Royal Knights of King David
Initiation Ritual (Pearson’s Ritual) - First Degree

 
1924

Order of Opening
 
W.M., taking the chair and giving one rap with gavel: Brethren, I am about to open this Lodge for business. Officers please take their stations. The Worthy Conductor will see that the entrance is properly closed and guarded.
W.CON. places Gate-keeper and Sentinel at their posts; Gate-keeper at outer door and Sentinel at inner door, returns, gives the sign of the degree in which the Lodge is to open,
and says:
W.CON.: Worthy Master, the entrance is closed and properly guarded.
W.M.: Worthy Chancellor, please prove all members present by the password.
Worthy Chancellor examines all shaking the left hand of each member who shall whisper the password to him. If all present have the password, the W.CHAN. reports:
W.CHAN.: Worthy Master, all present are proved worthy members of the Royal Knights of King David.
If any present cannot give the password, the W.Chan, shall report the name of such member to the W.M., who must dispose of each case as the law directs; but in no case should a visiting member receive the password in any Lodge except the one to which he belongs, or the one in which he has his card of Liberty deposited, or as the laws direct.
W.M.: Worthy Conductor, please ascertain if all officers are at their positions and invested with proper regalia.
The W.Con., having examined, reports:
W.CON.: Worthy Master, all officers are at their positions and invested with proper regalia.
If vacancies exist, W.Chan. will report same to W.M. who will fill them by temporary appointment; after which, the W.Chan. will advance, saluting the W.M., and conduct each officer (separately) before Mm. The W.M. gives two raps, calling the officers up, and says:
W.M.: Worthy Chancellor, what are your duties ?
W.CHAN.: Worthy Master, my duties are to assist you in opening and closing your Lodge, to examine all persons before opening the Lodge, to report those without the password, to perform such other duties as you may direct and, in your absence, to take charge of the Lodge; to take charge of regalia and other Lodge property, to keep them in order and see that none are lost.
W.M.: Worthy Recording Secretary, what are your duties?
W.R.S.: Worthy Master, my duties are to keep a just and true record of all proceedings, to conduct all correspondence and forward all reports and communications, to the S.G.L., to keep the financial accounts fairly and faithfully between the Lodge and its members, to receive all moneys due the Lodge and pay same to the Worthy Treasurer, taking his receipt therefor, and balancing the account with the Worthy Treasurer.
W.M.: Worthy Treasurer, what are your duties?
W.T.: Worthy Master, my duties are to receive all moneys from the hands of the Worthy Recording Secretary, to keep a just and true account thereof, paying out same only on the order of the Worthy Master, signed by the Worthy Recording Secretary, with the seal of the Lodge attached.
W.M.: Worthy Conductor, what are your Duties?
W.CON.: Worthy Master, my duties are to wait on officers and members during meeting hours, to prepare, conduct and introduce candidates during initiation, to see that visitors attending the Lodge are properly seated, to perform such other duties as you may direct, and to see that your will and pleasure is punctually obeyed.
W.M.: Worthy Senior, what are your duties?
W.SEN.: My duties, Worthy Master, are to assist the Worthy Chancellor in the discharge of his duties and officiate for him, in. his absence, and to perform such other duties as may be required by you.
W.M.: Worthy Gate-Keeper, what are your duties?
W.G.K.: Worthy Master, my duties are to take charge of the outer gate and to keep all intruders from the Lodge-room door, and to allow no person to enter the ante-room, with out the password, unless ordered to do so by the Worthy Master.
W.M.: Worthy Sentinel, what are your Duties?
W.SENT.: Worthy Master, my duties are to take charge of the inner gate during the hours of meeting and assist the Worthy Gate-Keeper in the discharge of his duties, and to officiate in that office, when he is absent, to transmit all messages from the Worthy Gate-Keeper, to the Worthy Master; to see that all members are clothed in proper regalia, according to their rank and are in possession of the password before entering the Lodgeroom, unless otherwise ordered by you.
W.M.: Worthy Chancellor, what are the virtues which should adorn the character of every true brother of the Royal Knights of King David?
W.CHAN.: Honor, temperance, faithfulness, obedience, meekness and charity.
W.M.: Let our lives and conversation, then, be ever such as to prove that we possess these virtues as governing principles of all our actions; so that in our Lodge we may sustain and strengthen each other in the pursuit of good; and in our intercourse with the world impress upon ethers the value of our principles, and thus cause our Order to flourish and blossom as a rose.
W.M, gives three raps and all rise and sing.
 
 
Opening Ode
 
Come, brothers, let us all unite
To stay the hurtful tide;
Against the world we'11 bravely fight,
And spread our Order wide.
Where 'er the sun in radiance beams,
Or man endureth woe,
Our Order shall send forth its streams
Till o'er the world they flow.
W.M.: Brethren, it is meet and right, and our bounden duty, at all times and in all places, to give thanks unto the God of Love and Peace, in whom we live and move and have our continued being. Let us ascribe unto Him all honor and glory. He has enabled us to accomplish the many privileges of mercy we have enjoyed. Let us ask His protecting care for our present and future peace and prosperity.
Worthy Chaplain, lead us in prayer.
W.CHAP.: Almighty and ever-living God—the Creator and Preserver of all mankind from whom cometh every good and perfect gift, and without whom nothing can prosper—we thank Thee most heartily for the preservation of our lives and for permitting us to assemble again within these consecrated walls, dedicated to the practice of purity and love. Pardon our manifold sins and preserve our souls from everlasting punishment. Keep us from all bitterness and prejudice; from malice and all uncharitableness towards each other, Defend and provide for the widows and orphans, and all who are sick and afflicted; help and comfort them in every time of need. We ask Thy blessings upon our present undertaking. Be with us while we are assembled here in our Lodge-room; direct us in all our transactions with Thy most gracious favor, and let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in Thy sight, Bless, the officers and members of this Order and this Lodge, spiritually and temporally, collectively and individually, with lasting success, O, Lord, our strength and our Redeemer. We ask all through Jesus Chrict, our Lord. Amen.
All the brethren respond: Amen.
The Worthy Master gives one rap and all are seated.
W.M.: Worthy officers and brothers, I solicit your assistance and attention in all matters that may be presented for your consideration.
I now declare … Lodge, No …, duly opened.
Worthy Recording Secretary, please call the roll of officers, and read the minutes of the last meeting.
The W.H. S. calls the roll and notes absentees. After the minutes are read, the W.M. announces them approved, if no objection is raised. The Sentinel then admits those who may be waiting in the ante-room.
W.M.: Does any brother present wish to report the sickness or distress of any member of this Lodge?
ANS.: ….
W.M.: Has any member a friend to propose for membership in this Lodge?
ANS.: ….
W.M.: Has any member anything pertaining to the welfare of this Lodge or the Order in general to present?
ANS.: ….
The business shall then proceed, as provided for in the Order of Business.
 
 
Ceremonial of Initiation
First Degree
 
W.M.: Worthy Chancellor, please retire to the ante-room and ascertain if there are any candidates for initiation in the first degree.
W.Chan. salutes the W.M. by touching the left breast with the right hand, retires to the ante-room, returns, salutes the W.M. and reports.
W.CHAN.: Worthy Master, there are in waiting in the ante room … here gives name in full, who desire to be initiated in the mysteries of the Royal Knights of King David, and become members of this Lodge.
W.M.: Worthy Recording Secretary, have the applications been presented, referred and reported upon, and have the candidates been elected?
W.R.S.: The applications have been properly presented, referred and reported upon, and the candidates have been duly elected.
W.M.: Worthy Conductor, proceed to prepare the candidates for initiation. Worthy Recording Secretary, accompany the Worthy Conductor, and if the candidates assent to the requirements, leave them in charge of the Worthy Conductor.
Worthy Master will appoint Conductors for each candidate.
The W.Con. and W.K.S. salute the W.M. and retire to the ante-room. When they have the candidates in their presence, the Conductor, calling each by name, shall say:
W.CON.: We have come to prepare you for the rites of initiation. Before proceeding the Recording Secretary will ask you a few questions.
W.R.S.: Are you desirous of being initiated into the mysteries of the Royal Knights
of King David?
CAN.: I am.
W.R.S.: Do you solemnly declare upon your honor that you make this application of your own free will, and without any impure motive towards this Lodge or the Order in general?
CAN.: I do.
W.R.S.: Stranger, allow me to inform you that the virtues which should characterize a true member of the Royal Knights of King David are honor, temperance, faithfulness, obedience, meekness and charity; and to further this object the members of the Royal Knights of King David have mutually agreed to associate themselves together, and to make provision against the calamities of this life by visiting and administering to each other in sickness and distress. Are you willing to adhere to, cultivate and abide by these principles?
CAN.: I am.
The answers having been given in the affirmative, the Recording Secretary returns to the Lodge-room, salutes the W.M. and reports:
W.R.S.: Worthy Master, the candidates have assented to all the requirements of our Order, and are now being prepared by the Worthy Conductor.
W.M.: Very good, Brother Secretary, resume your position. Brother Senior, please arrange the Lodge-room for initiation and see that everything is in place so as to avoid confusion.
The candidate is then blindfolded, his hat, coat, collar and necktie, removed. W.Con. leads the candidate to the Lodge-room door and says:
W.CON.: Stranger, you are now standing before our Lodge-room door; to gain admittance you must give one loud rap.
The alarm being given, the W. Sent. says:
W.SENT.: Worthy Master, there is a strange alarm at our door,
W.SENT., opening the wicket: Who comes there?
W.CON.: The Conductor, with a candidate who conceives a favorable opinion of our Order and through the recommendation of a brother asks to be initiated into its mysteries and become a member.
W.SENT.: Have you satisfied yourself of his fitness to enjoy these privileges?
W.CON.: I have.
W.SENT.: You will wait until I report your wishes to the Worthy Master.
The W.Sent., closing the wicket and turning to the W.M., says:
W.SENT.: Worthy Master, the alarm was caused by a stranger, accompanied by the Conductor. The stranger, having conceived a favorable opinion of our Order, (now through the recommendation of a brother), asks to be initiated into its mysteries and become a member.
W.M.: Worthy Sentinel, have you satisfied yourself of the stranger's fitness to enjoy the privilege ?
W.SENT.: I find him worthy.
W.M.: Worthy Sentinel, receive the password from the Conductor and admit him and the stranger.
The W.Sent. gives three raps upon the door, and is answered by three raps from the W.Con. The W.Sent. opens the wicket, receives the password, and opens the door. As the stranger enters, the W.Sent, smites him over the right shoulder, saying:
W.SENT.: Stranger, you are received here upon our rule which is given us from the Holy Scriptures, and is known as the Golden Rule.
The rule is an instrument used by the workman to lay off his work; but we, as Royal Knights of King David, make use of it in laying out our duties in life. This rule is twenty-four inches long, and can be divided into three distinct parts. The first part represents our duty to God, the All-wise Creator; to Him all honor and praise belongs. The second part is our duty to our fellowmen. ''Do unto all men as ye would they should do unto you," but more especially should this part apply to your Brothers in this Order. The third part teaches us the noble qualities of mercy and charity, especially toward the poor. Brother, remember the rule, and so may you keep it forever.
W.Con. escorts candidate around the hall three times. Stopping at the W.Sent. station, the W.Con. stamps on the floor three times.
W.SENT.: Who comes here, trespassing within our secret enclosure?
W.CON.: A stranger seeking employment.
W.SENT.: By what token may we prove him?
W.CON.: By the signet of King David.
W.SENT.: You have my approval. You will escort the stranger to the Worthy Chancellor, in the west, for his approval.
W.Con. and candidate pass on to W.Chan. station, at which W.Con. gives the signal again.
W.CHAN.: Who comes here?
W.CON.: A stranger seeking employment in the field of labor.
W.CHAN.: Stranger, he who will not plow by reason of the cold shall have no joyful harvest; and? he that followeth after vain persons is void of understanding. The diligent shall be a ruler, but the slothful man shall be without tribute. Happy is the man that findeth wisdom and getteth understanding for they are better than silver or fine gold. My friend, what wages do you expect?
CAST.: The instruction of wisdom, and not silver; knowledge rather than fine gold.
W.CHAN.: Worthy Conductor, are you well satisfied with the fidelity of the stranger?
W.CON.: I am.
W.CHAN.: Stranger, is it of your own free will that you desire to unite with us?
CAN.: It is.
W.CHAN.: It is well. Conductor, you will convey him to our "Worthy Master, in the east, for further instructions.
W.M.: Who is this stranger?
W.CON.: One who desires to be enrolled as a laborer.
W.M.: Stranger, are you willing to labor in our vineyard?
CAN.: I am.
W.M.: We have confidence that you will persevere, but before you can proceed, the Worthy Conductor will conduct you to the altar and place you in a position to take upon your self the solemn oath of a workman.
The candidate must hold in his left hand the foot rule, and hold his right hand as in the act of cutting the Bible in half, and remain in that position until the obligation is finished.
W.SEN.: Worthy Master, the stranger is now in position to take the solemn oath and obligation of a workman.
W.M.: Stranger, I, as the Master of this Lodge, take pleasure in informing you that there is nothing in our obligation that will conflict with any duty that you may owe to your God, your country or your family. If you are willing, repeat after me the following:
 
 
Obligation
 
I, …, do solemnly declare that I will not reveal any secret or business of this Order to any persons, except those whom I know from the proper tests to be true and loyal members of the same. I promise to support the laws and constitution of the Supreme Grand Lodge that now is or may hereafter be. I promise never to envy a member of this Order, but to be friendly and kind to all, that the peace and harmony of the brotherhood may be promoted. I will never plot against a member of this Order, or any of his family; nor will I talk against a brother workman. If I hear of any brother being in trouble, I promise to contribute towards the alleviation of his distress.
I will apprise brethren of any and all danger threatening them that may come to my knowledge concerning them. Binding myself under this solemn obligation, may the axe of justice hew me down, and I be forever forgotten among the just should I willfully violate it.
W.M.: Stranger, detach your hand and kiss the Bible. Pause. You will now attend, and I will confer upon you some of the secrets by which you will be known in any part of the world:
For the convenience and instruction of the Royal Knights, the Distress Signs of the LADY KNIGHTS are here given. They are as follows:
The Day Sign of Distress is to be given when you are in trouble and wish the help of your sisters and brothers. Raise your left hand level with your shoulders, bring it down and press it to your heart, letting it fall helpless to your side.
Meaning of this sign is, I am in trouble. Answer to the above sign: Any sister or brother seeing you make this sign will be in the act of rolling up the sleeve of the right hand arm with the left hand. The meaning is, I will help you.
Night Sign of Distress (to be given when day signs cannot be seen): Speak in a loud voice, so as to be heard, three times, "I am in trouble," "I am in trouble," "I am in trouble.''
Answer to the above sign: Speak in a loud voice, three times, as follows: "I will help you," '' I will help you," " I will help you.''
Order of Recognition: Day Sign of Distress: Put thumb of right hand to the mouth and forefinger to the right eye, thus, meaning, "I Hail.
Answer: "forefinger to the right ear, meaning, "I hear the sound."
Night Sign of Distress: You will cry out, three times, "Play fair, Play fair, Play fair."
Answer: Cry out three time's, "Fair play, Fair play, Fair play.''
Outside Grips: Shake hands as usual, with the thumbs side by side.
MEMBER, to stranger: I challenge you.
STRANGER: By what do you challenge?
MEMBER: By the rule.
STRANGER: How shall I proceed—(orally, or letter it?)
MEMBER: Letter it.
STRANGER: B—j—o—h—n. [Member pronounces it "John."]
MEMBER: Are you a workman.
STRANGER: I am.
MEMBER: How am I to know you?
STRANGER: By my fruit.
MEMBER: Why by your fruits?
STRANGER: Because it is good fruit, and upon it I was suffered to pass into the vineyard as a good workman.
MEMBER: Have you any other tokens or signs by which you are distinguished?
STRANGER: I have many.
MEMBER: Present them.
Stranger unites both hands and places himself in the attitude of cutting down a tree, letting the hands f all quickly by the side.
Testing Signs: If you are on the highway or in an assembly, and want to find out if any members are there, rub your nose (as if it were itching) with your hand. The answer is to rub the corner of the right eye. Or, you may snap your second finger and thumb three times. The answer is one snap.
Inside Raps: At the first door give two raps, and the answer will be the same; after which, give half the password. Then advance to the inner door, giving one rap, and the answer will be the same in return; then give the other part of the password.
Salutation: Salute the three stationed officers. If the compasses have both points under the rule, the house is in the first degree. You will give the sign of the Axeman—first to the Worthy Master, next to the Worthy Chancellor, and last to the Worthy Senior, You will then be seated, saying, Good evening, Brethren."
W.M.: Brother Chancellor, you will please prepare the newly-made brother for instruction
in the use of the tools of labor.
W.Chan. dresses the Brother with apron and white gloves, conducts Mm to the W.M., and says:
W.SENT.: Worthy Master, the Brother is now ready and awaits your further instructions.
W.M.: My Brother, you are now dressed in your proper regalia. I take pleasure in informing you of the working tool of this degree, The working tool of the laborer is the axe. With the axe we cut away obstructions in the vineyard, and prepare timber for use. Its use is emblematic of perseverance in removing obstacles; for, as by repeated strokes it forces its way through the hardest wood, so may we, by repeated trials, surmount every obstacle in this unfriendly world. I now present you with this regalia; may you ever let your character be, like it, pure and undefiled. Strive always to keep your garments free from stain. I now greet you as a worthy laborer and charge you ever to keep in remembrance the pledge you have given, and regulate your future by the dictates of wisdom and virtue. Brother Senior, you will declare a recess of fifteen minutes, that the brethren may refresh themselves and become acquainted with our newly-made brother.
W.SENT., giving one rap: O, yes! O, yes! O, yes! Lodge No …, Royal Knights of King David, is now called from labor to ref reshment for fifteen minutes.
The call from ref refreshment to labor is the same. No opening service is required, as the Lodge has not been closed.
  
 
Order of Closing
 
When the business is concluded, or the hour arrived for the closing, the Worthy Master will say:
W.M.: Brother Chancellor, is the business for this evening finished?
W.CHAN., rising and making sign: It is finished, Worthy Master.
Worthy Master gives two raps, which calls the officers up.
W.M.: Worthy Recording Secretary, what is the amount of the receipts?
Worthy Recording Secretary must keep the accounts so arranged as to give the amount collected for fines, taxes and monthly dues separately, then stating the whole amount collected.
W.M.: Are your books correct?
W.R.S.: They are, Worthy Master.
W.M.: Worthy Conductor, it is your duty to take charge of the regalias, etc., and I request you to discharge that part of your duty.
W.CON.: I will, Worthy Master.
W.M.: Let no one leave this Lodge with the bitter spirit of animosity or envy in their hearts; but let our Order ever send forth the streams of benevolence, and our lives exemplify the principles of honor, truth and friendship.
The Worthy Master gives three raps, which calls all up.
W.M.: Brothers, we are now about to go out from our private labors into the world.
Let us not forget that our most zealous efforts are needed to save the erring and to reform the lost, Under all circumstances, then, even at the mouth of the frowning cannon, be faithful to your obligations.
RESPONSE: We will be faithful.
 
 
Ode
 
Good night, good-night, to every one,
Be each heart free from care;
May every one now seek his home
And find contentment there.
 
May joy beam with tomorrow 's sun,
And every prospect shine;
While dearest friends laugh merrily
And keep in view the sign.
Begin on the hailing signs and close with signs of that degree.
W.M.: Brethren, as we are again to separate and mingle with the world, let us not forget the precepts of our Order, Let us strive to add dignity to labor; in our dealings with our fellow-men be honest, be just and fear not; avoid intemperance in eating and drinking, also in language and recreation. Whatever you undertake endeavor to do well. Let us be quiet citizens. Feed the hungry, succor the fatherless and the widows, and keep ourselves unspotted from the world. I now declare … Lodge, No …, Royal Knights of King David, closed until the next regular meeting unless there shall be a called meeting, of which every brother will be notified.
All respond: Amen.
W.M.: Worthy Chancellor, please inform the Gate-keeper.

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