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RITUAL

FOR

Subordinate

Commanderies

United Order of the Golden Gios

Revised and Consolidated by the Supreme

Commandery, Representative Session

1905

EIGHTH EDITION

PROVIDENCE, R. I. REMINGTON PRINTING COMPANY 1908

(P. N. C.)

(K. of R.)

OFFICERS’

POSITIONS

ALTAR |

(W. Herald)

(F. K. of R.)

Cd “M)

OPENING CEREMONIES.

NOBLE COMMANDER: ®

Weare about to open———-—-Commandery, No.—— United Order of the Golden Cross.

The officers and members, wearing the proper in- signia of their office and rank, will occupy their several stations and seats. If there are any present not quali- fied to sit with us they are respectfully requested to retire.

Vice Noble Commander, what is your first duty when the Commandery is convened?

VICE NOBLE COMMANDER:

To see that the Warders are at the gates, and that they properly understand their duties, so as to exclude all except true members of our Order:

NOBLE COMMANDER:

You will please attend to that duty, and give them such instructions as are necessary for our security, and report.

(Vice Noble Commander goes to gates, examines Warders in passwords returns to station, and if correct, reports.)

VICE NOBLE COMMANDER:

Noble Commander, the Citadel is properly guarded.

4 OPENING CEREMONIES

NOBLE COMMANDER:

Worthy Herald, you will please ascertain if all present are entitled to remain, and report.

(The Worthy Herald first communicates the passwords required, S. A. and degree, to the Noble Commander, and afterwards examines all present in the same, reporting members not in possession, and after all are found to be correct, resumes his station and reports.)

WORTHY HERALD:

Noble Commander, all present are entitled to remain.

NOBLE COMMANDER:

We may now proceed in safety. ee @

Knights and Ladies, advance the sign.

Having again assembled for the purpose of promot- ing the welfare of our beloved Order, let the conduct of each one present be consistent with its teachings. The better to prepare us for our duties this evening, let us ask, through our Worthy Prelate, the Divine blessing.

WORTHY PRELATE:

Almighty and Ever-Living God, our Father: we thank Thee for the privilege of meeting together once more as Knights and Ladies of the Golden Cross. Give to each one of us a right spirit, that our delibera- tions may be marked by forbearance and love. Direct all our thoughts: may our actions be harmonious, and the world at large be benefited by our labors. We

OPENING CEREMONIES 5

pray Thee to shed upon us the light of thy wisdom, and guide us to the attainment of that truth which enlarges the mind and purifies the heart. Amen.

NOBLE COMMANDER:

Please sing an Opening Ode. (After singing. )

NOBLE COMMANDER:

I now declare this Commandery duly open for the transaction of such business as may properly be brought before it.

Worthy Herald, you will display the law.

(Worthy Herald here performs that duty.)

Warder of the Inner Gate, you will instruct the Warder of the Outer Gate that the Commandery is now open and to permit all persons duly qualified to enter.

WARDER INNER GATE, (after compliance.)

Noble Commander, your instructions have been

obeyed.

(When a Commandery is open the law must be displayed, also the banners. The Green at the station of the P. N. C.; the Blue at that of the V. N. C.; the Yellow at that of the W. P.; and when Commanderies possess a P. N. C.; Banner, it must be displayed at the station of the N. Com. The Cross must be in its place, in front of the station of the N. C.)

ORDER OF BUSINESS.

Opening Ceremonies.

Calling roll of Officers.

Reading of Journal.

Applications for membership. Report of Investigating Committees. Balloting for Candidates.* Initiation.

Communications, Bills, etc.

Excuses of absentees from previous meeting. ‘10 Collection of Dues.

11 Reports of Special Committees.

12 Reports of Standing Committees. 13 Unfinished Business.

14 New Business.

OMmNIAHorhkwhd

a Report of business opportunities and members out of employment.

pn Isit known that any member is sick? 15 Good of the Order c Is it known that pe: member ha

s violated any obligation of the Order? p Other topics.

16 Report of F. K. of R.

17 Has the Treasurer received and receipted for Commandery moneys?

18 Closing Ceremonies.

*Before proceeding to ballot, the N. C., after examining the box, says ““We are now about to ballot on the petition of for admission to this Commandery. The report of the Committee is favorable and the Medical Examiner has approved. White balls elect, black balls reject; be careful of your ballot.’’ He then rises at his station, makes sign, and deposits ballot. The box is then taken by the Worthy Herald to the Vice Noble Commander, who rises at station, makes sign, and deposits ballot. The box is then placed on the altar by the side of the Bible,— never on it, — and the members come forward singly, commencing at right of the N. C.. and deposit their ballots under the sign, always concealing the balls from sight. The box is then taken to the N. C. who declares the result.

Ee

CLOSING CEREMONIES.

NOBLE COMMANDER:

If there is nothing further demanding the attention of the Commandery, we will proceed to close. We earnestly hope that our proceedings have been pleasant and profitable to all. Let us go forth with renewed zeal and determination to prosecute vigorously the work in which we are engaged.

Please sing a Closing Ode.

(After singing.)

NOBLE COMMANDER:

Let us now join with our Worthy Prelate in the clos- ing services.

WORTHY PRELATE:

Great and Almighty Sovereign of the universe! We thank Thee for any good which may have been done. Pardon, we ask, all that has been amiss; and as we now go forth from this citadel may we be strengthened, so as to diseharge the duties devolving upon us as Knights and Ladies of the Golden Cross. We beseech Thee to heal the sick, comfort the sorrowing, and shield the tempted. Bless, O Lord, all the members of the Order; and may their labors everywhere be crowned with success. Take us now into Thy care and keeping;

bt CLOSING CEREMONIES

guide and direct us along the journey of life, and finally receive us into Thy heavenly kingdom ; which we ask in the name of Thy dear Son, our Redeemer. Amen.

NOBLE COMMAN DER:

I now declare———-—Commandery, No.——closed entil___—_—evening, at——o’eloek.

Worthy Herald, you will close the book of law, col- lect the rituals, and deposit them at this station.

(After Herald has done this:)

Warder of the Inner Gate, you will instruct the Warder of the Outer Gate that the Commandery is now closed, and permit the members to depart in peace.

INITIATION.

(In the initiatory exercises, in order to avoid leaving too many blanks to be filled, the text of the work had to be adapted to use in connection either with one applicant or with more than one. The former course was chosen. It is obvious, therefore, that when two or more candidates are present for initiation, the language will frequently need a change from the singular to the plural number. The intelligence and tact of those officiating must perform this, both in the conversion of words and filling of blanks. Frequent practice of Commandery officers in private, especially when the chairs have been newly filled, will render this duty easy, and will add much to the interest of the exercises in session. Great care should also be taken to use correct language when referring to the bodies composing the Order, or the officers:—for example, the ‘‘Commandery,’’ ‘*Herald,’’ ‘‘Warder;’’ not ‘‘Lodge,’’ ‘‘Guide,’’ or ‘‘Guard.’’ If the officers are ex- emplary in the use of terms the members will soon become so.)

NOBLE COMMANDER:

Worthy Herald, you will communicate with the Warder of the Outer Gate, and ascertain if any one is without, awaiting initiation.

(Worthy Herald retires and obtains required information, or if he has been previously advised of the fact, he may rise at his place, and say,)

WORTHY HERALD:

Noble Commander, I have the pleasure to announce that there is, in the Outer Court,———-——, who is earnestly desirous of being initiated into our Order. I have also ascertained that——is known to certain Knights and Ladies of this Commandery, and is approved by them.

NOBLE COMMANDER:

Financial Keeper of Records, have the proper fees been paid?

10 INITIATION

FINANCIAL KEEPER OF RECORDS:

Noble Commander, the proper fees have been paid.

NOBLE COMMANDER:

The Past Noble Commander and Worthy Herald will retire, attend to the preliminaries, and introduce the candidate.

(The P. N. C. and W. H. retire, and P. N. C. addresses the candidate as follows :—) :

PAST NOBLE COMMANDER:

Is this your signature? Do you believe in the existence of Almighty God? Are you willing to take upon yourself our solemn obligation and bind yourself to our laws, which do not conflict with your civil or religious duties? Do you promise to keep secret all things which you may see or hear in this Citadel?

(After questions are properly answered, the Worthy Herald hoodwinks, and binds candidate or candidates with chain in suitable manner, leads to ‘the Inner Gate, and gives knocks, each candidate being attended, if possible, by a Sir Knight or Lady.)

WARDER INNER GATE:

Vice Noble Commander, there is an alarm at the inner gate.

VICE NOBLE COMMANDER:

You will ascertain the cause.

WARDER INNER GATE:

Who dares approach our Citadel in this manner?

INITIATION Bes A

PAST NOBLE COMMANDER;

It is the Past Noble Commander and Worthy Herald with a stranger who seeks membership in our Com- mandery.

WARDER OF THE INNER GATE:

You will await the orders of the Vice Noble Com- mander.

(The wicket is closed and the Warder says:)

It is the Past Noble Commander and the Worthy Herald with a stranger who seeks membership in our Commandery.

VICE NOBLE COMMANDER:

Admit them.

eee

(The door is open; an initiatory odeis sung. The W. H. after conducting the candidate once around the Citadel from left to right, passing P. N. Cz chair, halts in front of the noble Commander.)

WORTHY HERALD:

Noble Commander, I have the pleasure of introduc- ing to you who is earnestly desirous of becoming a follower of the Golden Cross.

* NOBLE COMMANDER:

My friend: It is with pleasure that I extend to you a hearty welcome. With your admission commences a series of ennobling lessons. We trust that you will treasure them as jewels, for they are taken from Divine Revelation, and therein are found words of eternal life. These members have, in admitting you to this Order, expressed their willingness to become your companions, ever to cherish and defend you in

12 INITIATION

every honorable way, so long as you conform to our requirements. But in assuming this relationship to- wards you they expect no less from you in return; for those who wish help themselves must help others. Be- fore proceeding further it is necessary that you bind yourself to us by the fraternal cord that unites the followers of the Golden Cross. Be assured that all here -have taken the same obligation which they require of you. You have been informed there is nothing in our obligation inconsistent with your civil and religious duties. Are you willing to proceed?

(Candidate answers.) NOBLE COMMANDER:

My friend in your present condition you are incapa- ble of advancing without assistance. You are blinded to symbolize the relations of the outer world to the - excellencies of this Order, and bound to typify man’s condition before his release from the bonds of iniquity. While in this citadel your bonds cannot be loosed nor your sight restored until you have taken upon yourself our solemn obligation. Having signified your willing- ness so to do, you will be conducted by the Worthy Herald to our Altar of Faith, where you will assume proper position. Upon our Altar rests our book of law, which is the Holy Bible. Before that law you will kneel, resting your arms crossed thereon.

(It will be optional with each Commandery whether candidate or eardi- dates be asked to kneel. It should perhaps depend, to some extent, upon the conveniences of the place. If dispensed with, instead of the above, say, ‘‘Make it known by placing your hands erossed on our Book of Law,’’ etc.)

e ®@ e

INITIATION 13 (Candidate assisted by the W. H. assumes proper position.)

Past Noble Commander, you will administer the obligation.

OBLIGATION.

PAST NOBLE COMMANDER:

I,—_—_——- ——_——-of my own free will and accord, in the presence of God and these Knights and Ladies of the Golden Cross, do hereby solemnly affirm that I will never reveal any of the secret work or private business of this Order, to anyone not entitled to receive the same; that I will ever, as far as in me lies, be true to the principles of the Golden Cross; that I will ever cherish and defend its members in all honorable ways; that I will ever yield a cheerful obedience to all the laws, rules, and usages of this Order, and that I will strive to promote its interests under all circumstances. 1 further promise to obey the just laws of my country and never let political preferences, religious prejudices or selfish purposes interfere with this fraternal obligation. I further promise that I will never wrong any Com- mandery,—Subordinate, Grand, or Supreme,—out of any money or other valuable thing, or permit such wrong if in my power to prevent it. I finally promise to practice the principles of charity, fraternity and Christianity here taught. All of which I solemnly promise without any reservation whatever; so help me, God, and keep me steadfast.

(Members in’ Chorus.)

Be faithful unto death!

14 INITIATION

NOBLE COMMANDER: The Worthy Prelate will invoke the Divine Blessing.

WORTHY PRELATE: ;

Most Merciful, and Ever-Living God, we ask that Thy blessing now rest upon the person who has just taken, voluntarily, this solemn obligation. Be pleased, Our Father, to give—— —— sufficient grace forever to keep the same inviolate. Let this addition to our number result in our good and to the welfare of man- kind; and Thine shall be the glory forever. Amen.

NOBLE COMMANDER:

Worthy Herald, you will remove the bonds, as our friend is bound by stronger ties; Knights and Ladies, you will please assist in removing the veil of darkness which now enwraps

(Members come forward and surround candidates, side and rear.)

My friend, enshrouded as your sight is, what do you

most desire? (Candidate answers ‘‘Light.’’)

Then, symbolic of His Word, which says :-—“I am come a light into this world, that whosoever believeth in Me should not abide in darkness,’’ your sight is restored.

(At the word ‘‘restored,’’ the blind is removed, and the members say:)

We are witnesses. r)

WORTHY PRELATE:

My friend, coming into the light terrestrial, your attention is first called to that which prepares us for the light celestial. The Book of Books is the key that

INITIATION 15

unlocks the profoundest mysteries of creation; the clue by which to thread the labyrinth of the Universe. It illumines the temple of science and literature no less than that of religion, and so prepares the way for man’s advancement. As it saves the soul it exalts the intellect. Like the ethereal principle of light, its blessed truths extend through all avenues of existence; ‘‘siving music to language; elevation to thought; vitality to feeling; intensity to power, beauty and happiness. ’’ NOBLE COMMANDER:

Worthy Herald, you will conduct our friend to the

Vice Noble Commander for further instruction.

WORTHY HERALD:

Vice Noble Commander, by direction of the Noble Commander I present this friend for further instruction.

VICE NOBLE COMMANDER:

My friend, it affords me great pleasure to welcome ‘you to our fraternal home, and to exemplify the lesson taught by one of our sacred emblems.

Late one night, while all was still around a rude inn of Judea, within its stable, Christ was born.

The heavens were quiet above; the inmates of the lonely inn slumbered peacefully; the shepherds were watching in silence their flocks on the hillsides, but suddenly a glory was about them; and among the won- dering shepherds appeared an angel saying, ‘‘ Fear not; for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people; for unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the

16 INITIATION

Lord.’’ Then crowds upon crowds of radiant beings swept around them, singing, ‘‘Glory to God in the high- est, and on earth peace, good will to men. ?? The heav- ens resounded with their song; and far away beyond the reach of watching shepherds or listening men, were louder shouts and more entrancing melody. For years the world had summoned its thoughts and energies, and exhausted its wisdom on the question: “If a man die shall he live again?’’ Even the people to whom God had committed his ‘‘lively oracles’’ had failed to grasp the truth: when lo, the ‘‘Star of Bethlehem,’’ guiding the wise men, pointed to that babe as its solution. He was to be the ‘‘ King of Kings,’’ ‘‘Emmanuel,’’ ‘“The Wonderful,’’ ‘‘Counsellor,’’ ‘‘ Prince of Peace,’’ ““Re- deemer,’’ ‘‘Saviour of men.’’? Oh, with what thrilling eloquence that silent star spoke to the bewildered, erring race of men. Life and Immortality are in that manger. It pointed out’ the only way of hope, and revealed the life beyond the grave. It said as it shone, ‘‘ Behold the resurrection and the life.’’ ‘‘There is the first fruit of them that sleep.’’ To the whole creation, groaning in anguish, waiting the redemption of the body, it said in accents sweeter than ever fell on mortal ear, ‘‘Be still, that babe shall open the portals of death, and lead captivity captive.’’ My friend, let this star be your beacon through life, and it will guide you to a blissful immortality. You will now be con- ducted to the Worthy Prelate for further instruction.

WORTHY HERALD: Worthy Prelate, directed by the Vice Noble Com- mander, I present you this friend for further instruction.

INITIATION. 17

WORTHY PRELATE:

Listen reverently, my friend, to these words of our Saviour, from the 13th chapter of St. John, 34th and 35th verses:

‘*\ new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I - have loved you, that ye also love one another. ‘*By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.’’

Also, from the 10th chapter of St. Luke, verses 25th to’ 37th inclusive.

‘*And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

‘‘He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?

‘«And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.

‘“*And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.

‘‘But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor?

‘*And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

‘*And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 4

‘*And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

‘‘But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him he had compassion on him.

“And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

‘*And on the morrow, when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him, and what- soever thou spendest more, when I come again I will repay thee.

“Which now of these, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves?

‘* And he said, He that showed merey on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.’’

‘My friend, be ever a Good Samaritan. Your work will then be a glorious success, your name honored by all, and in the life to come your reward will be certain.

18 INITIATION

WORTHY PRELATE:

Worthy Herald, you will conduct this friend to the Past Noble Commander for further information.

WORTHY HERALD:

Past Noble Commander, by direction of the Worthy _ Prelate, our friend is before you for further information.

PAST NOBLE COMMANDER:

My friend, it now remains for me practically to illus- trate the necessity of union and organization to effect these most important objects.

(Produces the bundle of sticks.)

You see this bundle of sticks secured by three bands. If you exert your utmost strength, you cannot break it. Each one of these slender sticks represents our individ- ual strength, when alone in the outer world, and in that condition we could do comparatively little good. This entire bundle of sticks, thus bound together, represents the all-powerful strength of unity. This band (blue) is an emblem of fidelity; this (yellow) charity ; and this (green), the third and largest, is emblematic of the strongest tie that can unite humanity. We call it safety.

You have manifested a faith in the Order by applying thereto for membership; but full faith in God, and con- fidence in each member of the Order, is what we aim and hope to fix in the minds of all who obtain member- ship with us. Faith lifts the drooping head, heals the wounded spirit, dissipates the gloom of sorrow, sweetens the cup of affliction, blunts the sting of death, and leads to immortality.

INITIATION 19

You will be conducted to the Noble Commander for final instructions and ceremonies.

(W. H. conducts candidate in front of station of N. C. facing that officer.)

WORTHY HERALD: Noble Commander, as directed, I present this friend for the final instructions and ceremonies.

NOBLE COMMANDER:

My friend, be governed by our book of law, which is the Holy Bible. Maintain its teachings, live in it, let your words speak it, your face beam it, your actions proclaim it. Obey its behests. Let not gold or fame tempt you to leave it. Then, having finished life’s journey, you will be received into that celestial Citadel where God Himself, Supreme, forever lives, forever reigns. I now call your attention to the emblems of our Order, the meaning of which I will explain.

You see here a banner(—)upon the blue field of which is emblazoned a Golden Star; upon the yellow field is a Star, and upon that is traced the letter S; on the green field is a Golden Cross, on which rests a Star and two letters S in monogram. The blue field of the banner is emblematic of fidelity, which should characterize our adherence to the obligation taken by us. The Star is selected as commemorative of the birth of Him whose teachings it is our duty to follow. The yellow field is emblematic of the warmth of true charity. The letter S is the initial of Samaritan, our exemplar, and is con- tinually to remind us of our vows. The green field is emblematic of the never-dying law, contained within which are the principles of our Order.

20 INITIATION

The Cross is emblematic of the sufferings and death of our Divine Master. We have made it golden, as typical of our appreciation of the truth, that through its agency was wiped away the sin of the world, and a way opened for man’s redemption. We should be willing to bear'the Cross in the service of Him who bore it unto death for us, and to assist those whose burdens are greater than they can bear. The Star, Monogram, and Cross combined are emblematic of the Christian foundation upon which rest our Order and its tenets,— the birth and death of our Lord,—the teachings of the last and greatest Commandment,—and the security of all who embrace Christianity. The Star and Monogram are also the business sign of our Order and can be used by the members in any manner they choose.

I will now instruct you how to enter or retire from a Citadel while the Commandery is in session.

On approaching the Citadel, give any alarm necessary to attract the attention of the warder of the Outer Gate, and to that officer give the semi-annual password,which I will now communicate———

If given correctly, you will be admitted to the ante- room, where you will put on the badge of your rank, advance to the inner gate, and give- — — raps, which will be answered by the same number from within. The Warder of the Inner Gate will then raise the wicket, whereupon you will give your name, rank; name and number of the Commandery to which you belong. This will be reported to the Vice Noble Commander, who will direct that you be admitted, if proper so to do. You will then give this password———. You will then be admitted.

INITIATION |

Advancing to the centre of the room in the rear of the Altar, upon which rests an open Bible, you will face the Noble Commander and salute in this manner ; it being the position your arms were in on taking the obligation. This salutation will be responded to by the ~ Noble Commander by a wave of courtesy; you may then be seated.

Should you wish to cross the Citadel, or to retire while the Commandery is in session, you will rise, address the Noble Commander and prefer your request, when, should it be granted, you will advance to the Altar, salute the Law, and proceed to a seat or to retire.

This salutation sign——is always made in addressing the Noble Commander, making or seconding a motion, and when balloting for candidates.

The semi-annual password is received only from your ~ Noble Commander, or by an order from your Com- mandery on some Noble Commander, within whose jurisdiction you should happen to sojourn. It is always to be given in a low whisper, and never by one member to another except in the way of duty as an officer or to the proper officers as required by our Laws. .

Except when conferring the degree, or installing officers, members are not allowed to cross the Citadel between the Noble Commander and the Law.

The secret work pertaining to the Order is as follows: The challenge sign is...., indicating ‘‘I am a follower of the Cross.’’ This is made by persons when they wish to make themselves known as members of the Order, or to ascertain if there are any present. The

22 INITIATION

answer is made in this manner...., indicating ‘‘l have listened to the teachings of my Divine Master,’’ and is made in response to the sign previously given. The grip is given in this manner,...., and as a pre- caution to ascertain if the grip is pees by an actual member, the one first giving it should utter these words, , to which the other should respond,..... The votingsign is...., either in the affirmative or nega- tive. The Grand Honors are given in this manner. . and are used when a Grand officer is admitted to the Commandery in an official capacity, indicating ‘‘wel- come and reception both to the officer and his instruc- tions.’? The Supreme Honors are given in this manner , and are used when a Supreme officer is admitted

in an official capacity, indicating ‘‘ fealty to the Supreme Commandery.”’

Worthy Herald, you will face our friend to the Commandery.

eee

I now invest you with the insignia of your rank which I trust you will ever wear with pleasure to your- self and honor to the Order. And, by the power vested in me as Noble Commander of this Commandery, I de- clare you to be a (Knight or Lady) of the Golden Cross, and entitled to all the rights, hah and protection pertaining to our order.

(The Welcome Ode is sung, and the members march in circle around the hall; as they pass the candidate each gives the hand of welcome. After all have passed, Ode is finished with members standing in their places; and at the sound of the gavel, all are seated, Worthy Herald seating new member with the rest.)

Installation Ceremony

(GunerAL Directions.—In jurisdictions where no Grand Commandery exists, the Installing Officer will substitute the word “Supreme” for ‘‘Grand’’ in addressing the officers assisting in the installation ceremonies.

In public installations all private signals must be carefully avoided, and others substituted.

The Grand Commander, Past Grand Commander, and Grand Herald, or persons duly authorized to fill their places (in which case the titles will be Deputy Grand Commander, Deputy P. G. C. and Deputy G. H.) shall constitute the Installing Officers.

When the Commandery is prepared for installation, under head of new business, the Grand Officers should be in, or retire to, the Inner Court.

The Grand Herald, by direction of the Grand Com- mander, advances to Inner Gate and gives signal, s admitted, advances to center of floor facing Noble Com- mander, and says:)

Granp Hrratp.—Noble Commander, the Grand Officers are in waiting to install the officers of this Commandery. Are you ready?

Nose ComManpER.—Grand Herald, you will please inform the Grand Officers that we are ready. Our Senior Past Noble Commander will retire with you, and introduce them.

24 INSTALLATION CEREMONY

(Grand Herald and Senior Past Noble Commander -retire. The Grand Herald, followed by Grand Command- er, Past Grand Commander, and Senior Past Noble Com- mander, advances to Inner Gate, and gives: * * * The Warder of Inner Gate opens gate, and announces the Grand Officers.) eo e@ @

(The Grand Officers advance to center of floor, jacing Noble Commander, with Grand Herald on left, and Senior Past Noble Commander on right.)

Senior Past Nosie CommanprerR.—Noble Com- mander, I have the honor of introducing to you Knight ——-—, our Grand Commander; Knight——-— our Past Grand Commander; and Knight ————,, our Grand Herald.

Nosite CoMMANDER.—Commandery Salute! Knights and Grand Officers in behalf of Commandery, No. ——, I tender you a hearty welcome to our Citadel. (Members repeat ‘‘ Welcome. ’’)

GRAND COMMANDER.—Noble Commander, we have come to perform the rites of Installation; have the officers for the current term been elected?

NosteE CoMMANDER.—They have. Grand Com- mander, you will please take the chair; the Past Grand Commander will please take a seat at the right of the Past Noble Commander, and the Grand Herald will please take a seat at the right of the Worthy Herald.

INSTALLATION CEREMONY Zo

(Grand Herald escorts the Grand Commander to the chair; and the Senior Past Commander escorts the Past Grand Commander to his station.)

(The Noble Commander exhibits to the Grand Com- mander the official receipt for per capita tax.)

Granp ComMaNpER.—Grand Herald, you will obtain from the Noble Keeper of Records a list of the officers elect, afterwards wait upon the present officers of the Commandery, who will, in turn, resign to you their insignia of office, and thereafter vacate their several chairs.

(The Grand Herald collects the insigma, books, etc., and places them on the stand, near the Grand Commander.)

(The Grand Commander appoints some one to guard outer gate wntil relieved by the newly installed.)

GRAND CoMMANDER.—The Grand Officers will now take official positions in the Citadel. Grand Herald, you will call the roll of officers elect, commencing with the Retiring Noble Commander, who, as called, will take seats at my left in front of the desk of the Financial Keeper of Records.

(The Grand Herald rises, and calls the names of the officers elect, who take positions as indicated, the Retiring Noble Commander being on the right, and reports 1f all are present.)

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26 INSTALLATION CEREMONY

Officers Elect! Do you accept the positions to which you have been chosen?

(Officers Elect Respond.) ee @ .

Knights and Ladies of ——-— Commandery, No. ——, are you prepared to yield a cheerful obedience to all their official demands, and do all in your power to assist them in the performance of their several duties?

(Members respond.) * e e@

Officers Elect! You have been chosen by your associates to direct the affairs of this Commandery for the current term. Grave and most important interests are being committed to your care; upon your fidelity and promptness the welfare of the Commandery chiefly depends. Exact the most scrupulous observance of and obedience to all the requirements of the Con- stitution, Laws, and usages of the Order. Be resolute and firm in the discharge of your duties. Thus you will obtain not only the respect of your brothers and sisters, but the approval of your consciences.

Grand Herald, you will conduct the officers elect to the station of the Past Grand Commander to receive their official obligation.

Please sing our Installation Ode.

(During the singing, the officers elect march once around the Citadel, halting in front of the Past Grand Commander. GRAND CoMMANDER.—Past Grand Commander, you will proceed in the performance of your duty. eee

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INSTALLATION CEREMONY 27

Granp Hrratp.—P. G. C., by direction of the G.C., I present the officers elect for installation.

Past Granp ComMaNnpER.—Officers Elect! You will severally use your names where I use mine, and repeat after me. I,———, do most solemnly promise to discharge all the duties required of me by the Constitu- tion, Ritual, Laws, and usages of the Order ; to preserve private cards, books, and all property of this Com- mandery, or any other department of the Order which may be placed in my care, and to deliver the same to the officers duly authorized to receive them, at the expira- tion of my term of office, or at any time I may be re- quired to do so by our laws; I further promise to attend punctually all the Commandery meetings during my term of office, unless prevented by some unavoidable circumstance; and to cherish the honor and welfare of our beloved Order, by upholding its principles, sustaining its character, and extending its influence.

You will each raise the left hand, with the index finger pointing upward, place the right over your heart, and repeat after me: In the presence of the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, I most solemnly affirm that I will keep and perform all of these obligations to the best of my ability.

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Granp CoMMANDER.—Grand Herald, you will con- duct the officers elect to seats, on my left, in front of the desk of the Financial Keeper of Records. (Seated.) Grand Herald, you will present to me the Past Noble Commander.

GraNnp Hrratp.—Grand Commander, I have the pleasure of presenting to you the Past Noble Com- mander, Knight (or Lady)———.

28 INSTALLATION CEREMONY

GRAND COMMANDER.—Past Noble Commander, your office is not devoid of care and responsibility, but its claims upon you for disinterested labor will grow with your growing experience. Your perception of the great and noble work'to be accomplished for the Order should be seconded by your efforts to do more and better than you have been able to do before. It is thus you will be worthy of all the honor that is accorded to your rank. Let each obligation you deliver be indelibly impressed upon the memory of the candidate, and try to show, by your actions, that you have taken the same vows. Itis your duty, also, to see that all is in readi- ness, and that the ceremonies of conferring the de- gree are in accord with the ritualistic law. 1 now invest you with the insignia of your office. The Grand Herald will conduct you to a seat at the right of the Past Grand Commander.

(Immediately ajter the installed officer is seated, the Grand Commander designates by title the next officer, and the Grand Herald presents them in the following order and manner.)

(The G. H. presents the Warder of the Outer Gate.)

GRAND HeraLp.—Grand Commander, I have the pleasure of presenting to you, the Warder of the Outer Gate elect, Knight (or Lady) —

G. C.—W. O. G., be at your post vigilant and attentive. Allow no person not a member to loiter about the gate; neither admit any one to the Citadel in any other manner than that required by the Ritual.

INSTALLATION CEREMONY 29

I now invest you with the insignia of your office. The Grand Herald will conduct you to your station.

(The G. H. presents the Warder of the Inner Gate elect.)

~G. C.—W. I. G., you are responsible for the safe euarding of the Inner Gate. The officer without diminishes not the care of the officer within. Be vigilant and attentive in the discharge of your duties. I now invest you with the insignia of your office. The Grand Herald will conduct you to your station.

(The G. H. presents the Worthy Herald elect.)

G. C.—W. H., it is your duty, in connection with the Warders, to see that no unqualified persons are permitted to sit with this Commandery during its sessions. You will have charge of the insignia and paraphernalia; see that all are in possession of the proper badges of rank or office, and collect them at the close of each session. You are also to prepare and conduct candidates through the degree, attend to all visiting members of the Order, and see that they are always treated with proper courtesy. I now invest you with the insignia of your office. The Grand Herald will conduct you to a position next to his own behind the altar.

(The G. H. presents the Treasurer elect.) .

G. C.—W. T., in the great treasury of nature not a single grain is ever lost; therefore her funds are ex- haustless. Be to this Commandery as thy mother