Ancient Order of United Workmen  
Initiation Ritual
 

Opening
 
M.W., *:  Sisters and Brothers, I am about to open ... Lodge. The officers will assemble at the Altar for the opening ceremony.
The Foreman, with Emblem, steps in front of his station and stands there until joined by the others. The Overseer, with flag, and the Past Master Workman, with Bible, march down their respective sides of the hall, then across to Foreman’s station, where they will face up and all three march abreast up center of hall to within about a pace of the Altar. As they come up the hall the Master Workman and Guide march down center until within about a pace from the Altar, all halt. The Guide takes position in the rear of Master Workman and remains there until close of the ceremony.
M.W.: We will now consecrate our Altar of Workmanship. Overseer steps one pace forward, then one pace to the left, which brings him in front of the Altar. He will then drape flag on the Altar, blue field toward head of hall and to the left.
O: This is the symbol of out country’s greatness and I pledge to it each Workman’s allegiance.
Everyone present comes to salute and the organist will play the refrain of the ‘Star Spangled Banner.’ At the close of the refrain Overseer steps one pace to right and one pace backward to original position. Instead of the refrain all present may repeat the oath of allegiance to flag, or both may be used.
The Past Master Workman then steps one pace forward and one pace to right bringing him in front of Altar. He will then place the Bible on the flag, opening it in the center. This should be done slowly.
P.M.W.: I place hereon God’s Supreme Law, which should be our guidance in all our efforts.
The organist will play the refrain of ‘Nearer My God To Thee’ and the officers will bow their heads in reverence while it is played. At the close of the refrain the Past Master Workman steps one pace to left and one pace backward to original position.
The Foreman then steps one pace forward and places Emblem on the Bible.
F.: I crown these with the Emblem of our Order, which typifies our aims and purposes.
The organist will play the refrain of ‘Home Sweet Home,’ and the officers will stand at attention during the refrain. The Foreman then steps one pace backward to original position.
M.W.: Having reverently placed upon our Altar these symbols of our duties to God, Country and Home we are now prepared to further the interests of humanity. The officers will return to their Stations.
Officers about face and return to stations in the same manner in which they approach the Altar. When all are at their stations the Master Workman will seat the lodge.
M.W.: Brother Foreman, you will see that the Watchmen are at their posts, that the ante-room is clear and the lodge room is securely guarded.
Note: All members in the ante-room are requested to come into the lodge room before the door is closed.
F.: Brother Inside Watchman, you will notify the Outside Watchman that the Master Workman is about to open this lodge and to guard against improper intrusion.
Inside Watchman opens door to ante-room, and standing in the opening addresses the Outside Watchman as follows: Brother Outside Watchman, the Master Workman is about to open this lodge. See that the outer door is securely guarded and the ante-room is clear. After all members have entered the lodge room closes door and reports: Brother Foreman. the lodge room is secure.
F.: Master Workman, the Watchmen are at their posts and the lodge room is securely guarded.
M.W.: Brother Guide, you will see if all present are entitled to sit in the lodge.
Guide first receives the password from the Master Workman, then passing in front of Altar, but without giving the sign, begins at the left of the Master Workman’s station and secures the semi-annual and permanent passwords. If any members are without the password they are to be reported to the Master Workman who will request the member to come to the station and receive same. After examining all present the Guide will go to the Altar and report:  Master Workman, I find all present are qualified.
M.W., ***: Sisters and Brothers, you will now exemplify the signs of the Order, observing the Overseer.
Brother Overseer. O. rises. What is the Salutation
Sign?
Overseer gives it, followed by the members.
How is it used?
O.: It is given at the Altar on entering or retiring from the lodge when it is in session, crossing or re-crossing the room, or in addressing the Master Workman.
M.W.: What is the Voting Sign?
Overseer gives it, followed by members. How is it used?
O.: It is used to decide all questions coming before the lodge for action.
M.W.: What means of recognition have we to prove ourselves members?
O.: By means of the Mystic Word.
M.W.: What is the Mystic Word?
O., spelling out: A – S – S – I – S – T  -  Assist.
M.W.: What do the letters signify?
O.: A Safe Solvent Institution Saves Trouble.
M.W.: As we should ever look to the Supreme Master of the Universe for guidance and support, let us be attentive while the Past Master Workman invokes the Divine Blessing.
The Guide will escort the Past master Workman to the Altar, and will stand about two paces in the rear while prayer is offered.
P.M.W.: Almighty God, Our Heavenly father, meet with us and teach us the way of sympathy and service. Indicate unto this lodge and its officers the right path in all our deliberations, and make out of our Order a golden network of Fraternity and Benevolence. Bless all our members tonight; draw near to those who may be sick and comfort the widow and the fatherless. And unto Thy Name be all Honor and Glory. Amen
At the conclusion of the prayer the Guide will escort the Past Master Workman back to his station and then return to his own station.
M.W.: Let us all join in singing the Opening Ode.
 
 
ODE.
Air: ‘Sicilian Hymn’
Loyal members, let us render
Unto God, our Father dear,
Grateful praise for care so tender
And the joy of meeting here
 
Let us raise our hearts and voices
In a song of grateful praise,
For His love each heart rejoices;
He hath blest us all our days.
 
M.W.: Brother Overseer, what is the first great principle of our Order?
O., rising: The first great principle is CHARITY. Remains standing.
M.W.: Brother Foreman, what is the second great principle of our Order?
F., rising: The second great principle is HOPE. Remains standing.
M.W.: Brother Past Master Workman, what is the third great principle of our Order?
P.M.W., rising: The third and greatest principle is PROTECTION. Remains standing.
M.W.: Then in the name of CHARITY, HOPE AND PROTECTION I declare ... lodge opened for the transaction of such business as may lawfully come before it. *. Officers will be seated.
M.W.: We will now proceed with the regular order of business. Brother Recorder, you will call the roll of officers and note the attendance.
Recorder calls roll and Guide will answer present or absent as the case may be.
Brother Recorder, you will read the records of the last regular and special meetings.
Have the investigating Committees any report to make. Are there any approved applicants to be balloted for?
Initiation of candidates.
Are there any applications for membership? Does any member know of a sick member or a member’s family in distress needing our aid or sympathy? Brother Recorder are there any communications, bills or notices to be presented at this time?
Are there any Standing Committees to report? Are there any Special Committees to report? Nomination of officers.
Election of officers.
Brother Financier have there been any members suspended since our last meeting; if so please report their names.
Have there been any members reinstated since our last meeting, if so please report their names.
Are there any members in arrears for three months’ dues, if so please report their names. Installation of officers.
Is there any unfinished business to be disposed of at this time?
Has any member any new business to bring before the lodge?
Brother Treasurer on what date was the last beneficiairy assessment forwarded to the Grand Lodge?
Has any member anything to offer for the Good of the Order?

 
Initiation

M.W.: Brother Recorder, are there any candidates for initiation?
Rec.: Master Workman. I find the name of ... whose application has been duly approved.
M.W.: Brother Guide, you will retire to the ante-room with the Past Master Workman, prepare the candidate and conduct him into the lodge room.
The Guide and Past Master Workman go to Altar, salute and retire In the ante-room the candidate is taken one side and the Past Master Workman will address him as follows:
P.M.W.: My Friend, before you can be admitted to our Order it is necessary that you give assent to the following declaration of principles:
The following is to be read to the candidate, either from the book or from a printed or type-written copy mounted on a card.
Do you believe in a Supreme Being, the Creator and Ruler of the Universe? Candidate answers.
Do you subscribe to the principle that the sanctity of the home should ever be preserved; that we should be charitable at all times in our intercourse with the world at large; that Hope is the guiding star to lead us forward toward a higher and better life; that Protection for those we hold most dear should be the chief aim and object of every true man and woman, and are you willing to do all in your power to assist in carrying out these great principles?
Candidate answers: I do.
Believing in the sincerity of your answers we will recommend that you be admitted to the Ceremonies awaiting you.
Guide blindfolds candidate, leads him to door and gives three raps. Note. Where ladies are candidates, or if lights can be sufficiently dimnied, the blindfold may be omitted.
In answer to the alarm the Inside Watchman opens the door AND KEEPS IT OPEN DURING THE PRELIMINARY PART OF THE WORK. The door is not to be closed until after Guide with candidate enters. The Inside Watchman will stand in the open door when addressing the Guide.
I.W.: Who seeks admission at this portal?
G.: The Guide and Past Master Workman, with a stranger, who having formed a favorable opinion of our Order and subscribed to its principles, now seeks to be admitted to full membership among us.
I.W.: What assurance have we that he is worthy of our confidence?
G.: The Past Master Workman will vouch for him.
I.W.: You will wait until the Foreman is advised of this request. Addressing Foreman: Brother Foreman, the Guide and Past Master Workman are at the portal with a stranger who seeks to be admitted among us.
F.: Those who would be admitted to our Order must be imbued with the high ideals which actuate us all: the Protection of the home, which is the bulwark of the Nation. Have we any assurance that this stranger is worthy?
I.W.: He is vouched for by our Past Master Workman.
F.: Then let the stranger be admitted that he may be taught the way of sympathy and service as exemplified by CHARITY, HOPE AND PROTECTION.
I.W.: By permission of our Foreman you may enter our Temple of Fraternity.
After they enter I.W. will close the door. Guide conducts candidate around room to Altar, the P.M.W. dropping out as they pass his station. At the Altar the Guide introduces candidate as follows: Master Workman, through the recommendation of worthy members and the permission of our Foreman, I present to you ... who has signified his desire to be enrolled among us that his home may be placed beneath the broad shield of our Protection.
M.W.: My Friend, upon the Altar before you is the flag of our country, to which we all owe allegiance; upon it rests the open Bible containing God’s Supreme Law; upon the Bible is placed our Emblem, the Anchor and Shield. These typify the cardinal principles of this Order. A belief in God, loyalty to Country and love of Home. Under our rules you are required to take a solemn and binding obligation, pledging yourself upon the symbols of these principles to follow the high ideals which they represent. With this purpose in mind are you willing to take such an obligation?
Candidate answers: I am.
M.W. calls up the lodge and goes to Altar Foreman comes forward and stands in rear of candidate. Overseer takes position at side of Altar opposite his station. Past Master Workman takes position at side of Altar opposite his station.
M.W. to candidate: You will place your right hand over your heart, your left resting on the Holy Bible and Emblem of our Order, say I. pronounce your name and repeat after me the following: I, ..., in the presence of Almighty God and these witnesses, do of my own free will and accord solemnly promise, that I will preserve the secrets of this lodge and the Order. I will at all times render true and faithful allegiance to the Grand Lodge of the Ancient Order of United Workmen of Massachusetts; abide by and obey its constitution and laws, now in force or that may hereafter be adopted, and the laws of the subordinate lodge in which I may hold my membership. I will so far as lies within my power, labor to extend the usefulness of the Order and increase its membership. I will be charitable toward those less fortunate than myself, and will aid them to the best of my ability, provided it be without injury to myself or family. I will at all times speak well of the Order and its work, even though my membership may cease. I will practice Fraternity, cultivate Hope and extend the influence of Protection.
To the faithful performance of all this, upon these symbols of God, Country and Home, I pledge my sacred honor. Amen.
M.W., stepping back a pace and addressing the members: Sisters and Brothers you have heard the obligation taken.
All.: We witness the pledge.
Note: If more than one candidate is to be initiated the Guide will take one to lead and Assistant Guides will take the others. At this point the Guide will bring his candidate to the front of Altar, the remaining candidates being lined up in the rear Guide will have candidate cross left hand over the right.
O., crossing left hand over right and grasping candidate’s left hand with his right: Your left hand is dedicated to CHARITY.
P.M.W., crossing left hand over right and grasping candidate’s right hand with his left: Your right hand to PROTECTION.
M.W. crosses left hand over right and grasps Overseer’s left hand with his right and Past Master Workman’s right hand with his left.
F.: And our HOPE strong and enduring in the prosperity and usefulness of our Order, let our watchword; ever be: 
All: CHARITY, HOPE AND PROTECTION.
 
ODE
Air: ‘Blessed Be the Tie That Binds’
United with hand clasping hand,
A welcome extending to you
By Charity, Hope and Protection we stand,
To these principles ever be true
Master Workman returns to station and seats lodge.
M.W.: No more solemn obligation can be given than that which you have just voluntarily assumed, and one which we have all taken. By this pledge you agree to be charitable toward those with whom you come in contact; to practice Fraternity, cultivate Hope and extend the influence of Protection Such commendable principles are worthy of our best efforts, and in order that you may more clearly understand them you will now make a pilgrimage, under the direction of our Guide, which will be emblematic of the pilgrimage of life. We trust the lessons taught you on this journey will’ more firmly impress upon your mind the aims and objects of The Ancient Order of United Workmen of Massachusetts.
Brother Guide, you will proceed with our friend upon this journey.

Guide closes hoodwinks if they are used, and conducts candidate around room one or more times according to space. As they proceed the Guide will say: My Friend, human life is uncertain and its pathway lies amid dangers we cannot foresee. When we look back upon the dangers we have safely passed we can face the future with courage undaunted.
At Overseer’s station chairs will be placed for Guide and candidate. When Guide and candidate reach Overseer’s station the Overseer will give one blow of the gavel.
O.: Who passes this way?
G.: Travelers on life’s journey.
O.: The way is long, travelers, ere you reach the goal. Be seated therefore and rest yourselves against the fatigues of the journey.
Guide and candidate will be seated. A Beggar slowly approaches. A song may be used by him as he comes in, which finishes before he reaches the Foreman’s station. This should be timed so that the Overseer will have an opportunity to say the following lines before Beggar reaches his station.
O.: Here comes an aged traveler. Evidently poor and friendless.
As Beggar is passing station: Stranger what seekest thou?
Beg., stopping and facing Overseer: Pity the sorrows of the poor and friendless. My journey through life is almost over. A little aid is all I ask to help me on my way.
O.: Let us give aid that the stranger may go on his way encouraged
Guide and Overseer place coins in Beggar’s hand. If candidate responds Beggar places hand on his shoulder, if not he addresses Overseer and Guide.
Beg.: Heaven bless you friends By your charity you. have lightened my burdens, and I go on my way encouraged. Farewell: and may prosperity crown your efforts
Beggar retires slowly, watched by Guide and Overseer. When he is some distance away the Guide will bring candidate in front of Overseer’s station and that officer will address him as follows: This scene my friend, was to illustrate the first great principle of our Order: CHARITY. It is one of the corner stones in our Temple of Fraternity. We consider it not only a privilege but a sacred duty for each to lend the other a helping hand in adversity and distress; to point out the pleasant paths of life; to share the blessings that are bestowed on His children by an All-wise Father, or to sympathize with them in their sorrows True Charity does not consist simply in alms-giving, but in its broader sense means the cultivation of a spirit of tolerance for the frailties of human nature; and when the members are called to the Celestial Lodge Above, teaches us to keep a lively recollection of their virtues and to bury all their imperfections beneath the mound that marks their last resting place. Let us so labor that our unselfish and kindly acts will gladden and bless our homes and loved ones, and their genial influence and example, like the waves of the ocean, will extend and broaden until they touch the threshold of every home.
May you ever remember the lesson of CHARITY, and apply it in its more liberal interpretation in your intercourse with the world at large.
Brother Guide, proceed with our friend upon your journey and may no evil befall you on the way.
Guide closes hoodwinks and conducts candidate around the hall. As they pass the Foreman’s station a member representing HOPE, with a small anchor, falls in be-lund and accompanies them. As they proceed the Guide will say: We are passing God’s Acre, within whose borders lie the remains of those who lived as you now live, but who have answered the summons of the Grim Reaper and taken their places in the silent city of the dead. Pause The way grows narrow: Let us quicken our steps that we may reach a haven of refuge ere night overtakes us. Quickens steps slightly.
Just before reaching Foreman’s station a member representing Death, armed with a sword, steps out and confronts candidate Pointing sword at his breast. Care must be taken not to get too close to candidate; paint of sword should be about three feet from candidate. As Death points sword he will exclaim: Halt! Whom have we here?
G.: Peaceful travelers seeking a passage through the valley.
Death: This is Death’s Valley, and you cannot pass the confines of my domain.
Hope, stepping in front of candidate and facing Death: Stand aside and let these travelers depart in peace.
Death: Who are you to make demands of Death?
Hope: I represent HOPE which is a divine attribute that will eventually overcome all obstacles, even triumph over Death itself.
Holding Anchor up to Death: Hope commands you Stand aside!
Death cringes from the Anchor and as Hope advances a few steps holding Anchor aloft Death retreats. Hope then returns to candidate and holds the Anchor out to him: Grasp this Anchor, which is the symbol of Hope, and I will conduct you safely through the perils of Death’s
Valley.
Candidate grasps anchor, and with the Guide is led by Hope to the Foreman’s station. He will then take anchor and retire or be seated at right or left of the station.
F., *: Who passes this way?
G.: Travelers on life’s journey, who with the aid of HOPE have escaped the dangers of Death’s Valley.
F.: My Friend, the experience you have just passed through is symbolic of the HOPE which springs eternal in the human breast. It is the second great principle of our Order, and is represented in our Emblem by the Anchor. which has ever been a symbol of Hope to the storm tossed mariner on life’s tempestuous sea. HOPE, sublime, is the divine gift of God to His children, and inspires in every heart renewed courage and a determination to fresh exertions in the World’s work for the good of humanity Hope in immortal life robs death of its terrors and leads us ever upward and onward toward the sun: crowned hills, to that city not made with hands, “Eternal in the Heavens”. When clouds lower and the road seems dark and drear, HOPE like a beacon light sends its message of cheer to brighten our pathway. You will soon stand upon the highest level of our Fraternal Home, and we trust this lesson will ever remain stamped upon the tablets of your memory May you go forth on life’s journey better equipped to do the work of our Fraternity because both heart and mind are imbued with the true spirit of HOPE.
Brother Guide, proceed with our friend upon your journey, and may you escape the dangers that lurk upon the highway.
Guide closes hoodwinks and resumes journey around the hall As they pass the Past Master Workman’s station a member representing PROTECTION, armed with a shield, falls in behind and accompanies them. As they proceed the Guide will say: We are now nearing the end of our journey. Pause. A storm is gathering in the West and the sky is overcast with dark clouds. Storm effects may be introduced here. The hour grows late. Pause. Let us make haste. Quickens steps.
Just before reaching the Past Master Workman’s station a member representing POVERTY, armed with a rough staff, steps out and raising staff threateningly halts candidate. The candidate should be about three feet away from Poverty.
Pov.: Halt! Whom have we here?
G.: Peaceful travelers on life’s journey, seeking safe pas sage through the valley.
Pov.: I am POVERTY AND DISTRESS, and you cannot pass the confines of my domain.
G.: Why do you seek to hold up peaceful travelers?
Pov.: This is the Valley of Despair, and none may escape who have failed to protect those dependent upon them.
Protec’n, stepping in front of candidate: These travelers are protected by The Ancient Order of United Workmen of Massachusetts. Behold the Shield, our emblem of PROTECTION! Raises shield. Under its broad shelter the families of its members are safe from your clutches Stand aside in the name of that PROTECTION we invoke!
Holding Shield in front of him Protection slowly forces Poverty back until he is out of the way The Guide then proceeds with candidate to the Past Master Workmans station.
P.M.W., *: Who passes this way so late.
G.: Travelers on life’s journey, who with the aid of our Shield of Protection have passed safely through the Valley of Despair.
P.M.W.: My Friend, the scene you have just witnessed and in which you took part, was intended to impress upon your mind the fate awaiting your loved ones if left without adequate provision for their welfare in case of your death.
Our Order regards a life of usefulness as a primary duty of every member, and it is therefore called THE ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN. Though of comparatively recent origin its foundation principles are as ancient as the World itself. The greatest of these principles is PROTECTION. It is the culmination of all fraternal activities, and is a bulwark of defense against the assaults of poverty and distress. The Creator of the Universe might have made man independent, but as dependence is one of the strongest bonds of society, men were made dependent on each other for protection, thereby enjoying better opportunities of ful-filling the duties of reciprocal love and friendship. Thus we have Societies, Communities, States and Nations, all bound together by strong ties of mutual interest,: the protection of the home. Our protection is the sunshine that dries the tears of grief, takes fear from the human heart, the grasp of poverty from the home, and bids the wide and startled eyes of orphanhood to no longer fear the darkening clouds of adversity. It awakens that benevolent instinct in our natures which imparts to the giver consolation, and instills in the recipient the most sacred gratitude of the soul. The carrying out of this worthy purpose and guarding it so that it may never fail is an important duty of every member. PROTECTION then, is our chief aim and object, as through protection of the home our worries are lessened, our energies are conserved, and the problem of life is short of its terrors. Be true to this principle and never, through any act of carelessness or willfulness on your part, allow this Protection to be taken from your home and loved ones. Brother Guide, proceed with our friend to the station of the Master Workman, there to receive final instructions.
Guide conducts candidate around hall to Master Workman’s station, where he will introduce him as follows: Master Workman, the traveler has returned.
M.W.: My Brother, I welcome your safe return from your journeying, and trust that the instructions you have received will bear good fruit. Poverty and distress are powerless to work their evil influences where the home is under the protecting shield of our Order. May these lessons sink deep into your heart, and may you journey along life’s pathway with CHARITY for all, the spirit of HOPE in your breast, and a determination to spread the doctrine of PROTECTION as exemplified by our Order, among all with whom you come in contact.
I will now instruct you in the secret work of the Order that you may prove yourself a member when visiting lodges other than your own.
The secret work consists of an alarm at the outer and inner doors, a semi-annual password; permanent password, salutation sign, voting sign; and means of recognition. The passwords are given only to members in good standing by the Master Workman, or by some one authorized by him to communicate them, and are always to be given in a whisper or at a low breath. Desiring to enter at lodge while it is in session you will give one rap or one pull of the bell, if there be one, at the outer door; but any alarm will be attended to. On hearing the alarm the Outside Watchman will open the door or wicket and obtain from you the semi-annual password of the current term, which will now be communicated to von by the Guide, he first receiving it from me. Guide gets word from M.W. and whispers it to candidate. This pass-word will admit you to the ante-room, where you will clothe yourself in proper regalia, advance to the inner or lodge room door and give three raps. This alarm will attract the attention of the Inside Watchman, who will open the wicket, when you will communicate to him in a whisper the permanent password. which is ... This password proving correct the Inside Watchman will admit you. You will then advance by right or left to the Altar, face the Master Workman and give the Salutation Sign, which is made as follows: Right hand by the side fingers extended, close the thumb in the palm of the hand, raise the arm and touch the center of the breast with the tips of the extended fingers, then drop the hand to the side The Master Workman will acknowledge your salutation by giving the same sign, you will then be seated. Should you desire to speak, to make or second a motion, you will rise, address the Master Workman, give the Salutation Sign and wait to be recognized, when you will have permission to speak. Should you desire to cross or recross the room while the lodge is in session von will advance to the Altar, face the Master Workman, give the Salutation Sign and pass on. No wait is made at the Altar for answer by the Master Workman. Care must be taken however, in crossing or re-crossing the room never to pass between the Altar and the station of the Master Workman except in initiation or installation ceremonies. Should you desire to retire before the lodge is closed you will advance to the Altar, face the Master Workman and give the Salutation Sign, the Master Workman will answer your salutation and the Inside Watchman will allow you to depart. This sign is never to be given until after the lodge has been declared open, nor after it has been declared closed, nor at public meetings. We have a Voting Sign which is used to decide all questions that may come before the lodge for action, and is made as follows: Close the thumb of the right hand in the palm thereof, raise the hand to the height of shoulder, back of the hand outward; then drop the hand.
Means of Recognition: Members visiting a lodge other than their own may prove themselves by giving the Mystic Word, which is “Assist”. The manner in which it is given and received will be exemplified by the Master Workman and Guide, the Master Workman acting as the challenging member.
To Guide: Brother Guide, what is the Mystic Word?
G., spelling word: A-S-S-I-S-T: Assist.
M.W.: What do the letters signify?
G.: A Safe Solvent Institution Saves Trouble.
M.W.: This means of recognition may also be used if you wish to make yourself known outside the lodge room or to satisfy yourself that some other person is a member. The challenging member will ask the questions and the person challenged will give the answers in accordance with the form we have just exemplified.
The use of the Gavel. The Gavel is an instrument of authority and in the hands of the Master Workman controls the movements of the members. One rap (*) calls the lodge to order or seats it when standing; two raps (**) call up the officers; three raps (***) call up the entire lodge; one rap (*) the lodge will be seated.
M.W.: I now take pleasure in presenting you with this Emblem, the Anchor and Shield. In ancient times the shield was used as a means of defence against the attacks of an enemy, and is therefore emblematic of PROTECTION. It rests upon the Anchor which symbolizes HOPE. This is to remind us that, as the Anchor is embedded in the firm ground of fraternal helpfulness, over all is the Shield of our PROTECTION, which secures the future comfort of our loved ones through the medium of THE ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN OF MASSACHUSETTS. As a constant reminder of your membership in and your duty to the Order, wear this Emblem with honor to yourself and credit to the principles it represents.
I present you with a copy of our laws for your information and future guidance; also an application blank, which we trust you will have signed by some friend and present at the next meeting of the lodge in order that they also may enjoy that Protection which is now yours. Down through the ages mankind has endeavored to develop a higher type of civilization, and in the accomplishment of this worthy purpose the underlying principles of fraternalism have ever been an important factor. To live uprightly, deal justly and promote harmony and friendliness with our neighbors is one of the fundamentals of the true fraternalist. It is the great lesson taught us in the Golden Rule of Life: “As ye would that others should do unto you do ye even so unto them”. This sacred injunction is upon every member, and only by observing this rule in all its fullness can we hope to attain those high ideals set forth by the great Leader of all mankind. Let us so live that when our summons comes to pass from time to eternity, our ministering angels will waft us in spirit to that haven of rest and peace, among the “Mansions of the Blessed,” where our loved ones gone before will stand with outstretched arms to give us welcome.
Pause. And now in behalf of this lodge and the Order I extend to you a hearty and fraternal greeting. Brother Guide, you will conduct this brother to the Altar where you will introduce him to the members present; after which you will conduct him to the desk of the Recorder, there to complete his membership.
Guide escorts candidate to Altar, taking position a few paces from same, and introduces candidate as follows: Sisters and Brothers, I take pleasure in introducing to you Brother ... The candidate as name is mentioned will step forward and give the Salutation Sign. If there is more than one candidate the same rule will apply; each candidate when introduced will step forward and salute, then step back to place. When the introduction is finished the Guide will conduct candidate to desk of the Recorder to complete membership by signing application for certificate, after which the Guide will see that candidate is provided with a seat. The Guide must never leave a candidate alone on the floor during the initiation, nor until final completion of membership.
Note: If hoodwinks are used they are kept closed until the candidate is first brought to the Overseer’s station when they are opened and remain so until after the Overseer’s lecture. On leaving the station they are closed until Death appears when they are opened and remain so until after the Foreman’s charge. On leaving that station the hoodwinks are closed until Poverty appears, when they are opened and remain open during the rest of the ceremony, or may be removed altogether on reaching the Past Master Workman’s station.