the Star for further instruction.
The candidate is conducted around Esther's chair, leaving the chair
to the right across the Star, leaving the Altar to the left, around
Adah's chair to Martha for instruction.
During the march there should be vocal or instrumental music, or the
Worthy Patron may recite the following:
_W. P._ "And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in
the court, that she obtained favor in his sight; and the king held out
to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near,
and touched the top of the sceptre."
"Then said the king unto her, 'What wilt thou, Queen Esther? and what is
thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.'"
_Cond._ Sister Martha.
Martha rises and takes her position at the _left_ of her chair.
_Martha._ Sister Conductress.
_Cond._ I present this sister to be instructed in the sublime virtue of
a trustful faith, in the hour of trial, and hope of immortal life, as
illustrated in the history of Martha.
_Martha._ The history of Martha is that of a young woman oppressed with
grief at the loss of an only brother.
The family, consisting of Martha, and Mary, and their brother Lazarus,
were residents of Bethany. They were known among the people of the
country as followers of Christ. During the absence of Jesus, Lazarus was
taken ill, and in a short time died. At the close of the fourth day,
intelligence reached them that Jesus was returning to Bethany. Martha
hastened to meet him, raising her hands imploringly towards his face,
looking upward with suppressed emotion, cried aloud, "Lord if thou hadst
been here, my brother had not died. But I know that even now, whatsoever
thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee."
"Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again."
"Martha saith unto him, 'I know that he shall rise again in the
resurrection at the last day.'"
"Jesus saith unto her, I am the Resurrection and the Life, he that
believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live, and whosoever
liveth and believeth in me, shall never die. Believest thou this?" Here
is the record of her unfaltering trust; here the record of her hope,
inspired by the teachings of Jesus, that beyond the grave, the loved
ones gone before are waiting to welcome us to our eternal home.
In the measureless realm of time, how brief is our earthly life; yet how
momentous and eternal its issues! Life's experiences, coming thick and
fast, are the soul's appointed means of growth. To-day, we build our
castles, to-morrow, fickle fortune snatches from hope the promised joy.
To-day, prosperity or the presence of loved ones fills our cup with joy;
to-morrow, adversity, or sore bereavement casts us into the valley of
sorrow.
My sister, may you have the trustful faith of Martha; it will lighten
the burden of sorrow, and incline you to the voice of duty.
The sign of this degree is given by--
Repeat from secret work. (12.)
The pass. (13.)
The color appropriate to this degree is green; an emblem of nature's
life and beauty, and a symbol of Martha's trustful faith and hope of
immortality.
The Broken Column is an expressive emblem of the uncertainty of human
life.
Sister Conductress, you will present this sister at the fifth point of
the Star for further instruction.
The candidate is conducted around Martha's chair, leaving the chair
to the right, then across the Star leaving the Altar to the left,
around Ruth's chair to Electa for instruction.
During the march there should be vocal or instrumental music, or the
Worthy Patron may recite the following:
_W. P._ "Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here
my brother had not died."
"But I know that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will
give it thee."
"Jesus saith unto her, thy brother shall rise again."
"Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the
resurrection at the last day."
"Jesus saith unto her, I am the resurrection and the life, he that
believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall ye live."
"And whosoever liveth, and believeth in me, shall never die."
_Cond._ Sister Electa.
Electa arises and takes her position at the _left_ of her chair.
_Electa._ Sister Conductress.
_Cond._ I present this sister to be instructed in the commendable virtue
of heroic endurance of the wrongs of persecution, when demanded in
defense of Truth, as illustrated in the lesson of Electa.
_Electa._ The second epistle of John is addressed to "the _elect_ lady
and her children." Tradition delineates her as a lady who lived in the
days of St. John the Evangelist. Her charity, benevolence, and generous
hospitality to the poor entitled her to great distinction.
Having been reared a Pagan and afterwards becoming a convert to the
Christian religion, she was subjected to severe trials and the most
bitter persecution. An edict was issued by the Roman emperor that all
followers of the Christ should renounce their faith under penalty of
death. She was visited by a band of soldiers, one of whom handed her the
cross, with a command to trample it under foot. Electa, looking him
steadily in the face, received the cross--precious emblem of her
Saviour's blood--pressed it with ardor to her bosom, and cast her eyes
upward as a testimony of her love and loyalty to her Christian faith. As
Electa I represent this historical heroine, and commend to you the
sublime virtue she exemplified through her life, "that we love one
another." You may not be called upon to suffer in the same degree from
the hand of persecution--but there is always need of loyalty to Truth,
and, alas, there is too often persecution.
My sister, be loyal to your convictions of truth, and murmur not at
another's loyalty. Let truth be spoken, and let it shine through your
life. If persecution comes, bear it with heroic endurance, and despair
not of the final triumph of Truth.
The sign of this degree is given by--
Repeat from secret work. (15.)
The pass. (16.)
The color appropriate to this degree is red: a symbol of that fervency
which should actuate all who are engaged in the service of Truth.
The cup is an emblem of charity and hospitality, and teaches us to
extend generous aid to the victims of poverty and distress.
Sister Conductress, you will present this sister to the Worthy Patron
for further instruction.
The candidate is conducted around Electa's chair, leaving the chair
to the right, then across the Star, leaving the Altar to the left,
around Esther's chair, leaving the labyrinth between Adah and
Electa, then to the right once around the Altar, outside the Star to
the Worthy Patron.
During the march there should be vocal or instrumental music, or the
Worthy Patron may recite the following:
_W. P._ "Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father."
"And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new
commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning,
that we love one another."
"And this is love, that we walk after His commandments."
"By this we know that we walk in the truth. Behold what manner of
love the Father hath bestowed upon us."
"That we should be called the children of God. That our joy may be
full."
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God, and every one
that loveth and knoweth God, is born of God."
"Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he first loved us.
If God so loved us, we ought also to love one another."
_Cond._ Worthy Patron, I present to you this sister, who has passed
through the labyrinth of our Star, and been instructed in those sublime
virtues exemplified by the heroines of our Order.
_W. P._ We hail with pleasure your coming among us. The work of our
Order is worthy of our earnest labor; and we shall rejoice to find you
excelling in zeal our most devoted members. You will now give attention
to the address of the Worthy Matron.
_W. M._ My sister, the Eastern Star is closely related to the Masonic
fraternity; and although related to it by the dearest ties, yet it is no
part of that ancient institution.
Here the wives, daughters, mothers, widows, and sisters of Masons, may
become co-laborers with the great Brotherhood in the service of
humanity.
By the laws of that ancient Order, women are not eligible to its
degrees. But woman's heart beats responsive to the same inspiration that
prompts man to noble deeds.
She hears the cry of the orphan, the call of want, and the piteous wail
of sorrow. She honors the Brotherhood for its noble work, and seeks
through the Eastern Star, to be a co-worker with the Masonic brother; to
pay the tribute of her love and labor at the same shrine, and be able to
make herself known, throughout the domain of Masonry, as being entitled
to its protection.
Into this field of labor, you have now entered. You have taken the
solemn Obligation of the Order, and been instructed in those sublime
virtues which should adorn our lives, and make this institution worthy
of the protection and support of all good Masons.
We extend to you a fraternal love, and shall rejoice to learn that your
devotion to the great moral and social purposes of our Order, is earnest
and persistent.
That the blessing of our Heavenly Father may rest upon our labor, let us
unite in prayer.
The Chapter is called up and a circle is formed around the Altar in
the following manner by the officers joining hands: Secretary
between Adah and Ruth--Associate Matron between Ruth and
Esther--Associate Conductress between Esther and Martha--Treasurer
between Martha and Electa--the Worthy Matron at the left of Electa.
If desired the members may join in forming the circle.
The Worthy Patron or Chaplain will take position at the west side of
the Altar. The Conductress with the candidate at her right, will
advance to the open space at the left of the Worthy Matron; and when
the words "golden chain thus lengthened" in the prayer are being
pronounced, the Worthy Matron will extend her left hand and take the
right hand of candidate and the Conductress will join the circle at
her left, thus making it complete. At the words "each link shall
fall away in death," the hands will be unclasped. If a Chaplain
officiates, the Worthy Patron will remain in his station.
PRAYER.
Source of all wisdom, truth, and love, Grant we beseech Thee, that
in the reception of this person into our Order we may add strength
to our strength, and grace to our grace. O, may the golden chain
thus lengthened become the brighter for this link, and be
strengthened for the great work we strive to do. Enlarge our powers
to benefit mankind, and to honor Thee our God.
And when, one by one, each link shall fall away in death, may the
parting be temporary, and the meeting eternal. In the world where
death comes not, may we realize the full happiness of loving and
serving Thee forever. AMEN.
Response by the Chapter.
So may it ever be.
At the conclusion of the prayer an Ode may be sung while the members
are standing around the Altar. After singing the Worthy Patron seats
the Chapter. The Conductress leads the candidate to the East, and
the Worthy Matron may, at the request of the Worthy Patron, conclude
the initiation ceremonies.
_W. P._ In taking upon yourself the solemn Obligation of our Order, you
enter upon a new phase of life; henceforth you will be numbered among
the members of this Order, who have for their inspiration the Star of
Bethlehem, which will guide all the faithful to the New Jerusalem, that
city not made with hands. I must remind you, that with privileges come
responsibilities. You have been informed that we are in possession of
certain secrets, by means of which, we are able to make ourselves known
to each other wherever we may meet. You have been conducted to the
several points of the Star, and been instructed in the secret work of
the Order, which, if properly understood, will enable you to make
yourself known as a member. That the signs and passes may be more firmly
impressed upon your mind, with the assistance of our Conductress, I will
repeat them with explanations.
The Conductress will give the signs as the Worthy Patron explains
them.
The first is the Daughter's sign, or the sign of Adah. It is given by
(3.) It alludes to the heroic conduct of Jephthah's Daughter.
The Pass is (4.) (5.)
The second is the Widow's sign, or the sign of Ruth. It is given by (6.)
It alludes to the humble gleaner Ruth with her handfuls of barley
gathered from the fields of Boaz.
The Pass is (7.) (8.)
The third is the Wife's sign, or the sign of Esther. It is given (9.) It
alludes to the manner in which Queen Esther saluted the king, reminding
him of his promise, by giving a sign which was understood between them.
The Pass is (10.) (11.)
The fourth is the Sister's sign, or the sign of Martha. It is given by
(12.) It alludes to Martha's meeting with Jesus.
The Pass is (13.) (14.)
The fifth is the Mother's sign, or the sign of Electa. It is given by
(15.) It alludes to heroic submission, under the wrongs of persecution.
The Pass is (16.) being the impressive lesson taught by Electa.
Any member of the Order is at liberty to give any one of these signs
when among strangers and desirous of becoming known to a sister or
brother. Any member seeing one of these signs given should respond by
giving the Pass belonging to the sign given, and asking, (17.)
This is all the examination that is required under such circumstances.
It can be followed by such questions as may be necessary. In passing an
examination to visit a Chapter, in addition to this, you will be
required to give the signs and passes of each degree.
There is one other sign, called the salutation sign, which is given by
members on entering or retiring from a Chapter while in session. They
shall advance in front of the Associate Matron, and (19.)
The Grip of the Order is given by (20.)
The Conductress will communicate the Grip to the candidate.
The Signet is prepared to assist the memory of those who have received
the degrees.
On the outer edge of the central division will be found the (21.)
I will explain the significance of the colors, the emblematic flowers,
and the meaning of the several emblems alluding to the distinguished
characters portrayed in the degrees.
Blue symbolizes Fidelity. It is represented by the violet.
The open Bible is appropriate to Jephthah's Daughter, as a symbol of
obedience to the word of God.
Yellow symbolizes Constancy. It is represented by the yellow jessamine.
The Lily of the Valley is appropriate to Ruth, as a symbol of loveliness
among the lowly.
White symbolizes Light, Purity and Joy. It is represented by the white
lily.
The Sun is appropriate to Esther, as a symbol of the light and joy she
gave to a down-trodden race.
Green symbolizes Hope and Immortality. It is represented by the fern.
The Lamb is appropriate to Martha, as a symbol of innocence and
humility.
Red symbolizes Fervency. It is represented by the red rose.
The Lion is appropriate to Electa, as a symbol of the courage and power,
that sustained the martyr defenders of Truth.
And, finally, my sister, Jephthah's Daughter, because she freely
sacrificed her life to preserve her father's honor; Ruth, poor and
lowly, was faithful to the demands of honor and justice; Esther, noble
queen, was prepared to sacrifice her crown and life, to save her people
from destruction; Martha, from her trustful faith and hope of immortal
life; and Electa, pre-eminent in charity, and heroic in endurance of the
wrongs of persecution; were (18.)
So may it be with you. As you illustrate in your life the virtues of
these tried servants of God, so shall be your reward.
You will now be conducted to the Secretary's desk, where you will sign
the By-Laws of this Chapter, and become entitled to all the privileges
of membership; after which you will be re-conducted to your present
position.
While the candidate is signing the By-Laws, there may be vocal or
instrumental music. After signing the By-Laws the candidate is
conducted to the preparation room, disrobes if robes are used, a
badge of the Order put on, and conducted to the East, facing West.
When the door opens for the Conductress and candidate to return, the
Chapter is called up, and all join in singing a welcome song, after
which the Worthy Patron says:
_W. P._ Sisters and Brothers, our sister has passed through the several
degrees of our Order, we hope with some pleasure to her, and we know
with great satisfaction to us. You will give her a hearty welcome and
resume order at the sound of the gavel.
The Chapter takes a recess.
Installation Ceremonies.
These ceremonies may be performed in public. If at a special
meeting, the Chapter will be declared open with one blow of the
Gavel. If regular, it may be opened in an adjacent room and business
postponed, adjourning to the Hall for installation, after which the
Worthy Matron will declare the Chapter closed.
The Installing Officer must be a Present or Past Matron or Patron.
The first board of officers of a new Chapter must be installed by a
Grand Matron or Patron, or a Deputy; who also may install the
officers of any Chapter when requested to do so by the Chapter.
The Installing Officer, after assuming the chair, will appoint a
Marshal, who will collect the several badges of office, and place
them where they will be convenient for use. The Secretary will
furnish the Marshal with a list of the officers to be installed. If
the installation is a public one, an address may be delivered
touching the history and purposes of the Order.
If a Grand officer presides, the Marshal will be Grand Marshal. The
officers will be addressed by their titles and such changes made in
the language of the following ceremonies as the circumstances
require.
Music, vocal or instrumental, may be introduced as may seem best.
After the appointment of the Marshal and the collection of the
badges of office, the installing officer will proceed as follows:
_I. O._ Sisters and Brothers, the selection of a new board of officers
is an important event in the history of a Chapter. The welfare of this
Chapter, and the prosperity of our Order in this place, may be
permanently effected by the action of those whom you have chosen to
serve as the officers of this Chapter for the ensuing year. Before
investing them with official authority we will invoke the blessing of
Him from whom cometh all wisdom and strength. Let us unite in prayer.
The Chapter is called up, and the Installing Officer or Chaplain
offers at the altar the following
PRAYER.
Our Father, who art in Heaven, whose wisdom and goodness manifest
themselves in all the works of creation; with filial love and
reverence we invoke Thy blessing upon Thy children here assembled,
and grace to consecrate the labors we have met to perform. We
commend to Thy especial care and guidance the officers elect, into
whose hands we are about to repose the government of this Chapter.
Endue them with a just appreciation of the responsibilities they are
about to assume, and may they be ever mindful that a Father's care
is always over them, and that Thy all-seeing eye is ever upon them.
Bless and prosper our beloved Order; may it be known and honored
among the institutions of the land as one whose foundation is laid
upon the enduring principle of Truth. Direct our footsteps in ways
of pleasantness and paths of peace, and may all our doings reflect
honor upon Thy Holy Name. AMEN.
Response by the Chapter:
So may it ever be.
Seats the Chapter.
_I. O._ Sister Marshal.
_M._ Worthy ----
_I. O._ You will call the roll of officers elect, who, as their names
are called, will form a semi-circle on the west side of the altar,
facing the East, to receive the Obligation.
The W. M. on the extreme South, then followed by the W. P., A. M.,
etc. If the Warder and Sentinel are both called from their stations,
a brother will be appointed to attend at the door until the absent
officers return. Old officers not re-elected or appointed, may
occupy their stations until their successors are installed. When all
are in their places, the Marshal will say:
_M._ Worthy ----, the officers-elect are in order, and await your
pleasure.
_I. O._ Sisters and brothers, you behold those who have been selected as
officers to serve you for the ensuing year. Do you still desire that
they shall fill the positions to which they have been elected or
appointed?
_Ans._ We do.
Calls up the Chapter.
_I. O._ You will repeat after me the following
OBLIGATION:
I solemnly and sincerely promise, in the presence of the members of
this Chapter, that I will, to the best of my ability, faithfully and
impartially perform all the duties belonging to the office for which
I have been selected. That I will conform to the By-Laws of this
Chapter, and the Constitution, Rules and Regulations of the Grand
Chapter, and do all in my power to promote the welfare and
prosperity of our Order.
The Chapter and officers will be seated. The Marshal will present
the officers at the altar for installation, approaching the altar
between Adah and Ruth and leaving between Martha and Electa.
_I. O._ Sister Marshal, you will present the Worthy Matron elect for
installation.
_M._ Worthy ----, it is with pleasure that I present for installation
Sister ----, who has been elected Worthy Matron of this Chapter for the
ensuing year. Our sister is fully aware of the important responsibility
that rests upon her in the acceptance of this trust, yet she is willing
to assume it, in the hope that by the aid of her sisters and brothers,
and the favor of God, she will not prove altogether unworthy of the high
honor that has been conferred upon her.
_I. O._ My sister, before proceeding with your investiture, it is
necessary that you signify your assent to those Regulations of the
Order, upon the strict observance of which its stability and success
depend.
You admit that the name, character, and modes of recognition of the
Order of the Eastern Star are unchangeable.
_Ans._ I do.
You admit that a belief in the existence of a Supreme Being is one of
the requirements of the Order.
_Ans._ I do.
You admit that the utmost care should be taken to admit to membership
only such persons as possess a good moral character.
_Ans._ I do.
You admit that no new Chapter can be legally formed without a Charter or
Dispensation from the Grand Chapter within whose jurisdiction it is
formed; that no countenance should be given to any illegally formed
Chapter, its members, or persons initiated therein.
_Ans._ I do.
You promise to obey the Laws and Regulations of the Grand Chapter;
together with the By-Laws of this Chapter, and to permit no violation of
them by its members.
_Ans._ I do.
You promise that no visitor will be admitted to your Chapter, to witness
the secret work of the Order, unless found legally entitled to do so;
and that none will be admitted who would injuriously effect the peace
and harmony of the Chapter.
_Ans._ I do.
You agree to do all in your power to promote the welfare of this
Chapter, and to enforce, to the best of your ability, all the rules and
regulations of the Order.
_Ans._ I do.
Members of ---- Chapter, you have heard your Worthy Matron elect in the
pledges she has made; do you promise to support her in the performance
of her duties?
_Ans._ We do.