Kappa Sigma
Initiation Ritual
1995
Opening Ceremony
The
Chapter officers shall take their respective stations, the GM filling by
appointment such vacancies as may temporarily occur. The Guards take their
stations inside the door, standing at attention, facing each other, and holding
their swords vertically in front of their bodies. The members of the Chapter
then enter the Hall, passing between the two Guards, and take their seats.
During the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and if necessary, at other times
during the meeting, an outer Guard shall be posted.
The
GM calls the Chapter to order by one rap of the gavel, rises, and says:
GM: Brother Grand Procurator, are all present members of Kappa Sigma?
The
GP rises; if he is not sure of each man in the room, he makes sure before
responding:
G
P: Brother Grand Master, all
present are Kappa Sigmas.
The
GM raps twice; all officers rise. The GM asks:
GM: Brother Grand Master of Ceremonies, are you a Kappa Sigma?
The
GMC, remaining at his stat1on, turns to face the GM.
GMC:
A trial will prove.
GM: How will you be tried?
GMC:
By certain Signs, a Word or Words, and a Token.
GM: Will you give me a Sign?
The
GMC faces the Altar and gives the Due Guard; the GM responds with the first part
of the Penal Sign; the GMC answers with the final portion of the Penal Sign; the
GMC turns again to face the GM.
GM: Will you give me a Word?
GMC:
Semper.
GM: Constans.
In
unison:
GM
& GMC: Always Constant.
GM: Where were you first prepared to be made a Kappa Sigma?
GMC:
In my heart.
GM: Where were you made a Kappa Sigma?
GMC:
In a properly constituted Chapter from
GM: How many compose such a Chapter?
GMC:
Four or more.
GM: When composed of four, of whom does it consist?
GMC:
Of Grand Master, Grand Procurator, Grand Master of Ceremonies, and Guard.
GM: What makes you a Kappa Sigma?
GMC:
My Obligation.
The
GMC faces the Altar, gives the Due Guard and Penal Sign; the GMC turns again to
face the GM.
GM: What induced you to become a Kappa Sigma?
GMC:
An invitation from friends and a high appreciation of the Order.
GM: What else induced you to become a Kappa Sigma?
GMC:
That I might travel in foreign countries, and even in my own, and everywhere
enjoy the society of a friend and Brother. And that I might be protected in my
person and property from tyrants such as Cossa or any others who would forcibly
take away my property or my life.
GM: What are Tokens?
GMC:
Certain friendly or brotherly grips whereby we may know a Brother in the dark as
in the light.
GM: Have you a Token?
GMC:
I have.
GM: Advance and give it.
The
GMC leaves his station, approaches the GM, and gives him the Grip.
GM: Can you tell me what this is?
GMC:
A good thing shaking hands once.
GM: Do you really think so?
GMC:
Most assuredly shaking hands twice.
GM: Under what guise is it?
GMC:
Silence and secrecy shaking hands three times.
The
GMC returns to his station. The GM raps three times; all members rise.
GM: Brothers, pay attention to the Signs.
All
give the Due Guard and Penal Sign together.
When
closing the Chapter, the G M proceeds to the Closing Prayer at this point.
The
GM remains at his station.
GM: Let us pray.
Most Holy and
Glorious Lord God the giver of all good and perfect gifts, who in Thy word hast
promised that where two three are gathered together in thy name, thou wilt be in
the midst of them and bless them.
In thy name we are
assembled, most humbly beseeching thee to grant unto us thy gracious aid: that
we may know what to do, that we may have the grace and strength to perform the
same, and that all our actions may tend to thy glory and to our advancement in
knowledge and virtue.
And we beseech thee,
O Lord, to bless this our present assemblage, and illuminate our minds with the
divine precepts of Kappa Sigma, and so direct us to walk in the light of thy
divine countenance, that when the trials of our probationary state are over, we
may be admitted into that rest which is incorruptible, undefiled, and that
fadeth not away.
ALL
RESPOND: Amen.
GM: Brothers, I am happy to inform you that all has come up aright, and I
now declare this … Chapter of Kappa Sigma open after
The
GM raps once; all members are seated.
Ceremony of
Initiation
The
Candidate(s) for Initiation shall have been qualified for membership in Kappa
Sigma by the appropriate ballot, as required by the Constitution, By-Laws and
Rules. The Ceremony of Balloting prescribed in this book is to be used when
voting on the admission of new members. When several are to be Initiated, they
shall wait in a room which is sufficiently remote from the Chapter Hall so that
the proceedings will not be heard. Each Candidate participates in the Initiatory
individually. There is no exception to this requirement.
The
Chapter is to be opened in Due Form and ready to receive the Candidate, the
officers occupying their several stations as before. Inasmuch as both Guards
have a ceremonial role, another Brother may be posted as an outer Guard, if
necessary.
The
Candidate, who has been taken to an outer room by the Conductor (who may be
appointed by the GM), is questioned as follows:
Conductor:
Shall we construe your presence here tonight (or today) as a sufficient
assurance on your part that you wish to join the Brotherhood of Kappa Sigma and
share its Mysteries, Perils and Benefits?
The
Candidate must answer affirmatively.
Conductor:
Then I shall read to you the Preamble of our Constitution: "Whereas, the
true and honorable good of its members should be the final object of every
organization; therefore, we, believing the promotion of Friendship and Brotherly
Feeling to be such a good, do hereby organize the Kappa Sigma Fraternity; and
whereas, experience has shown the advantage of secrecy in drawing the members
closer together, secrecy is therefore made the shield of the Constitution,"
and especially of our time-honored Initiatory, for our better understanding,
organization and union.
Be it known and
acknowledged that we but formally ratify in this Grand Conclave ─
"Magister ad
Vitam" or "Kirjath Sepher" was the name given by Manuel
Chrysoloras and Lorenzo de Medici when the Order was originally founded at the
University of Bologna and later at the University of Florence, and seems to
refer to Bologna in its meaning "The City of Letters."
After
a brief pause, the Conductor continues:
Conductor:
Do you believe in the Holy Bible and reverence its teachings?
The
Candidate must answer affirmatively.
Conductor:
Are you, or have you ever been, a member of any college secret fraternity of
any
kind?
The
Candidate must answer negatively.
Conductor:
Are you willing to submit to such forms and ceremonies as all true Kappa Sigmas
have submitted to before you?
The
Candidate must answer affirmatively.
Conductor:
Then you will put off your right shoe, suffer yourself to be blindfolded, and
when directed, follow your Conductor.
After
the Candidate has removed his right shoe, but not his sock, and is securely
blindfolded, the Conductor takes the Candidate's left arm and accompanies him to
the door of the Chapter hall.
The
GMC is then signaled to the door by the Conductor with raps at the door in this
order:
GMC:
Who comes here? Who comes here? Who comes here?
Conductor:
Mr. …, a poor blind student on his way
to th e University of Bologna. He believes in the
Bible and reverences its teachings.
GMC:
Brother Conductor, what comes he here to do?
Conductor:
To acquaint himself with the Mysteries and share the Perils and Benefits of the
Kappa Sigma Fraternity; and by obeying its Teachings, to become heart and soul a
member of the same, and to become a better man.
GMC:
Mr. …, is it of your own free will and accord that you make this request?
The
Candidate must answer affirmatively.
GMC:
Brother Conductor, by what further rights or benefits does he expect to obtain
this great and distinguished privilege?
Conductor:
By being of proper age, good report, and well recommended; and by the benefit of
a Pass.
GMC:
Has he that Pass?
Conductor:
He has it not, but I will give it for him.
The
Conductor gives the Grip to the GMC who asks:
GMC:
Can you tell me what this is?
Conductor:
A good thing shaking hands once.
GMC:
Do you really think so?
Conductor:
Most assuredly shaking hands twice.
GMC:
Under what guise is it?
Conductor:
Silence and secrecy shaking hands three times.
The
Conductor then gives the Password to the GMC:
Conductor:
B - O shaking
hands once.
GMC:
L -O shaking hands
twice.
Conductor:
G - N - A shaking
hands three times.
GMC:
Very well, Brother Conductor. Mr. …, you will be so kind as to wait until the
Grand Master can be informed of your request and his answer returned.
The
GMC closes the door, with the Candidate still outside the Chapter Hall
(facilities permitting) under the care of the Conductor. The GMC approaches the
Altar, salutes the GM with the Due Guard and Penal Sign, and says:
GMC:
Brother Grand Master, Mr. …, a poor blind student is without our gates,
desiring admittance, fellowship, and a Conductor through the City to the
University of Bologna. ·He is of proper age, good report, and well recommended.
GM: Brother Grand Master of Ceremonies, is it of his own free will and
accord that he makes so great a request?
GMC:
It is.
GM: Is he aware that it is yet many miles to
GMC:
Brother Grand Master, I have named his request. He is aware of the distance and
that the robbers are merciless.
GM: Then it is my pleasure that he be admitted in the name of God, be
saluted by the Guards, and be allowed to pursue his journey towards the Twelfth
Gate.
The
GMC returns to the door, opens it, and says:
GMC:
He has the Grand Master's permission to enter.
The
Guards clash swords in front of the Candidate when he enters the room and as he
passes and repasses. The Candidate is conducted once counter-clockwise around
the room to the GP, who rises. The same raps are given upon the GP's station as
at the door.
The
GP lays his right hand on the Candidate's left shoulder once in a gentle, but
firm, restraining manner, as he asks:
GP: Who comes here?
Conductor:
Mr. …, a poor blind student of proper age, good report, and well recommended.
GP: Brother Conductor, what comes he here to do?
Conductor:
To become heart and soul a member of Kirjath Sepher, the Kappa Sigma Fraternity
and to procure a conductor to
GP: Mr. …? is this your request?
The
Candidate must answer affirmatively.
GP: Then you will be conducted to the Strada San Donato for the instruction
and examination of the Grand Master.
The
Candidate is conducted one and one-half times counterclockwise around the room
before stopping. During this journey, he passes the stations of the five
officers who give the Five Warnings audibly, without leaving their stations, and
without regard to the location of the Candidate. During this journey the GM
slowly strikes the bell twelve times, in equally timed strokes (like a clock
tolling midnight, not in short rapid pairs), as indicated;
The
bell is struck twice.
GMC:
Walk Circumspectly.
The
bell is struck twice.
GS: Love the Order.
The
bell is struck twice.
GM: Guard Well Its Secrets.
The
bell is struck twice.
GT: Obey Well Its Teachings.
The
bell is struck twice.
GP: Let Us Love One Another.
The
bell is struck twice.
As
the Candidate approaches the station of the GM, the GM rises and moves to the
front of his station to meet the Candidate. When the Conductor reaches the GM's
station, he stops the Candidate. The same raps are given upon the GM's station
as before. The GM lays his right hand on the Candidate's left shoulder twice in
a gentle, but firm, restraining manner, as he asks:
GM: Who comes here? Who comes here?
Conductor:
Mr. …, a poor blind student of proper age, good report, and well recommended.
GM: What comes he here to do, Brother Conductor?
Conductor:
To be conducted safely to
GM: Mr…., is this your request?
The
Candidate must answer affirmatively.
GM: I am happy to meet you on your way to
The
Conductor then places the Candidate at the Altar, facing the GM, kneeling
upright on both knees, his left hand resting on the Holy Bible and Star and
Crescent, his right hand placed upon his heart. The Conductor is then seated or
may quietly retire to prepare the next Candidate. The GM approaches the Altar
and says:
GM: Mr. you are now in Due Form to take upon yourself the most solemn
Obligation of a Kappa Sigma. You will say "I," repeat your full name,
and say after me: I, pause
and let the Candidate add his name \ of my own free wilt and accord,
\ in the presence of Almighty God \ and these assembled witnesses, \ do hereby
and hereon, \ most solemnly and sincerely \ promise and swear, \ that I will
always conceal \ and never reveal \ any part or parts, \ point or points, \ of
the Initiatory or other secrets \ of this, the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, \ which I
have received, \ am about to receive, \ or may hereafter be instructed in, \ to
any person or persons \ in the known world, \ except to true and lawful Kappa
Sigmas, \ to whom such secrets \ rightfully belong.
That I will obey all
orders and summonses \ sent to and received by me, \ emanating from the Supreme
Officers, \ or others in authority, \ if possible to respond.
That I will comply
with the requirements \ of the Constitution \ of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, \
and will familiarize myself \ with the Secret Work of the Order.
That I will not
assist at \ the Initiation or Pledging \ of a boy under fourteen, \ an atheist,
or a fool, \ I knowing him to be such.
That I will protect
and help, \ as far as in me lies, \ the members of this Fraternity, \ and advise
them for their good and advantage.
That I will not speak
evil \ of a Brother's good name, \ or that of his family, \ or suffer the same
to be repeated in my presence, I without making a suitable defense.
The
GMC moves to a point just behind the Candidate as the Guards quietly move to the
sides of the Candidate. The GM continues giving the Oath:
GM: All of which \ I most solemnly and sincerely \ promise and swear, \ with
a fixed and steady purpose of mind, \ to keep and perform, \ binding myself
under the no less penalty \ than that of having my head and legs \ severed from
my body, I and my skull and thigh-bones \ taken thence and preserved \ as the
only testimonial of a wretch \ so vile and perjured as I, \ should I presume to
violate my Kappa Sigma Obligation. \ So help me God, \ and keep me steadfast
through life. \ Amen.
At
the precise time the Candidate repeats the word severed, the GMC grasps the
Candidate's jaw, as if to lift it, and holds his head while the Guards rapidly
draw their swords, one across the back of the candidate's collar (not his skin)
and the other across the back of his thighs. Take care not to touch the
Candidate before he speaks the word.
You will now rise
from your knees, disengage your hands, and as a further evidence that this
Obligation is free and voluntary on your part, kiss the book three times as
presented.
The
GMC then lifts the Bible and presents it to the lips of the Candidate three
times, after which he replaces it upon the Altar.
GM: It is the Holy Bible.
The
GM returns to his station, leaving the Candidate standing at the Altar with the
GMC.
GM: Brother Grand Master of Ceremonies, you will conduct the Candidate to
the City via the Campo Santo, entering the Twelfth Gate over ten steps; five
ascending and five descending.
Music
begins at this point.
The
Candidate is conducted three times around the Hall by the GMC who speaks clearly
and with meaning. Note that each paragraph is a unit of thought. It is
appropriate to walk many steps saying nothing between paragraphs. The GMC should
not attempt to stretch the words to a slow walking pace.
The
GMC takes the Candidate's left forearm, turns him to the right of the Altar,
proceeds counter-clockwise, and says:
GMC:
Let us continue our journey, relying on God to deliver us from the dangers that
not infrequently beset our way.
After
the GMC passes the GT's station, he continues:
GMC:
Surely we could not wish a more propitious evening. The few golden-tinted clouds
streaking the East seem to have caught the glorious refulgence of the setting
sun, as they drift in space toward the
After
the GMC passes the GP's station, he continues:
GMC:
Yonder in the distance can be seen the outlines of those two famous towers.
Higher and grander
than its leaning neighbor, Torre Degli Asinelli seems almost to pierce the sky.
As
the GMC approaches the GS's station, he continues:
GMC:
After we pass through this fruitful valley and ascend yon elevation, we
shall soon be under the very walls.
As
the Candidate begins to cross the rustic footbridge, the GMC continues:
GMC:
Let us cross this sluggish stream by this rustic footbridge, and take the most
direct route to yonder spot where that clump of vines and fig trees almost hides
the wall from view.
The
GMC then proceeds in silence until he passes the station of the GS; he then
continues:
GMC:
There it is our pathway lies over the ten steps, and as we draw nigh, I shall
indicate the five steps on the opposite side. They
are Music, Astronomy, Mathematics,
History and Language.
The
Candidate is then led to the foot of the step stopped there, facing the steps,
before the GMC continues:
GMC:
This brings us to the Twelfth Gate, and the pillars on the left and right
represent respectively, "Oheb Eloah", meaning "Love of God,"
and "ΣΟΦΙΑ", meaning "Wisdom," and
overhead is inscribed "Bononia Docet", meaning "Bologna Teaches
the World."
After
a brief pause, the GMC continues:
GMC:
You will now please take the first step, "ΠΙΣΤΟΤΗΣ",
meaning "Fidelity," and as it is the first step, so too it is the
brightest jewel of a Kappa Sigma.
The
GMC lifts the arm of the Candidate to encourage him to take each step at the
word "step" and takes the step himself with the Candidate. He then
releases the Candidate on each step unless the Candidate is unsteady. It may be
necessary to whisper, "Step up," to some Candidates. The GMC must not
pronounce the name of a step until both he and the Candidate are firmly upon it.
You will now take the
second step, "ΔΙΚΗ", meaning "Justice,"
the step upon which we should base all our actions.
The third step is
called "ΗΛΗΘΕΙΑ", meaning
"Truth."
The fourth step,
"KAPTEPIA", meaning "Perseverance."
After
a slight pause, the GMC continues with excited feeling:
GMC:
But see! What grandeur feasts the eye! Before us is the City of
Immediately in our
front are the monuments of the buried great ─ a silent city of a race now
gone. Yonder is the Basilica of San Petronio, which was decorated, as we are
told, by one of our members, Michelangelo.
To our left, farther
on, is San Bartolommeo di Reno, and down the Strada San Donato, is the
Palazzo Cellesi, the
site of the school of Theodosius the Second, and thither let us wend our way.
You will now take the
fifth step, which bears the words "ΧΡΗΜΑΤΑ
ΚΑΙ ΔΥΝΑΜΙΣ", meaning
"Wealth and Power."
You will now descend!
Immediately
after this final word, and not before, the GMC places the palms of his hands
between the shoulder blades and in the middle of the Candidate's back and pushes
him so that he falls into a canvas held by eight or ten members. The Guards
should lock arms in front of the Candidate's ankles before the GMC pushes, so as
to prevent his stepping into the canvas rather than falling into it. The music
is stopped immediately as he falls. Special care should be taken with anyone
with any physical problem.
The
canvas should be gently lowered to the floor so that the Candidate remains lying
on the canvas as he fell. The members then arrange themselves in a crescent
behind the Candidate. The GMC quietly descends the steps, moves to the left side
of the Candidate, and if necessary, restrains him from rising until the proper
time. After all is quiet, the GM speaks from his station:
GM: As you fall, so may wealth take wings if not wisely and properly used,
and should you ever attain to power and abuse it, a breath may cause your
downfall.
"And it came to
pass as Jesus and his disciples drew nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat
by the wayside begging; and hearing a multitude going by, he asked what this meant,
and they told him, 'Jesus of
Nazareth passeth by;' and he cried, saying, 'Jesus, thou Son of David, have
mercy on me!' And they that went before rebuked him that he should hold his
peace, but he cried out the more a great deal, 'Thou Son of David, have mercy on
me!' And Jesus stood and commanded him to be brought unto him, and when he was
come near he asked him, 'What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?' And he
said, 'Lord, that I may receive my sight!'"
At
the word ‘commanded’, the GMC lifts the Candidate's arm and assists him to
his feet, standing directly in front of the Altar. The GMC must not to try to
walk the Candidate forward or attempt to move the canvas until after the Charge
is ended.
After
a brief pause, the GM continues:
GM: Mr. …, in your present condition, and at this stage of your journey,
what do you most desire?
The
GMC prompts the Candidate by whispering in his ear, "sight and
fellowship."
Candidate:
Sight and fellowship.
All
officers stand at their stations.
GM: Brothers, open wide the Twelfth Gate, stretch forth your hands, and
assist me in restoring sight to the blind, and in adding to Kappa Sigma, a
Brother!
The
word "Brother'' shall be the signal for the blindfold to be removed. As
this is done, the Brothers clap once in unison. After a brief pause, the Chapter
may sing "Brightly Gleams the Star and Crescent," provided it can be
done in a dignified and effective manner. The GM remains standing and says:
GM: Brother …, I here welcome you within the Twelfth Gate and am happy to
inform you that you there stand a lawful and upright Kappa Sigma, and I charge
you strictly ever to walk and act as such.
You are bound by duty
and oath to be faithful to your trust. To support the dignity of this Fraternity
on every occasion, and to enforce by precept and example obedience to the tenets
of this Order, and to preserve the reputation of Kappa Sigma unsullied, must be
your constant care. For this purpose, since you will be thrown with many who are
not members of our noble Brotherhood, it is your province to recommend to your
subordinates: obedience and submission to the laws of the land; to your equals:
courtesy commensurate with theirs; and to your superiors in office, age, or
experience: kindness and consideration.
Never give a Brother
cause to doubt your honesty or sincerity. In business, all things being equal,
you will of course, patronize your Brother.
Your first duty is to
God and your family, then to the Fraternity, then to your fellow man in general.
With your Brother you
are to inculcate mutual friendship and practice affability, and, by a well
regulated life, afford an example which some may equal, but none excel. Your
virtue, honor and reputation are contained in supporting cheerfully and with
dignity the character of friend and advisor incumbent upon you as a Kappa Sigma.
Let no motive,
therefore, make you swerve from your duty, reveal your vow, or betray your
trust, but always be true and faithful ─ not for a day, or an hour, or a
college term only, but for life. Thus you will render yourself deserving of the
honor we have reposed in you.
Now the cement of
humanity, friendship, and brotherly love is spread between us, that cement which
unites us a Band of Brothers, inseparable, among whom no contentions should ever
exist.
The
Guards take one or two steps forward pointing their swords in an arch. The GM
approaches the Initiate, through the arch, giving the Due Guard and Penal Sign,
as the GMC says:
GMC:
Behold! The Grand Master approaching under the Due Guard and Sign of Kappa
Sigma!
As
the GM walks toward the Initiate, he begins speaking to him:
GM: And in token of the power in me vested as Grand Master of this Chapter
of Kappa Sigma, I now declare you a lawful and acceptable member of this
Fraternity, offer you the right hand of friendship, give you the Grip, and
welcome you into the mystic bond of our union. Brothers, extend a fraternal
welcome to our new Brother!
The
members then applaud, a Badge is placed upon the new Brother, and he is
congratulated. His shoe is returned, and he is seated among the Brothers.
"Brightly Gleams the Star and Crescent” may be sung here, rather than
preceding the Charge. The GM returns to his station and seats the Hall with one
rap of his gavel. The Explanatory Lecture is to be given after the last
Candidate has been initiated.
Explanatory Lecture
The
Lecture shall be given by a qualified alumnus or undergraduate after any
Initiation, but in no event Jess than once each school period. It is most
effective when thoroughly committed to memory. If your Chapter does not own a
set of slides, contact Memorial Headquarters. The slides, which illustrate the
emphasized words of the Lecture, should be flashed on the screen just as the
numerals in brackets are reached. In a few instances, where succeeding words or
phrases are separately illustrated, a pause of four or five seconds (indicated
by an ellipsis ...) is essential. The speaker must carefully and fully observe
these pauses if he is to avoid confusion both for the audience and his
projectionist. If an automatic projector with remote control is available, the
lecturer can control the slides himself and thus create a better effect. The
lecturer must also thoroughly master, in advance, all pronunciations as
indicated in brackets.
The
lecture should be given in the presence of all members of the Chapter and before
the Closing Ceremony of the meeting at which Initiation has been performed. New
Initiates should be excused from the room so that the Chapter can be warned that
in explaining the Secret Work, which is done without slides during the middle
portion of the Lecture, the Word of Distress is pronounced twice: first by the
lecturer, then by the Initiate (if more than
one Initiate is receiving the Lecture, one is selected
to come forward and receive the instruction). This is done to insure that the
Brothers remember not to rise to their feet until the Initiate pronounces the
Word. Care must be used to keep the slides in the correct sequence. If the
slides are to be put in a carousel just for the Lecture, the lecturer should
allow enough time to preview the order and arrangement prior to beginning the
Lecture. Much depends also upon the Brothers assembled. An illustrated Lecture
with only new Initiates and a few others present is less inspiring than when the
occasion has the attention and attendance of the entire Chapter, Alumni, and
visiting Brothers.
Turn
the lights off; project slide #1 on the screen.
Brother … (or My
Brothers), initiation into Kappa Sigma is completed in two parts. The first part
is the Ceremony of the Initiatory through which you were conducted. The second
is an illustrated explanation of the Initiatory and other fraternal secrets
which is called the Explanatory Lecture.
You have been
conducted on a symbolic journey to the
It now becomes by
privilege to explain to you the meaning of the Forms and Ceremonies to which you
have just submitted and to impart to you a knowledge of the Mysteries of Kappa
Sigma, whose Benefits you are to enjoy in common with your Brothers everywhere
and whose Perils you will promptly share at need.
In your preparation
for Initiation, you were asked, first of all, if you [2] believed in the Holy Bible and reverenced
its teaching. As you have now learned, all true Kappa Sigmas are under Oath to
take no part in the initiation of an atheist, and had you professed disbelief in
the Holy Scriptures, you would not have been permitted to proceed further.
You were then asked
if you were or ever had been [3] a member of any college .secret fraternity, for the reason that,
in order to stimulate a spirit of
justice and fair dealing among such orders, no member of any other such
fraternity is considered eligible to membership in Kappa Sigma.
The Greek letters
"Kappa" and "Sigma" represent the initials of the ancient
name of the Order, Kirjath Sepher, as will be explained in due course.
Upon your agreement
to submit to such forms and ceremonies as all true Kappa Sigmas have submitted
to before you, you were blindfolded. [4-blank] This was done for three reasons:
first, that you might learn to conceal the Mysteries of Kappa Sigma even before
your eyes beheld them; second, that should you at any point refuse to submit to
the further ceremonies of the Initiatory, you might be led from the Chapter Hall
without perceiving so much as the form thereof; and, third, as during your
Initiation, you were made to represent [5] a poor blind student on his way to
the University of Bologna. Thus was your blindness made real, though temporary.
You were made to put
off your right shoe as a visible token of your professed poverty, so that your
appearance might be such as to excite the sympathy of those sworn to defend and
protect students in your condition. You were told [6] to fear no danger in
following your Conductor, because you were in the hands of a true and trusty
friend, upon whose fidelity you could rely with confidence. [7] The Chapter was
then apprised, by raps thrice repeated, that a Brother, your Conductor, desired
admittance. [8] Upon opening the door the Guards discovered that one not a
member of the Order was about to enter the Hall , and you were restrained three
times to warn you that should you attempt to take forcible possession of the
Mysteries of Kappa Sigma you would find its Perils confronting you.
Your honorable
purpose being declared, you were vouched for by your Conductor, who then gave
for you the Pass, of which you were at that time ignorant, but without which no
one can gain admittance to an open Chapter. [9] The Grand Master then gave you
his permission to enter in the name of God and accorded you the honor of a
salute by the Guards.
[10] You were then
conducted once about the room, that the Brothers present might satisfy
themselves that you were duly and truly prepared and might note your defenseless
condition.
[11] Passing the
station of the Grand Procurator, whose duty it is to care for the behavior of
the members within the Chapter and for their well-being without, he, seeing you
to be a stranger, demanded identification, which your Conductor again gave for
you.
You then passed in
succession the stations of the five officers, [12] who uttered the Five
During this journey,
[13] twelve strokes were struck upon the bell, indicative of your progress
towards the Twelfth Gate.
You were then
conducted [14] to the Grand Master in
the East, who encouraged you in your desire to become a member of Kirjath Sepher
and forewarned you concerning the Obligation you were to assume and its nature
and solemnity. Thereupon [15] you were led to the Altar, and humbly kneeling,
you freely took upon yourself the Obligation which binds all true Kappa Sigmas.
While repeating the
Oath your right hand was upon your heart, the seat of life, in token of your
determination, and your left hand upon the Holy Bible, the bas is of every
sincere obligation and every orthodox faith, and upon the Star and Crescent, the
visible sign by which those bound by our Oath are known.
On your further
journey to the
Accordingly,
"Let us continue our journey,'' said your guide, "relying on God to
deliver us from the [20] dangers that not infrequently beset our way.
[21] "Surely we
could not wish a more propitious evening. The few golden-tinted clouds streaking
the East seem to have caught the glorious refulgence of the setting sun, as they
drift in space toward the
[22] “Yonder
in the distance can be seen the
outlines of those two famous towers. Higher and grander than its leaning
neighbor, Torre Degli Asinelli seems almost to pierce the sky.
[23] "After we
pass through this fruitful valley and ascend yon elevation, [24] we shall soon
be under the very walls ....
[25] "Let us
cross this sluggish stream by this rustic footbridge and take the most direct
route to yonder spot where that [26] clump of vines and fig trees almost hides
the wall from view.
“There it
is our pathway lies over the ten steps, and as we draw nigh, I shall indicate
the five steps on the opposite side. They are Music, Astronomy, Mathematics,
History, and Language."
Thus you came safely
within sight of the City. Your guide described to you its beauty and
"Immediately in
our front [30] are the monuments of the buried great ─ a silent city of a
race now gone. [31] Yonder is the Basilica of San Petronio, which was decorated,
as we are told, [32] by one of our members, Michelangelo," ... Grand Master
of the ages [33] both in sculptured ... [34] and in pictured art ....
[35] "To our
left, farther on, is San Bartolommeo di Reno, ... [36] and down the Strada San
Donato, ... [37] is the Palazzo Cellesi, the site of the school of Theodosius
the Second, and thither Jet us wend our way."
You then passed over
the ten steps, but were suffered to fall [38─blank] from the Fifth Step in
order that you might remember the Jesson then impressed upon you: that Wealth
misused and Power abused would lead to your sudden downfall.
[39] You then heard
the beautiful story of the Poor Blind Man and his piteous cry, "Lord, that
I may receive my sight!" ...
[40] Being then in
the presence of the inhabitants of the City of Letters, you were asked what you
most desired at their hands, and at your request they restored your sight and
admitted you to their fellowship. [41] You then beheld the Grand Master
approaching you from the East, the source of light. He greeted you with the Due
Guard and Penal Sign; gave you the right hand of fellowship and with it, the
Grip, welcoming you into the Bonds of Kappa Sigma; and directed the Brothers
present to do likewise.
Turn
the projector off, retaining slide #41 in place; turn the lights on.
It now becomes my
duty to communicate to you the Signs, Grip, and Words of Kappa Sigma and the
true meaning of its Badge and other emblems.
Would you please
stand.
If
there be more than one Initiate, select one to stand and demonstrate to him the
following:
The Due Guard is made
thus: use your right hand, extend all your fingers outward and place it over
your collar bone with the palm of your hand facing the floor. Your left hand
should have its fingers extended outward, with palm facing the floor, but your
entire arm should be angled at a 45 degrees angle downward. Make it, my Brother.
See that the Sign
is made correctly.
It alludes to the
position in which your hands were placed when you took upon yourself the Oath of
Kappa Sigma.
The Penal Sign is
made thus: Have your arms straight down on your side, with the palm of your
hands touching your body. Then place your right hands just like in the position
of the due guard. Now slide it over your upper chest from left to right, so your
hand eventually touches and crosses your right collar bone while keeping your
palm facing the floor. Then, your left hand should take a similar position but
this time over your waist. Fingers extended, palm facing the floor, and slide
from right to left. Make it, my Brother. See
that the Sign is made correctly. It alludes to the Penalty attached
to your Obligation, which you agreed might be executed should you violate your
trust.
The Grip is given
thus: just a regular handshake, but with your index finger extended and touching
the other person’s wrist, as if taking a pulse or something. Demonstrate
boldly for all to see. Continue giving the Grip to the Initiate and with the
left hand gesture to yourself and to him alternately as you describe the
following: It is accompanied, when given as a part of the Rites of
the Chapter, by the sentences: gesturing
toward yourself:
"Can you tell me what this is?" To which you reply: gesturing
toward the Initiate and saying as you shake hands once: "A good
thing." gesturing
toward yourself: "Do you really think so?" gesturing
toward the Initiate and say1ng as you shake hands twice: "Most
assuredly." gesturing
toward yourself "Under what guise is it?" gesturing
toward the Initiate and saying as you shake hands three times:
"Silence and secrecy." Release
the Grip. The initials of these six
sentences,
C-A-D-M-U-S, spell the name of Cadmus, from whom
The Alarm at the door
of the Chapter, given by one seeking admittance is made by raps, thus:
demonstrating
on an officers station or other stable object:
* ** ***. These are answered by a like number from within, but intermittently:
one rap answered by one, two raps answered by two, etc. The Password which is
then given, is the word "Bologna" which is spelled as follows: The
Brother desiring admittance gives the Guard the Grip give the Initiate the Grip and says: gesturing
toward the Initiate and saying as you shake hands once:
"B-O," the Guard replies, gesturing
toward yourself and saying as you shake hands twice: "L-O,"
and the other answers, gesturing toward the Initiate and saying as you
shake hands three times: "G-N-A." Release the Grip.
The Word of Distress
is "Rocus!" Pronounce it, my Brother.
When
the Initiate answers, "Rocus!" the members promptly and silently
spring to their feet in readiness for his defense.
You see that this
Word has the power to call to your aid all true Brothers. Gesture to the members to be seated.
The Word is the
English word "succor," meaning "help," spelled in reverse,
with the omission of a letter. It was also, however, the name of a Florentine
Kappa Sigma of ancient times, and it has been handed down to us that this
Brother, Rocus Gregro, was the strongest man in Florence and that Brothers in
distress always called on him for aid.
The Sign of Distress
is made thus: using your right hand, pair up your index and middle finger
together. Close your hand while keeping the both fingers out. Then rub the area
of skin right next to your right ear, going from up to down multiple times. Make
it, my Brother. See
that the Sign is given correctly.
You see that the
Brothers present have disregarded this Sign, since they saw just now that the
Word was given by you when not in real danger. Let this teach you not to abuse
this Word and Sign, but to use them as a powerful means of obtaining aid when in
real distress.
The Word of Caution
is the sentence: "Have you heard the latest from
The Sign of caution
is made thus: using your right hand, put all your fingers together as if
you’re pinching something. With the palm of your left hand facing up, tap your
right hand onto the palm. Make it, my Brother. See
that the Sign is given correctly. This Word and Sign are to be used
when any Brother, by speech or action, is about to reveal that which he should
conceal, or when he is seen to engage in an action against the danger of which
you would secretly warn him.
There is a secret
alphabet known only to true and lawful Kappa Sigmas in which such things are
written as is desired to conceal effectually from the common eye. Upon your
request, I will instruct you in its writing.
Please be seated. Pause.
I shall now make you
acquainted with so much of the history of Kappa Sigma as is necessary to a right
understanding of its Badge, Mottoes, and Symbols.
Turn
the lights off; turn the projector on, displaying slide #41 again.
Tradition and history
combine to give us the information that there existed in
In modem times the
Order of Kirjath Sepher became almost extinct, [55 ─ blank] but its
secrets are said to have been preserved and transmitted by few noble families of
One of the founders
of American Kappa Sigma, while traveling in
Accordingly, [58] at
the
"It
remains," says the Latin motto on this [61] commemorative tablet, "It
remains, and shall
The name of our
Fraternity is indicated by the Greek letters "'Kappa" and "Sigma”
representing ''Kirjath
Sepher," the name of the Order at the
[62] Looking at the
design before you representing the Twelfth Gate, you see the five steps ─
[63] and they are here shown with their personifications as depicted on the
walls of the Library of Congress─ "ΠΙΣΤΟΤΗΣ",
meaning "Fidelity," … "ΔΙΚΗ",
"Justice," ... "ΑΛΗΘΕΙΑ",
"Truth," ... "KAPTEPIA", "Perseverance," and
"XPHMATA KAI ΔYNAMIΣ", "Wealth and Power." On the
opposite side [64] are the other five, representing the ancient elements of a
liberal education. They are ─ similarly personified ─ Music,
Astronomy, Mathematics, History, and Language.
[65] The Guards bear
upon their shields one of the traditional symbols of Kirjath Sepher, the
Caduceus. [66] The Caduceus was the emblem of Mercury, the messenger of the
gods, and consisted of a staff surmounted by a winged globe and encircled by two
serpents. [67] Lorenzo de Medici adopted this design, together with the circle
surmounting it, as his private seal, and we in the Fraternity have taken it,
[68] with the addition of the letters "Kappa" and "Sigma" as
one of our emblems, recalling our origin. Below this on his shield the Guard
bears the word "Semper," to which we add in thought whenever we speak
or see it, the word "Constans," meaning "Always Constant," a
Motto reminding us of the unending
[69] Upon the two
leaves of the Gate, represented symbolically in another form of this design
─ [70] as on a Chapter's Charter, for example ─ by two masses of
clouds, are the Hebrew "Oheb Eloah", "Love of God," and the
Greek "ΣΟΘΙΑ", "Wisdom." By these
two portals one enters the True City of Letters. [71] The capitals of the left
and right pillars bear the dates respectively of the European and American
foundings of the Order. Beyond the Gate we have a glimpse of the City of
[72] The convex form
of the Badge, which is suspended over the Gate, is to be taken as a secret
reference to this Motto ─ its open words, which may be seen by anyone,
being "Bononia Docet," and the Badge, by its form , a portion of a
sphere or globe, hinting the last word, "Mundum," "the
World." For this reason also, the Grand Procurator, at the ballot upon your
name, declared upon inspection that the ballot was fair in his
''hemisphere," since our Kappa Sigma has for its own the Western, as
Kirjath Sepher had the Eastern hemisphere.
I shall now unfold to
you the remaining significant features of the Badge of Kappa Sigma. It bears in
its center the Greek letters representing the name of the Order and indicates by
its convex form the Motto "Bononia Docet Mundum," as I have just
explained.
The Star and Crescent
have two meanings. Considered separately we are reminded of the times in which
Kirjath Sepher first arose, [73] when the Moslems, whose banner bore the
Crescent, were contending in battle [74] with the Christians, whose emblem is
the Star, for the rule of
Considered together,
the Star and Crescent remind us [75] that our mission is one of Christian and
fraternal fellowship, typified by the Star, but that we should bring to it all
the faith and zeal [76] which inspired the Moslem warrior who did battle beneath
the Crescent.
[77] The jewels with
which the Badge is supplied teach us that while manly character is complete
without adornment, as is the Badge without a single jewel, yet it gains in
beauty and grace by those refinements which spring from associations such as
ours, even as the Badge is made more beautiful by the emeralds and rubies which
adorn it.
The five points of
the Star remind us of the symbolic number, Five, which characterizes the
Fraternity. Five groups of five things each are brought to mind by these five
points: first, the Five European Universities at which the Order first existed;
second, the Five Friends and Brothers who established it in America; third, the
Five Warnings received by you early in your Initiation; fourth,
the Five Steps by which you ascended to the Twelfth Gate; and
lastly, the Five Words constituting the Secret Motto of the Fraternity, which I
shall soon communicate to you.
Upon the Crescent you
perceive in the center the Skull and Crossbones. These are to convey to you a
double meaning, reminding you first of the penalty attached to your Oath, and
second of the shortness and uncertainty of life ─ the same reminder as
that conveyed by the skeleton at ancient feasts. On the right horn of the
Crescent you perceive a representation of the two Swords which are the property
of the Guards. These, also, are to remind you of two things: that with your
Brothers you must use all diligence to protect the Chapter when in session from
intruders, and that you must be equally ready to protect a Brother from any
attack upon his person or his good name at any place and at any time. At the
left are represented two Keys, and these with two-fold significance remind you
to keep a close watch over the secrets of the Order, now entrusted to your care,
and to guard as well all such things as may concern your own welfare and that of
a Brother from the knowledge of unauthorized persons.
[78]
Over everything else you see the letters, “Epsilon, Kappa, Delta, Beta."
These represent the Greek words "Adelphoi en Kardia Dios Bous," in
English “Brothers in hearts throughout life" [repeating] " Brothers
in hearts throughout life" ─ the Secret Motto of the Order.
This is the aim which
we as members of Kappa Sigma set before ourselves, and to this end I charge you
in the name of the Order to be true and faithful always. Let it be the effort of
us all, Brothers in Kappa Sigma, to cultivate that trust and confidence that
shall make us Brothers in Deed, Brothers in Heart and not in mere outward
appearance, and fulfilling the ideal and example [79] of Founders Boyd and
McCormick, Brothers Throughout Life, whatever changes it may bring.
[80) And finally, my
Brother(s), if in the Rites to which you have submitted, you are to see only the
mere outward form, then you are but little advantaged and our effort is largely
in vain. But I am persuaded that we may expect of you better things. I believe
that you will look within the Legend and the Symbol and will discern there the
eternal truths that are the soul of our Order. And I charge you to use them for
the enrichment of your own life, the building of a nobler character, and the
exemplification of a wider and more sacrificial service.
Thus shall you prove
yourself worthy of the confidence we have reposed in you and become, indeed, a
source of honorable pride to your family, an inspiration to your fraternity
Brothers, a credit to your Alma Mater and your Country, and a tower of strength
in the far-flung battlements of Kappa Sigma.
Turn
the projector off; turn the lights on.
Note:
The new Brothers should now be instructed in the Secret Alphabet. The Signs and
Words should also be reviewed by the lecturer and practiced by each new Brother
at this point.
Closing Ceremony
The
Chapter is closed in the same form as that observed in the Opening. The GM raps
twice: all officers stand. The GM begins with the words “Brother Grand Master
of Ceremonies, are you a Kappa Sigma?". The following prayer and statement
are to be used at the point indicated.
GM: Let us pray.
All:
Supreme Grand Master of the Universe,
we invoke thy blessing at this
time. May brotherly love prevail, and every moral and social virtue unite and
cement us. Amen.
GM: Brothers, I am happy to inform you that all has come up aright, and I
now declare this … Chapter of Kappa Sigma closed after Bologna's Form, and in the name of God.
The
GM raps once.