,illustration3 ,frontispiece4 ,ritual of the ,order of the ,eastern ,star ,ritual of ,the ,order of the ,eastern ,star4 ,published by ,authority of ,the ,general ,grand ,chapter4 ,chicago1 ,illinois3 ,,first ,,revised ,,edition4 ,january1 #ahij4 ,,copyright1 #ahij4 ,,preface4 ,in pursuance of a call1 issued and endorsed by several ,grand ,chapters1 a convention of representatives was held at ,indianapolis1 ,indiana1 ,november #afth1 #ahgf1 and the ,general ,grand ,chapter1 ,order of the ,eastern ,star1 was organized4 ,a ,ritual ,committee was appointed1 and in #ahgh the ,general ,grand ,chapter adopted the work1 and it was published by its authority4 ,at the session in #ahhc1 a committee on ,ritual was appointed1 with instructions to receive all proper amendments1 and report the same at the next meeting4 ,in #ahhf1 the ,committee was continued4 ,at the session in #ahhi1 the ,ritual ,committee1 consisting of ,jerome ,spaulding1 ,mary ,a4 ,hepler and ,lorraine ,j4 ,pitkin1 presented the following ,ritual as the result of their labors1 which was adopted4 ,we hereby certify the following to be the ,ritual as revised at the session of the ,general ,grand ,chapter1 ,september1 #ahhi4 ,nettie ,ransford1 ,m4 ,w4 ,grand ,matron4 ,benjamin ,lynds1 ,m4 ,w4 ,grand ,patron4 ,lorraine ,j4 ,pitkin1 ,r4 ,w4 ,grand ,secretary4 ,,contents4 ,preface v ,general ,regulations #a ,opening #ae ,closing #ca ,initiation #ce ,installation1 ,subordinate ,chapter #fi ,installation1 ,grand ,chapter #ig ,funeral ,ceremonies #aag ,,general ,,regulations4 ,,title4 ,this organization shall be known as ,,the ,,order ,,of ,,the ,,eastern ,,star4 ,,membership4 ,master ,masons in good standing in a ,masonic ,lodge1 and their wives1 daughters1 mothers1 widows1 and sisters1 who have attained the age of eighteen years1 are eligible to membership in this ,order4 ,,government4 ,the government of the ,order is vested in three bodies1 named respectively1 in the order of their rank1 ,general ,grand ,chapter1 ,grand ,chapter1 and ,subordinate ,chapter4 ,,general ,,grand ,,chapter4 ,the authority of the ,general ,grand ,chapter is supreme when exercised within the limits defined and prescribed by its ,constitution4 ,it has no jurisdiction over matters not specifically given to its control by that instrument4 ,,grand ,,chapter4 ,the authority of a ,grand ,chapter is supreme within its jurisdiction1 excepting upon matters which are within the control of the ,general ,grand ,chapter4 ,its jurisdiction shall not include more than one ,state or ,territory4 ,,subordinate ,,chapter4 ,the authority of a ,subordinate ,chapter is prescribed and limited by the ,grand ,chapter within whose jurisdiction it exists4 ,five ,subordinate ,chapters within any ,state or ,territory where no ,grand ,chapter exists1 may organize a ,grand ,chapter1 possessing all the lawful powers of such a ,chapter within said ,state or ,territory4 ,,landmarks4 #a4 ,a belief in the existence of a ,supreme ,being4 #b4 ,in the ,order of the ,eastern ,star there are only five degrees1 known as ,adah1 the daughter2 ,ruth1 the widow2 ,esther1 the wife2 ,martha1 the sister2 and ,electa1 the mother4 #c4 ,the name of the ,order1 the names of its degrees1 and modes of recognition are unchangeable4 #d4 ,its lessons are ,scriptural1 its teachings moral1 and its purposes beneficent4 #e4 ,its obligations are based upon the honor of those who obtain its secrets1 and are framed upon the principle that whatever benefits are due by ,masons to the wives1 daughters1 mothers1 widows and sisters of ,masons1 reciprocal duties are due from them to the ,brotherhood4 #f4 ,that the obligation of our ,order1 voluntarily assumed1 is perpetual1 from the force of which there is no release4 #g4 ,the ballot1 for candidates for the degrees1 or membership1 must be unanimous1 without debate1 and kept inviolably secret4 #h4 ,the degrees cannot be conferred unless a brother in good standing shall preside4 ,he can call upon the ,worthy ,matron to assist in conferring the degrees4 #i4 ,every member is amenable to the laws of the ,order1 and may be tried for offenses1 either by the ,chapter to which the member belongs1 or by the ,chapter within whose jurisdiction the member resides4 #aj4 ,the right of every member to appeal from the decision of a ,subordinate ,chapter1 to the ,grand ,chapter or its executive head4 #aa4 ,the right of every ,chapter to decide1 from among eligible candidates1 who shall be admitted to membership4 #ab4 ,the right of every member to visit any regular ,chapter unless lawful objection is made to such visitor4 ,,subordinate ,,chapters4 ,every ,subordinate ,chapter must have a ,charter or ,dispensation legally issued1 and always present at its meetings1 without which it cannot legally act4 ,,officers4 ,the officers of a ,subordinate ,chapter shall be3 ,,worthy ,,matron1 ,,worthy ,,patron1 ,,associate ,,matron1 ,,secretary1 ,,treasurer1 ,,conductress1 ,,asso4 ,,conductress1 ,,adah1 ,,ruth1 ,,esther1 ,,martha1 ,,electa1 ,,warder1 ,,sentinel4 ,if desired3 ,,chaplain4 ,,marshal4 ,,organist4 ,the ,stations of the several ,officers are indicated on the ,plan of ,chapter ,room on page #ab4 ,the first seven shall be elected by separate and majority ballot1 and the others shall be appointed by the ,worthy ,matron4 ,,meetings4 ,the meetings of a ,chapter are either regular or special4 ,regular meetings are those held at stated intervals as prescribed by its ,by-laws4 ,special meetings are those held by appointment of the ,worthy ,matron or other lawful authority4 ,,quorum4 ,seven members1 including one of the first three officers1 shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business1 unless the ,by-laws of the ,chapter shall prescribe a larger number4 ,,petitions4 ,a petition for the degrees or membership must be signed by the petitioner and two members of the ,chapter1 who recommend the petitioner4 ,the petition must be received at a regular meeting of the ,chapter1 unless the ,grand ,chapter of its jurisdiction shall otherwise provide2 and when received1 must be referred to a committee of three members1 one of whom shall be a brother1 appointed by the presiding officer4 ,the committee can only report at a regular meeting4 ,,the ,,ballot4 ,the ballot upon petitions for the degrees or membership1 can only be taken at a regular meeting4 ,the ,associate ,conductress shall have charge of the ballot-box1 under the direction of the ,worthy ,matron4 ,after it has been examined by the ,worthy ,matron and ,associate ,matron1 she shall present it to the ,worthy ,matron and ,worthy ,patron for their ballot1 and may carry it to every member present--or may place it upon the ,altar4 ,if placed upon the ,altar1 every member entitled to a vote shall approach the ,altar from the ,west1 between ,ruth and ,esther1 make the sign of salutation1 deposit their ballot1 leaving between ,esther and ,martha4 ,the member balloting must be at least three paces in advance of the one who directly follows4 ,when all have voted1 the ,worthy ,matron shall declare the ballot closed1 and direct the ,associate ,conductress to bear the ballot box ,west and ,east4 ,after it has been examined by the ,associate ,matron1 the ,matron will ask3 ,w4 ,m4 ,sister ,associate ,matron4 ,a4 ,m4 ,worthy ,matron4 ,w4 ,m4 ,how is the ballot in the ,west8 ,the ,associate ,matron will say3 ,a4 ,m4 ,the ballot is clear1 7or not clear17 ,worthy ,matron4 ,after the ,w4 ,m4 has inspected it1 and no black balls appear1 she will say3 ,w4 ,m4 ,the ballot being clear in the ,east1 ,i have the pleasure to inform you that you have elected ---- to receive the degrees1 7or become a member17 in this ,chapter4 ,if the ballot is not clear1 but so nearly so that the result may have been from mistake1 a second and final ballot may be ordered4 ,if the final ballot is dark1 the ,w4 ,m4 will say3 ,w4 ,m4 ,the ballot not being clear1 ,i have to announce that the petition of ---- is rejected4 ,,membership4 ,membership can only be forfeited by dimission1 suspension1 or expulsion from a ,chapter1 excepting that the suspension or expulsion of a brother from a ,masonic ,lodge1 for any other cause than non-payment of dues1 deprives him of all the rights of membership in this ,order until reinstated by the ,masonic body4 ,,badges1 ,,jewels1 ,,and ,,regalia4 ,the officers shall wear during ,chapter sessions the badge of office belonging to their respective offices4 ,the badge shall consist of the appropriate ,jewel1 made of gold or gilded metal and suspended by a ribbon having the five colors of the ,order4 ,collars1 ,robes1 and other regalia in addition to what is here prescribed may be worn by ,chapters that desire them2 the ,general ,grand ,chapter only prescribing the minimum4 ,the ,jewels appropriate to the several ,officers are as follows3 ,,worthy ,,matron1 ,five-pointed ,star with ,gavel in the center4 ,,worthy ,,patron1 ,five-pointed ,star with ,square and ,compasses in the center4 ,,associate ,,matron1 ,five-pointed ,star with ,sun in the center4 ,,secretary1 ,five-pointed ,star with ,cross-pens in the center4 ,,treasurer1 ,five-pointed ,star with ,cross-keys in the center4 ,,conductress1 ,five-pointed ,star with ,scroll and ,baton in the center4 ,,associate ,,conductress1 ,five-pointed ,star with ,baton in the center4 ,,chaplain1 ,five-pointed ,star with ,bible in the center4 ,,marshal1 ,five-pointed ,star with ,cross-batons in the center4 ,,adah1 ,triangle1 with ,sword and ,veil in the center4 ,,ruth1 ,triangle1 with ,sheaf in the center2 ,,esther1 ,triangle1 with ,crown and ,sceptre in the center4 ,,martha1 ,triangle1 with ,broken ,column in the center4 ,,electa1 ,triangle1 with ,cup in the center2 ,,warder1 ,five-pointed ,star with ,dove in the center4 ,,sentinel1 ,five-pointed ,star with ,cross-swords in the center4 ,,organist1 ,five-pointed ,star with ,lyre in the center4 ,the ,jewel for ,associate ,grand ,patron shall be a ,five-pointed ,star with a ,star in the center within a ,pentagon4 ,the ,jewels for ,grand ,chapters shall be the same as ,subordinate ,chapters within a ,pentagon4 ,the ,jewels for the ,general ,grand ,chapter shall be the ,grand ,chapter ,jewels within a circle4 ,special ,regalia for ,grand ,chapters shall be left to the discretion of each ,grand ,chapter4 ,in addition to the ,jewel worn by the ,worthy ,matron1 she is entitled to wear a ,scarf made of royal purple velvet1 three inches wide1 edged with gold lace on the inner edge1 and gold fringe on the outer edge1 a five-pointed ,star in colors worked in silk1 upon the shoulder and at the crossing1 a golden rosette with two gold tassels suspended therefrom4 ,it must be worn from left shoulder to the right side4 ,,members' ,,badges4 ,during ,chapter sessions members shall wear upon the left breast a badge embracing a five-pointed ,star and the five colors of the ,order4 ,illustration3 ,matron4 ,illustration3 ,patron4 ,illustration3 ,asso4 ,matron4 ,illustration3 ,secretary4 ,illustration3 ,treasurer4 ,illustration3 ,conductress4 ,illustration3 ,assoc4 ,conductress4 ,illustration3 ,chaplain4 ,illustration3 ,warder4 ,illustration3 ,sentinel4 ,illustration3 ,marshal4 ,illustration3 ,organist4 ,illustration3 ,adah4 ,illustration3 ruth4 ,illustration3 ,esther4 ,illustration3 ,martha4 ,illustration3 ,electa4 ,illustration3 ,chapter ,room4 ,,furniture1 ,,etc4 ,in the center of the ,chapter room there should be an ,altar1 standing upon the center of a ,five-pointed ,star1 having the five colors of the ,order1 with the white point towards the west4 ,upon the ,altar should be an open ,bible4 ,in the ,east1 there should be a pedestal with a ,gavel thereon for the use of the presiding officer4 ,each ,chapter should have a ,seal1 ,signet1 and one or more small ,bibles1 a ,sword and ,veil for ,adah1 ,culms of ,barley for ,ruth1 a ,crown and ,scepter for ,esther1 a ,broken ,column for ,martha1 and a ,cup for ,electa2 they may also have banners with appropriate emblems thereon4 ,,position ,,of ,,the ,,chairs4 ,the chairs for the ,star ,officers may either face the ,east1 or incline toward the ,altar4 ,,use ,,of ,,the ,,gavel4 ,one blow of the gavel calls the ,chapter to order1 seats it when standing1 and completes its closing2 two blows call up the ,officers2 and three blows call up the ,chapter4 ,,raps4 ,when giving an alarm at the door1 five raps shall be given1 which shall be answered by five from the other side1 these will be followed by one from each side4 ,raps are given in this manner1 9999 9999 99 994 ,the door will be opened by the ,warder4 ,,grand ,,honors4 ,the ,grand ,honors are given by crossing the arms over the breast1 the left being over the right1 and slightly bowing4 ,opening of the ,chapter4 ,when ready for the opening exercises1 the ,officers with the exception of the ,worthy ,patron1 and ,associate ,conductress1 retire to the anteroom4 ,the ,associate ,conductress assumes her chair1 and the ,worthy ,patron1 ascending the dais1 gives one blow with the gavel4 ,after requesting all present who are not members of the ,order to retire1 he says3 ,w4 ,p4 ,sister ,associate ,conductress4 ,a4 ,c4 ,worthy ,patron4 ,officers rise and respond1 whenever addressed1 and remain standing until seated by an order from the ,east4 ,w4 ,p4 ,you will invite the worthy ,matron and other ,officers to enter the ,chapter room4 ,the ,associate ,conductress retires and returns with the officers through the door of the preparation room4 ,as they enter1 the ,chapter is called up1 and music furnished4 ,the officers enter in two files1 led by the ,conductress and ,associate ,conductress1 and take positions as follows3 ,w4 ,m4 ,a4 ,m4 ,war4 ,esther4 ,ruth4 ,altar4 ,martha4 ,adah4 ,electa4 ,sec'y4 ,treas4 ,cond4 ,asso4 ,cond4 ,east4 ,the ,worthy ,patron will say3 ,w4 ,p4 ,sister ,conductress1 you will escort the ,worthy ,matron to the ,east4 ,she does so1 and the ,worthy ,matron ascending the dais1 receives the gavel and proceeds4 ,the use of the above ceremony is optional4 ,w4 ,m4 ,the ,officers will take their respective stations and prepare for the active duties of the ,chapter4 ,seats the ,chapter4 ,w4 ,m4 ,sister ,warder4 ,war4 ,worthy ,matron4 ,w4 ,m4 ,you will see that the doors to our ,chapter are secure4 ,war4 ,the doors are secure1 ,worthy ,matron4 ,w4 ,m4 ,it is well4 ,sisters1 ,brothers and ,visitors of ---- ,chapter1 ,no4 --1 the hour has arrived for us to resume our labors4 ,to open our ,chapter in a manner becoming the solemnity of the work1 and to secure the best results1 ,i require your attention and assistance4 ,sister ,associate ,matron4 ,a4 ,m4 ,worthy ,matron4 ,w4 ,m4 ,you will ascertain if all present are members of the ,order and entitled to its privileges4 ,if the ,associate ,matron is able of her own knowledge to vouch for all present1 she responds at once to the ,worthy ,matron4 ,if she is unable to do so1 she says3 ,a4 ,m4 ,sisters ,conductress and ,associate ,conductress1 ascertain and report if all present are members of the ,order4 ,the ,conductress and ,associate ,conductress will use the customary means of examination1 beginning at the ,east1 on the ,south and ,north1 meeting at the ,west1 back of ,esther4 ,the ,associate ,conductress reporting to the ,conductress4 ,having done so1 the ,conductress says3 ,cond4 ,sister ,associate ,matron4 ,i find all present members of the ,order of the ,eastern ,star4 ,the ,associate ,matron will then respond3 ,a4 ,m4 ,worthy ,matron1 all present are members of the ,order and entitled to its privileges4 ,w4 ,m4 ,it is well4 ,sister ,warder4 ,war4 ,worthy ,matron4 ,w4 ,m4 ,you will instruct the ,sentinel that we are about to engage in the ceremony of opening our ,chapter1 and direct him to allow no interruption1 while we are thus engaged4 ,the ,warder1 in due order1 9999 9999 99 99 after responses from the ,sentinel1 opens the doors and repeats the order to the ,sentinel1 after which she closes the door and says3 ,war4 ,worthy ,matron1 there will be no interruption4 ,the ,worthy ,matron will call up the ,officers and they will remain standing during the ceremony of opening4 ,w4 ,m4 ,sister ,associate ,matron4 ,a4 ,m4 ,worthy ,matron4 ,w4 ,m4 ,what number of ,officers constitute a ,chapter1 and what titles do they bear8 ,a4 ,m4 ,a complete ,chapter requires fourteen1 and their titles are3 ,worthy ,matron1 ,worthy ,patron1 ,associate ,matron1 ,secretary1 ,treasurer1 ,conductress1 ,associate ,conductress1 ,adah1 ,ruth1 ,esther1 ,martha1 ,electa1 ,warder1 ,sentinel1 and may have ,chaplain1 ,marshal and ,organist4 ,w4 ,m4 ,where is the ,sentinel's station8 ,a4 ,m4 ,outside the closed door4 ,w4 ,m4 ,what is his duty and explain his badge of office4 ,a4 ,m4 ,to protect the ,chapter against the intrusion of improper persons4 ,his badge is the ,cross-swords within the ,star1 an emblem of protection1 admonishing him that upon his watchful care depends our security against interruption4 ,w4 ,m4 ,where is the ,warder's station8 ,a4 ,m4 ,at the southwest entrance to the ,chapter1 ,worthy ,matron4 ,w4 ,m4 ,sister ,warder4 ,war4 ,worthy ,matron4 ,w4 ,m4 ,what is your duty and explain your badge of office4 ,war4 ,to act in conjunction with the ,sentinel1 and allow none to enter or leave the ,chapter1 without permission of the presiding officer4 ,my badge is the ,dove within the ,star1 an emblem of peace1 admonishing me that ,i should labor for the peace and harmony of the ,chapter4 ,w4 ,m4 ,where is the ,associate ,conductress' station8 ,war4 ,in the ,north1 ,worthy ,matron4 ,w4 ,m4 ,sister ,associate ,conductress4 ,a4 ,c4 ,worthy ,matron4 ,w4 ,m4 ,what is your duty1 and explain your badge of office4 ,a4 ,c4 ,to receive and prepare candidates for the ceremony of initiation1 and assist the ,conductress in the active duties of the ,chapter4 ,my badge is the ,baton within the ,star1 an emblem of direction admonishing me that good discipline is essential to the success of our ,order4 ,w4 ,m4 ,where is the ,conductress' station8 ,a4 ,c4 ,in the ,south1 ,worthy ,matron4 ,w4 ,m4 ,sister ,conductress4 ,cond4 ,worthy ,matron4 ,w4 ,m4 ,what is your duty and explain your badge of office4 ,cond4 ,to assist the ,associate ,matron1 conduct candidates through the ceremony of initiation1 and obey your instructions4 ,my badge is the ,scroll and ,baton within the ,star1 an emblem of prepared plans and their fulfillment1 admonishing me that it depends greatly upon the manner of conducting candidates through the ceremony of initiation1 to make the first impressions permanent1 and as we desire they should be4 ,w4 ,m4 ,where is the ,treasurer's station8 ,cond4 ,in the ,north-east1 ,worthy ,matron4 ,w4 ,m4 ,sister ,treasurer4 ,treas4 ,worthy ,matron4 ,w4 ,m4 ,what is your duty1 and explain your badge of office4 ,treas4 ,to receive all moneys from the ,secretary1 giving my receipt therefor1 and pay them out only upon proper authority4 ,my badge is the ,cross-keys within the ,star1 an emblem of security1 admonishing me to the strictest fidelity in the discharge of my important trust1 that the ,chapter may not be embarrassed in its efforts to relieve the distressed and meet its necessary expenses4 ,w4 ,m4 ,where is the ,secretary's station8 ,treas4 ,in the ,south-east1 ,worthy ,matron4 ,w4 ,m4 ,sister ,secretary4 ,secy4 ,worthy ,matron4 ,w4 ,m4 ,what is your duty1 and explain your badge of office4 ,secy4 ,to make proper record of the proceedings of the ,chapter1 and conduct its correspondence4 ,to receive all moneys belonging to the ,chapter1 and pay them to the ,treasurer1 taking her receipt therefor4 ,my badge is the ,cross-pens within the ,star1 an emblem of intelligence1 admonishing me to be faithful to my trust1 that the good deeds of my companions may not go unrecorded4 ,w4 ,m4 ,where is ,adah's station8 ,secy4 ,at the first point of the ,star1 ,worthy ,matron4 ,w4 ,m4 ,sister ,adah4 ,adah4 ,worthy ,matron4 ,w4 ,m4 ,what is your duty1 and explain your badge of office4 ,adah4 ,to make known to all proper inquirers the light1 knowledge and beauty of the ,blue ray1 which represents the sky when all clouds have vanished1 and symbolizes ,fidelity4 ,my badge is the ,sword and ,veil within the ,triangle1 an emblem of the heroic conduct of ,jephthah's daughter4 ,w4 ,m4 ,have you a sign8 ,adah4 ,i have2 it is given by-- ,while giving the sign explain from secret work4 7#c47 ,w4 ,m4 ,sisters and ,brothers1 on seeing this sign given1 how would you respond8 ,response4 ,members will respond with the ,pass of ,adah4 ,w4 ,m4 ,where is ,ruth's station8 ,adah4 ,at the second point of the ,star1 ,worthy ,matron4 ,w4 ,m4 ,sister ,ruth4 ,ruth4 ,worthy ,matron4 ,w4 ,m4 ,what is your duty1 and explain your badge of office4 ,ruth4 ,to make known to all proper inquirers the light1 knowledge and beauty of the ,yellow ray1 whose golden hue symbolizes ,constancy4 ,my badge is the ,sheaf within the ,triangle1 an emblem of plenty1 and represents the reward of patient industry gained by the humble gleaner ,ruth4 ,w4 ,m4 ,have you a sign8 ,ruth4 ,i have2 it is given by-- ,while giving the sign explain from secret work4 7#f47 ,w4 ,m4 ,sisters and ,brothers1 on seeing this sign given how would you respond8 ,response4 ,members will respond with the ,pass of ,ruth4 ,w4 ,m4 ,where is ,esther's station8 ,ruth4 ,at the third point of the ,star1 ,worthy ,matron4 ,w4 ,m4 ,sister ,esther4 ,esther4 ,worthy ,matron4 ,w4 ,m4 ,what is your duty1 and explain your badge of office4 ,esther4 ,to make known to all proper inquirers the light1 knowledge1 and beauty of the ,white ray1 which symbolizes ,light1 ,purity1 and ,joy4 ,my badge is the ,crown and ,scepter within the ,triangle1 an emblem of royalty and power4 ,in the exercise of authority1 we should be governed by justice and unselfish loyalty to the welfare of others4 ,it was by the practice of these virtues that ,esther was able to save her people from extermination4 ,w4 ,m4 ,have you a sign8 ,esther4 ,i have2 it is given by-- ,while giving the sign explain from secret work4 7#i47 ,w4 ,m4 ,sisters and ,brothers1 on seeing this sign given how would you respond8 ,response4 ,members will respond with the ,pass of ,esther4 ,w4 ,m4 ,where is ,martha's station8 ,esther4 ,at the fourth point of the ,star1 ,worthy ,matron4 ,w4 ,m4 ,sister ,martha4 ,martha4 ,worthy ,matron4 ,w4 ,m4 ,what is your duty1 and explain your badge of office4 ,martha4 ,to make known to all proper inquirers the light1 knowledge and beauty of the ,green ray1 an emblem of nature's life and beauty1 symbolizing ,hope and ,immortality4 ,my badge is the ,broken ,column within the ,triangle1 an emblem of the death of a person1 cut off in the vigor of life1 and should remind us of the sisterly grief of ,martha4 ,w4 ,m4 ,have you a sign8 ,martha4 ,i have2 it is given by-- ,while giving the sign1 explain from secret work4 7#ab47 ,w4 ,m4 ,sisters and ,brothers1 on seeing this sign given how would you respond8 ,response4 ,members will respond with the ,pass of ,martha4 ,w4 ,m4 ,where is ,electa's station8 ,martha4 ,at the fifth point of the ,star1 ,worthy ,matron4 ,w4 ,m4 ,sister ,electa4 ,electa4 ,worthy ,matron4 ,w4 ,m4 ,what is your duty1 and explain your badge of office4 ,electa4 ,to make known to all proper inquirers the light1 knowledge1 and beauty of the ,red ray1 a symbol of that ,fervency which should actuate all who are engaged in the service of truth1 as exemplified in the life of ,electa4 ,my badge is the ,cup within the ,triangle1 an emblem of charity and hospitality1 and should remind us that however bitter may be the cup which our ,heavenly ,father gives us1 it will in the end overflow with blessings1 rich1 abounding1 and eternal4 ,w4 ,m4 ,have you a sign8 ,electa4 ,i have2 it is given by-- ,while giving the sign1 explain from secret work4 7#ae47 ,w4 ,m4 ,sisters and ,brothers1 on seeing this sign given how would you respond8 ,response4 ,members will respond with the ,pass of ,electa4 ,w4 ,m4 ,it is well2 and when a member of the ,order hails us with any one of these signs we will recall the merits of the heroine whose sign is given1 and respond with proper attention4 ,w4 ,m4 ,where is the ,associate ,matron's station8 ,electa4 ,in the ,west1 ,worthy ,matron4 ,w4 ,m4 ,sister ,associate ,matron4 ,a4 ,m4 ,worthy ,matron4 ,w4 ,m4 ,what is your duty1 and explain your badge of office4 ,a4 ,m4 ,to assist the ,worthy ,matron1 and preside over the ,chapter during her absence4 ,my badge is the effulgent ,sun within the ,star1 an emblem of light1 admonishing me that the principles of our ,order should shine with undiminished lustre through our lives4 ,w4 ,m4 ,where is the ,worthy ,patron's station8 ,a4 ,m4 ,at your left1 ,worthy ,matron4 ,w4 ,m4 ,what is his duty1 and explain his badge of office4 ,a4 ,m4 ,to preside during the conferring of the degrees1 and at other times when requested to do so by the ,worthy ,matron2 to act as her adviser1 see that the officers are proficient in their work1 and exercise a general supervision over the affairs of the ,chapter4 ,his badge is the ,square and ,compasses within the ,star1 an emblem of the relationship existing between the ,masonic ,fraternity and the ,order of the ,eastern ,star4 ,w4 ,m4 ,where is the ,worthy ,matron's station8 ,a4 ,m4 ,in the ,east1 ,worthy ,matron4 ,w4 ,m4 ,what is her duty1 and explain her badge of office4 ,a4 ,m4 ,to preside at the meetings of the ,chapter1 see that its business is properly conducted1 and secure obedience to the laws and regulations of the ,order4 ,her badge is the ,gavel within the ,star1 an emblem of authority1 admonishing her that the government of this ,chapter1 and its prosperity1 depend greatly upon her judgment and discretion4 ,her responsibilities to ,god for the faithful discharge of her duties should ever prompt her to do her work in the spirit of faith and prayer4 ,w4 ,m4 ,it is in this spirit that ,i desire to open this ,chapter1 and perform whatever duties may devolve upon me4 ,that we may have the needed grace to do our work well1 let us unite in prayer4 ,the ,chapter is called up1 and the following ,prayer is offered by the ,worthy ,patron or ,chaplain at the ,altar1 approaching between ,martha and ,esther4 ,,prayer4 ,bless1 ,o ,lord1 we beseech ,thee1 our humble labors in the promotion of truth and love1 unity and peace4 ,dispel whatever spirit of discord may here arise4 ,enrich our hearts with that most excellent gift of charity1 so that our acts may be full of the spirit of kindness and forbearance one towards another4 ,give us strength to continue in every good work1 and faith to believe that we shall reap if we faint not2 and at last may we enjoy the blessedness which ,thou hast prepared for those that love ,thee4 ,,amen4 ,response by all the members4 ,so may it ever be4 ,the ,worthy ,patron or ,chaplain steps back into the circle of ,star officers1 between ,esther and ,martha facing ,east1 remaining in that position until the ,worthy ,matron seats the ,chapter when he returns to his station4 ,w4 ,m4 ,let us unite in singing our ,opening ,ode4 ,,singing4 ,w4 ,m4 ,sister ,conductress1 you will attend at the ,altar4 ,conductress approaches the ,altar between ,ruth and ,esther1 makes a slight bow1 opens the ,bible1 gives the sign of salutation1 and steps back into the circle of ,star officers between ,ruth and ,esther1 remaining there1 until seated by the ,worthy ,matron4 ,w4 ,m4 ,i now declare ---- ,chapter1 ,no4 -- ,order of the ,eastern ,star1 duly opened for the transaction of business4 ,sister ,warder1 you will so instruct the ,sentinel4 ,the ,warder in due order 9999 9999 99 99 opens the door1 informs the ,sentinel1 and after closing the door1 says3 ,war4 ,worthy ,matron1 your order has been obeyed4 ,the ,w4 ,m4 seats the ,chapter4 ,closing of the ,chapter4 ,w4 ,m4 ,sister ,associate ,matron4 ,a4 ,m4 ,worthy ,matron4 ,w4 ,m4 ,do you know of any further business to come before the ,chapter at this time8 ,a4 ,m4 ,worthy ,matron1 there is none within my knowledge4 ,w4 ,m4 ,sister ,warder4 ,war4 ,worthy ,matron4 ,w4 ,m4 ,you will inform the ,sentinel that we are about to close the ,chapter1 and direct him to permit no interruption while we are thus engaged4 ,the ,warder in due order 9999 9999 99 99 opens the door and informs the ,sentinel4 ,war4 ,worthy ,matron1 your order has been obeyed4 ,w4 ,m4 ,it is well2 let us unite in singing our ,closing ,ode4 ,calls up the ,chapter4 ,,singing4 ,the prayer will be offered at the ,altar as in opening4 ,w4 ,m4 ,let us unite in prayer4 ,,prayer4 ,holy and merciful ,god6 who answereth prayer and doth not scorn the petition of the humblest of ,thy children6 ,bestow upon us in our parting that spirit of affection which can resist the selfishness of the world1 and cause us to remember our obligations to each other and to ,thee4 ,grant that we may all be permitted with loving hearts to assemble here again1 for our instruction1 for ,thine honor1 and for the good of our fellow men4 ,all of which we ask for ,thy name's sake4 ,,amen4 ,response by all the members4 ,so may it ever be4 ,the ,worthy ,patron or ,chaplain steps back into the circle of ,star officers between ,esther and ,martha facing ,east1 remaining in that position until the ,worthy ,matron closes the ,chapter4 ,w4 ,m4 ,sister ,conductress1 you will attend at the ,altar4 ,conductress approaches the ,altar as before1 with the ,sign of ,salutation1 closes the ,bible1 makes a slight bow1 steps back into the circle of ,star officers between ,ruth and ,esther1 remaining until ,chapter is closed4 ,w4 ,m4 ,sisters and ,brothers1 we go forth into the world not knowing what trials may await us in the journey of life4 ,let us not be dismayed1 for our ,heavenly ,father has promised to strengthen and uphold us by the right hand of his power4 ,farewell4 ,response by all the members4 ,farewell4 ,w4 ,m4 ,i now declare ---- ,chapter1 ,no4 --1 closed4 ,sister ,warder1 you will so instruct the ,sentinel4 ,the ,worthy ,matron gives one blow with the gavel4 ,the ,warder informs the ,sentinel that the ,chapter is closed4 ,initiation ,ceremonies4 ,the ,initiation ,ceremony is the same for gentlemen as for ladies1 and both may receive the degrees at the same time4 ,the necessary changes in language must be made as circumstances require4 ,the time having arrived for initiation1 and it being probable that candidates are in waiting1 if robes are used1 the officers retire1 and prepare for the ceremony of initiation4 ,w4 ,m4 ,sister ,associate ,conductress4 ,a4 ,c4 ,worthy ,matron4 ,w4 ,m4 ,you will retire and ascertain if there are candidates in waiting to receive the degrees4 ,the ,associate ,conductress advances to the west of the ,altar1 gives the ,sign of ,salutation1 and 7the ,warder having given the usual raps and opened the door17 retires4 ,ascertaining the name of the candidate1 she returns1 and standing west of the ,altar1 gives the ,sign of ,salutation and says3 ,a4 ,c4 ,worthy ,matron1 ,i find in waiting -- -- who is desirous of being initiated into our ,order4 ,the ,worthy ,matron invites the ,worthy ,patron to preside for the purpose of conferring the degrees4 ,the ,worthy ,patron1 taking the chair1 says3 ,w4 ,p4 ,sister ,secretary4 ,sec'y4 ,worthy ,patron4 ,w4 ,p4 ,has this candidate been elected to receive the degrees of the ,order8 ,sec'y4 ,she has1 ,worthy ,patron4 ,w4 ,p4 ,sister ,associate ,conductress1 you will retire and prepare the candidate for the ceremonies of initiation4 ,she gives the sign1 and retires as before4 ,taking the candidate into the preparation room1 she says3 ,a4 ,c4 ,do you believe in the existence of a ,supreme ,being8 ,ans4 ,i do4 ,my friend1 human life is a labyrinth through which we all wander blindly1 and too often1 in ignorance4 ,it is good to consider the experience of others1 and profit by their knowledge and example4 ,having received the degrees of our ,order1 and therefore being able to assist you1 permit me to direct your preparation for the ceremonies of initiation4 ,she then removes the candidate's hat1 gloves and shawl or cloak1 prepares and leads her to the door of the ,chapter-room4 ,the ,associate ,conductress gives five raps upon the door1 9999 9999 99 ,cond4 ,worthy ,patron1 there is an alarm at the door of the preparation room4 ,w4 ,p4 ,sister ,conductress1 you will ascertain the cause of the alarm4 ,the ,conductress goes to the door1 answers the alarm1 9999 9999 99 99 and opening the door1 says3 ,cond4 ,who knocks at the door of our ,chapter8 ,a4 ,c4 ,the ,associate ,conductress with a candidate1 who desires to be initiated into our ,order4 ,cond4 ,is she properly prepared8 ,a4 ,c4 ,she is4 ,cond4 ,my friend1 you will wait until further orders are received from the ,worthy ,patron4 ,the ,conductress closes the door1 and1 advancing to a position in front of the ,associate ,matron1 facing the ,east1 says3 ,cond4 ,worthy ,patron1 the alarm was caused by the ,associate ,conductress with a candidate1 who desires to receive the degrees of our ,order4 ,w4 ,p4 ,is the candidate properly prepared8 ,cond4 ,she is4 ,w4 ,p4 ,you will admit her4 ,the ,conductress returning to the door1 opens it wide1 and says3 ,cond4 ,it is the order of the ,worthy ,patron that you be admitted to our ,chapter4 ,before the door is opened to receive the candidate the lights may be turned down1 and soft music played during this lecture by the ,conductress4 ,the candidate is led inside the door and stopped4 ,the ,conductress then says to her3 ,cond4 ,you have doubtless well considered the step you have taken in seeking admission to this ,order1 dedicated to ,charity1 ,truth1 and ,loving-kindness4 ,you came here of your own free choice4 ,complain not1 therefore1 at any trial4 ,a seal is here set upon your lips4 ,let it warn you to be ever silent and secret1 as to all that may be made known to you here4 ,be not weary in well-doing4 ,woe unto those who seek to take upon themselves burdens which they cannot bear4 ,woe unto the faithless and insincere1 who assume obligations lightly and forthwith forget them4 ,trust in the ,lord with all thine heart1 and lean not unto thine own understanding4 ,in all thy ways acknowledge ,him1 and ,he will direct thy paths4 ,conductress offers her right arm to the candidate4 ,if there are two the ,associate ,conductress offers her left arm to the candidate and in like manner follows with the second4 ,the ,associate ,conductress assists only when necessary to form couples4 ,the candidate is conducted once around the room to the ,associate ,matron4 ,officers and members always observe square corners4 ,during the march1 vocal or instrumental music is furnished1 or the ,worthy ,patron may recite the following3 ,w4 ,p4 ,though ,i speak with the tongues of men1 and of angels1 and have not charity1 ,i am become as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal4 ,charity suffereth long1 and is kind3 charity envieth not4 ,rejoiceth not in iniquity1 but rejoiceth in the truth4 ,and now abideth ,faith1 ,hope and ,charity1 but the greatest of these is ,charity4 ,having arrived at the ,west1 the candidate is introduced to the ,associate ,matron4 ,cond4 ,sister ,associate ,matron4 ,a4 ,m4 ,sister ,conductress4 ,cond4 ,i have the honor of introducing -- -- who is to be presented by you to the ,worthy ,matron4 ,a4 ,m4 ,my friend1 you are heartily welcome4 ,sister ,conductress1 you will cause the candidate to face the ,east4 ,conductress and candidate face the ,east4 ,a4 ,m4 ,worthy ,matron1 ,i have the honor to present -- --whose petition has been approved by this ,chapter1 and who is now ready to assume our ,obligation4 ,the ,worthy ,matron rises and addresses the candidate4 ,w4 ,m4 ,it is with pleasure that ,i welcome you into this ,chapter4 ,your relation to the ,masonic fraternity1 and the recommendations presented in your behalf1 assure us that you merit the honor we confer1 and are worthy of the important trust with which we are about to invest you4 ,the ,order of the ,eastern ,star exists for the purpose of giving practical effect to one of the beneficent purposes of ,freemasonry1 which is to provide for the welfare of the wives1 daughters1 mothers1 widows1 and sisters of ,master ,masons4 ,here they may share with the ,masonic brother in promulgating the principles of ,brotherly ,love1 ,relief1 and ,truth4 ,here we may aid1 comfort1 and protect each other in our journey through the labyrinth of human life1 and by cheerful companionship and social enjoyments1 lighten the burdens of active duty4 ,by means of secret signs1 and other work of the ,order1 we are able to make ourselves known to each other wherever we may meet4 ,we are governed by the laws and regulations of the ,grand ,chapter1 and by a code of ,by-,laws framed by ourselves4 ,these we are bound to obey so long as we remain members of the ,order1 and in this obedience1 we shall expect you to share4 ,addressing the ,worthy ,patron1 the ,worthy ,matron says3 ,worthy ,patron1 it is with pleasure that ,i introduce to you this candidate1 who is prepared to assume the ,obligation of the ,order4 ,w4 ,p4 ,the obligation you are about to take is a solemn pledge which you must give to this ,chapter1 before you can participate in the privileges of our ,order4 ,by it you bind yourself to the most solemn secrecy respecting the work of the ,order1 and to the performance of those acts of kindness and forbearance1 which are essential to our welfare and prosperity4 ,with this knowledge of its requirements are you willing to proceed8 ,cand4 ,i am4 ,w4 ,p4 ,sister ,conductress1 you will cause the candidate to be in proper position at the ,altar to receive the ,obligation4 7#a47 ,during the march there should be vocal or instrumental music4 ,cond4 ,worthy ,patron1 the candidate is in proper position4 ,the ,chapter is called up1 and the ,worthy ,patron takes his position on the east side of the ,altar1 and causes the candidate to repeat after him the following4 ,soft music may be played during obligation4 ,,obligation4 99 99 99 7#b47 99 99 99 ,w4 ,p4 ,arise1 my sister1 we accept the pledge you have given1 and share with you in this solemn ,obligation4 ,the ,conductress takes the ,bible from the candidate1 when the ,worthy ,patron says3 ,arise1 my sister1 he extends his right hand and assists the candidate in rising1 the lights are suddenly turned up at the same time4 ,w4 ,p4 ,you will now be received into our ,order and be conducted to the several points of the ,star1 where you will receive instruction in those sublime virtues exemplified in the lives of ,adah1 ,ruth1 ,esther1 ,martha1 and ,electa4 ,the ,worthy ,patron returns to the ,east1 and seats the ,chapter4 ,the ,conductress and candidate will leave the ,altar on the right1 passing out between ,electa and ,adah1 leaving ,adah on the right1 all around the outside of the ,star to ,adah for instruction4 ,during the march there should be vocal or instrumental music1 or the ,worthy ,patron may recite the following3 ,w4 ,p4 ,happy is the man that findeth wisdom and the man that getteth understanding4 ,she is more precious than rubies1 and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her4 ,her ways are ways of pleasantness1 and all her paths are peace4 ,cond4 ,sister ,adah4 ,adah rises and takes her position at the right of her chair2 after each lecture the ,star ,officer will remain in her position1 standing until the ,conductress and candidate have passed her1 then be seated4 ,adah4 ,sister ,conductress4 ,cond4 ,i present this ,sister1 who1 having assumed our ,obligation1 will receive from you such lessons respecting fidelity to convictions of right and duty1 as may properly be drawn from the history of ,jephthah's ,daughter4 ,adah4 ,jephthah was the ninth judge and one of the mightiest men in ,israel4 ,being called upon1 in the extremity of his country's trials1 to go at the head of its armies1 he prepared his household for a campaign that would perhaps cost him his life2 and then ,jephthah vowed a vow unto the ,lord1 and said1 ',if thou shalt deliver the children of ,ammon into mine hands then it shall be that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me when ,i return in peace shall surely be the ,lord's1 and ,i will offer it up for a burnt offering4' ,jephthah went forth to battle1 the victory was gained1 and the victorious warrior returned to ,mizpeh4 ,the door of his house opened1 and1 behold6 his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances1 and she was his only child4 ,jephthah1 when he saw her1 rent his clothes1 and in the anguish of his heart1 cried aloud1 ,alas1 my daughter6 thou hast brought me very low1 for ,i have opened my mouth unto the ,lord1 and ,i cannot go back4 ,adah replied1 ,my father1 if thou hast opened thy mouth unto the ,lord1 do to me according to that which has proceeded out of thy mouth4 ,she asked that she might go among the mountains for two months1 and there prepare her mind for the solemn surrender of her life to preserve her father's honor4 ,when the two months had expired1 she was seen1 followed by her friends1 winding her way down the mountain's side to the altar1 where her father with an almost broken heart was prepared to fulfil his vow4 ,she approached her father with a kiss of affection and bade him farewell4 ,taking hold of the veil she wore1 he threw it over her face1 and drew his sword4 ,but she unveiled herself1 and said she need not have her face covered for she was not afraid to die4 ,her father replied that he could not strike the blow while she looked upon him1 and again cast it over her4 ,she threw it off the second time1 and said she would look upward1 that his arm might not be unnerved by her gaze4 ,a third time1 however1 he insisted1 and a third time she as resolutely cast it off1 this time holding the ends of it firmly in her hands and casting her eyes upward1 invited the fatal blow4 ,and a deed was consummated which has rendered the name of ,jephthah's ,daughter famous in the annals of ,scripture4 ,the sign of this degree is given by-- ,repeat from secret work4 7#c47 ,the pass4 7#d47 ,the color appropriate to this degree is blue1 which symbolizes fidelity1 and teaches us to be faithful to all moral obligations4 ,the emblems are the ,sword and ,veil4 ,by the sword ,adah was slain4 ,the veil alludes to her determination to die in the light1 suffering no stain to rest upon her memory4 ,sister ,conductress1 you will present this sister at the second point of the ,star for further instruction4 ,the ,conductress will lead the candidate around ,adah's chair1 leaving the chair to the right1 then across the ,star1 leaving the ,altar to the left1 around ,martha's chair1 passing to ,ruth for instruction4 ,after each lecture the labyrinth is followed in a similar manner1 always leaving the chairs to the right and the ,altar to the left4 ,from ,ruth around ,electa to ,esther2 from ,esther around ,adah to ,martha2 from ,martha around ,ruth to ,electa2 from ,electa around ,esther to the ,worthy ,patron4 ,during the march there should be vocal or instrumental music1 or the ,worthy ,patron may recite the following3 ,w4 ,p4 ,and ,jephthah came to ,mizpeh unto his house1 and behold1 his daughter came out to meet him1 with timbrels and with dances3 and she was his only child2 beside her he had neither son nor daughter4 ,and it came to pass1 when he saw her1 that he rent his clothes1 and said1 ,alas1 my daughter6 thou hast brought me very low1 and thou art one of them that trouble me3 for ,i have opened my mouth unto the ,lord1 and ,i cannot go back4 ,cond4 ,sister ,ruth4 ,ruth rises and takes her position at the right of her chair4 ,ruth4 ,sister ,conductress4 ,cond4 ,i present this sister to be instructed in the duty of obedience to the demands of honor and justice in all conditions of life1 as illustrated in the history of ,ruth4 ,ruth4 ,about eleven hundred years before the ,christian era1 ,elimeleck and his wife ,naomi1 with their two sons1 were driven by famine from ,bethlehem to the land of ,moab4 ,the sons married women of ,moab named ,ruth and ,orphah4 ,after a few years1 ,elimeleck and his sons died1 leaving ,naomi1 ,ruth and ,orphah in mourning4 ,naomi1 aged and dependent1 resolved to return to the land of her nativity4 ,she urged ,ruth and ,orphah to remain with their kindred and friends1 rather than follow her in poverty to a land of strangers4 ,but ,ruth believed it to be her duty to remain with ,naomi and assist in her maintenance1 saying1 ,entreat me not to leave thee1 or to return from following after thee3 for whither thou goest1 ,i will go1 and where thou lodgest ,i will lodge1 thy people shall be my people1 and thy ,god my ,god4 ,they arrived in ,bethlehem1 destitute1 weary and worn1 and ,ruth was compelled to seek through menial labor the means of support for herself and the aged ,naomi4 ,faithful to the duties which adverse fortune had thrown upon her1 she became a gleaner in the fields of ,boaz1 who said to his servant that was set over his reapers1 ,whose damsel is this8 ,upon being informed of her history1 her devotion to ,naomi1 and present circumstances1 advanced to where she was resting and addressed to her kindly words of encouragement4 ,ruth raised her hands to show him how small were her gleanings1 and that she had not taken from the sheaves2 placed them meekly upon her breast as proof of her willingness to submit to whatever lot she might be called upon to endure1 casting her eyes upward1 as appealing to ,god4 ,he ordered his reapers to drop handfuls of barley that she might gather a supply1 and invited her to eat and drink of the provisions he had supplied4 ,ruth was encouraged2 and at evening1 returned laden with the fruits of her toil to gladden the heart of ,naomi4 ,my sister1 be faithful to the duties of your station2 ever teaching that honor and justice which ,ruth portrayed in the touching and beautiful incidents of her life4 ,the sign of this degree is given by-- ,repeat from secret work4 7#f47 ,the pass4 7#g47 ,the color appropriate to this degree is yellow1 whose golden hue symbolizes constancy1 teaching faithful obedience to the demands of honor and justice4 ,the ,sheaf is an emblem of plenty1 and from its collection of minute parts1 teaches that by patient industry1 gathering here a little and there a little1 we may provide for the infirmities of age4 ,sister ,conductress1 you will present this sister at the third point of the ,star for further instruction4 ,the candidate is conducted around ,ruth's chair1 leaving the chair to the right1 then across the ,star1 leaving the ,altar to the left1 around ,electa's chair to ,esther for instruction4 ,during the march there should be vocal or instrumental music1 or the ,worthy ,patron may recite the following3 ,and behold1 ,boaz came from ,bethlehem1 and said unto the reapers1 ,the ,lord be with you3 and they answered him1 ,the ,lord bless thee4 ,then said ,boaz unto his servant1 that was set over the reapers1 ,whose damsel is this8 ,and the servant1 that was set over the reapers1 answered and said3 ,it is the damsel that came back with ,naomi out of the country of ,moab4 ,cond4 ,sister ,esther4 ,esther rises and takes her position at the right of her chair4 ,esther4 ,sister ,conductress4 ,cond4 ,i present this sister to be instructed in the commendable virtue of fidelity to kindred and friends as exemplified in the history of ,esther4 ,esther4 ,esther was a ,jewish damsel1 living about five hundred years before the ,christian era4 ,the ,jews were then held in captivity within the ,persian empire4 ,after the divorce of ,queen ,vashti1 the king caused search to be made throughout the empire for the most beautiful woman1 to be her successor4 ,the choice fell upon ,esther1 who1 amid national rejoicing and royal magnificence1 became the queen of ,persia4 ,the knowledge of her descent from the captive race was carefully concealed from the king and his court4 ,in due time the enemies of the ,jews1 being powerful and numerous1 persuaded the king to issue a royal edict commanding that upon a given day the entire ,hebrew race should be destroyed4 ,queen ,esther1 when informed of the cruel edict1 resolved to risk the loss of royal favor and life itself1 to save her people from death4 ,it was a law of the palace that no one1 not even the queen1 should enter the king's presence unsummoned1 under penalty of death1 unless the king should extend the golden sceptre as a signal of pardon4 ,esther1 attired in her queenly apparel1 with heroic purpose1 sought the presence of the king4 ,it was the day of the grand council of governors1 princes and officers of ,persia4 ,the royal guards held all avenues of approach to the council chamber4 ,the king sat upon his throne of gold and ivory1 surrounded by the highest officials of his empire4 ,the queen approached4 ,the guards and palace officials were stricken with terror at the unbidden advance of the queen4 ,the king's countenance flushed with anger when he beheld her intrusion4 ,queen ,esther1 fixing her eyes1 now eloquent with her soul's heroic purpose upon the king1 firmly advanced to the foot of the throne1 at once reminding him of his former pledges by touching her crown and robe in which he had desired her to appear when claiming his promise4 ,she secured pardon by laying her hand upon the golden sceptre which he extended to her4 ,graciously1 said the king1 ,what wilt thou1 ,queen ,esther8 and what is thy request8 it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom4 ,esther's perilous adventure was successful4 ,the king relented from his cruel purpose1 and spared the chosen people4 ,the sign of this degree is given by-- ,repeat from secret work4 7#i47 ,the pass4 7#aj47 ,the color appropriate to this degree is white2 a symbol of light1 purity1 and joy1 and should teach us that a pure and upright life is above the tongue of reproach4 ,the ,crown and ,sceptre united is an emblem of royalty and power4 ,sister ,conductress1 you will present this sister at the fourth point of the ,star for further instruction4 ,the candidate is conducted around ,esther's chair1 leaving the chair to the right across the ,star1 leaving the ,altar to the left1 around ,adah's chair to ,martha for instruction4 ,during the march there should be vocal or instrumental music1 or the ,worthy ,patron may recite the following3 ,w4 ,p4 ,and it was so1 when the king saw ,esther the queen standing in the court1 that she obtained favor in his sight2 and the king held out to ,esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand4 ,so ,esther drew near1 and touched the top of the sceptre4 ,then said the king unto her1 ',what wilt thou1 ,queen ,esther8 and what is thy request8 it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom4' ,cond4 ,sister ,martha4 ,martha rises and takes her position at the left of her chair4 ,martha4 ,sister ,conductress4 ,cond4 ,i present this sister to be instructed in the sublime virtue of a trustful faith1 in the hour of trial1 and hope of immortal life1 as illustrated in the history of ,martha4 ,martha4 ,the history of ,martha is that of a young woman oppressed with grief at the loss of an only brother4 ,the family1 consisting of ,martha1 and ,mary1 and their brother ,lazarus1 were residents of ,bethany4 ,they were known among the people of the country as followers of ,christ4 ,during the absence of ,jesus1 ,lazarus was taken ill1 and in a short time died4 ,at the close of the fourth day1 intelligence reached them that ,jesus was returning to ,bethany4 ,martha hastened to meet him1 raising her hands imploringly towards his face1 looking upward with suppressed emotion1 cried aloud1 ,lord if thou hadst been here1 my brother had not died4 ,but ,i know that even now1 whatsoever thou wilt ask of ,god1 ,god will give it thee4 ,jesus saith unto her1 ,thy brother shall rise again4 ,martha saith unto him1 ',i know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day4' ,jesus saith unto her1 ,i am the ,resurrection and the ,life1 he that believeth in me1 though he were dead1 yet shall he live1 and whosoever liveth and believeth in me1 shall never die4 ,believest thou this8 ,here is the record of her unfaltering trust2 here the record of her hope1 inspired by the teachings of ,jesus1 that beyond the grave1 the loved ones gone before are waiting to welcome us to our eternal home4 ,in the measureless realm of time1 how brief is our earthly life2 yet how momentous and eternal its issues6 ,life's experiences1 coming thick and fast1 are the soul's appointed means of growth4 ,to-day1 we build our castles1 to-morrow1 fickle fortune snatches from hope the promised joy4 ,to-day1 prosperity or the presence of loved ones fills our cup with joy2 to-morrow1 adversity1 or sore bereavement casts us into the valley of sorrow4 ,my sister1 may you have the trustful faith of ,martha2 it will lighten the burden of sorrow1 and incline you to the voice of duty4 ,the sign of this degree is given by-- ,repeat from secret work4 7#ab47 ,the pass4 7#ac47 ,the color appropriate to this degree is green2 an emblem of nature's life and beauty1 and a symbol of ,martha's trustful faith and hope of immortality4 ,the ,broken ,column is an expressive emblem of the uncertainty of human life4 ,sister ,conductress1 you will present this sister at the fifth point of the ,star for further instruction4 ,the candidate is conducted around ,martha's chair1 leaving the chair to the right1 then across the ,star leaving the ,altar to the left1 around ,ruth's chair to ,electa for instruction4 ,during the march there should be vocal or instrumental music1 or the ,worthy ,patron may recite the following3 ,w4 ,p4 ,then said ,martha unto ,jesus1 ,lord1 if thou hadst been here my brother had not died4 ,but ,i know that even now1 whatsoever thou wilt ask of ,god1 ,god will give it thee4 ,jesus saith unto her1 thy brother shall rise again4 ,martha saith unto him1 ,i know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day4 ,jesus saith unto her1 ,i am the resurrection and the life1 he that believeth in me1 though he were dead1 yet shall ye live4 ,and whosoever liveth1 and believeth in me1 shall never die4 ,cond4 ,sister ,electa4 ,electa arises and takes her position at the left of her chair4 ,electa4 ,sister ,conductress4 ,cond4 ,i present this sister to be instructed in the commendable virtue of heroic endurance of the wrongs of persecution1 when demanded in defense of ,truth1 as illustrated in the lesson of ,electa4 ,electa4 ,the second epistle of ,john is addressed to the elect lady and her children4 ,tradition delineates her as a lady who lived in the days of ,st4 ,john the ,evangelist4 ,her charity1 benevolence1 and generous hospitality to the poor entitled her to great distinction4 ,having been reared a ,pagan and afterwards becoming a convert to the ,christian religion1 she was subjected to severe trials and the most bitter persecution4 ,an edict was issued by the ,roman emperor that all followers of the ,christ should renounce their faith under penalty of death4 ,she was visited by a band of soldiers1 one of whom handed her the cross1 with a command to trample it under foot4 ,electa1 looking him steadily in the face1 received the cross--precious emblem of her ,saviour's blood--pressed it with ardor to her bosom1 and cast her eyes upward as a testimony of her love and loyalty to her ,christian faith4 ,as ,electa ,i represent this historical heroine1 and commend to you the sublime virtue she exemplified through her life1 that we love one another4 ,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 ,truth1 and1 alas1 there is too often persecution4 ,my sister1 be loyal to your convictions of truth1 and murmur not at another's loyalty4 ,let truth be spoken1 and let it shine through your life4 ,if persecution comes1 bear it with heroic endurance1 and despair not of the final triumph of ,truth4 ,the sign of this degree is given by-- ,repeat from secret work4 7#ae47 ,the pass4 7#af47 ,the color appropriate to this degree is red3 a symbol of that fervency which should actuate all who are engaged in the service of ,truth4 ,the cup is an emblem of charity and hospitality1 and teaches us to extend generous aid to the victims of poverty and distress4 ,sister ,conductress1 you will present this sister to the ,worthy ,patron for further instruction4 ,the candidate is conducted around ,electa's chair1 leaving the chair to the right1 then across the ,star1 leaving the ,altar to the left1 around ,esther's chair1 leaving the labyrinth between ,adah and ,electa1 then to the right once around the ,altar1 outside the ,star to the ,worthy ,patron4 ,during the march there should be vocal or instrumental music1 or the ,worthy ,patron may recite the following3 ,w4 ,p4 ,grace be with you1 mercy1 and peace1 from ,god the ,father4 ,and now ,i beseech thee1 lady1 not as though ,i wrote a new commandment unto thee1 but that which we had from the beginning1 that we love one another4 ,and this is love1 that we walk after ,his commandments4 ,by this we know that we walk in the truth4 ,behold what manner of love the ,father hath bestowed upon us4 ,that we should be called the children of ,god4 ,that our joy may be full4 ,beloved1 let us love one another1 for love is of ,god1 and every one that loveth and knoweth ,god1 is born of ,god4 ,herein is love1 not that we loved ,god1 but that he first loved us4 ,if ,god so loved us1 we ought also to love one another4 ,cond4 ,worthy ,patron1 ,i present to you this sister1 who has passed through the labyrinth of our ,star1 and been instructed in those sublime virtues exemplified by the heroines of our ,order4 ,w4 ,p4 ,we hail with pleasure your coming among us4 ,the work of our ,order is worthy of our earnest labor2 and we shall rejoice to find you excelling in zeal our most devoted members4 ,you will now give attention to the address of the ,worthy ,matron4 ,w4 ,m4 ,my sister1 the ,eastern ,star is closely related to the ,masonic fraternity2 and although related to it by the dearest ties1 yet it is no part of that ancient institution4 ,here the wives1 daughters1 mothers1 widows1 and sisters of ,masons1 may become co-laborers with the great ,brotherhood in the service of humanity4 ,by the laws of that ancient ,order1 women are not eligible to its degrees4 ,but woman's heart beats responsive to the same inspiration that prompts man to noble deeds4 ,she hears the cry of the orphan1 the call of want1 and the piteous wail of sorrow4 ,she honors the ,brotherhood for its noble work1 and seeks through the ,eastern ,star1 to be a co-worker with the ,masonic brother2 to pay the tribute of her love and labor at the same shrine1 and be able to make herself known1 throughout the domain of ,masonry1 as being entitled to its protection4 ,into this field of labor1 you have now entered4 ,you have taken the solemn ,obligation of the ,order1 and been instructed in those sublime virtues which should adorn our lives1 and make this institution worthy of the protection and support of all good ,masons4 ,we extend to you a fraternal love1 and shall rejoice to learn that your devotion to the great moral and social purposes of our ,order1 is earnest and persistent4 ,that the blessing of our ,heavenly ,father may rest upon our labor1 let us unite in prayer4 ,the ,chapter is called up and a circle is formed around the ,altar in the following manner by the officers joining hands3 ,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 ,electa4 ,if desired the members may join in forming the circle4 ,the ,worthy ,patron or ,chaplain will take position at the west side of the ,altar4 ,the ,conductress with the candidate at her right1 will advance to the open space at the left of the ,worthy ,matron2 and when the words golden chain thus lengthened in the prayer are being pronounced1 the ,worthy ,matron will extend her left hand and take the right hand of candidate and the ,conductress will join the circle at her left1 thus making it complete4 ,at the words each link shall fall away in death1 the hands will be unclasped4 ,if a ,chaplain officiates1 the ,worthy ,patron will remain in his station4 ,,prayer4 ,source of all wisdom1 truth1 and love1 ,grant we beseech ,thee1 that in the reception of this person into our ,order we may add strength to our strength1 and grace to our grace4 ,o1 may the golden chain thus lengthened become the brighter for this link1 and be strengthened for the great work we strive to do4 ,enlarge our powers to benefit mankind1 and to honor ,thee our ,god4 ,and when1 one by one1 each link shall fall away in death1 may the parting be temporary1 and the meeting eternal4 ,in the world where death comes not1 may we realize the full happiness of loving and serving ,thee forever4 ,,amen4 ,response by the ,chapter4 ,so may it ever be4 ,at the conclusion of the prayer an ,ode may be sung while the members are standing around the ,altar4 ,after singing the ,worthy ,patron seats the ,chapter4 ,the ,conductress leads the candidate to the ,east1 and the ,worthy ,matron may1 at the request of the ,worthy ,patron1 conclude the initiation ceremonies4 ,w4 ,p4 ,in taking upon yourself the solemn ,obligation of our ,order1 you enter upon a new phase of life2 henceforth you will be numbered among the members of this ,order1 who have for their inspiration the ,star of ,bethlehem1 which will guide all the faithful to the ,new ,jerusalem1 that city not made with hands4 ,i must remind you1 that with privileges come responsibilities4 ,you have been informed that we are in possession of certain secrets1 by means of which1 we are able to make ourselves known to each other wherever we may meet4 ,you have been conducted to the several points of the ,star1 and been instructed in the secret work of the ,order1 which1 if properly understood1 will enable you to make yourself known as a member4 ,that the signs and passes may be more firmly impressed upon your mind1 with the assistance of our ,conductress1 ,i will repeat them with explanations4 ,the ,conductress will give the signs as the ,worthy ,patron explains them4 ,the first is the ,daughter's sign1 or the sign of ,adah4 ,it is given by 7#c47 ,it alludes to the heroic conduct of ,jephthah's ,daughter4 ,the ,pass is 7#d47 7#e47 ,the second is the ,widow's sign1 or the sign of ,ruth4 ,it is given by 7#f47 ,it alludes to the humble gleaner ,ruth with her handfuls of barley gathered from the fields of ,boaz4 ,the ,pass is 7#g47 7#h47 ,the third is the ,wife's sign1 or the sign of ,esther4 ,it is given 7#i47 ,it alludes to the manner in which ,queen ,esther saluted the king1 reminding him of his promise1 by giving a sign which was understood between them4 ,the ,pass is 7#aj47 7#aa47 ,the fourth is the ,sister's sign1 or the sign of ,martha4 ,it is given by 7#ab47 ,it alludes to ,martha's meeting with ,jesus4 ,the ,pass is 7#ac47 7#ad47 ,the fifth is the ,mother's sign1 or the sign of ,electa4 ,it is given by 7#ae47 ,it alludes to heroic submission1 under the wrongs of persecution4 ,the ,pass is 7#af47 being the impressive lesson taught by ,electa4 ,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 brother4 ,any member seeing one of these signs given should respond by giving the ,pass belonging to the sign given1 and asking1 7#ag47 ,this is all the examination that is required under such circumstances4 ,it can be followed by such questions as may be necessary4 ,in passing an examination to visit a ,chapter1 in addition to this1 you will be required to give the signs and passes of each degree4 ,there is one other sign1 called the salutation sign1 which is given by members on entering or retiring from a ,chapter while in session4 ,they shall advance in front of the ,associate ,matron1 and 7#ai47 ,the ,grip of the ,order is given by 7#bj47 ,the ,conductress will communicate the ,grip to the candidate4 ,the ,signet is prepared to assist the memory of those who have received the degrees4 ,on the outer edge of the central division will be found the 7#ba47 ,i will explain the significance of the colors1 the emblematic flowers1 and the meaning of the several emblems alluding to the distinguished characters portrayed in the degrees4 ,blue symbolizes ,fidelity4 ,it is represented by the violet4 ,the open ,bible is appropriate to ,jephthah's ,daughter1 as a symbol of obedience to the word of ,god4 ,yellow symbolizes ,constancy4 ,it is represented by the yellow jessamine4 ,the ,lily of the ,valley is appropriate to ,ruth1 as a symbol of loveliness among the lowly4 ,white symbolizes ,light1 ,purity and ,joy4 ,it is represented by the white lily4 ,the ,sun is appropriate to ,esther1 as a symbol of the light and joy she gave to a down-trodden race4 ,green symbolizes ,hope and ,immortality4 ,it is represented by the fern4 ,the ,lamb is appropriate to ,martha1 as a symbol of innocence and humility4 ,red symbolizes ,fervency4 ,it is represented by the red rose4 ,the ,lion is appropriate to ,electa1 as a symbol of the courage and power1 that sustained the martyr defenders of ,truth4 ,and1 finally1 my sister1 ,jephthah's ,daughter1 because she freely sacrificed her life to preserve her father's honor2 ,ruth1 poor and lowly1 was faithful to the demands of honor and justice2 ,esther1 noble queen1 was prepared to sacrifice her crown and life1 to save her people from destruction2 ,martha1 from her trustful faith and hope of immortal life2 and ,electa1 pre-eminent in charity1 and heroic in endurance of the wrongs of persecution2 were 7#ah47 ,so may it be with you4 ,as you illustrate in your life the virtues of these tried servants of ,god1 so shall be your reward4 ,you will now be conducted to the ,secretary's desk1 where you will sign the ,by-,laws of this ,chapter1 and become entitled to all the privileges of membership2 after which you will be re-conducted to your present position4 ,while the candidate is signing the ,by-,laws1 there may be vocal or instrumental music4 ,after signing the ,by-,laws the candidate is conducted to the preparation room1 disrobes if robes are used1 a badge of the ,order put on1 and conducted to the ,east1 facing ,west4 ,when the door opens for the ,conductress and candidate to return1 the ,chapter is called up1 and all join in singing a welcome song1 after which the ,worthy ,patron says3 ,w4 ,p4 ,sisters and ,brothers1 our sister has passed through the several degrees of our ,order1 we hope with some pleasure to her1 and we know with great satisfaction to us4 ,you will give her a hearty welcome and resume order at the sound of the gavel4 ,the ,chapter takes a recess4 ,installation ,ceremonies4 ,these ceremonies may be performed in public4 ,if at a special meeting1 the ,chapter will be declared open with one blow of the ,gavel4 ,if regular1 it may be opened in an adjacent room and business postponed1 adjourning to the ,hall for installation1 after which the ,worthy ,matron will declare the ,chapter closed4 ,the ,installing ,officer must be a ,present or ,past ,matron or ,patron4 ,the first board of officers of a new ,chapter must be installed by a ,grand ,matron or ,patron1 or a ,deputy2 who also may install the officers of any ,chapter when requested to do so by the ,chapter4 ,the ,installing ,officer1 after assuming the chair1 will appoint a ,marshal1 who will collect the several badges of office1 and place them where they will be convenient for use4 ,the ,secretary will furnish the ,marshal with a list of the officers to be installed4 ,if the installation is a public one1 an address may be delivered touching the history and purposes of the ,order4 ,if a ,grand officer presides1 the ,marshal will be ,grand ,marshal4 ,the officers will be addressed by their titles and such changes made in the language of the following ceremonies as the circumstances require4 ,music1 vocal or instrumental1 may be introduced as may seem best4 ,after the appointment of the ,marshal and the collection of the badges of office1 the installing officer will proceed as follows3 ,i4 ,o4 ,sisters and ,brothers1 the selection of a new board of officers is an important event in the history of a ,chapter4 ,the welfare of this ,chapter1 and the prosperity of our ,order in this place1 may be permanently effected by the action of those whom you have chosen to serve as the officers of this ,chapter for the ensuing year4 ,before investing them with official authority we will invoke the blessing of ,him from whom cometh all wisdom and strength4 ,let us unite in prayer4 ,the ,chapter is called up1 and the ,installing ,officer or ,chaplain offers at the altar the following ,,prayer4 ,our ,father1 who art in ,heaven1 whose wisdom and goodness manifest themselves in all the works of creation2 with filial love and reverence we invoke ,thy blessing upon ,thy children here assembled1 and grace to consecrate the labors we have met to perform4 ,we commend to ,thy especial care and guidance the officers elect1 into whose hands we are about to repose the government of this ,chapter4 ,endue them with a just appreciation of the responsibilities they are about to assume1 and may they be ever mindful that a ,father's care is always over them1 and that ,thy all-seeing eye is ever upon them4 ,bless and prosper our beloved ,order2 may it be known and honored among the institutions of the land as one whose foundation is laid upon the enduring principle of ,truth4 ,direct our footsteps in ways of pleasantness and paths of peace1 and may all our doings reflect honor upon ,thy ,holy ,name4 ,,amen4 ,response by the ,chapter3 ,so may it ever be4 ,seats the ,chapter4 ,i4 ,o4 ,sister ,marshal4 ,m4 ,worthy ---- ,i4 ,o4 ,you will call the roll of officers elect1 who1 as their names are called1 will form a semi-circle on the west side of the altar1 facing the ,east1 to receive the ,obligation4 ,the ,w4 ,m4 on the extreme ,south1 then followed by the ,w4 ,p41 ,a4 ,m41 etc4 ,if the ,warder and ,sentinel are both called from their stations1 a brother will be appointed to attend at the door until the absent officers return4 ,old officers not re-elected or appointed1 may occupy their stations until their successors are installed4 ,when all are in their places1 the ,marshal will say3 ,m4 ,worthy ----1 the officers-elect are in order1 and await your pleasure4 ,i4 ,o4 ,sisters and brothers1 you behold those who have been selected as officers to serve you for the ensuing year4 ,do you still desire that they shall fill the positions to which they have been elected or appointed8 ,ans4 ,we do4 ,calls up the ,chapter4 ,i4 ,o4 ,you will repeat after me the following ,,obligation3 ,i solemnly and sincerely promise1 in the presence of the members of this ,chapter1 that ,i will1 to the best of my ability1 faithfully and impartially perform all the duties belonging to the office for which ,i have been selected4 ,that ,i will conform to the ,by-,laws of this ,chapter1 and the ,constitution1 ,rules and ,regulations of the ,grand ,chapter1 and do all in my power to promote the welfare and prosperity of our ,order4 ,the ,chapter and officers will be seated4 ,the ,marshal will present the officers at the altar for installation1 approaching the altar between ,adah and ,ruth and leaving between ,martha and ,electa4 ,i4 ,o4 ,sister ,marshal1 you will present the ,worthy ,matron elect for installation4 ,m4 ,worthy ----1 it is with pleasure that ,i present for installation ,sister ----1 who has been elected ,worthy ,matron of this ,chapter for the ensuing year4 ,our sister is fully aware of the important responsibility that rests upon her in the acceptance of this trust1 yet she is willing to assume it1 in the hope that by the aid of her sisters and brothers1 and the favor of ,god1 she will not prove altogether unworthy of the high honor that has been conferred upon her4 ,i4 ,o4 ,my sister1 before proceeding with your investiture1 it is necessary that you signify your assent to those ,regulations of the ,order1 upon the strict observance of which its stability and success depend4 ,you admit that the name1 character1 and modes of recognition of the ,order of the ,eastern ,star are unchangeable4 ,ans4 ,i do4 ,you admit that a belief in the existence of a ,supreme ,being is one of the requirements of the ,order4 ,ans4 ,i do4 ,you admit that the utmost care should be taken to admit to membership only such persons as possess a good moral character4 ,ans4 ,i do4 ,you admit that no new ,chapter can be legally formed without a ,charter or ,dispensation from the ,grand ,chapter within whose jurisdiction it is formed2 that no countenance should be given to any illegally formed ,chapter1 its members1 or persons initiated therein4 ,ans4 ,i do4 ,you promise to obey the ,laws and ,regulations of the ,grand ,chapter2 together with the ,by-,laws of this ,chapter1 and to permit no violation of them by its members4 ,ans4 ,i do4 ,you promise that no visitor will be admitted to your ,chapter1 to witness the secret work of the ,order1 unless found legally entitled to do so2 and that none will be admitted who would injuriously effect the peace and harmony of the ,chapter4 ,ans4 ,i do4 ,you agree to do all in your power to promote the welfare of this ,chapter1 and to enforce1 to the best of your ability1 all the rules and regulations of the ,order4 ,ans4 ,i do4 ,members of ---- ,chapter1 you have heard your ,worthy ,matron elect in the pledges she has made2 do you promise to support her in the performance of her duties8 ,ans4 ,we do4 ,my sister1 the office of ,worthy ,matron is one of great responsibility1 and it will require your utmost attention1 wisdom and forbearance4 ,the members will look to you1 not only for counsel in all matters that come before the ,chapter1 but for advice and sympathy in their troubles and sorrows4 ,it should be your constant study1 therefore1 how best to cultivate the social virtues1 and avoid unpleasant misunderstandings among the members of your ,chapter4 ,you should be cautious in the execution of your trust1 courteous to the members1 and ever ready to render a helping hand to sisters or brothers in affliction or adversity4 ,you should set an example of good order and punctuality1 for only by so doing can you expect similar attention from others4 ,whatever you would deem praiseworthy in another in your position1 you should carefully imitate1 and with equal care avoid what would be blameworthy4 ,within the ,chapter it will be your duty to see that its regular meetings are held1 and special meetings called1 whenever the good of the ,chapter demands them2 that your subordinates fill their stations with honor and usefulness2 that the ,by-,laws be implicitly obeyed2 that the funds1 records1 rituals1 and other property of the ,chapter be properly preserved by the officers in whose charge they are placed2 that the cry of the widow and orphan shall never be heard in vain2 and that this ,chapter fails in nothing for which it was established4 ,all this you should strive to accomplish by the zealous exercise of your prerogatives as ,worthy ,matron1 to which exalted position your associates have been pleased to elect you4 ,sister ,marshal1 you will invest our sister with the badge of her office4 ,the ,marshal will invest the officers with their badges as she is requested to do so by the ,installing ,officer4 ,i4 ,o4 ,your badge is the ,gavel within the ,star1 an emblem of authority2 admonishing you that upon your judgment and discretion rests the government of this ,chapter1 and1 in a great measure1 the prosperity of our beautiful ,order4 ,illustration3 ,matron4 ,sister ,marshal1 you will conduct our sister to her station4 ,the ,worthy ,matron will ascend the dais1 and1 turning towards the ,chapter1 stand in her station4 ,the ,installing ,officer will call up the ,chapter and say3 ,i4 ,o4 ,worthy ,matron1 behold your sisters and brothers4 ,sisters and brothers1 behold your ,worthy ,matron1 and salute her with the ,grand ,honors4 ,the ,chapter responds by giving the ,grand ,honors1 after which the ,chapter is seated4 ,the ,worthy ,matron takes the chair on the left of the ,installing ,officer4 ,i4 ,o4 ,sister ,marshal1 you will present the ,worthy ,patron elect for installation4 ,m4 ,worthy ----1 ,i have the pleasure of presenting1 for installation1 ,brother ----1 who has been elected ,worthy ,patron of this ,chapter for the ensuing year4 ,his zeal in our cause1 and qualifications for the position1 assure us that he will discharge the duties to the satisfaction of the ,chapter1 and the honor and welfare of our ,order4 ,i4 ,o4 ,my brother1 you have heard the pledges made by the ,worthy ,matron previous to her installation4 ,do you also promise a faithful obedience to all those regulations8 ,ans4 ,i do4 ,i4 ,o4 ,my ,brother1 the station to which you have been elected is one of the most important within the gift of the members of this ,chapter1 and your election thereto the highest honor they can confer upon a ,brother4 ,from the nature of the ,order you are not its chief officer1 yet you are expected to have a watchful care over the interests of the ,chapter and see that the ,laws of the ,order are promptly obeyed4 ,it is your duty to preside during the ceremony of ,initiation and at other times when requested to do so by the ,worthy ,matron2 to see that the officers are thoroughly instructed in their duties1 and that the ritual work of the ,order is properly rendered4 ,it is also your duty to have a general supervision over the affairs of the ,chapter1 and act as the constitutional adviser of the ,worthy ,matron4 ,to do this acceptably1 you must make yourself thoroughly familiar with the jurisprudence of the ,order1 as promulgated in its established rules and regulations4 ,sister ,marshal1 you will invest our brother with the badge of his office4 ,i4 ,o4 ,your badge is the ,square and ,compasses within the ,star1 an emblem of the relationship existing between the ,masonic ,fraternity and the ,order of the ,eastern ,star1 and admonishes you to be ever mindful of your obligations to the ,order4 ,illustration3 ,patron4 ,sister ,marshal1 you will conduct our brother to his station1 at the left of the ,worthy ,matron4 ,i4 ,o4 ,sister ,marshal1 you will present the ,associate ,matron elect for installation4 ,m4 ,worthy ----1 ,i have the pleasure of presenting ,sister ----1 who has been elected ,associate ,matron of this ,chapter for the ensuing year4 ,i4 ,o4 ,my ,sister1 the duties of your position are embodied in the name of your office4 ,you are the assistant to the ,worthy ,matron in all branches of her responsible charge1 and1 in her absence1 will succeed to all her privileges and prerogatives4 ,it is necessary therefore1 that you should make yourself familiar with the duties of that office1 so that you may fill it with credit to yourself and honor to your ,chapter4 ,sister ,marshal1 you will invest our sister with the badge of her office4 ,i4 ,o4 ,your badge is the ,sun within the ,star1 an emblem of light1 admonishing you that the principles of our ,order should shine with undiminished lustre through our lives4 ,illustration3 ,asso4 ,matron4 ,sister ,marshal1 you will conduct our sister to her station in the ,west4 ,i4 ,o4 ,sister ,marshal1 you will present the ,secretary elect4 ,m4 ,worthy ----1 ,i have the pleasure of presenting ,sister ----1 who has been elected ,secretary of this ,chapter for the ensuing year4 ,i4 ,o4 ,my sister1 yours is a difficult and responsible charge4 ,failure or neglect on your part will complicate and embarrass all our proceedings1 and give us a disgraceful record on the books of the ,grand ,chapter4 ,it is your duty to note in proper order1 the business of our meetings1 to collect all moneys due the ,chapter1 and forward to the ,grand ,secretary the necessary returns1 as required by the ,constitution1 and perform such other duties as properly belong to your office4 ,sister ,marshal1 you will invest our sister with the badge of her office4 ,your badge is the ,cross-pens within the ,star1 an emblem of intelligence1 admonishing you to be faithful to your trust1 that the good deeds of your companions may not go unrecorded4 ,illustration3 ,secretary4 ,sister ,marshal1 you will conduct our sister to her station in the ,south-,east4 ,i4 ,o4 ,sister ,marshal1 you will present the ,treasurer elect4 ,m4 ,worthy ----1 ,i have the pleasure of presenting ,sister ----1 who has been elected ,treasurer of this ,chapter for the ensuing year4 ,i4 ,o4 ,my sister1 the proper preservation of our funds demands honesty and carefulness on the part of the ,treasurer4 ,the money placed in your hands may be required for charitable purposes at the most unexpected moment1 or to meet the necessary expenses of the ,chapter4 ,sister ,marshal1 you will invest our sister with the badge of her office4 ,your badge is the ,cross-keys within the ,star1 an emblem of security1 admonishing you to the strictest fidelity in the discharge of your important trust1 that the ,chapter may not be embarrassed in its efforts to relieve the distressed and meet its necessary expenses4 ,illustration3 ,treasurer4 ,sister ,marshal1 you will conduct our sister to her station in the ,north-,east4 ,i4 ,o4 ,sister ,marshal1 you will present the ,conductress and ,associate ,conductress elect4 ,m4 ,worthy ----1 ,i have the pleasure of presenting ,sister ----1 elected to be ,conductress1 and ,sister ----1 elected to be ,associate ,conductress of this ,chapter for the ensuing year4 ,i4 ,o4 ,my sisters1 upon you devolves the duty of preparing and conducting through our ceremonies of initiation those who seek the privileges of our ,order4 ,it is important1 therefore1 that you should fully understand and intelligently perform the duties of your office4 ,the candidates enter our ,chapter prepared to receive a favorable impression of our mysteries and aims2 if you present these matters aright1 throwing sisterly courtesy and dignity around your official proceedings1 they will acquire a fond regard for our beautiful ,order4 ,remember1 therefore1 that it depends greatly upon the manner in which you perform your duties whether the candidates receive favorable impressions from their initiation4 ,sister ,marshal1 you will invest our sisters with their badges of office4 ,sister ,conductress1 your badge is the ,scroll and ,baton within the ,star1 an emblem of prepared plans and their fulfillment1 admonishing you that the first impressions made upon candidates are permanent1 and should be for good4 ,illustration3 ,conductress4 ,sister ,associate ,conductress1 your badge is the ,baton within the ,star1 an emblem of direction1 admonishing you that good discipline is essential to the success of our ,order4 ,illustration3 ,assoc4 ,conductress4 ,sister ,marshal1 you will conduct our sisters to their stations in the ,south and ,north4 ,i4 ,o4 ,sister ,marshal1 you will present the ,chaplain elect4 ,m4 ,worthy ----1 ,i have the pleasure of presenting ---- ----1 who has been appointed ,chaplain for the ensuing year4 ,i4 ,o4 ,my ----1 we recognize our dependence upon the ,source of all ,wisdom and ,strength1 and often invoke the blessing of our ,heavenly ,father upon our work4 ,it will be your duty to lead the ,chapter in its devotions at the altar1 and perform such other duties as are appropriate to your office4 ,sister ,marshal1 you will invest our ---- with the badge of his office4 ,your badge is the ,bible within the ,star1 a symbol of the word of ,god1 admonishing you to walk circumspectly1 that your life may be void of offense toward ,god and man4 ,illustration3 ,chaplain4 ,sister ,marshal1 you will conduct our ---- to ---- station in the ,east1 at the right of the ,worthy ,matron4 ,i4 ,o4 ,sister ,marshal1 you will present the ,marshal elect4 ,m4 ,worthy ----1 ,i have the pleasure of presenting ,sister ----1 who has been appointed ,marshal for the ensuing year4 ,i4 ,o4 ,my sister1 the position assigned you is one of honor and responsibility4 ,it is your duty to superintend and marshal all processions1 assist in all its public and private ceremonies1 conduct and proclaim the officers at the time of their installation1 and perform such other duties as pertain to your office4 ,sister ,marshal1 you will invest our sister with the badge of her office4 ,your badge is the ,cross ,batons within the ,star1 an emblem of direction1 admonishing you that courtesy and promptness are essential to the discharge of your duties4 ,illustration3 ,marshal4 ,sister ,marshal1 you will conduct our sister to her station in the ,south-,east4 ,i4 ,o4 ,sister ,marshal1 you will present for installation the sisters appointed to represent the five rays of our central ,star4 ,m4 ,worthy ----1 ,i have the pleasure of presenting those who have been appointed to represent the five rays of our central ,star4 ,sister ----1 to represent the blue ray of ,adah2 ,sister ----1 the yellow ray of ,ruth2 ,sister ----1 the white ray of ,esther2 ,sister ----1 the green ray of ,martha2 and ,sister ----1 the red ray of ,electa4 ,in the installation of the ,star officers1 bouquets of flowers1 having the appropriate colors for the several points1 may be introduced with pleasing effect4 ,i4 ,o4 ,my sisters1 you are the floral center of this ,chapter4 ,in our ceremonies1 the colors and flowers appropriate to the five points of our ,star are endowed with beauty and instruction4 ,to you is assigned the duty of teaching the impressive lessons which those colors and floral emblems symbolize1 and the sublime virtues illustrated in the lives of the heroines of our ,order4 ,how important1 then1 that in the discharge of your official duties1 you should strive to throw an air of beauty and solemnity around all that you have to say and do1 so that from you1 as the central ,star of this ,chapter1 may emanate a light that will give instruction and joy to all who attend our meetings4 ,sister ,marshal1 you will invest our sisters with their badges of office4 ,i4 ,o4 ,sister ,adah1 your badge is the ,sword and ,veil within the ,triangle1 an emblem of the heroic conduct of ,jephthah's ,daughter1 admonishing you to be ever faithful to your convictions of right and duty4 ,illustration3 ,adah4 ,sister ,ruth1 your badge is the ,sheaf within the ,triangle1 an emblem of plenty1 admonishing you that patient industry shall not go unrewarded4 ,illustration3 ruth4 ,sister ,esther1 your badge is the ,crown and ,scepter within the ,triangle1 an emblem of royalty and power1 admonishing you to emulate the virtues of the heroic queen ,esther4 ,illustration3 ,esther4 ,sister ,martha1 your badge is the ,broken ,column within the ,triangle1 an emblem of the uncertainty of human life1 admonishing you that the deepest sorrow is often relieved by trustful faith in ,god4 ,illustration3 ,martha4 ,sister ,electa1 your badge is the ,cup within the ,triangle1 an emblem of charity and hospitality1 virtues inculcated by the teachings of our ,order4 ,illustration3 ,electa4 ,such1 my sisters1 are some of the lessons taught by your several badges of office4 ,the sublime virtues exemplified in the lives of the distinguished heroines whom you represent1 are worthy of imitation1 and ,i trust that while you teach those virtues to others1 they will be illustrated in your lives4 ,thus you may honor the positions to which you have been appointed1 and lay up for yourselves those ,heavenly treasures which shall never fade and which will render you ,fairest among thousands1 altogether lovely4 ,sister ,marshal1 you will conduct our sisters to their several stations4 ,i4 ,o4 ,sister ,marshal1 you will present the ,warder and ,sentinel for installation4 ,m4 ,worthy ----1 ,i have the pleasure of presenting ,sister ----1 who has been appointed ,warder1 and ,bro4 ----1 appointed ,sentinel of this ,chapter for the ensuing year4 ,i4 ,o4 ,my sister and brother1 you are respectively the inner and outer guards of the ,chapter4 ,upon you1 therefore1 we rely to preserve that secrecy which is essential to our proceedings1 and to see that the solemnity of our ceremonies is not interrupted by untimely alarms4 ,be ever watchful in your positions1 and allow none to enter or leave the ,chapter without permission of the presiding officer4 ,sister ,marshal1 you will invest our sister and brother with their badges of office4 ,sister ,warder1 your badge is the ,dove within the ,star1 an emblem of peace1 admonishing you that peace and harmony are necessary to the success of our ,order4 ,illustration3 ,warder4 ,brother ,sentinel1 your badge is the ,cross-swords within the ,star1 an emblem of protection1 admonishing you that upon your watchful care depends our security from interruption4 ,illustration3 ,sentinel4 ,sister ,marshal1 you will conduct our sister and brother to their stations within and without the door4 ,i4 ,o4 ,sister ,marshal1 you will present the ,organist elect4 ,m4 ,worthy ----1 ,i have the pleasure of presenting ,sister ----1 who has been appointed ,organist for the ensuing year4 ,i4 ,o4 ,my sister1 your duties are embodied in the name of your office4 ,to make the initiation ceremonies as impressive and effective as we desire1 it is important that you should be faithful to your trust4 ,sister ,marshal1 you will invest our sister with the badge of her office4 ,your badge is the ,lyre within the ,star1 an emblem of music and poetry1 admonishing you that by uniting harmony with our mystic rites1 the impressions will be more lasting4 ,illustration3 ,organist4 ,sister ,marshal1 you will conduct our sister to her station4 ,i4 ,o4 ,sisters and ,brothers1 such is the nature of all associations1 that some must rule and govern1 and others submit and obey4 ,the officers whom you have selected to preside over your deliberations during the ensuing year1 are1 ,i trust1 sufficiently conversant with the rules of our ,order to avoid exceeding the powers with which you have intrusted them4 ,all things are now ready for you to enter upon the proceedings of a new year4 ,but we know not what is before us4 ,no one can affirm that another year1 or even a single day1 will be committed to our trust4 ,therefore1 if we have been faithful heretofore1 let us increase our exertions for the future4 ,as among the objects for which we are associated together is our purpose to protect the widow and orphan1 comfort the afflicted1 sympathize with the sorrowing1 and relieve the destitute and distressed1 ,i trust that no discord will ever rise among us to imperil the success of our efforts to accomplish these charitable purposes1 and increase the happiness of ourselves and others4 ,let us be kind1 forbearing and forgiving1 one towards another4 ,let us return kindness for hostility4 ,let us sacredly preserve our lips from slander and evil speaking2 and whatever may be our failings1 let us throw around each other the broad mantle of charity4 ,and1 finally1 let us be governed in words and deeds by the golden rule1 ,whatsoever ye would that men should do to you1 do ye even so to them3 for this is the law and the prophets4 ,thus may we confidently hope that in the good providence of ,god1 each of us will be brought1 through a useful and happy life1 to a blissful close1 and triumphant entrance upon the joys of celestial life4 ,the ,installing ,officer then addresses the ,worthy ,matron1 who1 as he does so1 rises4 ,worthy ,matron1 the officers of your ,chapter have been installed into their respective stations1 and are prepared to enter upon their duties4 ,you will now receive in charge the ,charter1 by the authority of which this ,chapter is held1 and which must be present at all its meetings4 ,you will also receive the ,constitution governing the ,order in this ,state1 and the ,by-laws of this ,chapter1 both of which you are expected to make yourself thoroughly acquainted with1 and see promptly obeyed4 ,i now present to you the ,gavel1 an emblem of your authority2 and as none should disobey it1 ,i confidently hope that you will never use it in an arbitrary or dictatorial manner1 remembering that we should charitably temper justice with mercy4 ,you will now assume your station as the ,worthy ,matron of this ,chapter4 ,the ,worthy ,matron steps to the center of the dais1 and the ,installing ,officer to the right4 ,the ,worthy ,matron calls up the ,chapter4 ,i4 ,o4 ,sister ,marshal1 you will now proclaim the officers of ---- ,chapter ,no4 --1 regularly installed4 ,m4 ,in the name of the ,grand ,chapter and by order of the ,worthy ----1 ,i proclaim the officers of ---- ,chapter ,no4 --1 of the ,order of the ,eastern ,star1 for the ensuing year1 regularly installed4 ,,ceremony ,,of ,,installation ,officers of ,grand ,chapters4 ,the ,grand ,chapter being properly opened1 as for work1 a ,past ,grand ,patron or ,grand ,matron presiding2 if none such be present1 then the oldest member being a ,past ,patron shall take the chair1 and1 with such assistance as he may appoint1 the ceremony shall proceed1 as follows3 ,the ,grand ,secretary shall call the list of officers1 elected and appointed2 and1 as their names are called1 they will form a semi-circle on the west side of the ,altar1 facing the ,east1 to receive the ,obligation2 the emblems of office and jewels having been collected at the ,east2 the ,worthy ,grand ,matron on the extreme ,south1 followed by the ,worthy ,grand ,patron1 c4 ,this ceremony may be used to install the officers of the ,general ,grand ,chapter1 by prefixing the words1 ,most ,worthy to ,grand ,matron and ,grand ,patron1 ,right ,worthy to the ,associate ,grand ,matron1 ,associate ,grand ,patron1 ,grand ,secretary and ,grand ,treasurer1 and ,very ,worthy to ,grand ,chaplain1 and ,worthy before the rest of the ,grand ,officers4 ,whenever ,grand ,chapter occurs1 prefix the word ,general4 ,the ,grand ,marshal will then present the officers to the ,grand ,matron or ,grand ,patron4 ,g4 ,m4 ,grand ----1 ,i have the pleasure to present to you1 for installation1 these sisters and brothers1 who have been duly elected and chosen to preside over us and assist in conducting the business of this ,grand ,chapter1 and to discharge all other duties appertaining to their several stations until their successors are lawfully chosen and installed4 ,installing ,officer rises and calls up the ,grand ,chapter1 which is addressed as follows3 ,grand ----4 ,sisters and brothers of the ,grand ,chapter1 these persons1 selected by you1 are now ready and willing to take upon themselves the obligations1 duties and responsibilities of office4 ,in our beautiful ,order1 preferment to office should not be sought after1 but should come to the individual chosen1 as an honor justly merited and freely bestowed4 ,those only should be chosen1 who1 by their reputation1 their work1 and high moral character1 command the esteem and confidence of our members1 and can give us standing and credit before the world4 ,do you believe they possess these qualifications1 and now desire that they shall be installed into the offices to which they have been chosen8 ,the ,grand ,chapter responds3 ,we do4 ,installing ,officer continues3 ,grand ----4 ,sisters and brothers-elect1 there being no objection against either of you1 gives us full assurance of your competency to discharge the responsible duties to be assigned you4 ,you have been chosen to take charge of the affairs of this ,grand ,chapter for the ensuing year4 ,it is no small mark of esteem to be thus selected2 let it be your aim to make the ensuing year the most prosperous in the history of this ,grand ,chapter2 then you will find in the record of its prosperity the reward of your faithful service4 ,you will please give your assent to the obligation of office4 ,do you each sacredly promise to support1 maintain and enforce the ,constitution1 ,by-,laws1 and ,regulations of this ,grand ,chapter1 be obedient to its orders and directions1 and1 to the best of your knowledge and ability1 impartially and faithfully discharge the duties of your office1 and use your utmost endeavors to make yourself useful1 and your station honorable1 in the office with which ,i am now about to invest you8 ,they severally assent1 and the ,installing ,officer will then seat the ,grand ,chapter1 the officers elect being seated together1 and the ceremonies will proceed1 as follows3 ,g4 ,m4 ,grand ----1 ,i have the honor to present1 for installation1 ,sister ----1 duly elected ,grand ,matron for the ensuing year4 ,our sister is fully aware of the great responsibility she is assuming1 in the acceptance of this important position1 yet she is willing to undertake it1 in the belief that1 with the aid and assistance of the sisters and brothers1 and by the help of ,god1 she will not fail in the performance of her duty1 and thus prove that the confidence reposed in her has not been misapplied4 ,grand ----4 ,sister ----1 you have been elected by the free ballot of the members of this ,grand ,chapter1 to occupy the most exalted position in their power to bestow upon a sister2 a just and deserving tribute to your zeal and worth1 and ,i congratulate you upon your preferment4 ,the high honors attached to the office of ,grand ,matron are accompanied by weighty and delicate responsibilities4 ,it is expected that you will have a watchful care over the interests of this ,grand ,chapter1 see that its ,constitutions1 ,by-,laws and ,regulations1 orders and edicts are promptly enforced throughout this jurisdiction1 that subordinate officers discharge their duties1 and that1 by your own respect for law and good government1 you will cause all others to find the strongest incentive of obedience to all lawful commands4 ,your duties are more specifically set forth in the ,constitution1 to which ,i refer you1 with the admonition3 ,be cautious in your words1 courteous in your actions1 sincere in your rulings1 governing with moderation and decorum1 trusting that your well-known zeal in the cause of the ,order will lead you to discharge these important trusts with lasting benefit to this ,grand ,chapter and great credit to yourself4 ,illustration3 ,grand ,matron4 ,you will now be invested with the proper badge of office1 and be conducted to your station in the ,east4 ,after she is in her station1 the ,installing officer will call up the ,grand ,chapter1 and say3 ,grand ----4 ,grand ,matron1 behold your sisters and brothers6 ,sisters and brothers1 behold your ,grand ,matron1 and salute her with the ,grand ,honors4 ,seats the ,grand ,chapter4 ,g4 ,m4 ,grand ----1 it is with pleasure ,i introduce to you ,brother ----1 who has been duly elected ,grand ,patron for the ensuing year4 ,i doubt not but you will find him as willing to discharge the duties as to enjoy the high honors conferred upon him4 ,grand ----4 ,brother ----1 you have been elected by the free choice of the members of this ,grand ,chapter to occupy the most exalted position in their power to bestow upon a brother2 a just compliment to your zeal and worth1 and for which ,i offer you my sincere congratulations4 ,your intimate acquaintance with the rules and affairs of our ,order justify me in saying that the members have exercised a sound discretion in this selection4 ,you are elevated to a position from which the power and prerogative may depart with the expiration of your term of service1 but the honor and dignity1 except by your own act1 never6 ,your duties are to issue dispensations1 organize and supervise new ,chapters1 and assist the ,grand ,matron in the discharge of her duties4 ,other duties appropriate to your high office might be named1 which will readily suggest themselves to a sensitive mind1 imbued with a proper zeal to promote the interests of our ,order4 ,the field is broad1 and whitening for the harvest2 may you be the instrument of gathering many sheaves to our garner1 that it may be said of you1 ,well done1 thou good and faithful servant2 thou hast been faithful over a few things1 ,i will make thee ruler over many things4 ,illustration3 ,grand ,patron4 ,you will now be invested with the insignia of office1 and be conducted to your station on the left of the ,grand ,matron in the ,east4 ,after he is in his station1 the ,installing ,officer will call up the ,grand ,chapter1 and say3 ,grand ----4 ,grand ,patron1 behold your sisters and brothers6 ,sisters and brothers1 behold your ,grand ,patron1 and salute him with the ,grand ,honors4 ,seats the ,grand ,chapter4 ,g4 ,m4 ,grand ----1 with pleasure ,i present ,sister ----1 elected ,associate ,grand ,matron1 for installation4 ,i am persuaded she fully appreciates the honor conferred1 and will discharge the duties imposed with credit to herself and satisfaction to the ,order4 ,grand ----4 ,sister ----1 the duties of your honorable station are embodied in the name of your office4 ,you are to assist the ,grand ,matron1 and in case of her death1 absence1 or disability1 you shall act for her and discharge her duties4 ,to you is especially intrusted the supervision of your sister officers1 that the paraphernalia of the ,grand ,chapter be properly preserved1 and its ,ritual ceremonies performed intelligently4 ,be ever ready to discharge these duties4 ,illustration3 ,asso4 ,grand ,matron4 ,you will now be invested with your badge of office1 and conducted to your station in the ,west4 ,g4 ,m4 ,grand ----1 ,i now have the pleasure of presenting to you1 for installation1 ,brother ----1 who has been duly elected ,associate ,grand ,patron4 ,grand ----4 ,brother ----1 ,i congratulate you on being chosen to fill so high a station4 ,your duties are to assist the ,grand ,patron1 and in case of his death1 absence or disability1 to assume his powers and duties4 ,those who have reposed so much confidence in you have reason to expect you to faithfully look after their interests1 and zealously work for the welfare of the ,order4 ,let the laws1 tenets and professions of the ,eastern ,star be your constant study1 that you may be ready to enforce them by precept and example1 and the better enabled to exercise the higher and more exalted position to which you may be called at any moment4 ,illustration3 ,associate ,grand ,patron4 ,you will now be invested with the proper emblem of office1 and conducted to your station on the left of the ,associate ,grand ,matron1 in the ,west4 ,g4 ,m4 ,grand ----1 it is my pleasant duty to introduce ---- ----1 duly elected to serve us as ,grand ,secretary for the ensuing year4 ,grand ----4 ---- ----1 the office to which you have been elected is by far the most important1 if not the most honorable1 within the gift of this ,grand ,chapter4 ,yours is an onerous and most responsible charge4 ,but few are competent to perform it in the thorough manner it demands4 ,failure or neglect upon your part will complicate and embarrass all our proceedings1 and give us a disgraceful record before the world4 ,to you1 also1 is intrusted the collection of all funds due the ,grand ,chapter1 the custody of the seal1 records1 books1 and papers4 ,you are the correspondent and financial agent of the ,grand ,chapter1 the medium of intercourse between the officers and members thereof1 as well as between them and ,subordinate ,chapters4 ,the faithful discharge of all your various duties requires constant and systematic work1 a careful keeping of records and accounts1 prompt and discreet action1 and the highest integrity of character4 ,illustration3 ,grand ,secretary4 ,you will now receive your emblem of office1 and be conducted to your station in the ,south-,east4 ,g4 ,m4 ,grand ----1 it is with confidence and pleasure ,i present to you1 for installation1 ,sister ----1 duly elected to serve as ,grand ,treasurer for the ensuing year4 ,grand ----4 ,sister ----1 to you is intrusted the proper care1 preservation and disbursement of the funds of this ,grand ,chapter4 ,this is a trust of the utmost importance1 for without money little good can be accomplished4 ,you will1 therefore1 attend carefully to the financial interests of the ,order1 receiving the funds1 through the ,grand ,secretary1 from the different sources of revenue1 keep them safely invested1 render a just account thereof1 and pay the same out only on proper vouchers1 with the consent of this ,grand ,chapter4 ,let it be your constant care to be faithful to your trust1 and not forfeit the confidence reposed in you by this ,grand ,chapter4 ,illustration3 ,grand ,treasurer4 ,you will now receive your badge of office1 and be conducted to your station1 in the ,north-,east4 ,g4 ,m4 ,grand ----1 ,i have the honor to present ---- ----1 chosen to officiate as ,grand ,chaplain for the ensuing year4 ,grand ----4 ,my ----1 our beautiful ,order founded upon the moral teachings of the ,holy ,scripture1 everywhere1 and on all occasions1 acknowledges the existence and providence of ,god4 ,except the ,lord build the house1 they labor in vain that build it2 except the ,lord keep the city1 the watchman waketh in vain4 ,you have been chosen ,grand ,chaplain1 and as such it will be your duty to conduct the devotional exercises of this ,grand ,chapter1 and superintend and promote its charitable and benevolent objects4 ,these will afford a wide field of usefulness1 and may you be so successful in pointing to the ,star in the ,east that all will be induced to follow it1 until they meet in the ,grand ,chapter above4 ,illustration3 ,grand ,chaplain4 ,you will now be invested with your badge of office1 and take your station on the right of the ,grand ,matron4 ,g4 ,m4 ,grand ----1 it is with pleasure ,i present ---- ----1 appointed ,grand ,lecturer4 ,grand ----4 ---- ----1 to you is intrusted the work of the ,order1 its rites1 traditions1 and ceremonies1 and it will be your duty to exemplify the same1 whenever called upon by this ,grand ,chapter1 and see that they are intelligently performed by the subordinate ,chapters of this jurisdiction4 ,to discharge these duties well1 will require much time1 study and observation upon your part2 but we trust that your attachment to the principles of our ,order1 and zeal in promoting its interests1 will lead you to the faithful discharge of your duties4 ,receive the jewel and emblem of your office1 and take your station in the ,south4 ,g4 ,m4 ,grand ----1 ,i now have the pleasure of presenting ---- ----1 for installation1 as ,grand ,marshal4 ,grand ----4 ---- ----1 the post assigned to you is one of honor and responsibility4 ,it is your duty to superintend and marshal all processions of the ,grand ,chapter1 assist in all its public and private ceremonies1 conduct and proclaim the officers at the time of installation1 and perform such other duties as pertain to your office4 ,illustration3 ,grand ,marshal4 ,you will now be invested with the badge of your office1 and be conducted to your station in the ,south-,east4 ,g4 ,m4 ,grand ----1 ,i have the pleasure to introduce1 for installation1 ,sister ----1 appointed ,grand ,conductress1 and ,sister ----1 appointed ,associate ,grand ,conductress for the ensuing year4 ,grand ----4 ,my sisters1 your duties are to attend upon your superior officers1 assist in the active duties of this ,grand ,chapter1 introduce and welcome visitors1 and aid in exemplifying the rites and ceremonies of our ,order upon all proper occasions4 ,if you attend to these duties aright1 throwing sisterly courtesy and dignity around your official conduct1 you will acquire the confidence and respect of all and merit promotion to still higher honors and more weighty responsibilities4 ,illustration3 ,grand ,conductress4 ,you will now receive your respective badges of office1 and be conducted to your proper stations in the ,south and ,north4 ,illustration3 ,assoc4 ,grand ,conductress4 ,g4 ,m4 ,grand ----1 it is with pleasure that ,i present to you1 for installation1 these sisters who have been appointed to represent the five distinguished heroines of our ,order1 ,sister ----1 as ,grand ,adah2 ,sister ----1 as ,grand ,ruth2 ,sister ----1 as ,grand ,esther2 ,sister ----1 as ,grand ,martha2 ,sister ----1 as ,grand ,electa4 ,grand ----4 ,my sisters1 the most important lessons of our ,order are given from the five points of our emblematic ,star4 ,it should be your study to most impressively render these lessons during the opening ceremonies of this ,grand ,chapter1 and whenever your services may be needed4 ,you will now each be invested with the badge of your office1 and conducted to your stations4 ,illustration3 ,grand ,officers4 ,g4 ,m4 ,it is with pleasure that ,i present1 for installation1 ,sister ----1 appointed to be ,grand ,warder1 and ,brother ----1 appointed to be ,grand ,sentinel4 ,grand ----4 ,my sister and brother1 you are1 respectively1 the inner and outer guards of the ,grand ,chapter4 ,upon you1 therefore1 we rely to preserve that secrecy which is essential to our proceedings1 and to see that our ceremonies are not interrupted by untimely alarms1 and to discharge such other duties as appertain to your office4 ,a prompt and faithful discharge of these responsibilities will afford the best evidence of your attachment for the tenets and professions of our ,order4 ,you will be invested with your respective badges of office1 and conducted to your stations within and without the door of the ,grand ,chapter4 ,g4 ,m4 ,it is my pleasant duty to present for installation1 ,sister ----1 appointed to serve as ,grand ,organist for the ensuing year4 ,grand ----4 ,my sister1 your duties are embodied in the name of your office1 admonishing you that by uniting music and harmony with our mystic lessons the ceremonials of our ,order will prove more lasting4 ,illustration3 ,grand ,organist4 ,you will be invested with your badge of office1 and conducted to your station4 ,g4 ,m4 ,grand ----1 my duties are ended4 ,the several officers of this ,grand ,chapter have been duly elected1 installed1 invested with their badges of office1 and conducted to their respective stations4 ,grand ----4 ,it is well4 ,officers and members of the ,grand ,chapter1 all things are now ready for you to enter upon the proceedings of a new year4 ,harmony and good-will prevail1 and we start under the most auspicious circumstances4 ,but no one can affirm that another year1 or even a single day1 will be committed to our trust4 ,therefore1 if we have been faithful heretofore1 let us redouble our exertions for the future4 ,let us continue kindly affectionate1 one toward another4 ,let us walk circumspectly1 sacredly preserving our lips from slander and evil speaking1 ever remembering our sacred obligations4 ,and may we1 each of us1 through the good providence of ,god1 be brought1 through a useful and happy life1 to a blissful close and a triumphant entrance upon the joys of the ,heavenly life4 ,let us now look to ,god for his benediction4 ,installing ,officer calls up the ,grand ,chapter4 ,prayer4 ,grand ----4 ,grand ,marshal1 you will proclaim the ,grand ,officers1 regularly installed4 ,g4 ,m4 ,in the name of the ,grand ,chapter and by order of the ,worthy ,grand ----1 ,i proclaim the officers of the ,grand ,chapter of ----1 ,order of the ,eastern ,star1 duly installed4 ,seats the ,grand ,chapter4 ,funeral ,ceremonies of the ,order of the ,eastern ,star ,at the burial of a sister1 the badges of the members and officers should be draped with crape4 ,a floral five-pointed ,star should be provided1 having flowers of the appropriate colors for the several points4 ,the ,star officers should each have a small bouquet1 or a few loose flowers of the appropriate color4 ,a few flowers should also be provided for the ,worthy ,matron and ,worthy ,patron4 ,the floral ,star may be deposited with the casket1 or be retained by the family of the deceased4 ,this service1 although primarily designed for use at the ,grave1 can1 if it is thought best to do so1 be performed within the ,chapter room1 the ,church1 or other appropriate place4 ,the members may meet at the ,chapter room1 or at the place of service4 ,a member will be appointed to act as ,marshal1 who will see that the badges are properly draped1 and that the officers and members are in their proper positions4 ,if a procession is formed1 it will march in the following order3 ,marshal and ,sentinel1 ,members1 ,warder and ,electa1 ,martha and ,esther1 ,ruth and ,adah1 ,conductress and ,associate ,conductress1 ,secretary and ,treasurer1 ,matron and ,associate ,matron1 ,patron and ,chaplain4 ,during the services1 the officers and members will occupy the following positions around the grave or casket3 ,illustration3 ,funeral ,positions4 ,when all is ready1 the services should commence with a short strain of solemn music1 ,the ,lord is my ,shepherd1 etc4 ,after which the ,worthy ,patron will say3 ,w4 ,p4 ,sisters and ,brothers1 we have gathered at this solemn hour to perform those final rites which affection has prescribed for our departed sister4 ,she1 who was with us but yesterday1 has been summoned hence by a messenger who cometh sooner or later for us all4 ,how appropriately may we gather around her remains1 and together pay love's tribute to her memory4 ,she has indeed passed beyond the reach of praise1 or the touch of censure4 ,it is not1 therefore1 to her that we tender this our heart's saddest offering4 ,we are here in acknowledgment of sacred ties now severed1 of memories tenderly cherished1 and hearts touched with sympathy for loved ones bereaved4 ,our sister has finished her allotted task in the conflict of life4 ,the chapter of her earthly sojourn is closed1 but her many virtues shall not go unrecorded4 ,for a time we have walked with her in the pilgrimage of life1 and around the same altar we have learned the lessons of our ,order4 ,as she was faithful to her convictions of right1 as she was obedient to the demands of honor and justice in her station2 as she loved kindred and friends1 and in affliction evinced a trustful faith2 and as she lived in the spirit of charity and the love of truth1 so shall be her reward4 ,remembering her many virtues1 we are indeed mourners at her grave1 and in the house of sorrow we would drop the tear of affectionate sympathy4 ,sisters1 brothers1 and friends1 as we stand in this solemn presence we may hear the voice of this ,providence speaking to us4 ,not long shall we wait ere we obey the inexorable decree of ,death1 and follow our sister4 ,how brief and full of mystery is human life6 ,who can fathom its purpose1 or disclose its issues4 ,we entered life as it were but yesterday2 to-day we perform our allotted task1 and to-morrow we go--who knows whither8 ,we strain our eyes in vain endeavor to scan with mortal vision the infinite shore4 ,but1 thanks to our ,heavenly ,father1 who gives fruition to ,his children's hopes1 ,he bids us look yet again4 ,standing beside the ,broken ,column1 we may1 with ,martha's trustful faith1 look beyond the shore of time1 and know that our sister1 though lost to mortal vision1 is only waiting beyond the river to welcome us to our eternal home4 ,in my ,father's house are many mansions2 if it were not so1 ,i would have told you1 ,i go to prepare a place for you1 that where ,i am there ye may be also4 ,o1 let the comforting assurance come to us1 ,that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved1 we have a building of ,god1 a house not made with hands1 eternal in the ,heavens4 ,instructed by this ,providence1 may we go from this place of mourning1 and this hour of reflection1 with the inspiration of a new hope1 and earnest purpose4 ,so live1 that when thy summons comes to join ,the innumerable caravan that moves ,to the pale realms of shade1 where each shall take ,his chamber in the silent halls of death1 ,thou go not1 like the quarry-slave at night1 ,scourged to his dungeon1 but1 sustained and soothed ,by an unfaltering trust1 approach thy grave ,like one who wraps the drapery of his couch ,about him1 and lies down to pleasant dreams4 ,,singing4 ,the following or some other appropriate hymn may be used3 ,friend after friend departs2 ,who hath not lost a friend8 ,there is no union here of hearts1 ,that finds not here an end4 ,were this frail world our only rest1 ,living or dying1 none were blest4 ,there is a world above1 ,where parting is unknown-- ,a whole eternity of love ,and blessedness alone2 ,and faith beholds the dying here1 ,translated to that happier sphere4 ,w4 ,p4 ,the examples and symbols of our ,order are full of useful and impressive lessons4 ,they speak to us in this solemn hour with unwonted significance4 ,these floral tributes1 the offering of sisterly affection1 echo voices often heard from the several points of our ,star2 they symbolize1 in the ritual of our ,order1 virtues which should adorn our lives4 ,how appropriately1 then1 may they bear an important part in this solemn ceremonial4 ,sisters of our ,star1 you who represent the five distinguished heroines of our ,order1 have you anything to offer ere we leave the grave of our departed sister8 ,sister ,adah1 what is the voice and tribute from the ,blue point of our emblematic ,star8 ,adah4 ,blue symbolizes fidelity1 and is appropriate to ,jephthah's ,daughter1 who1 in the morning of life1 surrendered to the grave the brightest of earthly hopes1 that she might be faithful to her convictions of right1 and preserve her father's honor4 ,as a token of faithfulness to the memory of our sister1 ,i deposit in her grave this tribute of faithful love4 ,at the proper time each officer will drop into the grave1 or place upon the casket1 the flowers provided for that purpose4 ,adah deposits her tribute1 and then1 addressing ,ruth1 says3 ,sister ,ruth1 what is the voice and tribute from the ,yellow point of our ,star8 ,ruth4 ,yellow symbolizes constancy1 teaching faithful obedience to the demands of honor and justice4 ,ruth exemplified these virtues in humble station1 and sought the society of the good and true4 ,in token of appreciation of these virtues1 ,i deposit in the grave of our sister this floral tribute4 ,deposits her tribute1 and then1 addressing ,esther1 says3 ,sister ,esther1 what is the voice and tribute from the ,white point of our ,star8 ,esther4 ,white symbolizes light and purity4 ,the heroic ,queen ,esther evinced the purity of her motive and love of kindred and friends1 by her willingness to risk the loss of crown and life1 to save her people from death4 ,in token of sincere affection for our sister1 ,i deposit in her grave this emblem of light and purity4 ,deposits her tribute1 and then1 addressing ,martha1 says3 ,sister ,martha1 what is the voice and tribute from the ,green point of our ,star8 ,martha4 ,green is an emblem of ,nature's life and beauty4 ,the evergreen is a symbol of immortal life1 and teaches us1 that in the economy of ,god there is no death2 forms change1 but the spirit survives4 ,martha1 beside the grave of her beloved brother1 avowed her trustful faith and hope of immortal life4 ,in the full assurance of our sister's entrance upon a glorious immortality1 ,i deposit in her grave this evergreen4 ,deposits her tribute1 and then1 addressing ,electa1 says3 ,sister ,electa1 what is the voice and tribute from the ,red point of our ,star8 ,electa4 ,red symbolizes fervency and zeal4 ,electa represents those who have been pre-eminent in charity1 and heroic in endurance of the wrongs of persecution4 ,in token of the fervency of our affection for our sister1 ,i deposit in her grave this tribute of love4 ,deposits her tribute1 and then1 addressing the ,worthy ,matron1 says3 ,worthy ,matron1 we have spoken from the five points of our emblematic ,star1 but our departed sister hears us not4 ,is it in vain that we speak to the living8 ,w4 ,m4 ,you have spoken well1 my sisters4 ,it is not in vain that we hear the oft repeated lessons of our ,star4 ,it is true that our sister hears not with mortal ear the lessons she was wont to learn from you2 but is it true that she listens not to our words of love1 and sees not the beautiful tributes strewn within her grave8 ,may not her quickened spirit1 freed from its earthly tenement1 yet hover around the loved ones here assembled1 listen to our words1 and perceive with clearer vision our every movement8 ,she needs not to be ministered unto2 but may she not now minister to us8 ,are they not all ministering spirits8 saith the apostle4 ,love is an attribute of the soul1 and imperishable4 ,our sister's affection ceases not2 therefore may she not now be whispering to grief-stricken hearts1 ,peace be still1 ,lo1 ,i am with you always4 ,think not that the spirit world is distant4 ,our loved ones1 though lost to mortal sight1 may yet be with us in spiritual existence4 ,let their loving presence be to us a perpetual inspiration1 calling us to a higher moral and spiritual life4 ,these beautiful flowers are the highest expression of ,nature's loveliness4 ,we never tire of looking at their perfect and delicately variegated tints4 ,from time immemorial they have been endowed with expressive language4 ,they speak to us1 ,to whisper hope whene'er our faith grows dim4 ,but these floral emblems1 with all their exquisite loveliness1 are but dim reflections of the glories that may be unfolded to our spiritual vision4 ,in token of our hope that such an unfolding of spiritual life may come to us all1 ,i scatter these flowers within the grave of our departed sister4 ,may we cherish her memory and emulate her virtues4 ,deposits her tribute1 and then1 addressing the ,worthy ,patron1 says3 ,worthy ,patron1 within the grave1 hallowed by the tenderest ties of human affection1 we scatter these floral emblems of ,nature's loveliness1 and spiritual life4 ,may we not trust all else to the ,father's loving care8 ,w4 ,p4 ,the ,infinite ,father's ever watchful care is nowhere more impressively taught1 than by ,his voice speaking to us through the floral kingdom4 ,over the whole earth where life exists1 flowers bloom in endless variety and profusion1 there is no place so obscure but that they blossom there and give to the world their beauty and fragrance4 ,some open with the rising sun1 and close with his setting rays4 ,others open to the full moon and starry firmament1 and shrink before the piercing gaze of the king of day4 ,so the ,father's love goes forth by day and night1 to the weakest1 most humble1 and obscure of ,his children4 ,we are told to consider the lilies of the field1 and learn the paternal love of ,him1 beyond whose watchful care none can stray4 ,not a sparrow falls without ,his notice4 ,ye are of more value than many sparrows4 ,in token of our trust in the all-embracing love of the ,infinite ,father1 ,i deposit these emblems of ,his watchful care in the grave of our departed sister4 ,drops the flowers1 and continues as follows3 ,sisters and brothers1 within the city of the dead1 we consign to the bosom of mother earth all that was mortal of our departed sister4 ,the body we leave in the grave is but the casket which held the precious jewel of life4 ,we bear it tenderly to its resting-place1 because it is the form by which we knew her in our ,chapter4 ,peacefully let it rest in the hallowed ground where we place it4 ,upon her grave flowerets will bloom amid all the countless activities of ,nature's life4 ,the murmuring brook1 the bird on airy wing1 ,and whispering pines1 will here her requiem sing4 ,over her the fleeting shadows will pass4 ,the rising sun will scatter over the chambers of the dead his gladsome rays1 and tint the western sky with the glories of departing day4 ,in the hush of night the feeble rays of countless stars1 traveling centuries on their journey here1 will finally rest upon her grave4 ,we leave in this lowly bed the earthly form of our departed sister1 and may the hallowing influence of this providence go with us in the remaining journey of our life1 and when our earthly mission is over1 and we are beyond the smiling and the weeping of earth1 may we gather with the loved ones gone before4 ,let us unite in prayer4 ,,prayer4 ,our ,father who art in ,heaven1 in whom we live1 and in whom are all the issues of life and death4 ,we come to ,thee1 in this hour of sorrow1 and ask that we may so learn the lessons of this hour1 that when it shall be our turn to lay aside our mortality1 that we may do it with trustful faith in ,thee and hope of a glorious immortality4 ,we pray ,thee to look with tender compassion upon these ,thy children1 whose household has been broken by this providence4 ,may they lie passive in the arms of ,thy chastening love1 and realize that there is wisdom and goodness in all ,thy appointments4 ,sanctify this bereavement to the good of us all4 ,may it be the means of drawing us closer to ,thee1 and of our loving and serving ,thee forever4 ,and as it has pleased ,thee to call from the toils of earth the soul of our beloved sister1 we commit her remains to the silent tomb4 ,earth to earth1 ashes to ashes1 dust to dust1 hopefully looking to a joyful reunion with her1 in that land where separation and death are known no more1 forever4 ,,amen4 ,response4 ,so may it ever be4 ,,singing4 ,nearer1 my ,god1 to ,thee1 ,nearer to ,thee6 ,ev'n though it be a cross ,that raiseth me6 ,still all my song shall be1 ,nearer1 my ,god1 to ,thee1 ,nearer to ,thee6 ,though like a wanderer1 ,the sun gone down1 ,darkness be over me1 ,my rest a stone1 ,yet in my dreams ,i'd be ,nearer1 ,my ,god1 to ,thee1 ,nearer to ,thee6 ,or1 if on joyful wing ,cleaving the sky1 ,sun1 moon1 and stars forgot1 ,upward ,i fly1 ,still all my song shall be1 ,nearer1 ,my ,god1 to ,thee1 ,nearer to ,thee4 ,forms4 ,,petition ,,for ,,degrees4 ,to the ,worthy ,matron1 ,officers1 and ,members of 444444 ,chapter1 ,no4 4444441 ,order of the ,eastern ,star3 ,the undersigned respectfully petitions to receive the ,degrees of the ,order of the ,eastern ,star1 and become a member of your ,chapter4 ,if accepted1 444 he pledges 4444 self to a cheerful obedience to the laws of the ,order4 ,residence 44444444444 ,signed 44444444444444444 ,recommended by 44444444444444 of 44444444444444 4444444444444444 of 444444 ,lodge1 ,f4 ,a4 ,m4 of 444444444444 ,,petition ,,for ,,affiliation4 ,to the ,worthy ,matron1 ,officers1 and ,members of 444444 ,chapter1 ,no4 4444441 ,order of the ,eastern ,star3 ,the undersigned1 late a member of 44444444 ,chapter1 ,no4 4444441 of 44444444444441 solicits ,affiliation with your ,chapter4 ,if this ,petition shall be granted1 44 he pledges 4444 self to a cheerful obedience to the laws of the ,order4 ,residence 444444444444 ,signed 4444444444444444 ,recommended by 4444444444444444 4444444 44444444 ,the ,petition must be accompanied by a ,dimit from the ,chapter of which the ,petitioner was last a ,member1 or its absence satisfactorily explained4 ,,dimit4 ,to all ,members of the ,order of the ,eastern ,star3 ,this ,dimit witnesseth1 ,that 4444444444444441 whose name appears in the margin of this instrument1 was received into 4444444444 ,chapter1 ,no4 4444441 of 444444444 44444444 #ah444 ,and that having paid all ,dues1 and being free from all charges1 44 he is at 4444 own request lawfully dismissed from ,membership therein4 ,given under my hand and the ,seal of the ,chapter1 this 444444 day of 4444444441 444 44444444444444444444 ,secret y4 ,transcriber's ,notes3 ,missing or obscured punctuation was silently corrected4 ,typographical errors were silently corrected4 ,inconsistent spelling and hyphenation were made consistent only when a predominant form was found in this book4 ,text that was in italics is enclosed by underscores 7italics74