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Loyal Order of
Moose - LOOM
As seen in the photo above, the Moose no
longer have an office of Dictator and the jewel, (this one nicely done in gold fill with a
diamond chip for the Moose eye) is in fairly high demand. Moose teeth are not as
common as Elk’s teeth for jewelry and there is not nearly the demand. The one on the
far right is the most common design with a tooth that appears to have been ground down,
front and back. This may have started out as an elk’s tooth or possibly the
actual moose tooth was too large and ugly for mounting as it was. The center tooth is
likely an actual moose tooth. The "tooth" on the far left is actually made of
celluloid, an early plastic. Though it is marked "LOOM", the "tooth"
is actually modeled after an elk’s tooth.
History of the Moose
The Moose was founded by Dr. John
Henry Wilson and a group of his friends in 1888 in Louisville, Kentucky, as a
social and drinking club to rival the Elks. While it remains essentially
an American club, it changed its name to Moose International in 1991. The
basic unit is the Lodge, which follows the pattern established by Masons: the
Moose have club room or rooms, plus a Lodge room with an altar. The Moose
confer an initiatory degree, and after six months membership, the member becomes
eligible for the second degree, Moose Legion. A third degree or Fellowship
Degree is awarded for service to the fraternity. The fourth and highest
degree, that of Pilgrim, is honorific and is awarded to few Moose. The
Moose make community service a strong component of their activities.
In 1989, the Loyal
Order of Moose, under the direction of Moose Director General Paul J.
O'Hollaren, changed the official regalia of the Moose Fraternity. Gone were the
ceremonial robes, collars and distinctive tasselled headgear called "Tah."
The Order used colors to reflect the hierarchical achievements of its members:
those who reached the level of Pilgrim Degree of Merit were distinguished by
gold blazers with insignia patch, lapel pin, black gabardine trousers and
striped necktie; blue jackets adorned those at the Fellowship Degree, with lapel
pin and striped tie; and maroon, with lapel pin and striped necktie for those
ranked as Moose Legionnaires.
These
members, of the Loyal Order of Moose and the Women of the Moose, over 1.8
million members strong (2003), make up the two
components of the fraternal organization known as Moose International.
Their membership is held in any one of 2,100 Lodges and 1,600 Chapters
throughout the United States, Canada, Great Britain and Bermuda.
Moose International headquarters is approximately 38 miles west of Chicago at Mooseheart,
Illinois. Men's Lodges and the Ladies Chapters across the
fraternity contribute to Moose-sponsored programs such as Mooseheart, the 1,200 - acre
Illinois home and school for children in need. Moosehaven, a retirement
home for Moose and their wives, was founded in 1922 on the banks of the St.
John's River at Orange Park, 14 miles south of Jacksonville, Florida.
There are more than 30 buildings on about 60 acres of land, with more than a
third of a mile of river frontage. "Every resident whose physical
condition will permit is assigned to some daily duty usually not to exceed three
hours," and everyone receives a monthly allowance. Those no longer able to
work are called "Sunshiners." Their job is to sit in rocking chairs in the
sun, and smile at passers-by. There is a well-equipped 150 bed hospital,
in addition to many other facilities.
Aside from Mooseheart and
Moosehaven, Moose Lodges also support a number of health oriented charities,
such as the March of Dimes, Muscular Dystrophy, Heart Fund, Cancer Crusade,
Cerebral Palsy, and much more. Many Lodges are also active in highway
safety, Boys and Girl Scouting, civil defense cooperation and local community
activities of all kinds.
Moose Legion Trivia
[1] The Moose Legion has been known as: Mooseheart Legions of
the World, Legion of the Moose and Moose Legion.
[2] The Moose Legion was created in 1913, first by the delegates of the Moose
Convention held in Cincinnati, Ohio in June, with the final approval granted by
the Supreme Council at their November 1913 meeting.
[3] From 1913 until 1931, members of the women's organization were part of the
Moose Legion.
[4] The first regalia of the Moose Legion was the Fez, similar in style to the
Fez worn by Masonic Shriners, and was later changed to the Tah, which became
history in 1992.
[5] The initial purpose of the Moose Legion was to raise a one million dollar
Endowment Fund.
[6] The Moose Legion has always been known as the "Degree of Service".
[7] Various titles associated with the Director of the Moose Legion have been:
Grand Regent, Grand Recorder, Grand Herder and Director.
[8] Various titles associated with the highest office in the Moose Legion have
been: Grand Commander, Grand Governor, Grand North Moose and International
President.
[9] In the past, both the Moose Legion and Women of the Moose have used the
words 'Faith', 'Hope' and 'Charity' in their Rituals, and until 1992 the
official emblems were almost identical, utilizing the red heart and pyramid.
[10] For a five year period, the Headquarters of the Moose Legion was located in
Washington, DC.
[11] The Moose Legion financed the initial dairy herd at Mooseheart.
[12] The Moose Legion financed the construction of and addition to the Museum of
Moose History on the Mooseheart campus.
[13] The Moose Legion financed the construction of the metric track at the
Mooseheart Stadium.
[14] The Moose Legion finances the annual cost of operations for Mooseheart's
Camp Ross.
[15] Quarterly meetings of the Moose Legion have been known as: Meeting,
Conclave, Jamboree, Frolic, Ceremonial and Celebration.
[16] The highest office in a Moose Legion has been known as: Great North Moose,
North Moose and President.
[17] The two words which were included on the official Moose Legion emblem until
1992 were: "Alces Machlis". (Alces, meaning, 'large wild beast'-such as moose
and Machlis, meaning 'leader'.)
Why The
"Moose?"
Why
the Moose? That's a question that really consists of two parts: First, why was
this particular animal chosen to represent a humanitarian fraternal order, and
secondly, why would a person or a family seek to become a member of it.
The first answer is fairly straightforward: The Moose is a large, powerful
animal, but one which is a protector not a predator. We think it was perhaps
said best in our former enrollment ceremony:
"He takes only what he needs, nothing more . . . yet for his great size and
strength he lives in peace with other creatures. The moose uses his size and
power not to dominate but to protect, not to spoil but to preserve. He is a
fierce protector, a loyal companion, and a generous provider who brings comfort
and security to those within his defending circle."
It is these characteristics of the moose in the wild–the protective instinct for
its young, and for the old and infirm in its herd–that the human members of the
Moose fraternity have, for decades, modeled, in the establishment and operation
of Mooseheart, the organization's community and school for children and teens in
need; and Moosehaven, the retirement community for Moose men and women; as well
as in service to its communities.
As for the second question–why would people seek membership? . . .
Fellowship and Fun for Members
Approximately 1.6 million men and women have found reasons to join the Family
Fraternity and enjoy all the benefits a Lodge has to offer. Because of the Moose
Lodges’ not-for-profit status, its services can be offered to members for very
reasonable prices. Here are just a few reasons why membership in the Moose might
benefit you:
Do you and your spouse have dinner out a time or two per month? Or, would you
like to, but don’t feel you can afford it? Take a look at a local Lodge. Nearly
every Lodge offers frequent dinners at prices much less than you’d pay at any
local, sit-down restaurant.
If you’re the parent or guardian of school-age children, do you ever stop in an
arcade at the local mall to let them enjoy some video games or pinball machines?
We know of many Moose Lodges where the kids can play the very same games for one
quarter instead of two, and some Lodges where - as often as once or twice a week
- the games are free!
Do you enjoy golf, bowling, billiards, or darts, but find that it’s getting a
little expensive to test your skills at the local course, hall or bowling alley?
Again, Moose membership offers many opportunities to join in these activities
for less money than at commercial establishments.
Where do you and your friends meet to socialize and spend time together? Are
most places you meet overcrowded and overpriced? Moose Lodges provide a hub for
social interaction, a place for friends and fellowship.
These are just a few examples, and there are many more. In fact, the emphasis of
such activities sparked the beginning of the Moose Family Center, changing from
the old traditional facility centered around male-only socializing to a full
program of Family Activities planned for the Lodge.
Sports
Membership provides the opportunity to participate in several international
sports programs hosted by Lodges and Chapters throughout the fraternity.
Tournaments and leagues for bowling, mixed bowling, golf, darts, softball,
horseshoes and pool are organized by Moose International. With approximately
500,000 members participating in member sports programs last year, Moose sports
promote recreational and social opportunities through competitive participation.
While the leagues and tournaments are extremely competitive, Moose sports are
all about fun. They offer a chance to meet new people and interact with fellow
Moose members. By recognizing top performers and providing local leagues and
tournaments, Moose sports programs offer an entirely different member benefit
for those who choose to participate.
Click the
SPORTS PROGRAMS button to see our International Sports Programs
For more
information about how membership in the Family Fraternity may benefit you,
contact a Lodge or Chapter near you.
For more information on the Loyal order of Moose, contact their site at:
http://www.mooseintl.org
The
Women of the Moose
The
Women of the Moose,
established in 1913, is a unit of Moose International, Inc. They are a
private organization open only to members and their qualified quests.
Membership is by invitation only. Women, over the age of twenty-one, who are
interested in joining, can make application for membership into any one of over
1600 local Chapters throughout the United States and Canada.
The Women of the Moose provides social, sports, family and community service
opportunities in a fraternal setting. Members of the Women of the Moose dedicate
many volunteer hours to those in need, not only in their own Chapter and Lodges,
but more importantly, to those in the community. Other programs which are
proudly supported by the Women of the Moose include Scouting, drug awareness,
crime prevention, adopt a highway, adopt a park, youth and adult sports leagues,
scholarship programs, toys for needy children, feeding the hungry and disaster
relief efforts.
The Women of the Moose also provide assistance to countless national charities
such as MDA, Arthritis Foundation, American Cancer and Heart Associations and
veterans organizations to name just a few. The two main objectives of the Women
of the Moose are Mooseheart and Moosehaven. The maintenance and financial
support of these two communities comes almost solely from the men and women of
the Moose Fraternity. Mooseheart, our "Child City" is located in the Fox
River Valley, west of Chicago Illinois. It is a 1,200 acre campus where children
in need are housed, educated and cared for in a loving home environment and are
raised by professionally trained family teachers.
Moosehaven, our "City of Contentment" is located in Orange Park, Florida.
This is where the Moose Fraternity provides for the cares and needs of our
senior members. Currently, a health care facility, called The Life Care
Center, is being built which will provide state of the art medical care to
Moosehaven residents.
Each Women of the Moose Chapter is guided by a six member volunteer Board of
Officers elected by the membership. Monthly meetings include Chapter Night where
new candidates are enrolled, Business Meetings where the Chapter members approve
plans for events, ballot on new members and vote on finances of the Chapter, and
Committee Meetings when plans for future projects and events are discussed.
Members of the Chapter are encouraged to attend these meetings. The Chapter
Board of Officers meets once a month to remit required paperwork and to form
proposals for projects and events that are voted on by Chapter members.
The Chapter Board of Officers works closely with the Board of Officers of the
Loyal Order of Moose to provide family, social and fund raising opportunities.
The rules and guidelines for the Women of the Moose are established at
International Headquarters under the leadership of Grand Chancellor Tonie Ewoldt.
Four Directors, also based at International Headquarters, report to the Grand
Chancellor and administer Women of the Moose functions in Finance, Chapter
Development, Sports and Ritual, and Membership Training.
Some of the
famous men who are (or were) Moose members
(Lodge affiliations listed as known; *=deceased)
President Theodore Roosevelt*
President Warren G. Harding*
(Galion, OH Lodge 889)
President Franklin D. Roosevelt*
(New York City Lodge 15)
President Harry S. Truman*
(Life Member)
Entertainer Danny Thomas*
(Indianapolis, IN Lodge 17)
Oscar-Winning Actor James Stewart*
(Indiana, PA Lodge 174)
Boxer Gene Tunney*
(Cincinnati, OH Lodge 2)
Boxer Rocky Marciano*
Chief Justice Earl Warren*
(Oakland, CA Lodge 324; holder of the Pilgrim Degree of Merit, the highest
degree in the Moose Fraternity)
Baseball Manager Cal Ripken Sr.*
(Aberdeen, MD Lodge 1450)
U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd
(Beckley, WV Lodge 1606)
Astronaut Eugene Cernan
(Bellwood, IL Lodge 777)
Oscar-Winning Actor Ernest Borgnine
(Junction City, OR Lodge 2238)
Baseball Player Bill "Moose" Skowron
(River Park, IL Lodge 2578)
Golfer Arnold Palmer
(Latrobe, PA Lodge 95)
Running Back Gale Sayers
(Elkhart, IN Lodge 599)
Submitted
by Brother
Denis P. McGowan who is a dedicated fraternalist and student of the history of
American fraternal organizations.
Loyal Order of the Moose
Initiation
Ritual
Opening Ceremony
All persons, except candidates present
for enrollment and qualified family members in attendance at an Enrollment
ceremony, will show their official good standing membership card to the
Sergeant-at-Arms upon entry into the Lodge room. The Sergeant-at-Arms should
designate an assistant to check cards of all who have previously entered. Any
questions should be reported to the Governor. If a class is to be enrolled,
candidates will be seated in the designated area and the ritual staff will be
seated as directed.
GOVERNOR, gives one rap:
Under authority granted by the Supreme Lodge, … Lodge … Loyal
Order of Moose will come to order. Officers will assume their respective
stations. The inner door will be closed until otherwise directed. Brother Inner
Guard, pause while Inner Guard rises are
all present entitled to remain?
Inner Guard will face the Governor,
report and be seated.
INNER GUARD:
Brother Governor, they are.
GOVERNOR:
Brother Administrator, call the roll of officers.
The Administrator rises to call the
roll of officers. Each officer will respond if in attendance. If not, the
Administrator will note his absence. If any officer is absent, the Governor will
make protempore appointments.
ADMINISTRATOR:
The roll has been called.
GOVERNOR, gives two raps:
The Prelate will open the Bible and deliver the opening
prayer.
Prelate goes to position, faces the
Altar; and opens the Bible in a dignified manner.
PRELATE:
This is the Holy Bible, our inspiration and our guide.
Prelate steps back one step into
position to deliver prayer.
PRELATE:
Let us fold our arms and bow our heads.
Prelate slowly raises his head and
delivers his prayer.
PRELATE:
Supreme Being, creator of the universe and Father of all mankind, we give You
thanks for our fraternal brotherhood and the great precepts it embodies. Keep us
diligent and mindful of our commitments to You, our children, our senior
members, our families, and our communities. Give us a spirit of peace, harmony
and progress as we carry on these precepts in our Lodge, and in our lives.
Remind us each day that the greatest good we can do is to serve You through
service to our fellow man Amen.
Prelate returns to his station.
GOVERNOR (U.S. Lodges):
I present the flag of our country turns to Flag.
Place your right hand over your heart and join with me in the Pledge of
Allegiance.
“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.”
CANADIAN GOVERNOR’S:
Brothers, salute the flag. You will join with me in singing “O Canada”
GOVERNOR: Brothers, I
welcome you and declare Lodge … officially opened.
Gives one rap and seats Lodge.
GOVERNOR:
Brother Administrator, do we have any new applications for
membership or any applications for re-enrollment?
ADMINISTRATOR:
Yes Brother Governor we do. We have … new applications for membership and …
applications for re-enrollment.
GOVERNOR:
Has the investigating committee reported favorably on all these applications?
INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN:
Yes Brother Governor we have.
GOVERNOR:
Brother Administrator, please read the names of the applicants and their
sponsors.
ADMINISTRATOR reads names of all
applicants and names of sponsors.
GOVERNOR:
We will proceed to vote by the usual voting sign of the Order, unless there is a
request to vote by secret ballot.
A motion can be made from the floor to
have a paper ballot instead of the hand vote, or the Governor can also recommend
a paper ballot. Paper ballots shall be available at all times. If a paper ballot
is used, the Governor and the Jr. Governor shall serve as the election
committee.
GOVERNOR: All
those in favor of accepting these applications for membership will vote by using
the voting sign of he Order.
GOVERNOR: Those
opposed?
GOVERNOR:
The vote is favorable, and these applicants have been accepted.
If vote is not favorable, additional votes should be taken by
dividing applicants until each individual has been accepted or rejected.
Enrollment Ceremony
If possible a microphone should be in
position at the Governor’s station. A suspended microphone is preferred. All
ritualists are instructed to use microphones if available for a class enrollment.
GOVERNOR, gives one rap with the gavel:
Brother Administrator, have the candidates seated
before me met all the requirements for membership in our Order?
If any requirement has not been met, it
must be addressed before the Ceremony begins.
ADMINISTRATOR:
Brother Governor, they have.
GOVERNOR:
We are proud to be enrolling you in the Loyal Order of Moose. Please join us in
viewing a video presentatim about our Fraternity, which will be followed by our
enrollment ceremony. The Ritual Staff will now take their assigned positions.
Show Enrollment Video and proceed with
Enrollment Ceremony.
RITUAL GOVERNOR, rises and raps gavel
once. Referring to the just completed video: By
enrolling in the Moose Fraternity, you are about to leave those footprints in
many ways, and in many lives. This includes the members of your family, the
members of your new Lodge, and, as you have just seen, many persons you may
never even meet. Since you have met all the requirements for membership in our
Order, I would like to invite you to join us in one of our fraternity’s most
solemn moments: the Enrollment Ceremony of the Loyal Order of Moose. The staff
telling the story of the Moose is from Lodge ... Listen carefully to the message
each member will bring to you.
I ask you to please refrain from smoking and, unless
otherwise instructed, remain seated. You will now be given the opportunity to
learn and if you are so willing — to embrace the noble principles upon which
this proud family fraternity is built. I ask you to ponder them in both mind and
heart, for if you choose to join with us, these principles will bind us together
forever, in a life of service to others.
Listen as the Sergeant-At-Arms helps you to begin your
journey.
Sergeant-at-Arms rises as Governor is
being seated and advances.
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS:
When you receive your Moose membership card it will be only inches high, but
miles wide. I say this because it opens up a whole new world of privileges for
you and your family.
First, there are the many privileges you will have in your
Lodge. Time after time, week after week, you can participate in recreational
events tailored to your personal tastes, and those of your family, or other
qualified guests. Expect this feeling of fun and fellowship to be a
life-changing experience.
Secondly, there are the privileges that extend beyond your
Lodge. These include special opportunities to participate in local, regional,
and national programs that not only help others, but will allow your family to
grow closer together as well.
Another privilege of membership, is that you will now be able
to invite your associates into this great fraternity.
When we talk membership, we’re also talking about the Women
of the Moose. For many successful years, your membership in the Moose has meant
a special opportunity for the women in your family to also participate in this
dynamic International Order.
Carry and show your membership card proudly, as it is one of
the most valuable cards in your possession, one that continues to pay you
dividends year after year.
Our Orator will now explain some of these dividends to you.
Sergeant-at-Arms returns to his chair,
turns left and is seated. Orator rises and advances Sergeant-at-Arms returns to
chair.
ORATOR:
When you are thinking about your Moose membership, think of all the sports and
family activities the Moose has available. What’s your choice, cards... golf...
bowling... pool... darts... teen nights... picnics... or simply cheering your
team from the stands? They’re all waiting for you. So are such pleasures as the
Friday or Saturday night dinners, the annual holiday festivals, plus all the
special family events in between.
The M in “Moose” stands for “more.” More sporting and family
opportunities in which to participate, and to share your interests with others.
To put that another way: wherever you find fun, you’ll find the Moose. Fun that
warms the heart and links our lives.
What is essential to remember is that this family fraternity
is and always has been a private organization, whose privileges belong only to
its members. Private organizations can retain their protected and tax-free
status only so long as their members adhere to this requirement. Family and
other qualified guests are welcome, but only when accompanied by the member and
his membership card.
As you reach out and take the oath, you reach out to an
entire network of fun, friendship, and obligation. You and your family will soon
be saying, “This is the best decision we ever made.”
Orator returns to his chair and is
seated Prelate rises and advances as Orator returns to chair.
PRELATE:
As you saw on the screen, there are two sides to the Moose story: the receiving
and the giving. While the “receiving” is good, the “giving” is even better.
Throughout its long honored history, the Moose Fraternity has
always focused on giving something back. It is altogether proper that you should
know that service is an important part of this story. That means members giving
of their time and effort to make their communities better places in which to
live.
Is it a neighborhood in need... a family in crisis.., a
threat to health... or an educational opportunity for those without means9
Wherever and whenever the need, the Moose is there to enrich the “circle
of life.”
As you step forward, you step into a noble family fraternity
where “coni.mitment and service stand on a par with “fun and fellowship”. This
is what helps make the Moose so unique, and the path your footprints take so
important.
While we support our communities, we aren’t forgetting our
children. Listen while the Junior Governor shares one of our finest achievements
with you.
Prelate returns to his chair and is
seated. Jr. Governor rises and advances as Prelate returns to his station.
JUNIOR GOVERNOR:
There is nothing in the world as sweet as youth, and nothing in our fraternity
as caring as the child city we call Mooseheart. Dedicated to providing a home
for children in need, Mooseheart is located 40 miles west of Chicago. This
self-contained “child city” has stood like a beacon of hope since its founding
in 1913. It is a model community populated with loving teachers and mentors, who
stand strong along every step of a developing child’s pathway.
Mooseheart. Call it love.., call it security.., call it a
heartwarming chance to turn tragedies into triumphs. Whatever you call it,
Mooseheart is one of the most enduring contributions this fraternity makes to
society. And now we ask you to help us keep our dream alive, the dream that says
every child without a family deserves to have one. Since opening its doors,
thousands of children have called Mooseheart home.
The operating cost for our 1,200 acre campus, the facilities,
the staff, and its many programs has partially been met by our annual membership
fees. Members also have an opportunity to give to the Mooseheart-Moosehaven
Endowment Fund, and give they have, with love and generosity. Later, when you
are asked to take the oath, you too will have this chance to help nourish our
dream, and provide the dollars to make that dream come true. It is where your
mark will be felt in the lives of the young.
Our nine o’clock ceremony gives us an opportunity to reflect
more deeply upon the value of Mooseheart. The Governor will now lead us in the
nine o’clock ceremony.
Jr. Governor returns to his station and remains
standing. Governor rises as Jr. Governor leaves position
GOVERNOR, gives two raps as Jr.
Governor turns at chair: Everyone will please
rise. It is now nine o clock. At this lime the little children at Mooseheart
kneel at their beds to say their evening prayers. Let us face toward Mooseheart,
fold our arms, bow our heads and join them in silent prayer.
The lights are turned low and chimes
sound slowly nine times. After the ninth stroke the Governor continues.
Repeat after me: Let the little children come to me..
repeat do not keep them away..
repeat
for they are like the kingdom of Heaven..
repeat God bless Mooseheart...
repeat Amen.
repeat
GOVERNOR:
Everyone will please face the Altar. Lights are
turned up and Governor gives one rap Please be seated.
There is another inspired venture of your fraternity, and the
Past Governor will now share part of that story with you.
Past Governor rises and advances as
Governor is being seated.
PAST GOVERNOR:
If youth is to be cherished, then age is to be honored. Located in the warm
Florida sunshine, Moosehaven is a complete community for our senior members both
men and women Moosehaven opened its doors in 1922 to a special world of comfort
and convenience, designed especially for those members who seek a sanctuary from
the cares and burdens age sometimes imposes on those young of mind, but in need
of a helping hand.
Moosehaven — set in a paradise environment just outside of
Jacksonville, Florida — illustrates that this fraternity not only cherishes its
young, but honors its seniors. As you enter our fraternity’s ranks, you not only
are helping to keep Moosehaven’s lights burning bnghtly, but you are warming our
residents hearts as well
Through your membership, if you or your family ever have a
future need, you are now able to request the benefits and blessings of both
Mooseheart and Moosehaven. These extra benefits of membership are some of the
most important dividends you will enjoy in this Fraternity. Always keep your
dues current, so you and your family are never without this valuable protection.
As you can see, the Loyal Order of Moose puts a priority on
caring The contributions made by all of us to the Mooseheart/Moosehaven
Endowment Fund, enable us to provide our Moosehaven residents with the life they
so richly deserve. What nobler commitment can there be?
Past Governor returns to station and is
seated. Governor rises and advances as Past Governor returns to station.
GOVERNOR:
Earlier, we spoke of the privileges of membership and the private policy. These
regulations are a small price to pay for the legal protections we have always
enjoyed. In stepping forward today, you are asked to faithfully abide by this
principle, and display your membership card when entering a Moose Lodge.
Now I ask if each of you believe in the purposes of the Order
we have been describing, and if you sincerely desire to join with us as
Brothers? If so, please answer “I do.”
Give your full attention to the obligation you are about to
receive. Once taken, it shall bind you to us, and us to you, for all time:
In the presence of the Supreme Being and those gathered here,
I pledge that I will obey the laws of the Loyal Order of Moose, and the By-laws
of the Lodge of which I am to become a member.
I will propose for membership in this Order only those of
high personal character, and never oppose a qualified applicant without just
cause.
I will bring my concerns to the leadership of this Order, as
provided by our laws, before appealing to any Civil Authority.
I will cherish and support with my energy and substance, our
youngsters at Mooseheart, and our seniors at Moosehaven.
Always remember, there is unity in strength, for a burden
heavy to one is borne lightly by many.
The candidates will please rise.
pause Place your left hand over your heart, raise your right hand and
repeat after me, using your name where I use mine.
I, …, —freely and without reservation accept the honor — and
obligation of membership in the Loyal Order of Moose. I pledge my service to my
Brothers, and to all members of this Order — this obligation — will bind me for
all times.
You may lower your hands. By virtue of the authority given to
me by this Lodge, I now declare each of you a member of the Moose Fraternity.
Welcome, Brothers! On behalf of this Lodge, we are honored that you have joined
with us in this most noble Order. Everyone will please rise. The Prelate will
now lead us in prayer.
Governor moves to and faces Altar.
Prelate rises and advances as Governor moves to Altar.
PRELATE:
Let us fold our arms and bow our heads. Almighty Father, who knows the hearts
and winds of all His people, help each of us to accept and continue the oath of
Moose allegiance. We ask You to hold us together in Your aims as we commit our
lives to fraternity, fellowship, and service. We also ask You to bless
Mooseheart and Moosehaven, so they will always be there for those in need. Amen.
Prelate returns to his station and
remains standing.
GOVERNOR:
Everyone please be seated. Pause until everyone is
seated. Congratulations. With this ceremony, we have become as one.
One in spirit..., one in purpose... and on in commitment.
As new members of our Order, you are charged with two
essential obligations. The first is to protect those within our Order. This
includes your fellow members, your families, and your fraternity itself, which
includes the work of Mooseheart and Moosehaven. Secondly, there is the
obligation to strengthen our membership. This calls for your best efforts to
encourage those qualified friends, relatives, and associates to join with us By
sponsoring them into our Order you will not only help us grow, but you will be
sharing all the benefits and privileges of this Order with others.
We wish to thank you for your participation, and your
attention. This ceremony will conclude as the Ritual Staff vacate their
positions.
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