Knights of Jericho
Initiation into the Side Degree

 
1872

Opening
 
The Chief will take the Chair and call to order.
H., standing: Officers, Sir Knights, and Sisters, ATTENTION! The Chief is now about to open in the Side Degree, "All Right,'' or "Fidelity," (as the case may be). If there be any present not justly entitled to remain, they will please retire. The Officers will clothe themselves in Regalia, etc. appropriate to their rank, repair to their posts, and hold themselves in readiness for further orders. Let there be silence during the examination.
CHIEF: Sir Knight Vice, the entrance to this Lodge should be well guarded: You are charged with that duty.
V.C.: Sir Knight Marshal, post the Guard; see that the Sentinel is on duty, each properly armed, and correctly instructed.
M.: Sir Knight Vice, your order is obeyed.
V.C., rising: Sir Knight Chief, the Guard and Sentinel are on duty, properly armed and correctly instructed. We can proceed with our work without fear of interruption.
C.: It is my pleasure that every Brother and Sister should remain seated and silent during the examination.
Sir Knights Herald and Marshal, the out-posts being guarded, (all's well without.) You will now proceed to examine all present, and report to me all who cannot satisfy you of their right to remain. You will each advance and satisfy me that you are correct, before proceeding with the examination. Correct, Sir Knights. Discharge your duties. The M. will commence on the left, and the H. on the right of the Chief, ending with the Vice-Chief.
M., gives salutation: Sir Knight Chief, all's well on your left.
H., gives salutation: All 's well on your right, Sir Knight Chief.
C.: Officers, Sir Knights, and Sisters, then all's well within. Calls up. I now declare this Side Degree Lodge open, and ready to transact any business that may lawfully come before it.
Calls down.
 
 
All Right  
 
C.: Sir Knight Herald, you will retire and ascertain if any Brother or sister is in waiting to receive the honors of this Degree.
H., gives salutation: Sir Knight Chief, I find … in waiting.
C.: Brothers and Sisters, are you satisfied that … is a member of the Order, in good standing?
MEMBERS: All right; we are satisfied.
C.: Sir Knight Herald, you will again retire, and bring … in for obligation. Sir Knight Guard, you will let them pass and repass.
At the moment the candidate enters the hall, in charge of the Herald, the Chief will call up, and the members will sing the following Ode while the Herald conduct the candidate slowly round the room to the Chief's stand, after which he will call down.
Ode-Air "Tippecance-Long, long ago"
Faithful and true are the angels on high,
Heirs of yon bright and beautiful sky;
Faithful and true may each other be here,
Heirs of a lowlier sphere.
Ne'er may we falter in duty, nor fail;
Ne'er in temptation with weak spirit quail;
Safe o'er the ocean of life may we sail,
Till we in Heaven appear.
H.: Sir Knight Chief, our …, having been regularly initiated into this Order, and tarried awhile at Jericho -all right- comes up now for obligation in this Degree.
C.: Officers, Sir Knights and Sisters; You have heard the request of our …. Is there any objection to its being granted?
All respond: All right; let … be obligated.
C.: Sir Knight Herald, you will place the … in the attitude for receiving the obligation of this degree.
The Herald will conduct the applicant to the altar, facing the Chief's stand, and place his or her open left hand on the open bible.
H.: Sir Knight Chief, the … awaits your pleasure.
The Chief will call up the members, and go down to the altar, placing his open hand on that of the applicant, while he administers the obligation.
I, …, of my own free will and accord, and in view of the awful responsibility attending the taking of an obligation, do solemnly re-affirm, before God and these Brothers and Sisters, the obligation taken at my Initiation in this Order; and furthermore covenant that I will not communicate to any one not fully entitled to receive them, any of the secrets of this Degree-and that I will, to the utmost of my ability, promote the good of this Lodge and Order, God giving me grace to keep and perform the same. Calls down.
Sir Knight Herald, you will withdraw with the … for the present. The Chief will resume his seat.
The Herald and candidate go into the ante-room, and the door is closed. The Chief then orders a recess until the sound of the gavel - when all will lay aside their regalia, resuming it when called to order. All the Officers will vacate their Chairs, and, together with the members, assemble in groups about the hall, walking, talking, singing, &c. (just as is common at ordinary social gatherings). Place in the tent, a small table, on which is a Bottle and Glasses, and around which two or three members will be seated, as if drinking. There must be no boisterous levity, however, or staring at the candidate on his or her entrance. Everything must be conducted with the strictest decorum. The several Brothers and Sisters, representing mechanics, occupying different positions around the hall, as if engaged at work, in their several vocations, &c. The Guard will, at a sign from the Chief, open the gate, and leave it in that position, while he joins in the general conviviality. The Herald then invites the candidate to walk about the city-brings him or her in, introduces him or her in a familiar manner to the several mechanics, finally leaving him or her to shift for and enjoy him or herself the best way possible. At a sign from the Chief, one of the members, who has been talking with the candidate, will propose to escort him or her round the room, which being assented to, the candidate is taken to that part of it where the carousal is going on. As soon as they reach the spot, one Brother, affecting to be quite tipsy, advances towards the candidate and offers his hand, then quickly returns, and addressing another at the table, &c.
H.: Mr. …, permit me to introduce to you my friend, …, who has recently been enrolled as a volunteer in the grand army of moral reform, now encamped near the city.
BOOT-MAKER: I am happy to make your acquaintance, and will remind you that, if you are in need of any article in my line, I would be pleased to take your order. I can make as good boots or shoes as any other man, and as to price, I will make that "all right." If you are in want of a saddle, bridle, or any article in that line, our friend, … the saddler, across the street, will make them for you and at prices "all right."
H.: Mr. and Mrs. …, permit me, etc.
TAILOR AND TAILORESS: We are happy in making your acquaintance and would remind you that we are m the clothing business, and should you at any time be in want of any article in that line, we would be pleased to fill your order. We can make as good a uniform as that of any other tailor in the city; and as for prices, we will make that ' all right." We would also remind you that our neighbor over the way, the Hatter, and his wife, the Milliner, can furnish you with any style of hat desired, at short notice, and at prices "all right."
H.: Mr. …, permit me, etc.
BLACKSMITH: I am glad to make your acquaintance. You will not forget that I am in the blacksmithing business, and can shoe your horse as good as any man in or about the city. You have only to give me a trial, in order to be convinced; and so far as the price is concerned, it will be "all right." And as you are a "Knight," I would remind you that my neighbor, the cutler, near by, will make you any kind of sword, etc., that you may need, and, as he's is our friend, the price will be "all right."
TIPSY BROTHER: I say, give me that bottle again [hiccough.] I want to treat our friend here-[hic.] I'm not quite as strict as some Knights of Jericho; [hic.] but will take a little whenever I feel sick – or want to [hic.] Give me the bottle [hic.]; you know I'm "all right."
It is handed him, with two glasses colored so as to resemble liquor, and having poured into each glass some water from the bottle again approaches the candidate, offers one glass, and continues: Come, join me in a social glass, the last I shall take tonight, as [hic.] I am already pretty boosy, and [hic.] I don't mean to get drunk by a jug full.
He insists upon the candidate's taking the glass, and tries to force it into his or her hand. At this moment, the Marshal and the Preceptress who admonished him, approach. The Sister points her finger at the candidate, and says, ''Remember-Beware!" and the Marshal takes him or her by the hand, and says:
M.: My friend, do not be offended at that poor fellow's importunities. He has got into bad company, and I fear is irretrievably lost. He was once an orderly, clever citizen, and a good Knight, until he listened to that enemy to man, rum-fiend, who decoys every Knight he can find weak enough to be led astray while shopping around the city. We will leave him. Go with me.
The Marshal leads the candidate into the ante-room. When silence is restored, and the tent-door closed, return to the Lodge and take seats. The Chief then calls to order, when the officers and members all resume their respective stations.
C.: Sir Knight Secretary, is there any further business on your desk to be disposed of this evening?
P.C.: Sir Knight Chief, I am not satisfied that all present are entitled to remain while we proceed with the work of this Degree.
C.: It cannot be possible that our Guard, usually so prompt and faithful, has permitted any one to enter without the proper token. Sir Knight Vice, you will cause the necessary examination to be made. If any one is found within the body of the Lodge who cannot pass the examination, have him or her brought before you and investigate the matter.
V.C.: Sir Knight Marshal, you will make the examination agreeably to the instructions of the Chief.
The Marshal passes round the room, until he comes to the candidate, for whom he demands the Pass-Word of this Degree. The candidate cannot, of course, give it; whereupon the Marshal escorts him or her to the Vice-Chief, and reports:
M.: Sir Knight Vice, … is not in possession of the Pass-Word of this degree.
V.C.: Sir Knight Chief, … is reported as being unable to pass the examination.
C.: Not able to pass the examination! How happens that? Are you sure, Brother Vice, that … has been legally instructed in this Degree?
H., rises and speaks quickly: Sir Knight Chief, … has been obligated, but not instructed m this Degree. By your order, we repaired to the ante-room soon after obligation. While awaiting the signal to return, the gate was opened, and seeing the members at recess, I invited … in. I hope, sir, this explanation will be satisfactory. If any offence has been committed, I am alone to blame.
C.: Your explanation is satisfactory, Sir Knight Herald; but you must be careful never to pass a Brother or Sister into any Lodge of this Order; under any other circumstances, without first thoroughly satisfying yourself of his or her right to be there.
Sir Knight Marshal, you will now introduce … to me, for instructions.
The Test or Pass-Word of this Degree is as follows: Ask the one whom you wish to test, "Have you seen tipsy?" The answer must be "Yes yes all right" The salutation is given by placing the open left hand on the open bible.
 
 
Fidelity
 
C.: Sir Knight Herald, you will proceed to the ante-room and ascertain if any Brother or Sister is in waiting to be advanced to the Degree of Fidelity.
The Herald retires, and returning, salutes and reports.
H.: Sir Knight Chief, I find … in waiting, who desires to obtain the honor conferred on the Faithful.
C.: Officers, Sir Knights, and Sisters, are you satisfied that the candidate is worthy and entitled to the honors sought?
MEMBERS: We are satisfied, Sir Knight Chief.
C.: You will again retire, Sir Knight Herald, and bring the candidate in. Sir Knight Guard, you will permit the Herald and candidate to pass and repass.
When the Herald and candidate have entered, the Marshal approaches.
M.: Whence come ye, friends, and whither bound?
H.: We flee from the snares and wiles of the Tempter, and seek refuge and protection in the stronghold of the Faithful.
M.: Know ye what ye do? Know ye the sufferings ye may have to endure? – that within that Temple heart-rending sorrows must be seen and felt – great sacrifices made and stern self-denial practiced by the truly faithful? Had you not better reconsider and return?
H.: We have been told, and know all. Entreat us not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee; for whither thou goest we will go, and where thou lodgest we will lodge; thy people shall be our people, and thy God our God; where thou diest will we die, and there we will be buried; the Lord do so to us, and more also, if aught but death part thee and us.
M.: Such being your worthy resolve and firm determination, I will conduct you before our Chief, who will obligate and instruct you.
ODE-Air, Pleyel. 7s.
To thy temple we repair-
Lord, we love to worship there;
There, within the vail, we meet
Thee upon the mercy seat.
 
They stop at the altar-the candidates open left hand placed on the open bible.
M.: Sir Knight Chief, the candidate awaits your pleasure.
The Chief calls all round the altar and administers the following obligation:
I, …, of my own free will and accord, do promise and covenant, that I will, as far as in my power, and even at the sacrifice of my own comfort, visit and attend upon a sick or afflicted member of this Degree, and urge others to do the same; and, that, to the extent of my means, I will contribute to their necessities.
I do further promise and covenant, that I will attend the funeral of a member of this Degree, unless prevented by circumstances or causes entirely beyond my control, and use my efforts to secure decent interment, if necessary.
I do further solemnly promise and covenant , that I will not communicate in any way, to any one not a member of this degree, any of its proceedings or secrets, that may be communicated to me, or which I may come to a knowledge of; and that I will not divulge the secret of any member of this Degree, communicated to me on my pledge of honor as such – so help me God.
The Chief will then instruct the candidate:
C.: To identify, or to make yourself known, to a member of this Degree, the following dialogue has been instituted:
Have you been to the temple?
I have.
Who were with you?
The faithful.
The salutation of this degree is the same as that of "All Right."
C.: Sir Knight Marshal, you will now conduct … to the ante-room, leave (him or her) in charge of the Sentinel, to await further instructions, yourself returning to the Temple.
When the Marshal has returned, and all the arrangements have been perfected, as in case of an actual funeral service, the Chief will send the Marshal with a message to the newly obligated member, requiring his attendance at the burial of a deceased member, and the entire Funeral Ceremony shall be carefully rehearsed.
 
 
Funeral Service
 
When the members are called together to attend the Funeral of a Brother or Sister, they shall meet at the Lodge Room, where the Lodge will be opened in tile Degree of Fidelity. If more than one Lodge engages in the ceremonies, they shall proceed according to their rank in age and number, the youngest going first-except that the Lodge to which the deceased belonged shall go next to the hearse, or litter. Should the deceased be a stranger, or sojourner, the oldest Lodge in the city or town where he died, or, if in the country, the nearest Lodge shall take charge of the Funeral. Uniformity in dress should be observed, as much as possible, by the members appearing in procession. If the deceased be a Sister, the Pall-Bearers should be Sisters; if a Brother, they must be Brothers. The Sisters may meet, either with the Brothers at the Lodge Room, and march with them to the house of deceased, or they may meet at the house of deceased, without going to the Lodge Room; the latter course is recommended. All must wear Regalia in mourning.
No member will be permitted to leave the ranks, or desert their places, after the Procession is formed, until dismissed. The following shall be the Order of Procession
Music.
G.-Banner in Mourning.-S.
Sisters, two abreast.
Brothers, two abreast.
P.C.s two abreast.
Sec'y and T.
V.C. and Herald, with rod.
Chief and Chaplain.
Pall-Bearer      Pall-Bearer.
Pall-Bearer      Pall-Bearer.
Pall-Bearer      Pall-Bearer.
Mourners.
Immediate friends of deceased.
Citizens generally.
On arriving at the grave, the Procession will halt and open to the right and left, and the corpse will be borne through it to the grave-the Brothers standing uncovered until it passes. The Chief and Chaplain will take positions at the head of the grave, the other Officers next, on each side, according to rank; the mourners at the foot, and the Brothers and Sisters forming a circle around them. As soon as the Coffin is deposited in the grave, the Brethren will again take off their hats, and remain uncovered during the rehearsal of the following ceremony.
C.: Man that is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble; he cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down; he fleeth also as a shadow and continueth not.
C., V.C. and P.C.: All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away. But the word of the Lord endureth forever.
V.C.: We brought nothing into the world, and it is certain we can take nothing out of it.
C., V.C. and P.C.: The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord.
P.C.: I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth; and though worms have destroyed this body, yet in my flesh I shall see God; whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold and not another.
C., V.C. and P.C.: God is our God forever; He will be our guide, even unto death.
C.: I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live, and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.
All respond: O, death! where is thy sting?
O, grave! where is thy victory?
Ode-Air, "King of Peace."
Clay to clay and dust to dust,
Let them mingle, for they must;
Give to earth the earthly clod,
And the spirit unto God.
Never more shall midnight's damp
Darken round this mortal lamp,
Never more shall noonday light
Glance upon this mortal sight.
Deep the pit and cold the bed,
Where the spoils of death are laid,
Chill the darkness, cold the gloom,
Dwelling in the fearful tomb.
Look aloft, the dust to earth,
Spirit to celestial birth,
Born of God in Heaven above
Life of light and joy and love.
CHAP.: Let us pray. Our Father and our God, who art the resurrection and the life; in whom whosoever believeth shall live though he die; and whosoever liveth and believeth in Thee shall not die-hear, we beseech Thee, the voice of thy creatures here assembled, and turn not away from our supplications.
We humbly beseech Thee so to imbue us with a conviction of our entire helplessness and dependence on Thee, that we may be brought to meditate upon the uncertainty of life, and the certainty of death. In the dispensation of Thy Providence, Thou hast summoned from amongst us our …, and we, the surviving monuments of Thy mercy, are gathered together to commit … remains to the earth.
Give, O God, we beseech Thee, Thy Holy Spirit to us, whom Thou hast spared; increase our knowledge, and confirm our faith in Thee forever!
Bless and comfort, we pray Thee, those whom it has pleased Thee to add to the number of the disconsolate. Buoy them up under this heavy stroke; sustain them against despondency. O! wilt Thou be their Father and their God, and pour down from on high Thy blessing upon their heads.
Bless, O Heavenly Father, the Brothers and Sisters here assembled. Imbue them with the wisdom of Thy laws and draw them unto Thee by the cords of Thy irresistable love; impress them with their duty to each other as brethren and sisters, and their obligations in the various relations of human life. And finally, bless our beloved Order throughout the globe. Preserve its principles and purposes from innovation; sustain it from the shafts of enmity-protect it from self-innovation, and shield it from all evil, and unto Thee we shall render all the praise forever-AMEN!
After the grave is filled, the Procession will re-form in the same manner (except that the Sisters may be dismissed to return to their homes in carriages, or otherwise,) and marched to the Lodge Room, when the Lodge will be closed in due form, after adopting such Resolntions as may be appropriate to the occasion.
 
 
Closing
 
C.: Sir Knight Vice, I am about to close this Lodge. Have we dispatched all the business for which we were convened?
V.C.: I know of nothing that has been omitted, Sir Knight Chief.
C.: Sir Knight Chaplain, have you observed aught amiss in our transactions this evening?
CHAP.: Sir Knight Chief, I have observed nothing amiss in the transactions of the Lodge this evening. I trust, sir, that all our future meetings may prove as harmonious and pleasant as this has been.
C., calls up: Brothers and Sisters: Your presence and attention this evening have been most acceptable, and merit my regard and thanks. It is a source of mutual congratulation that we have had the privilege of meeting together this evening in Friendship, and conducted our proceedings in harmony. As we are about to separate, to attend to our ordinary vocations, let us cherish the spirit which is enjoined by the Constitution of our Order, and endeavor so to conduct ourselves in our intercourse with our Brothers and Sisters, as well as ·with the world, as to render us an honor to the Order, and the pride of our country. Finally, Brothers and Sisters, be of good comfort-be of one mind -ever keep in view your solemn obligations- live in peace, and the God of Love and Peace shall be with and sustain you. Farewell