Daughters of Sphinx
Fraternal Degree
1912
The time designated in the By-Laws of the Court of Daughters of Sphinx to open the Court having arrived, the Court must be properly opened, when there is a quorum present. The Most Worthy Vice Grand Matron of the Court and if she is not present, any officer of the Court or member will act for her the time being. She will take her place in the West and say: The Most Worthy Grand Matron of this Court is now present, and is ready to proceed with the ceremonies of opening this Court, and will now be escorted to her exalted office on the Throne in the East, by the Illustrious Patron and Worthy Counselor, and if they are not present, any two members may be selected for that purpose to escort the Most Worthy Grand Matron to the East on the Throne.
THE MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON will be standing in the West in front of the Most Worthy Vice Grand Matron, and will be escorted to the East by two members, one on each side.
All the members will remain standing while the Most Worthy Grand Matron is being escorted from the West to the East, in the Court and each and all of the members will say, repeating only once: Hail, Hail Hail Daughter (here give the name) The Most Worthy Grand Matron of this Court of Daughters of Sphinx who is now approaching the East to open this Court.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON takes her position in the East on the Throne, and gives two raps with the gavel which is a notice for immediate attention to all members, and the members all take their seats. Each officer will repair to their station. If the regular elected officer is not present the Most Worthy Grand Matron will appoint some member to fill the office for the time being until the regular elected officer arrives.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON will request all the members to put on their badges and regalia.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON will direct the High Priestess to open the Bible on the altar.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON in the East who remains standing says: Esteemed Daughters and Brethren, we have assembled here in this sacred place for important business. Let us conduct and direct our work with dignity, love and esteem, and a due regard for our Fraternal obligations.
The Guardian will please see that the Second Captain of the Guard is on the outside of the door and that this Court of Daughters of Sphinx is well and properly guarded, so that we will not in the least be disturbed by any intruder or enemies, and we can proceed with the business that we have met here to perform.
THE GUARDIAN then goes to the door and sees that the Second Captain of the Guards is at the proper place, and returns back and states to the Most Worthy Grand Matron that the Court as properly guarded.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON: The First and Second Conductress will please come to the Throne in the East, which is the place of Light, and receive from me the secret Annual Password and the secret degree password. The words are then given in a whisper to the Most Worthy Grand Matron.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON will then direct the First and Second Conductress to go to each member in the room and collect the Secret Annual password and the Secret Degree password, and when they have performed that duty come before the altar and report the same.
THE FIRST AND SECOND CONDUCTRESS will then go to each member and collect the Secret Annual password and the Secret Degree password of the Order, and before the word is given by a member, the First and Second Conductress will salute the members, and the member will rise up and salute the First and Second Conductress, and then give First and Second Conductress the Secret Annual password and the Secret Degree password.
THE FIRST AND SECOND CONDUCTRESS after having performed their duty will present themselves before the altar and report as follows: Most Worthy Grand Matron, we have carefully taken up the Secret Annual password and the Secret Degree password and we find all the members in the possession of the same.
If any of the members are not in possession of it, they will report their names.
If there are any of the members of the Order present who have not the passwords they can be put in possession of them by approaching the Most Worthy Grand Matron. That is, providing that there are members present who can vouch for them as being in good standing in the Order.
THE MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON will request each officer to repeat the duties of their office, and when each officer does so, they will rise to their feet and repeat the duties of their office as their name is called.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON will say: My station is in the East on the Throne, my duty is to open the meeting of this Court at the proper time, and be courteous to the members, preside at all the meetings of the Court, enforce all the laws, rules and regulations of the Court and the Order, fairly and impartially, and to give proper instructions to the members of the secret work of the Order. All this duty as Most Worthy Grand Matron of this Court of Daughters of Sphinx, I pledge myself to perform to the best of my ability.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON will then remain seated and will then say: Daughter Most Worthy Vice Grand Matron, where is your station in this Court and what is your duty?
MOST WORTHY VICE GRAND MATRON: My station is in the West, and my duty is to assist the Most Worthy Grand Matron in all the requirements of her office, and preserve order in this part of the Court Room, and in the absence of the Most Worthy Grand Matron, perform the duties of her office.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON: Daughter High Priestess, where is your station and what is the duty of your office?
HIGH PRIESTESS: The station of High Priestess is in the South of this Court and my duty is at the opening and closing of this Court invoke the blessing of God, and perform other duties as the ritual of the Order requires, and in the absence of the Most Worthy Grand Matron and Most Worthy Vice Grand Matron, open the Court and preside over the meeting.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON: Daughter Worthy Counselor, where is your office and what is your duty?
WORTHY COUNSELOR: My office is in the East, in front of the Recorder, and my duty is to assist in the conferring of the degrees upon candidates and perform such other duties as may be required by the Most Worthy Grand Matron.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON: Daughter Exchequer, where is your station, and what is your duty?
EXCHEQUER: My station is on the right of the Most Worthy Grand Matron in the East, and my duty is to keep a proper account of all money received from the Recorder and pay it Out when directed by the Court with an order properly signed by the Recorder and the Most Worthy Grand Matron.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON: Daughter Recorder, where is your station and what is your duty?
RECORDER: My station in this Court is in the East, at the left of the Most Worthy Grand Matron, and my duty is to collect all moneys that is due this Court from the members and from all other sources, and immediately pay the same over to the Exchequer and keep a correct account of the proceedings of this Court, and previous to the Annual Session of the Supreme Grand Court make out a complete report of this Court, stating the number of officers and members with the per capita tax of 25 cents for each member, and forward the same to the Supreme Grand Recorder of the Supreme Grand Court.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON: Daughter First Conductress, where is your station and what ig your duty?
FIRST CONDUCTRESS: My station is to the left of the Guardian in the West, and my duty is to act in conjunction with the Second Conductress and collect the Secret Annual password and the Secret Degree password and to assist in the preparation and conferring of the degrees on the candidates and to perform such other duties as the rituals of the Order and the Most Worthy Grand Matron may require.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON: Daughter Second Conductress, where is your station and what is your duty?
SECOND CONDUCTRESS: My station is in front of the Exchequer in the East, and my duty is to act in conjunction with the First Conductress in collecting the Secret Annual password and the Secret Degree password and to assist in the preparation and conferring of the degrees on the candidates and perform such other duties as the rituals of the Order and the Most Worthy Grand Matron may require.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON: Daughter First Captain of the Guard, where is your station and what is your duty?
FIRST CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD: My station is in front of the High Priestess in the South, and my duty is to assist in preparing the candidate for the ceremony of the degree, and perform such other duties as the ritual requires.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON: Daughter of the Second Captain of the Guard, where is your station and what is your duty?
SECOND CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD: My station is on the outside of the door of the Court and my duty is to guard the door and see that none enter or retire from this Court unless they have permission so to do from the Most Worthy Grand Matron.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON: Illustrious Patron, where is your station and what is your duty?
ILLUSTRIOUS PATRON: My station is in the West, on the left side of the Most Worthy Vice Grand Matron, and my duty is to make myself familiar with the laws, rules and regulations of the Order, and when requested to give my opinion on them by the Most Worthy Grand Matron to cheerfully comply with the same, and deliver addresses on the origin and history of the Order from time to time.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON: Daughter Advocate, where is your station and what is your duty?
ADVOCATE: My office is in the North, and my duty is to look after the jewels and regalia of the Court and see if they are in their proper places and to perform the duties that are required of me by the ritual of the Order.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON: Daughter Third Captain of the Guard, where is your station and what is your duty?
THIRD CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD: My station in this Court is directly in front of the Advocate in the North, and my duty is to assist in the preparation and introduction of candidates, and assist the guardian and First Captain of the Guard as a committee to examine all visitors that may present themselves to this Court.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON: Daughter Guardian, where is your station and what is your duty?
GUARDIAN: My station in this Court is on the inside door of this Court, and my duty is to attend the alarm at the door and report the names of all members and visitors who wish to be admitted to the Most Worthy Grand Matron, and not permit any member to enter or retire without the permission from the Most Worthy Grand Matron.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON will give one rap with the gavel and call the members up, and she will then give the signs and passwords on the degree that they are working on, and the members will follow and repeat the signs and password after the Most Worthy Grand Matron.
HIGH PRIESTESS will then come before the altar and repeat the following:
Almighty Fattier and Maker of Heaven and Earth and the giver of all good, we return our heartfelt thanks to Thee that we have been blessed in health and strength and that we are permitted again to meet each other here for this glorious work in which we are now engaged. We humbly beseech Thee to cleanse our hearts from all impurities and make true to Thee; true to each other in every thought, deed and action. We thank Thee for the Unity of Hearts in this great fraternity. We thank Thee that at the opening of this meeting, we can unite our hearts at the mercy seat and seek Thy blessing. We thank Thee that this time-honored Order stands united from one end of the country to the other, and that we are strong to do our duty to alleviate the conditions of our members everywhere. We thank Thee for the principles of Justice, Friendship and Charity and Benevolence which underlies the foundation of this great Order. We beseech Thee to bless the officers and members of this Court of Daughters of Sphinx and the members of the Order everywhere. Be with us in this Court meeting and let Thy spirit govern us all in our actions and may it continue with us throughout the journey of life; and when our pilgrimage is ended here below and we kiss the world goodbye, take us in Thy Heavenly Place of Rest, we ask all in Thy Holy Name.
All the members respond: Amen! Amen! Amen!
1. Jesus, Lover of my soul
Let me to thy bosom fly,
While the nearer water roll,
While the tempest still is high;
Hide me, O my Savior, hide,
Till the storm of life be past;
Safe into the haven guide,
O receive my soul at last.
2. Other refuge have I none,
Hangs my helpless soul on thee:
Leave, ah! Leave me not alone,
Still support and comfort me;
All my trust on thee is stayed,
All my help from thee I bring,
Cover my defenseless head
With the shadow of thy wing.
3. Thou, O Christ, art all I want;
More than all in thee I find;
Raise the fallen, cheer the faint,
Heal the sick, and lead the blind.
Just and holy is thy name;
I all unrighteousness;
False and full of sin, I am,
Thou art full of truth and grace.
4. Plenteous grace with thee is found,
Grace to cover all my sins;
Let the healing streams abound
Make and keep me pure within;
Thou of life the fountain art;
Freely let me take of thee;
Spring thou up within my heart,
Rise to all eternity.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON will say: The East has always been designated as a place of light and in the name of our esteemed and loving departed daughters and brethren whose virtues we should endeavor to follow in the name of this Great Fraternity of Daughters of Sphinx which we as members are united together in the bonds of Friendship, Charity and Benevolence in the Name of the Supreme Architect of the Universe who watches over us, and protects us every moment of our lives, and by the power and authority of the Supreme Grand Court of Daughters of Sphinx under which this Court holds its charter, and by the authority and honor conferred upon me, as Most Worthy Grand Matron of this Court I do now solemnly proclaim that this Court of Daughters of Sphinx is now lawfully and regularly opened. Please take due notice and govern yourselves accordingly.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON will then instruct the Guardian to inform the Second Captain of the Guard on the outside of the door, that this Court is open, and if any member is out, please report them and let them be admitted in proper form.
1. Each member applying for admission in the Court must be properly clothed and give their name and the Secret Annual password, and the Secret Degree password to the Second Captain of the Guard and the Second Captain of the Guard will report their name to the Guardian and the Guardian will report their name to the Most Worthy Grand Matron. When they are admitted they will walk to the altar, one member at a time and salute the Most Worthy Grand Matron and turn to their right and salute the Most Worthy Vice Grand Matron, and then take their seat.
2. The Court will open and transact business of the Court in the Sphinx degree, which is the third degree of the Order of the Daughters of Sphinx and not otherwise.
3. When members of the Court of the Daughters of Sphinx are standing they will place their left hand behind them and their right hand over their left breast, with the right hand about six inches near the left shoulder.
4. One member will only come at a time before the altar and salute the Most Worthy Grand Matron and then turn to their right and salute the Most Worthy Vice Grand Matron.
5. Whenever a member retires from the Court room or receives permission to leave their Seat and cross the Court room, they will always come before the altar and salute the Most Worthy Grand Matron only, and not salute the Most Worthy Vice Grand Matron.
6. The Court will open in the degree in which they have work to do. In conferring the degree of the Order but great care must be taken that no member shall be admitted in the Court unless they have the degree which the Court is opened on.
7. When the Court has no degrees to confer, they will open the Court and transact all the business of the Court in the Sphinx degree, which is the third of the Order of Daughters of Sphinx.
8. The Advocate in the North will at all times instruct the members and visiting members when they come before the altar how to give the signs of the Order. The signs of the Order must always be properly given in the degree that the Court is opened in.
9. All the business of the Court will be transacted in the Sphinx degree, which is the third degree. No person can vote or take part in any of the business of the Court until they have received the third degree, which is the Sphinx degree, and no person is a member of the Court, and neither are they entitled to any benefits of the Court until they have received the third degree, which is the Sphinx degree of the Order.
10. When a Court opens in the Sphinx degree, they will give the signs and passwords, in the Sphinx degree.
11. Whenever a member of the Order wishes to be admitted in the Court of Daughters of Sphinx the Second Captain of the Guard will alarm the door, by giving one rap on the door which will be attended to by the Guardian.
12. Whenever a member of the Daughters of Sphinx comes in the Court before they salute the Most Worthy Grand Matron, they will stand at the altar and repeat the following: May my heart be directed by the spirit of true friendship and good will for us all.
13. When a member repeats that before the altar, they will only do that to the Most Worthy Grand Matron and not the Most Worthy Vice Grand Matron, and the Most Worthy Grand Matron will repeat the same with the member. That is always to be done before a member of the Court of Daughters of Sphinx or a visitor makes the salutation sign, and not
otherwise.
14. The duties of the officers will only be repeated when the Court opens and not at the closing of the Court.
OPENING CEREMONIES OF THE FIRST DEGREE, WHICH IS THE FRATERNAL DEGREE
The chamber of reflection is a room adjoining the large room of the Court where the Court of Daughters of Sphinx assemble, and the candidate will remain in the chamber of reflection, and the room which is the chamber of reflection should be brilliantly illuminated:
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON, in the East on the Throne, and gives one rap with the gavel, which is the notice for all the officers to repair to their respective stations, and Most Worthy Vice Grand Matron is directed by the Most Worthy Grand Matron to please go to the chamber of reflection and find out what are the names of the candidates that are ready to have conferred upon them the fraternal degree of the Daughters of Sphinx, and return and report same.
MOST WORTHY VICE GRAND MATRON, in the West, will come before the altar and salute the Most Worthy Grand Matron and then retire to the chamber of reflection and secure the names of the candidates that are in readiness to have conferred upon them the fraternal degree, which is the first degree of the Order of Daughters of Sphinx, and then return and report the names.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON will ascertain then, from the Recorder, if the fees of the candidates have been paid; the Recorder will reply, stating the names of the candidates, and when they were balloted for, and will hand the same on a strip of paper to the Most Worthy Grand Matron. That having been completed, the Most Worthy Grand Matron will then instruct the First and Second Conductress to go to the chamber of reflection and read the following questions and prepare the candidates to be initiated into the Order: Dear and Beloved (here state the names of the candidates), this is a secret organization, one of whose officers I have the honor to be. You have been elected to membership in this Court of Daughters of Sphinx, but that we may feel warranted and satisfied in admitting you among us in this Christian and time-honored institution, you will be required now to answer the following questions:
1st. Do you believe in the existence of God, the Supreme Ruler of Heaven and Earth?
Candidates Answer: I do.
2nd. Have you ever been rejected from any court of Daughters of Sphinx?
Candidates answer: No.
3rd. Do you solemnly promise in the presence of these members that you will never make known to any person or persons in the whole world any secrets or the business of the Order of Daughters of Sphinx, except to one whom you know to be a member of the Order of Daughters of Sphinx?
Candidates answer: I do.
4th. Do you promise that you will never speak evil of a member of this Ancient and Arabic Order of Daughters of Sphinx, but will at all times with the utmost of your ability protect and defend their name and in the case of danger or misfortune or trouble which is about to overtake them, you will, if possible, and to the best of your ability, inform them in advance of the same?
Candidates answer: I will.
5th. Do you promise to support the laws, rules and regulations of this Court of Daughters of Sphinx?
Candidates answer: I will.
6th. Do you promise to uphold and maintain the general laws of the Order and the established rules of the Supreme Grand Court of Daughters of Sphinx?
Candidates answer: I will.
7th. Do you promise that you will obey the decisions of the Most Worthy Grand Matron of this Court of the Daughters of Sphinx which you are now presenting yourself to become a member of?
Candidates answer: I will.
8th. Do you promise and pledge yourself that you will keep everything secret that you may hear and see in this Court of Daughters of Sphinx?
Candidates answer: I will.
9th. Do you promise before these witnesses that you will visit the sick members of this Court whenever it is convenient for you to do so and that you will at all times give them such aid and assistance should they be in distress, as best you can, without any injury to yourself?
Candidates answer: I will.
The room where the candidates are to be initiated will be illuminated with five candles arranged to form a triangle at the altar and two candles burning in the West in front of the Most Worthy Vice Grand Matron, and two burning in the South in front of the High Priestess, and two burning in the North in front of the Advocate, and three burning in the East in front of the Most Worthy Grand Matron, and they are to be kept burning during the whole time the initiation ceremonies are being performed
THE FIRST AND SECOND CONDUCTRESS will then proceed to prepare the candidate for initiation by requiring the candidate to take her hat or bonnet off and then blindfold her, placing a white veil over her head and white gloves on her hands. The candidate will then be conducted to a door where a Second Captain of the Guard is stationed. The First Conductress will say to the Second Captain of the Guard that the candidate is now ready to be admitted in the Court of Daughters of Sphinx. The Second Captain of the Guard will give one rap on the door, and notify the Guardian that the candidate is ready to be admitted. The Guardian will then notify the Most Worthy Grand Matron by saying: Most Worthy Grand Matron, Officers and Members of the Court, the candidate is ready to be admitted.
The Most Worthy Grand Matron will then instruct the Guardian to admit the candidate.
When the candidate is admitted in the Court, accompanied by the First and Second Conductress, the Guardian will say: What stranger have we here?
FIRST CONDUCTRESS: A candidate who is ready to be initiated in the mysteries of this Order.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON: Has she carefully considered the step she is about to take?
FIRST CONDUCTRESS: The candidate has.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON: Do you believe that this candidate will become a useful and zealous member, and be an honor to this Order?
FIRST CONDUCTRESS: The candidate will.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON: Do you believe that this candidate will obey the laws of the Order?
FIRST CONDUCTRESS: I do.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON: Do you believe that this candidate for the mysteries of this Order of Daughters of Sphinx will fulfill and discharge the duties of a member fairly, honestly and impartially?
FIRST CONDUCTRESS: I do.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON: Do you believe that this candidate will, when she takes the obligation in this Court of Daughters of Sphinx, uphold and support it?
FIRST CONDUCTRESS: I do.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON: Does this candidate understand that this is a solemn and important work that we are now engaged in?
FIRST CONDUCTRESS: They do.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON: Do you think that this Court of Daughters of Sphinx will ever have any reason or cause in any manner whatever to regret the act of admitting this candidate in the Order of Daughters of Sphinx?
FIRST CONDUCTRESS: I do not.
THE FIRST AND SECOND CONDUCTRESS will then conduct the candidate in front of the Most Worthy Grand Matron in the East, where a bowl of water will be arranged for the candidate. The candidate is then required to perform a ceremony of oblution by washing of hands in pure water as a symbol of the purification of the head, and as a solemn pledge of future decorum and rectitude.
THE ILLUSTRIOUS PATRON will read the following to the candidates: The use of water as a symbol of purification and consecration to duty has descended to us from the remotest ages, and was of universal practice among the Nations of Antiquity, and is not, therefore, the exclusive right, religion or property of any person, or organization. In using it we do not pretend to imitate or interfere with any other organization. The ceremony we perform here is not of a showy character, by which the Order seeks to intrude itself upon the world. It teaches neither hatred, intolerance nor revenge. In this ceremony, lustration is a symbol of the purity of the soul and correctness of life. It also teaches those primary truths on which all religions must repose, and inculcates those principles of pure morality which have commended themselves to the good and wise of all ages.
THE MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON will give one rap with the gavel and all the members will rise and remain standing until the following prayer is made by the High Priestess: Almighty and most merciful God our Heavenly Father, reverently and in faith and love, we come before Thee with bowed heads on this solemn occasion, that we may here acknowledge our dependence upon Thee and render Thee ascription of honor which is due to Thy Holy and Great Name; and Heavenly Father we know in Thy keeping are the dispositions of every person and the direction, guidance and the destiny of every Court of Daughters of Sphinx, and every member of the Order, and every City, State and Nation, and we rejoice in it, that Thou are infinite in Thy wisdom, and marvelous in Thy love; now we come to Thee that we may receive from Thee who art the source and center of all light, power and instructions and guidance necessary for the right discharge of the duties and responsibilities of the hour. We thank Thee for the good work in which we are now engaged. We pray that this candidate, who is now among us to receive this degree, may become a lover of the work and a useful member among us.
We pray that the candidate and all others who are present may learn to render more aid and assistance to each other, and that by the lessons that we may here learn, that each one of us
may grow stronger m friendship and unity, and that we may be joined together in a strong bond of union that will not be broken until each one of us has been called to the Eternal Place of Rest.
We ask all in Thy Holy Name of Christ. Amen.
THE FIRST CONDUCTRESS will then conduct the candidate before the altar and the candidate will kneel at the altar looking to the East.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON will then stand before the altar looking to the West in front of the candidate, and the candidate will repeat the following obligation after the Most Worthy Grand Matron:
I, ..., do this hour and day and here on this solemn occasion promise and swear in the presence of Almighty God and these witnesses present, that I will never, under any pretense nor for any purpose whatever, expose the secrets of this fraternal degree of the Ancient Arabic Order of Daughters of Sphinx, and that I will never make known or cause to be known any of the hidden mysteries, work, or rituals of this Order, where by the same may come to the knowledge of any person not connected with the Order of Daughters of Sphinx, and that I will comply with the By-Laws of this Court and support the general laws of the Supreme Grand Court, and I will never hold any conversation with any member who has been expelled or suspended from the Order. So help me God.
The candidate then kisses the Bible once and rises, and the Hoodwink will be taken from the eyes of the candidate.
THE MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON will then ask the members to join and sing the following song:
1. Rock of Ages cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.
Let the water and the blood
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure,
Save from wrath and make me pure.
2. Could my tears forever flow,
Could my zeal no languor know;
These for sin could not atone,
Thou must save and Thou alone.
In my hand no price I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling.
3. While I draw this fleeting breath,
When my eyes shall close in death,
When I rise to Worlds unknown
And behold Thee on Thy throne.
Rock of Ages cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON says to the candidate: Conforming to this custom and by the authority vested in me, I receive you under this sword the sword resting on the candidate’s head, and hereby confer upon you the dignity of the exalted degree, namely, the Fraternal Degree of Daughters of Sphinx, and with my right hand here taking the candidate by the right hand accept our pledge of an abiding trust and a cordial reception here among us.
The Sword is a weapon of warfare. It teaches us to be always watchful in the battle of life, and with the sword of the spirit which is the word of God to guard every approach to the heart, that the evil tendencies of our nature may not overcome the good. Let us strike valiantly against vice that degrades us, against ignorance that blinds us, against prejudice that warps our judgment and against hatred and malice that bring only discontent and misery to us. Keep this lesson ever before you, and by the symbolic use of this glittering blade it will cover your name with honor, and become a blessing to those with whom you are associated.
THE FIRST CONDUCTRESS will then conduct the candidate to the West and say: We now come to the Most Worthy Vice
Grand Matron in the West, which officer represents the Pillar of Truth.
MOST WORTHY VICE GRAND MATRON: The Fraternal Degree of Daughters of Sphinx is practical in all of its parts, teaching benevolence, honor, the purest morality, and the strictest adherence to Truth. As you advance in this degree you will find at every turn new incentives to goodness. The allegories and traditions embodied in its lectures are full of instruction. The broad streams of knowledge that are open to all inquirers in the present age must be traced to their sources if you would acquire the genuine meaning of their symbols and the mystic forms that make up this system. From the earliest records of time, and following the course of history, we find everywhere the elements of truth; the universal principles of human thought and action. Generation after generation passes away, but truth remains forever the same. It is the life-blood of human power, the intellectual air we breathe. Without this attribute society could not subsist for a single hour; governments, laws, institutions, religion, the manners and customs of humanity, all bear the indelible imprint of its universality and indestructibility. Then let Truth be the beacon-light upon which your eyes are fixed. It will surely guide you over the stormiest seas. There is wondrous vitality in error, and against it we must ever be on our guard. Truth may conquer slowly; violence and falsehood may impair it for a time, but its future cannot be destroyed.
This degree, as previously stated, is practical. It instructs the illiterate, it extends consolation to the unhappy, and gives material aid to the needy, and finally, it offers bonds of friendship interwoven with the purest principles of Truth and Morality.
THE FIRST CONDUCTRESS will then conduct the candidate to the High Priestess in the South and say: We now come to thee, High Priestess in the South, which office represents the Pillar of Faith.
THE HIGH PRIESTESS: Faith is a firm conviction of the existence and attributes of God, and produces in the mind perfect love and reverence for His name; a steadfast confidence in His word, an entire resignation and obedience to His will. If this faith be sincere, it will become the great and master spring of all our actions, directing us to such a line of conduct as will be pleasing in the sight of that God in whom we live, and move, and have our being. Faith, thus exercised and exemplified in the action of our lives, leads us next to the acquirement of another virtue whose influence, though not powerful, is still more soothing to the soul; it leads us to that firm and steadfast hope, which the storms of fate can never shake, nor the terrors of death itself diminish or destroy.
THE FIRST CONDUCTRESS then conducts the candidate to the Advocate in the North: We now come to the Advocate in the North which represents the Pillar of Hope.
ADVOCATE: To define the nature of Hope is a task almost beyond the power of language or thought. It is more than desire, greater than expectation, beyond trust, superior to confidence, and when we speak of the ‘Hope of Eternal Life,’ surely no other term can adequately express the immortal feelings of the soul. This Sacred Hope, based on the pure and active principles of Faith, is the day-star of our youth; the comfort of our declining years, and the loving companion of our pilgrimage through this vale of tears, until the closing hour of life unveils to our view the mysteries of a boundless eternity.
THE FIRST CONDUCTRESS then conducts the candidate to the Illustrious Patron, which office represents the Pillar of Charity.
THE ILLUSTRIOUS PATRON: Charity is that sacred virtue which inspires the breast with the spirit of universal beneficence. It teaches us to consider all mankind as our brethren and sisters, viewing their errors and infirmities with pity; bearing them with patience, overlooking wrong; forgiving injuries, and in our own conduct, forbearing from all offence and injustice, ever regarding ourselves but as stewards, accountable for the dispensation of those blessings with which heaven has entrusted us for the benefit of our fellow creatures. The heart enlightened by this, the greatest of all human virtues, can truly be said to partake of the attribute of the Great Author of our being, and visibly bears the impress of His divine image. Let us then carefully cherish and preserve the sacred flames which His goodness has imparted, and imitate as far as human frailty will permit, His love, His compassion, and His bounty toward the children of the whole human family. Thus rising in the scale of Moral excellence, the faithful member shall finally receive the crown of his generous labor and be admitted in the assemblage of the just made perfect, emblematically represented in the sanctuary by seven stars, their number denoting the perfection of all things and their brightness presenting a faint image of that eternal glory which fadeth not away.
THE FIRST CONDUCTRESS will then conduct the candidate to the Most Worthy Grand Matron in the East: The office of the Most Worthy Grand Matron represents the Pillar of Wisdom.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON reads the following: Wisdom embraces the whole of practical knowledge. It is that perfection of an intelligent agent by which he is enabled to select and employ the most useful means in order to accomplish proper and substantial results. An ancient lawgiver, being asked if his code of laws was the best that could be given his country. men, replied: ‘It is the best they are capable of receiving’, a profound utterance, easily comprehended and applicable to human life in our day. ‘There was a little city,’ says the preacher, ‘and few men within it; and there came a great King against it and besieged it, and built great bulwarks about it. Now, there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man. Then said I, wisdom is better than strength; nevertheless, the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.” Should your efforts of usefulness be met by indifference and ingratitude, be not discouraged thereby. The code of regulations of this degree makes the moral obligation absolute; and, therefore, the practice of the moral virtues essential. We would unite to elevate and purify the standard of good in an evil world. This we propose to do by putting pure and noble ideas into practice, and inculcating the best precepts at our command. We are advocates of Christian principles and good deeds. Rank and title, however honorable, are not incompatible with efficient work with hand and brain. Many great deeds have their inception in the small struggles of life. There are noble and mysterious triumphs which no human eye beholds, which no renown rewards, which no flourish of trumpets heralds.
THE MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON will then instruct the candidate in the signs and grip:
1. Pass Degree word of the Fraternal Degree: Eureka
2. Salutation Sign, in the Fraternal Degree: Make a bow with your head, then take your handkerchief in your right hand and bring it across your breast to your left shoulder once and then drop your hand to your side.
3. Distress Degree Sign in the Fraternal Degree: Raise right hand perpendicular, palm of hand inward. This sign is answered by raising left hand perpendicular, palm of hand inward.
4. Grip in the Fraternal Degree: Clasp each other by the right hand and interlace each others little finger with the thumb across the hand.
5. Distress Word in the Fraternal Degree: Relief
6. Hailing Sign of Distress in the Fraternal Degree: Place the right on the heart and raise your left hand up with the palm outward.
7. Recognition Sign in the Fraternal Degree: Place your right hand closed on your forehead. This sign is answered by placing the left hand closed on your forehead.
THE FIRST CONDUCTRESS will then conduct the candidate in front of the altar.
THE MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON will then instruct the candidate in the lecture.
Question: Have you the Fraternal Degree?
Answer: I have.
Question: What is the name of the five pillars that support this institution?
Answer: Truth, Faith, Hope, Charity, and Wisdom.
Question: Are you in the possession of the Signs, Grips, and Password?
Question: Can you give me any of the Signs and Grips of this Degree?
Answer: I can.
At this part in the initiation of ceremonies, the flowers will be placed on the altar by the Exchequer.
Flowers will be placed upon the altar as follows: Blue Flowers for the First Captain of Guard, Yellow Flowers for the Worthy Counselor, White Flowers for the Third Captain of the Guard, Red Flowers for the Second Conductress, and evergreen for the Guardian; these flowers having been placed on the altar by the Exchequer, the Most Worthy Grand Matron standing in the East will direct each one of these officers to go to the altar, and take the flowers that belong to their station.
FIRST CONDUCTRESS then conducts the candidate to the First Captain of the Guard in the South and says to the First Captain of the Guard: We are now present before you to receive further instruction in these beautiful ceremonies.
FIRST CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD to candidate: In Ancient Jewish ceremony it was the custom of the women of Jerusalem at a certain hour of the day to repair to the women’s court of the Temple of Herod, to offer their devotion to the Most High and give thanks for Divine privileges. In representation of those ancient ceremonies I now request the members of the Order and the candidate to assemble around the altar, that we may exemplify our earnestness and devotion to the great precepts of our Order.
All present will then kneel at the altar, and repeat the Lord’s
Prayer: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory for ever. Amen.
THE MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON to the candidate: These floral emblems that are now on the altar before you of the Order of Daughters of Sphinx are nature’s smiles wrought from her own hut’s and materials, and are monitors of truth and loving kindness. They delight the eye, gratifying the sense, and are eloquent teachers of purity and love. In the ritual of our Order of Daughters of Sphinx they assume an important part, suggesting through their forms, color, fragrance, and beauty, the womanly graces and brave lessons of the heroines of the Order of Daughters of Sphinx.
THE FIRST CONDUCTRESS will then conduct the candidate to the First Captain of the Guard.
FIRST CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD: I present this blue flower, a token of fidelity. It is the color of the starry-decked heavens, and a symbol of filial love and obedience, reminding us that these virtues should find a constant dwelling place in the hearts of every member of the Order.
FIRST CONDUCTRESS will then conduct the candidate to the Worthy Counselor.
THE WORTHY COUNSELOR: I present this yellow flower, which is a token of patience and inductry. Its color is emblematic of plenty, reminding us that as our pathway is strewn with abundance we should be the dispensers of good deeds; as we journey along through life and as we enjoy health and prosperity may we never forget the necessity of devotion to religious principles.
FIRST CONDUCTRESS then conducts the candidate to the Third Captain of the Guard.
THIRD CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD: My offering is this white flower, which is a token of light and joy. Its color is a symbol of purity, and may the pure and grand
FIRST CONDUCTRESS then conducts the candidate to the Second Conductress and the Second Conductress says to the candidate: My offering is this red flower, which is a token of the final triumph of truth. Its color is a symbol of zeal, which should actuate all who are in possession of our mystic science to be honest and faithful to the end of time. May charity inspire us, and every member of this Ancient Arabic Order of Daughters of Sphinx here and everywhere, to laudable acts, reminding us that without charity none can enter the kingdom of heaven.
FIRST CONDUCTRESS then conducts the candidate to the Guardian. The Guardian then says to the candidate: I take pleasure in presenting to you this evergreen, which is a token of sincerity and friendship whose colors never fade away and it is a symbol of faith in the immortality of the soul. May hope of immortality lighten each other’s burden of sorrow, and incline our hearts to a devoted life.
FIRST CONDUCTRESS then conducts the candidate to the East, in front of the Most Worthy Grand Matron.
THE MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON will then arise and read the following to the candidate: You have been admitted in this Order, and we cherish the hope that the grand and impressive lessons taught by our floral ceremonies have made a deep and lasting impression upon you. That your zeal for our cause will actuate you to co-operate with us in an earnest endeavor to perpetuate the glorious results and noble purposes of ‘our Order. Anciently the ceremonies of initiation were as grand as human mind could devise. Candidates were subjected to real and severe trials. Long and toilsome journeys were taken through narrow and rugged paths. As a test of fortitude they were required to leap from a height into a seeming fiery pit. A rose was plucked from the hair and cast into a flame as a token of willing sacrifice to duty, pleasures and superfluities. They were then crowned with a laurel wreath, a symbol of perfection and reward of merit. My sister and brother, humanity and its progress has for thousands of years been moved by the hand of Omnipotence, and will continue for ages to make their record on the scroll of nations and leave their footprints on the sands of time. We are commissioned by the Grand Patron on high to contribute our mite. It is by patient industry, gleaning here a little and there a little, the gathering together of small effects that end in grand results. If hearts and hands are expanded by benevolence, and our united efforts are directed by wise councils to a common purpose, we can accomplish much and realize the power and grandeur of our undertakings. This Order was instituted to afford a larger opportunity of extending the reign of peace and love upon earth, to erect a shrine where the burdened heart could pour out its sorrows, and distress find relief. My sister and brother, it is for these purposes we have assembled around this sacred altar, and presented you with our floral offering, token of sisterly and brotherly affection. Here we renew our vows, here with our associates we now give thanks for divine privileges.
THE HIGH PRIESTESS will then offer the following prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, bless, we beseech Thee, this sister and brother to whom we have presented floral tributes of sisterly and brotherly affection. Consecrate and adorn their lives with these symbols of virtue. Endow each with a just appreciation of their responsibilities. Keep us mindful at mowing, noon, and eventide of a Father’s care, which is always over us, and an All-seeing Eye which is ever upon us. Honor and prosper our beloved Order whose foundation is the enduring principle of truth. Direct our footsteps in paths of peace, and when the measure of our years is ended, receive us into Thy Court on High. Amen.
During the prayer of each degree the members will have their left hand behind them and their right hand over their breast, hand touching the left shoulder, and when the prayer is completed all the members will say: Amen, Amen, Amen, and at the same time throwing their right hand to their left shoulder with a handkerchief in their hand.
Before the Most Worthy Grand Matron declares the Court open in the second degree she will require a pass to be taken up of the Queen Esther Degree so the Most Worthy Grand Matron will understand and know that all the members present are qualified to be in the Queen Esther’s Degree.
THE MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON then gives one rap of the gavel and all the members will rise as she says: In the name of peace, unity and friendship, in the name of the sublime Order of Daughters of Sphinx, in the name of this great fraternity whose principles are as high as heaven and as deep as the sea, and founded upon charity, friendship and benevolence, and having entire confidence in the good intentions and in the integrity, fidelity, uprightness of this new member and in behalf of this Court of Daughters of Sphinx, we welcome you here among us in this Court.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON then addressing the Court says: The initiation of this degree having now been completed, and there appearing to be no other business, and by the authority in me invested as Most Worthy Grand Matron of this Court of Daughters of Sphinx, I now declare this Court open on the Queen Esther’s Degree. All the members will take due notice and govern themselves accordingly.
CLOSING CEREMONIES OF THE COURT DAUGHTERS OF SPHINX
The business of the Court having been finished, the Most Worthy Grand Matron proceeds to close the Court as follows: Daughter Most Worthy Vice Grand Matron, have you anything for the good of the Order, or is there any business left unfinished that needs our attention.
MOST WORTHY VICE GRAND MATRON: There is not any that I am aware of.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON: Daughter Guardian, you are now requested to notify the Second Captain of the Guard that I am now about to close this Court, and instruct her not to admit any one or allow any one to retire until I have closed this Court.
GUARDIAN: Most Worthy Grand Matron, your order has been carried out.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON gives three raps with the gavel, all the members will arise, and unite in singing the following:
Shall we meet beyond the river,
Where the surges cease to roll?
Where, in all the bright forever,
Sorrow ne’er shall vex the soul.
CHORUS:
Shall we meet, shall we meet,
Shall we meet beyond the river?
Shall we meet beyond the river,
Where the surges cease to roll.
Shall we meet in that blest harbor,
When our stormy voyage is over,
Shall we meet and cast the anchor
By the fair celestial shore.
Chorus: Shall we meet, etc.
Shall we meet in yonder city,
Where the towers of crystal shine,
Where the walls are all of jasper,
Built by workmanship Divine.
Chorus: Shall we meet, etc.
Shall we meet with Christ our Savior,
When He comes to claim his own,
Shall we know His blessed favor,
And sit down upon His Throne
Chorus: Shall we meet, etc.
THE HIGH PRIESTESS will come before the altar and offer the following prayer. All the members will repeat at the same time: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that 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, forever. AMEN.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON: Having completed our work that we assembled here for in this Court of Daughters of Sphinx, trusting that we have been benefited by the lesson that we have learned and that each one of us show by our conduct that we are true members of the Order of Daughters of Sphinx, now by the authority vested in me as Most Worthy Grand Matron of this Court, I now declare this Court closed in Friendship and Peace until we meet again.
MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON then instructs the Guardian to notify the Second Captain of the Guards that this Court is closed.