Order of DeMolay
Initiatory Degree
1997.
General
Instructions
This Ritual of Secret Work of the Order of
DeMolay is the official standard for all ceremonial work of the Order. It
presumes the existence of ideal conditions for the presentation of the work. In
those instances in which the Chapter room or meeting hail impose physical
limitations, the Chapter may make the adjustments necessary, so long as they
adhere as closely as feasible to this official standard.
All DeMolays, Chapters, and Advisors are
reminded that a full officer corps is the best and proper manner in which to
confer all degrees and present all Ritual work of the Order. Only in exceptional
circumstances, and with the expressed approval of the Executive Officer, are
Chapters to use a reduced officer corps for the duration of time where it is
absolutely necessary. A reduced officer corps was never intended to replace the
full officer corps. All Chapters are encouraged to work toward the complete
ritual.
Room
arrangements and Paraphernalia
Room Arrangement: The Altar, the
Councilors’ seats and pedestals, the stations of the Officers and chairs for the
members should be arranged as shown on Diagram One or as close to that
arrangement as the circumstances of the room permit. For example: Some Chapters
may find it necessary to place the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Preceptors on the South
side of the room and the 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th Preceptors on the North side. If
the door through which most Officers, members and others normally enter the
Chapter room is not located at the point indicated as “A” on Diagram One, the
Junior Deacon and Sentinel would necessarily be relocated to that door to enable
them to control access.
Required Paraphernalia: A Chapter room
should be furnished with the following paraphernalia: Crown of Youth with seven
detachable jewels, two gavels, seven candlesticks with candles, Bible, school
books, National flag in standard and gong.
Optional Items: Altar cloth, flowers,
Chapter banner, baton for Marshal, Bible marker and gavel for the Junior
Councilor.
Candles: The candles should be arranged
about and to the East of the Altar.
Flag and Banner: The National flag and the
Chapter banner should be placed in standards at the positions shown on diagram.
Gavels: A gavel should be on the pedestal
at the stations of the Master Councilor and Senior Councilor.
Altar: In a Chapter meeting, only the Holy
Bible and school books must be placed on the Altar. If desired, only an Altar
cloth, Bible marker and flowers may be added.
Prior to the entrance of the Officers, the
closed Holy Bible should be lying near the center of the Altar and the school
books should be at the Junior Steward’s station. If flowers are used, they
should be placed around the Holy Bible, but not on it. If a Bible marker is
used, the DeMolay emblem upon it, if any, should be toward the West side of the
Altar, whether the Bible is open or closed. If there is a DeMolay emblem on the
Altar cloth, it should be on the West side.
Robes: The uniform robe adopted by DeMolay
International for use by Chapter Officers is a black cape robe lined with red
with the DeMolay emblem on the wearer’s right breast. That robe is for use by
all Officers in the Opening Ceremonies, the Closing Ceremony, the Initiatory
Degree, and the Fourth Section of the DeMolay Degree.
Pronunciations and Definitions: Appendix A
contains a brief dictionary of words used in DeMolay ceremonies, including
correct pronunciations. DeMolay members preparing a ritual part should consult
Appendix A for a thorough understanding of the meanings of the words and correct
pronunciations so they may more effectively teach the lessons contained in the
degrees.
Music: The use of music in all DeMolay
Ritual work is strongly recommended. Throughout the text, blanks for the entry
of suggested music are provided. A standard cassette tape of musical selections
is available from the DeMolay Service and Leadership Center.
Conduct
in the Chapter Room
Floor Movements: After the Master
Councilor has called the Chapter to order, no person shall pass between the
Altar and the East except when this Ritual expressly requires it.
All floor movements should be made in a
clockwise direction
except when specifically nosed otherwise. The shaded area on Diagram One
represents a walking band which is always wide enough for two Officers to walk
side by side. All Officers’ movements about the Chapter room are directed by the
letters on Diagram One. X is the station of the Officer(s) being directed. Z is
the point on the walking band nearest the station of the Officer(s) being
directed.
An Officer directed
to move X Z moves directly forward from his station to the walking band, except:
the Councilors, Scribe and Treasurer will move by the most direct route to the
walking band, but around the pedestals or desks in their paths. An Officer
directed to move Z X returns to his station by retracing his X Z route.
Floor Movement Examples: Movements of the
Chaplain and Marshal from their stations by way of the South to the West side of
the Altar would be noted thus: Ch. and Mar. move X Z I J. Their return from the
West side of the Altar by way of the North to their stations would be noted: Ch.
and Mar. move J K V Z X.
Recognition: When a person wishes to be
recognized by the
Master Councilor, he should rise, face the Master Councilor, and remain silent
until he is recognized. When a person is addressed by the Master Councilor by
name, or an Officer by title, he shall rise immediately and face the Master
Councilor. No other salute of any kind is to be given to the Master Councilor.
Except during prayers, all Officers (including the Master Councilor) and all
other persons stand when speaking.
Gavel Raps: Except when this Ritual
expressly requires otherwise,
when a gavel is rapped once, all Officers standing at stations and all others
standing will go to appropriate seats and sit down; when rapped twice, all
Officers sitting will stand; when rapped three times, all persons sitting will
stand.
Marshal Conducts: When the Marshal
conducts an Officer or any other person, he shall use his right arm and hand to
take hold of the Officers or person’s left forearm and wrist as shown in Figure
6. The Marshal may carry a baton. If he does so, one end of the baton should be
in his left hand; the other end should be tucked under his left arm. These
instructions do not apply to the Marshal of the Commission in the DeMolay
Degree. “Conduct” in that Degree may mean “escort” of “accompany”.
Prayers: During prayers, all Active
DeMolays (except the Chaplain and Marshal) kneel facing the Altar. An Active
DeMolay kneels on his left knee, his right elbow resting on his right knee, his
forehead resting in his right hand as shown, his left hand around his right
elbow. The Chaplain kneels at the Altar on both knees both hands palms down on
the Holy Bible, body erect, and head slightly turned up; eyes may be opened or
closed. The Marshal, all Senior DeMolays, Advisors, and all Master Masons (who
are not Active DeMolays) remain standing facing the Altar. Active DeMolays kneel
and rise
in unison with the Chaplain. Special rules are here set forth for two Officers:
The Marshal and the Standard Bearer, in particular instances: (1) the Marshal in
the formation of the Triangle kneels with the other Officers. If the Marshal is
carrying a baton, he kneels placing the baton across his right leg, behind his
right elbow; (2) the Standard Bearer does not kneel during the prayer in the
Initiatory Degree Opening Ceremony.
Forms of Address: An Active DeMolay who is
not an Officer of the Chapter is addressed by the title “Brother” followed by
his last name. An Officer of the Chapter is addressed by the title “Brother”
followed by the title of his office. An Advisor is addressed by the title “Dad”
followed by his last name. A Senior DeMolay who is not an Advisor is addressed
by the title “Brother” followed by his last name. A Master Mason who is not an
Advisor or an Active DeMolay is addressed by the title “Mister” followed by his
last name.
Parts: Any Active DeMolay may perform the
part of Master Councilor in an initiation, the part does not necessarily have to
be performed by the regularly installed Master Councilor.
Room
arrangement, Floor movements
Room arrangement
The Ritual of Secret Work of the Order of
DeMolav is the official standard for all ceremonial work of the Order. It
presumes the existence of ideal conditions for the presentation of the work. In
those instances, in which the Chapter room or meeting hall impose physical
limitations, the Chapter may make the adjustments necessary, so long as the
adhere as closely as feasible to this official standard.
For example: Some Chapters may find it
necessary to place 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Preceptors on the South side of the room
and 4th, 5th, 6th arid 7th on the North side.
If the door through which most Officers,
members and others normally enter the Chapter room is not located at the point
indicated as “A” on Diagram One, the Junior Deacon and Sentinel would
necessarily be relocated to that door to enable them to control access.
Floor movements
All floor
movements
should be made in a clockwise direction except when specifically noted
otherwise. The shaded area represents a walking
band which is always wide enough for two Officers to walk side by side. All
Officers’ movements about the Chapter room are directed by the letters on the
diagram. X is the station of the Officer(s) being directed. Z is the point on
the walking band nearest the station of the Officer(s) being directed.
An Officer directed to move X Z, moves
directly forward from his station to the walking band, except The Councelors,
Scribe and Treasurer will move by the most direct route to walking band, but
around the pedestals or desks in their paths. An Officer directed to move Z X
returns to his station by retracing his X Z route.
Floor movement examples: Movements of
Chaplain and Marshal from their stations by way of the South to the West side of
the Altar would be noted thus: Ch.
and Mar. move X Z I J. Their return from the West side of the Altar by way of
North to their stations would be noted: Ch.
and Mar. move J K V Z X.
Opening
Ceremony
Officers form outside Chapter room as
shown in Diagram Two. Mar enters through door B. moves E S R, faces West.
Remaining Officers enter and form Triangle as shown in Diagram Three. When
Triangle is completely formed, Mar nods head slightly and all Officers,
including Mar., kneel for a few moments of silent prayer
Suggested music cue: (play when there is
movement)
M.C.: Amen.
All Officers rise. Mar faces South, moves
R Q I J. As Mar. turns at point I, M.C. faces North and takes one step to his
right, thereby leaving opening for Mar. Mar. conducts M.C. J K V U. M.C. crosses
in front of Mar, and goes to his station. Immediately after M.C. crosses in
front of him, Mar. moves U Z X; simultaneously Mar and M.C. face West.
M.C.: * (rap)
Mar. remains standing.
M.C.: The
Officers will take their stations and this Chapter will come to order.
Remaining Officers leave Triangle and go
to stations. When all Officers are at their stations,
M.C.: * (rap)
Officers except M.C. sit down.
M.C.:
Brother Marshal, you will see that all present are members of the Order of
DeMolay or visitors.
Suggested music cue.
Mar. moves X Z C E V U, faces M.C.
Mar.:
Brother Master Councilor, all present are members of the Order of DeMolay or
visitors.
Mar. moves U Z X, faces West.
M.C.: * (rap)
Mar. sits down
M.C.:
Brother Junior Deacon, you will see that the Sentinel is on duty and direct him
to guard us from intrusion.
J.D. moves to A
J.D.: * * (2 raps)
Sen.: * * (2 raps)
J.D. opens door: Brother Sentinel, this Chapter is
about to be opened and the Master Councilor directs you to guard us from
intrusion.
Sen.: The
Master Councilor’s order will be obeyed.
J.D. closes door, * (rap).
Sen.: * (rap)
JD. moves to X, faces M.C.
J.D.:
Brother Master Councilor, this Chapter is safe from interruption.
M.C.: * (rap)
J.D. sits down.
M.C.: Will
all Senior DeMolays, Advisors, and Master Masons who are not Active DeMolays
please rise. Dad ... the Chapter Advisor or another
Advisory Council member, can you vouch for these Senior DeMolays,
Advisors, and Master Masons.
Adv.:
Brother Master Councilor, I can.
M.C.:
Advisors please be seated; guests please remain standing. Gentlemen, I take
pleasure in welcoming you as guests of ... Chapter,
Order of DeMolay. We deeply appreciate the interest which your visit proves and
we know that it is not inspired by mere curiosity. I
need hardly ask that you keep secret anything you may witness here which your
judgment tells you should not be disclosed. We hope you will visit us frequently
and enjoy this visit exceedingly.
* (rap)
Guests take seats.
Pledge of
Secrecy for Adults not Masons and not Senior DeMolays
The following Pledge of Secrecy shall be
given to all adults who are not Master Masons, advisors or Senior DeMolays
immediately before witnessing the Secret Work. After the pledge of secrecy has
been given and non-Masonic adults have been seared, the Master Councilor shall
proceed. If there are no non-Masonic adults present, this portion may be
omitted.
From the East, the Master Councilor shall
perform the following.
M.C.: Before
proceeding with our Ceremony, we request all adults who are not Master Masons,
Advisors, or Senior DeMolays, and who are attending a DeMolay meeting for the
first time to assume a Pledge of Secrecy. You will please rise for the pledge.
Unobligated non-Masonic adults and
non-Senior DeMolays rise. The Chapter Advisor rises and repeats pledge with
visitors.
M.C.: You
will place your right hand over your heart and repeat after me. In the presence
of God and these witnesses, I solemnly affirm on my honor, that I will never
divulge, the transactions of any Chapter, of the Order of DeMolay, or the
Ceremonies of the Order, to anyone not entitled thereto; that I will encourage
the fidelity, of every member of the Order of DeMolay, by faithful observance of
this pledge.
* rap.
M.C.: You
may now be seated.
M.C.:
Brother Deacons, you will approach the East.
J.D. moves X Z T and goes toward U;
simultaneously, S.D moves
X Z and toward U until they are within
approximately 3 feet of each other. Both simultaneously face M.C.
M.C.:
Brother Deacons, you will collect the word of the day.
Suggested music cue.
Deacons
collect the word and grip of the Initiatory Degree (not step, sign and token)
from each Active DeMolay, except the Councilors, starting with Standard Bearer
and Chaplain respectively.
J.D. collects from those on South side;
S.D. collects from those on North side. Deacons keep watch on each other’s pace
so that they arrive at the West end of the room at the same time. When Deacons
have finished collecting the word, J.D. moves to door A, S.D. moves to door B.
J.D. moves A I J; S.D. moves B K J; both face M.C.
S.D.:
Brother Master Councilor, the word of the day is ...
Deacons give step, sign and token, in
three separate movements which are returned by M.C. in three separate movements.
S.D. moves 1K Z X, faces West. Simultaneously J.D. moves J I Z X, faces East.
Both remain standing.
M.C. * * (2 raps)
All other Officers rise.
M.C.:
Brother Senior Councilor, why did you seek admission to this Order?
S.C.: To
join with those who are dedicated to the clean and manly youth which is the best
preparation for the duties of afterlife
M.C.: What
are the qualifications for membership?
S.C.: To be
vouched for by one as worthy of comradeship.
M.C.: Who
are the Officers of a Chapter?
S.C.: The
Master Councilor, Senior Councilor, Junior Councilor, Senior Deacon, Junior
Deacon, Stewards, Orator, Scribe, Treasurer, Sentinel Chaplain, Marshal,
Standard Bearer, Almoner, and Preceptors.
M.C.: Where
is the station of the Sentinel?
S.C.: At the
outer door.
M.C.: Where
is the station of the Junior Deacon?
S.C.: At the
inner door, inside the Chapter room.
M.C.:
Brother Junior Deacon, what is your duty?
J.D.: To
guard the inner door and allow none to enter who is not vouched for by the
Sentinel
M.C.: How is
entrance secured?
J.D.: By two
raps, answered with the same number.
M.C.: Why by
two raps?
J.D.: To
teach those without a two-fold deliberation before they seek admission and to
teach those within to use double caution before granting it.
M.C.: Where
is the station of the Senior Deacon?
J.D.: At
your right.
M.C.:
Brother Senior Deacon, what is your duty?
S.D.: To
assist the Councilors in opening and closing this Chapter and to conduct
candidates through the ceremony of initiation.
M.C.: Where
is the station of the Master Councilor?
S.D.: In the
East.
M.C.: Why
does he sit in the East?
S.D.: As it
is a symbol of the rising sun and the morn of life.
M.C.: Where
is the station of the Junior Councilor?
S.D.: In the
South
M.C.:
Brother Junior Councilor, why do you sit in the South?
J.C.: As a
symbol of the meridian sun or the noon of life emblematic of manhood’s
approaching years.
M.C.: Where
is the station of the Senior Councilor?
J.C.: In the
West.
M.C.:
Brother Senior Councilor, why do you sit in the West?
S.C.: As a
symbol of the setting sun and the eve of life emblematic of the night that
ushers in the everlasting day
M.C.:
Brother Senior Deacon, you will attend at the Altar.
Suggested music cue.
S.D. moves X Z M Candle 1, lights it and
then lights others in order crossing between the Altar and the East as he does
so. M.C. begins following speech as S.D. begins to light Candle 1. M.C. and S.D.
coordinate speech and actions so that Candle 7 is lit just as M.C. concludes
speech.
M.C.: Our
forefathers were well aware that religious liberty, represented by the Holy
Bible, civil liberty, represented by the flag of our country, and intellectual
liberty, represented by the school books, must go hand in hand in order to be
effective. Around these bulwarks, the Order of DeMolay places seven candles
which are symbolic of the seven cardinal virtues of a DeMolay filial love,
reverence for sacred things, courtesy, comradeship, fidelity, cleanness and
patriotism. As the light from these candles permeates this Chapter room, let
your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify
your Father Who is in heaven.
S.D. moves from Candle 7 J K Z X, faces
West.
M.C.:
Brother Senior Steward, you will open the Holy Bible on the Altar.
* * * (3 raps).
All stand.
S.S. moves X Z G J. He kneels on both
knees, opens Holy Bible reverently and slowly, rises, takes one step back. lf a
bible marker is used, the marker remains in the position described in the
General Instructions.
S.S.: I open
the Holy Bible on our Altar as a symbol of the religious liberty we enjoy and to
remind us of the never-ceasing love of our Heavenly Father.
S.S. does about-face and moves I G Z X.
M.C.: Brother Junior Steward, you will place the
school books on the Altar.
J.S. picks up school books, moves X Z G I.
He places school books on Northeast corner of Altar and takes one step back.
Where Altar is too large for J.S. to reach across it comfortably, he may step to
North side of Altar to place the school books. He should return to point I and
take one step back before speaking.
J.S.: I
place the school books on our Altar as a symbol of intellectual liberty and to
remind us that the public schools are the foundation of our country's
greatness.
J.S. does about-face and moves I G Z X.
M.C.:
Brother Standard Bearer, you will present the flag of our country at the Altar.
S.B. moves directly to flag.
M.C.: Brethren, you will stand at attention and
salute our flag.
Standing at attention means that a person
stands with head and body erect facing the flag. As the flag moves, the head and
body are moved so that the person always faces the flag. S.B. carries the flag
with left hand high--right hand low--on the flag staff, with the staff extending
past his right side.
In The United States of America, the
salute is defined as follows:
Placing the right hand over the heart with
fingers joined. A person
(other than one in military uniform) whose
head is covered removes
his headgear and holds it over his heart
with his right hand.
As S.B. picks up flag, all persons salute
the flag. The salute is dropped when S.B. stops West of the Altar
The same salute is made during the pledge
to the flag. The same salute is again made when the S.B. starts to leave the
Altar and is dropped when the SB. has replaced the flag in its stand. S.B. does
not salute the flag at any time.
Suggested music cue.
S.B. moves from flag standard Z T F G,
faces Altar and moves toward it until he is about 6 feet from point I, but so
that there is enough space for the Mar. and Ch. to move between him and the
Altar. All except S.B. repeat in unison the pledge to the flag. It is strongly
urged that the pledge be followed immediately with the singing of the national
anthem or another appropriate patriotic song. S.B. does not sing.
M.C.:
Brethren, join me in saluting and pledging allegiance to the flag.
ALL: I
pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty
and justice for all.
M.C.:
Brother Chaplain, you wilt lead us in prayer.
Ch., conducted by Mar., moves X Z I J. As
Ch. and Mar. leave their stations, all Active DeMolays in the East and the S.C.
and J.C. descend to the floor level. Lights are dimmed.
Mar. and Ch. halt at point J. Man takes
one further step North.
Both face East; Ch. takes one step toward
Altar; simultaneously
Mar. takes one step backward away from
Altar.
M.C.: Active
DeMolays will kneel on left knee. All others will remain standing.
Active DeMolays, except Mar. and S.B.
kneel as Ch. kneels.
Ch.: Our
Father, Who art in Heaven, we humbly pray that Thou wilt look with favor upon
our efforts to do Thy will during these morning years of our lives, that when
the noontime comes we may look back upon a work well done. Wilt Thou help us to
live clean and manly lives in Thy sight in preparation for the meridian years of
manhood. Help us to be good sons, loyal comrades, junior citizens of our great
country, and worthy of the commendation of all good men. Amen.
ALL: Amen.
Active DeMolays rise as Ch. rises. Lights
raised to full. Ch. takes one step backward away from Altar; simultaneously Mar.
takes one step forward. Both face North. Ch. takes one step forward to Mar's
side. Ch.
conducted by Man moves J K V Z, Ch.
crosses in front of Mar. and moves X, stands facing his station. Mar. moves Z X
and both Ch. and Mar. simultaneously face West. As Ch. and Mar. leave Altar, all
Active DeMolays who were in the East and S.C. and J.C. return to daises. When
Ch. and Mar. are at their stations, S.B. does about-face, moves G H V then
directly to flag standard and replaces flag in its stand, then directly to X,
and faces West.
M.C.: I now
declare ... Chapter, Order of DeMolay, open on the Initiatory Degree on the step
of greeting, the sign of welcome, the token of brotherhood, and the word of
emulation, “DeMolay”.
Step, sign, token in three separate
movements and word are given by each Active DeMolay (including the M.C.) as M.C.
refers to it.
M.C.: * (rap)
All sit down except J.D.
M.C.:
Brother Junior Deacon, inform the Sentinel that this Chapter is open on the
Initiatory Degree.
J.D. moves to A.
J.D.: * * (2 raps)
Sen.: * * (2 raps)
J.D. opens door
J.D.:
Brother Sentinel, this Chapter is open on the Initiatory Degree.
J. D. closes door
J.D.: * (rap)
Sen.: * (rap)
J. D. moves to X, faces M.C.
J.D.:
Brother Master Councilor, the Sentinel is on guard and we are safe from
interruption.
M.C.: * (rap)
J. D. sits down.
Initiatory Degree
Before the degree begins, candidates
should be prepared and waiting in the room outside door B. Also before the
degree begins, the Crown of Youth should be placed on a stand at or in the East
and the Jewels distributed to the preceptors.
The candidates may or may not be
hoodwinked, at the Chapter’s option. The candidates should be instructed in a
brief outline of what is to take place in the Degree. If hoodwinks are used, the
candidates should be instructed that someone will walk with them and that their
right hand is to be placed on the shoulder of the candidate in front of them;
further, they should be instructed in the manner in which the obligation will be
administered.
If the Chapter uses hoodwinks, the
following paragraph must be given to the candidates by a member of the chapter
just prior to being blindfolded, and AFTER the above informanon has been
explained.
Mem.: During
your initiation into DeMolay, you will be presented with many symbols or ideas
that will be new to you. You are beginning a symbolic journey about which you
know little. In a way, you are in darkness about what you will be doing. As you
proceed, you will gain information and knowledge that will enable you to
understand our ceremonies more deafly. To symbolize your lack of knowledge about
DeMolay, you will be blindfolded during the early part of the ceremony.
Of course,
you will have DeMolays with you during the blindfolded portion of the ceremony
to see that you do not stumble or fall. As we have already explained, our
ceremonies are serious and sincere. No foolishness will take place at any time.
Do you have
any questions or concerns about this?
Candidates are given a chance to question.
Any expressed concerns must be treated with seriousness and in an appropriate
manner.
If any candidate still expresses concerns
about the blindfold, the chapter should acknowledge this concern, and proceed
with that candidate not blindfolded.
M.C.:
Brother Scribe, are there any waiting to be initiated into our Order?
Scr.:
Brother Master Councilor, there are in waiting several strangers who desire to
become friends and Brothers in our work.
M.C. * (rap).
Scribe sits down.
M.C.:
Brother Marshal, you will repair with the Stewards...
Stewards rise.
M.C.: ...and
prepare the candidates.
Suggested music cue.
J.D. or other appropriately instructed
Officer; or an Advisor; may dim the lights. Mar moves X Z I J. Stewards
simultaneously move X Z G then toward J, coming up on either side of the Mar,
three abreast. Only the Stewards give step, sign and token in three separate
movements. When they are in position, M.C. returns the step, sign, and token in
three separate movements; all drop same together. Stewards then take one step
back and Mar and Stewards simultaneously face North; move from J to K in a
triangle. When they reach K, they stop and face West. Mar steps between
Stewards. When he is one pace in front of them, Mar and Stewards move
simultaneously K B. Stewards remain behind Mar.
Mar opens door. He addresses
candidates so that he may be heard distinctly by them and by all in the Chapter
room. Mar pauses after each question to give candidates opportunity to reply
Mar.: My
friends, I have been directed by the Master Councilor to prepare you for the
ceremony of initiation. I wish to make it very clear, before you are admitted to
the Chapter room, that nothing will occur during the ceremony in the form of
levity or which will excite your mirth. You must approach the door of our
Chapter in a serious frame of mind realizing that the solemn purpose of all our
ceremonies is to impress upon your minds great truths of right living to aid you
in deserving the good opinion of all right-thinking men.
Before you
knock at the door of our Chapter room, I must ask you certain questions, upon
your answers to which your admission will depend.
Do you
assert upon your honor that you are not prompted to seek admission to our Order
by idle curiosity?
Cand. (Reply)
Mar.: Do you
assert upon your honor that you are not inspired by an unworthy desire to be
exclusive by belonging to a secret order?
Cand. (Reply)
Mar.: Do you
declare upon your honor that your only purpose is to join with your fellows in
trying to make each other better and to do good?
Cand. (Reply)
Mar.: Do you
declare upon your honor that you will faithfully follow all instructions given
to you, keep all secrets entrusted to you, and work loyally with us in carrying
out our purposes, when I assure you upon my own honor that nothing will be asked
of you contrary to the demands of honor, justice and patriotism?
Cand. (Reply)
Mar.: Do you
declare upon your honor that you will obey and uphold the laws of your city,
state and country, and the Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of DeMolay
International, and any Chapter of the Order of DeMolay of which you may become a
member?
Cand. (Reply)
Mar.: Your
answers being satisfactory, I will recommend your admission to the Master
Councilor of our Chapter. Brother Stewards, you will take charge of the
candidates.
Stewards leave Chapter room and take
charge of the candidates. DeMolays and/or Advisors who have been outside in
charge of the candidates until this point may enter and take seats informally
Mar closes the door, moves B K J, faces
East.
Mar.:
Brother Master Councilor, the candidates have answered in the proper manner the
essential queries and are now prepared for initiation.
M.C.: It is
well.
Mar moves J K V Z X, faces West.
M.C.: * (rap)
Mar sits down.
When S.S. is satisfied candidates are
ready...
S.S. *: * (2 raps)
S.D.:
Brother Master Councilor, the candidates are in
readiness.
M.C.:
Brother Senior Deacon, you will take charge of the candidates.
S.D. moves X Z B.
S.D. * * (2 raps)
S.D. opens door:
Brother Stewards, who are these who knock at the door of our Chapter room?
S.S.: They
are strangers who desire to become friends and Brothers in our work.
S.D.: You
will enter.
S.D. and Stewards conduct candidates along
North walking band as necessary to bring all candidates inside Chapter room.
Multiple lines of candidates may be used. In conducting candidates, S.D. and
Stewards should be as actively helpful to them as necessary. In so doing,
Stewards are not required to remain in any fixed position along the line of
candidates. S.D., however; should normally stay at head of the line unless he
needs to leave it to be helpful to the candidates. J.S. closes door after
candidates have entered.
Suggested music cue.
* * * * * * (Gong is struck 7 times)
This should be done in solemn cadence,
with an impressive pause between each stroke of the gong. The striking of the
gong should be timed so that the first stroke is heard as soon as the first
candidate enters and the last stroke is heard as close as possible to the entry
of the last candidate, without destroying the solemn pace of the strokes.
S.D.: My
friends, your desire to join us in our labors in behalf of clean and manly
living has already made you friends. If, after fuller explanation of our
purposes, you still desire to unite with us, we shall be happy to greet you in
the closer circle of our comradeship
The great
aim of our Order is to teach and practice the virtues of clean, upright,
patriotic and reverent living as the best preparation for the manhood we are
approaching. We are earnestly striving to be better sons, better Brothers and
better friends, that when we reach the years of manhood we may be better men. Do
you desire to dedicate yourselves to these ideals of good sonship and good
citizenship?
Cand. (Reply)
S.D.: Then I
will conduct you to the Master Councilor who will instruct you more fully in the
purposes of our Order.
Suggested music cue.
S.D. and Stewards conduct candidates from
whatever point they are on the walking band to band T V and center them at point
U. When all are in position, all face M.C.
S.D.:
Brother Master Councilor, I present those who were strangers but are now friends
and who desire to be joined to us in the comradeship of our Chapter.
M.C.: My
friends, I welcome you to this Chapter and trust that you will find both
pleasure and profit in your fellowship here. The Senior Deacon has outlined
briefly the purposes of our Order. We claim no superiority over those outside
our circle but believe that we can be of aid to each other by counsel and
assistance in living lives that will repay in some measure the sacrifices our
parents have made for us, in our homes, in serving God, and in planning for the
heritage of the citizenship that awaits us Do you still desire to Join with us
in this work and to extend to all your Brothers the same aid and counsel they
extend to you?
Cand. (Reply)
M.C.: Then
you will be conducted to the Altar where you will take upon yourselves pledges
to which you cannot be false without the basest dishonor which would deserve the
contempt of all good men.
Suggested music cue.
S.D and Stewards conduct candidates U T I
J and face East, arranging them appropriately at the Altar. All candidates
should remain standing until M.C. instructs them to kneel. M.C. moves Z R.
M.C.:
Brother Senior Councilor, you will call the Officers to line.
S.C. * (rap)
S.C. * * (2 raps)
All Officers rise.
S.C. *: * * (3 raps)
All in room rise.
Suggested music cue.
Lights should be extinguished, leaving
only candles burning and Altar spot, if any, on full Officers except Stewards
begin moving to form Shield as shown on Diagrams Seven and Eight. Stewards do
not move unto
Shield positions until after candidates have been assisted to kneel at
instruction from M.C. When the class is small enough, all candidates should
kneel at the Altar.
M.C.: My
friends, you will kneel on both knees.
Stewards assist candidates to kneel.
M.C.: You
will place your right hand on the Holy Bible or on the shoulder of the one in
front of you.
Stewards assist candidates to place their
right hand on the Holy Bible or on the shoulder of the one in front of them,
then take their positions in Shield.
M.C.: You
will say “I’
M.C. pauses while this is done.
M.C.: Speak your name..
M.C. pauses while this is done.
M.C.: ... and repeat after me.
M.C. pauses after each phrase of convenient length
in the Obligation, to give candidates an opportunity to repeat it. A diagonal is
placed at suggested points for pausing, but M.C. should understand that he may
phrase as he chooses: In the presence of God, and with my right hand
upon His holy word, on my honor, as one who holds his pledged word sacred, do
solemnly promise, that I will keep all the secrets, entrusted to me by this
Order.
I promise
that I will henceforth honestly and earnestly strive to be a better son than I
have ever been before, doing all in my power to repay the love and care my
parents have devoted to me.
I promise
that I will live a clean and moral life, keeping my body free from dissipation
and my mind free from the uncleanness that defiles and debauches youth.
I promise
that I will love and serve God as a devout worshipper at the shrine of faith and
that I will serve my fellowmen in the spirit of the universal brotherhood.
I promise
that I will give to my country an unswerving allegiance, defending her honor
with my life it need be, her flag, my flag, and her cause, my cause, and that I
will obey the laws of my city, state and nation.
I promise
that I will combat every agency that is hostile to my country’s highest good and
that I will consecrate my utmost endeavors to the defense of civil, religious,
political and intellectual liberty, holding the public school to be the cradle
of American liberties and freedom of conscience, an American’s precious blessing
I promise
that I will revere the memory of Jacques DeMolay who gave up his life rather
than betray his brethren and the trust they reposed in him, and never willingly
or knowingly will I do anything which would unfit me for the commendation of al
good men.
I promise
that I will be ever loyal to a Brother of this Order; that I will never cheat or
wrong him; that I will seek to aid him in time of trouble and need; and will
always remain silent if I cannot speak a good word for him in the presence of
the uninitiated.
I promise
that I will honor womanhood; that I will never be guilty of defaming the
character of any woman; nor will I permit harm to come to the sister or mother
of a member of this Order if it is in my power to prevent it.
So help me
God!
Stewards move from Shield positions to assist
candidates to rise.
M.C.: You will arise.
If hoodwinks have been used, they are
removed by Stewards at this time.
M.C.: You
will seal your vows by kissing the Holy Bible.
Deacons and
Stewards see that each candidate kisses the Holy Bible.
It is most appropriate to have each
candidate come forward and kiss the Holy Bible on the Altar However; in a very
large class where thus would be too time-consuming, the Deacons and Stewards may
pass small hand Bibles among the candidates. When all candidates have kissed the
Bible, lights are slowly raised to full. Deacons and Stewards return to Shield
positions.
M.C.: I now
extend to you the right hand of comradeship.
M.C. moves around South side of Altar and
shakes hand of each new Brother. M.C. then returns to his station by moving from
approximately J to K V U Z X, faces West.
M.C. * (rap)
Suggested music cue.
Officers break Shield according to
instructions for Diagram Seven. Stewards stand by candidates. When all other
Officers are back at their stations...
M.C. * (rap)
... all Officers except Deacons and
Stewards sit down.
Deacons move from positions to S R and Q
R, respectively until they are approximately 3 feet apart and stand facing each
other; but at an angle which makes it easy for the new Brothers to see their
demonstration. Deacons illustrate step, sign, token and grip as each is
described by M.C. and again as M.C. describes the symbolism of each.
M.C.: I will
now instruct you in the secrets of our Order which are few in number, but which
you have just sworn you will not disclose outside the Chapter. The step is made
by placing the left foot in advance of the right, as though about to greet
someone. The sign is made by extending the right hand forward, as though about
to grasp him by the hand. The token is made by extending the left hand forward
shoulder high, as though about to place it on the shoulder of the one greeted.
The word of
emulation is -- DeMolay.
Deas.: DeMolay
Deacons drop step, sign and token.
M.C.: The
grip of the Order is given by taking the hand in a casual manner and pressing
the thumb sharply between the thumb and first finger twice, then once
immediately afterwards.
Deacons demonstrate grip.
M.C.: The
step is emblematic of our eagerness to greet a friend or welcome a stranger. The
sign typifies the clasp of friendship and the helping hand of assistance. The
token is the brotherly hand we would place upon the shoulder of one who sorrows.
Deacons drop step, sign and token.
M.C.: The
word of emulation is the name of the great hero and martyr whose name we have
taken and teaches us to emulate his heroic example.
The grip
alludes to the three principal Officers of a Chapter, also to our duties to God,
our parents and our country and to the wisdom of the ancient injunction that we
should think twice before speaking once.
Deacons
demonstrate grip once again.
M.C.: The
sign of distress is made by crossing the arms across the chest and should be
given only in time of distress.
J.D. illustrates sign of distress.
M.C.: The
Brother going to the aid of a Brother in need should say, “Are you in trouble?”
S.D.: Are
you in trouble?
M.C.: The
Brother should reply, “I am a DeMolay.”
J.D.: I am a
DeMolay.
J.D. drops sign of distress.
M.C.: And
now my Brothers, I will place you in the charge of the Senior Deacon who will
conduct you on a journey which will symbolize the labor of a day and the pathway
of human life.
J.D. moves R Q X X, faces East.
Simultaneously S.D. moves R S K and toward J until he is near candidates, faces
North.
M.C. * (rap)
J.D. sits down and S.D., Stewards and
candidates step off toward
K, thence V U, face M.C.
M.C.: I
place in your keeping this symbolic Crown of Youth which you will wear until you
exchange it for the Crown of Manhood.
S.D. ascends to dais, but does not kneel.
M.C. hands Crown of Youth to S.D. who returns to floor level, faces M.C..
M.C.: You
are starting from the East, emblematic of the morning of life. Ere you reach the
symbolic South, emblematic of the noon of the day and the manhood years of life,
you will be instructed in the seven cardinal virtues of our Order. I commend you
to the preceptors in charge of the seven symbolic jewels in the Crown of Youth
and may God speed and guard you on your way.
The symbolic journey consists of a
procession, led by the S.D. bearing the Crown of Youth, followed by the new
Brothers conducted by the Stewards, which moves seven times around the Chapter
Room via U T C E V At the end of each circuit, the procession stops in front of
a preceptor - 1 P through 7 P in succession.
Leaving the East, procession’s destination
is 1 P and it moves U T C E V to 1 P; 1 P stands when it passes directly in
front of him. Leaving 1 P. procession’s destination is 2 P and it moves C E V T
to 2 P. 2 P stands when it passes directly in front of him in that circuit. When
2 P stands, 1 P sits down. Pattern is same for all preceptors in sequence except
that 7 P sits when procession first passes 1 P after leaving 7 P.
S.D. leads procession far enough past each
preceptor to position new Brothers in front of preceptor Stewards face new
Brothers toward preceptor as S.D. moves to preceptors left side. When all are
properly positioned, S.D kneels on left knee and holds up Crown of Youth so
preceptor can easily place jewel in Crown. Preceptor says first full sentence of
his speech, places jewel in the Crown of Youth, continues speech to completion.
S.D. rises, returns to head of procession as Stewards position new Brothers for
procession, leads it to next destination.
At the Chapter’s option, a preceptor part
may be given by any other officer; and the symbolic journey may be redesigned to
best accommodate the officers used. If seven separate preceptors are not
available, a SUGGESTED option is for up to seven of the other
officers to give the preceptor parts after
assembling east of the altar -- each officer positioning himself in front of a
candlestick and placing a jewel in the crown as it is presented to him prior to
delivering the appropriate preceptor’s part. Another suggested option is placing
the Crown of Youth on a pedestal near the altar and having each designated
preceptor present his part within the candles.
Suggested music cue. (Play during circuit
between Preceptors)
1 P: I place
in the Crown of Youth the jewel of filial love. No virtue so becomes the young
man who has passed the protected years of child and boy. It has been inculcated
by poets and prophets, teachers and philosophers, ever since God Himself wrote
on the tablets of stone the command: “Honor thy father and thy mother.” We have
reached the age when we are prone to forget the sacrifices our parents have made
for us, when possibly we are ashamed to display the affection that all
right-thinking sons feel in their hearts. We are eager to enter upon the
inheritance of our manhood; yet there is nothing effeminate in the home loving,
mother-loving, father-loving young man, gratefully remembering the debt he can
never repay, but striving to pay it in thoughtful consideration, courtesy,
affectionate and dutiful obedience. May this jewel in the Crown of Youth never
be tarnished by disobedience or selfish neglect, but grow brighter as the years
go by.
2 P: I place
in the Crown of Youth the jewel of reverence for sacred things. As we are all
sons of earthly parents, so are we the children of the Universal Father. My
Brothers, in our Chapter we teach no religious creed. Your religious opinions
are your own. But we do earnestly enjoin upon you the sacredness of faith, the
beauty of a humble reliance on the goodness of God. Let
us strive to be true to this universal sonship. The
world respects most of all the young man who has strong religious convictions
and who has the courage of a high moral standard based on a profound
acknowledgment of the fact that from God all earthly blessings flow. I en join
you to delight in the companionship of the devout, not only to frequent the holy
places of worship but to carry their teachings into your daily lives. May this
jewel shine brighter and brighter unto the perfect day.
3 P: I place
in the Crown of Youth the jewel of courtesy. Our mystic seven are not enough to
include all the cardinal virtues that round out and complete a human character,
but certainly courtesy cannot be omitted from the list --courtesy toward our
parents, courtesy toward the stranger, courtesy toward the aged, courtesy toward
all women, courtesy toward our friends and all with whom we come in contact. We
are all guilty of the fault of reserving our greatest politeness for friends and
even strangers and laying aside in the home that refinement and consideration
which are the foundation of the social graces. No man, young or old, is really
refined who is not courteous and whose courtesy is not natural instead of being
artificial and assumed.
4 P: I place
in the Crown of Youth the jewel of comradeship. To be a friend tried and true is
to display a virtue which adorns our humanity. History
is glorified by the friendships of David and Jonathan, of Damon and Pythias, and
other historic comrades But history has not volumes large enough to record the
names of the unknown millions of friends who were true and faithful unto death.
Their heroic loyalty glorifies our human nature and sets an example worthy of
our emulation. No man, young or old, can enjoy a higher honor than to be valued
as a friend and trusted as a Brother. The Crown of Youth is not complete without
the jewel representing this splendid virtue.
5 P: I place
in the Crown of Youth the jewel of fidelity. We have taken upon our lips the
name of a great hero and martyr of history who gave up his life rather than
betray the trust reposed in him. We may never be called upon to face such a
trial as he endured, but we may be called upon to give our lives in defense of
our country, and even to sacrifice them to save a human being. But far this side
of these great crises, we are called upon every day to be faithful to trusts
reposed in us, faithful to ideals we have professed, faithful to our friends,
faithful to obligations we have assumed. You know that the young man whose word
is as good as his bond, who can be absolutely relied upon to fulfill his
promises, if humanly possible, enjoys the esteem and confidence of all men I
commend to you this virtue and urge you not to lose sight of its vital
importance merely because you are not called upon to face some great drama of
sacrifice.
6 P: I place
in the Crown of Youth the jewel of cleanness -- cleanness in thought, word and
deed. We all abhor the foul-mouthed, the obscene, the dissipated and the immoral
young man, who anticipates the years of his
manhood by
indulging in habits which leave him weakened in body, enfeebled in mind and
debased in heart and soul. But we must guard against the more insidious faults
which lead imperceptibly to these great moral sins. Let us guard our tongues
from taking the name of God in vain, against irreverence of all kinds, against
the lesser oaths that lead to blasphemy, against the cheap vulgarity of unclean
jests. Let us guard our bodies from all those milder dissipations which retard
their development and impair their strength, holding them as the heritage of the
future, a sacred trust not to be betrayed. Let us above all guard our hearts
from that uncleanness which the Psalmist had in mind when he prayed: “Create in
me a clean heart, O God.” A clean mind in a clean body is the best equipment for
the clean manhood upon which clean citizenship depends.
7 P: I place
in the Crown of Youth the jewel of patriotism. Thousands of young men hardly
older than ourselves have proved their heroic devotion to their country by
offering their lives in defense of its honor. Many of them have made the supreme
sacrifice and have helped win the blessings which we now enjoy. In all the
crises of the nation’s history, youth has risen up as its defender. In your very
veins flows patriotic blood. But let me urge upon you this thought: that there
is a patriotism of peace as well as a heroism of war and that good citizenship
is the only opportunity peace affords for the display of this virtue. We are on
the threshold of the duties and responsibilities of manhood and I commend to you
most earnestly the virtue of good citizenship -- that
patriotism which will make you live worthily for your country as well as die
bravely for it if the need shall come.
*** (3 raps). National Anthem. * (rap)
S.D. and Stewards conduct new Brothers
from 7 P V T L, face J.C. S D. does not kneel.
J.C.: My
Brothers, you are at the symbolic South, emblematic of the mid-hour of rest,
refreshment and meditation, when you pause and contemplate the labors of the
half-completed day. But in a more vital sense, the South is emblematic of the
noon of life, when you approach the years of manhood -- when half your years lie
behind you and half before. Theoretically you have toiled zealously in the
practice of the virtues enjoined upon you by the custodians of the seven
symbolic jewels in the Crown of Youth. As the meridian hour of the day reminds
the toiler that the labor of the afternoon must still be performed, so at the
South you are to pause and reflect upon the solemn tasks of the manhood that
awaits you.
You will now
be conducted to the West, where you will receive further instruction.
S.D. and Stewards conduct new Brothers L C
D, face S.C. S.D. does nor kneel. J.C. sits down, S.C rises.
S.C.: My
Brothers, the West is symbolic of the setting sun and the eve of life,
emblematic at once of the end of the day’s toil and of the closing years of your
earthly pilgrimage, the night that is to be followed by the day that shall never
end. Do not think that it is untimely to impress upon the minds of those who are
just beginning the journey of life the twilight and evening years. For though
the morning sun is still far from the zenith and the meridian sun is East of
South, the wisest young man is he who looks well to the ending of the journey as
well as to its beginning. When you reach the evening of your lives, may you be
able to look back upon a long and happy journey, filled with memories of duties
well performed, the Western sky glowing with the promise of the everlasting
morning. You will now be conducted to the East for final instruction.
S.D. and Stewards conducr new Brothers D E
V U, face M.C. S.C. sits down, M.C. rises.
M.C.: My
Brothers, you have completed the symbolic journey and I now receive back from
you the Crown of Youth which I trust you have worthily worn.
S.D. ascends to dais and, without
kneeling, hands Crown of Youth back to M.C. S.D. returns to floor level, faces
M.C.
M.C.: In a
few short years, you will lay it aside for the Crown of Manhood whose brightness
will depend upon the fidelity of your stewardship as wearers of the Crown of
Youth. You will later have conferred upon you the DeMolay Degree.
M.C.:
Brother Senior Deacon, you will escort the new Brothers to seats.
The S.D and Stewards escort the new
Brothers to seats.
M.C. * (rap)
All sit down
It is permissible for the M.C. to instruct
the new Brothers in the proper response to the gavel and in the method of
kneeling.
Closing
Ceremony
M.C.:
Brethren, is there anything further to come before this Chapter?
M.C. pauses ro give Brethren opportunity
to bring up further business. When further business, if any, has been disposed
of he repeats the foregoing question. When there is no further business...
M.C. * * (2 raps)
Officers rise.
M.C.: None
appearing, I shall proceed to close. Brethren, sitting in the East, symbol of
the rising sun and the morn of life, I have learned the great lesson that we are
at the threshold of the years of preparation when we must lay the foundation on
which the future must be built. Brother Junior Councilor, what have you learned
sitting in the South?
J.C.: With
my eyes on the meridian sun, I have learned that we are approaching the noontime
of life, when half our years lie behind us and half before, with
opportunities still remaining to do good and to be better.
M.C.:
Brother Senior Councilor, what have you learned sitting in the West?
S.C.: With
my eyes on the setting sun, symbol of the evening of life, I have learned that
the night of life is but the herald of the everlasting day.
M.C. * * * (3 raps)
All stand.
M.C.: Brother Chaplain, you will lead us in
prayer.
Ch., conducted by Mar, moves X Z I J. As
Ch. and Mar leave their stations, all Active DeMolays in the East and S.C. and
J.C. descend to the floor level. Lights are dimmed.
Mar and Ch. halt at point J. Mar takes one
further step North.
Both face East: Ch. takes one step toward
Altar; simultaneously
Mar takes one step backward away from
Altar
M.C.: Active
DeMolays will kneel on left knee. All others will remain standing.
Active DeMolays except Mar kneel as Ch.
kneels.
Ch.: Our
Father, as sons of loving and indulgent parents, we invoke Thy divine blessing
upon all the fathers and mothers of our country and of all the world, and wilt
Thou pour out a special blessing for our mothers who have watched over us with
unceasing care during all the years of our lives. We ask Thy benediction upon
all who labor for the relief of suffering and need. May we ever realize that we
are brothers of the helpless and suffering and rejoice in every call to the
relief of pain or the alleviation of sorrow. Wilt Thou help us to lead upright
and patriotic lives worthy of the devotion of all who have labored for our
beloved country in every field of sacrifice and service. Amen.
All: God
bless mother, God bless father, God bless the purposes of DeMolay. Amen.
Suggested music cue.
Active DeMolays rise as Ch. rises. Lights
raised to full. Ch. takes one step backward away from Altar, simultaneously Mar
takes one step forward. Both face North. Ch. takes one step forward to Mar’s
side. Ch. conducted by Mar moves I K V Z, Ch. crosses in front of Mar and moves
to X, stands facing his station. Mar moves Z
X
and both Ch. and Mar simultaneously
face West. As Ch. and Mar leave Altar; all Active DeMolays who were in the East
and S.C. and J.C return to daises.
M.C.:
Brother Senior Steward, you will close the Holy Bible on the Altar.
S.S. moves X Z G I; kneels on both knees;
closes the Holy Bible reverently and slowly, leaving the Bible marker unfolded
and showing; rises and takes one step back; does about-face and moves I G Z X;
faces East.
M.C.:
Brother Junior Steward, you will remove the school books from the Altar.
J.S. moves X Z C I; without kneeling picks
the school books up from the Altar; takes one step back; does about-face; moves
I G Z X; faces East. If Altar is too large for J.S. to reach across it
comfortably, he may step to the North side of the Altar to pick up the school
books He should return to point I before following the foregoing instructions
for returning to his station.
M.C.:
Brother Senior Deacon, you will attend at the Altar.
Suggested music cue.
S.D. moves X Z M Candle I extinguishes it
and then extinguishes the other candles in order; crossing between the Altar and
the East as he does so S.D. goes around the West side of the Altar to I; faces
North and moves I K Z X and faces West.
M.C.:
Brethren, let us prove to all men that our ceremonies are not empty forms, but
that we are dedicated to purposes that are worthy of the martyred hero whose
name we have taken on our lips. I now declare this Chapter closed on the step of
greeting, the sign of welcome, the token of brotherhood, and the word of
emulation “DeMolay.”
Step, sign, and token in three separate
movements and word are given by each Active DeMolay (including M.C.) as M.C.
refers to it.
M.C. * (rap)
All sit down, except J.D., who remains
standing.
M.C.:
Brother Junior Deacon, inform the Sentinel that this Chapter is closed.
JD. moves to A.
J.D. *: (2 raps)
Sen. * (2 raps)
J.D opens door: Brother Sentinel, this Chapter is
closed.
J.D. leaving the door open, moves to X,
faces M.C.
J.D.:
Brother Master Councilor, the Sentinel is informed.
J.D. remains standing.
M.C. * * (2 raps)
Officers rise.
M.C.: The Officers will now retire.
Officers form Triangle, Mar moves X Z U R,
nods head slightly and all Officers, including Mar, kneel for a few moments of
silent prayer.
M.C.: Amen.
All officers rise. Mar faces South; moves R Q I J as Mar makes
corner at L. M.C. faces North and takes one step to his right, thereby leaving
an opening for Mar.
Officers retire.
