Daughters of America
Initiation Ritual


 
1976

Opening Exercises
 
Councilor shall say: ... Council, No. ... convenes this evening to transact such business as may be legally presented. Those not members of the Order please retire. Sentinels, secure the doors. Members will maintain perfect order throughout this meeting. Inside and Outside Sentinels, advance to this station to be examined in the annual and permanent passwords, and then return to your stations.
NOTE I: Inside and Outside Sentinels shall march from the anteroom to the Vice Councilor’s station, then open order and march through the center of the room by passing on either side of the Altar to the Councilor’s station and then return to their stations in the same manner (always turning at right angles) The Inside Sentinel shall first give the password to the Councilor and then the Outside Sentinel shall give the password to the Councilor.
NOTE 2: If the Christian Flag is nor presented and the Altar prepared the Jr Past Councilor shall open the Bible at the beginning of the Devotional Exercises It is also recommended where Councils have the presentation of the Christian Flag that the Jr Past Councilor mark the page of the scripture she desires to read before the meeting opens so she will not have to page over the Bible when she reads same in the opening exercises.
COUNCILOR: Conductor and Warden, advance to this station to be examined in the annual password. Then proceed to take up the annual password and report to me all not in possession of the same.
NOTE 3: when the Conductor and Warden are taking up the password from the members, if either come to a member who is nor in possession of the password she should ascertain from the member whether she is in good standing in the Council. and if she is, this shall be reported to the Councilor in this manner “COUNCILOR, I FIND SISTER ... (OR BROTHER ...) WITHOUT THE PASSWORD,” and the Councilor shall then instruct the Officer to give the password to the member If the member reports to the Conductor or warden that she is not in good standing they should ask the member to go to the Financial Secretary and place herself in good standing, and then obtain the password from the Councilor If the member is not prepared to pay her dues, the Conductor or warden may pass the member, as she is permitted by the Laws to remain in the Council meeting without voice or vote No visiting member is allowed to remain in the Council meeting unless she is in possession of the password or unless she presents to the Councilor an official receipt for dues showing her dues have been paid as required by law The Official Receipt for Dues must be the Official dues card as provided by the National Council.
NOTE 4—Where there is a large meeting and the Councilor appoints several members to assist the Conductor and Warden in taking up the password, after the password has been taken up, all shall assemble in the rear of the room just before the Vice Councilors station with the Conductor and Warden in the center. Those who have been appointed to assist the Conductor and Warden shall privately report to the Conductor and Warden, and then the Conductor and Warden march to the altar and make their report to the Councilor. If all members have given the password the Conductor and Warden shall then take three steps backward from the altar. The Conductor should take two steps to the left and the Warden should take two steps to the right, and then march straight to their stations. The other members who have assisted the Warden and Conductor shall also resume their places. Throughout the ritualistic work when Officers approach the altar to make reports they should always take three steps backward before advancing to their stations or before making a turn to retire from the council room.
NOTE 5—A member who is in arrears for dues; that is, who is not in good standing in the Council in accordance with the laws of the Order, may sit in the Council meeting. but she shall nor be permitted to speak, vote, or take any part whatsoever in the business of the meeting. It shall be the duty of the Financial Secretary to notify the Councilor if any member who is in arrears for dues as defined by the Laws of the Order, attempts to take part in the business of the meeting.
ALL MEMBERS WHEN GIVING THE PASSWORD MUST RISE.
CONDUCTOR: Councilor, I find all members on your right qualified to remain.
WARDEN: Councilor, I find all members on your left qualified to remain.
COUNCILOR: You have heard the report of the Conductor and Warden. Is there any member in the hail who has not given the annual password? If so, will you please rise.
COUNCILOR:  Inside Sentinel, instruct the Outside Sentinel to enter the Council Room.
COUNCILOR:  Outside Sentinel, what are your duties?
OUTSIDE SENTINEL:  To guard all approaches to the outer door and to receive the permanent password from tardy members. I am also to examine all members in the permanent password who remain in the anteroom during the opening exercises of the Council.
COUNCILOR: Inside Sentinel, what are your duties?
INSIDE SENTINEL: To guard the inside door of the Council room: to receive the annual password from tardy members, and to admit no one until instructed to do so by the proper authority.
COUNCILOR: Treasurer, what are your duties?
TREASURER: To receive all money from the Financial Secretary; to give a receipt for the same, to pay all checks, when they are legally authorized, signed by the Councilor, and attested by the Recording Secretary.
COUNCILOR:  Financial Secretary, what are your duties?
FINANCIAL SECRETARY:  To keep a correct record of the finances of this Council; to receive all dues, fines, and any other money due the Council; to turn all money received by me over to the Treasurer at the close of the meeting, taking her receipt for the same.
COUNCILOR:  Assistant Financial Secretary, what are your duties?
ASSISTANT FINANCIAL SECRETARY: To assist the Financial Secretary. I am to act under her instructions, and, in her absence, I am to take her place and perform her duties and assume all the responsibilities of the Financial Secretary.
COUNCILOR: Recording Secretary, what are your duties?
RECORDING SECRETARY: To record correctly all proceedings of the meeting; to conduct all correspondence for the Council, unless otherwise ordered, and to perform any other duty that may be intrusted to me.
COUNCILOR: Assistant Recording Secretary, what are your duties?
ASSISTANT RECORDING SECRETARY: To assist the Recording Secretary in the discharge of her duties and, in her absence, to assume her office and perform her duties.
COUNCILOR: Conductor, what are your duties?
CONDUCTOR: To assist the Warden in taking up the annual password at the opening of the Council, in the balloting for candidates and the initiation. During the closing exercises I am to assist in collecting all Jewels, Rituals, Ode Cards, etc., and place them in the Councilor’s charge.
COUNCILOR: Warden, what are your duties?
WARDEN: To assist the Conductor in taking up the annual password at the opening of the Council, in the balloting for candidates and the initiation. To have charge of the keys to the wardrobe. During the closing exercises I am to assist in collecting all Jewels, Rituals, Ode Cards, etc., and place them in the Councilor’s charge. After the Council has been closed, lam to place all property of the Council under secure lock and key.
COUNCILOR: Associate Vice Councilor, what are your duties?
ASSOCIATE VICE COUNCILOR: To assist the Vice Councilor in the discharge of her duties and, in her absence, to take her chair and assume her duties.
COUNCILOR: Associate Councilor, what are your duties?
ASSOCIATE COUNCILOR: To assist the Councilor at all times and, in her absence, to take her chair and assume her duties.
COUNCILOR: Vice Councilor, what are your duties?
VICE COUNCILOR: To assist the Councilor and Associate Councilor in the discharge of their duties and, in the absence of both, to take the Councilor’s chair and assume her duties.
COUNCILOR: Associate Junior Past Councilor, your station is at the left of the Councilor, opposite the altar. What duties have you to perform?
ASSOCIATE JUNIOR PAST COUNCILOR: To assist with the devotional exercises by leading in the Lord’s Prayer; and to give any other assistance desired. I am also to assist in the closing exercises.
COUNCILOR: Junior Past Councilor, your station is at the right of the Councilor, opposite the altar. You have attained the highest honors in the gift of this Council. What further duties have you to perform?
JUNIOR PAST COUNCILOR: To assist with the devotional exercises by reading a portion of the Scripture; to assist the Officers and members, wherever possible, by giving instructions and advice to the best of my ability; to assist in the closing exercises, and to conduct myself as one worthy of the honors to which I have attained.
COUNCILOR: I expect each Officer to attend strictly to her duties, and trust that the members will be orderly and attentive to the business of the evening. My own duties are to preside at the Council meetings, to be impartial in all decisions which I may be called upon to make, to use my influence to promote peace and harmony, to have charge of the Rituals and private work of the Order, to keep all secret work under secure lock and key when not in use in the Council, and to assume such other duties as I may be called upon to perform.
COUNCILOR: Junior Past Councilor and Associate Junior Past Councilor, please conduct the devotional exercises.
COUNCILOR GIVES THREE RAPS WITH THE GAVEL, CALLING UP THE COUNCIL.
JUNIOR PAST COUNCILOR: I have read ... verses of chapter ... of the book of ...
ASSOCIATE JUNIOR PAST COUNCILOR: Let us pray.
 
 
Prayer
 
Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors: and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
COUNCILOR: The Council shall Pledge Allegiance to the American Flag.
MEMBERS REPEAT IN UNISON: I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America – and to the Republic for which it stands – one nation under God indivisble – with liberty and justice for all.
COUNCILOR: Members, stand at attention, and join in singing the first verse of the Star Spangled Banner.
COUNCILOR: The Council shall join in singing the Opening Ode.
 
 
Opening Ode
 
Lord, while for all mankind we pray,
Of ev‘ry clime and coast,
O hear us for out native land.
The land we love the most.
 
Guard thou our shores from ev’ry foe,
With peace our borders bless,
Out cities crown with prosp’rous times,
Our fields and labors bless.
 
Lord of the nations thus to Thee,
Our country we commend,
Be thou her refuge and her trust
Her everlasting friend
Amen
COUNCILOR: Sisters and Brothers, as members of this beloved Order, which is founded upon faith in God, devotion to our country, and the perpetuation of liberty and of our free institutions, we meet this evening. Upon each rests the responsibility of doing all in her power to promote the principles, to advance the cause, and to guard the secrets of our Order. In your hands is placed the golden casket of Americanism. As guardians of this sacred charge, you must be ever mindful of our solemn vows and obligations. As Sisters and Brothers, will you be loyal, loving, and patriotic?
ALL MEMBERS REPLY: I will.
COUNCILOR: With the assurance of this pledge, the Council is now duly opened for the transaction of such business as may be legally presented.
COUNCILOR GIVES ONE RAP WITH GAVEL, SEATING THE COUNCIL.
COUNCILOR: Inside Sentinel, you will admit all members waiting in the anteroom.
Order of Business
1. Calling the roll of Officers.
2. Receiving of National and State Officers.
3. Reading of the Minutes of the previous meeting.
COUNCILOR: You have heard the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting, are there any errors or omissions? They shall stand approved as read (or corrected.)
4. Report of the sick and distressed.
5. Report of the Investigating Committee.
6. Balloting for Candidates.
7. Initiation.
8. Collection of Dues (always open until closing ceremony).
9. Report of Special Committees.
10. Report of Standing Committees and Officers,
11. Propositions for Membership.
12. Deferred business.
13. New business.
14. Silver offering.
 

Initiation


COUNCILOR: The regular Officers shall vacate their Stations at this time, and the Initiatory Officers shall take their places.
COUNCILOR: Inside Sentinel, please ascertain if there are any candidates waiting to be initiated.
INSIDE SENTINEL: Councilor, I find a candidate (or candidates) waiting to be initiated.
COUNCILOR: Conductor, retire to the anteroom and ascertain the name (or names) of the candidate (or candidates) waiting to be initiated.
CONDUCTOR: Councilor, I find  ...  who desires (or desire) to become a member (or members) of our Order.
COUNCILOR: Recording Secretary, has the applicant (or have the applicants) been duly elected?
COUNCILOR: Associate Councilor, retire with the Conductor to the anteroom and examine the applicant (or applicants) for membership.
ASSOCIATE COUNCILOR: You have applied for admission into this Council of the Daughters of America, a patriotic fraternity, which seeks to aid in preserving and perpetuating the Public School system; to instill a spirit of patriotism into the youth of our land; to place our flag over every schoolhouse; to promote the reading of the Holy Bible therein; and to protest against the immigration of paupers, criminals, and the enemies of our social order. If you endorse the objects of this Order, raise your right hand and repeat after me the following:
CALLING UPON ALMIGHTY GOD TO WITNESS,- I DO SOLEMNLY VOW,- THAT I SEEK MEMBERSHIP- IN THIS ORDER WITH HONEST PURPOSE,- TO ASSIST TO THE EXTENT OF MY ABILITY- IN CARRYING OUT THE OBJECTS AND PRINCIPLES OF THIS ORDER. I SOLEMNLY PROMISE TO KEEP SECRET- ALL I HAVE SEEN OR HEARD,- OR MAY SEE OR HEAR,- DURING MY INITIATION.
After all the candidates have signed the pledge book the Associate Councilor and Conductor shall enter the Council room in form, approach the altar, salute the Councilor, and then the Associate Councilor shall make her report as follows: Councilor, I find the candidate (or candidates) qualified for membership.
COUNCILOR: Captain of the Guards, we are now ready to proceed with the initiation.
THE COUNCILOR SHALL GIVE TWO RAPS OF THE GAVEL, CALLING UP THE OFFICERS AND GUARDS.
At the Captain’s signal Flag Bearer No 2 shall take position at the head of the guards who are stationed to the left of the room, which shall be the even-numbered guards Flag Bearer No I shall take her position at the head of the guards at the right of the Council room, this shall be the odd-numbered guards. Flag Bearer No 2 shall lead the even-numbered guards across the hall past the Councilor’s station to the right of the room. Flag Bearer No. I shall lead the odd numbered guards across the room past the Councilor’s station to the left of the room Flag Bearer No I shall pass to her right of Flag Bearer No 2 The flag bearers shall then lead the guards down the side of the room to a point just opposite the Junior Past Councilor’s and Associate Junior Past Councilor’s stations, then right and left face inwardly, march to center of hall, column right and left, form twos, then down the center of the hall. At the Vice Councilor’s station they shall column left and march around the hall.
The Outside and Inside Sentinels shall step into line behind the guards, the Associate Junior Past Councilor, preceded by her Staff Officers, shall be next to step into line, next, the Junior Past Councilor, preceded by her Staff Officers, next, the Vice Councilor and Associate Vice Councilor, preceded by the Staff Officers, next, the Conductor and Warden, next, the Associate Councilor and Councilor, preceded by the Staff Officers. This will bring the Associate Councilor and Councilor to the rear. As the flag bearers come to the Vice Councilor’s station on this round, they shall column left, march to the front of the hall in a “V” formation, the open part of the “V’ to be at the Councilor’s end of the hail. At this point the Captain shall give a signal, and the guards and Officers shall salute the Councilor (Some member, preferably the Deputy, should be appointed to occupy the Councilor’s station while the Officers are preparing for the initiation.
After being recognized by the Councilor, the Captain shall give command and the Flag Bearers and team shall march forward to the Councilor’s station then turn right and left marching down each side of the hall to the stations of the Jr Past Councilor and Associate Jr Past Councilor then march over to the Altar and then right and left turn to the Vice Councilor’s stations, column left and march around to the right side of hall as viewed from the Councilor’s station and march in open order to the anteroom door.
As the flag bearers come within a few feet of the property room door. The Captain shall give command to halt. The guards and Officers shall right and left face inwardly. The flag bearers shall right and left face outwardly, countermarch to the rear, then right and left face inwardly and march through the center of the column, followed by the Councilor and Associate Councilor these to be followed by the Councilor’s Staff Officers, and then the next two, and so on, until they have all passed into the property room.
The flag bearers, however, are to stop at the property room door, step aside, and let the other Officers and guards pass through into the property room. This line-up will leave the flag bearers at the property room door at the head of the column ready to re-enter the Council room The guards and Officers, after marching into the property room, shall all make, one-half right pivot turn, facing the property room door. This will place the guards at the head of the column and the Officers in the rear all ready to re-enter the Council room without any change in position. While in the property room the Officers and guards shall clothe themselves in the proper regalia of their respective offices. Some members may be appointed to distribute the regalia to the Officers so they are not required to break their formation (it is suggested that this be done as quickly as possible so no unnecessary time be wasted in the property room.
After being properly clothed for the initiation, the Officers shall be lined up behind the flag hearers and guards in the following formation:
First         — Outside and Inside Sentinels
Second      — Junior Past Councilor and Associate Past Councilor, preceded by their four Staff Officers (The Staff Officers of the Associate Junior Past Councilor shall be first.
Third        — Vice Councilor and Associate Vice Councilor, preceded by the two Staff Officers
Fourth      — Conductor and Warden
Fifth         — Associate Councilor and Councilor, preceded by the two Staff Officers
CAPTAIN: Councilor, the Officers have been stationed and the guards are now ready to proceed with the initiation.
Councilor gives one rap of the gavel seating the officers.
COUNCILOR: Conductor and Warden, retire to the anteroom and escort the candidate (or candidates) here for initiation.
COUNCILOR: Inside Sentinel, the Council is now ready for the admission of the candidate (or candidates).
INSIDE SENTINEL: Who gives the alarm?
CONDUCTOR: The Conductor and Warden of this Council, with a candidate (or candidates), who seeks (or seek) admission to our Order.
INSIDE SENTINEL, opens door: WELCOME!
COUNCILOR GIVES THREE RAPS WITH GAVEL, CALLING UP THE COUNCIL..
CONDUCTOR: Councilor, permit me to introduce to you this stranger (of these strangers) who desires (or desire) to know the mysteries of our Order.
COUNCILOR: Stranger (or strangers), it gives us pleasure to receive petitions for knowledge of our Order. We are glad to welcome all who may prove themselves worthy. We trust you may be of this class, and that we may henceforth labor together for the promotion of the principles of this noble Order. The Council shall join in singing our Obligation Ode.
COUNCILOR: Are you, of your own free will, ready to proceed?
COUNCILOR: My friend (or Friends), think well what you do and say, that you may fully understand the obligation which you are about to take upon yourself. Place your left hand upon the American Flag and the Holy Bible and your right hand upon your heart and repeat after me the initiatory obligation.
COUNCILOR: If you cannot reach the Bible and flag, place your left hand upon the left shoulder of the person immediately in front of you and your right hand upon your heart.
COUNCILOR: Calling upon Almighty God to be my witness —and in the presence of the members: of this Order here assembled — with my left hand upon the American Flag and the Holy Bible —and my right hand upon my heart—I do solemnly pledge my word —upon my most sacred honor: that I will never reveal: repeat or disclose: or cause to be revealed: repeated or disclosed: either by word, written or spoken: or by any other means whatsoever —the secret work as contained in the Ritual: the signs: grip —passwords: or any of the secrets or private work: of the Daughters of America: unless I am so directed: counseled or commanded: by the Councilor.
I promise to do all in my power—to advance the interests of this Order: and of the Jr. Order United American Mechanics —promote its principles: cherish its aims: and extend its usefulness: I register here a solemn promise: to regard all the members of this Order: as my Sisters and Brothers: whose love I crave — and whose loyalty I seek: so that I may become a part of this great Organization.
I recognize that the laws of this Order: are for my guidance and protection: and I will cheerfully obey them.: I especially promise and vow: to respect and abide by all the laws: now in force: or that may hereafter be adopted: by either the National or State Council or by the Subordinate Council: of which I am a member.
Should my connections with this Order cease: by suspension —expulsion: or of my own free will: I will consider this obligation — binding upon me until death.
Members shall say: REMEMBER YOUR OBLIGATION.
 

Prayer
 
JUNIOR PAST COUNCILOR: Father of all, Giver of every good and perfect gift, we thank Thee for the promisejust given. Help us, we pray Thee, ever to remember the vows we have just taken as members of this Order. May we be true to Thee and to one another. Be with us in our homes, bless and guide us to the end of life, and receive us all at last into Thy Kingdom. Amen.
COUNCILOR: Conductor, escort this Sister (or these Sisters, or Sisters and Brothers) to the Vice Councilor for further instruction.
COUNCILOR GIVES ONE RAP WITH GAVEL, WHICH SEATS THE COUNCIL.
CONDUCTOR: Vice Councilor, I have this Sister (or Brother, or these Sisters and Brothers) in charge, who, having taken our obligation, desires (or desire) instruction in the lessons of Loyalty.
VICE COUNCILOR: LOYALTY should be an outstanding trait in the character of every true, honest American. No individual is ever deemed worthy of full confidence and respect unless he possesses those firm, dependable qualities which constitute LOYALTY. It is the test of your sincerity in the obligation which you have just assumed.
LOYALTY means resolute and undying devotion to a cause. To be loyal to a worthy cause is the highest exemplification of human greatness. The principles for which this Order stands are just and right and should be defended and upheld at all times. By giving them your loyal support you are helping to protect your beloved country. You are preserving its free and vital institutions and respecting and upholding its Constitution and laws, and you are helping to uplift its citizenship.
The history of all our wars demonstrates the PATRIOTISM and LOYALTY of the American solider. In times of war many of our soldiers gave their lives, othei’s sacrificed their health in proof of their LOYALTY to our country. We may never be called upon to make such extreme sacrifices, but as members of the Daughters of America may we never be found indifferent or lax in our LOYALTY to our Country, its institutions and its flag.
LOYALTY to the principles and laws of this Order may cost you time, talent, service and sacrifice. May you be willing to pay this price.
VICE COUNCILOR: Conductor, escort our Sister (or Brother, or these Sisters, or Sisters and Brothers) in Loyalty to the Junior Past Councilor, who will instruct her (or them) in the lessons of Love.
CONDUCTOR: Junior Past Councilor, this Sister (or Brother, or these Sisters, or Sisters and Brothers), having been instructed in the lessons of Loyalty, is (or are) now ready to be instructed in the lessons of Love.
JUNIOR PAST COUNCILOR: My Sister (or Brother, or my Sisters, or Sisters and Brothers), there is no bond stronger, no tie more enduring, no link more perfect, than an unselfish Love.
It gives to motherhood its chief adornment, to sisterhood its brightest jewel and to friendship the golden clasp. It was heaven-created.
It was an unselfish Love which moved the Heir to all creation to give His life for His fellow man. It was Love which fed the hope of Washington while the winter at Valley Forge was long, cold and dreary.
It was Love which moved our forefathers to suffer and to die so that their children and their children’s children, down to the end of time, might have the blessings of freedom. Out of the unselfish Love of our forefathers has grown our birthright and our free institutions; an inheritance which, as the years roll on, will increase in value, until the fruits of their unselfish Love will be a crown of glory, which in our land can be transmitted only to a true American. Wear in your heart this unselfish Love; wear on your brow, like a crown, your Americanism and let your hands never be weary in advancing our emblem: the Flag, which protects our homes, our Public Schools and our native land.
You are now our Sister (or Brother, or Sisters, or Sisters and Brothers) in the bonds of Love. May we never see the hour when the golden chain is broken.
JUNIOR PAST COUNCILOR: Conductor, escort our Sister (or Brother, or Sisters, or Sisters and Brothers) in Loyalty and Love, to the Associate Junior Past Councilor, who will instruct her (him or them) in the lessons of Patriotism.
CAPTAIN: Halt, right and left face inwardly, present flags.
ASSOCIATE JUNIOR PAST COUNCILOR: My Sister, (or Brother, or Sisters or Sisters and Brothers) our Founding Fathers have left us a priceless heritage, which is now our responsibility.
With steadfast loyalty we must uphold the Constitution of the United States and the Declaration of Independence. From time to time we are challenged to remember the values that are included in true Patriotism: all those things which have made our country the greatest on earth, for which we should be willing to die.
The American Flag tells a story of noble people carving a young nation from a virgin land, that rose from a dream: a dream that an entire nation could be totally free. And those who pledge her allegiance realize that an individual’s liberty is a God given right of every human being. (Picks up the American Flag, which is on her right and holds ii.) Sisters, (Brother, Sister, or Sisters and Brothers), this Flag is the sentinel of liberty and justice for all. Problems of interest to our country must be of interest to you. We musi place moral integrity above worldly possessions and treasure our birthright of American ideals.
There is something divine in true love for one’s country. Love to God, means love for those things which He created. God has showered on this land, blessings without number and has chosen you as the guardian of Freedom, to preserve it for the benefit of the human race.
May He enable you to guard and defend, to the end of time the great charge He has committed in your keeping.
ASSOCIATE JUNIOR PAST COUNCILOR: Conductor, you will escort our Sister (or Brother, Sisters, or Sisters and Brothers) in Loyalty, Love and Patriotism to places in the Council room where they will heed the words of the Conductor.
CAPTAIN: Recover flags, front face, column left, forward march.
CAPTAIN: Recover flags, front face, column left, forward march.
 
 
Tableau Explanation
 
CONDUCTOR: My Sister (or Brother), trusting that you have been favorably impressed with the lessons of Loyalty, Love, and Patriotism which you have just witnessed, we now desire to introduce an object lesson, which will convey to you the ideals of this splendid Order. Through our fraternal circle we desire to unite our Sisters and Brothers in cultivating and maintaining the broadest possible social relations, and at the same time to instill a real patriotic spirit into our members. To this end we wish to exemplify, reverence and respect for the American Flag. You see before you a tableau representing the principles and objects of our noble Order.
Observe Uncle Sam, representing our Government, to which we, as patriotic citizens, should ever be loyal. Next you see Liberty, that priceless boon, for which so many are yearning and for which our forefathers so nobly contended. The fruits of their labors and sacrifices we now enjoy.
In the background stands our Public School, over which the American Flag waves as its protection. Our aim is to place the Holy Bible therein, so that its lessons, which inspire us to deeds of Loyalty, Love and Patriotism may also inspire our children, who are to become the men and women of the future; we desire that they, too, may know and practice those principles which will uplift and ennoble them. in the foreground you see the guards and their Captain, who are ever ready to protect the principles of our Order.
You have this night assumed a high and responsible obligation. May it inspire you with a devotion to our principles, so that you may be faithful unto the cause in which we are engaged and so that you may always prove true to yourself, to your country and to your God.
COUNCILOR Gives THREE RAPS of gavel calling up the Council.
COUNCILOR: Council shall join in singing “America the Beautiful.”
CONDUCTOR: You shall be presented to our Councilor for final instructions.
CAPTAIN: Attention guards, right and left face inwardly.
CAPTAIN: Column left, open order, right and left face inwardly, present flags.
CAPTAIN: Recover flags, right and left face, column left, forward march.
CAPTAIN: Recover flags, right and left face, column left, forward march.
CONDUCTOR: Councilor, this Sister (or Brother, or these Sisters, or Sisters and Brothers), having proven true in Loyalty, Love, and Patriotism, is (or are) referred to you for final instructions.
COUNCILOR: My Sister (or Brother, or Sisters, or Sisters and Brothers), may the lessons which you have learned this evening be forever engraved upon your memory. As you have been instructed in the objects of our Order, it is unnecessary to repeat them; but it may be well to call your attention to a few facts which are of vast importance. We seek to aid in preserving and perpetuating the Public School system; to instill a spirit of Patriotism into the youth of our land; to keep our Flag flying over every schoolhouse in the nation; to promote the reading of the Holy Bible therein; and to protest against the immigration of paupers, criminals and the enemies of our democratic way of life. We, as Americans, claim the right to protect and to defend our homes, our country and our Public Schools. We oppose any foreign or sectarian interference with our National and our State laws.
Let us remember our obligations, to protect our homes, to defend our Flag and Public Schools, and with the strong arm of justice maintain and protect the rights of our native land.
You will now be invested with the regalia, or emblem, of our Order. Its colors are those of our country’s flag, red, white and blue, symbolizing the three great principles of our Order: Loyalty, Love, and Patriotism.
COUNCILOR: I shall instruct you in the annual and permanent passwords. On arriving at the outer door, after the opening of the Council session, you shall give raps. The Outside Sentinel shall open the door, and you shall give the permanent password which is ...
This will admit you to the anteroom. At the inside door you shall give raps. The inside Sentinel shall open the door and you shall give your name and the name and number of the Council of which you are now a member, which is ... Council, No. ... The Inside Sentinel shall report the same to the Vice Councilor, who shall order your admission, if correct. The Inside Sentinel shall open the door and you shall give to her the annual password, which is ... You will then be admitted.
COUNCILOR: I SHALL NOW INSTRUCT YOU IN THE SECRET SIGNS AND WORDS OF THE ORDER. PLEASE FOLLOW ME IN MAKING THESE VARIOUS SIGNS. THE CONDUCTOR AND WARDEN SHALL LEAD THE CANDIDATE (OR CANDIDATES) IN MAKING THESE SIGNS.
SALUTE TO THE FLAG: When you enter the Council room you shall approach the altar and face the flag, which is stationed to the right of the Conductor’s station and to your left as you stand before the altar facing the Conductor and flag. You shall give the military salute to the flag in this manner
SALUTATION SIGN: After saluting the flag, face the Councilor and make the Salutation Sign in this manner ... The Councilor shall rise and give the response to the Salutation Sign ... You will then be seated.
RETIRING SIGN: Wishing to leave the Council room while the Council is still in session, you shall advance to the altar, face the
Councilor and make the same sign as is made upon entering the Council ... The Councilor shall respond in this manner ... You are then at liberty to retire.
The GRIP OF THE ORDER is made in this manner ...
VOTING SIGN: In voting on any question the sign of the Order is made by the elevation of the left hand.
If a member wishes to cross the Council room while the Council is in session, she should never pass between the altar and the Councilor’s station.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO TIlE AMERICAN FLAG: In the opening exercises of the Council, all members are required to give the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag, all members should stand erect, facing the Flag, with the left arm hanging loosely at the side and place the right hand over the heart, keeping the right hand in this position while repeating the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Please join with me in this Pledge. (Give three raps.)
 “I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS: ONE NATION UNDER GOD: INDIVISIBLE —WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.”
COUNCILOR: Officers, members, and visiting members, this Sister (or Brother, or Sisters, or Sisters and Brothers), having been duly initiated and received into the Daughters of America, is (or are) entitled to all the protection and assistance of the Order, according to our laws. I therefore extend to you a hearty welcome in behalf of this Council.
JUNIOR PAST COUNCILOR: Heavenly Father, we ask Thy blessing upon this new member (or these new members) who has (or have) just assumed our obligation. Give us strength and incline our hearts to fulfill our pledge and carry out our every resolution. Be Thou with us and incline us more and more to obey Thy will, to execute Thy commands and to honor Thy great name and finally receive us into that great Council above, there to enjoy a continued fellowship one with another and with Thee forever. Amen.
COUNCILOR GIVES ONE RAP WITH GAVEL, SEATING THE COUNCIL.
COUNCILOR GIVES TWO RAPS WITH GAVEL, CALLING UP THE OFFICERS.
COUNCILOR: The Initiatory Officers shall vacate their stations to the regular Council Officers.
 
 
Closing Ceremonies
 
COUNCILOR: is there any further business for our consideration? If not, I shall proceed to close this meeting. Financial Secretary, report the receipts and expenditures of the meeting. Recording Secretary and Treasurer, make notation of the receipts and expenditures and enter them in detail upon your records.
COUNCILOR: The Council shall join in singing our Closing Ode.
COUNCILOR GIVES THREE RAPS WITH GAVEL.
COUNCILOR: Conductor and Warden, collect the Rituals, Ode Cards, Officers’ Sashes or regalia and put them in their proper places.
COUNCILOR: Sisters and Brothers, we are now about to separate, to mingle with the outside world. Let us remember that the ties which bind us encircle the earth. We have solemnly pledged each other to foster and strengthen this Order. Let us keep that pledge by our presence at the meetings and by seeking to unite others with us. Thus shall we benefit humanity and make the future of our loved ones more secure.
COUNCILOR: The Junior Past Councilor and Associate Junior Past Councilor shall approach the altar and conduct the closing exercises. (Doxology played softly.)
JUNIOR PAST COUNCILOR (AND ALL MEMBERS) THE LORD WATCH BETWEEN ME AND THEE WHEN WE ARE ABSENT ONE FROM ANOTHER.
COUNCILOR: I declare this Council closed until our next regular meeting, as provided by our By-laws, when it shall be reopened for the perpetuation of our most noble cause. (ONE RAP)