Fraternal Order of Pilgrims
Initiation Ritual
Opening
1938
Sovereign Master calls members to order with one rap of gavel. When quiet,
will say:
SOVEREIGN MASTER: Pilgrims, come to order; Officers, assume your
stations.
When quiet and officers at stations, will say:
SOVEREIGN MASTER: Marshal, you will present at this station the
Guard and Watchman for instructions.
The Marshal will draw sword, salute Sovereign Master, proceed to outer and
inner doors, return with the Guard and Watchman, will salute with the sword and
say.
MARSHAL: Sovereign Master, in obedience with your orders, I
present the Guard and Watchman for instructions.
SOVEREIGN MASTER: Guard, you are stationed at the outer door; your
duties are to admit no one to the anteroom who is not in possession of the
permanent password, unless otherwise permitted, to require each Pilgrim to be
properly clothed before entering the Club, and to perform such other duties as
may be required.
Watchman, you are stationed at the inner door; your duties are to allow no
one to enter who does not give the last quarterly password and who is not
properly clothed, unless otherwise permitted, and to perform such other duties
as may be required.
Guard and Watchman, upon the faithful performance of your duties rests the
security of our meetings. The Marshal will escort you to your stations, and,
until further ordered, allow no one to enter.
The Marshal will salute with sword, Watchman and Guard with hands, march
single file to the Inner and Outer doors, Marshal returning to station.
SOVEREIGN MASTER: Senior Master, we are about to proceed with the
opening ceremonies, and, to insure our safety, you will ascertain, through the
proper officers, and report if all present are properly clothed and in
possession of the permanent and last quarterly passwords.
SENIOR MASTER: Senior and Junior Escorts, approach my station and
communicate to me the permanent and last quarterly passwords, and ascertain if
all present are properly clothed and in possession of the permanent and last
quarterly passwords.
Escorts, when addressed, will arise, together step in front of Senior
Master's station, Junior communicating to Senior, the passwords. Senior
communicating same to Senior Master. Escorts then pass along each side of hall,
obtain the passwords; if without the passwords, he will be required to obtain
same from Sovereign Master and communicate to Escorts. When finished, return to
place in front of station of Senior Master, Junior communicating words to
Senior, and Senior reporting to Senior Master as follows:
SENIOR ESCORT: Senior Master, all present are properly clothed and
in possession of the permanent and last quarterly passwords.
SENIOR MASTER: Sovereign Master, all present are properly clothed
and in possession of the permanent and last quarterly passwords, and are
entitled to remain.
SOVEREIGN MASTER, * * to call officers to their feet: The
Secretary will call roll of officers and note those present and absent.
The Secretary will then call roll of officers, noting those present and
absent.
SECRETARY: Sovereign Master, I find all officers present, except:
.
If any officers are absent, a pro-tem appointment may be made.
SOVEREIGN MASTER: Officers, your duties are made known to you by
the Ritual, Constitution and Laws of our Order, the performance of which you
assumed by solemn obligation. As the success of our Order depends upon
observance of your obligations and duties, may you be ever faithful.
SOVEREIGN MASTER: Marshal, you will, with Escort, present the flag
of our country. Three raps of gavel call all to feet.
The Marshal, with Escort, proceeds to anteroom, returns with flag, places it
in standard to right of Sovereign Master; optional with Club as to method of
bringing in flag, in so far as marching is concerned, or number participating.
When flag is placed in standard, Marshal with Escort will face flag, Marshal
with drawn sword at salute and while thus standing, Sovereign Master will say:
SOVEREIGN MASTER: Officers and Members, join me in saluting the
flag of our country. Using right hand military salute.
SOVEREIGN MASTER: Marshal, you will shield the Altar and assemble
the Pilgrims, preparatory to giving of the signs and devotion.
Marshal will place upon Altar, covering and Shield.
MARSHAL: Sovereign Master, your order has been obeyed.
SOVEREIGN MASTER: Pilgrims, hand to shoulder, while you are thus
joined, may this union evidence a loyalty to each other, obedience to our
obligations, and fidelity to our every trust, assuring fraternal aid, protection
and service to our members and dependents.
How will we respond?
All answer: We will be ever faithful.
SOVEREIGN MASTER: To aid us in this, our Chaplain will invoke
divine assistance.
Chaplain will step to Altar.
CHAPLAIN: Ruler of All, we thank Thee for the many blessings which
Thou hast bestowed upon us, and humbly ask assistance to carry out the great
principles of this Order. Aid us to be loyal to each other, obedient to our
obligations, and faithful to our every trust. Bless our officers and members and
abide with us always. Amen.
Members respond "Amen." Chaplain will step back to position. Song
may be used. Sovereign Master will say:
SOVEREIGN MASTER: Pilgrims, give sign of the Order.
SOVEREIGN MASTER: By virtue of the power in me vested, I now
declare Pilgrim Club No
of
lawfully opened for the transaction of such
business as may come before it.
Watchman, you will instruct the Guard that the Club is now open; you and the
Guard are now permitted to admit all who are properly clothed and qualified.
WATCHMAN: Sovereign Master, the Guard has received your
instructions.
The Sovereign Master, with one rap of gavel, seat officers and members.
Initiation
SOVEREIGN MASTER: Marshal, you will ascertain and report if there
are strangers in waiting to be admitted to membership.
MARSHAL, arises, salutes with sword and proceeds to anteroom; obtains names,
returns to Altar, salutes and says: Sovereign Master, I find in
waiting
reads names.
Salutes, returns to station and hands names to Secretary.
SOVEREIGN MASTER: Secretary, have the strangers complied with our
requirements?
SECRETARY: Sovereign Master, they have (or he has).
SOVEREIGN MASTER: Pilgrims, we will proceed with the initiation,
unless there are objections.
If objection is made to anyone, his name is withdrawn, written charges
ordered filed and referred to committee.
SOVEREIGN MASTER: Senior and Junior Escorts, you will proceed to
anteroom and present the strangers for examination and introduction.
The Escorts arise, proceed to Altar, salute and retire.
Scene One
Examination and Reception
All officers put on robes and caps.
Remove Altar from center of hall. Officers form a half circle in center of
hall, facing station of Senior Master, as follows: Center, Sovereign Master; to
his right, Senior Master and Chaplain; to his left, Exalted Master and Junior
Master. Marshal will assume position to left of circle, near station of Junior
Master, with drawn sword.
The strangers will be brought in by Senior and Junior Escorts, headed by
Senior and followed by Junior, without being hoodwinked, proceed from anteroom,
about one-half way to Chaplains station, thence across hall, face officers.
Escorts will step forward about two paces in front of and at each end of line.
When in position, Senior Escort will say:
SENIOR ESCORT: Exalted Master when
addressed, he will step to center of circle, I have the pleasure of
presenting to you this stranger (or these strangers), who desires to become a
member of our Order, for your examination.
EXALTED MASTER: Stranger (or strangers), when your application was
received, and accepted, you were asked what the Order might expect of you, and
to memorize your answers as a condition to be admitted to membership.
This was done to have you remember that at all times you are to be faithful,
obedient, and to promote a spirit of harmony and co-operation.
No one is admitted to membership who does not meet these requirements and
have these principles indelibly impressed upon his memory, never―no,
never―to be forgotten.
I will now examine you. Each being examined, one
question may be asked. If a class, each must make separate answers.
QUESTION: Upon being admitted to membership in the Fraternal Order
of Pilgrims, what may the Order expect of you?
ANSWER: 1. Faithful fraternal service to my fellow members.
2. Obedience to my obligations and loyalty to the Order.
3. Promotion of harmony and co-operation for mutual advancement and benefits.
The first letter of the words, Fraternal Order of Pilgrims, F. O. P., form
the first letters of the words, "Faithful," "Obedience" and
"Promotion."
EXALTED MASTER, will step back line, face and say: Sovereign
Master, the stranger(s) has (or have) been examined and found qualified to
proceed.
SOVEREIGN MASTER, will step forward to a position in center of circle and
address the Strangers as follows: Strangers, having given your
promise that we may expect you to render faithful service to your fellow
members, and be obedient to your obligations, it is with pleasure that I welcome
you, and commend your desire to seek membership in the Fraternal Order of
Pilgrims, a fraternity of service that relieves its members in case of sickness
and distress, assists in caring for the needy widows and orphans of its deceased
members, and thus bring sunshine into the lives of others.
Here partisanship, sectarianism and politics are excluded, and all religious
beliefs respected.
Strangers, as you proceed in search for knowledge, your Pilgrimage may be
rough and fraught with difficulties, but all will be for your benefit.
SOVEREIGN MASTER: Senior and Junior Escorts. When
addressed they will face the Sovereign Master, salute and stand at attention
until after the command. You will return the Strangers to the
anteroom, and there await our further pleasure.
Sovereign Master will step back in circle, Escorts in line, face Strangers
toward the Senior Escort, and march, making a square turn to anteroom. Music
should be provided.
Scene Two
Plato
Arrangement of hall: Place old table in center of hall, upon it skull,
several pieces of ancient warfare, old books, candlestick candle, and a tablet,
with the following questions upon it, to be answered by candidate:
Question: Will you aid others in need when requested, if within your power so
to do?
Answer:
.
Question: Will you help advance the principles of our Order?
Answer:
.
Dated,
, 193...
Signed,
.
Candle to furnish only light for candidates use. Lights in hall out. Bench
or old chair for candidate to sit on.
Plato, dressed in ancient Greek costume of Plato's period.
If class, all required to write answers to questions before entering hall,
except one upon whom work done. Questions answered to be given Sovereign Master.
When ready, Senior Escort will lead and Junior Escort follow candidates. A rope
(one-half inch) may be used, extending from Senior to Junior, each candidate to
take hold of same. Each candidate with coat removed, blindfolded and in stocking
feet. Upon entering they will be escorted around hall, upon a journey, over
pieces of timber and under bars with short pieces of rope hanging between them,
to make journey somewhat rough, not to injure them.
Before proceeding, Sovereign Master will request all present to remain quiet.
Lights dim while marching around hall and out when candidate seated.
Spotlight dimly on Plato. Candle lighted. Senior and Junior Escorts, with
candidate on entering hall, stopped by Watchman, who will say:
WATCHMAN: Who comes here?
SENIOR ESCORT: A stranger (or strangers) upon a Pilgrimage,
seeking knowledge.
WATCHMAN: A worthy cause. You may proceed, though your path may be
rough.
Escorts will proceed with stranger around hall, passing Chaplains station
first, over rough path and under passageways. When at station of Junior Master,
Escorts will be stopped.
JUNIOR MASTER: Senior and Junior Escorts, who have you?
SENIOR ESCORT: A stranger (or strangers) upon a Pilgrimage seeking
knowledge.
JUNIOR MASTER: Stranger(s), you are to be congratulated.
Fraternalism is a system of education. It teaches the best ideals, social and
moral, and fills a place in civilization which cannot be otherwise filled. I bid
you proceed.
Escorts proceed, meeting several barriers and are stopped at station of
Senior Master.
SENIOR MASTER: Senior and Junior Escorts, who have you?
SENIOR ESCORT: A stranger (or strangers) upon a Pilgrimage seeking
knowledge.
SENIOR MASTER: Stranger(s), you are to be commended upon your
mission. Here we cultivate social relations, aid in educational advancement,
extend a spirit of benevolence and charity, by assisting those in need. I bid
you proceed.
Senior and Junior Escorts, after seating class, removing hoodwink, conduct
one candidate, hoodwinked, to table, seating him.
SENIOR ESCORT: Stranger, you are now seated at a place
representing a period of time 429 years B. C., where the principles of our Order
were founded, in a school of philosophy, and made practical through the
teachings of Plato.
You will find lying in front of you, a tablet upon which are two questions
that read:
Will you aid others in need, when requested, if within your power so to do?
Will you help advance the principles of our Order? You will write your
answers to them, "yes" or "no." At the stroke of the gong,
you will remove the hoodwink and proceed to write your answers to the questions.
When you have finished, sign your name and extinguish the candle.
Escorts will leave candidate seated at table after candidate answers
questions and extinguishes candle. Plato carrying lighted candle [if a dim
spotlight could be used it would be better] with Senior and Junior Master
entering from anteroom, walking leisurely toward table. Plato returning to his
study from an extended Pilgrimage, and as they approach table:
PLATO: I am glad to return to my study after these long weary
months of Pilgrimage.
Plato approaches table and lights candle thereupon from flame of the candle
which he carries, and then hands the candle to the Senior Master. This light
enables him to discover for the first time that someone is occupying his study.
He cautiously approaches table and. feels the head and shoulders, and arms and
hands of the stranger, looks him over carefully, in surprise, though fatigued,
and then says:
PLATO: Stranger, I take thee as such; seeking knowledge? He that
knows that he knows nothing is disposed to seek, and only those that seek will
find.
The seeking mind attains, if not knowledge, yet a new standard of knowing.
Truth and Good should be the basis of all men's actions.
They err from not seeing the Good, and not because they will not follow it,
if seen.
Vice is ignorance! Virtue is knowledge! Ah! I see, you have been writing. Let
me see it.
Plato examines questions and answers, holds conference with Senior and Junior
Masters as to what it may mean and its effect, then continues. Plato retains
writing until finished, then hands it to Sovereign Master.
You say you will aid others in need; that you will help advance the
principles of our Order; these sentiments are commendable.
The principles of this Order are founded upon my, Plato's, philosophy and
teachings, that now are to come to you.
Stranger, the distinctive features taught in our school of philosophy are
MENTAL WISDOM, WISE ACTION and TRUE VIRTUE, but only to those who are bound to
us by a solemn pledge.
We doubt your sincerity, until so bound. Senior and Junior Masters, let us
bind the stranger with chains of steel, to be released only when bound to us by
higher ties.
Stranger, hoodwinked and placed upon stretcher, to be carried by Senior and
Junior Masters and Senior and Junior Escorts from hall. When stranger is bound,
and lying on stretcher upon the floor, Plato will say:
PLATO: Stranger, when bound by that higher tie that is broken only
by death, we will then be PILGRIMS to travel a great common road, and the
journey will be easy to none.
We must succor the weary and lift the load of the Pilgrim whose courage is
done.
Let us proceed.
All march slowly to the anteroom. Music.
Scene Three
Obligation
Chains to remain on one for Altar.
Strangers in anteroom, in charge of Escorts. When ready, Marshal forms
officers in hall, in front of Sovereign Master's station, as follows: Marshal,
leading, Exalted and Sovereign Masters, Senior and Junior Masters, Altar Candle
Escorts (4), Altar Bearers (2), with shield and Altar cloth, walking side by
side, followed by Chaplain in center. Facing Marshal, Exalted Master, Senior
Master, to left Sovereign Master, and Junior Master to right.
All march slowly around hall; when passing anteroom door, Escorts with
strangers, two by two, will follow officers.
When officers arrive in front of Sovereign Master's station, they will turn
and march down center of hall, stopping at about center. Strangers will pass on
by and down the side of the hall to rear and form a half circle at rear of hall,
facing Sovereign Master's station, Senior Escort at one end, Junior Escort at
other. Officers open file. Altar Candle Escorts, with candlesticks and lighted
candles, walk through open line of officers, so they will stand, two (2) on each
side, about six feet apart, facing one another. Altar Bearers pass between Altar
Candle Escorts and form living Altar. Chaplain will follow and stand in front of
living Altar. Marshal at left of officers and opposite station of Junior Master.
When in position, stranger to be used at the Altar will fee escorted there by
Marshal, and other strangers will stand so that they will have their right hand
on each other s left shoulder, close enough to Altar for one to have his right
hand upon left shoulder of one at Altar. When in position, Chaplain will say:
CHAPLAIN: Marshal, you will cause the stranger to place his left
hand over his heart. Extend right arm forward and downward, palm open, upon the
emblem of our Order.
Stranger (or strangers), from time immemorial, pledges were required of those
who entered upon the discharge of duties for others.
Citizenship is evidenced by a pledge. Family ties are created at the Altar by
a most solemn and sacred pledge, and thus the sanctuary of the home created.
In keeping with this time-honored and ancient custom, you will be required to
give a pledge as a condition to membership in the Fraternal Order of Pilgrims.
Am pleased to advise you, it will not conflict with duties you owe to others
or country.
With this information, if you are willing to proceed, you may repeat the
pledge as I communicate it to you.
Music softly.
I DO SOLEMNLY promise and pledge:
THAT I WILL NEVER REVEAL, copy, alter, transpose, add to, or take from, any
part of the secret work or Ritual, now or hereafter, connected with the
Fraternal Order of Pilgrims.
I WILL NOT COMMUNICATE to any person, or persons, the permanent or quarterly
password, except when acting as an officer, authorized so to do, or when
communicating or receiving same, under orders of the Sovereign Master, Supreme
Sovereign Master, or their duly authorized Deputy.
I WILL, IN CASE OF TROUBLE, sickness, or death of a member of this Order, or
his family, promptly tender my services and render all help possible to relieve,
aid, comfort, and assist them, whenever within my power so to do.
I WILL BE FAITHFUL in the performance of my financial obligations to the
Order and with the members thereof.
I WILL AT ALL TIMES faithfully observe the Constitution, laws, rules and
regulations of the Order and respect and obey the mandates of its officers.
TO ALL OF THIS, I most solemnly promise earnest and faithful obedience, under
penalty of forfeiting my membership, rights and benefits, and consent that my
name may be dishonorably stricken from the roll of membership.
IN THE PRESENCE OF THESE WITNESSES, and in the name of Honor and Loyalty, may
I always be true and faithful in the observance of this solemn pledge.
Yon will remove your hand from the emblem. Marshal, yon will remove the
chains.
Song may be used effectively here, "Blest Be the Tie That Binds."
You will now heed the words of our Senior Master.
SENIOR MASTER: Strangers, you will observe that the emblem of our Order is
the Norman shield. The letters F. O. P. are the initials of the words Fraternal,
Order, Pilgrims. In the center, and within a white circle, a Mural crown with
cross staffs.
The Mural crown was anciently used as a reward for service, and the wearing
of that emblem by the members is emblematic of a reward of, and stands for,
service.
The staffs, within the Mural crown, represent support and protection.
The Latin inscription, ecce signum, within the white border, means
"Behold the sign."
The Latin inscription, pro aris et focis, means "For our altars and
firesides."
When giving your sacred pledge, the emblem was resting upon a living Altar,
formed by two Pilgrims.
No pledge can be more binding than one taken upon an emblem, representing
service and protection for our Altars and firesides.
Our colors are Green and Old Gold, the combination of which forms a
harmonious blending that is emblematic of nature's wonderful foliage that covers
Mother Earth under a golden ray of sunlight.
The green represents the foliage of nature's beauty at spring time.
The old gold represents the golden rays of the rising and setting sun, that
illuminates a path over which we pass from the cradle to the grave―the
border line of the Great Beyond.
As the sun rises to open and sets to close the day upon Mother Earth's mantle
of green, let us be ever mindful that it daily marks a milestone of our earthly
existence.
Marshal, you will escort the pledged strangers to the anteroom and there
await the further pleasure of the Sovereign Master.
Marshal will form a line of march with officers, proceed around hall; when
passing anteroom door, candidates pass out with Junior and Senior Escorts; other
officers to stations.
Scene Four
Instruction
Officers at stations. Altar in center of hall with emblem. When ready,
Sovereign Master will say:
SOVEREIGN MASTER: Marshal, present the pledged strangers to our
Junior Master for further instructions.
Marshal arises, salutes and proceeds to anteroom; returns with Escorts and
candidates, marches and forms semicircle in front of Junior Master. Marshal will
say.
MARSHAL: Junior Master, I present the pledged strangers for
further instructions.
JUNIOR MASTER: I will now instruct you in the secret work. You
will follow me in all signs that I will give you. To gain admission to a Club
when open, make yourself known to the Guard, who will open the door, to whom you
will give the permanent password, which is
.
You will then approach the inner door, and upon it give one rap, which will
be answered from within by one rap. The wicket will then be opened, and through
it you will give the Watchman your name, club number and quarterly password,
which will be communicated to you later.
If correct, you will be admitted.
If you are not in possession of password, communicate such f act to the
Watchman.
He will communicate same to the Senior Master. If you are entitled to
admission, you will be admitted. You will then approach the Altar, at right
angles, salute the flag, right hand military salute, and give the sign of the
Order as follows:
.
If the sign is correct, the Sovereign Master will recognize the same by a
wave of the hand or a nod of the head, indicating you may be seated.
If you desire to retire while Club is in session, approach the Altar, salute
the flag, and give the same sign that you gave upon entering. If correct,
Sovereign Master will recognize same by a wave of the hand, or a nod of the
head, indicating you may retire.
The grip is given by a clasp of the right hands, in the ordinary way, when
shaking hands, as follows:
.
Supreme Honors are given by the interlocking of the fingers of the right and
left hands and bringing the forearms across the breast, with elbows extended.
At the opening of the Club, you will assemble along each side of Altar, with
right hand upon the left shoulder of the Pilgrim next to you, and when asked,
"How will you respond?", you will answer, "We will be ever
faithful."
You will then face the Sovereign Master and give the sign as follows:
.
The sign represents the position your hands were in when giving your pledge.
Gavel Instructions
One rap calls members to order and seats them.
Two raps call all officers to their feet.
Three raps call officers and members to their feet.
Voting Sign
The voting sign for affirmative and negative voting will be that of the
uplifted right hand, or in such other form as the Club may determine by motion
or resolution prior to the taking of vote upon any matter pending before it.
JUNIOR M ASTER: Marshal, you will conduct candidates to the
station of the Sovereign Master.
SOVEREIGN MASTER: Candidates, you will now heed the word s of our
Exalted Master.
The following should be delivered slowly, dramatically, and with feeling.
EXALTED MASTER: During your Pilgrimage, surrounded by darkness and
in solitude, you voluntarily made answer, in writing, to these questions and
signed your name.
"Will you aid others in need when requested, if within your power so to
do?"
"Yes."
"Will you help advance the principles of our Order?"
"Yes."
You then extinguished the candle that furnished the only ray of light that
aided you to see.
Your signed promises will become a part of our official record.
This record will become an inspiration to Pilgrims who follow to know that
"YOU WILL AID OTHERS IN NEED WHEN REOUESTED, IF WITHIN YOUR POWER SO TO DO;
AND, THAT YOU WILL HELP ADVANCE THE PRTNCIPLES OF OUR ORDER."
Your act in executing these written promises typifies a well-spent life in
the performance of duty and rendering of service to others.
The extinguishing of the candle, the passing to a well-earned reward for
service rendered.
The path traveled upon your Pilgrimage may have seemed hard and difficult,
but it was intended to teach you that Life's journey is likewise hard and
difficult, and must be traveled by all.
If we smilingly, patiently, and courageously meet its difficulties and
perform our duties as Pilgrims, our efforts will be rewarded.
Each passing year brings, in its outstretched hands, golden opportunities and
leaves behind priceless memories.
There is no jewel more precious and no treasure more endearing than the
rendering of service to others and obedience to our obligations.
May these, in all their fullness, be yours through the coming years.
For the test of the heart is trouble,
And it always comes with the years,
And the smile that is worth the praises of Earth
Is the one that shines through tears.
As we journey through life, let us deal with each other with a mercy that
shall never fail, and He down to our dreams with a conscience at rest, when we
come to the end of our Pilgrimage.
SOVEREIGN MASTER: Having confidence in your integrity, and
believing you will faithfully perform your every pledge and promise here made, I
will now proceed to create you a Pilgrim. You will kneel on your left knee.
Interlock fingers of both hands and bring them across breast, elbows extended.
Lights dim, call members to their feet, extending arms, and say:
By virtue of the power in me vested, and in the name of Honor and Loyalty, I
now create you a Pilgrim; and, upon signing our Roster, you will become a member
of Club No.
.
Seat members.
SOVEREIGN MASTER: Marshal, conduct the Pilgrims upon a final
Pilgrimage to inscribe their names upon our Roster. Music.
Marshal escorts Pilgrims with Escorts to Secretary's desk, by proceeding
around Altar in front of Senior Master, past Chaplain to Secretary's desk, where
they will sign the Roster. When finished, Marshal, with Senior and Junior
Escorts, form Pilgrims in front of Sovereign Master.
Marshal will say.
MARSHAL: Sovereign Master, the Pilgrims have signed the Roster and
are now members of Club No.
and are entitled to all benefits and privileges.
SOVEREIGN MASTER: Pilgrim (or Pilgrims), I will now communicate to
you the quarterly password.
When communicated, will say: Pilgrim(s), you will face the
members.
Call members to their feet, and say: Members of Pilgrim Club No
, I have the pleasure of introducing to you our newly created Pilgrims name
them, and ask that you extend congratulations.
The members will be at ease.
Closing
SOVEREIGN MASTER: No further business appearing, we will proceed
to close.
Watchman, you will instruct the Guard that we are about to close, and direct
him to admit no one until further ordered.
Watchman opens door and gives instructions to Guard, then reports:
WATCHMAN: Sovereign Master, the Guard has received your
instructions.
SOVEREIGN MASTER: Marshal, you will, with Escort, return the flag
of our country to its resting place. Three raps of
gavel, calling all to feet.
Marshal with Escort will form in front of flag, preparatory to taking it from
standard. Sovereign Master will say:
SOVEREIGN MASTER: Attention, Pilgrims. Salute the flag of our
country.
When done, Marshal with Escort will remove flag, return and take stations.
SOVEREIGN MASTER: Pilgrims, hand to shoulder, as we depart and our
union thus formed broken each member will remove hand
from shoulder, may we be secure, through our Fraternal Union, to be
loyal to each other, obedient to our obligations, and faithful to our every
trust.
Pilgrims, how will we respond?
All answer: We will be ever faithful.
SOVEREIGN MASTER: To aid us in this, the Chaplain will implore the
blessing of Deity.
Chaplain will take position at Altar, offer the following prayer:
CHAPLAIN: We thank Thee, Ruler of All, for the time spent in happy
companionship, and as we go forth, may we be prepared to do unto others as we
would that others should do unto us. May we be ever loyal to each other,
obedient to our obligations, and faithful to our every trust.
Shield us from all harm, and be with us now and ever more. Amen.
All members respond: Amen.
Chaplain will step to station; a suitable song may then be sung.
SOVEREIGN MASTER: Attention, Pilgrims. Give the sign of the Order.
SOVEREIGN MASTER: Marshal, collect all Rituals and Jewels from all
officers.
MARSHAL: Sovereign Master, I have in my possession all Rituals and
Jewels.
SOVEREIGN MASTER: I now declare Pilgrim Club No
of
duly
closed.
SOVEREIGN MASTER: Watchman, inform the Guard that the Club is now
closed.
The Sovereign Master will give one rap of the gavel.