Ritual of the Independent Order of Good Templars for Subordinate Lodges

INDEPENDENf ORDER

GOOD TEMPLARS,

SUBORDINATE LODGES,

UNDER THB JURISDICTION OF THB

EIGHT WOETHt GEAKD LODGE OF NORTH AMEEIOA.

ADOPTED AT CLEVELAND SESSION,
MAT 24, 1864.

CHICAGO:

PUBLISHED BY THE RIGHT WORTHY GRAND LODGE.

1864.

DIAGEAM OP GOOD TEMPLAES' HALL.

W.A.8. W.S.

W. F. 8. W. T.

m

1 '

ANTE-ROOM.
W. Sent.

ORDER OF BUSINESS.

1. — Opening Ceremonies.

2. — Roll of Officers and Appointments pro-tern.

3. — Reading Journal, and action thereon.

4. — Reports of Investigating Committees.

5. — Balloting on Candidates.

6. — Initiatory Ceremonies.

7. — Propositions for Membership, and reference

to Committees.

8. — Reports; Special Committees ; Sickness;

Violations.

9. — Charges preferred and referred to Com-

mittees.

10. — Reports of Officers ; Trustees; Finance

Committee.

11. — Application for Degrees.

12. — Election; Installation, and other Special

Orders.

13. — Unfinished Business.

14. — Communications, and New Business.

15. — Good of the Order; Lectures, Essays,

Speeches, Papers, etc.

16. — Closing Ceremonies.

GENERAL RULES.

1. Whenever an obligation is to be administered, the Lodge

should always be called to their feet.

;

2. The attitude to be assumed on receiving the obligation,
is, the right hand upon the heart. The open Bible should lie
upon the altar, in front of the candidate.

3. Should candidates refuse to assent to the Obligation,
the Initiation cannot proceed, but the W. M. will conduct such
candidates to the ante-room.

4. Officers entering the Lodge room and reporting to the
W. C. T., give the salutation to that Officer as they report

5. When the Lodge is visited by the Officers of the Grand
Lodge, or their Representatives, officially, it should rise as they
enter the room and give the salutation.

EITUAL.

[ When the hour arrives for opening the Lodge, the
W. C. T. (and in his absence the W. V. T., or a P. W.
C. r.) will take the chair and call the Lodge to order.*]

W. C. T. We are now about to open the
Lodge. All not members of the Order will
please retire. The Officers and Members will
clothe themselves in appropriate regalia and
assume their respective positions.

The Worthy Vice Templar will see that the
Guards of the Lodge are at their proper places,

* These Explanatory Notes and Special Rules, In italic, are for the information
and guide of the Officers only, and are not to be spoken in any instance during
the Ceremony.

6 RITUAL.

and that they are correct in the Quarterly Pass-
word, Explanation and Signals.

[ The W. C. T. will now make such pro-tern, appoint-
ments as are necessary to open the Lodge.~\

The Marshal and Deputy will communicate
to me the Pass-word and Explanation of the
present term, after which they will ascertain
and report if all present are in possession of
the same.

'[The W. M. commences with the L. H. S. ; the W. D.
M. with the R. H. S. reporting each failure to give them
correctly as it occurs. Should there be any present not in
possession of the Quarterly Pass-word and Explanation,
and not entitled to the same, the W. C. T. should re-
quire them to leave the room; if entitled, the W. C. T.
will communicate them at once. On completing examin-
ation, the Marshal and Deputy resume their respective
positions, and report all correct."]

[ Officers that respond rise."]

W. C. T. Worthy Officers : what are your
respective duties?

W. V. T. To assist you in preserving order ;

OPENING. 7

allow none to enter or retire during the Open-
ing, Closing, or Initiatory Ceremonies, unless
directed by you; to have charge of the ante-
room of this Lodge, and in conjunction with
the Guards, enforce the rules of the Order in
relation to the same.

P. W. C. T. To receive and recognize the
salutation, and see that Members are properly
clothed in regalia.

W. S. To keep a correct record of the pro-
ceedings of this meeting.

W. F. S. To keep just and true accounts
between this Lodge and myself; between the
Lodge and its members, and pay all money
received to the Worthy Treasurer.

W. T. To safely keep* all money of the
Lodge, and pay the same only on the order
of the Worthy Chief Templar and Worthy
Secretary.

W. M. To see that all present are quali-
fied to remain; to keep the regalia in order;
introduce* candidates, and attend to visiting
members.

8 RITUAL.

W. Chap. It is my duty and privilege to
conduct the devotional exercises of the Lodge
Let us look to God for his blessing.

[or, "Let us listen to the teachings of Divine Inspira->
tion" (in case a passage of Scripture is read). An
extempore prayer can be used if preferred."]

PRAYER.

Our Father, who art in Heaven, we thank
Thee, that Thy protecting care has been over
us, and ours, during another week; and that
we are permitted again to meet together around
our common altar, under circumstances of so
great mercy. Do Thou be pleased to pardon
all our transgressions, and forgive us for having
loved and served Thee so feebly. As we are
met to promote the great interests of the Tem-
perance cause, may we be enlightened and
strengthened, so as to make our plans and acts
most potent for good. We would commend to
Thee the suffering everywhere, and especially
the inebriate and his family; and wilt Thou
help us to work for the good of t^ose thus
unfortunate. Bless, 0 Lord, the organization

OPENING. 9

to which we belong, and all Temperance effort
in whatever direction, and in Thine own good
time, may everything that can intoxicate be
driven from our midst, and the clouds that have
so long darkened our sky, be scattered by the
golden beams of truth and Temperance. Do
Thou guide us in our deliberations this evening,
through the journey of life ever lead us, and
finally bring us to Thyself in Thine own
Kingdom, which we ask in the name of Thy
dear Son, our Redeemer. Amen.

W. C. T. Officers and Members : our re-
spective duties are plain, and I need not urge
their faithful discharge upon all. A nobler
moral object than ours never called true men
and women together in council. We are here
to work. Let us do it, and so advance our
common cause, and honor God. Please sing
our Opening Ode.

[ The W. C. T. will announce which Ode will be sung.']

10 RITUAL.

OPENING ODES.

1. Am— " Watchman."

Friends of Temperance, welcome here,

Cheerful are our hearts to-day ;
TeH us — we would gladly hear — '

How our cause speeds on its way.

Here we pledge ourselves anew,
Not to touch the drunkard's drink ;

Proving faithful, proving true,
We will from no duty shrink.

2. AIR—" Tlie Battle Cry of Freedom?

"We are gathering for the conflict, with earnest hearts and true,

Shouting the battle cry of Temperance;'
The world will bless our progress in the work we have to do ;

Shouting the battle cry of Temperance.
Cold water forever, hurrah ! then, hurrah !
Down with the wine glass — up with our star;
As we gather for a right cause, with earnest hearts and true,

Shouting the battle cry of Temperance.

W. C. T. I now declare the Lodge open for
the transaction of business.

[ The W. C. T should require all the members in the
ante-room to enter, and then proceed with the usual Order
of Business.]

i

INITIATION. 11

[ When the Lodge is ready for Initiation, the W. C. 71
will direct the W. 'M. to retire to the ante-room, and
ascertain if there are candidates in waiting ; and the

W. M., in reporting candidates, should announce their
names in full in open Lodge, that the W. C. T. and

W, S. may satisfy themselves that the persons have been
duly elected.]

W. 0. T. The Past Worthy Chief Templar
and Financial Secretary will repair to the ante-
room, propound the usual questions, and collect
the fees and dues.

[The P. W. C. T. and W. F. S. will retire; the follow-
ing questions are to be answered in the affirmative :]

P. W. C. T, Will you be obedient to all
the laws and rules of this Institution, they not
conflicting with your duties as a citizen .or a
Christian ?

Ansiver. I will.

P. W. C. T. Will you take a solemn pledge
to abstain forever from the use of, or giving to
others as a beverage, anything that will intoxi-
cate ?

Answer. I will.

12 RITUAL.

P. W. C. T. Do you believe in the exist-
ence of Almighty God, the Ruler and Governor
of all things ?

Answer. I do.

[These questions having been answered in the affirma-
tive^ and the fee collected, the Officers return to the Lodge-
room, salute the W. C. T., and report."]

W. F. S. Worthy Chief Templar, the fee is
paid.

P. JY. C. T. Worthy Chief Templar, the
questions are properly answered.

W. C. T. The Marshal and Deputy will
now repair to the ante-room, and introduce the
candidate.

\If but one candidate, only one officer need retire.
The W. M. conducting the candidate to the door, gives
three distinct raps.~\

I. G. Worthy Vice Templar, there is an
alarm at the inner gate.

W. V. T. You will attend to it.

INITIATION. 13

4 •

/. Gr. It is our Marshal, accompanied by a
friend, who seeks admission to our Lodge.

W. V. T. Admit them.

[While singing, the W. M. conducts the candidates
slowly around the room, stopping at the close of the Ode
in front of the chair of the W. C. T.~]

1 . AIR — " Savior, like a shepTterd lead us"

"Welcome, welcome to our Order,

"We shall need your help and care;
In the harvest fields of Temperance,

You shall have a rightful share.
Welcome, welcome,

Heaven bless you ! is our prayer ;
Welcome, welcome,

Heaven bless you ! is our prayer.

2. Ara — Harwell.

Welcome, stranger, to this Temple,

To our altar now advance ;
Join our band of valiant soldiers,

Strike for Right and Temperance. /
Hearts united cheer you on,
Honor, pleasure will be won,
Welcome, stranger, to this Temple,
Welcome, welcome, welcome here !

•
14 RITUAL.

W. M. Worthy Chief Templar, allow me to
introduce to you our friend^ who, after due trial,
wishes to become a member of our Order.

W. O. T. My friend, we give you a cordial
welcome.

R. H. &. Welcome ! Here you will find
encouragement in every laudable purpose.

L. H. 8. Welcome ! Here you will find
friends in the hour of peril.

W. 0. T. It rejoices our hearts that hence-
forth your services are to be given to the great
Temperance reform, and that to this end, you
desire to unite your influence with ours. This
place is sacredly dedicated to the cause of Tem-
perance, and you see here the entire family
circle around one common altar, fully determined
to reclaim the fallen, and save others from
falling. The enemy with which we have to
contend is crafty and powerful, and to resist
such a foe successfully will require our mightiest
efforts. All have felt his power, or suffered
more or less from his destructive influences.
In every walk of 'life, intemperance, like an

INITIATION. 15

undying worm, has gnawed at the vitals and
corrupted the life-blood of the fairest, ablest
and purest of earth. We aim to unite all moral
and social elements of society in an unceasing
warfare upon this giant evil. Our hearts and
hands are ever open, to lift up those who are
sunk low in the scale of human degradation,
and restore them to family, friends, and society,
as well as to save the young, pure and virtuous
from ever falling into the snares of the tempter.
You will now be required to take upon your-
self a solemn obligation of total abstinence, and
to bind yourself to our laws; but, as you have
already been assured, there is nothing in this
obligation inconsistent with your duties arising
from any of the relations of life. It is an
obligation earnest in its nature, imperative in
its requirements, and lifelong in its duration.
Regarding it .thus, are you still willing to
proceed ?

Candidate. I am.

j

Worthy Marshal, you will now present our
friend to the Worthy Vice Templar for obli-
gation.

16 ' RITUAL.

[The W. M. and candidate will remain standing at
the Altar while one of the following Odes is sung :]

1 . Am — America.

God of the Temperance cause,
Bless Those who seek thy laws,

Owning their power;
Be Thou to them a shield,
Teach them thy sword to wield
Upon temptation's field,

In sin's dark hour.

2. AIR — PkyeFs Hymn.

God of Mercy! be Thou near,
While these vows are spoken here ;
Shield the victor, guard and guide
Where the lurking tempters hide;
Man may strive, but Thou alone
Must the final conquest crown.

W. M. Worthy Vice Templar, by direction
of our Worthy Chief Templar, I here present
our friend for Obligation.

INITIATION. 17

W. V. T. You will place your right hand
upon your heart and assent to the following

OBLIGATION.

You, in a full belief in the existence and
power of Almighty God, and in the presence
of these witnesses, do solemnly and unreserv-
edly promise that you will not make, buy, sell,
use, furnish, or cause to be furnished to others,
as a beverage, any spirituous or malt liquors,
wine or cider ; and that, in all honorable ways,
you will discountenance their use in the com-
munity. You also promise, that you will not
reveal any of the private work or business of
this Order to any one not entitled to know the
same, and that in all things you will yield a
cheerful obedience to all our laws, rules and
usages. You also promise, that you will not
knowingly wrong a member of this Order, or
see one wronged, and that you will do all in
your power to promote the good of this Order
and to advance the cause of Temperance.

Do you thus promise ?

Candidate. I do.

18 RITUAL.

W. M. (and all the Lodge in concert.) We
are witnesses of your solemn obligation.

W. C. T. The Chaplain will now invoke the
Divine blessing.

PRAYER.

W. Chap. Our Father who art in Heaven,
we now implore thy blessing upon this friend,
who has just assumed a high and responsible
obligation, and whose influence is henceforth to
be united with ours to drive Intemperance from
the land. Give him strength to discharge every
duty arising from this new relation, and grace
to redeem every pledge. May lie have strength
to resist every temptation ; and, in Thy hands,
become an honored instrument in leading many
to virtue and peace. Be pleased to graciously
bless us, in this addition to our numbers and
influence ; and may our union prove a blessing
to us and many others, and an honor to Thy
great name; to whom be glory and dominion
for ever and ever. Amen.

{The Candidate will turn and face the W. C. T. The
Officers remain standing."]

INITIATION. 19

P. W. C. T. This vow we have all taken
and kept. Let the fidelity with which it is
kept by you, be your glory and your shield.
Remember your vow.

W. C. T. None but the brave dare take
such a vow ; but a true heart and determined
purpose will accomplish much. Remember your
vow.

W. Chap. A Templar's vow is registered in
heaven ; as you value your standing here and
your peace in eternity, keep that vow sacred
to the end of life. Remember your obligation.

W. V. T. Your sacred honor is given to us
that you will keep your obligation. He that is
faithful in little, will be faithful in much. Your
character is at stake in your vow. Keep it,
then, to the end of life.

Marshal, you will continue to act as guide to
our friend.

20 RITUAL.

[The W. M. conducts them around the room while
singing.'}

1. AIR— "Beautiful Star."

Hail! all hail! O friends of Right!
Keep the vows you're made to-night !
Let no purple wine be poured
As you gather at the board.

Destroying wine,

Destroying wine,
Wine, wine of the drunkard,
Taste not, O taste not the wine !

2. AIR — Auld Lang Syne.

Come, friends and brethren, all unite,

In songs of hearty cheer ;
Our cause speeds onward in its might —

Away with doubt and fear.
We give the pledge, we join the hand,

Resolved on victory ;
We are a bold, determined band,

And strike for liberty.

The cup of death no more we take ;

That cup no more we give ;
It makes the head, the bosom, ache —

Ah! who can drink and live?
We give the pledge, we join the hand.

Resolved on victory ;
We are a bold, determined band,

And strike for liberty.

[ The W. M. will lead the Candidate just in front of
the Altar, facing the W. C. T., and the officers rise as
they respond.]

INITIATION. 21

W. C. T. Wine is a mocker, strong drink is
raging; and whosoever is deceived thereby is
not wise. He that loveth pleasure shall be
poor : he that loveth wine shall not be rich.

P. W. C. T. Be not among wine-bjfobers ;
for the drunkard shall come to poverty, and
drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.

W. C. T. How exceedingly strong is wine ;
it causeth all men to err that drink it : Let no
drunkenness go with thee in thy journey, for
it duninisheth strength ; it maketh wounds !

W. Chap. Woe unto him that giveth his
neighbor drink, that putteth the bottle to him
and maketh him drunken also !

W. V. T. He that contemneth small things
shall fall by little and little. Show not thy
valiantness in wine, for strong drink hath des-
troyed many.

W. C. T. Who hath Borrow ? Who hath
woe ? Who hath babbling ? Who hath con-
tentions? Who hath wounds without cause?
Who hath redness of eyes ?

22 RITUAL.

W. M. They that tarry long at the wine ;
they that go to seek mixed wine.

W. C. T. Then look not thou upon the wine
when it is red, when it giveth its color in the
cup, wjien it moveth itself aright. At the last
it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an
adder !

Worthy Marshal, you will now conduct this
friend to our Worthy Chaplain.

W. M. Worthy Chaplain, our friend awaits
further instruction.

W. Chap. My friend, the gems of truth
which we have just given you, are from Divine
revelation ; treasure them in your heart, and it
will be well with you now and hereafter. Study
well the volume from which they are taken, for
therein are found words of eternal life. The
Scriptures teach Temperance in all things, and
declare that no drunkard shall inherit the King-
dom of Heaven. In your hours of study,
consult them ; in your hours of reverie, medi-
tate upon their teachings ; and in the hour of
temptation, look to that Word which was in the
beginning, is now, and shall be evermore, for

INITIATION. 23

strength ; and at the feet of the Son of God,
learn the lesson of faith, hope, and charity ; for
if you love them that love you, and do good
to those who bestow their favors upon you,
what do ye more than others ? I charge you
to love God, and keep his commandments ; let
your hope be ardent, your faith strong, and
your charity like the bounty of God, who
sendeth the rain and the sunshine alike upon
the just and upon the unjust.

Worthy Marshal, you will conduct this friend
to the Worthy Vice Templar, who will give him
further instructions.

W. M. Worthy Vice Templar, this friend is
on his way to learn more of the teachings of
our Order.

W. V. T. I welcome you on your way.
Many have gone the same road before you, and
we hope many may come after. You have
listened to the voice of revelation, but Tem-
perance is not alone taught in the Scriptures.
In nature we find no strong drinks — nothing
that can intoxicate. The Almighty and All-
wise prepared but one drink — pure water.

24 RITUAL.

This He furnished bountifully, and sent it
coursing through the earth, pushing down the
hill-side, glancing in the sunbeams, bounding
through the valley, distilling in the dew, and
treasured in the mighty deep. Animated na-
ture needs no other drink. Man alone, whom
God made upright, is dissatisfied, and has sought
out many inventions. Placed at the head of
all animate creation, man is the only creature
that sinks below his element — below the brute
— by yielding to his strange and acquired
appetite. Think well of these things, and I
charge you to be satisfied with the drink fur-
nished by One wiser than we.

Marshal, conduct our friend to the Past
Worthy Chief Templar, who will still further
advance him on his way.

W. M. Past Worthy Chief Templar, I am
directed to present this friend to you for further
instruction.

P. W. C. T. My friend, it gives me pleasure
to assist you in advancing. You have heard
the warnings of Scripture ; you have listened to
the teachings of nature; but lessons of Temper-

INITIATION. 25

ance are not confined to these. History lifts
its warning voice, saying, — BEWARE OF STRONG
DRINK ! It tells of heroes, prophets, priests and
kings, fallen by its potent power. It shows
that neither power, genius, learning, position or
strength are proof against it. Our own obser-
vation confirms this testimony. We have seen
the tears of the widow and orphan ; heard the
low, sad wail of agony sent up by broken
hearts. We have seen bright hopes and pros-
pects blasted; the innocence of youth grown
old with the deformity of ignorance and want;
beauty clothed with rags and shame, and man-
hood shorn of its glory, each repeating daily
the sad warning, of the past — BEWARE OF THESE
DRINKS! For protection against their deadly
and seductive influences, and to hasten the hour
when the means of intoxication shall be driven
from our land, are we banded together here.
(Stepping dotvn and taking the candidate by the
hand,] I now welcome you -to our Lodge — our
fraternal home. Abide with us. Here you
are safe. Remain with u^, for the destroyer
can never enter here. Ever have before you
the Divine rule, as though it were written in
letters of living light, "Whatsoever ye would

26 RITUAL.

that others should do unto you, do ye even so
unto them." Thus, you will live to a good and
noble purpose : the memories of the past will
be pleasant, and our future glorious.

You will now accompany our Marshal to the
desk of the Financial Secretary, and sign the
Constitution ; then to the Worthy Chief Tem-
plar for the closing ceremonies.

1 . Ara — America.

Long live our temple bright,
Offspring of truth and light,

Sent from above!
Long may our Brothers stand,
And Sisters — glorious band —
Strong pillars in our land,

Our pride and love !

2. MR— Old Hundred.

Now bound by honor's sacred laws,
Be faithful to our holy cause ;
Let truth preserve each member's fame,
Nor curses blast our honored name.

Then welcome to our Unionhood,
A cheerful welcome to the good ;
Long live our Order's great renown,
And happiness each member crown !

Stand firm in truth while life shall last,
Nor let the blight fall on thy way ;

Our hopes, may treason never blast ;
Our trust, no Judas e'er betray.

INITIATION. Z I

3» Ant — "Lift your heads, tJie day is breaking."

To our noble cause forever,

Be a steady beacon light ;
Let no deed or word e'er sever

Those who gather here to-night.
Firm in principles of Temperance,

Turn the wine-king from his throne,
Keeping always in remembrance,

God, Great God, is King alone.

W. M. Worthy Chief Templar, our friend
has traveled the circuit of our Lodge, and now
comes to you for the closing instructions and
ceremonies.

W. C. T. You have now undertaken a life-
long work, and we expect that henceforth your
labors and influence will be with us and for us ;
that you will be present at all of our meetings,
and that our association here and elsewhere
will be mutually pleasant and profitable. I
charge you to consider well the lessons of this
Lodge. Of necessity they have been brief:
ponder them in your mind, and as you advance
in our noble Order, they will be more fully
exemplified and set forth.

We have signs of recognition, test and pass-
words, grips and signals, which I will now give.

[ The W. C. T. will here give the instructions.']

28 RITUAL.

The members will now form our circle of
unity.

[ The members form a circle, joining hands around the
candidate and officers; the W. C. T., R. H. S., and L.
H. S., on one side of the fountain, or table on which are
the glasses of water, the W. M. and D. M. with the can-
didate on the opposite side, and in front of the officers
named.~\

W. C. T. By the authority of the Grand
Lodge of the Independent Order of Good Tem-
plars, I proclaim this person a member of this
Lodge ; and he is hereby declared to be entitled
to all the rights, privileges and protection guar-
anteed to members by our Constitution, By-
Laws, Rules and usages.

[The R. H. S. and L. H. S. hand the W. C. T., W.
M., D. M. and candidate glasses of water."] x

And in this pure element of water, God's
only beverage, we mutually pledge a life-long
fidelity to our sacred cause. (Officers and
candidate drink.}

INITIATION. 29

1 . Am — " There's much good cheer." — (Cracovienne.)

Fill all your sparkling glasses high,
With health that wine can never buy ;
Cold water, full of strength and life,
Will nerve our weakest for the strife ;
Flash out a draught of water cold,
With cheerful faces, young and old,
'Twas given a blessing from the sky,
Then fill your sparkling glasses high !

2. AIR — "Sparkling and Bright"

Sparkling and bright, hi its liquid light,

Is the water in our glasses ;
'Twill give you health, 'twill give you wealth,
Ye lads and rosy lasses !

O ! then resign your ruby wine,
Each smiling son and daughter;
There's nothing so good for the youthful blood,
Or sweet as the sparkling water !

W. C. T. Thus are you surrounded by
friends upon whom you have fraternal claims ;
this circle which you see around us being the
emblem of perpetual friendship. The union
of hands signifies the union of hearts, and
purpose and effort in our great work. Be-
fore you join hands with us, we will invest
you, as all worthy members should be, with
proper regalia. (The R. H. S. or L. H. S., or
loth, officiate.) It is hoped you will ever wear

30 RITUAL.

this badge with- pleasure and profit to yourself,
and honor to this institution and the cause of
Temperance.

You will now take your place, and form a
part of our circle.

[ The W. C. T. and Supporters resume their respective
stations."]

Now, as we all stand united around our
common altar, having plighted our faith together
beneath our sacred standard, behold how good
and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell
together in unity. May the pleasant ties that
now bind us together be severed only hi death.

Am — Zion.

Hail we now our new made member,
Linked with us in friendship's chain ;

Kind and faithful to each other,
Love will soothe our woes and pain ;

Thus progressing,
Blessings follow in our train.

^During the recess for congratulations, the candidate
should be made acquainted with all present."]

CLOSING. 31

OILOSI1TGK

W. 0. T. Worthy Financial Secretary, what
are the receipts of the evening ?

W. F. 8. The receipts are * * * Worthy
Chief Templar.

W. C. T. Has the Treasurer received the
same?

W. T. \ have, Worthy Chief Templar.

W. C. T. Worthy officers and members, we
are about to close this meeting. I thank you
for your presence and attention this evening :
let us now listen to our parting counsel.

W. V. T. Brothers and Sisters, let us not
forget the principles enjoined upon us by our
Order. At our altar we have given our most
sacred promises to abstain from all that can
intoxicate, and by all just means in our power
to banish intemperance. We desire the pres-
ence of all, and shall expect you here at our
next meeting.

32 RITUAL.

W. C. T. We must now separate, to mingle
again in the pursuits and temptations of life.
In your respective callings, shun the way of
evil doers, and exhibit by your integrity that
the labors and teachings of our Lodge are not
in vain.

We will now sing our closing ode.
CLOSING ODES.

1. Am — Sicilian Hymn. *

Heavenly Father ! give thy blessing,

While we now this meeting end ;
On our mind each truth impressing,

That may to thy glory tend.
Save from all intoxication,

From its fountain may we flee ;
When assailed by strong temptation,

Put our trust alone in thee.

2. Am — Cheney.

Great God! hear thou our prayer to-night,
The foes of Temperance may we brave;

Guide ali our faltering steps aright,
Our fellow men from ruin save.

3. Am— Ward.

May friendship's chain be ever bright,

And charity and love increase ;
May Providence protect the right,

Reclaim the wrong, establish peace.

CLOSING. 33

W. C. T. You will now give attention to
the Closing service by the Worthy Chaplain.

[ The Chaplain will pronounce a benediction, offer a
short extempore prayer, or use the following :]

PRAYER.

Our Father who art in Heaven, we thank
Thee for the privilege of the present meeting,
and for whatever good we may have been en-
abled to accomplish. Pardon, we entreat Thee,
whatever in our present intercourse may have
been displeasing to Thee, in thought, word or
deed. Deepen every conviction of duty; and
strengthen every earnest resolution of amend-
ment. Accompany us to our several homes,
and keep us and all our loved ones there ever
under the shadow of Thy wing. Guide us by
Thy counsels while we live, and finally receive
us into that temple not made with hands, eter-
nal in the heavens. For thine is the kingdom,
and power, and the glory forever. - Amen.

W. C. T. The meeting is now closed.

34 RITUAL.

[ The proper installing Officer is the G. W. C. T., (or,
in his absence, a D. G. W. C, T.~) When the Lodge
is ready for installation, the G. W. C. T. will quietly
appoint a G. W. S. and a G. W. M., and retire to the
ante-room.']

W. C. T. Worthy Marshal, our Lodge is
duly prepared for the installation of its officers,
and the Grand Worthy Chief Templar is in
waiting in our ante-room to install them. You
will now retire and introduce him, with such
representatives of the officers of the Grand
Lodge as may accompany him.

[ W. M. retires and introduces the officers.']

W. M. Worthy Chief Templar, I have the
honor and pleasure of presenting to you the
Grand Worthy Chief Templar, who is here for
the purpose of installing the officers of this
Lodge. He also brings with him these Brothers

INSTALLATION. 35

(atid Sisters), whom he has selected to repre-
sent the Grand Lodge.

[ All yive the salutation except in public installations^

W. C. T, It is with pleasure that I welcome
you within our Lodge. Our officers are elected,
and waiting' to be installed. It will be our
pleasant duty to assist you in any manner you
may require.

Gr. W. C. T. It is a source of gratification
to us to find a Lodge ready for our services.
You will now give us, as representatives of the
Grand Lodge, a place with you, and we will
proceed with the installation ceremonies.

[The W. C. T. and W. S. now step forward and con-
duct the officers to seats. The W. C. T. takes the G. W.
C. T., the W. S. the G. W. S., and the W. M. the G.
W. M. each to their respective stations. The W. C. T.
then steps in front of the G. TF. C. T., who says .*

G. W. C. T. You have now closed your term
as Worthy Chief Templar of this Lodge. There
are certain laws which must be observed before
I am permitted to proceed, and in order to

36 RITUAL.

know that you have complied with them, I will
ask the usual questions :

G. W. C. T. Have the officers elect been
chosen in accordance with the laws, and have
the required bonds been given and approved ?

W. C. T. They have.

G. W. C. T. Have the Quarterly Returns
been made out, and, with the per centage,
placed in the hands of the proper officer ?

W. C. T. They have.

G. W. C. T. It is with pleasure that we
receive your report, and, with the same feeling,
I will proceed with the installation, as soon as
the names of the appointed officers are re-
ported to the Grand Worthy Secretary. The
labors of your office are ended, yet your ex-
perience prepares you for still further useful-
ness, and the Lodge cannot now dispense with
your services. You will therefore take your
seat (if re-elected, say " among the members" )
as Past Worthy Chief Templar of this Lodge
for the ensuing term.

INSTALLATION. 37

\_A full list of the officers elect, with blank spaces ready
to Jill in the names of the appointed officers, should be
on the desk of the G. W. S., and, while the appointments
are being made by the Officers elect, the G. W. M. will
arrange seats in front of the G. W. C. T., as shown in
the diagram :

G. w. c. T.

W. O. G. * * * L. H. 8.

W. I. G. * * R. H. 8.

W. D. H. * * W. C. T.

W. M. * * W. V. T.

W. T. * * W. CHAP.

W. P. 8. * ., * W. A. S.

The regalia, except that of the Guards and Supporters,
will be left at the chairs of the officers."]

a. W. a T. (Rising.) My Brothers and
Sisters, you have been elected to take charge
of this Lodge for the ensuing quarter. It is
no common mark of favor which has thus been
bestowed upon you. I feel confident that it
has been worthily bestowed, and that diligence
in the discharge of all your duties, together
with courteous demeanor, will raise you still
higher in the estimation of your associates.
In rising to the position of Officers of this
Lodge, you have done well; but if you rise

38 RITUAL.

in the discharge of your duties, you will do
better.

Please sing our Installation Ode :

Am — "Auld Lang Syne"

Whatever station we may fill

In this exalted band,
Our plighted duties we shall still

Achieve, with heart and hand ;
And evermore, through good and ill,

By one another stand —
"Whatever station we may fill

In this exalted band.

Cr. W. C. T. The Officers will now assume
the Good Templar attitude for receiving the

OBLIGATION.

You, and each of you, do solemnly promise,
upon your sacred honor, that you will faithfully
discharge all of the duties devolving upon you
as Officers of this Lodge, in strict accordance
with the laws, rules and usages of the Order,
the Constitution and By-Laws of the Grand
Lodge, and of this Lodge.

Officers respond. We

INSTALLATION. 39

G. W. C. T. Brothers and Sisters, you have
just heard the Obligation taken voluntarily by
your Officers.

Members respond. We are witnesses.

\

[ Officers rise as they are addressed."]

G. W. C. T. Worthy Guards, your duties
require you to take charge of the doors of our
Lodge : see to it that no unworthy persons are
admitted, and that our Opening, Initiatory and
Closing ceremonies are not disturbed. Our
Grand Worthy Marshal will clothe you in re-
galia, and conduct you to your stations. You
will relieve the present Guards, and immediately
enter upon the discharge of your duties.

a. W. 0. T. Worthy Marshal and Worthy
Deputy Marshal, you will see that all who enter
here without passing the Guards are qualified
to remain ; you will have charge of the Regalia
and Odes, and will see that they are properly
distributed at the opening and collected at the

\

40 RITUAL.

close of each meeting; conduct candidates at
their initiation, and introduce visitors. Follow
our Grand Worthy Marshal, and he will conduct
you to your places in the Lodge, and clothe you
with your regalia.

G. W. C. T. Worthy Financial Secretary and
Worthy Treasurer, the financial affairs of this
Lodge are now placed in your hands ; see to it
that no injustice or wrong is done to the Lodge
or any of its members, or to yourselves. The
Worthy Financial Secretary will, at the close
of each meeting, pay all receipts to the Worthy
Treasurer, and the Worthy Treasurer will keep
the same subject to the order of the Lodge.
You will now be conducted to your stations by
our Grand Worthy Marshal, and enter upon
the discharge of your duties. Let your fidelity
be apparent, and a good conscience your reward.

G. W. C. T. Worthy Secretary and Worthy
Assistant Secretary, the Records of this Lodge
are now about to be placed in your keeping,
and upon the precision, punctuality and ability
of the Worthy Secretary, the prosperity and
harmony of the Lodge in a great measure

INSTALLATION. 41

depend. A good Secretary is always at his
post. Without prompt action on your part,
the Worthy Chief Templar cannot successfully
conduct the affairs of this Lodge. You have
accepted an arduous place, but we feel confident
that you have taken it with a determination to
perform its duties faithfully. So do, and you
will merit and receive the thanks of this Lodge
and of the Grand Lodge. The Grand Worthy
Marshal will now conduct you to your place,
by the side of the Grand Worthy Secretary,
and clothe you with regalia.

G. W. C. T. Worthy Chaplain, it is your
privilege to invoke the divine favor and bless-
ings, without which we labor in vain. Endeavor
so to conduct the devotional exercises of this
Lodge, that they may be beneficial to the mem-
bers and acceptable to our Heavenly Father.
The Grand Worthy Marshal will now conduct
you to your place in the Lodge.

G. W. C. T. Worthy Vice Templar, you
have, by the favor of your Brothers and Sisters,
been placed in an important position. In the
discharge of your duties, you are required to

42 RITUAL.

assist in maintaining order, give out nightly a
retiring Pass-word, and superintend the Guards.
Be faithful, dignified, and prompt ; and as you
discharge your duties, so will your merits be
appreciated by the Lodge. The Grand Worthy
Marshal will now conduct you to your place,
and clothe you in the regalia of your office.

G. W. C. T. Worthy Right and Left Hand
Supporters, your stations are indicated by the
names of your office. You will support your
Chief, and assist him as he shall from time to
time direct. (They remain standing.}

Worthy Chief Templar, you have been elected
to the highest office in the gift of this Lodge,
and you will consider it a mark of the esteem
and confidence the Lodge reposes in you. Let
it be your highest aim to merit a continuance
of their confidence, and to grow in their esteem.
Your duties are high and arduous. You are
the presiding and executive officer of this
Lodge, and you will see that order and the
rules of the Lodge are enforced, and that the
Lodge, in all of its workings, conforms to the
Ritual, the laws of the Right Worthy Grand

I

INSTALLATION. 43

/

Lodge, your own Grand Lodge, and of this
Lodge. It is expected that you will be in your
place at every meeting, in time to commence at
the regular hour ; and upon the care and fidelity
with which you discharge your duties, the
welfare and prosperity of the Lodge principally
depend. Be prompt, fearless and impartial in
your acts; courteous and kind in your inter-
course with the Lodge, and you will have the
assistance of all the members in conducting its
affairs, to your mutual profit and satisfaction.

Grand Worthy Marshal, you will now clothe
the Supporters with regalia, and conduct them,
with the Worthy Chief Templar, to their places.

Worthy Chief Templar, I now clothe you with
the regalia of your office. Wear it with honor
to yourself and profit to the Lodge. I also give
to your keeping the Charter of the Lodge, which
we all expect you will cherish and defend. I
also present you a copy of the Constitution and
By-Laws of this Lodge. These will guide you
in conducting the ceremonies of our Order, and
the admission of new members. And, lastly,
I present you with the gavel : by this you will

44 RITUAL.

control the movements of the members , * * .
will call to order, * * * will call up the
members, * * * seats them again, and * * *
will call up the officers. You will now enter
upon the discharge of your duties.

O

a. W. C. T. Worthy Officers and Members,
your Chief has been fully invested with his
authority. I now wish to remind you that he
alone cannot make this a successful, growing
and profitable Lodge. He desires and expects
your assistance in all that pertains to its wel-
fare. Act together in harmony, in honor pre-
ferring one another; strive to excel in good
words and works, remembering the object for
which our noble Order was instituted, and its
cardinal principles, as symbolized in our emblem
and found in our motto — "Faith, Hope, and
Charity." The Grand Lodge expects a good
report from you, and the community that you
will do a good work. I return you the thanks
of the Grand Lodge and my own for the past,
and as you are now in a condition to continue

INSTALLATION. 45

your noble work, may Heaven bestow upon
you increased prosperity.

Please sing our Closing Installation Ode.

AIR — " The morning light is breaking."

Stand up, stand up for Temperance,

Ye soldiers of our cause;
Lift high our royal banner,

Nor let it suffer loss.
From victory to victory

Our army shall be led,
Till every foe is vanquished

And all are free indeed.

Stand up, stand up for Temperance,

Against unnumbered foes ;
Your courage rise with danger,

And strength to strength oppose;
Forth to this mighty conflict —

Go, in this glorious hour —
Where duty calls, or danger,

Be never wanting there.

I now declare the officers of * * * Lodge,
No. * * I. 0. of G. T., duly installed, and
authorized to enter upon and discharge their
several duties for the term ending * * * 1st,
18 * * , and until their successors are elected
and installed.

46 RITUAL.

The Officer instituting a new Lodge will satisfy himself, prior
to the performance of 1m duties, that application has been made,
in due form, for a Charter ; that the G. W. 8. is in possession
of the same, and that the fee has been paid.

On the nvjTit appointed for Institution, the G W. C. T , or his
Deputy, shall take the Chair ; and, so far as may be in his power,
sliaU appoint Members of the Order, in good standing, as acting
Grand Officers. If} however, there are no Members of the Order
present to assist him, he shall waive apjpointments pro tern., until
after the applicants shall haw been duly initiated.

The Grand Officer Witt then proceed with the Initiation Cere-
mony, as provided in the Ritual, with this difference only, that in
cases where there are no members of the order present, as assist-
ants, he will confer the Obligation of the Order, in due form,
himself, and shall explain the several Charges of the Officers acting
in connection with the Initiatory Work, so tJiat the members of the
newly instituted Lodge shall be enabled1 to proceed correctly in att
future Initiations.

The applicants having been initiated, the Officer may proceed
with the election and installation of the Officers, without conferring
the Degrees ; but it shall be his duty to confer the Degrees within
three months, so that after tJie first quarter (lie Officers, as far as
required, sJiaH be Degree members. He may, however, confer the
Degrees the following evening.

After which the Grand Officer wiU examine the Charter of the
Lodge, and see that it is duly filled out with the names of the mem-
bers, name and number of the Lodge, location, date and proper
signatures. He will then call up the Lodge, and proclaim a*
follows:

INSTITUTION. 47

G. W. C. T. Brothers and Sisters : Having
complied with all that our laws and usages
demand, it is my pleasure and duty to welcome
the members of * * * Lodge into union with
our Temperance Fraternity. It is your pre-
rogative, if you are but faithful and energetic,
to exert a healthy influence upon the community
in which you dwell ; ' to reform the inebriate, to
assuage the woes and afflictions entailed upon
our race by intemperance, and to suppress the
traffic in alcoholic poisons, is one of the holiest
of callings. Let your efforts ever be in har-
mony and unison, and your counsels together
be tempered with reason, moderation, and the
firmness of true wisdom. And, above all, let
me ask that the example of this Lodge, and of
the members thereof, shall ever be calculated
to advance its true interests and1 those of our
common cause. The perpetuity and salvation
of an Institution or a Society depends more
upon the example and practice of its members,
than upon its mere precepts or its professions.
Live above reproach ; live to 4° good ; live to
improve all the higher and better faculties of
man's nature ; and, with the blessings of Provi-
dence, you will be instrumental in accomplishing

48 RITUAL.

a part of the great work of regenerating the
world.

And now, by authority of the Grand Lodge
of the Independent Order of Good Templars,
I hereby declare * * * Lodge, No. * * *
to be duly instituted and organized, and while
obedient to the Constitution and decisions of
the Grand Lodge, to be fully entitled to the
rights and privileges of Lodges of our Order.

At the close of this Ceremony, any necessary business may be
transacted, after which close the Lodge inform.

FUNERAL CEREMONY.

This Ceremony will be found in Chase's Digest, page 147.

to

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