Patriotic Order of Americans
Ritual for Subordinate Camps

1949

Opening Ceremony

When ready for the Opening the Pianist plays one stanza of "Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean," and at its conclusion strikes three chords, which is a signal for the Conductress to rise.
Conductress: A Camp of this Order is about to open for business; those not entitled to remain will please retire. Sister President, our out-posts are (or are not) guarded.
President: Sister Secretary, you will call the roll of Officers and note the absentees.
The Conductress will answer "present" or "absent" as the care may be, each Officer as their name is called will rise; if any vacancies appear, the President shall fill them by appointment. After the roll is called all may be seated.
President: The Conductresses will now perform their duties and report.
The Assistant President will step in front of the President’s station and remain standing there until Conductresses have finished their duties.
The Conductresses proceed side by side direct to the Altar, turn back to back, take three paces apart and proceed direct to the President’s station. Each will then take a Flag and place same over the left shoulder while taking up the password. After being examined by the Assistant President, they will proceed to take the password from the members, the Conductress on the left of the President, the Asst. Conductress on the right. In communicating the password, all members must stand erect and give it in a whisper accompanied with the Grip. In making the above examination the Conductress and Assistant Conductress shall report all members not properly informed and President shall instruct them to proceed to the Assistant President for proper instructions except such as may be visiting members, who must be vouched for by a member of their own Camp or present an official visiting card or be examined as to the right of being in Camp by a committee appointed for that purpose. When the circuit of the room has been completed, the Conductresses will meet in front of Vice-President’s station, change their flags to their right shoulders and proceed side by side to the Altar, bow to the President, and report as follows:
Conductress: Sister President, all present on my right are soldiers of our cause.
Assistant Conductress: Sister President, all present on my left are soldiers of our cause.
President: As all present are, soldiers of our cause, I declare that ,we now can proceed with the business of this camp. *.
After Conductress and Assistant Conductress have reported, they replace their flags and return to their stations. Assistant President returns to her station. Pianist will play while Conductress and Assistant Conductress march to stations.
President will say: Sister Vice-President, how many Officers are necessary for a complete Camp of the Patriotic Order of Americans?
Vice President: Sister President, A complete Staff of Officers of the Patriotic Order of Americans requires 24, namely, Past President, Assistant Past President, President, Assistant President, Vice President, Assistant Vice President, Conductress, Assistant Conductress, Recording Secretary, Assistant Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Guard, Sentinel, 3 Trustees, Chaplain, Orator, Pianist and 4 Color Bearers.
President asks each officer in turn:
President: Sister Past President, what are your duties and emblem of office?
Past President: Sister President, my duties are to see that all members give the proper salutation upon entering and retiring. My emblem is two stars, which remind me to strive by my labors to live true to the principles of our Order.
President: Sister Past Assistant President, what are your duties and emblem of office?
Past Assistant President: Sister President, my duties are to receive the salutation from the Brothers on entering and retiring from Camp room. My emblem is the Star, which reminds me to be true and faithful to our Order.
President: Sister Assistant President, what are your duties and emblem of office?
Assistant President: Sister President, my duties are to assist the President in the duties of her office whenever called upon by her. Interpret the secret work of the Order and communicate the password to all members entitled to the same. My emblem is the clasped hands, which remind me to always receive the grip when communicating the password.
President: Sister Vice President, what are your duties and emblem of office?
Vice President: Sister President, my duties are to assist the President in preserving order, to act in her absence and to put the question in case of an appeal from her decision. To have charge of the doors of this Camp while in session and give direction for the admission of members without the password and for visiting members. My emblem is one gavel and reminds me that I am to assist the President in preserving order.
President: Sister Assistant Vice-President, what are your duties and emblem of office?
Assistant Vice-President: Sister President, my duties are to co-operate with the Vice-President in the discharge of her duties. My emblem is the wreath, which reminds me that fraternity is endless.
President: Sister Conductress, what are your duties and emblem of office?
Conductress: Sister President, my duties are to become familiar with the general work of the Order. Be careful in taking up the password. See that all rituals, odes and regalia and other necessary articles are properly distributed at the opening and collected at the close of each session of the Camp and deposited in the proper place for keeping the same. My emblem is the crossed flags, which remind me to be faithful to my obligation.
President: Sister Assistant Conductress, what are your duties and emblem of office?
Assistant Conductress: Sister President, my duties are to assist the Conductress in protecting the property of the Camp. My emblem is the flag, which also reminds me to be faithful to my office.
President: Sister Recording Secretary, what are your duties and emblem of office?
Recording Secretary: Sister President, my duties are to keep a correct record of the proceedings of this Camp, keep safely all documents placed on file. Notify candidates of their election within a week after the ballot. Conduct all correspondence without delay. Receive signatures of all members to the Constitution and render all reports correctly and promptly to the National (or State) Secretary. My emblem is the crossed pens, which remind me to be faithful to my trust.
President: Sister Assistant Secretary, what are your duties and emblem of office?
Assistant Secretary: Sister President, my duties are to assist the Secretary in the discharge of her duties. My emblem is the pen, which reminds me that I am to assist the Secretary.
President: Sister Financial Secretary, what are your duties and emblem of office?
Financial Secretary: Sister President, my duties are to keep a correct account between the Camp and its members, countersign warrants on the Treasurer and turn over the receipts of my office each meeting to the Treasurer, taking a receipt therefor. My emblem is the crossed keys and pen, which remind me to keep a just and true account between the Camp and its members.
President: Sister Treasurer, what are your duties and emblem of office?
Treasurer: Sister President, my duties are to receive and safely keep all monies of this Camp. To pay out the same only upon the order of the President, countersigned by the Financial Secretary and at the close of my term to deliver to my successor in office all monies, books and other property in my possession belonging to the Camp. My emblem is the crossed keys, which remind me to observe the strictest care and preservation of the disbursement of the funds entrusted to my care.
President: Sister Guard, what are your duties and emblem of office?
Guard: Sister President, my duties are to attend the inner door of this Camp, admit no one without the proper password, unless directed to do so by the Vice or Assistant Vice-President. Notify the Sentinel by one loud rap when the opening ceremonies close and by two raps when the closing ceremonies commence. My emblem is two swords, which remind me that I am to protect the inner door of the Camp.
President: Sister Sentinel, what are your duties and emblem of office?
Sentinel: Sister President, my duties are to attend the outer door while the Camp is in session. Admit no one to the ante-room without the regular term password, except candidates for initiation, without permission of the Vice-President. My emblem is the sword, which reminds me that I am to protect the Camp against intrusion of improper persons.
Color Bearers. All Color Bearers rise.
President to First Color Bearer: Sister Color Bearer, you will explain the duties of the Color Bearers, and their emblem of office.
Color Bearer: Sister President, the duties of the Color Bearers are to assist with the initiation of candidates, installation of officers and the opening and closing ceremonies of the Camp and whenever an escort is necessary; we are to act in that capacity, always bearing our beautiful banners. Our emblem of office is the Liberty Cap and reminds us to always be true to the cause of Liberty.
President: Sister Chaplain, what are your duties and emblem of office?
Chaplain: Sister President, my duties are to read a portion of Bible and invoke the divine blessing at the opening and closing of the Camp. Officiate at funeral services of departed members and assist with initiation of candidates. My emblem is the open Bible, a symbol of revealed word of God, which reminds me to practice its ennobling precepts that the divine blessing may rest upon our cause.
Trustees. All Trustees rise.
President: Sister Chairman of Trustees, you will explain the duties of the Trustees and their emblem of office.
Trustees: Sister President, it is the duty of the Trustees to make contract for lease of hall, receive bonds from the treasurer, make investments for the Camp in the manner ordered by the Camp and look after the financial welfare of the Camp in general. Our emblem is the lock, suggesting care and protection.
President: Sister Pianist, what are your duties and emblem of office?
Pianist: Sister President, it is my duty to direct the musical exercises of the Camp. My emblem is the lyre, which reminds me to promote joy and happiness in the Camp.
President: Sister Orator, what are your duties and emblem of office?
Orator: Sister President, my duties are to present something interesting, instructive and educational pertaining to our Order. My emblem is the Scroll and reminds me that education is one of the foremost principles of our Order.
Vice President: Sister President, what are your duties and emblem of office?
President: Sister Vice President, my duties are to preside over this Camp in an impartial manner and to see that no member falls into error through my neglect. To enforce the laws of the Order, ever bearing in mind the motto of our Order: God, Our Country and Our Free Schools. My emblem, the crossed gavels, emblem of highest authority, reminds me of my responsibilities to God and my obligations to the Order shall ever prompt me to be faithful in the discharge of every duty.
After all Officers have responded, President gives three saps and proceeds with address.
President, * * *: Sisters and Brothers in the name of our mighty Order, I salute you gives military salute and members respond to President with same salute. Welcome into the Camp of Sons and Daughters of Freedom. We meet here to pledge ourselves anew to the cause of Liberty; to renew our sacred and holy obligations to the land we love: America the land of the free, and the home of the brave. We meet to advance the interests of our Camp, to cement our friendship and renew our solemn pledges to the holy cause of our Order. May no murmur of discontent be heard; let no shadow of discord be found within our Camp room. As Sisters and Brothers, let us advance the great work we have undertaken, and let us help erect in every part of this great country an Altar dedicated to Freedom, upon which shall be placed a light that will beckon others to our shrine, where Patriotism and Fraternity never can be extinguished. Let us now proceed as Sisters and Brothers to perform the duties which are before us. In our official, as in our private stations, we serve one God, one country, and one holy purpose: that of perpetuating the liberties given to us through our sires as a sacred heritage. Let us in peace, harmony, sincerity and truth fulfill that work. We will now sing our opening ode.
Opening Ode
First and Last Stanza of "America the Beautiful".
O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain.
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.
O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years,
Thine alabaster cities gleam,
Undimmed by human tears.
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee.
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.
President: The Chaplain will attend at the Altar.
President: Color Bearers, attention.
The color bearers will march direct from their stations to the Saluting Ground, turn, march direct to Vice-President’s Station, turn corners and march to Chaplain’s station. Chaplain will step between the Color Bearers, who will return to the Altar, following the same lines as when approaching the Chaplain’s station. Chaplain will stand directly in front of the Altar, Color Bearers at the four corners, holding flags erect, but taking no part in song or prayer. The Chaplain opens the Bible, reads a portion of Scripture (not less than five verses) which has been previously selected, and repeats the following prayer:
Chaplain, kneels if possible: Let us pray: Oh! Thou infinite and mysterious ruler of the worlds, show to us that Thou wert in truth the God of Washington, and the God of Lincoln, and that blood spilled in the holy cause of Liberty would not stain the purest rill that sparkles in the paradise of the saints. Let us feel that Thou art ever in the battle for the right. Illuminate our paths with the light of Thy grace. Be with us as Thou wert with all the heroes of the past; warn us against the enemies of our country, that we may defeat those who would destroy the temple of Liberty. God bless our homes and those entrusted to our care. When the battles of life are over, may we meet in the beautiful gardens above where the blossoms of hope never perish, and the flowers of affection never fade. This we ask in the name of Him whose life was love and mercy, and who taught us to say, when we pray
Repeat in unison
Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Chaplain raises Flag.
President: Behold the emblem of our country! Salute the Flag Military salute.
All but the Color Bearers give Flag salute, led by the Chaplain, who remains standing before the Altar. Pianist will stand during Flag salute and Pledge of Allegiance.
President will say: We will now pledge allegiance to the Flag. I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Singing of first and last stanzas of "Star Spangled Banner," while all stand at attention.
O say, can you see by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hail’d at the twilight’s last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro’ the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket’s red glare, the bomb bursting in air,
Gave proof thro’ the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
O thus be it ever when freemen shall stand
Between their lov’d homes and the war’s desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just.
And this be our motto "In God is our trust!"
And the Star Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Chaplain and Color Bearers return to their stations, following same lines as on approaching Altar.
President, *: I now declare this Camp regularly opened for the transaction of such business as may properly come before it.
President: Sister Guard, you will notify the Sentinel that we are now ready for business.
Guard gives one rap. Sentinel answers with one rap.
Members in the ante-room are admitted. Sentinel enters Camp Room. No one must he admitted go the room during the Preliminary or Opening Exercises.
 

Initiatory Ceremony

President: We will now proceed with the ceremony of Initiation. The Conductresses will retire and see if there are any’ candidates in waiting.
The Conductresses rise, proceed side by side to the Saluting Ground, salute the President with the Military Salute. President responds, with, the same salute Conductresses turn back to back and go direct to the Vice-President, turn a square corner, and retire to the ante room. When one or more candidates appear in the ante room for initiation, the Sentinel shall require each one to answer the following questions The several answers are recorded and each candidate signs the Question Book.
1: What is your name? Age? Occupation? Place and date of birth?
2: Were you born in or within the jurisdiction of the United States?
3: Do you owe allegiance to any foreign prince or potentate, or are you bound by oath, or faith to any ruling power other than the government of the United States?
4: Do you believe in the existence of, Almighty God, the ruler of the universe?
5: Are you now, or have you ever been a member of this Order?
6: Have you ever been rejected or expelled from this Order?
7: Are you in good health?
8: Do you understand fully that any misrepresentation of your age or present physical condition renders all claim for sick and death benefits in the future null and void?
9: Are you ready solemnly to swear never to divulge a sign, token or secret of the Order you now seek to enter, receiving this assurance, that in it you will find no violation of your country’s laws; no disregard of social order; no impure action; no rule which Christians may deem derogatory to their name or calling?
10: I do hereby solemnly swear that I understand the questions just asked me and have answered them to the best of my knowledge and belief.
If one question is answered unsatisfactorily, or evasively, the candidate can not pass. If the fee has not been paid it is now collected and paid to the Financial Secretary, in the ante-room prior to initiation. When the candidates have answered the questions, the Conductresses enter the room in the usual manner, advance to the Saluting Ground and say:
Conductress: Sister President, I find Mrs. (or Miss) …, waiting and anxious to join this Order. She has answered satisfactorily the necessary questions our laws demand.
Assistant Conductress: Sister President, I find Mr. waiting to join our ranks. He has answered satisfactorily the necessary questions which our laws demand.
President: Sister Secretary, do your records show that they have been elected?
Recording Secretary: It is so recorded, Sister President.
President: Sister Financial Secretary, has the fee been paid?
Financial Secretary: Sister President, the fee has been paid.
The Conductresses having remained on the Saluting Ground, the President addresses them and says:
President: Conductress and Assistant Conductress, you will retire and prepare the candidates for initiation.
President: Color Bearers, attention. *.
Color Bearers rise, having at the word "Attention," placed Flags in position, at the gavel call, march and take same position as in the Preliminary Opening. Conductresses at gavel call advance to the President’s station, take Flags and place in position, turn back to back, meet again at the Altar and proceed to Saluting Ground, at this point first and second Color Bearers step in front of Conductresses and lead the march; third and fourth Color Bearers step back of Conductresses as the line moves. At the Guard’s station Color Bearers take positions. After the Conductresses have retired, the President will, say:
President: As it is our desire with all diligence to add to our members all who are true and faithful to their native land, and worthy to be enrolled as members of the Patriotic Order of Americans, let us now rejoice that tonight more patriotic hearts are beating in our noble cause, and asking for admission to our Patriotic Order. Let us receive them with manifest joy, but with dignity and respect to, ourselves and the Order which we represent.
The room is not darkened, and when the candidates are ready the Conductress gives two loud raps, which should be given as soon as the President ceases speaking, as no time should be lost in the ante-room. Guard, before attending to the door, turn to the President and say:
Guard: Sister President, there is an alarm at the door.
President: Sister Guard, you will inquire the cause of the alarm.
Guard opening door wide, says in a loud voice:
Guard: What is the cause of this alarm? This is a Camp of the Sons and Daughters of Freedom, and we can not lightly be disturbed!
Conductress: Sister Guard, you will inform our worthy President, that the alarm was caused by the Conductress, accompanied by patriotic Americans, worthy of the name, and desirous of enlisting in the noble cause advocated and maintained by the Patriotic Order of Americans and learning the story of Liberty and Patriotism as exemplified by our ritualistic ceremony.
Guard closes the door.
Guard: Sister President, the Sister Conductress stands without accompanied by patriotic Americans, who desire to be led within the lines of this Camp, that (he, she, or they) may become a brave and honored member of this patriotic band.
President, * * *: Let them be admitted.
Guard, opening the door wide: Enter and fear not.
Conductress to candidates: Advance!
Members rise and immediately sing one stanza of Initiatory Ode.
Guard the Flag, Guard the Flag of our native land,
Guard the Flag of Liberty:
Guard well the Flag with heart and hand,
God save the banner of the free!
Sons of the nation hold it aloft,
Bravely its foes defy;
Our beautiful Flag, the hope of the world,
Ever shall wave on high.
CHORUS:
Guard the Flag, Guard the Flag of our native land.
Guard the Flag of Liberty!
Guard the Flag with heart and hand,
God save the banner of the free.
As the procession enters, the first and second Color Bearers take the lead. Conductress follows the first and second Color Bearers, candidates follow Conductress (one by one); Assistant Conductress follows last candidate, followed fly the third and fourth Color Bearers who fall into the line last. The procession turns toward the left of the room and marches once entirely around, passing the President’s station; the second time around the line of march will he to pass the Chaplain’s station and cross the room in front of the Altar.
Assistant Past President, *. Members and Officers are seated with exception of the Assistant Past President, Assistant Vice-President and President: Halt! Conductress, who are these strangers with you?
Conductress: A worthy stranger, born on the soil (or under the jurisdiction) of the United States of America; who honors and reveres the American Flag, owes allegiance to no foreign prince or potentate, believes in the perpetuation of our Free Public Schools, and who, if need be will suffer hardship, face danger, aye, part with her life for her country!
Assistant Past President: It is well, pass on.
Procession passes on to Vice-President’s station.
Assistant Vice President, *: Halt! Conductress, by what right or authority do you thus guide a stranger along this highway, which you well know is sacred to the cause of humanity?
Conductress: Because of my duty to help my fellow-countrymen.
Assistant Vice President: I cannot permit the stranger to proceed upon this journey, unless she first takes a solemn obligation. Is she willing to do this?
Conductress: She is.
Assistant Vice President: Then present her to our President.
At this Camp commences to sing "Guard the Flag," second verse, and continues during the entire march. The Color Bearers leave candidate and march to the Altar. Conductresses with candidate continue. At Altar Color Bearers separate and march to their respective points and the Vice-President, who follows Color Bearers takes position, thus forming a five-pointed star. All face the Altar and the Conductresses with candidate having arrived, commence the march to describe the five pointed star, then the march describes a circle one and three-quarters around, at which point the march is led direct to the Altar. In marching the Conductresses should always pass around the Color Bearers and Vice-President, leaving them on the inside of the star and circle.
President: * * *.
Conductress: Sister President, with confidence I present these loyal and sincere friends to your consideration; they wish to become members of our noble Order, and I now ask you to impart to them the objects of our grand Fraternity.
President: My friend, you a r e standing in the presence of a band of loyal patriots, whose love of country never yet has been questioned. By that Heaven that bends above us; by that God we all adore; by your love of home; by your reverence for the principles of liberty and independence, which inspired and sustained our fathers in the dark days of Valley Forge; by your love and faith for the words in this book touches the Bible; by your belief in the perpetuation of this, the bulwark of your national safety takes up Constitution of the U. S.; by your earnest desire that all men shall be enlightened, we ask you to dedicate yourself anew to the welfare of your country; to the perpetuation of its institutions, and the defense of its Flag. But for our mutual protection, before you learn our secrets, or enter our ranks, it will be necessary for you to take a solemn obligation, which must never be forgotten or broken. Let me assure you, however, that it involves nothing dishonorable or improper. With this assurance, are you willing to proceed?
Candidate: I am.
President: Then kneel and place your left hand upon the Bible, your right hand over your heart, and repeat after me the following obligation, using your name where I use mine:
Candidate kneels, Color Bearers at the four points of the Altar standing at attention.
 

Obligation

I, …, in the presence of the Divine Being, who hears my vow, and these my new found friends, solemnly promise that I never will, under any circumstances, expose or impart to any person who is not a member of this Order, any of its signs, tokens, pass-words or Ritualistic work. I promise to obey all its laws and rules, and never take part in the illegal distribution of the funds or property of this Camp. I solemnly promise that I never will circulate or give expression to any rumor or report that reflects upon the character of any Sister or Brother of this Order. I will, if required, sacrifice my life in the defense of my country. I promise to resist in every way the union of Church and State, and to advance the system of general education by means of our free schools as far as my power and fortune will permit. I swear to regard my Country, her Flag and her Constitution with veneration. I will aid, protect and defend a worthy member as I would be aided and defended by the same. And now to this Order, my Country and her Flag, devoting head, heart and hand, I pledge my sworn and solemn faith; so help me God, as I am true to this, my oath. Amen.
Camp: AMEN.
Chaplain at left of President: Infinite Ruler of all things, by whose direction we are guided here; by whose permission and by whose mercy these strangers have arrived in our presence, we invoke Thee. We offer our thanks and implore Thy blessing. Open the eyes of those around us and inspire them; while among the men of earth to do well the things necessary to be done by the sons of earth. Show them that love of country encompasses all other love, and that without a country hope dies in the heart, and liberty has no name. Teach them that fidelity to country and to friends is a virtue so high, and so sacred, as never to be forgotten. Inspire them to take courage that they may aspire to that Heaven where all is eternal and where corruption is unknown.
Amen.
Camp: AMEN.
Members sing very softly "Faith of Our Fathers."
Faith of our fathers living still,
In spite of dungeon, fire and, sword,
O how our hearts beat high with joy
Whene’er we hear the glorious word;
Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We will he true to thee till death.
Faith of our fathers! God’s great power
Shall win all nations unto thee;
And through the truth that comes from God
Mankind shall then indeed be free;
Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death.
AMEN.
President, takes candidate by the hand: Rise, Sister (or Brother). By virtue of your sacred obligation, we greet you as a Sister (or Brother). You are no longer a recruit, for you have taken your place as a true soldier in the army of freedom. In the name of Washington and Lincoln, I greet you. Remember your obligation; remember the holy cause to which your sacred oath has this night forever pledged you. Let the examples of the mighty heroes of our Land inspire you to find your duties a pleasure. It is now your privilege to unite with us in proclaiming freedom to all the world; to hold out the beacon light of knowledge; to trample in the dust the enemies of our country and to strangle in the throat of treason the vile tongue of slander. Our hearts swell with rapture as we greet you, and may that chain: that endless chain of Fraternity, which binds heart to heart, links hand to hand: rust not in the rain, nor break in the storms of life.
Camp sings: Blest be the tie that binds,
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.
Assistant President gives one rap and advances to the right of the President. Chaplain returns direct to her station. Members are seated with the exception of the Color Bearers, Conductresses, President and Assistant President, who remains at the Altar. Lights are turned up.
President: The Assistant President will now instruct you in the secret work of the Order.
Assistant President: Sister, having taken our solemn obligation, it becomes my duty to instruct you in the unwritten work of the Order. Every step made by you has been one of significance. Conducted by your friendly guide you have been made to describe, first a star, and then a circle. Doubly significant are these emblems. First it was the star in the East that led the Wise Men to the Saviour, who was the incarnation of liberty and who emancipated a sin-enthralled world; second, the star is emblematic of purity and forms a part of our country’s Flag. The circle signifies that fraternity has no end, and as you are now within the circle of this great national family you have forever dedicated your life to the cause of universal freedom, and now with confidence and belief in your fidelity, we entrust to you our password and our secret work. Your strict attention, therefore, is requested.
First: Outer door alarm.
Second: Inner door alarm.
Third: Salutation.
Fourth: Military Salute.
Fifth: Grip.
Sixth: Sign of Recognition.
Seventh: Sign of Membership.
Eighth: Sign between Junior Circles and Parent Body.
As Washington was true and faithful to his country, so must every Sister and Brother be true and faithful to each other. This is the great cardinal
principle of our Order. Sister President, I have instructed the candidate in the secret work of the Order.
President: Conductress Conductress gives Military Salute you will now present our Sister to the Vice-President, who will invest her with the regalia of the Order.
First and second Color Bearers face President’s station and escort the President and Assistant President to their stations, Conductresses with candidate march around the Altar, line P, to the President’s station fourth Color Bearer follows Conductress; third Color Bearer marches around Altar, line V, and meets fourth Color Bearer at point Q, first and second wait at point L until joined by Conductresses, etc and thence all march to Vice-President’s station.
Camp sings:
My country ‘tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing;
Land where my fathers died
Land of the pilgrims’ pride,
From every mountain side
Let freedom ring.
Conductress: Sister Vice President or Brother Assistant Vice President, I have been requested by our Sister President to present this obligated Sister to you with the request that you clothe her with the badge of honor worn by our members.
Vice President: My Sister, it gives me pleasure to greet you as a Sister member of this Order. Worn an with a magic influence holds the power of molding minds and shaping destinies:
Let us ever be mindful of this great responsibility. Let us be strong in faith and united in action, always remembering the sacred objects for which we are banded together, and as I now invest you with, the colors which were borne upon many a hardfought field, I charge you to be as faithful to your obligations as our forefathers were faithful to the principles of American liberty. Clothe the Sister in regalia. Wear it proudly, and never by word or act disgrace this emblem of your nationality, nor forget the story that brightens its colors and adds a lustre to the stars that shine brighter because above them.
Assistant Vice President, if there a r e gentlemen candidates: My Brother, I urge you to be more faithful to our sacred cause: the tried and true are ever faithful. Puts on regalia. Wear the colors of our Nation’s Flag while associating with her Patriotic Daughters. You have been taught the history of the Stars and Stripes. Their history is the story of our nationality, and their presence is the pledge of freedom, fidelity and Christianity. Be honorable, pure, true and faithful at all times.
Vice President: Conductress Military Salute continue to guide our newly found friends and present them to the Past President for further instruction and advice.
First and second Color Bearers lead the march to the Past President, Camp sings:
My native country, thee,
Land of the noble free:
Thy name I love;
I love thy rocks and rills,
Thy woods and templed hills,
My heart with rapture thrills
Like that above.
Conductress: Honored Past President and Past Assistant President, the grand tour of this Camp has been made by this Sister. In all our work she has received full instruction. She is now ready to labor in our cause and asks words of advice from those who having held our highest office are best fitted to give the same.
Past President: Sister, you are now fully initiated into the holy and sacred mysteries of this Order. Its purposes and aims in eloquent and touching terms, emphasized with song, have been imparted to you. The solemnity of the situation, I trust, ‘impresses you with its importance; the noble designs of the Order must already inspire your admiration, and the holy cause of liberty has without a doubt awakened every emotion of your heart. Forget not; nay, always reverence the thought that you are a Daughter of America; if a gentleman, Son of America; if both, Son and Daughter of America the land of the free, whose greatness is the untiring theme of genius, and whose genius defies comparison. By the spirit of ‘76; by the tombs of the dead defenders of your native land; by all the hallowed memories of the past, and by all the grand hopes of the future, I conjure your fidelity to your new trust so willingly taken tonight. Never forget the vows you have taken here; keep them ever sacred, for God has recorded them in Heaven. Let the grand principles of Fraternity govern all your actions, ever remembering that the greatest of Christian virtues is Charity, and should perchance some Brother or Sister in this life’s struggle fall by the wayside. reach down and lift them up and place their feet upon a surer foundation to the enjoyment of a higher and nobler humanity. May God help you in the discharge of your duty, and prosper our cause. In the name of this great fraternity, I greet you shakes hands. In the name of our Heavenly Father, I pray for your happiness and success, and by the memory of Washington I charge you to be faithful unto death.
Assistant Past President: You will now be escorted to the desk of the Secretary where you will sign our laws. You may withdraw from this Order, but you never can be absolved from its obligations. Forget this not.
Camp sings:
Our father’s God, to Thee,
Author of liberty!
To Thee we sing;
Long may our land be bright
With freedom’s holy light;
Protect us by Thy might
Great God, our King!
First and third Color Bearers remain standing at their station; second Color Bearer leads the march to the Chaplain’s station; second and fourth Color Bearers stop at their stations as the line passes; the march is continued to Past President’s station, thus declining a triangle, the candidate is then taken direct to the Secretary’s desk. While the candidate is signing the Constitution the screen and stereopticon will be quickly placed in position. The Orator will take her (or his) position beside the candidate’s chair, which has been placed facing the screen, and the Camp will sing some appropriate patriotic song, or the pianist will give an instrumental solo. After the roll is signed the candidate will he escorted to a chair; the lights will he gradually lowered. The lecture should he committed to memory. Camp sings:
Sweet freedom and right shall bless our happy land,
Our hearts shall be brave and true,
We will honor our laws, we will be a loyal Band,
And we’ll stand by the Red, White and Blue!
CHORUS:
Welcome we’ll give to all who’d be free
Refuge, tho’ many or few;
But all who would join us, who’d friends and brothers be,
Must stand by the Red, White and Blue!
At the close of the Lecture the lights are again lit, and the President will give three raps, members rise and sing:
Oh! say can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed, at the twilight’s last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes, and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming;
And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our Flag was still there.
Oh! say does that Star Spangled Banner still wave?
O’er the land of the free, and the home of the brave.
Conductress escorts candidate once around the room, then to Past President’s station and across room towards the Chaplain’s station, passing before the Altar.
President: Patriotic American, the obligation you have taken imposes upon you a solemn charge; the advancement and the interests of your country are more than ever in your keeping. To you she will look for assistance in time of need. Let your every word, thought and look tell hereafter, that as a member of this Patriotic band, you love your native land. Trust in an all-wise God, and remember, that is now your solemn duty to preserve unsullied that liberty and freedom for which our fathers fought and for which our land was stained with blood. Be true to your pledge and to yourself and all will be right here and hereafter.
Conductress and candidate face Vice-P resident.
President: Sisters and Brothers of Camp No. …, I have the pleasure of introducing to you Sister (or Brother) …, who has been admitted to full membership in our Order. We will now extend to her a cordial welcome.
President: Color Bearers, attention. *.
Color Bearers rise and march to saluting ground, members face as in balloting. Second rap, all march as in balloting, each one shaking hands with the candidate. When all have greeted the new member, President gives one rap, Color Bearers face Altar and march as in balloting; when they have reached their stations, Conductresses march to side of room, down the sides to seat the candidate and across bottom of room to their stations, thence to President’s station to deposit their flags, then back to their stations. President gives one rap to seat Conductresses and Color Bearers.
 

Closing Ceremony

President: Is this Camp ready to close its labors?
Sentinel returns to her station. This question is not debatable. If no objections are made the President proceeds. The Guard gives two loud raps, and the Sentinel responds with one rap. If objections are made the President puts the question and acts according to the will of the Camp.
President: Sister Financial Secretary, you will report the receipts of the evening.
Financial Secretary: Sister President, the receipts of the evening are as follows:
President, * * *: Officers and members, in concluding our labors this evening, we feel that we have profited by the lessons taught; we feel that it is good for us to meet to exchange thoughts and to suggest plans for mutual improvement. As we, tonight, wend our way towards our several homes under the quiet stars and beneath Heaven’s blue, let us remember that our national colors are drawn from those beautiful subjects, and that the cause for which we labor is as bright
as those shining stars. And as we pass down the hill of life, let us labor for the glory and greatness of our native land. Let us now join in singing our closing ode.
God Be With You Till We Meet Again
God be with you till we meet again,
By His counsels guide, uphold you,
With His sheep securely fold you,
God be with you till we meet again.
CHORUS
Till we meet, till we meet,
Till we meet at Jesus’ feet,
Till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again,
When life’s perils thick confound you,
Put His arms unfailing round you,
God be with you till we meet again.
President: Sisters and Brothers, listen to our farewell.
President: Color Bearers, attention.
Color Bearers will escort Chaplain to Altar same as in opening ceremony.
Chaplain: Oh God, Our Most Gracious Father, we ask Thy continued care over us. Bless, we pray Thee, our labours here tonight, especially Bless our homes and Guide Our Nation aright.
All in Unison: May the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep our hearts and minds in the knowledge of the way, and may the torch of liberty burn forever on the Altar of our Country, lighting our path to duty and devotion. AMEN.
Chaplain closes Bible and returns to station.
President: The Sister Conductress will collect the Rituals and Cards and return them with her own to the Assistant President.
President: Color Bearers, attention! Conductress, attend at the Altar.
Color Bearers march to Saluting Ground and with the conductress in the centre, march to the Altar, separate and take positions as during the administering of the obligation. The conductress advances to the foot of the flagstaff and loosens the halyards for lowering.
President: Salute the Flag.
Members, with Military Salute: Hail! Flag of the Free!
Conductress lowers the flag and puts out the altar lights. Officers and members remain standing until Conductress and Color Bearers return to their respective stations.
President: This Camp is closed.
All members and Officers form a circle around the Altar and join in singing "God Bless America," after which all return to the stations.
Officers retire using same retiring march as in the Preliminary opening.

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