Order
of Amaranth Plate
The
Order of the Amaranth is a social, fraternal, and charitable organization
whose membership is open to both men and women with a Masonic affiliation. The
teachings of our ritual impart lessons for daily living, character building,
morality, and ethics. Membership in the Order of the Amaranth is a privilege;
it provides opportunity not only for service but also for self-improvement and
brings a gift of a special fraternal friendship among its members. The welfare
and support of our members is of vital concern to their fellow members and it
is deemed a privilege to assist another member in need. Although belief in the
existence of a Supreme Being is requisite for membership, the Organization is
a not religious organization and many faiths are represented among our
membership. Since 1972 the funds raised for our charitable project, The
Amaranth Diabetes Foundation Trust are directed towards research grants that
will aid in finding a cure for diabetes. NO expenses are deducted from our
donations that are given to the American Diabetes Association.
The
Supreme
Council Order of the Amaranth, Inc. hosts a website at:
http://www.amaranth.org/
Initiation
Ceremony of the Order of the Amaranth
1895.
OPENING CEREMONY
The time appointed in the By-laws, or named in the special notice, having
arrived, all the officers will retire to the anteroom with exception of the
Royal Patron, Associate Conductress, Musician (and Associate Patron, if this
office is filled). These officers will assume their respective stations. The
Royal Patron will call the Court to order with one blow of the gavel (*).
RP.:
Honored Ladies and Sir Knights, ... Court No. ... is about to be opened. If
there be any present who are not entitled to remain, they will please retire.
Honored
Associate Conductress, invite the Royal Matron and the other officers to enter
the Court room.
Music
AC. retires and returns with the officers who enter in two lines.
RP. calls up the entire room:
Honored Conductress and Associate Conductress, escort the Royal Matron and
Associate Matron to their respective stations, on the throne and in the West.
After Conductresses have returned to
their places in the line, RP.: Royal Matron, we
welcome you with a cordial greeting, and request you to open this Court
according to the forms and ceremonies of the Bite
(hands her the gavel).
RM.: The
officers will take their respective stations, and assist in the active duties
of the Court.
When all officers are at their stations,
RM.: Attention, you will unite with me in
pledging allegiance to our country’s flag.
Marshal in the East ascends the throne,
takes the flag and all officers step down on the floor. All place right hand
over left breast.
ALL: I
pledge allegiance to the Flag of, etc.
All unite in singing any appropriate
patriotic song.
RM. seats the Court.
M. in E. replaces the flag in its holder
on the throne and takes her seat.
RM.:
Honored Warder.
WAR.:
Royal Matron.
RM.: We are about to open ... Court No
... for the transaction of business; inform the Sentinel and direct him to use
proper vigilance in protecting us from interruption.
WAR., (gives three raps * * * which are
answered by * * * from the Sentinel. Warder opens the door.):
Sir Knight Sentinel, we are about to open ... Court and you are directed to
use proper vigilance in protecting us from interruption.
WAR.: Your
order has been obeyed, Royal Matron.
RM.:
Honored Associate Matron.
AM. :
Royal Matron.
RM.: Are
all present entitled to the privileges of the degree?
AM.: I
will ascertain and report. Honored Conductress, ascertain and report if all
present are entitled to the privileges of the degree.
If there be a large gathering, the RM.
may ask the Associate Conductress to assist the Conductress in taking up the
password. The Conductresses will pass down the North and South
sides of the room, taking the password and grip from any with whom they are
not acquainted or certain. If there be any present who cannot give the
password and grip, the Conductresses will so report to the AM. and if she
cannot vouch for them, she wilt report to the RM. as follows:
Royal Matron, an Honored Lady without the password and grip.
If the RM. or none in the Court can
vouch for such person, the RM. will immediately appoint an investigating
committee who will retire with such person, or persons, not vouched for, under
escort of the Marshal in the East.
COND.:
Honored Associate Matron, all present are entitled to the privileges of the
degree.
AM.: All
present are entitled to the privileges of the degree, Royal Matron.
RM.: I am
pleased to extend a hearty welcome to all. Honored Warder, how are we
protected?
WAR.: By a
brother Sir Knight, faithful and vigilant, at the entrance to the Court room.
RM.:
Inform us as to your station and duties.
WAR.: My
station is at the portals of the Court room. My duty is to announce all
persons duly vouched for seeking admission, so that none may enter our Court
but those who are entitled to enjoy the privileges of the degree, and to
perform such other duties as may best promote the interests of the Court.
RM.: Where
is our Honored Lady Charity stationed?
WAR: At
the Northeast corner of the altar, Royal Matron.
RM.:
Honored Lady Charity, what are your duties?
CHARITY:
To demonstrate that Charity, which is the bond of perfection, is
kind and just, long suffering, tender and forgiving; also to assist in the
benevolent works of the Court.
RM.: Where
is our Honored Lady Wisdom stationed?
CHARITY:
At the Northwest corner of the altar, Royal Matron.
RM.:
Honored Lady Wisdom, what are your duties?
WISDOM: To
explain the greatness and majesty of Wisdom, whose ways are ways of
pleasantness and whose paths are peace, and to assist the Court in enlarging
its power to do good.
RM.: Where
is our Honored Lady Faith stationed?
WISDOM: At
the Southwest corner of the altar, Royal Matron.
RM.:
Honored Lady Faith, what are your duties?
FAITH.: To
teach the importance of abiding faith in God, and confidence in our
fellow creatures, and to aid the Court in performing deeds of kindness.
RM.: Where
is our Honored Lady Truth stationed?
FAITH: At
the Southeast corner of the altar, Royal Matron.
RM.:
Honored Lady Truth, what are your duties?
TRUTH: To
inculcate the force and grandeur of truth, which is eternal, all powerful, and
fearless, and to assist the Court in maintaining equal justice to all.
RM.: Where
is our Honored Herald stationed?
TRUTH: In
the West in front, and at the left hand of the Honored Associate Matron, Royal
Matron.
RM.:
Honored Herald, what are your duties?
HERALD: To
proclaim the God-like attribute Mercy, gentle and loving in all its acts, with
tenderness watching over the distressed; to display the Standard of the Rite,
and perform such other duties as may be required by the Court.
RM.: Where
is the Honored Marshal in the West stationed?
HERALD: At
the left and in front of the Honored Associate Matron in the West, Royal
Matron.
RM.:
Honored Marshal in the West, what are your duties?
M. in W.:
To assist in the formation of processions and escort work, and to perform such
other duties as occasion may require.
RM.: Where
is the Honored Marshal in the East stationed?
M. in W.:
In front of the throne, at the right of the Royal Matron.
RM.:
Honored Marshal in the East, what are your duties?
M. in E.:
To assist in the formation of processions; display the Flag of our Country;
act as an escort to the Royal Matron and to perform such other duties as may
be required.
RM.: Where
is the honored Chaplain stationed?
M. in E.:
In front of the throne, at the left of the Royal Patron.
RM.:
Honored Chaplain, what are your duties?
CHAP.: To
lead in the devotional exercises of the Court when asked to do so by the
Royal Patron, and have a watchful care over the spiritual needs of the
members.
RM.: Where
is the Honored Associate Conductress stationed?
M. in E. or CHAP.:
In the North, Royal Matron.
RM.:
Honored Associate Conductress, what are your duties?
AC.: To
perform the constitutional requirements of my office, prepare candidates for
the degree of this Court, and assist the Honored Conductress in the discharge
of the duties of her office.
RM.: Where
is the Honored Conductress stationed?
AC.: In
the South, Royal Matron.
RM.:
Honored Conductress, what are your duties?
COND.: To
assist the officers of the Court in the performance of their duties, to see
that none are present but those who are entitled to the privileges of the
Court, receive and conduct candidates through the degree of the Court, and aid
in extending the welcome due to visitors.
RM.: Where
is the Honored Treasurer stationed?
COND.: At
the Place of Finance, in the Northeast, Royal Matron.
RM.:
Honored Treasurer, what are your duties?
TREAS.: To
receive from the Secretary the monies of the Court, keep correct accounts of
its financial affairs, and pay all bills ordered by the Court and approved by
the Royal Matron.
RM.: Where
is the Honored Secretary stationed?
TREAS.: At
the Place of Record, in the Southeast, Royal Matron.
RM.:
Honored Secretary, what are your duties?
SEC.: To
observe the proceedings of the Court and make proper record thereof, to
receive all monies belonging to the Court and pay the same to the Treasurer,
taking a receipt therefore, and perform the constitutional duties of my
office.
RM.: Where
is the Sir Knight Associate Patron stationed?
SEC.: In
the West, at the left of the honored Associate Matron.
RM.: Sir
Knight Associate Patron, what are your duties?
AP.: To
preside in the absence of the Royal Patron and assist in the discharge of his
duties.
RM.: Where
is the Honored Associate Matron stationed?
AP. or SEC.:
In the West, Royal Matron.
RM.:
Honored Associate Matron, what are your duties.
AM.: To
assist the Royal Matron in the discharge of her duties, and in her absence to
preside and perform the executive duties of her office.
RM.: Where
is the Royal Patron stationed?
AM.: On
the throne, in the East, Royal Matron,
RM.: Royal
Patron, what are your duties?
RP.: To
see that none of the requirements of the Court are omitted or slighted; to
preside at the advancement of candidates, and to perform all other duties
required by this Court and the Constitution and Regulations of the Supreme
Council and Grand Court.
RM.:
Honored Associate Matron, where is the Royal Matron stationed?
AM.: On
the throne, at the right of the Royal Patron, Royal Matron.
RM.: What
are her duties?
AM.: To
preside at the business meetings of the Court; to assist at the advancement of
candidates, and to perform such other duties as may be required by the By-laws
of the Court and the Constitution of the Supreme Council and Grand Court.
RM., Court is called up *
*
*:
Honored Associate Conductress, attend at the Altar, and display the Holy
Scriptures, with the appropriate emblem.
AC. opens the Bible, on which she places
the Amaranthine Wreath, salutes the RM., and resumes her place.
RM.: Royal
Patron perform the services appropriate to the occasion.
RP. goes to the Altar, west side, facing
the East, and repeats the following, or other appropriate prayer:
Mighty and merciful God, give unto us a more thorough understanding of Truth,
Faith, Wisdom, and Charity. Pour down upon us an abundance of Thy grace, and
give us such a sense of Thy loving-kindness that our hearts may be enabled to
show Forth Thy praise with our lips and in our lives, so that at last we may
come into the eternal joy promised by Him Who hath taught us, when we pray, to
say:
All repeat aloud the Lord’s Prayer.
RP. returns to his station.
RM.:
Honored Ladies and Sir Knights, join in singing our opening ode.
RM.: * (seats the Court):
Honored Herald, make proclamation that the
ceremony of opening ... Court No. ... on the Royal and Exalted degree of the
Amaranth is complete, and command that the utmost courtesy and decorum be
observed by all present.
HERALD (steps to the altar with the
standard): By order of the Royal Matron, I
declare the ceremony of opening ... Court No ... on the Royal and Exalted
degree of the Amaranth complete. Honored Ladies and Sir Knights, let the
utmost courtesy and decorum be observed by all present.
Places the Standard in the East and
resumes her station.
RM.: And
now, with absolute nobleness of purpose, let us place confidence in each
other. Let the strictest courtesy be observed, joined with the most refined
and delicate attention. Let all things said or done be so charged with
unselfishness and guided by Truth, Faith, Wisdom and Charity that, when we
depart hence, we may rejoice to say, it was good for us to have been here.
Honored Warder, inform the Sentinel that the Court is now open.
WAR.: Sir
Knight Sentinel, this Court is now open.
The
Sentinel is informed, Royal Matron.
The Court is called to order, and
proceeds with the regular business.
PRELIMINARY PREPARATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONFERRING THE DEGREE
The following properties should be at
the proper places before the candidates are brought in so that there may be no
confusion or waiting:
Chairs in the Northeast for the
candidates and Conductresses. If folding chairs are used, they should be
opened before the initiation starts to avoid unnecessary noise during the
solemnity of the work.
SWORD for the accolade is at the station
of the Royal Patron.
FONT with a small TOWEL for each
candidate. Two small PATENS, or dishes, with small pieces of BREAD and SALT on
a silver tray, and all covered with a white NAPKIN should be placed on the
pedestal of the AC. where she can get them quickly and carry same to the Altar
when instructed to do so.
If desired, two WREATHS may be used, one
remaining on the Bible and the other on the Associate Matron’s pedestal.
If there is more than one candidate, the
Associate Conductress will escort the last one in line.
offering her left arm to the candidate.
The Conductress offers her right arm to the candidate she escorts.
In marching, always keep about three
paces apart and turn square corners.
The Standard should be carried with the
right hand close to the body, leaving the left hand free to hold the lower
corner of the Standard and so keep it from swinging during the marching.
CONFERRING THE DEGREE
RM.:
Honored Associate Conductress, retire and ascertain if there are candidates in
waiting to receive the degree of the Amaranth, and report to the Royal Patron.
She hands
the gavel to the RP. and he now takes charge.
AC. retires, and finding a candidate in
waiting, obtains her name and ascertains that she has received the Eastern
Star degree; AC. returns to the Court room and reports:
Royal Patron, there is in waiting Sister ..., who has received the degree of
the Eastern Star, and now desires to be advanced to the Royal and Exalted
degree of the Amaranth.
RP.:
Honored Secretary, has this candidate been elected to receive the degree of
the Amaranth?
SEC.: She
has, Royal Patron.
RP.:
Honored Ladies and Sir Knights, I am informed that sister ..., having received
the Eastern Star degree, is in waiting to receive the Royal and Exalted degree
of the Amaranth. It, therefore, becomes my duty to assist in conferring this
degree upon her. Honored Associate Conductress and Honored Herald, retire to
the anteroom, where you will find sister ..., to whom you will propound the
usual questions required by the rules of the Order, and, if satisfactorily
answered, prepare her for the ceremonies of this degree, and, when so
prepared, apply for admission in due form.
Music
Associate Conductress and Herald, taking
Standard from the East, retire to the anteroom, where the AC. will address the
candidate: Sister ..., before conducting you
into the Court for advancement into our Rite, I am directed to propound to you
certain questions, to which I expect decided and satisfactory answers. Do you
present yourself here of your own free will?
CAND.: I
do.
AC.: Have
you carefully considered the step you are about to take?
CAND.: I
have.
AC.: Know,
then, that none can be advanced to the degree of the
Amaranth except those who are earnest and sincere, whose benevolence is well
assured, and whose zeal is untiring. Upon these conditions, do you desire to
unite with us in our good work?
CAND.: I
do.
The questions having been answered in
the affirmative, the candidate is prepared by the removal of her hat, gloves,
and coat, and led by the AC. to the inner door of the Court room. Herald gives
* * * raps on the door, when the Conductress will announce:
Honored Associate Matron, there is an alarm at the inner door of the Court.
AM.: Royal
Patron, there is an alarm at the inner door of the Court.
RP.:
Honored Associate Matron, ascertain the cause of the alarm.
AM.:
Honored Conductress, ascertain the cause of the alarm.
Cond. proceeds to the door, gives * * *
raps, opens the door, and asks: Why this alarm?
AC.: The
Associate Conductress and Herald have in charge a candidate for the honors of
the Royal and Exalted degree of the Amaranth.
COND.:
Does she desire to continue to unite with us in our good work?
AC.: She
does.
COND.: Has
she carefully considered the step she is about to take?
AC.: She
has so answered.
COND.: Has
she been informed that none ought to enter here, except the earnest and
sincere, whose benevolence is well assured and whose zeal is untiring?
AC.: She
has.
COND.: Who
vouches for her?
AC.: We
vouch for her.
COND.:
Wait until your request is made known and the answer returned.
Closes the door Honored Associate Matron,
the alarm was made by the Honored Associate Conductress and Honored Herald,
having in charge a candidate for the honors of the Royal and Exalted degree of
the Amaranth.
AM.: Has
she carefully considered the step she is about to take?
COND.: She
has.
AM.: Does
she desire to continue to unite with us in our good work?
COND.: She
does.
AM.: Who
vouches for her?
COND.: Our
Honored Associate Conductress and Honored Herald.
AM.: Royal
Patron, the alarm was made by the Honored Associate Conductress and Honored
Herald, having in charge a candidate for the honors of the Royal and Exalted
degree of the Amaranth.
RP.: Have
all the necessary questions been asked in regard to her qualifications and her
desire to unite with us in our good work?
AM.: They
have, and her answers are satisfactory.
RP.: Who
vouches for her?
AM.: Our
Honored Associate Conductress and Honored Herald.
RP.: Admit
them.
AM.:
Honored Conductress, admit our honored Associate
Conductress and Honored Herald, together with the sister who comes so warmly
recommended.
COND., opens the door and addresses the
candidate: Your answers to the questions are
satisfactory and evince the purity of your intentions; therefore, our Royal
Patron orders that you be admitted. Be assured that a cordial welcome awaits
you.
RP.: * * * (Court is called up).
Music
Herald enters, leading the line of
march, takes the Standard in her right hand, leads to the Font, forming a
circle; candidates between Conductresses.
As they enter the Court room, following
the Herald, the Conductress offers her right arm to the first candidate in
line and the Associate Conductress offers her left arm to the last candidate
in the line If there are more than two candidates, they marcn in twos and are
instructed to take each other’s ann.
As soon as the line of march has
entered, The door is closed.
When the music or song is finished, Cond.
says: In the Ancient Mysteries, preparatory to
initiation, the candidate was required to perform the Ceremony of Ablution, by
washing of hands in pure water, as a symbol of the purification of the heart,
and as a solemn pledge of future decorum and rectitude. If you are willing to
give us the same pledge, do so by the same symbol.
Cond. pauses while all candidates step
forward to the Font in a body, if possible. While candidates are performing
this ceremony, Cond. says: I will wash my hands
in innocency, and thus shall I accomplish Thy Courts, Oh, Lord.
The Conductresses now offer the towels
to the candidates. If the class is too large to assemble around the Font at
the same time, the Conductresses will divide them in groups and the Cond. will
deliver her charge to each group as they perform the ceremony.
The line forms into marching formation,
led by the Herald, followed by Cond. and first candidate in line, etc. to
center of room between Altar and AM.’s station, facing East. The following, or
other appropriate music:
TUNE: Downs. C. M.
Come,
spirit of celestial love,
With might
and pow’r divine,
Upon Thy
servant from above
Let
heavenly graces shine.
RP. *, Court is seated:
Let the candidate journey from the West by way of the South to the East, and
by the North to the West again, and thence to the Altar.
The procession proceeds, Herald leading,
followed by Cond. and cand., and AC.
SOFT MUSIC
COND. (as they journey):
May thy pathways be strewn with flowers. That which you find to do strive to
do with your best ability, abandoning all anxiety for the results. The fruit
of your toil is ever before you; reach out your hand and gather it.
The procession will halt before the
throne without changing position, when the RM. will say:
Our good deeds and kindly offices performed for others are the angels that
watch over and smile upon us in our dreams. To thy faith add knowledge, to thy
actions, love, and thy presence among people will be a benediction. Make good
use of time if you value eternity. Yesterday cannot be recalled; tomorrow
cannot be assured; today only is yours, which, if you procrastinate, you lose,
which loss is forever. The common mind usually condemns those who have the
courage to enter the field of progress.
They proceed by way of the North to the
West.
COND. (as they proceed):
Those who look only for the evil will find the evil; but the life of those who
look only for the good and the pure, the unselfish and noble: the truth of all
things: becomes a living fountain of wisdom and understanding.
Halt before A M., who will say:
The light of the body is the eye. If, therefore, thine eye be just, thy whole
body shall be full of light; but if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be
full of darkness. God gives to large and expansive minds broad and lofty
views. Advanced thought and ideas are enlightening the world. Marty great
heralds of truths in the past have suffered a martyr’s doom, to end in an
overwhelming defeat to their enemies: for God is just.
COND. (as they turn and approach the
Altar): A cheerful smile and kind word linger
long in memory, gilding with beauty the .darkest hours of life.
The second verse is sung:
Remove afar all dread or fear,
All doubt
and burdened care;
Protect
her as she enters here
In all our
work to share.
COND.:
Royal Patron, it is my privilege to introduce to you Sister ..., who has been
initiated in the degree of the Eastern Star, and her desire is to be advanced
into the Royal and Exalted degree of the Amaranth, and be acknowledged a
member of this Court.
RP.:
Sister ..., as a welcome guest, you stand before our Altar. You see spread
open thereon the inspired Word of God, the fountain of grace, and love, and
truth, and the Amaranthine wreath appropriately rests thereon. Your desire is
to participate in the privileges of the Royal and Exalted degree of the
Amaranth. What motives induced you to seek admission into this Order?
CAND. (prompted by Cond.):
The desire to acquire knowledge and make progress in the ways-of wisdom,
benevolence, and virtue.
RP.: Do
you feel that you are endowed with sufficient fortitude to meet difficulties
and enlarge your sphere of usefulness, by means of your virtues and our
example, your labors with our assistance?
CAND.: I
do.
RP.: Will
you be able to endure the sarcasms of the ignorant, who will be the more
inclined to make you their victim because the principles we inculcate are
unknown to them?
CAND. (prompted by Cond.):
I believe I will be able to do so.
RP.: What
do you deem to be your duty to your neighbor?
CAND. (prompted by Cond.):
To do unto others as I would that they should do unto me.
RP.: You
have answered our questions in a manner that assures us of your sincerity and
inspires us with confidence in your fidelity and courage. It is therefore
eminently proper that we should receive you among us. We cannot enlist too
many such laborers in our good work. Having been vouched for in terms which
the usages of the Order require is proof to us that you will render valuable
aid to our cause. Being satisfied with your qualifications and earnestness,
the Court is united in granting your request. With this knowledge of our noble
purposes are you willing to assume the obligations and responsibilities that
may be required of you by the rules of the Order?
CAND.: I
am.
RP.:
Honored Conductress and Honored Associate Conductress,
prepare the Candidate to be obligated.
RP. * * * (Court is called up).
Cand.
will stand at the Altar, with left hand on
the Bible and right hand on left breast.
Cond. on the left and AC. on the right, one step in the rear; Herald, with
standard, in the center; Truth, Faith, Wisdom, and Charity, right and left;
all forming a tableau. RP. steps to the altar, and says:
That you may truly represent the Order, maintain its honor, and faithfully
preserve its secrets, join with me. I, pronounce your name in full, do
voluntarily and without reservation, in the presence of these witnesses, and
under all my previous obligations, solemnly promise that I will never reveal
to any person, or persons, the secrets of this degree, except in a lawful
manner.
That I
will not aid in conferring the degree upon any person who is not entitled to
receive the same.
That I
wall conform to the constitution and regulations of the Grand Court in whose
jurisdiction I may be, and the by-laws of the Court of which I may be a
member.
That I
will, so far as in my power assist in promoting the interests of the Court and
the general good of the Order, so long as I may be a member.
That I
will not criticize the actions of my associate members in a spirit of
unkindness but will render assistance to their necessities according to my
ability.
That I
will regard the obligations, now voluntarily assumed, binding upon me, though
my membership in the Order may cease.
All these pledges I promise faithfully to keep, under penalty of suspension or
expulsion from the Order.
These are the covenant vows of the Royal and Exalted degree of the Amaranth,
which we are all under obligation to keep.
RP. returns to the throne, * Court is
seated. Group remain at the altar.
RP.:
Honored Associate Conductress, present the sacred emblems.
SOFT MUSIC
AC. brings forward the emblems: the
patens containing bread and salt on a salver, covered with a white napkin; and
places them on the altar, Cond. at the left and AC. at the right of the
candidate, and other officers in semicircle, as before. RM. descends from the
throne to the altar.
RM.: The
ceremony in which we now ask you to engage is to partake with us of the sacred
emblems of Friendship and Hospitality: bread and salt.
(AC. uncovers patens of bread and salt.)
Bread is for nourishment, and salt for preservation. When the Master formed
the prayer, the model of supplication for all ages, He taught us to say:
“Give us
this day our daily bread.” This ceremony was practiced by the Ancients, and is
used to this day among many peoples. You will easily comprehend its
significance. To share bread and salt with another is to exchange confidence
and pledge hospitality. In thus partaking with you of these emblems, it is
with the wish that you may be nourished by the true Bread of life, and that
your days may be prolonged and made happy, even as you shall strive to nourish
others, and practice the noblest deeds of charity, in your daily intercourse
with the world. If you can, in truth and sincerity of purpose, fulfill these
sacred requirements, partake with us of these emblems, and we will in the same
spirit share them with you.
RM. and cand., Cond., and AC. partake of
the bread and taste the salt.
RM.: By
this act we, in behalf of this Court, seal and make perpetual our mutual bond
of friendship.
AC. removes the patens. RP. descends and
conducts the RM. to the throne.
RP. * (Court is seated).
Cond. escorts cand. to the northeast
part of the room, and all are seated.
RM.:
Honored Ladies, who form the square near the Altar, respectively, and in due
order, explain to the candidate the beauties and usefulness of this degree,
and the practical lessons which it inculcates.
Officers rise, successively, step to the
corner of the Altar, near their stations, and repeat the following:
TRUTH: The
Royal and Exalted degree of the Amaranth is practical in all its parts,
teaching benevolence, honor, the purest morality, and the strictest adherence
to TRUTH. As you advance in this degree you will find at every turn new
incentives to goodness. The allegories and traditions embodied in its lectures
are full of instruction.
The broad
streams of knowledge that are open to all inquirers in the present age must be
traced to their sources if you ‘would acquire the genuine meaning of their
symbols and the mystic forms that make up this system.
From the
earliest records of time, and following the course of history, we find
everywhere the elements of Truth: the universal principles of human thought
and action. Generation after generation passes away, but Truth remains forever
the same. It is the life-blood of human power, the intellectual air we
breathe. Without this attribute society could not subsist for a single hour;
governments, laws, institutions, religion, the manners and customs of
humanity, all bear the indelible imprint of its universality and
indestructibility. Then let Truth be the beacon-light upon which your eye is
fixed. It will surely guide you over the stormiest seas. There is wondrous
vitality in error, and against it we must ever be on our guard. Truth may
conquer slowly; violence and Falsehood may impair it for a time, but its
future cannot be destroyed.
“The
eternal years of God are hers.”
This
degree, as before said, is practical. It calls the attention of the wise to
subjects rare and elevating. It instructs the illiterate, extends consolation
to the unhappy, material aid to the needy, and, finally, it offers bonds of
friendship interwoven with the purest principles of Truth and Morality.
Music
Truth resumes her seat. Faith steps
forward, and says: In the daily affairs of life
you should have a constant FAITH. A faith in God, Who rules in all things; a
faith in your own ability, which insures success. Our faith is all our own,
held direct from God. Though all the changes of an uncertain
world our faith in an overruling Providence must never be shaken. It must be
strong and permanent. A confidence in the assistance and protection of an
Almighty Being naturally produces patience, hope, cheerfulness, and all other
happy dispositions of the mind that alleviate those calamities which we are
not otherwise able to remove.
In times
of adversity, amid the scenes. of poverty and affliction, and even in the
gloomy hour of death, the possession of this virtue brings comfort and hopeful
resignation. A breach of faith is a crime that brings a stain on a nation, for
faith ought to be kept even with an enemy.
The age of
chivalry was the age of undeviating faith and unblemished honor. It was the
period when the word was as strong a bond as the oath. Among the sublime
principles of chivalry it held in faithful reverence the protection of woman.
To us has been handed down this sacred trust in its purity, and it becomes our
highest honor to maintain and perpetuate it.
We claim
honor and integrity as essential qualities in the Ladies and Knights of the
Amaranth. While you possess them you will be worthy of the title: a peerless
dignity: the most distinguished in our power to bestow.
Music
Faith resumes her seat. Wisdom steps
forward and says: Wisdom embraces the whole of
practical knowledge. It is that perfection of an intelligent agent by which he
is enabled to select and employ the most useful means in order to accomplish
proper and substantial results. An ancient lawgiver, being asked if his code
of laws was the best that could be given his countrymen, replied:
“it is the
best they are capable of receiving”: a profound utterance, easily comprehended
and applicable to human life in our day.
“There was
a little city,” says the Preacher, “and few men within it; and there came a
great lung against it and besieged it, and built great bulwarks about it. Now,
there was found in it a poor wise man, and he, by his wisdom, delivered the
city; yet no man remembered that same poor man. Then, said I, ‘Wisdom is
better than strength’; nevertheless, the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and
his words are not heard.”
Should
your efforts of usefulness be met by indifference and ingratitude, be not
discouraged thereby. The code of regulations of this degree makes the moral
obligation absolute; and, therefore, the practice of the moral virtues
essential. We would unite to elevate and purify the standard of good in an
evil world. This we propose to do by putting pure and noble ideas into
practice, and inculcating the best precepts at our command. We are advocates
of the nobility of labor. Rank and title, however honorable, are not
incompatible with efficient work with hand and brain. Many great deeds have
their inception in the small struggles of life. There are noble and mysterious
triumphs which no human eye beholds, which no renown rewards, which no
flourish of trumpets heralds.
He most
lives, Who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best.
Music
Wisdom resumes her seat. Charity steps
forward, and says: Charity stands as the pearl
of great price among the virtues: “for the greatest of these is Charity.” It
beautifies all our actions and enlarges the desires of the heart to do good.
That Charity is enduring which flows from an innate sense of duty. That
Charity is truest and noblest which treads in secret the paths of poverty,
unseen and unproclaimed; but, like the great laws of nature, does the work of
God in silence, looking only to a better world for its reward. It is the
attribute of divine love, and the most universal religion of mankind. There is
no law that circumscribes the compensation that may result from a single good
deed. The smallest actual good performed is better than the most magnificent
promise.
The
benefits produced by our labor relate to the present and the future. There is
a beautiful thought conveyed in a legend, that on the shores of the Adriatic
Sea the wives of the fishermen, whose husbands have gone far off upon the
deep, are in the habit, at even-tide, of going down to the seashore and
singing the first verse of a favorite hymn.
After they have sung it, they listen till they hear, borne by the wind across
the desert sea, the second verse, sung by their husbands as they are tossed by
the gale upon the waves, thus rendering happiness to all.
Perhaps,
if we listen, we, too, may hear, in this desert world, some whisper borne from
afar, to remind us that there is a heavenly home; and when we sing a hymn upon
earth, it may be we shall hear its echo breaking in sweet melody upon the
sands of time, cheering the hearts of those who, perchance, are pilgrims and
strangers, looking for a city that hath sure foundations.
Honored
Ladies and Sir Knights of the Royal and Exalted degree of the Amaranth will
deserve this title if they have strength, faith,, and energy to obtain a
glorious victory in the achievement of good works.
Music.
Charity resumes her seat. Cond. and cand.
rise, and Cond. says: Royal Matron, our sister
has voluntarily accepted the covenant vows of the Amaranth, and now stands
pledged before you.
RM.:
Honored Ladies and Sir Knights, the earnest and devout manner in which this
sister has assumed the solemn vows of the degree assures me that we may safely
receive her into full membership with us. Therefore, in behalf of the members
of this Court, and of the Royal and Exalted degree of the Amaranth, I will
proceed to confer its honors upon her. Honored Conductress, accompany our
sister to the proper place for that purpose.
Soft music.
The candidate is conducted via the North
to the west side of the Altar, facing the East.
RM.:
Honored Conductress, the West is the place of the setting sun, the verge of
the twilight gloom, and darkness of the night. In its uncertain light, amid
the shadows of the declining day, the beauties of our work cannot be revealed.
It is the rising, not the setting, sun that we adore. I pray you do not tarry
there.
Music.
Cand. is conducted via the South to the
East, in front of the throne.
RM.: The
East is that quarter from which the bright morning star heralds the approach
of day, and the proper place for honorable advancement. Before the rising sun,
darkness disappears, and light covers the surface of the earth. Here, the
light, arising from the blessings of our Order as the radiance from the
morning sun, awaits the neophyte. Place our sister in the proper position, to
receive the dignified honor of the accolade.
Music.
Cand. is caused to kneel on a cushion at
the foot of the throne.
RP. * * * (Court is called up).
AC., Faith, and Charity on the North
side; Truth, Wisdom, and Warder, on the South side, form a semicircle behind
the candidate. Herald, with Standard, forms the center of the tableau.
RM. wears a crown and represents a
queen.
RP. hands a sword to RM.
RM.: The
ceremony by which Knighthood is conferred is called the accolade. Conforming
to this custom, and by the authority vested in me, I receive you
places the sword on the left and right shoulders, and
on the head of the candidate, and confer upon you the dignity of a
Lady of the Royal and Exalted degree of the Amaranth
carries sword; and as the Amaranthine
flower is typical of undying friendship and eternal truth, so with this right
hand accept our pledge of an abiding trust, and a cordial reception into our
fellowship. Assists her to rise.
The sword
is a weapon of warfare. It teaches us to be always watchful in the battle of
life, and with the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, to guard
every approach to the heart, that the evil tendencies of our nature may not
overcome the good. Let us strike valiantly against vice that de. grades;
against ignorance that blinds, against prejudice that warps our judgment, and
against hatred and malice that bring only discontent and misery.
Keep this
lesson ever before you, and by the symbolic use of this glittering blade cover
your name with honor, and become a blessing to those with whom you are
associated. Conduct the candidate to our Honored Associate Matron, for
additional honors.
Music.
Cond. escorts cand. to the West,
followed by AC., Herald, with standard; Truth, Faith, Wisdom, Charity and
Warder. Cond., in passing, takes the wreath from the Altar to the AM., unless
two wreaths are used and one is already on the AM.’s pedestal.
COND.:
Honored Associate Matron, by order of the Royal Matron, I present our sister
to you for additional honors.
AM.: The
order of our Royal Matron shall be obeyed holding
up the wreath. The Amaranthine wreath is the peculiar emblem of the
Order. Because of the lasting nature of its bloom, the Amaranth was regarded
by many of the ancients as the symbol of immortality. The possession of its
early blossoms inspired the belief that the soul would enjoy eternal rest in
the realms of the Celestial Home. And now, as an additional memento to confirm
our friendship, we crown placing the wreath on the
head of the candidate you with the emblem of the Crown of Life.
This is no
diadem of gold; no cincture of pearls; no regal tiara; no frame-work of gems,
velvet-lined, like that which so often presses upon the aching brows of
royalty. That is a badge of power, frequently empty, unsubstantial, and
delusive. But our crown and our act of coronation have a higher and a nobler
meaning. We crown you as being eminent for virtue, zeal, and well-doing,
showing charity to the destitute, and faithful in every walk of life.
May all
your footsteps fall upon flowers. May all your good intentions be fraught with
success.
May your
last days be your best. We crown you in the hope of immortality,
where is no death to the pure and loving. May your
admission to the land Celestial and Everlasting be sure, and your entrance
full of delight. And as the years roll along and bring about the great
consummation for which we all hopefully wait, may
your ransomed spirit be crowned with the
never-ceasing favor of Almighty God.
The
following, or any appropriate hymn, is sung by the Court.
TUNE: Coronation. C. M.
Oh, crown
immortal, wreath sublime,
That
speaks the joys unseen;
Its leaves
defy the frosts of time;
‘Tis
heaven’s unfading green.
Music.
RP. * (Court is seated).
Officers, except Cond. and Herald, with
Standard, return to their stations. Cond. returns the wreath to the Bible
unless two are used, and escorts cand. to west of Altar, facing the East, when
the RM. will say: My sister, in addition to your
obligation of secrecy, you are required to protect and defend the Standard of
the Order. Honored Herald, place the Standard in charge of our newly advanced
sister.
Herald hands the Standard to cand., who
grasps the staff with the left hand, her right hand on her left breast; Cond.
at her left and Herald at her right, two steps back. Herald goes to her
station and gets the flag and returns to right of cand. RP. steps from throne
and says: My sister, it is the high privilege of
my office to portray to you the significance of the Standard you now hold. It
is the Grand Standard of our Rite of Adoption. Among the earliest assemblies
of men for purposes of peace or war, some conspicuous emblem was adopted,
expressive of the common sentiment, around which they might rally for mutual
protection or special interest. The tribes of Israel had each its banner,
corresponding with those used in the present day. Out of the ancient practice
grew the custom, which is now universal, of using standards bearing
emblematical figures, sacred or warlike, to distinguish private and national
associations.
The Flag
is the symbol of a Nation. To dishonor it is to insult the Nation. Beneath its
folds the weakest are protected, while the strongest must submit to the
authority of which it is an emblem. It canopies, with its protecting
plications alike, the humblest hut and the loftiest mansion. In the distant
regions of the globe the traveler, at the sight of his country’s flag, is
reminded of home and Herald
solemnly waves flog over head of cand. until end of RP.’s speech. Then returns
flag to holder at her station its
endearing associations. The excitement of that moment, crowded with its
heartfelt emotions, can never be forgotten.
The following is sung by the Chapter or
a choir:
HOME, SWEET HOME
‘Mid
pleasures and palaces though we may roam, Be it ever so humble, there’s no
place like home. A charm from the skies seems to hallow us there, Which, seek
through the world, is ne’er met with elsewhere.
Home!
Home! Sweet, sweet home!
There’s no
place like home!
There’s no
place like home!
RP.: Bear
in mind, my sister, that the Standard of the Order is no holiday standard,
gorgeously emblazoned for gayety or vanity. No! It is the synonym of the
banner of Eternal Truth. The All-Seeing-Eye upon it, with the winged messenger
bearing the emblem of peace, should encourage you to walk in the path of
virtue. You are required to defend the Standard on every proper occasion, and
to be always faithful to the sublime principles of the Order, which, being
founded on Truth and Charity, will ultimately spread through every land and
among every people.
RP. returns to the East and ascends the
throne. Herald takes the Standard from the candidate and leads the Cond. and
candidate to seats in the Northeast, where they may be seated. Herald then
replaces the Standard in the East and marches to her station by way of the
South.
RP.:
My Sister,
it devolves upon me to explain the secret words, signs, and grip of this
degree. With these you will be able to make yourself known as a member to
those who have in like manner received the degree.
When
undergoing an examination, you will be required to give answers to particular
questions. That you may fully understand the whole system of examination, I
will, with the assistance of the Conductress, rehearse the manner of
examination. You will carefully observe my questions, and her answers, as her
answers would be yours, were you undergoing an examination.
Conductress rises and stands at the foot
of the throne, facing the candidate, so that the candidate may see and hear.
RP.: My
Sister are you a member of the Royal and Exalted Degree of the Amaranth?
Cond.: I
am.
RP.: By
what right did you receive that honor?
Cond.: By
having been initiated in the Eastern Star; by receiving ablution;
participating in the ceremony of Friendship and Hospitality; receiving the
sacred accolate and being crowned with the emblem of the crown of life.
RP.: What
motives induced you to seek admission into this Order?
Cond.: The
desire to acquire knowledge and make progress in the way of Wisdom,
Benevolence and Virtue.
RP.: What
further evidence can you give to prove that you are in possession of the
secrets of this degree?
Cond.: I
can give the signs, words, and grip belonging to the degree.
RP.: Give
me the Sacred Word
Cond.:
Amarantus.
RP.:
Unfading. Give me the Motto of the degree.
Cond.:
Dolce nella Memoria.
RP.: Sweet
in memory. Give me the Secret Word.
Cond.: I
will with your assistance.
RP.: How
can I assist you?
Cond.: By
giving the first three letters of the word.
RP.: You
begin.
Cond.: TH
RP.: TRU.
Cond.:
Truth.
RP.: What
is this word?
Cond.: A
divine attribute and the foundation of every good.
RP.: What
are our chief duties as members of the Amaranth?
Cond.: To
speak the Truth; to have Faith in God; Wisdom to understand His word; and
Charity toward all mankind.
RP.: Have
you a Test Word?
Cond.: I
have.
RP.: Will
you communicate it to me?
Cond.: I
will if you will give me the first syllable.
RP.: You
begin.
Cond.: DOM.
RP.: WIS
Cond.:
Wisdom.
RP.: What
does the word denote?
Cond.: The
proper use of knowledge.
RP.: The
Grip is given by taking the right hand of the person opposite in the ordinary
manner of shaking hands; interlace the little fingers between the third and
fourth fingers; the thumbs across the fingers between the first and second
knuckle joints.
Honored
Conductress, show our sister how to give the grip.
Done.
The Sign
of Recognition is given by placing the first two fingers of your right hand
over your right eye, the thumb and lost two fingers closed; then drop the
hand to the side. Observe the honored Conductress
and follow her. Cond. and candidate give the sign.
It is
answered in the same manner. RP. gives the sign.
The Sign
of Salutation is given by placing the right hand, palm inward, horizontally on
the forehead, throwing the hand off in a graceful manner. Observe the Honored
Conductress and follow her.
Cond. and candidate give the sign.
It is
answered by the presiding officer in the same manner.
RP. gives the sign.
The Sign
is always to be given by members on entering, or retiring, from the Court
while in session.
The Grand
Hailing Sign of distress is given by placing the right hand back of the head,
palm to the head, the letting the hand drop to the side. This is done three
times. Observe the Honored Conductress and follow her.
Cond. and candidate give the sign.
The Words
of Exclamation are: ‘Help, our Standard is in Danger!’
The Grand
Honors are given by crossing the hands over the breast then throwing them off
gracefully with a bow. Observe the Honored Conductress and follow her.
Cond. and candidate give the sign.
RP.:
The Royal Matron will now address you
(hands the gavel to the RM.).
RM.: My sister, you
have been regularly inducted into the Royal and Exalted degree of the
Amaranth. We have joined in a bond of mutual friendship; our mysterious
accolade has fallen upon you, we trust never to be recalled; the hand of
fraternal welcome has been enclasped in yours, accompanied by the heart’s
holiest greeting, and you have been crowned with the emblem of the Crown of
Life.
These
ceremonies being completed, it is now my pleasing duty, in behalf of this
Court, to congratulate you upon your reception. Your worthiness has entitled
you to our distinguished consideration, and gives us confidence that by your
life you will prove deserving of the favor we have at this time bestowed. May
that life be prolonged in honor and usefulness. May you long continue a member
in active fellowship, ever a faithful defender of the principles it
inculcates.
You will
now be conducted to the Place of Records, where you will sign the By-laws of
the Court, and become entitled to all the privileges of membership, after
which you will be reconducted to your present position.
The cand. is conducted to the station of
the Secretary, where she will sign the roll of membership. Returning to the
foot of the throne, the RM. will say: My sister,
in the name of ... Court, No. ..., we receive and welcome you as an active
member. May your name, now placed in our Book of Records, ever remain there,
with increasing brightness, until such time as it shall be entered for
perpetual record in the Everlasting Book of Life.
RM. * * * (Court is called up; cand. is
caused to face the West).
RM.:
Honored Ladies and Sir Knights, no one has appeared before us with higher
claims to honorable recognition than the sister who now stands before you. We
will, therefore, welcome her as an active member of this Court.
The following or other appropriate hymn
may be sung.
AMERICA
Thrice
welcome to our band,
By all our
precepts stand,
Find here
a home.
Be
faithful, good, and true,
All
Virtue’s paths pursue,
Then we
will stand by you
Whate’er
may come.
RM.:
Honored Associate Matron, call the Court to recreation, to resume at the sound
of the gavel in the East.
AM.:
Honored Ladies and Sir Knights, by order of the Royal Matron, you will now be
at recreation, to resume at the sound of the gavel in the East.
*
The entire company join in giving a
hearty welcome to the candidate. After a brief period, the RM. will call the
Court to order, and proceed with business.
CLOSING CEREMONY
RM.: Royal
Patron, have you any further business to offer before the Court is dosed?
RP. answers.
RM.:
Honored Associate Matron, have you any business to offer before we close?
AM. answers.
RM.: Has
any Honored Lady or Sir Knight anything to offer before we close?
(Response or no response.) Honored
Secretary, read the minutes of this communication.
The minutes are read and approved.
RM.:
Honored Herald, proclaim to the Honored Ladies and Sir Knights that I am about
to close this Court.
Herald marches to the East, making
square corners, takes the Standard and marches to a position between the East
and Altar. Rests the Standard on the floor and remains in this position until
the Court is closed.
HER.:
Honored Ladies and Sir Knights, by order of the Royal Matron, I proclaim to
you and each of you that this Court is about to be closed.
RM.:
Honored Warder, make known to the Sentinel our commands, and bid him see that
no interruption from without shall mar the solemnity of our closing
ceremonies. (The order is obeyed.)
WAR.:
Royal Matron, the Sentinel has your commands, and they will be obeyed.
RM.:
Honored Ladies and Sir Knights, it is proper that this Court be now closed.
Honor us with your courteous attention, for the formula we present expresses
some of the purest sentiments of our Order. In the prosaic affairs of human
life the culture of noble and advanced thoughts must often be suspended for
the exercise of sterner duties. Such is the case at present. This assembly,
however delightful to mind and heart, however instructive as a school of
courteousness and decorum, must be terminated. We must part, and this chain of
sacred friendship must, for the time, be broken. It is, therefore, our request
that a brief interchange of the courtesies of the Order be observed. By these
we shall soften toil, lessen the hardships of fife, and secure hopes of
reunion. Royal Patron, you will lead in our parting ceremony.
Two blows of the gavel (* *) call up the
officers, who remain standing until the Court is closed.
RP.:
Honored Ladies and Sir Knights, in the light of the King’s countenance there
is life; and his favor is as a bright bow after the latter rain. May the dews
of heaven fall lightly upon us, until We meet again.
AM.: Those
who have friends must show themselves friendly. May the spirit of pure
friendship guard us on the right hand and on the left, until we meet again.
AP.: May
we be guided only by the highest, noblest and purest things in life, until we
meet a gain.
COND.: May
the kingdom of God, which is righteousness and joy, and peace, rest and abide
with us, until we meet again.
AC.: Being
rich in good works, unto the pure all things are pure. Whatsoever things are
honest, just, and of good report let us accept and promote, until we meet
again.
TREAS.: He
that gains wisdom, loveth his own soul. He that keepeth understanding, shall
find good. May the All-Wise inspire us to secure that wisdom that is from
above, that is full of mercy and good fruits, until we meet again.
SEC.: He
that is slow to anger is better than the mighty. And he that ruleth his spirit
is greater than he that taketh a city. May we have command of the tongue, and
never inscribe words except such as tend to peace, until we meet again.
RM.: What
are the chief duties of members of the Royal and Exalted degree of the
Amaranth?
TRUTH: To
speak the words of truth. The language of truth is pure and simple. Those who
have truth in their hearts will not veil or lessen her beauty by deceitful
decorations.
FAITH: To
cultivate abiding faith, for faith is the golden chain that binds humanity to
Divinity.
WISDOM: To
acquire the wealth of wisdom. Wisdom’s ways are ways of pleasantness, and all
her paths are peace. It is our best interest to pursue the path of wisdom,
having no regard to the obstacles which may lie in
our course.
CHARITY:
To overlook the errors and faults of others, and practice acts of charity, the
crowning glory of our Order.
HER.: To
carry glad tidings to the afflicted.. If an enemy hunger, feed him; if he
thirst, give him drink.
M. in E.:
May we be true to one another and loyal to the Flag of our Country.
M. in W.:
May we be faithful in the performance of every duty, for a good name is better
than riches.
CHAP.: As
the history of our lives is written so may each moment be filled with thoughts
of kindness and fraternal love.
WAR.: To
carefully guard every avenue to the heart, and in the performance of the
divine precepts expressed, let us continue vigilant and steadfast, until we
meet again!
RM. * * * (Court is called up):
Honored Ladies and Sir Knights, unite in singing our closing ode.
Doxology
Praise God
from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him
all creatures here below;
Praise Him
above ye heavenly host;
Praise
Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Or some appropriate
ode
RP., raising his hands, will repeat the
following, or other appropriate benediction.
RP.: The
Lord bless and keep you. The Lord lift up the light of His countenance upon
you, and give you peace, now and evermore.
ALL RESPOND:
Amen.
RM.:
Honored Associate Conductress, attend at the Altar and close the Sacred
Volume.
AC. approaches the Altar slowly and
closes Bible, then returns to her station.
RM.:
Honored Ladies and Sir Knights, this Court is closed until our next regular
meeting, unless sooner convened, in which event every member will have due and
timely notice. Go in peace, and may all the recollections of this meeting be
fragrant in our memories until time shall be no more.
RM. gives the sign of the degree, and
all the members respond: Sweet in memory.
RM.: I now
declare ... Court No. ... closed.
RM.:
Honored Warder, inform the Sentinel that the Court is closed and see that the
portals of the Court room are opened.
WAR.: Sir
Knight Sentinel, this Court is now closed.
RM.:
Honored Ladies and Sir Knights, Farewell. *
ALL:
Farewell.
