The Patriarchal Degree
Initiation Ritual

1996

INSTRUCTIONS PECULIAR TO THE PATRIARCHAL DEGREE

This degree should be reverently conferred. The altar scene should be solemn and impressive. By-play or conduct inconsistent with such interpretation is forbidden.
At no time during the conferring of the degree shall any patriarch be substituted for the candidate.
Parts I and II should represent, as nearly as possible, a primitive life and age. All the officers and patriarchs participating in the work, except the High Priest, should imitate the habits and customs of shepherds. They should be clothed in entire suits of fleshing, the upper portion of the body being robed in sheepskins, which need not be uniform in color or method of wearing. All should wear sandals. The Junior Warden, Guide, Inside Sentinel, four Watches, and Guards of Tent may wear light turbans with cape attachment. The Chief Patriarch should wear a long, gray beard and wig. The High Priest, as Abraham, should be dressed in a purple gown, without turban, and his wig and beard should be white, to represent a venerable man. Drinking and other utensils used should be earthenware and as primitive as possible.
During Part I the Watches and Guards of Tent should carry spears, and all the other officers and patriarchs assisting should bear long-handled crooks. During Part II it is desirable that all officers and patriarchs participating in the work should bear long handled crooks, which should be used as staffs.
During Parts I and II, the official stations, with the exception of the Senior Warden, are vacated. Tents of the ridge-pole style are to be provided for the Chief Patriarch and High Priest, as shown in the diagram. Skins should be placed upon the floor before the tents. A tent for the Guide may be provided if so desired and placed in position designated in diagram for that officer; also, a tent or tents for the choristers, who may represent patriarchs returning from their visit to Abraham, which should be placed near and, if practicable, in the rear of that occupied by the High Priest.
During Parts I and II, the Four Watches and Guards of the Tent, when not otherwise engaged, should quietly patrol their beats, as shown in the diagram (except during the delivery of a charge by the Chief Patriarch or the High Priest). The First Watch and Second Watch, as the outer sentinels, start together from station marked, "A". The First Watch Proceeds to "B" and returns, while the Second Watch proceeds to "C" and returns, both meeting and starting and starting again from "A." The Third Watch and Fourth Watch, as the inner sentinels, patrol their beats in similar manner, the Third Watch from "D" to "C" and the Fourth Watch From "D" to "B."
In this degree, the High Priest assumes the character of Abraham; the candidate, Isaac; and the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Watches are designated as the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Sentinels.
The background of altar scene should represent a wilderness. The representation of a tent should not appear in any scenery so employed.
During Part IV, the officers may wear the paraphernalia prescribed on page 49, and occupy their official stations.
The encampment room should be prepared for Parts I and II, as shown in the diagram, while the officers are robing for said parts, and the altar and tents, or other working paraphernalia, should be removed and the room restored to its ordinary appearance while the officers are robing for Part IV.
No buffoonery, or rough usage of the candidate, is permissible or allowed in this or any other degree of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
In conferring this degree the use of any animal, or representation thereof, or noises indicating the presence of any animal, is strictly prohibited.
No officer or patriarch shall carry, display, or use a knife or other weapon except as specifically provided in the ritual.
Appropriate vocal or instrumental music, consistent with the ritual, is permissible at any time.
 

 
 
PRELIMINARY
Chief Patriarch: Scribe, have any brothers been elected to receive the Patriarchal Degree?
Should there be more than one brother, change text throughout the ceremony from singular to plural.
Scribe: Chief Patriarch, Brother … reading name in full has been duly elected to receive the Patriarchal Degree.
Scribe hands two cards, each bearing the name of the brother in full, to the Chief Patriarch, who will retain one of these cards during entire ceremony.
Chief Patriarch: Junior Warden handing card to that officer, retire to the anteroom and ascertain if this brother is in waiting.
Junior Warden, bearing crook, retires in form and returns in form, and reports from center of
floor.
Junior Warden: Chief Patriarch, Brother … reading name of brother in full is in waiting for the purpose of being admitted to the Patriarchal Degree.
Junior Warden resumes his station.
Chief Patriarch calls up the encampment.
Chief Patriarch: Patriarchs, we are about to close the encampment in the Royal Purple Degree, to be opened in the Patriarchal Degree. Junior Warden, you will declare accordingly.
Junior Warden: By direction of the Chief Patriarch, I declare the encampment closed in the
Royal Purple Degree and open in the Patriarchal Degree.
Chief Patriarch: Officers and patriarchs, it is so done.
The Patriarchs respond: It is so done.
Chief Patriarch seats the encampment.
Chief Patriarch: Inside Sentinel, inform the Outside Sentinel that the encampment is open in the Patriarchal Degree.
Chief Patriarch: Junior Warden, retire to the anteroom, receive and introduce the candidate.
The Junior Warden retires in form, bearing crook.

PART I

Only one candidate need be conducted through parts I and II. More than one may receive the degree at one time. While the one, acting as candidate, is being conducted through the dramatic parts, the others may be seated where they may easily view the work. The Junior Warden should inform those who are being seated that the candidate who participates in the dramatic work is representative of all.
The candidate is and clothed in a common, light brown gown, with sandals on his feet, a rope around his waist for a girdle, and a brown turban upon his head. The other candidates may be clothed in similar manner.
Lights dim. Four Watches pacing their beats. Guards of Tent standing on Guard before tents, occasionally pacing back and forth as indicated in diagram. Inside Sentinel apparently asleep at his station, leaning against wall or reclining on floor.
Junior Warden, with candidate, enters partially opened inner door, without an alarm, and stumbles by or over the Inside Sentinel, at the same time exclaiming:
Junior Warden: Halloo! Halloo! Sentinels!
Inside Sentinel awakens, arises if reclining, and excitedly calls:
Inside Sentinel: Enemies! Enemies!
First and Second Watches (Repeat): Enemies! Enemies!
Senior Warden (Standing): Outer Sentinels, protect our camp!
First and Second Watches rush, and place their spears across breasts of Junior Warden and candidate, who should then be in the vicinity of the Senior Warden‘s station. Third and Fourth Watches and Guards of Tent remain at their stations, pacing their beats.
Junior Warden: Hold! We are not enemies; we are brothers and friends. We desire to see the Chief Patriarch and be instructed, that we may become herdsmen, and, at the proper time, patriarchs.
First Watch: You cannot pass except as captives! Bring forth the chains! Inside Sentinel advances with chains. Now bind the prisoners!
Inside Sentinel binds the candidate.
Junior Warden: Bind us as you will, but true friendship will ultimately sustain us in all our trials. And remember, though prejudice may impose bonds and fetters, that justice will award the greetings of a brother.
First and Second Watches consult together and then the First Watch speaks, reluctantly:
First Watch: Captives, you have our permission to approach the Chief Patriarch with a guide. Turns and calls: Halloo! Halloo! Guide of the wilderness!
Third Watch (Hears call and repeats): Halloo! Halloo! Guide of the wilderness!
Guide appears at position indicated in diagram.
Guide: Who seeks a guide?
Third Watch (Pointing toward First and Second Watches): The Outer Sentinels.
Guide (Advancing): I will answer the call.
Advances to First and Second Watches.
First Watch: Guide, conduct these strangers to the Chief Patriarch. If they are friends, he will give them welcome, but they must prove to him that they are not impostors.
Guide: Captives, come this way. Proceeds with Junior Warden and candidate. The trials to which you are to be subjected will serve to test your faith and sincerity. Pause. Be not weary in well-doing, for in due season you shall reap—if you faint not. Pause. You are as one who enters a pathless forest, relying on patience and perseverance for his guides. But all cause for gloom and doubt will soon be dispelled.
Hark! Pause. I hear the tramping of feet. Pause. What can it mean? Pause. Oh, I see; it is the patriarchs returning from their visit to the venerable Abraham at Beersheba. It is their custom to visit him and do him honor at certain feasts, and receive his blessing.
The blindfold should be removed.
A procession, which should proceed from, or near, High Priest’s tent, passes near the candidate.
The following ode may be sung.

THE SHEPHERDS’ SONG

From the pastures of Mount Horeb
The happy shepherds come,
Bringing glad their yearly greeting
To the patriarchal home.

(Chorus.)
We are shepherds going home,
We are shepherds going home,
We are shepherds going home.
Gladly to our flocks return.

No cares oppress the bosom,
No sorrow dims the eye.
The desert is our temple,
And our God is in the sky.
(Chorus:)

Ev’ry day in solemn worship,
The night in slumber spent,
We, shepherds of Mount Horeb,
Seek the patriarchal tent.
(Chorus:)
Restore blindfold.
Guide: They are traveling in the direction of Mount Horeb, and we will follow them. Pause. We are still crossing the wilderness of Paran. Pause. The mountains are near, and our journey will soon be at an end. Ah, here are the inner sentinels. We shall have to stop.
They meet the Third and Fourth Watches at "D." See diagram.
Third Watch: Who comes there?
Guide: Friends from Mount Hor, traveling by permission to see the Chief Patriarch, desiring to get employment as herdsmen.
Fourth Watch: Friends, you look fatigued. Pass, and rest with the Chief Patriarch.
Guide: That sentinel was very kind. He has had experience as an old patriarch, and he has sympathy for you. Pause. Ah! here is the tent.
First Guard of Tent: Who comes there?
Guide: Travelers from Mount Hor, who wish to see the Chief Patriarch. They have passed the sentinels and desire food and rest.
First Guard of Tent: Wait, and I will report your presence. Salutes Chief Patriarch. Chief Patriarch, there are travelers without, who need food and rest, and wish employment, that they may become herdsmen.
Chief Patriarch (Seated): Whence came they, and did they properly pass the sentinels?
First Guard of Tent: They are from Mount Hor and have crossed the plains of Paran. The outer sentinels passed them as captives, and gave them a guide.
Chief Patriarch: Let the strangers enter, and provide them with seats. They enter the tent, or, are seated at the door. Take off the blindfold and remove those chains. The blindfold and chains are removed. Travelers, I welcome you. The door of a patriarch’s tent is never closed against those in distress, even though they come as captives. Guard, bring forth refreshments, that we may give food to the strangers. They must be hungry and thirsty, after having crossed the wilderness.
Guard brings bread, salt, and water, placing them before the travelers, who should now be seated before the door of the Chief Patriarch’s tent.
Chief Patriarch (Offering food and drink): Strangers, partake with me of bread and salt, and drink of this pure water. I have but little, but that little I cheerfully share with you. Hospitality to the stranger is a solemn duty, acknowledged and practiced among the patriarchs. The God whom we worship is the father of all men; He sends His rain and His sunshine alike upon the evil and the good. The ties of a common humanity unite us with every creature, and stamp the character of brothers upon the whole intelligent creation.
Food and drinking utensils are removed.
Chief Patriarch: But while hospitality is our duty, and should ever be our practice, it is equally imperative upon us to admit no traitor or spy into our camp to mar our happiness or disturb our peace. It is necessary, therefore, having relieved your present wants, that you should now undergo a strict examination, to prove that you are not enemies in disguise, but true and honest men. Are you willing to take such an examination?
Junior Warden: We are.
Chief Patriarch (Rising and advancing to candidate): Give me the password of the degree of friendship.
Candidate gives it.
Chief Patriarch: Give me the sign of the degree of brotherly love.
Candidate gives it.
Chief Patriarch: Give me the password and sign of the degree of truth. Give me the Odd Fellow’s Grip.
Candidate gives them.
Chief Patriarch: I am satisfied with your proficiency and greet you as Odd Fellows. Ever remember that truth, the basis of the Scarlet Degree, should be the guiding star of your lives. Pause. And now, my brethren, what is it that you desire?
Junior Warden: To be admitted as novitiates of the Patriarchal Degree, that we may obtain employment as herdsmen.
The seated candidates shall now line up with the active candidate until after the obligation. They may again be seated until the close of Part II.
Chief Patriarch: That being your wish, and being Odd Fellows, I have confidence in your fidelity. I will now administer to you the obligation of the Patriarchal Degrees, that you may become novitiate patriarchs.
Chief Patriarch calls up the encampment by rapping upon the floor with his crook.
Chief Patriarch: Place your right hand on your left breast, say I, pronounce your name in full, and repeat after me:

OBLIGATION

I … do solemnly promise never to reveal the secrets, signs or passwords of the Patriarchal Order to any person or persons, except to a legal patriarch, or within a legal encampment of patriarchs.
I also promise that I will not write, print or indite in any manner or for any purpose, any of the written or unwritten work or mysteries of any of the degrees I have received, or shall receive in this Order. I will never reveal, directly or indirectly, any transaction of this or any other component unit of the Order, which by the regulations of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows should be kept secret. I furthermore promise that I will truly endeavor to practice the principles of Odd Fellowship, as exemplified in its several degrees. To the faithful performance of all which, I pledge my sacred honor.
Chief Patriarch seats the encampment.
Chief Patriarch: Having taken the obligation of the Patriarchal Degrees, you are now qualified to enter upon your course of life as shepherds. As herdsmen, watch well your flocks; see that none perish for want of attention. It is your duty to be good and faithful to all that may be placed in your charge. You will now have three days for preparing yourselves for service as herdsmen. You will then report to me for employment.
Junior Warden (For the candidate): I am the son of Abraham, who is at Beersheba. Before I enter, with my friend, upon my duties as a herdsman, I desire to make obeisance to my Father, that I may receive his blessing.
Chief Patriarch: I commend your zeal and filial affection. Go to your father, and that you may travel safely across the wilderness of Paran, I will give to you the wilderness pass, which will insure your safety. Advance and receive it.
Junior Warden and candidate advance close to the Chief Patriarch.
Chief Patriarch: The pass is: "Chosen Friends." You may now proceed on your journey.
Junior Warden and candidate retire to the anteroom.


PART II

It is permissible to conduct only one of the candidates in the dramatic work of Part II, which shall then be witnessed by all the others receiving the degree and who have been previously obligated. It is not permissible to conduct more than one candidate at the same time during the dramatic work of Part II. If it is desired that all candidates personally participate in such work, each must be conducted separately.
The candidate is blindfolded and is clothed as in Part I. The inner door being partially open, the Junior Warden and candidate enter the room without any alarm, and proceed to the station of the First Watch, who should be in position marked "B", as shown in the diagram.
When two or more candidates are seated the Junior Warden should advise them that the candidate taking part in the dramatic work is representative of all.
First Watch: Who comes there, and where are you going?
Junior Warden: We are novitiate patriarchs, traveling to Beersheba.
First Watch: Have you the pass?
Junior Warden: We have.
First Watch: What is it?
Candidate (Prompted by Junior Warden): "Chosen friends."
First Watch: The pass is correct. Proceed, and be careful not to provoke by arrogance, or otherwise, or you may find that many are stronger than a few.
They pass on.
Junior Warden: We will be careful, for we are but two, and we may find, when too late, that many are stronger than a few.
They proceed to the station of the Fourth Watch, who should be in position marked "D’s as shown in the diagram.
Fourth Watch: Who comes there, and where are you going?
Junior Warden: Travelers, going to Beersheba.
Fourth Watch: Give me the wilderness pass.
Candidate (Prompted by Junior Warden): "Chosen friends."
Fourth Watch: The pass is correct. Should you meet with difficulties on your journey from quarrelsome men, remember that a soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up strife.
They pass on.
Junior Warden: We have nearly completed our journey. I see the walls of Beersheba. There we shall have rest. Our sandals are worn out and our feet are bleeding.
They arrive at the station of the Third Watch, who should be in position marked "C", as shown in the diagram.
Junior Warden: Ah, here we are at the Third Sentinel.
Third Watch: Who comes there, and where are you going?
Junior Warden: We are travelers, and wish to enter through the gates of Beersheba.
Third Watch: Give me the pass.
Candidate (Prompted by Junior Warden): "Chosen friends."
Third Watch: The pass is correct. Whom do you desire to see in Beersheba?
Junior Warden: Abraham, the promised Father of nations.
Third Watch: You will find his tent within the walls of the city. You have my permission to pass through the gates. My words of exhortation are: a wise son maketh a glad father.
They pass on, as through the gates, to the station of the Second Watch, who is in position marked "A", as shown in the diagram. The gates, or walls, may be represented by artificial means, but not by individuals. There must be no jostling of the candidate, and no obstruction placed in his way.
Junior Warden: We are now passing through the walls of the city.
Second Watch: Who comes there and where are you going?
Junior Warden: We are herdsmen, traveling to see the venerable Father Abraham.
Second Watch: There is his tent Pointing and he sits at the door. Listen to wisdom. The glory of young men is their strength, and the beauty of old men is the gray head.
Junior Warden: The glory of young men is their strength, and the beauty of old men is the gray head.
They advance a pace or more and face High Priest’s tent. The blindfold is removed by the Junior Warden. The High Priest, as Abraham, rises and recognizes the candidate as his son, Isaac. Junior Warden and candidate hasten to High Priest, who advances a pace or more and places his hands upon the shoulders of the candidate.
High Priest: Isaac! My son! I welcome you. Sit down with your friend. You must be hungry and weary. Guard, bring refreshments, that we may extend hospitality to the travelers.
High Priest, Junior Warden, and candidate are seated. Guard brings bread, salt, and water, and they partake, as in Part I. Food and drinking utensils are then removed.
High Priest: Tell me, my son, if you saw the Chief Patriarch at Horeb, and did he accept your offer to be a herdsman?
Junior Warden (For the candidate): He received me with great kindness; conferred upon me the rank of a novitiate patriarch; and I can now take charge of a flock.
High Priest: You give me great joy, my son. Your footsteps have been led to Beersheba by the finger of the Lord. He has commanded me to make a three days journey to the land of Moriah, and there offer up to Him a sacrifice.
Junior Warden (For the candidate): Let obedience crown your head. Honor the Lord’s behests, and make no delay in fulfilling them.
High Priest: You speak wisely, my son. We will proceed on the three days’ journey.
A procession is formed headed by the High Priest, followed by Junior Warden with the candidate who is blindfolded. The First, Second, Third. and Fourth Watches, the First and Second Guards of Tent, and a quartet dressed as shepherds, may also participate in the procession. All should carry crooks. Typifying a three-days’ journey, the procession may proceed around the room, then halt, and after a recital by the High Priest (and, if desired, appropriate vocal or instrumental music may be used) the company may camp for the night, reclining a few moments with lights dim, then rise when room is made light, start on second day’s journey, pass around the room, have services, and rest as above described, and then proceed on the third day’s journey, passing around the room amid up the center to location of altar.
The following odes may be recited or sung, or other appropriate music may be used during the three days’ journey.
At conclusion of first day’s journey:
High Priest: The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him and delivereth them. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord.

ODE

On our journey let us sing,
Praises to the Lord our King;
Watchful o’er our works and ways,
Guiding us through all our days.
Starting upon second day’s journey.:
High Priest: O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good: His mercy endureth forever.
At conclusion of second day’s journey:
High Priest: He that hath clean hands and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully: he shall receive the blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

ODE

Traveling to the mount of God,
Trusting, we obey His word,
Leaving all most dear below,
To the sacrifice we go.
Starting on third day’s journey:
High Priest: In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust. Hear the voice of my supplications when I cry unto Thee, when I lift my hands toward Thy holy oracle.
On arriving at the altar the blindfold is removed.
High Priest: Here, my son, we will erect an altar, for this is Mount Moriah.
Junior Warden (For the candidate): What shall we do for a sacrifice?
High Priest: Be patient, my son, and the Lord will provide one.
The curtain, or screen, concealing altar is raised or removed. The Four Watches, bearing torches, take positions around the altar.
High Priest: We have been blessed hitherto, and we must hasten to serve the Lord, for His will must be done, that we may realize honor and glory. His command that I, Abraham, shall make this sacrifice is not for an idle purpose, but that it may serve as an illustrious example to generations unborn, to show that God ever blesses the obedient, and accords to them prosperity. Pause. My son Isaac, be not surprised. It is God’s order that you shall be the sacrifice.
Junior Warden draws back, throws up his hands in surprise and supplication, then kneels at High Priest’s feet, with head bowed low.
High Priest: The angel of the Lord shall gather and keep your ashes sacred in a golden urn as a memorial of your submissive obedience, and of my faith in God.
Junior Warden rises.
High Priest: Patriarchs, gather fagots and place them on the altar.
Guards of Tent gather fagots scattered nearby and place them upon the altar.
An earthen vessel, containing pure water, and a towel shall be provided.
High Priest: Isaac, wash your hands with me in this bowl, which contains pure water.
High Priest, Junior Warden, and candidate wash their hands, during which time the High Priest reverently repeats the following prayer:
High Priest: Blessed Lord, who has taught us to wash our hands in pure water, may our hearts be as pure as the water with which we cleanse our hands. Pause. To candidate: With this white linen, dry your hands.
High Priest, Junior Warden and candidate, with towel, dry their hands.
High Priest: Place Isaac upon the altar.
Candidate is blindfolded, the High Priest advances to altar, and the Junior Warden, assisted by the Guards of Tent, places the candidate in reclining position upon the altar.
No rough usage or buffoonery is permitted.
Lights low. Torches are lighted.
High Priest (At altar, with hands uplifted): Let us unite in praise to God.
The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.
A short pause.
High Priest: Let the torch be applied! Let the fagots he fired!
Care must be taken not to have fire or heat in close proximity to the body of the candidate. Electrical effects, with red lights, are recommended.
High Priest raises his knife, as if to slay Isaac. As he does so, a sharp roll of thunder is heard. High Priest raises his eyes toward Heaven, and the thunder is repeated. High Priest, in surprise, drops the knife and cries out:
High Priest: I hear a voice from Heaven, saying unto me: "Abraham, Abraham, lay not thine hand upon the lad." Pause, and turn toward screen which has been quietly drawn or removed revealing a ram caught in the thicket. The blindfold should he removed momentarily to enable candidate to view the scene. The High Priest then cries out in a tone of rejoicing: Isaac, my son, is not to be sacrificed. Let him be removed from the altar and restored to light. He shall become a member of the patriarchal family, and I will return and dwell at Beersheba.
At the option of the encampment an appropriate scene may be here displayed, showing a ram caught in the thicket. The message is presumed to be conveyed to the High Priest by the voice of thunder, and the above words must not be spoken by any person other than the High Priest. As he concludes the above recital, all lights representing altar fires must be extinguished.
The candidate is assisted from the altar by the Junior Warden, and the blindfold is removed. A procession shall be formed in the same order as when proceeding to the altar. As the procession moves around the room, the following ode may be sung, the march and music indicating rejoicing.

NEARER TO THEE

Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee!
E’en though it trial be,
That raiseth me!
Still all my song shall be,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee.
There let my way appear,
Steps unto Heaven,
All that Thou sendest me,
In mercy given;
He helps to carry me
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee.
Nearer to Thee.
Or if on joyful wing,
Cleaving the sky,
Sun, moon, and stars forgot,
Upward I fly,
Still all my song shall be,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee.
The Junior Warden, with candidate, or candidates, retires to anteroom. Gown, turban, and sandals worn by candidate are removed.

PART III

Part III should be omitted if Part II has been used.
If Part II has not been given, Part III must be given in complete form, as printed and no abbreviation or addition thereto is permissible.
The candidate is clothed as in Part I. The inner door being open, the Junior Warden and candidate enter the room without any alarm, and proceed to the station of the Third Watch.
Third Watch: Who comes there, and where are you going?
Junior Warden: Travelers, going to Beersheba.
Third Watch: Give me the pass.
Candidate (Prompted by Junior Warden): "Chosen Friends."
Third Watch: The pass is correct, whom do you desire to see in Beersheba?
Junior Warden: Abraham, the promised father of nations.
Third Watch: You will find his tent within the walls of the city. You have my permission to pass through the gates.
They pass as through the gates to the station of the High Priest.
High Priest: My brother, of the many virtues possessed by the patriarchs of old, two have been selected for your instruction. You have already participated in the simplicity and charm of their hospitality and we trust that the lesson may be indelibly impressed upon your heart.
We now direct your attention to that other virtue, Faith. When Abraham was old, his wife, Sarah, gave birth to a son, Isaac. The boy had grown to the age of a sturdy youth and had endeared himself to his father, when God, to test his faith, directed Abraham to take his son into the land of Moriah and there offer him as a burnt offering upon one of the mountains. In obedience to God’s command Abraham "rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac, his son, prepared wood and began the journey to the place which God had directed."
On the third day he lifted up his eyes and seeing the place afar off, said to the young men, "Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you." Placing the wood upon Isaac and taking fire and a knife in his hand, Abraham and Isaac went up into the mountain, and there built an altar for sacrifice. Isaac, seeing all made ready for the sacrifice, but no lamb in readiness, asked his father, "Where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" His father assured him that God himself would provide a lamb for the burnt offering. It was then that Abraham’s faith suffered the supreme test. He bound Isaac and placing him upon the altar, stretched forth his hand and took the knife to slay his son, but his hand was stayed when the angel of the Lord called out of heaven, saying; "Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me." Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold behind him, a ram caught in a thicket by his horns, and taking the ram offered it up as a burnt offering. Abraham then returned unto his young men, and they rose up and went to Beersheba; and Abraham dwelt at Beersheba.
Junior Warden and candidate retire to anteroom.

PART IV

All of the candidates must be conducted through Part IV. When more than one, the officer will add the plural number to the text.
The Junior Warden will approach the inner door with the candidate, who is not blindfolded and give the usual alarm.
Inside Sentinel (opening wicket): Who comes there?
Junior Warden, responding, is always to speak in a low tone, so as to be heard in the encampment room only by the Inside Sentinel.
Junior Warden: A novitiate patriarch, who seeks further instruction in this degree.
Inside Sentinel advances to center of floor and addresses Chief Patriarch.
Inside Sentinel: Chief Patriarch, a novitiate patriarch seeks further instruction in this degree.
Chief Patriarch: Admit him.
Inside Sentinel returns to his station and opens the door.
Inside Sentinel: You have permission to enter.
Being admitted, the Junior Warden will proceed with the candidate to the center of the floor and present him to the Chief Patriarch, as follows:
Junior Warden: Chief Patriarch, I present to you Brother … giving name in full, who has been duly qualified and instructed as a novitiate patriarch, and now desires to be admitted to the rank of a patriarch.
Chief Patriarch: My brother, you will proceed with the Junior Warden to the desk of the Scribe, where you will sign the members’ register of this encampment. The Junior Warden will then conduct you to this station.
Junior Warden conducts candidate to desk of Scribe, where candidate signs members’ register. Junior Warden then conducts candidate to the chair of the Chief Patriarch.
Chief Patriarch: I will now communicate to you the check password.
Chief Patriarch communicates check password in a whisper and requires the candidate to repeat it in the same manner. The Chief Patriarch should, at this time, present candidate with a copy of the constitution and bylaws. The Junior Warden and candidate return to center of floor and face the Chief Patriarch.
Chief Patriarch: Patriarch, I will now instruct you in the mysteries of this degree.
The Chief Patriarch instructs according to the unwritten work. "In this degree there is an alarm at the inner door or entersign, a password, sign, and answer to the sign."
Chief Patriarch: Wishing to visit an encampment in this jurisdiction which is open in any of the degrees of Patriarchal Odd Fellowship, you will proceed as in an Odd Fellow lodge, except that you will give two raps at the inner door, give to the Inside Sentinel the password of the degree in which the Encampment is open and address the Chief Patriarch with the sign of that degree.
Wishing to leave the encampment before it is closed, you will address the presiding officer with the sign of the appropriate degree, and that officer will answer you with the proper sign. The Inside Sentinel will then permit you to depart.
Wishing to visit an encampment in another jurisdiction, you will proceed as instructed in the Initiatory Degree of an Odd Fellow lodge.
You will now give me the sign of the Patriarchal Degree and I will respond with the answer.
After a satisfactory rehearsal, the Chief Patriarch shall say:
One rap of the crook, which is used instead of a gavel, calls the encampment to order, or seats the members. Two raps call up the encampment.
Junior Warden, present the patriarch to the Senior Warden for examination and instruction.
Junior Warden presents candidate to Senior Warden from center of floor.
Junior Warden: Senior Warden, by direction of the Chief Patriarch, I present to you Patriarch … giving name in full, for examination and instruction.
Senior Warden: My brother, you have sought employment to qualify yourself to assume the high duties of manhood. You have traveled across the wilderness to reach the Chief Patriarch’s tent, and, on arrival, a welcome was given you. You have been obligated, that you might become a shepherd in the fields, on the mountains and in the valleys, preparatory to full recognition as a patriarch. You participated in the exemplification of Abraham’s faith in God. You have toiled ardently in the pursuit of truth, a cardinal virtue of Odd Fellowship, and you have been instructed in the unerring law by which you are to be governed. Virtue should be the great aim of your life—that virtue which gives whatever is great and good in man. Honor, fidelity, friendship, social and domestic happiness are but empty sounds in the mouth of any but a virtuous man. Virtue gives joy, which vice, with all her flattering promises, never pretends to offer, and bestows a zest upon those joys that are common to all, and which they can never have without it. Its influence spreads through life, diverges in every direction, and penetrates every condition. It is the guardian of youth, the honor of manhood, the crown of age, the shield of prosperity, the prop of affliction, our guide in active life and our solace in retirement. It holds the keys of life, and will finally open to us the gates of immortality. My brother, it is proper that you be prepared to test the presence of an intruder, in case he should invade our camp.
How shall I distinguish a patriarch of this degree?
Junior Warden: By signs and tokens of the patriarchal rank.
Senior Warden: Have you the password?
Junior Warden: We have.
Senior Warden: What is it?
Junior Warden and candidate give password of Patriarchal Degree, in the manner in which candidate has been instructed.
Senior Warden: Advance the sign of the Patriarchal Degree.
Junior Warden and candidate respond:
Senior Warden: What does it represent?
Junior Warden: The three pillars of the Order; Faith, Hope and Charity.
Senior Warden: What else does it represent?
Junior Warden: The motto of our Order; Friendship, Love and Truth.
Senior Warden: I commend your skill, and trust that the remembrance of these symbols, and the virtues which they imply, will never fade from your mind. Our institution is a science of symbols, conveying by striking emblems, the most interesting and exalted truths. There are moments in the experience of the most virtuous life, when incentives are needed to dispel the lethargy of the soul and excite it to action.
Junior Warden, present the candidate to the Chief Patriarch.
Junior Warden presents candidate at the chair of the Chief Patriarch.
Chief Patriarch invests candidate with a black collar and hands to him a long-handled crook, at the same time saying:
Chief Patriarch: My brother, I clothe you with this black collar. It indicates that you have served as a novitiate patriarch. And, I place in your hands this crook, as an implement of your vocation as a patriarchal herdsman.
Junior Warden and candidate return to center of floor and face the Chief Patriarch.
Chief Patriarch: The crook was used by the patriarchs of old, and strikingly reminds us of the simplicity of their lives and the purity of their faith. They dwelt in tents, and, surrounded by their flocks and herds, spent their lives in the inculcation of the most exalted social virtues. The onward march of civilization and the advance of human society have deprived the world of much of that simplicity and virtue which gave its richest charm to the patriarchal life. Here, in this sacred retreat, we would revive that simplicity and inculcate that purity. Here we would lay the broad foundation of that universal brotherhood, which shall link, in the golden chain of our ever expanding sympathy, heart with heart, man to man, until the vices which defile and the passions and prejudices which separate the children of a common Father, shall be eliminated, and the abodes of sorrow and suffering be lighted with the benignant beams of peace and love.
To effect this great moral and social revolution, individual action must be combined with associated effort. Each should believe that his individual duty is essential to the integrity of the whole. Ever let that principle of generous beneficence dwell in your heart, which, silently and unseen, like the dew of heaven, blesses and refreshes with the gentle droppings of its bounty. Cherish the beautiful teachings of our Order, which, falling upon the heart like rays of light, give color to every affection of our nature, and dictate every act of our lives. Succor the stranger in distress; give him food and rest when he is hungry and weary, without inquiring his country or creed; by whatsoever misfortune he may have fallen, by what destiny he may be controlled. With your brother shepherd, guard against jealousy and strife. Remember that he is your brother. If, under the influence of imperfection, the common lot of mortals, he wrongs you, go to him, and, in the language of affection, tell him his fault between him and you. If he repents, forgive him; enter no harsh judgment against him. Conscious of your own frailty, remember that to err is human, to forgive divine. These, my brother, are the principles we should ever practice. A man may enter our camp and dwell beneath our tent; mistaken confidence may invest him with our mysteries and clothe him with the badges of our Order; he may be exalted to official station among us; but all this does not make him an Odd Fellow, unless he behaves and acts as becomes an Odd Fellow.
Chief Patriarch: Brother … giving name in full, you have passed through the several degrees of the Order to reach the distinction of patriarchal fellowship. You are solemnly pledged to practice the virtues, which, in your progress here, have been illustrated.
They teach sentiments that you will find useful to cultivate through life. They will give tone and honor to your manhood.
Chief Patriarch calls up the encampment.
And now, in the name and by authority of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, I declare you duly admitted to the Patriarchal Degree.
Chief Patriarch seats the encampment.
Junior Warden escorts the new member to a seat.
Chief Patriarch: We are about to close the encampment in the Patriarchal Degree, to reopen in the Royal Purple Degree. All patriarchs who have not attained the Royal Purple Degree will please retire in form. They will advance to the center of the floor and address the Chief Patriarch with the sign of the Patriarchal Degree.
All patriarchs present who have not attained the Royal Purple Degree will advance without delay to the center of the floor and address the Chief Patriarch with the sign of the Patriarchal Degree. The Chief Patriarch will give the answer to the sign.
Chief Patriarch: The Inside Sentinel will now permit you to depart.
After the patriarchs have retired, the Chief Patriarch shall proceed.
Chief Patriarch calls up the encampment.
Chief Patriarch: Junior Warden, declare the encampment closed in the Patriarchal Degree.
Junior Warden: I declare the encampment closed in the Patriarchal Degree.
Chief Patriarch: Patriarchs, we are about to reopen the encampment in the Royal Purple Degree. The Junior Warden will ascertain that all present are qualified to sit in the Royal Purple Degree.
After the examination has been made:
Junior Warden: Chief Patriarch, I find the patriarchs qualified.
Chief Patriarch: The patriarchs will advance the sign of the Royal Purple Degree.
The Chief Patriarch will give the answer to the sign.
Chief Patriarch: Junior Warden, proclaim the encampment open in the Royal Purple Degree.
Junior Warden: I proclaim the encampment open in the Royal Purple Degree.
Chief Patriarch: Officers and patriarchs, it is so done.
The patriarchs respond — It is so done.
Chief Patriarch seats the encampment.
Chief Patriarch: Inside Sentinel, inform the Outside Sentinel that the encampment is open in the Royal Purple Degree.
Inside Sentinel retires and re-enters without form.

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