Improved, Benevolent, Protective Order of Elks of the World
Ritual

1986

Opening
Secular Session

The Exalted Ruler takes his seat, properly apparelled and by one rap of the gavel calls the Lodge to order.
Exalted Ruler: Brother Esquire, you will organize the Lodge.
Esquire: The Lodge has been duly organized.
Exalted Ruler: Brother Inner Guard.
Inner Guard: Exalted Ruler.
Exalted Ruler: Invite all Elks to come within, and guard the door.
Inner Guard: Exalted Ruler, your orders have been obeyed.
Exalted Ruler: Brother Inner Guard, what is necessary before a Lodge of Elks can be regularly assembled?
Inner Guard: All present must be vouched for as Elks in good standing.
Exalted Ruler: Brother Secretary.
Secretary: Exalted Ruler.
Exalted Ruler: Are you satisfied that all present are brothers in good standing?
Secretary: I am, with the exception of the visiting brothers (if any).
Exalted Ruler: Brother Esteemed Loyal Knight.
Esteemed Loyal Knight: Exalted Ruler.
Exalted Ruler: What say you?
Esteemed Loyal Knight: That we prove it.
Exalted Ruler: As a proof the Esteemed Loyal and the Esteemed Lecturing Knights will obtain the word and grip from those present, and convey the same to me.
These officers shall examine those on their respective sides, commencing on the right and left of the Exalted Ruler, and shall meet at the altar, facing Exalted Ruler. Both shall then face inward and the Lecturing Knight give word and grip to the Loyal Knight. The latter shall convey the same to Exalted Ruler, and return to Lecturing Knight, then both face toward their chairs and return.
Exalted Ruler: Brothers, the word and grip are correct I am satisfied and will proceed to open the Lodge.
* *. Officers only will arise.
Exalted Ruler: Brother Esteemed Leading Knight.
Esteemed Leading Knight: Exalted Ruler.
Exalted Ruler: What is the object of our organization?
Esteemed Leading Knight: To practice charity towards all mankind, and our brothers in particular, and to promote friendship and social intercourse among our worthy members.
Exalted Ruler: What is your duty?
Esteemed Leading Knight: To assist the Exalted Ruler in maintaining order, to require brothers to be respectful and decorus during Lodge hours, to enforce in your absence a due observance of the laws, to assist you in the performance of your duties and to stand ready to hear the cry of the afflicted, and aid those in distress.
Exalted Ruler: What is the motto of your station?
Esteemed Leading Knight: Charity.
Exalted Ruler: Brother Esteemed Loyal Knight.
Esteemed Loyal Knight: Exalted Ruler.
Exalted Ruler: What is your duty?
Esteemed Loyal Knight: To assist in the conduct of the business of the Lodge, and to prosecute charges when justly made.
Exalted Ruler: How should our deliberations be conducted?
Esteemed Loyal Knight: Justice should prevail in all our transactions.
Exalted Ruler: What is the motto of your station?
Esteemed Loyal Knight: Justice.
Exalted Ruler: Brother Esteemed Lecturing Knight.
Esteemed Lecturing Knight: Exalted Ruler.
Exalted Ruler: What is your duty?
Esteemed Lecturing Knight: To assist in the work of initiation, to explain the purpose and principles of our Order, and to impress upon the minds of all the brothers the necessity of "doing unto others as we would have others do unto us."
Exalted Ruler: How should our intercourse as Elks be governed?
Esteemed Lecturing Knight: We would learn to bear and forbear.
Exalted Ruler: What is the motto of your station?
Esteemed Lecturing Knight: Brotherly Love.
Exalted Ruler: Brother Esquire.
Esquire: Exalted Ruler.
Exalted Ruler: What is your duty?
Esquire: To assist the Exalted Ruler, to conduct the initiation, to open and close the lodge in due form, to see that signs are given correctly, examine and introduce visiting brothers, make all due preparations for work and guard the darkened traveler on his way.
Exalted Ruler: Brother Inner Guard.
Inner Guard: Exalted Ruler.
Exalted Ruler: What is your duty?
Inner Guard: To guard well the inner door of the Lodge and permit no one to enter except such as are duly qualified.
Exalted Ruler: Brother Esteemed Leading Knight.
Esteemed Leading Knight: Exalted Ruler.
Exalted Ruler: What is the duty of the Exalted Ruler?
Esteemed Leading Knight: To preside over the deliberations of the Lodge and see that all members treat each other with Charity, Justice and Brotherly Love.
Exalted Ruler: What is the motto of this station?
Esteemed Leading Knight: Fidelity
* * * *.
 

Prayer

Chaplain: Thou, O Lord, art just and powerful: O defend our cause against the enemy.
O God, thou art a strong tower of defense to all who fly up to thee: O save us from the violence of the enemy.
O Lord of hosts, fight for us that we may glorify thee.
O suffer us not to sink under the weight of our sins, or the violence of the enemy.
O Lord, arise, help us, and deliver us for thy Names sake, Amen.
Exalted Ruler: Fidelity, my brothers, embraces all the others, for while we remain faithful to our obligations we will act toward each other with Charity, Justice and Brotherly Love. The duty devolves upon the Exalted Ruler to judge impartially on all questions arising in the Lodge and that our business may be conducted with proper decorum, I ask the cordial assistance of all the brothers.
With this explanation, I now declare … Lodge No. … regularly opened. Brothers will unite in singing the opening ode.
Previous to opening the Esquire will see that the brothers are provided with ode books.
 

Opening Ode

Great Ruler of the Universe,
All seeing and benign,
Look down upon and bless our work
And be all glory thine;
And let this be our sign, O Elks,
And let this be our sign,
The Golden Rule our motto true,
For days of "Auld Lang Syne."
Exalted Ruler: Brother Esquire arrange the altar.
Exalted Ruler: Brothers will please give the sign.
*.
Exalted Ruler: Brother Inner Guard, inform the Tiler that the Lodge is regularly opened.
 

Initiation Instructions

When the Exalted Ruler directs the Esquire to prepare the necessary paraphernalia, and when ready to report, the Esquire will select his assistants, giving them all necessary instructions. When everything is in readiness, he should make the announcement: Exalted Ruler, all is prepared for the work of initiation.
If the Exalted Ruler is ready, the Esquire in company with his assistants, all properly appareled, will retire, after saluting, and receive from the Tiler the candidates furnished by the Secretary. When ordered to enter, the Esquire and his assistants will do so, as per Ritual. When directed to "seize and bind the candidate," he will do so in a quiet manner, with no unnecessary violence or rudeness. He will also supervise the City Barber or City Surgeon, answering such questions as the Exalted Ruler may ask. When requested to test the perceptive qualities, he will hand the candidate two or three familiar objects, such aspen-knife, keys, coins, etc., and then the …
When ordered to convince the candidate, he will break the ... as usual, and the ... shall be used. When ordered to conduct the candidate temporarily to the ante-room, he will do so, and place him in charge of the City Surgeon, or City Barber, or when there is more than one candidate, in charge of some brother who will permit no one to molest the candidate while awaiting the order to be reconducted before the Lodge. After the candidate has been tested, etc., he will, by order of Exalted Ruler assisted by a necessary quota of the brothers, reconduct the candidate within the lodge room, and march him slowly in front of the altar.
During the obligation he will see that all candidates repeat the words distinctly and accurately, when ordered by the Exalted Ruler, and when all are unbound will answer thus: Exalted Ruler, your orders have been obeyed.
When the obligated brothers are asked the questions as to what "they most desire," the Esquire and assistants will whisper distinctly the PROPER WORD in the ears of the brothers, so that they can reply correctly. The Esquire, when ordered to remove the blindfolds, should see that it is done promptly and simultaneously at the sound of the gavel. He will obey the orders of the Exalted Ruler in conducting the brothers to the various stations. At the Esteemed Loyal Knight’s station he will assist, if requested by that officer, in conferring the grip, words, signs, etc. When directed to place the brothers in position for the final charge, he will arrange them before the altar and remain standing with them until they are ordered to seats in the Lodge.
When the Esquire and his assistants apply at the outer door of the Lodge, the Inner Guard will, after being warned by the proper raps from the Esquire, address the Esquire through the wicket.
 

Initiation

The Exalted Ruler will order the Esquire to prepare the necessary paraphernalia, and when ready to report, the Secretary will also retire, ascertain the name of the candidate, and if he signs the book of questions, report immediately back to the Lodge. If the Esquire has reported readiness, the Exalted Ruler will order the Esquire and assistants to retire and prepare the candidate.
While the candidate is being prepared, the Exalted Ruler calls up lodge: *.
Exalted Ruler: Brother Esquire.
Esquire: Exalted Ruler.
Exalted Ruler: You will prepare the necessary paraphernalia, and when ready report.
Exalted Ruler: Brother Secretary.
Secretary: Exalted Ruler.
Exalted Ruler: You will retire to the ante-room, ascertain the names of the candidates and report.
Secretary, returning: Exalted Ruler, I find in waiting …, who has complied with the requirements of our laws and desires to be initiated into our Order.
Esquire: Exalted Ruler
Exalted Ruler: Brother Esquire.
Esquire: Everything is prepared for initiation.
Exalted Ruler: You will select such assistants as you will find in waiting whom you will properly prepare for initiation and conduct to the outer door of the Lodge.
* * * *.
Exalted Ruler: My brothers, we are about to perform the solemn ceremonies of initiation. Brother Esteemed Leading Knight.
Esteemed Leading Knight: Exalted Ruler.
Exalted Ruler: What should be the duty of the Exalted Ruler during initiation?
Esteemed Leading Knight: To show by his fidelity to the work and Ritual his devotion to the noble objects of our Order, arid to preserve order.
Exalted Ruler: My brothers as the impressions produced on the mind of the candidate are liable to be lasting, I earnestly request that you preserve the utmost decorum during the progress of the initiation. You will avoid all loud conversation or other behavior likely to interrupt the officers in charge, or produce a bad impression upon the candidate. With this reminder of the important and impressive work we are about to undertake, I now declare this Lodge ready for initiation Brother Inner Guard, inform the Tiler that the Lodge is ready for work.
*.
When candidates have been prepared, the Esquire will approach the inner door and give the alarm.
Inner Guard in loud voice: Who comes there?
Esquire: The Esquire with a stranger who desires to be initiated into the mysteries of the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World.
Candidate blindfolded and bound, arms pinioned loosely.
Inner Guard: Exalted Ruler, the Esquire seeks admission with a candidate who desires to be initiated into the mysteries of the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World.
Exalted Ruler: His name?
Inner Guard: ….
Exalted Ruler: Who vouches for him?
Inner Guard: The Esquire.
Exalted Ruler: Is the candidate prepared?
Inner Guard: He is.
Exalted Ruler: Being prepared, admit him.
* * * *.
The door being opened, the candidate will advance a few paces in the Lodge room Candidate remains standing.
Exalted Ruler: Whom have we here?
Esquire: A candidate blindfolded, who desires to be initiated into the mysteries of the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World.
Exalted Ruler: Mr …, do you of your own free will present yourself as a candidate for initiation in this Order?
Candidate: I do.
Exalted Ruler: Do you believe in the existence of a Supreme Being?
Candidate: I do.
Exalted Ruler: Brother Esquire, are you satisfied that the candidate is qualified to become an Elk?
Esquire: I am.
Exalted Ruler: Then lead on the stranger.
*.
Slow music As candidate passes, Exalted Ruler stops him with one (*) blow of the gavel Same Esteemed Lecturing Knight, same Esteemed Leading Knight, and Loyal Knight.
Slow music during these dialogues.
Exalted Ruler, *: Brother, clasp the hand of brother, stepping fearlessly through the night. Be ever ready with sympathy and with succor, the heart ever open and the hand ever extended.
Esteemed Lecturing Knight, *: He that walketh uprightly and speaketh the truth of his heart, shall abide with his brethren in brotherly love.
Esteemed Leading Knight, *: Though I speak with the tongues of men and angels, and have not Charity, I am become as sounding brass and the tinkling of a cymbal.
Esteemed Loyal Knight, *: A good man showeth favor and lendeth; he will guide his affairs with discretion; he hath disbursed, he hath given to his brothers; he is just to himself; he is just to his neighbor; he is just to all men; he abideth in justice, and shall be exalted among men.
The Esquire and Guide conduct candidate around while Lodge sings Ode of Welcome, ending in front of altar.
Exalted Ruler: …, you have been duly proposed and accepted by the members of this Lodge to become united with us in the humane work for which this Order was founded. The Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World is an organization devoted to the practice of charity, its fundamental principle being Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity. It is a secret organization, not however, in the sense in which fraternal societies are usually accepted, our one great secret being to dispense charity without ostentation and to keep sacred within our breasts the names of our brothers, who being overtaken by adversity and misfortune, may receive aid or relief at our hands.
Signs and passwords are used as a means of recognition to guard against imposition. Social features are connected with our organization in order to bring our brothers into closer communion and to cement more firmly the ties of friendship and fraternal love.
Before you can proceed further in this degree of our Order it will be necessary to exact from you a solemn and binding pledge. never to reveal any of the secrets that come to your knowledge in connection with our Order, and I assure you that you will not be asked to do or to obligate yourself to do anything that will conflict with your duty to yourself or your family, or your religious or political opinions If you cannot conscientiously take upon yourself such an obligation you will at once retire With this assurance are you willing to assume the obligation?
Candidate: I am
Exalted Ruler: Then take your position at the altar, kneeling upon both knees, with your hands resting upon the Bible.
When in position, Exalted Ruler will continue.
Let no one enter upon so important a duty without first invoking the blessing of the Grand Exalted Ruler of all.
Chaplain: Oh, Thou Most Exalted of all Rulers, we have gathered as the sons of men and Thy children to renew our obligation of brotherhood, and to learn lessons of Charity, Justice and Forbearance toward all mankind, thus to lighten each other’s burdens. Prosper us in this labor of love. Bless this candidate now kneeling before Thee, and encourage him in all his efforts. Grant that he may devote his life to Thy service, and become a true and faithful brother among us, so that he may be better enabled to display the beauties of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity. Teach us to know ourselves. In all our endeavors for good, lead us and all Elks into the green pastures of knowledge, and besides the still waters of peace. Amen.
All Elks: Amen.
Exalted Ruler: If the candidate at the altar is still desirous of taking the necessary obligation, he will say "I", pronounce his name in full and repeat after me.
The Brothers will assemble in front of the altar in a semicircle, the Exalted Ruler in the center.
 

Obligation

I, …, in the presence of the Supreme Being and this Lodge of Elks, do by my manhood solemnly promise and swear never to reveal any of the secrets that have been or are about to be committed to my charge and keeping.
I also promise and swear to obey the constitution, statutes, rules and regulations of the Grand Lodge of the Order, and the By-Laws of … Lodge No. … or any other Lodge of this Order with which I may hereafter be connected, when in my power to do so.
I also promise and swear to do all in my power to promote and advance the interests of the Order and those of its members, and to propose no person for initiation in this Order whom I do not sincerely believe worthy of membership, and to ballot against the admission of an unworthy person when proposed by another.
I also promise and swear to give such testimony as may be within my knowledge, upon any matter connected with the Order, when called upon to do so by any proper authority in the Order; and that I will never appeal to the courts to right a supposed or imaginary wrong without first appealing to the counsels of the Order.
I also promise that I will never reveal to anyone but an Elk the name of a brother receiving aid or relief from the Order, and that I will prefer charges against anyone during the same.
I also promise and swear I will never cheat, rob, or defraud a member of this Order of anything of value no matter how great or small, nor will I be a party to it being done by others, whether in or out of the Order.
All is still — Lights down.
I also promise and swear never to violate the chastity of the wife, mother, sister or daughter of an Elk, nor if I can possibly prevent it, will I permit others to do so, and if I break this oath, may I wander through the world forsaken, may I be pointed out as a person bereft of decency and manhood, too loathsome to hold communication with true and upright men, and may a Supreme Power help me and keep me steadfast in this my solemn and binding obligation in the Improved, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World. Amen.
All: Amen.
Exalted Ruler: As a token of sincerity the candidate will kiss the bible upon which his hands rest.
Exalted Ruler retires to his place, room still in darkness, candidate still kneeling.
Exalted Ruler: Brother Esquire, remove the cords that bind him, for he is now a brother under moral bonds, stronger than any material ones we could place upon him. My brother, in your present situation what do you most desire?
Esquire whispers: Sight.
Exalted Ruler: Brother Esquire, place your hands over the eyes of the brother and at the sound of the gavel remove the blindfold.
At the sound of the gavel Esquire and Guides will remove the blindfold. Gavel sound: * * *.
Room in total darkness — subdued silence for a moment.
Exalted Ruler: My brother, on being restored to sight. I first desire to congratulate you upon your admission thus far into our Order, and call your attention to the position Lights up— members standing about in a circle of the right hand of each brother here.
This is to teach you that while you remain faithful to the obligations you have just taken, these hands, and the hands of every Elk on the face of the earth will be stretched forth to your relief if in need, but on the contrary, should you prove unfaithful, these hands will he clenched to drive you from our midst and to punish you for your infidelity. Beware!
Take a step forward when hands are clenched, raised as if to strike.
Replace the blindfold.
Exalted Ruler: My brother, you may think it strange we thus again blindfold you. Its meaning you will, due time more fully understand.
*.
Exalted Ruler: Before you can proceed further, it will be necessary for you to give us an evidence that you are possessed of sufficient fortitude to resist any attempt to extort from you any of the secrets of the Order which you have just sworn at our altar to keep inviolate. Unless you are willing to undergo such a test, you will at once retire and give up all hope of ever becoming an Elk. Are you willing to undergo the test?
Candidate: I am.
Special paraphernalia may be used here by permission of the Grand Exalted Ruler.
Exalted Ruler: Brother Esquire, seize and bind him, conduct him to a seat.
Exalted Ruler: City Barber.
City Barber: Aye, aye, sir.
Exalted Ruler: Test the candidate’s firmness.
City Barber: Aye, aye, sir.
Exalted Ruler: What do you find?
C.B. examines … and ….
City Barber: His face needs cleansing and he has a little too much hair for the horns to set properly.
Exalted Ruler: What could you advise?
City Barber: I think the candidate should be ….
Exalted Ruler: What is the will of the Lodge?
Lodge: … all shout.
City Barber proceeds to ….
Exalted Ruler: Has the candidate suffered without flinching.
City Barber: He has.
Exalted Ruler: What should you further advise?
City Barber: The removal of all superfluous ….
Exalted Ruler: What is the will of the Lodge?
Lodge: ….
Exalted Ruler: Has the candidate suffered without shrinking?
City Barber: He has
Exalted Ruler: ‘Tis well City Surgeon.
City Surgeon: Aye, aye, sir.
Exalted Ruler: Examine the candidate’s pulse.
City Surgeon does so.
Exalted Ruler: What would you pronounce him?
City Surgeon: A man of very full habits.
Exalted Ruler: What would you advise?
City Surgeon: Relieving him of a few ounces of ….
Exalted Ruler: What is the will of the Lodge?
Lodge: … All say together.
Exalted Ruler: Has the candidate suffered without flinching?
City Surgeon: He has.
Exalted Ruler: Raise the candidate to his feet. If he be weak, let him partake of some refreshment.
Refreshments given him.
Exalted Ruler, sharply: Drink Be not afraid. If you do not like it, reject it.
The candidate is left standing, while the Exalted Ruler addresses him as follows:
Exalted Ruler: Mr. …, I congratulate you on the evidence you have given us on the possession of great fortitude, and three of the human senses, namely: seeing, hearing and tasting. We must now be satisfied that you possess as well the faculties of feeling and smelling. Reseat the candidate and test his perceptive qualities.
Here follows unwritten work. Pass over the objects quickly, scarcely giving candidate time to guess what they are, After this has been done the Exalted Ruler will proceed thus:
Exalted Ruler: Brother Esquire, remove the candidate to the ante-room there to remain until again summoned before the Lodge.
Two of the assistants retire with the candidate to the anteroom, reporting back as quickly as possible, while the Brother Esquire and assistants retire and introduce the next candidate. After the candidates have passed the tests singly, the remaining part of the degree will be conferred upon them all together, the cords having been removed in the anteroom The Esquire and his assistants will again present all the candidates at the door of the Lodge and give raps of admission as before, candidate blindfolded The Inner Guard will open the wicket and ascertain the cause of the alarm Two guides must accompany each candidate.
Inner Guard: Who come there?
Esquire: Brother …, who desires to receive further light in the mysteries of our Order.
Inner Guard: Has he made suitable proficiency in preceding work?
Esquire: He has
Exalted Ruler: Is he prepared?
Inner Guard: He is
Exalted Ruler: Then you will admit him.
As candidate enters, Exalted Ruler calls up Lodge with four blows (****) of gavel Lodge will sing Ode (or quartette may be substituted). When singing is concluded a guide will halt the candidate by gently slapping him on the right shoulder with his right hand.
*.
Guide, in a muffled voice: Whom have we here?
Esquire: A brother who is ready to receive the mysteries of our Order.
Guide: Ah, but how do you know him to be a brother?
Esquire: How do I know him to be a brother? Let me pass.
Guide: First answer my question.
Esquire: Because he has taken the same obligation all Elks have taken that have passed this way before.
Guide: Then he may pass.
When Esquire arrives opposite Exalted Ruler, the second guide stops the candidate.
Guide: Whom have we here?
Esquire: A brother who is ready to receive the mysteries of our Order
Guide: How do you know him to be a brother?
Esquire: Because he has taken the same obligation all Elks have taken that have passed this way before.
Guide: Then he may pass.
Candidate passes around room to Exalted Ruler.
Exalted Ruler: Whom have we here?
Esquire: A brother who is ready to receive the mysteries of our Order
Exalted Ruler: How do we know him to be a brother?
Esquire: Because he has taken the obligation
Exalted Ruler: My brother, before proceeding further it will be necessary for you to embark upon a pilgrimage in search of light and knowledge concerning the objects and purposes of the Order You will be accompanied by efficient guides, who will conduct you safely on the journey. Brother Esquire, you will call upon the guides of the Order to report for duty forthwith.
Esquire: Guides will please report.
Hurrying of feet.
Esquire: Exalted Ruler, your order has been obeyed the guide awaits instructions.
Exalted Ruler: Guides, you will now conduct this traveler on his journey. I need not caution you as to your conduct. You may proceed.
Slow music. The guides take candidate by the arm (all silent), lead him twice around the room and stop before a door set in a movable frame, supplied with bolts, chains, etc. Raps are given by the guide, responded to by Loyal Knight. After candidate has given password door is open. Sounds of bolts, chains, etc.
Esteemed Loyal Knight: If he would enter here, let the traveler give the pass-word
Traveler: Justice.
Esteemed Loyal Knight: These gates are ever open to those who come in the name of Justice. You may enter. At the treshold of life’s journey Justice stands like a sentinel, and with unerring judgment and equal favors challenges all who pass. "For Justice, all places a temple, all seasons summer", yet often is her fair temple desecrated and her summer’s sunshine clouded by those who use her robe to hide the hideous face of base hypocricy and cunning craft. Some may for a time escape her stern demands, but like a phantom she follows in the track of all — nor pauses at the sepulchre, but takes her place upon the judgment beyond and gives to each his final and just reward. You may now continue your journey.
Guides again lead candidate around the room and again pause at the door, now placed at the station of Leading Knight, Raps, etc., as before.
Esteemed Leading Knight (through door): Who seeks admission?
First Guide: A traveler who would pass.
Esteemed Leading Knight: If the traveler would pass this way, let him give the pass-word
Traveler: Charity.
Esteemed Leading Knight: The pass-word is correct; unbolt the gates and permit the traveler to enter
Rattle of bolts and chains.
Traveler, may Charity, in precept and example, find in you a worthy exponent. Life’s pilgrimage, upon which we all are embarked, leads ever onward, and no returning travelers meet us on the way From childhood’s dawn until the way is lost in gloom manhood’s night, we struggle with chains, the cares and burdens of our lives Many there are who fall beneath the weight and others toiling bravely on cannot escape the rough and rugged rocks that lie along the way. The strong oppress the weak, and in the mad and reckless chase for place and power — while lust of self and greed for gain and gold trample them down, regardless of their cries. The ear of Charity should be ever on the alert to catch the sign of distress, and hear the moan of pain. It should softly temper all relations of manhood, for Charity is akin to that mercy which we trust will be shown when life’s pilgrimage is ended, we pause for a moment at the edge of its horizon, while the dusk is slowly deepening into the night. Traveler, you may continue your journey.
Candidate is again led around the room this time to door of Lecturing Knight. Raps as before.
Esteemed Lecturing Knight: Who seeks admission here?
Guide: A traveler, who much fatigued from his long journey, would enter for a moment’s rest.
Esteemed Lecturing Knight: To the weary traveler on life’s tiresome journey these gates are ever open to those who have learned the pass-word. If the traveler is worthy of admission, let him give the pass-word.
Traveler: Brotherly Love.
Esteemed Lecturing Knight: Unbolt the gates and let the traveler enter. Guides, let such hospitality be shown our weary friend as may do full honor to that noble virtue, "Brotherly Love". With brotherly love administer to his wants and while he tarries may he find that needed strength which will the better fit him for his journey. Our motto is to "Do unto others as we would have others do unto us".
Gets refreshment, drink of water, etc Then place in chair facing across room. A section of the Lodge room is here masked with black cloth; ceilings, walls and floors are covered with black so that it presents appearance of small room entirely black, with candidate sitting in one end. At opposite end is placed a bier with form lying upon it, and standing about at end and rear, the forms of mourners, cloaked and hooded, wearing gray or other beards Lights in lodge room are extinguished and tapers placed at head and foot of bier. A spray of phosphorous thrown on the background will give a weird effect. Bell tolling slowly in ante-room while organ is softly playing. "Thanatopsis" is read from a position concealed behind candidate. Blindfold is removed.
 

Thanatopsis

To him who in the love of Nature holds
Communion with her visible forms, she speaks
A various language: for his gayer hours
She has a voice of gladness, and a smile
And eloquence of beauty, and she glides
Into his darker musings, with a mild
And healing sympathy, that steals away
Their sharpness, ere he is aware, When thoughts
Of the last bitter hour come like a blight
Over thy spirit, and sad images
Of the stern agony, and shroud, and pall,
And breathless darkness, and the narrow house,
Make thee to shudder, and grow sick at heart, —
Go forth, under the open sky, and list
To Nature’s teachings, while from all around —
Earth and her waters, and the depth of air —
Comes a still voice —
Yet a few days, and thee
The all-beholding sun shall see no more
In all his course, nor yet in the cold ground,
Where thy pale form was laid, with many tears
Nor in the embrace of ocean, shall exist
Thy image Earth, that nourished thee, shall claim
Thy growth, to be resolved to earth again,
And lost, each human trace, surrendering up
Thing individual being, shalt thou go
To mix forever with the elements,
To be a brother to the insensible rock
And to the sluggish clod, which the rude swain
Turns with his share, and treads upon The oak
Shall send his roots abroad, and pierce thy mold
Yet not to thine eternal resting place
Shalt thou retire alone, nor could’st thou wish
Couch more magnificent Thou shalt lie down
With patriarchs of the infant world — with kings,
The powerful of the earth — the wise, the good
Fair forms, and hoary seers of ages past,
All in one mighty sepulchre. The hills
Rock-ribbed and ancient as the sun, — the vales
Stretching in pensive quietness between
The venerable woods — rivers that move
In majesty, and the complaining brooks
That make the meadows green, and poured round all,
Old Ocean’s gray and melancholy waste —
Are but the solemn decorations of all
Of the great tomb of man The golden sun
The planets all the infinite host of heaven,
Are shining on the sad abodes of death,
Through the still lapse of ages All that tread
The globe are but a handful to the tribes
That slumber in its bosom. — Take the wings
Of morning, pierce the Barcan wilderness,
Or lose thyself in the continuous woods
Where rolls the Oregon, and hears no sound,
Save his own dashings — yet the dead are there:
And millions in those solitudes, since first
The flight of years began, have laid them down
In their last sleep — the dead reign their alone
So shalt thou rest, and what if thou withdraw
In silence from the living, and no friend
Take note of thy departure? All that breathe
Will share thy destiny. The gay will laugh
When thou art gone, the solemn brood of care
Plod on, and each one as before will chase
His favorite phantom; yet all these shall leave
Their mirth and their employments, and shall come
And make their bed with thee. As the long train
Of ages glides away, the sons of men,
The youth in life’s fresh spring, and he who goes
In the full strength of years, matron and maid
The speechless babe, and the gray-headed man —
Shall one by one be gathered to thy side,
By those, who in their turn shall follow them
So live, that when thy summons come to join
The innumerable caravan, which moves
To that mysterious realm, where each shall take
His chamber in the silent halls of death
Thou go not, like the quarry-slave at night,
Scouraged to his dungeon, but sustained and soothed
By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave
Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch
About him and lies down to pleasant dreams
While willing hands and loving hearts draw near
To do the last sad service for the dead.
* * * *.
Esteemed Lecturing Knight: If the traveler is sufficiently rested he will now continue his journey.
Replace hoodwink. Candidate is again led around room to door of Exalted Ruler. Raps, etc.
Exalted Ruler: If the traveler would enter here, let him first give the pass-word.
Traveler: Fidelity.
Exalted Ruler: The pass-word is correct; the traveler may enter. Fidelity, my friends, is the central pillar in life’s temple, upon which Justice, Charity and Brotherly Love may rest secure.
Justice — impartial — Charity unlimited — Brotherly Love, unrestrained, and Fidelity — unwavering; these are the grand principles upon which is erected the Improved, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World, and may the spirit of these virtues personified draw about you their enchanted circle.
As the time runs on in sun and shade, may you bear with you ever in life’s changing course the sense of obligation and of wrong — in your heart the rapture of a high resolve Life’s story has often been told, yet each must solve anew its problems for himself.
Dark is the mystery of our birth, and darker still the gloom that fills the vale of death.
Our time upon the stage of action is but brief, and in the tragedy we must each play a part The character is left for us to choose. A villain, if we will — or, man of honor, holding high above all other things, high as hope’s great throbbing star above the darkness of the dead — respect of virtue, and the love of home, and wife, and friend Midst swift shifting scenes that mark the action of the play, we by each other may oft be aided in our part, or from each other catch the inspiration of a high resolve, and to this end was born the brotherhood of Elks.
Exalted Ruler: Brother Esquire, you will now conduct the candidate to the ante-room, there to remain until again summoned before the Lodge.
After the removal of the paraphernalia the candidate will be presented at the outer door of the Lodge, without blindfold, the raps having been exchanged between the Esquire and Inner Guard, the candidate will be admitted and conducted before the altar.
Exalted Ruler: Brother Esquire, you will conduct the candidate to the station of the Esteemed Loyal Knight whom you will direct to invest the newly admitted brother with the test Oath, grand hailing sign, pass-word and grip of our Order.
Esquire: Brother Esteemed Loyal Knight, it is the order of the Exalted Ruler that you invest our newly admitted brother with the test oath, grand hailing sign, the password and the grip of the Order.
Esteemed Loyal Knight will proceed to exemplify unwritten work.
 

Instructions

My brothers, the pass-word of … is ….
The raps of entrance at the door are made in this manner * * * *.
The grand hailing sign, is made in this manner ....
These signs must only be given before the altar on entering or leaving the Lodge.
The pass-word of all Elks is ... and is given in the following manner: ….
The raps are given in this manner: ….
The grip of an Elk is given thus, ….
My Brother, you will now give strict attention to the dialogues between the Esquire and myself, and his answers would be yours, should you desire to prove yourself an Elk to obtain admission to another lodge, and constitutes the proper examination. Brother Esquire.
Esquire: Esteemed Loyal Knight.
Esteemed Loyal Knight: Repeat the test oath.
Esquire: I, in the presence of a Supreme Being, and those here assembled, do solemnly swear that I have been regularly initiated in the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World, and that I am now in good standing in ... Lodge, No. … from which I hail.
Esteemed Loyal Knight: Are you an Elk?
Esquire answers.
Esteemed Leading Knight (responds): What makes you an Elk?
Esquire: The obligation which I took upon myself in a regular organized Lodge of Elks having authority from the Grand Lodge.
Esteemed Loyal Knight: How can you prove yourself an Elk?
Esquire: By a sign, a password, a grip and the recital of the ceremonies of my initiation.
Esteemed Loyal Knight: Give me a sign.
Esquire gives the grand hailing sign.
Esteemed Loyal Knight: To what does that sign allude?
Esquire: To the branching antlers of an Elk.
Esteemed Loyal Knight: Give the brother the grip.
Esquire gives the grip.
Esteemed Loyal Knight: What is that?
Esquire: The only grip of the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World.
Esteemed Loyal Knight: What does it denote?
Esquire: That while I remain faithful to my obligation, I shall have the friendship and confidence of my brothers, and that they will ever be ready to take me by the hand.
Esteemed Loyal Knight: What is an Elk?
Esquire: A Cervus Alces.
Esteemed Loyal Knight: What do we obtain from that?
Esquire: Titles in the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World.
Esteemed Loyal Knight: Explain them.
Esquire: C. A. is the Latin for the word Elk — Deer; D-E-E-R, E-L-K, D-E, Dear Elk; E. R. Exalted Ruler; E-L-K. Esteemed Leading Knight, Esteemed Loyal Knight, and Esteemed Lecturing Knight.
Esteemed Loyal Knight: What is the foundation and ground work of our Order?
Esquire: The faults of our brothers we should write upon the sand, their virtues on the tablet of love and memory.
Esteemed Loyal Knight: What is the motto of our Order?
Esquire: To do unto others as we would have others do unto us.
The Esteemed Loyal Knight will then address the Esquire thus:
Esteemed Loyal Knight: Brother Esquire, conduct the brothers to the station of the Esteemed Leading Knight for further information.
The Esquire obeys the order.
Exalted Ruler: Brother Esteemed Leading Knight. Esteemed Leading Knight: Exalted Ruler. Exalted Ruler: Why are you obliged to swear before undergoing admission to a sister Lodge, that you are in good standing in the Lodge from which you hail?
Esteemed Leading Knight: In order to show that I have neither been expelled, nor stricken from the roll.
Exalted Ruler: Why were you blindfolded?
Esteemed Leading Knight: First, that I might not even see the lodge previous to taking upon myself the necessary obligation. Second, to evident to me my darkened state previous to becoming an enlightened brother.
Exalted Ruler: To what do the raps of admission allude?
Esteemed Leading Knight: To the four principal offices of the Lodge, but particularly to the mottoes of their respective stations, namely: Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love, and Fidelity.
Exalted Ruler: Why were you bound, burned and bled?
Esteemed Leading Knight: To show that for the benefit of the Order, I would become an uncomplaining prisoner, and suffer torture rather than betray any of its secrets.
Exalted Ruler: How did you prove yourself in possession of the five human senses?
Esteemed Leading Knight: First seeing, by finding my way unassisted to the outer door of the Lodge; Second, Hearing, by replying to all questions asked me; Third, Taste by rejecting the disagreeable fluid given me to drink; Fourth, by recognizing the form of the …, which when … proved my sense of smelling.
Exalted Ruler: Why did all brothers stretch forth their hands during the obligation?
Esteemed Leading Knight: In order to renew their pledges, and instruct me, their newly made brother.
Brother Esquire, you will now conduct the brother before the station of the Exalted Ruler for final instructions.
Exalted Ruler: Dear brother, you have been proposed and accepted as a member of the Order, and after compliance with our laws, have been duly initiated. You have by your actions assumed new relations to a number of earnest, zealous, conscientious men, banded together for a common interest and the general good You have agreed to become an exemplar of the manhood of our Order in the eyes of the world; to give a reason for its very existence. Why should it exist at all, if not for good? See, then, you act well your part of Charity, Justice, and Brotherly Love to all men, with Fidelity, thus justifying the noble objects of our Order. Act, therefore, in such a manner as to make the name of Elk, as borne by you, a still greater honor in the future than it has been in the past.
Remember, my dear brother, as we conduct ourselves in the outer world, so shall we, as Elks, be praised or censured. I charge you, therefore, that you avoid all acts or words that may tend to bring reproach upon our Order.
The grand hailing sign of our Order is gives it should only be given within the Lodge and at the altar.
The raps of admission gives them refer to the four principal officers of the Lodge, and to the mottoes of their respective stations, namely: Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love, and Fidelity.
We have but one password gives it which is universal and never changed, denoting that the one grand object that governs the many is to promote and enhance the welfare and happiness of each other and mankind in general.
On entering or retiring from a Lodge of Elks, you will advance directly in front of the altar and salute the Exalted Ruler with the grand hailing sign ….
The voting sign is made ….
Brother Esquire, you will now invest the newly received brother with the distinguishing badge of an Elk.
There is but one more point of instruction for you to receive.
The gavel in the hands of the Exalted Ruler is an emblem of authority.
One rap * gives it calls up the Lodge or seats it when standing.
Two raps ** gives them call up the officers.
Three raps *** gives them is the signal to remove the blindfold.
Four raps **** gives them call up the entire Lodge.
You will now reverse your position as you stand and be received by the entire Lodge in proper form.
Brothers, salute the junior member of our Order.
All give sign including candidate, after which the Esquire will again face the Brother to the Exalted Ruler.
Exalted Ruler: And now, my brother, I extend to you a most cordial greeting as a member of our fraternity, and welcome you as a member of … Lodge, No. .. of the Improved, Benevolent, and Protective Order of Elks of the World and declare you duly entitled to all the rights and privileges of our Order, after signing the Constitution and Laws.
The Brother then will work his way in with Esquire.
 

Closing

When the business of the session is ended, the Exalted Ruler will use the gavel and say:
Exalted Ruler, *: Brothers, having passed through our regular order of business and complied with our laws, I shall now proceed to close the Lodge, Brother Inner Guard, inform the Tiler.
Exalted Ruler: Officers and brothers, have we relieved the afflicted and aided those in distress?
Brothers answer: We have.
Exalted Ruler: Let no brother go forth with any bitterness in his heart, and may we ever act with Fidelity to our obligations and thereby merit the approval of the Exalted Ruler of all. Brothers will unite in singing the closing ode.
 

Closing Ode

We’ve finished our labor, the parting has come
And each of our brothers now goes to his home,
And our voices blending, we now will depart,
In perfect love, giving each note from the heart.
Each duty accomplished, each brother content,
Oh, thus may we ever our friendship cement;
May Charity, Justice and Brotherly Love
At last lead us all to the Grand Lodge above.
 

Closing Prayer

Chaplain: Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, who of His great mercy has promised forgiveness of sin to all those who with hearty repentance and true faith turn unto him, have mercy upon us, pardon and deliver you from all your sins; confirm and strengthen you in all goodness; and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Exalted Ruler: Brothers will give the sign, Brother Esquire, remove the emblem from the altar After removal: Without further ceremony, I now declare … Lodge No. … closed until the next regular session.
Giving one rap of the gavel, which is repeated by Esteemed Leading Knight.

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