in life’s Summertime. As Harvesters and Gleaners, we learn to be joyous and thankful for the blessings that, in each Autumn, reward our efforts to increase the store of comfort and happiness vouchsafed to man. And when the ripened fruits and falling leaves of Autumn give place to Winter, as Husbandmen and Matrons—Patrons of Husbandry, indeed—we can enter into the enjoyment of that rest from physical labor which gives us leisure for mental and social culture; and which, in our Order, brings us into that circle where unbounded confidence prevails, and where the welfare of each is bound up in the good of all. Let us treasure up the lessons we have learned, both by successes and failures, plan wisely and hopefully for the future, and strive to make our lives as harmoniously beautiful and bountiful as are the works of Nature’s God.
Note—Inasmuch as the Harvest Feast and the accompanying lecture constitute a beautiful climax to the degree, this portion should be made as impressive as possible.
 
 
Closing
 
M.: Worthy Overseer, are the labors of the day completed?
O.: They are, Worthy Master.
M.: As there is no more work for us today, the Steward will see that the implements are properly secured for the night.
S.: All is secure, Worthy Master.
M., calls up: Brothers and Sisters: As we are again to separate, and mingle with the world, let us not forget the precepts of our Order. Let us add dignity to labor, and in our dealings with our fellowmen be honest, be Just, and fear not. We must avoid intemperance in eating, drinking and language; also in work and recreation, and whatever we do, strive to do well. Let us be quiet, peaceful citizens, feeding the hungry, helping the fatherless and the widows, and keeping ourselves unspotted from the world.
Closing Song.
Grange Salutation.
M.: Worthy Overseer, please proclaim the Grange closed.
O.: By command of the Worthy Master, I proclaim this Grange duly closed until again lawfully opened, in F. in H. in C. and with F.
M.: So be it.
All repeat: So be it.
Chap.: May the Divine Master protect, guide and bless us all, now and evermore.
All: Amen.
M.: Worthy Steward, inform the Gate Keeper that the labors of the day are closed.
S.: Worthy Gate Keeper, the Worthy Master directs me to inform you that the labors of the day are closed.
Master closes Grange with one rap of gavel.

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