Ancient Order of Gleaners
Second Degree of Adoption
no date
Opening Ceremony
CHIEF GLEANER: Companions, the time has again arrived to pursue
our Gleanings in the field of knowledge and benevolence. Companion Secretary,
call the roll of officers.
ROLL CALL. Any vacancies may be filled by the Chief Gleaner.
CHIEF GLEANER: Companion Vice Chief Gleaner, are all present
members of the Order and entitled to the benefits of the second degree.
Vice Chief takes up full quarterly pass and reports same as first degree.
VICE CHIEF GLEANER: Companion Chief Gleaner, I have examined all
present, and find that they are members and so entitled.
CHIEF GLEANER: Companion Vice Chief Gleaner, you will advance and
give to me the pass-word given you by all the members.
CHIEF GLEANER: I now declare this Arbor ready in the regular
dispatch of business on the second degree. Together Companions attend the signs
for the opening of this degree.
CHIEF GLEANER: We will now take up the regular order of business.
Initiation
CHIEF GLEANER: Companion Conductor. I am informed that a friend is
in waiting to receive the information necessary to become a member of this
order, as imparted in the second degree. You will ascertain if such is the case
and report.
Conductor retires to ante-room and upon his return reports as follows:
CONDUCTOR: Companion Chief Gleaner, I find Mr. … in waiting to
receive the valuable information of the second and last degree.
CHIEF GLEANER: Companion Secretary, has Mr. … paid their
required fee, and complied with all the requirements of the Order with reference
to his advancement?
SECRETARY: He has, Companion Chief Gleaner.
CHIEF GLEANER: Companion Conductor, you will introduce the
stranger with due caution and in proper form.
Conductor retires to the ante-room, prepares candidate by taking from him all
money and articles of value, allowing nothing to be carried into the lodge room
which would be of use in the contribution, takes candidate by left arm and gives
three raps at inner gates. No hoodwink is used.
INNER GUARD: While resting from our labors, an alarm comes from
the inner gate.
CHIEF GLEANER: You will ascertain the cause and report.
INNER GUARD: who disturbs the quiet of our Arbor?
If a lady the Outer Guard reports as follows:
OUTER GUARD: A stranger who is exempt from taking the first degree
of this Order, seeks admission.
If a gentleman the Outer Guard reports as follows:
OUTER GUARD: A friend has entered the outer gate, and now desires
admission that he may receive the final instruction which shall make him a
member of our illustrious order.
CHIEF GLEANER: Companion Conductor, you will the stranger (or
friend) that he may approach the altar in due form and receive the obligation of
this degree.
CONDUCTOR: The stranger (or friend) is in due form, Companion
Chief Gleaner.
CHIEF GLEANER: Are you so far pleased with the principles of our
Order and willing to proceed?
CANDIDATE: I am.
CHIEF GLEANER: Before proceeding further, it will be necessary for
you to take an obligation. I am pleased to inform you, however, that this
obligation will not conflict with any duty you owe to yourself, your fellow-man,
your family or your God. You will say "I", pronounce your name, and
repeat after me: Candidate stands
before the alter and with hand
resting upon Bible and sickle.
Obligation
I, …, in the presence of the Supreme Ruler of the universe and the members
of this Arbor, do solemnly promise that I will receive and keep unrevealed the
secret work and words of this Order. That I will obey the Constitution of the
State and Supreme Arbors and the By-laws of the Arbor of which I shall become a
member. That I will cheerfully comply with its requirements and ever stand ready
to assist a worthy Companion in distress. That I will not speak ill of a brother
or sister Companion, but rather defend their character so far as justice and
honor will warrant. That I will answer all signs and words of the Order and give
such assistance as is in my power. That I will not in any manner whatever,
knowingly or willingly defraud a member of this Order, or allow it to be done by
others if in my power to prevent it. That I will not propose the name of any
improper person for membership, or allow personal feeling to prompt me to keep a
worthy person from the Order. This obligation I shall consider binding at all
times, and should I knowingly or willingly violate any part thereof I will
accept the penalty, which is disgraceful expulsion from the Order forever, my
name to be sent to the several lodges throughout this jurisdiction, that they
may know that I am in longer to be called a Companion of this Order and
respected as such, having broken this my solemn obligation.
If the candidate is exempt from taking the first degree the Chief Gleaner
will, after giving the obligation as above, instruct the candidate as follows: Being
exempt from taking the first degree by initiation, you will now be required to
take the obligation thereof, which is as follows: Takes
the first degree obligation. Chief Gleaner then instructs candidate as to sign
and word of first degree.
CHIEF GLEANER, taking candidate by hand: Having taken the
obligation of this degree, you will no longer be called a stranger but a
Companion of this Arbor, and as such, entitled to a return to you from the
Companions of the courtesies and favors which you have agreed in your obligation
to extend to all Companions of this Order.
Companion Conductor, you will direct the candidate to a seat that he may take
part in our deliberations. Candidate is seated.
CHIEF GLEANER: Companion Treasurer, in accordance with our custom,
you will pass among the Companions, and receive the usual offering for the
benefit of the poor and needy.
Treasurer passes about room and to candidate. On failure of candidate to
contribute, Chief Gleaner will address hum thus:
CHIEF GLEANER: This lesson of poverty can be but poorly expressed
upon you, surrounded as you are by friends and companions who would not see you
in want. You will remember, however, that through all the remainder of your life
it is your duty to be watchful of the needs of your Companions, not waiting for
them to display to you their need before going to their assistance. You may have
thought yourself occupying the true position of a Gleaner but I am constrained
to inform you that there are other lessons which will be given you before you
may presume to be competent to fill the position and fulfill the true offices of
a Gleaner of this degree. Companion Conductor, you will present the candidate.
Conductor takes candidate by left arm and stands before Chief Gleaner.
CHIEF GLEANER, rising: In the words to be spoken before you
receive the unwritten work of this order, are truths worthy of an abiding place
in your heart. Companion Conductor, you will conduct the Companion to the
Chaplain’s station for further instruction.
Stopping before Chaplain and rapping twice with crook.
CHAPLAIN: Who appears before my station?
CONDUCTOR: A Companion of this Arbor, who has taken the obligations of the
first and second degrees, seeks advancement.
CHAPLAIN: By what evidence do I know that he is entitled to further
advancement?
CONDUCTOR: By the signs of the first degree.
CHAPLAIN: The first test has been made and you have not been found
wanting.
Chaplains Lecture
This degree work and the teachings thereof are founded upon the scriptura
account of Ruth. Naomi and Boaz, from whose noble characters the principles of
this illustrious Order have eminated. It should bring to your mind the people of
Bethlehem forced by famine to wonder to the indolatious nation of Moab. Among
those left to dwell in Bethlehem were a father, mother and two sons. The father
died. After ten years the mother, having lost both sons, sad, destitute, and
alone in a strange land, with no kindred but her two daughters-in-law, decided
to return to the land of her kinsman, asking them to depart from her and return
to the home of their fathers. This, Ruth would not do, saying "Entreat me
not to leave thee or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest
I will go and where thou lodgest I will lodge thy people shall be my people and
thy God my God." These two finally took up their journey, and day after day
of tiresome travel over a rocky barren country, they arrived at Bethlehem weary,
sad and in want. In order to provide for herself and her mother, Ruth went into
the barley field to glean after the reapers, who with their sickles left but
little standing grain. Her efforts were but poorly rewarded.
She had been reared in luxury, and the work, together with the jeers she met,
discouraged her. Before the noon hour, with scarcely two handfuls of barley as
the fruits of her toil, she sought the quiet arbor to rest. At this time Boaz,
the owner of the field enters. He was a man of wealth. Though kind, generous and
charitable and respected by all his countrymen. He observed that Ruth was a
Moabitish woman, and despised as the race was, Boaz’s manly charcter caused
him to inquire concerning the stranger. Upon learning that she had journeyed
many weary miles to aid, assist, and comfort her aged mother, he approached her
to offer words of comfort. As he approached, Ruth drew away, fearing that she
was to be driven from the barley-field, but instead, Boaz offered her
encouragement, saying, ‘‘When thou art at thirst, go into the vessels, and
drink that which the men have drawn." He then instructed the men, "Let
her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not. And let fall some of the
handfuls on purpose to her, and leave them that she may glean there, and rebuke
her not.
When Ruth heard what Boaz had done for her, she inquired, "Why dost thou
take notice of me, seeing that I am a stranger?" Boaz answered, "I
have heard all that thou hast done for thy mother and hast come to a people
which before thou knewest not. The Lord under whose wings thou art come to seek
refuge, recompences for it. When Ruth returned to her mother with the story of
the good friend she had found, the mother said, "Blessed be the Lord who
has not ceased from his kindness both to the living and the dead. And these last
words we have taken for the closing words for every regularly constituted Arbor
of the Gleaners. Thus we learn that Ruth was rewarded for her loyalty and
kindness, and Boaz received a ten fold blessing for his humanity and generosity.
From the character of Ruth we are taught that loyalty and kindness should be
our guide through life, and that the giver of the harvest rewards those who
remain truthful to the last. From the grand and generous character of Boaz, let
us remember that it is our duty in life to comfort those in distress, never
forgetting that charity, brotherhood and kindness form the link which makes man
and man brothers; the children of one God and partakes in the bountiful harvests
a kind providence has spread before us.
That you may be farther advanced into the Order. I entrust you with this
banner with the order that you take it to the Vice Chief Gleaner who will impart
to you the instructions of our Order concerning the three watchwords,
Benevolence, Protection and Fraternity.
Conductor appears before Vice Chief Gleaner and gives three raps.
VICE CHIEF GLEANER: Who appears before my station?
CONDUCTOR: A Companion who has taken the obligations of the 1st
and 2nd degrees, and has received the instructions of the Chaplain of this
Arbor, desires further information.
VICE CHIEF GLEANER: By what authority does he demand farther
advancement into this Order?
CONDUCTOR: By word and by the banner which contains the first
emblem of this organization.
VICE CHIEF GLEANER: He may advance and give me the word of the
first degree. Candidate advances and gives the general
pass.
VICE CHIEF GLEANER: The second test has been applied and you have
not been found wanting.
Vice Chief Gleaners Lecture
It affords me sincere pleasure to address you to whom we are all united in
fraternal bonds, and in the name of this entire Order I bid you welcome to our
Arbor. Here you will find friends, and a safe retreat from the bitter bickerings
of human selfishness. We are associated for the cultivation of pure friendship,
social fellowship, and for extending mutual material aid; thus rendering our
society a three-fold cord which is not quickly broken. The basis of all abiding
friendship is conscious personal honor combined with a genuine love for others
as children of the common Father. No man can properly esteem another who does
not profoundly respect himself. And the foundation of all true self-respect is
purity of intention. On these three principles as a golden rule character
building and society building become alike profitable and delightful exercises.
I
We would often think more highly of our neighbors if we only knew them more
intimately, and, in turn, we should sooner learn their good qualities, if our
social relations were nearer. Hence, the mission of our fraternity as a medium
for the cultivation of lasting and profitable friendship.
Be it remembered, however, that friendship is a tender plant requiring a
genial atmosphere. It is easily chilled by jealously, and dies quickly when
frozen by cold neglect; hence, the plain-maxim: "He that would have friends
must show himself friendly." Between these walls we meet as equals, save by
the temporary distinctions of office to which all are alike eligible. Behold
then, the ample scope here given for the exercise of those little amenities of
life which tend so greatly to lighten its burdens and to enrich its joys.
"The friends thou hast, and their adoption tried,
Grapple them to thy soul with hooks of steel."
To do this effectually ye must also consider that sometimes a friend should
sometimes bear his friend’s infirmities. It is the dictate of sound wisdom to
build up associations founded upon equitable principles for the cultivation of
those ennobling characteristics which adorn the three fundamental pillars on
which our Order rests; Benevolence, Protection, and Fraternity. Here we shall
endeavor through lectures, essays, discussions, and by various literary
exercises to disseminate useful information and to cultivate a taste for
whatever tends to improve the mind, adorn a good life, and thus augment the sum
of human happiness. These are the benefits of Fraternity.
Likewise, it is the aim of our beloved Order to regard in a practical way
those tender ties of love which impel us, while in life and health, to make
provision for those near to us who may need earthly comforts when we shall have
passed beyond the scene of our present activities. This protection is obtained
by the payment from time to time of a comparatively small sum in the common
treasury. This aggregate so accumulated, being prudently managed by officers of
our own choosing, and having themselves a mutual interest in the honor.
stability, and continued prosperity of this fraternal organization. Therefore,
it may be reasonably expected that all our members will feel the force of a
strong moral obligation to pay promptly all just assessments levied upon them
for the accomplishment of this praise-worthy purpose.
I now intrust this banner to your care with orders that you take it to the
Chief Gleaner and request that he impart final instructions.
Conductor and candidate pass twice around lodge room, advance to Chief
Gleaner, and give three raps with crook, the Conductor advancing the banners
before the Chief Gleaner’s station.
CHIEF GLEANER: Who dares to approach this station without first
giving the sign and word?
CONDUCTOR: Chief Gleaner, this Companion is without the final
instructions of our Order. He seeks further advancement.
CHIEF GLEANER: By what authority does he seek the final
instruction of this degree, leading to the unwritten work of the Ancient Order
of Gleaners?
CONDUCTOR: Having duly taken the obligation of the first and
second degrees and having received the instructions of the Chaplain, and Vice
Chief Gleaner of this Arbor. He presents as a token of his sincerity these
banners intrusted to our care.
CHIEF GLEANER: You will together give me the sign of the first
degree. Both give sign.
CHIEF GLEANER: You will give me the word of the first degree. Both
give word.
CHIEF GLEANER: The third test has been applied and you have been
found not wanting. You are now entitled to the secrets and full information of
our order.
Chief Gleaners Lecture
The beauty of a precept is in its practice. You have promised to exercise
toward your Companions, benevolence; to extend to them the hand of fraternity,
and by so doing insure for yourself in life and your posterity after your death,
the protection of our Order. Remember your obligation nor feel that your dignity
is in any manner lessened by your now position.
On every hand, each day of our lives the opportunity is given to gratify a
depraved taste by making large our neighbor’s faults. Fall not into this evil
way. Be generous not only with thy substance, but also in thy judgment of the
actions of others.
The conqueror is regarded with awe, the wise man commands our esteem, but it
is the benevolent man who wins our affections. The most desired of human gifts
is therefore within reach of all.
In every movement of your initiation and attached to every emblem of our
Order are lessons which are valuable if appropriated by the candidate, but
useless if misunderstood or discarded.
The sickle indicating banner
used from time immemorial as an implement of husbandry to sever the ripened
grain from mother earth that it might be gathered into barns and store houses
for use at the time of need, has been adopted by us as the first emblem of our
Order. Associated with it are thoughts of diligence, and only by diligence and
labor can honest man provide for the future sustenance of himself and those
dependent upon him. In later years the sickle has been used to save from waste
the grain left standing by the modern harvesting machinery and, which, but for
the careful after gleaning must be lost. Here is a reminder of frugality, the
progemtor of wealth and almost certain surety of a sufficiency for comfort in
time autumn of life.
The sheaf indicating banner
an appropriate companion of the sickle, is used by the Order of Gleaners to
typify not only their principal occupation, but also as illustrative of the
formation of our Order, for as many straws are here bound together to form the
sheaf, so is a lodge of Gleaners formed of individuals bound by the ties of
fraternity; the value of each sheaf and the purity of each lodge being
determined by the constituent element thereof. The sheaves gathered into the
shocks and the shocks to time stack or garner may be well compared to our
complete organization of Local, State and Supreme Arbors.
The Hourglass indicating banner
appertains not in the least to our craft, but is vitally connected by
association to the life of each one of us members and to all the people of the
earth generally. How precious to every man is the material from which he is
made; time. It sweeps past us in his never ending tread, leaving each moment a
source of pleasant memory or regret accordingly as we have made it useful or
have allowed it to waste. Behold how rapidly the sands of life are running out.
In but a little time the grains have sifted to the space below and are at rest.
So wastes man, today he puts forth the tender leaves of hope, the next day comes
a frost which nips the shoots, and when he thinks his greatness still aspiring
he falls like autumn leaves to mother earth.
Yes brother (or sister)
Life’s sands are dropping, dropping: each grain a moment dies,
No stay hath time, nor stopping, behold how swift he flies.
He bears away our rares; they smile and disappear.
The cold grave wraps our fairest, each falling grain’s a tear.
Life’s sands are slowly falling death’s foot is light as snow;
‘Tis fearful, ‘tis appalling to see how swift they go
To read the fatal warnings the sands so plainly tell
To feel there’s no returning from death’s dark, shadowy dale.
Life’s sands gives admonition to use the moments well
Each grain bears holy mission, thus is the tale they tell:
Let zeal and time run faster, each grain some good afford,
Then at last the Muster shall double our reward.
CHIEF GLEANER: The Conductor will now form the members present
about the altar in due form and you will be hailed as a Companion of this Arbor.
CHIEF GLEANER: Stranger you now complete the sickle, the first
emblem of the order, many a kind Providence spare each of us until his coining
shall be likened to the reaper unto a field of golden grain; and then with a
life ripe with good deeds may we enter that land where the Giver of life’s
harvest has gathered onto his garner the faithful gleaners of this transitory
sphere. May the noble characters here represented be the rule and guide of your
life and when the harvest home coming time arrives in the ripening fall, may you
have your well rounded shock of many sheaves of kindness gathered into the great
and lasting garner above. The Companions will now recognize the stranger by the
loyal grip of a Gleaner, after which the Conductor will bring the Companion to
my station for further instruction.
CHIEF GLEANER: Companion the secret work of this Order is never
written. Upon reaching the outer gate of an Arbor you should give ... If time
Arbor is working under the first degree the inner guard will open the wicket and
you should give him the general pass which is: … He will open the gate and you
will approach the inner gate, giving ... He will open the wicket, when you are
to give him the … word of the quarterly pass. He will give you the … word,
you then repeat both words and will be admitted.
On entering the lodge room, proceed at once to the altar on right angles and
give the recognition sign to Chief Gleaner which is …
When he recognizes you by a return of the same sign, raise the … The Chief
Gleaner will recognize you with same sign, when you will be sealed. The
recognition sign should be also given when arising to address the Chief Gleaner.
If upon reaching the Arbor you learn that they are working upon the second
degree, you will give … at the gate and give the general pass of the second
degree, which is … You will proceed to the inner gate giving …, and where
you will give the … word of the quarterly pass, the inner guard the …, you
the … and he the … you then give whole pass. The quarterly pass is given in
two section of two words each, the whole forming a complete sentence, th first
two words being given for the first degree and the four for the last. Entering
the lodge room you proceed as in the first degree to the altar where you give
the sign of the second degree which
is … The Chief Gleaner recognizes you by the same sign when you give the
second sign …, signifying recognition of the Deity, the Chief Gleaner will
recognize you by the same sign, when you will be seated.
The sign of distress is given by … The answer is given in the same manner
with the heft hand. Should you be in the dark or anywhere the signs could not be
seen you should give the word of distress which is … The answer is the word
... Should you at any time see these signs or hear the words it is your duty to
immediately answer and give such assistance as in your power and consistent with
your obligation as a member of the Order.
If at any time you wish to give a Companion a warning that he is liable to be
defrauded or liable to meet with danger you should give him the word … which a
French word meaning "Be on your guard." Or if impossible to give the
word grasp his hand giving him the Gleaner grip and pressing the … firmly. You
have thus done your duty as a Companion and he should at once withdraw and ask
you for information.
If you meet a member of the Order and wish to recognize him as such …; the
answer being given in the same manner.
When Boaz entered the fields where the reapers were at work he always saluted
them with the words: The Lord be with you. Their answer was "the Lord bless
you." This has always been and will continue to be the grand hailing words
of the Order and can be given at any time when Officers of the Order are
visiting an organization or when a member or members are being introduced as
visitors to a local Arbor.
The grip is given in the following manner: … This my brother constitutes
the signs, words and passes which our ancient brethren never allowed written and
which you have been obligated to never reveal. You may be seated.
CHIEF GLEANER: We will now return to the tenth order of business.
Closing Ceremony
CHIEF GLEANER: Companion Inner Guard you will collect the Rituals,
place them in the hands of the proper officers and announce the closing of this
Arbor.
INNER GUARD: Companions you will form about the altar in due form
and prepare for the closing of this Arbor.
CHIEF GLEANER: Let all attend the signs.
CHIEF GLEANER: Companions what is the aim and object of this
Order, and the duty of every Companion.
COMPANIONS: To assist worthy Companions in distress and provide
for the widow and orphans.
CHIEF GLEANER: Companions may you keep this ever in mind. Let all
join in singing the closing ode.
Companions, we this Sickle form
To remind us of our trust;
May we as fruitful Gleaners here,
Beware the blade that rusts.
Companions pledge each other here,
In this our Arbor Shrine;
To live in peace, with hearts sincere
For days of "auld lang syne."
By this, our emblem and our guide,
Our pledge we will renew;
To care for those in dire distress,
The Widow and the Orphan too.
Companions pledge each other here,
In this our Arbor Shrine;
To live in peace with hearts sincere,
For days of "auld lang syne."
CHIEF GLEANER: Unite hands by making the double tie of this
Fraternity and sing the last verse:
May our Arbor be a bower of rest
To all who are sincere;
And may the work of every hand
Bear faithful witness here.
Then here’s a hand in friendship clasped,
We ask a hand of thine;
Let’s give the Gleaner’s loyal grip.
For days of "auld lang syne."
CHIEF GLEANER: I now declare this Arbor duly closed, so to remain
until the next meeting as here announced. Let all repeat the grand closing
words.
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