United American Mechanics
Initiation Ritual

1958

Opening
 
The stated hour of meeting having arrived, the Councilor will give one rap, when the officers and members will be seated. He will then rise and say:
C.: … Council No … is about to open.
The officers and members will be clothed in proper regalia and come to order.
C.: Bro. I. S., you will secure the inner door and allow no one to retire or enter till so directed from this station.
C.: Brother W., you will advance and give to me the password and its explanation.
C.: You will now satisfy yourself that all present are qualified to remain, report to me and resume your station.
After testing the members the Warden will report from the altar and resume his station.
C., giving two raps, the members rising: My brothers, as American citizens, either by birth or naturalization, and under the same obligation to support and defend our common country, we have come here that we may trim and brighten the sacred fires of fraternity and patriotism.
Withdrawn from the tumult, selfishness and striving of every-day life; safe from the inquisitive, the envious and the faultfinding, we find ourselves in a presence where we may deliberate and resolve with that perfect freedom possible only when men come together intent upon high purposes and where a true regard for the opinion of others ever moves to speech and action.
With a just pride in our country's past and a sublime faith in its future, let us so carry ourselves here as to fill full the measure of our own approval, and so demean ourselves abroad as to bear witness that we hold our citizenship a precious right and privilege beyond price.
C.: Brother Chaplain, upon what is our Order founded?
Chaplain: Upon Virtue.
C.: Brother V. C., by what are we made secure in the practice of Virtue?
V.C.: By Liberty.
C.: Brother Jr. P. C., to what must we look for our inspiration?
Jr. P.C.: To Patriotism.
C.: Brother Chaplain.
The Chaplain will here read a selection from the Bible and then offer the following prayer: Sublime Master of the Universe! Humbly we bow before Thee and beseech Thee to move us to loving kindness toward each other. Direct us that all our words and thoughts and deeds may ever make for a higher and broader citizenship. Help us, that being clean of heart and true to self, we can be false to none.
God of Nations! we offer our thanks that our Country has come to its high place among the peoples of the Earth. Quicken, O Lord, the public conscience and steady the purpose of our people, that our institutions may grow with the Nation's growth, and that our greater destiny shall continue as a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night to struggling mankind everywhere. Protect, and grant of Thy wisdom to all, of high and low degree, who may be appointed to administer public business. Ever incline the hearts of the people to respect for and obedience to law.
Prosper our Order and its purpose to make us truer men and better citizens.—Amen.
Members in Unison: Amen.
C.: Brother Conductor: You will present the Flag at the altar. The Conductor will take the Flag on its staff to a position in front of the altar, and face the Cowncilor, holding the Flag in both hands at an angle of 45 degrees.
C.: Brothers, join me in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The members will stand at attention, face the Flag and place their right hands over their hearts. "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."
The proper location for the Flag during a Covncil meeting is at the right of and about three feet from the altar, as seen from the Councilor's station. After the singing of the Opening Ode the Conductor will return the Flag to its proper location. When a member enters the room after the Council is opened, he will advance to the altar and salute the Flag by placing his right hand over his heart and dropping it to his side, before saluting the Councilor.
C.: Let us join in singing our opening ode.
 
 
Opening Ode
 
God guide our blessed land;
Firm may it ever stand
Through storm and night.
When the wild tempests rave,
Ruler of wind and wave,
Do Thou our Order save
By Thy great might.
C.: Relying upon a spirit of true brotherhood and invoking a perfect loyalty to our institutions, I now declare this Council duly opened.
Brother I. S., you will retire and so inform the O. S., and admit such as may be qualified to enter.
 
 
 

 
Degree of Virtue
Initiation
 
When the order for conferring degrees is reached, the Councilor will say:
C.: Brother Warden, you will retire and ascertain if there are any candidates in waiting to be Initiated, Advanced and Perfected in the mysteries of our Order.
The Warden will retire to the anteroom with form, and take the name or names of those in waiting, if any, and, upon returning to the Council room with form, will say:
W.: Brother Councilor, I find in waiting ….
C.: Brothers Junior Past Councilor and Financial Secretary, under escort of the Warden, you will retire to the anteroom and perform the duties of your offices.
The Jr. P.C., F.S. and Warden will retire as directed.
If any fees are to be collected, the F.S. will collect. The Jr. P.C. will then address the candidate or candidates as follows:
Jr. P.C.: Please arise.
Sir: You are here seeking general membership in our organization. Our general membership is composed ouly of white, male, American citizens, native bom or naturalized, who are banded together for the promotion of Virtue, the preservation of Liberty, and the advancement of Patriotism.
Before being admitted to our Council room; before undertaking the first stage of a progress that may end in your being received into full fellowship with us, you must needs give certain assurances of the sincerity of your purpose.
You will raise your right hand.
Do you promise upon your word of honor that you will true answers make to such questions as I may put to you, and that you will forever keep secret all that you have seen and heard or may see and hear during your Initiation, Advancement and Perfection in this Order?
The Candidate having answered in the affirmative, the Jr. P.C. will put to him the following questions:
1. Where were you born? Give the date of your birth. If not an American citizen by birth, give place and date of naturalization.
2. Are you a male person of the white race?
3. Do you believe in a Supreme Being as the Creator and Preserver of the Universe?
4. Are you able to read and write?
5. Are you suffering or have you ever suffered from any hereditary or constitutional disease?
6. Are you, so far as you know, in sound health?
7. Have you ever been a member of this Order? (If the answer is in the affirmative, then the following question; if in the negative then omit No. 8.)
8. How did your connection with the Order cease?
9. Have you ever been rejected by any Council of this Order?
10. Are you engaged in any occupation, business or calling which is prohibited by the laws of the State in which you live, or by the United States of America?
11. Will you promise to uphold the American public school system, to prevent interference therewith, and to encourage the reading of the Holy Bible in the schools thereof?
12. Will you promise to do all you can to promote the interests of Americans, and to shield them by the enactment of proper immigration restriction laws?
13. Will you promise to give an American citizen the preference whenever this can be done without injury to yourself or family?
These questions having been properly answered, and each answer entered into the book with ink, the pledge book signed by the candidate and the proper fee collected by the Financial Secretary, the Jr. Past Councilor will say:
Jr. P.C.: Friend, some of the questions submitted to you for your answer represent the fundamental tenets of our Order, the lessons of which will be imparted as you proceed. You will tarry until our report is submitted to the Councilor.
The Jr. Past Councilor and the Financial Secretary under escort of the Warden will re-enter the Coundl room with jorm and the Jr. Past Councilor will say:
Jr. P.C.: Brother Councilor, we have performed our duties and beg to report that … is duly qualified to be Initiated, Advanced and Perfected in the mysteries of our Order.
C.: Thank you. You may resume your stations.
Two brothers of the Council shall be appointed by the Councilor as Accuser and Sponsor, either for the term or for the evening when candidates are found in waiting. At this point the Accuser will say:
Accuser: Brother Councilor, the name of announced by the Jr. Past Councilor is the same name of one whom I have known. If it is the same person, he is unworthy to become a member amongst us and I protest against the initiation of this candidate until I am satisfied that my suspicions are groundless.
C.: Brother Warden, you will conduct the candidate hither so that our brother can satisfy himself.
The Warden will retire and conduct the candidate, and others, if any, without form or blindfold into the Council room. The candidate will be brought before the station of the Vice Cowncilor, facing the Councilor's station, and the other candidates, if any, will be lined up along one side of the room. The Accuser will go up to the Warden and ask if the name of the candidate is Mr …. Upon being answered in the affirmative, he will scrutinize the candidate very closely, then turn to the Councilor, and say:
Accuser: Brother Councilor, my suspicions are correct; that is the same man. I charge him with violating the obligations of citizenship.
C.: My brother, that is a serious charge, and the burden of proof falls on you. Do you still protest against the initiation of this stranger?
Accuser: I assume the burden and stand on my rights as a member of this Order.
C.: My brother, since you insist on the exercise of your rights, and the charge you make is a grave one, we will proceed in the manner provided by our laws. The Tribunal will sit for judgment.
The Warden reconducts the candidate or candidates to the anteroom while the Tribunal forms. At this point the officers forming the Tribunal should retire to a room adjoining the Council room, if any there be, and robe themselves and return to their stations as indicated below. In this as in other features of the various Degrees, if space permits and music can be had, there is opportunity for appropriate movements on the floor, which can be enlarged upon.
The Tribunal shall consist of the C. presiding; the R.8., F.S., Jr. P.C., and Chaplain. The C., R.S., and F.S. shall occupy their stations. The Jr. P.C., and Chaplain shall take seats immediately in front of the R.S. and F.S., respectively, and shall face each other. Each member of the Tribunal shall be clothed in a black gown with hood, and each shall be masked m black. All lights shall be extinguished, except that there shall be lighted candles upon the pedestal of the C. and upon the desks of the R.S. and F.S. When all is in readiness, the Councilor will say:
C.: Brother Inside Sentinel, you will direct the Warden in the anteroom to deliver to the Conductor, a candidate for initiation. And Brother Conductor, as they enter the Council room, you will relieve the Warden of his charge and bring him before the Tribunal.
The Inside Sentinel advances to the altar, accompanied by the Conductor, and gives the countersign, then retires to the anteroom, the Conductor taking his place by the inside door. When the Inside Sentinel reaches the anteroom, he will say:
I.S.: Brother Warden, you are directed by the Councilor to forthwith deliver , who awaits initiation, to the Conductor. You will enter without form.
The Warden will blindfold the candidate. On entering the Council room, the Warden and his charge will be met by the Conductor, who will say:
Conductor: Mr …, by order of the Councilor, I am to conduct you before the Tribunal to answer to the accusation made against you by one of our brothers.
The Conductor will lead the candidate before the Tribunal, and removing the hoodwink, will leave him standing alone. The Warden will seat the other candidates, if any, they having been admitted at the same time. The utmost silence should be preserved.
C.: Stranger, you came here this evening voluntarily seeking admission into this Order. We were about to proceed with your initiation, when the work was interrupted by one of the brothers, who, on recognizing your name, and then seeing you in person, objected to your further progress, charging you with being false to your obligations of citizenship. I assure you, sir, we were startled at such an accusation, and embarrassing as it may be to yourself, it is necessary that the accuser and the accused be brought face to face bef ore our Tribunal that it may sit in judgment.
Let the accuser come forth and maintain his contention.
The Accuser advances. My brother, you have preferred a grave charge against this stranger, that of violating the obligations of citizenship. Upon you devolves the burden of furnishing the proof. Are you prepared to do so?
Accuser: I am.
C.: Members of the Tribunal, is it your will that the hearing take place?
The Tribunal (in unison): Proceed.
Just as the Accuser is about to begin the presentation of his proof, the brother, who hos been designated as Sponsor, comes up jrom the rear of the hall, and taking station between the Accuser and the accused, faces the Tribunal and says:
Sponsor: Brothers of the Tribunal, this man cannot be guilty, nor can there be any foundation for this charge. I have known him long and well. We have been friends. I have found him always a true man, faithful in all things, loyal to every obligation of life. For him I will stand sponsor.
Let the initiation proceed. I make this demand within the law and as a member of the Order.
C. to the Sponsor: My brother, think of yourself. Give heed to caution. Weigh well the consequences should this, your friend fail you.
Sponsor: I care not for the charges. I know the man. I likewise know the law, and knowing it, I offer my good name — my honor, as surety for the truth and the loyalty of my friend. I ask that this distressing scene be brought to a close.
C.: Since being forewarned, you persist, that which you ask must be granted. Addressing the Tribuna:: Is it not so, my brothers?
The Tribunal (in unison): It is so.
Accuser: Brothers of the Tribunal, I resent this interruption. I am acting under a sacred obligation. If the proof that I offer does not bear out the charge I make then I am in the wrong, but it is your duty to hear and consider the proof.
C.: Say no more, my brother. It was your duty to offer this proof and you are to be commended. This worthy brother indicating the Sponsor under a seldom used, but most solemn law, has pledged as surety for the character of this candidate his own honor and standing in our society, and the Tribunal has decided. You may be seated. Accuser. With this, brothers of the Tribunal, I am not satisfied. I have rights and responsibilities that cannot be waived aside or thus disregarded. I cannot submit —
C.: You must submit. The Tribunal has decided and I am its voice. Take your seat.
Accuser, not moving: I have rights —
C.: You can have no right that rises above the splendid devotion to friendship just shown by our brother towards this candidate. You will please take your seat.
The Accuser slowly and with seeming reluctance retires to a seat.
C.: Stranger, you are to be congratulated, that in your hour of peril you found a friend who, willing to risk his own good repute, has saved you annoyance, perhaps, disgrace.
C.: Brother Conductor, you will reconduct this stranger to the Warden, that, in due form, he may be presented here for initiatioii, and have conferred upon him the Degree of Virtue.
The Conductor takes charge of the candidate and, conducting him to the Warden, will say:
Conductor: Brother Warden, by direction of the Councilor, I return to you this stranger. With him you will retire to the anteroom and make ready for initiation in due form, that upon him may be conferred the Degree of Virtue.
The Warden with his charge and other candidates, if any, will retire, while the officers will remove their robes, either by passing into an adjoining room, or in their several stations. While floor movements on the part of the officers on retiring to and returning from adds much to the impressiveness of the work, it is optional and only recommended where facilities are adequate.
The Warden will blindfold the candidate and bind him with a chain thrown loosely about the shoulders, and holding one end of chain in his hand, will lead the candidate to the inner door, other candidates, if any, following without being blindfolded or bound, and will give one rap.
I.S.: Brother Councilor, there is an alarm.
C.: You will ascertain the cause and dcmand the reason why our proceedings are interrupted.
The Inside Sentinel gives one rap and retires to the anteroom. Laying his hand on the shoulder of the candidate, and giving him a slight shake, he asks:
I.S.: Who are you, and for what purpose do you disturb the proceedings of our assembly?
Warden: This is a friend, in darkness and chains, who seeks light and liberty, and asks that upon him may be conferred the Degree of Virtue.
The Inside Sentinel returns to the Council room, and advancing to the altar, gives the countersign, and says:
I.S.: Brother Councilor, there stands without one, who, blind and bound in chains, seeks light and liberty, and asks to have conferred upon him the Degree of Virtue.
C.: Throw open the portals and admit the stranger.
The Conductor, either in the costume of a Continental soldier or army uniform, with drawn sword, in which costume and weapon he will appear in each Degree, will stop the Warden as he enters the Council room with the candidate and pressing the point of the sword against the breast of the candidate, will say:
Conductor: Halt! By whose authority and by what right do you enter here?
Warden: This is a friend seeking light and liberty, and he enters by the authority of our Councilor.
Conductor: Stranger, the basic or cardinal principles of our organization are VIRTUE, LIBERTY and PATRIOTISM; and the purpose of these ceremonies through which you are required to pass is to make you a better man, a truer citizen and a strenger patriot. But before proceeding further, you will be required to assume an obligation, which, I assure you will not in any way conflict with your duty to God, your family or yourself. Are you willing to proceed?
Candidate: I am.
The Conductor will present the candidate before the altar, and addressmg the Chaplain, will say:
Conductor: Brother Chaplain, the candidate is at the altar and is willing to assume the obligation of our Order.
The Chaplain will approach the altar, and facing the candidate, standing, will say:
Chaplain: You will kneel, place your left hand upon the Holy Bible and the American Flag, and your right hand over your heart.
Other candidates, if any, will be required to kneel about the altar, and any candidate that cannot lay his hand on the Bible and fiag will place his left hand on the shoulder of the candidate in front of him, and his right hand over his heart.
The Conductor will call up the Council. The Warden and Conductor will stand on opposite sides of the altar extending respectively an American Flag and a sword so they will touch at a point directly over the candidate. The blindfold will be removed and the Chaplain will say:
Chaplain: You will say "I", he does so pronounce your name in full, he does so and repeat after me — "in the presence of Almighty God and these witnesses, do solemnly pledge my sacred word of honor, that I will not make known any of the signs, tokens, passwords or secrets of this Order, to any person not entitled to receive the same.
"I will oppose any union of Church and State, and will aid, protect, and assist in perpetuating, one general non-sectarian free school system.
"I promise to aid and support the National Orphans' Home, and all other departments of the Order.
"I will do all in my power, to secure the enactment, and enforcement, of immigration restriction legislation, permitting the admission to our country, of foreign born persons, intending to become earnest and law-abiding citizens, but denying entry to those who are mentally or morally unfit, or who advocate subversive activities.
"I will never wrong this Order, or any member thereof, or the family of a member, or allow them to be wronged, if in my power to prevent it.
"I will not propose for membership, any person whom I know to be unworthy.
"I further make these solemn pledges: to bear true allegiance to our government, its institutions, constitutions and laws; to give the preference to an American citizen, in every relation of life, and to aid a brother of this Order if in need, whenever I can do so in justice to myself and family; to give loyal support, and ready obedience, to the officers and laws of my own Council, the State and National Councils, and never to advise, aid or consent, to revolt against constituted authorities, within the Order.
"To the true and faithful performance of all the foregoing, I pledge my sacred honor."
 
 
Prayer
 
Chaplain: Almighty God, unto Whom all hearts are known, and from Whom no secrets are hid, we invoke Thy blessing upon this candidate who has just assumed a binding and responsible obligation, and whose influence is henceforth to be inseparably united with ours in the high and noble purpose of our beloved Order. Grant unto him, we pray Thee, strength needful for the performance of these duties. Bless us in this addition to our membership, and may this Order ever continue, to prove a blessing to our country, and to honor Thy Holy Name. For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.—Amen.
Members (in unison): Amen.
Chaplain: Brother Conductor, you will conduct this candidate to the Vice Councilor, who will impart to him the lesson of Virtue, and restore him to light and liberty.
The Conductor will replace the hoodwink and lead the candidate, and others, if any, about the Council room. The following ode may be sung:
Now Americans all hasten hither,
And join in our National Hymn,
May the mem'ry of Washington ne'er wither,
Nor the star of his glory grow dim;
May we remember the voice of his warning,
And each to our Country prove true,
As we welcome our brother enlisted,
In the cause of the Red, White and Blue.
In the cause of the Red, White and Blue,
In the cause of the Red, White and Blue,
As we welcome our brother enlisted,
In the cause of the Red, White and Blue.
At the conclusion of the singing, the candidate, or candidates, will be placed in front of the station of the Vice Councilor, and the Conductor will say:
Conductor: Brother Vice Councilor, this stranger, in darkness and chains, has assumed the obligation of our Order and by direction of our Chaplain, I present him for such instructions as will restore him to light and liberty and make him a brother in Virtue.
 
 
Lecture
 
V.C.: Change and decay are written upon everything material. The Roman amphitheater, the Grecian forum and the palaces of the Caesars have long since crumbled into ruins, while the drifting sands of the descrt have for ages covered the temples of the heathen gods. The keen brain of the statesman, the strong form of the athlete and the blooming cheek of youth must soon be food for worms in the silence of the grave. Virtue and Trufch, however, are eternal; and if thou would'st know the secret of Truth, thou must enter her temple by the gateway of Virtue.
Sir, this darkness and these chains are but emblematic of the condition of those who are spiritually blinded and bound with the vices so common to man. What countless thousands grope in moral night, and fettered by passion's slavish bonds are made to endure the most cruel serfdom.
The only true road to personal happiness and national prosperity is in the practice of the principles of Virtue. The sovereignty of man and the nobility of citizenship can be maintained only by the Moral Law; therefore, we commend to you the Holy Bible, God's inestimable gift to man, because within it are found the brightest examples of Virtue, the purest code of morals and the noblest gems of thought the world has ever known.
My friend, I fully appreciate your desire for Liberation from darkness and bondage. Your present condition represents millions who are yearning for the blessings of civil and religieus liberty. To obtain the first, our forefathers gave their lives and shed their blood; to enjoy the second, men in all ages have sacrificed, suffered and died.
While liberty, both civil and religious, is a priceless boon and we should prize it, still, I would impress upon you the fact, that the freedom with which we would endow you is a higher form than either. We would have you free yourself from the fetters of evil habit and vice which enslave man far more than does any system of bondage the world has ever known. It lies within you to free yourself from this slavery and I counsel you to do it; then will you be free indeed. Brother Conductor, you will remove that blindfold and strike off those chains. Here the blindfold will
be removed and the chains thrown off. I now declare you a brother in Virtue. May the lessons here imparted aid in releasing you from all blindness of moral vision, set you free from the fetters of vice, and place before you an ideal of a noble and pure American manhood.
V.C.: Brother Conductor, you will return our brother in Virtue to the Warden, that he may be reconducted to the anteroom whence he will return to the Council room for advancement in the Order, and to have unfolded to him the lesson of Liberty.
The Conductor will then return the candidate to the Warden, and will say:
Conductor: By direction of the Vice Councilor, I return to you this candidate that you may conduct him to the anteroom, and thence here again where he will be advanced in our Order and have unfolded to him the lesson of Liberty.
The Warden then retires with candidate or candidates.
 
 
Degree of Liberty
Advancement
 
The setting of the Degree may be made as realistic as the circumstances of the Council will permit. The candidate should be clothed in the garb of a Puritan. The Council room can be arranged to represent an Indian village, with two or three Indian tepees or army tents placed near the station of the Jr. Past Councilor, with a few individuals, garbed as American Indians, lying carelessly around. This, however, is only suggestive, hence optional. However, to make the ceremony properly realistic, there should be one Indian tepee, or curtain, at the station of the Jr. Past Councilor and that officer should be costumed as an American Indian, concealed in the tepee or behind the curtain until the Conductor has brought the candidate or candidates before his station.
The Warden having retired with the candidate or candidates, will prepare the candidate by placing upon him the costume of a Puritan and hoodwink him, other candidates, if any, to be without Puritan costume or blindfold.
When ready to enter, the Warden will give two raps on the inner door, to which the Inside Sentinel will respond in same manner, and speaking through the wicket, will ask:
I.S.: Who comes here?
Warden: A friend in quest of Liberty and seeking advancement in this Order.
I.S., going to the altar and giving the countersign: Brother Councilor, there is without the Warden with a friend who is in quest of Liberty and seeking advancement in this Order.
C.: Bid them enter.
I.S., returning to the door, opening it, says: Enter.
When the Warden and the candidate or candidates are within, the Conductor approaches the Warden and says:
Conductor: Brother Warden, I will take charge of this candidate and accompany him on his journey. My friend, we will proceed.
While the Conductor leads the procession about the Council room, the following ode may be sung:
Oh, Columbia, the gem of the ocean,
The home of the brave and the free,
The shrine of each patriot's devotion,
A world offers homage to thee.
Thy mandates make heroes assemblë,
When Liberty's form stands in view,
Thy banners make tyranny tremble, -
When borne by the Red, White and Blue.
When borne by the Red, White and Blue,
When borne by the Red, White and Blue,
Thy banners make tyranny tremble,
When borne by the Red, White and Blue.
At the condusion of the singing, the Warden will have brought the candidate or candidates before the station of the Jr. Past Councilor, who will be concealed within the tepee or behind the curtain, and where the arrangements of the lights will admit, the room should he darkened; but when the flaps of the tepee or curtain are withdrawn, the Jr. Past Councilor, in the garb of an American Indian, should be standing amid a blaze of light. The scene is to represent a Puritan just stepping upon the American continent and being welcomed by a native of the soil. The other candidates, if any, will be arranged directly in the rear. The Conductor, addressing the candidate, will say:
Conductor: Friend, you represent one of the band of Puritans, who, smarting under the oppression of the Old World, where they were denied freedom of speech or action, crossed the untraveled deep and landed, one bleak December, on the cold and barren shores of the New World.
In the bosoms of the Pilgrim Fathers were the seed-truths of civil and religious liberty that found expression in that wonderful Constitution drawn up in the cabin of the Mayflower, and that have been gloriously exemplified in the subsequent history of our country.
You will now be addressed by our Junior Past Councilor who represents a native of the New World.
As the Conductor concludes, he will draw back the flaps of the tepee or curtain, as the case may be, and costumed as above stated, the Junior Past Councilor will make his appearance, and say:
Jr. P.C.: Who are you? Whence came you?
Conductor, answermg for the candidate: One who, leaving the land of his birth, which has become a land of oppression, is seeking Liberty.
Jr. P.C.: It is well. By the sign of the Great Spirit I know you. Long have I waited for this hour. The note of warning has come to my ears in the roar of the angry sea; in the song of the rippling lake. The north wind has called it aloud; the summer breeze has whispered it. Moreover, the spirits of my fathers gone before, have told it to my soul when darkness has put out the light and sleep has stilled the weary body.
You have come from over the vast deep, whence the bright God of day. Of a surety, these shores bound upon the hither side a land of liberty. Your quest has met with success, but before you and before those who are to come after you, lie many generations of toil and sacrifice. It has been given me to see, not to the end, but far into the future. I know that in receiving you, my people will invite your mastery, if not their destruction. But in doing so we yield to the inevitable; to a law as certain as that which governs the coming of the seasons. Therefore, speaking not for the past, not for the present, but for the future, I welcome you to a land where liberty may be first wooed, then won. No easy task, but the task is for you and for your children. The liberty that has been ours has been the liberty to do as we willed, unless restrained by an arm stronger than our own. The liberty to which you aspire is designed to protect the weak as well as the powerful.
Our government has been that of the strong, our law the law of might. Your government will be of and for all the people; your law will mean not the heavy hand of power, but the even hand of justice. May you fulfill the high destiny of your blood and race. You will now be conducted to
the Councilor, who will unfold to you the story of Liberty.
Pass on.
Conductor, leading the candidate or candidates to the station of the Councilor, will say: Brother Councilor, I bring this candidate to you that you may unfold to him the story of Liberty.
 
 
Lecture
 
C.: The beginning of the romance would take us across the storied centuries amid the buried nations of the past, before the land we call our own was born; for America is not alone a continent, but a thought, grown into a nation; a principle begot of Providence, fostered by history and unfolded into a state.
As you have heard, oppressed and fettered by the Old World despotism, the Pilgrim Fathers sailed across the great deep, and in the virgin soil of the New World, they planted the seed-truths of civil and religious liberty, and laid deep and broad the foundation stones of the grandest governmental structure known among nations. Breaking off the shackles of bigotry and tyranny, and breathing the free air of this Western Hemisphere, they built for the heart of man, the home; for the soul, the Church; and between these two pillars of civilization they erected the Little Red Schoolhouse, which, today, excepting the house of God, is the greatest structure on the American Continent — the bulwark of the Republic.
Impelled, therefore, by love of Liberty, our American ancestors came, bringing in their bosoms a spark that this free air kindled into a glorious outburst of name on July 4, 1776, which has lighted up the world with a splendour unparalleled; and thereafter the old Liberty Bell pealed forth a Declaration that has gone ringing around the globe, echoing and re-echoing until the thrones of old monarchies tremble and fall. That document has been the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night to the downtrodden and oppressed all over the world. In the light of it crowns have fallen into dust and men have stood anew in their own manhood. In the light and spirit of this wonderful Magna Charta, the American soldier has gone forth, and on a thousand battlefields has demonstrated his ability to vindicate its sublime principles. The history of all our wars is replete with the achievements of his bravery and the splendor of his Patriotism. His pluck has been marvelous, his dash has been thrilling, his enthusiasm has been irresistible and his courage has been sublime. I now declare you a brother in Liberty.
C.: Brother Conductor, you will return to the Warden this brother in Virtue and Liberty that he may reconduct him to the anteroom and thence here again to be perfected in Patriotism.
Conductor, returning the candidate to the Warden: Brother Warden, by direction of the Councilor, I return to you this brother in Virtue and Liberty, that you may reconduct him to the anteroom, and thence here again that he may be perfected in Patriotism.
The Warden with the candidate or candidates, if any others, will retire without form to the anteroom.
 
 
Degree of Patriotism
Perfection
 
When the Warden has retired with the candidate, the Council chamber will be arranged to represent an encampment oj soldiers at night; one or more tents will be erected about the room, and six or more members will act as guard under the command of the proper officer. Four of the guard will act as sentinels and patrol the jour sentry posts, to be known as Posts Nos. l, 2,3 and 4, the balance of the guard to be reclinmg at the tents. The room will be darkened, and when all is in readiness, the Warden will be notified, and the Councilor will say:
C.: Brothers, we are about to receive a candidate who seeks perfection in this Order by having conferred upon him the Degree of Patriotism. In order that he may receive a lasting and most favorable impression, let everything be conducted with utmost order and propriety.
In the anteroom, the Warden will place in the outside coat pocket of the candidate a paper showing the plan of the Council room, above it a copy of the Constitution and By-Laws of the Jr. O. U. A. M. and a small American flag, allowing a portion of the flag to be exposed. The Warden will then enter with the candidate, and as the candidate enters, the Inside Sentinel will take from his pocket the flag and copy of the Constitution and By-Laws. The candidate, instructed by the Warden, will proceed around the room (the other candidates, if any, having been admitted and quietly seated), the sentinels allowing him to pass on the outside of their Unes. When he approaches Guard No. 4, the second or third time, he will be halted, the sentinel dropping his gun to a charge, and crying out:)
Sentinel: Halt! Who comes here?
The candidate being unable to give a satisfactory answer, the Sentinel will say:
Sentinel: Have you the Countersign?
The candidate will either say "No" or make no answer; the Sentinel will cry out:
Sentinel: Corporal of the Guard, No. 4.
This will be repeated by each Sentinel, commencing with No. 3, next, 2, then No. 1. The Corporal of the Guard will hasten to Post 4, who will be challenged thus:
Sentinel No. 4: Halt! Who comes here?
C. of the Guard: Corporal of the Guard.
Sentinel: Advance, Corporal, and give the Countersign.
The Countersign will be given, the Corporal and Sentinel coming to "port arms" in giving and receivmg it.
Sentinel: The Countersign is correct, Corporal. Here is a prisoner whom I found within our lines without the Countersign.
C. of the G. to the prisoner: Have you the Countersign?
Candidate answers "No" or makes no answer.
C. of the G. to Sentinel: Guard the prisoner well and see that he does not escape.
The Corporal of the Guard will proceed to the tent of the Officer of the Guard, whose title is Captain, who will be lying in his tent feigning sleep, and call three times.
The Officer of the Guard will appear and buckling on his sword, will inquire why he is disturbed at that time of night, etc. The Corporal will say:
C. of the G.: The Sentinel has a prisoner whom he captured wandering within our lines without the Countersign.
Officer of the Guard: What! A prisoner? Where is he?
C. of the G.: At No. 4, Captain.
The Officer of the Guard will proceed to No. 4 and say to the prisoner:
O. of the G.: Have you the Countersign?
Candidate answers "No" or makes no answer.
O. of the G.: Corporal, have the prisoner conducted to the Guardhouse and searched.
The Candidate is marched to a tent and searched by the Corporal and a detail, who take the "papers" from him and hand them to the Officer oj the Guard by whom they are examined. On finding the alleged plan of the camp, he shall cry out:
O. of the G.: Here is a plan of our works! This is a spy! A traitor! SEIZE HIM.
The candidate is seized by several members of the guard quickly, but not roughly.
O. of the G.: Fall in.
The guard will then fall in, in columns of twos, with the prisoner between the first two guards. They will march up one side of the room near the head, when the command will be given:
O. of the G.: Column right; March; Two's lef t, March: Halt.
The guard will form in column before the tent of the Councilor who will be Officer of the Day, with the title of Commander. The Officer of the Guard will present the prisoner, and say:
O. of the G.: Commander, this person was captured wandering through our camp, and this paper, which seems to be treasonable, was found concealed in his clothing.
The Councilor will retire to his tent, examine the papers, and returning to his station, will say:
Commander: Sir, this paper, in possession of a stranger is indeed treasonable, and the fact that you have been found wandering through our camp is sufficient proof of your crime, the penalty of' which is death, and to that fate you will now be conducted.
Captain, handing a paper to the O. of the G.: Here are your orders for the execution which you will carry out at once.
The Conductor will now take charge of the prisoner and place him at the head of the line. The guard with arms reversed will march around the room two or three times with slow step, accompanied by the beating of a drum. When the place of execution is passed for the last time, the Conductor will draw the prisoner out of the line, blindfold him and direct him to kneel, while the guard will continue marching on and come up on the opposite side of the room. When the guard has reached the proper position, the command "Halt" is given, at which they will face the prisoner in single column, and the command "Carry arms" will be given. The Officer of the Guard will approach the prisoner, and say:
O. of the G.: Sir, having been directed by our Commander to execute you, that order will now be carried out.
Returning to the guard, he will say:
O. of the G.: Guard, Ready —
Just as the word "Ready" is given by the O. of the G., the Inside Sentinel rushes in, as if from the outer room, with a slam of the door, and hurrying up to the prisoner kneels before him, at the same time the Conductor will remove the hoodwink so that the candidate may see and understand the rescue. The Inside Sentinel facing the guard, will hold up the American flag and Constitution and By-Laws taken from the candidate on entering the door, and will say:
I.S.: Hold! This is no spy, neither is he a traitor to his country. He had in his possession this flag, the flag of our country, also a copy of the Constitution and By-Laws of the Junior Order United American Mechanics and these possessions proclaim him to be a Patriot. I will vouch for his loyalty and integrity and ask that he be released and become a brother in Patriotism.
O. of the G.: Commander, you have heard the request of our worthy brother.
Commander: Let the brother be released and reconducted to the anteroom, and thence here again.
The Conductor will conduct the candidate to the anteroom and on re-entering the Council room, he will present the candidate or candidates to the Councilor, and will say:
Conductor: Brother Councilor, the candidate awaits the closing lesson.
 
 
Lecture
 
C.: My Brother! The scene through which you have just passed is not without its lesson. Every American should be a soldier, if capable, and at all times on guard to protect our country from its enemies. We find them all around us; we find many of them seeking to exclude the Bible from the Public Schools, seeking to pass laws providing that the language taught in those schools shall be some other than English, and we find them sowing the seeds of Anarchy and Discord. All these are giant evils.
The Public School we look upon with pride, for here is the future and the strength of the nation. We place our Flag over it, and thus instill into the hearts of the children their first lesson in Patriotism.
Patriotism has been a plant of slow growth. Its beginning is older than history. The germ of it lay in the heart of man at his creation. Warmed by the spirit of the Creator, it first forced its way into the light in the family. It bloomed at the dawning of nations, but comparatively speaking, it began to bear its fruit in recent times.
This idea we wish to particularly impress upon you and I venture to express the hope that it will sink deep into your mind and conscience; that our form of government, which has made possible the most enlightened patriotism that the world has ever known, will be endangered unless an alert patriotism, in turn, safeguards it. A patriotism that awakens only at the call to arms, or from the civil side manifests itself only on election day, cannot preserve our liberties; cannot perpetuate democracy. The patriotism that we would have; that we would inspire in you, never sleeps. It has to do with small as well as great things; with everyday affairs as well as with those that present themselves only at fixed periods or in emergencies.
In comparatively modern times, man has devised a means for mutual aid and benefit, that while it has been reduced to a science, nevertheless voices the sentimental side of the best that is in human nature. This means we have made an essential feature of the fraternal idea and we have sought to exemplify this idea in our Beneficiary Degree.
I cannot too strongly urge upon you the wisdom and importance of providing for those dearer to you than your own life. By doing this; by thus banding together with others, moved by the same holy purpose, you confer a blessing, nothing less than divine, upon the beloved of others, as well as of yourself.
We voluntarily become members of this society; we, in a general way, 'know its purposes before seeking admission; we take upon ourselves a solemn obligation to give it, its laws and officers, a willing support and loyal obedience, and nothing short of this can be justified to a quick and clean conscience. If we fail in this, and by so much as we fail, we will subject ourselves not only to lawful discipline, but to the just contempt of decent, honorable men, everywhere.
The candidate, or catndidates, will turn about facing the flag which shall be displayed, while the guard will be drawn up in line before the station of the Vice Councilor.
Our Country's flag is our glory and pride. It stands ever as the emblem of America's patriotism, and the symbol of our nation's life. Its field of blue enjoins truth and integrity; its snow white stripes plead for purity and its crimson red tells the story of its cost. That flag represents American manhood and has ever been the touchstone of patriotism. "It was the first national flower to bloom upon the sturdy soil of American Independence; the rarest plant of liberty and the fairest wreath to flutter on the brow of freedom."
"Beautiful flag, our Country's pride,
Long may its stars and stripes float wide
Over the land and over the sea,
Beautiful flag of the noble f ree."
The candidate, or candidates, will turn about and face the Councilor.
 
 
Instructions
 
C.: I will now instinct you as to the manner of entering and retiring from a Council while at work.
Here follow the instructions as found in Key.
C.: I will explain to you the hailing and recognition signs, with the grip and test of membership.
Here follow the instructions as found in Key.
C.: The voting sign in the Council is the elevation of the left hand, palm to the front.
One rap of the gavel demands order and seats the Council when standing. Two raps call up the Council.
It now becomes my pleasant duty to invest you with the regalia of our Order and declare you a brother in Patriotism in full fellowship with us. You will now be conducted to the altar.
The Conductor will arrange the candidate, or candidates, before the altar and the Councilor will leave his station and stand on the opposite side.
C.: I will repeat the solemn pledges of this Order.
Here follow same as found in Key.
C.: These solemn pledges, as you no doubt have observed, form important parts of your obligation, and you are expected to memorize same, as in visiting a Council where you are not known, you will be required to recite them, or at least give the substance, before you can be admitted. It is another test of membership in this Order.
There should be on the altar a large emblem of the Order standing upright.
C.: The emblem of our Order pointing to it consists of the Square and Compasses, Arm and Hammer, encircled by a Shield. We use them to convey, emblematically, lessons of great worth which we desire to inculcate.
The Square is emblematic of our desire to have our lives upright and honorable and our actions toward our fellowmen equal and just. Having met together in fraternal affection, let us part in brotherly love toward each other, with no remembrance of an unkind expression, or unfriendly action, to derange that nice adjustment of the feelings which alone unites us as a band of brothers.
The Compasses teach us the imperative duty of circumscribing our passions and keeping our desires within due bonds; hence they are the most fitting emblem of Virtue and the true and only measure of a pure life.
The Arm is emblematic of power and strength, and our desire is to show that the Arm will always be raised in defense of that which is right, and descend with crushing power upon evil in every form.
The Hammer is emblematic of the means we use to divest ourselves of those faults and errors, which so often cause discord and trouble, where only friendship and brotherly love should prevail.
The Shield is emblematic of the protection that surrounds the individual in the exercise of his liberties under our form of government. It also typifies the purpose for which this organization exists — to shield American institutions and American citizens from every menacing peril.
These, my brother, constitute the emblem of the Order.
May the principles they teach, make you not only a better citizen, but a better man. We do not teach any particular form of religious worship in our recognition of a Supreme Being as the Creator and Ruler of the Universe; wherefore we are not sectarian, but we teach the highest and purest morality — the morality of the Holy Bible. The law that was written on tablets of stone by the finger of the Eternal God is the law of the Jr. O. U. A. M.
The Councilor will call up the Council. The Councilor will then say:
C.: Brothers, will you extend your fraternal circle to receive this (these) new brother(s)?
Members: We will.
C.: Brothers, are you satisfied with this extension to the circle of our brotherhood?
Members: We are.
C.: Then, with uplifted right hands let us repeat the Freeman's Oath: See Key.
Members: ... See Key.
The Councilor will resume his station and seat the Council.

 
Closing
 
C.: Brother F.S., will you kindly name the receipts of the evening.
F.S. states the amount.
Brother R. S., I will thank you to enter the amount upon the records.
Brothers, the business of the evening has been transacted and we are about to retire. Recalling to your minds the precepts that should at all times, whether in or out of Council, govern our conduct as members of this Order, I will ask you to join with me in repeating our solemn pledges.
Tbtatog, ii, cal.
TgtptaAcierolataabotO, iin, wIcdsijtmaf.
TglsarottoalomoCtSaNCanta, aoctracawtO.
C.: We will now sing our closing ode.
 
 
Closing Ode
 
We meet in love, we part in peace,
Our Council labors o'er;
We'll ask, ere life's best days shall cease,
To meet in time once more.
'Mid fairest scenes of mem'ry dear,
In change of joy and pain,
We'll think of friends assembled here,
And hope to meet again.
CHAPLAIN: Supreme Councilor of the Universe: We seek Thy blessing upon the work of this evening. As we retire, go Thou with us; direct and correct us, and prepare us for the Supreme Council above, in Thine own time and according to Thy Divine Will.—Amen.
Members in Unison: Amen.
C.: Brother W., you will return to me our secret work.
C.: I now declare the Council closed until our next regular meeting, when it will be re-opened at … o'clock of the evening. The Council is duly closed.

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