THE STORY OF THE
MOOSE
Ritual of the Loyal Order of Moose
Originally adopted at the Convention of the
Supreme Lodge at Uniontown, Pennsylvania, 1908
and revised from time to time.
_____________
Issued by theDepartment of Ritual and Higher Degrees
as Authorized by the Supreme Council
_____________
Rev 01-15
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RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LODGE MEETING
Board of Officers Agenda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
House Committee Agenda. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Diagram No. 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
General Instructions for Lodge Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Opening Ceremony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Membership Obligation held in
Conjunction with Lodge Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Order of Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-15
Nine O'clock Ceremony. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17
Official Visit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 & 23
Closing Ceremony. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
ENROLLMENT CEREMONY
Instructions for Enrollment Ceremony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Special Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Openings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Enrollment Floor Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Diagram No. 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Enrollment Ceremony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-34
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIAL MEETINGS
Closing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Diagram No. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Floor Positions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Floor Movements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Gestures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Attention and Speaking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Individual Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Rules of Ritual Competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
SERVICE OF TRIBUTE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Diagram No. 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
SPECIAL GRAVESIDE SERVICE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
MEMORIAL SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Diagram No. 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
INSTALLATION CEREMONY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Diagram No. 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
MOOSEHEART FOUNDER’S DAY CEREMONY . . 87
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
Board of Officers Meeting Agenda
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Call to order
Roll Call of Officers
Minutes of Previous meeting
Reports of Sickness and Distress
Applications for membership
Examination of bills
Review of finances
Old business
New business
Reports of Committees
Good of the Order
Endowment Funds Collected
Adjournment
House Committee Meeting Agenda
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Call to Order
Roll Call of Officers
Minutes of Previous meeting
Check of House Committee Weekly Envelopes
Approve payment of bills
Analysis of Sales Volume and Costs
Inventory and Cost Control
Inspections
Decorum and Disciplinary Actions
Old business
New business
Adjournment
3
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Lodge Meeting Layout
Dignitaries, if any
Flag
Gov
T2
AD
M
3'
T1
3'
TR
E
T3
JG
1
Pre
Altar
Members
3'
JPG
Members
SAA
DIAGRAM NO. 1
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LODGE MEETING
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING
LODGE ROOM
LODGE PREPARATION: Prior to the Lodge meeting, the
Sergeant-at-Arms should properly set up the Lodge room,
placing stations, Altar, chairs, tables, and flags in their proper
location, per Lodge Meeting Diagram 1 if no enrollment. If
an enrollment is scheduled, room is to be set per Diagram 2.
The Sergeant-at-Arms should also properly place the chimes
and gavel, and prepare the Altar and stations. The correct
station cloth should be placed upon each station. If the Altar
cloth has flags, they should be facing the Governor and Class.
The Bible should be elevated. If a regular Bible stand is used,
it should be placed to face the Governor so open Bible faces
Governor’s station.
If the family members are to be invited into the meeting for
the enrollment ceremony, chairs to accommodate them
should be set up prior to the meeting, and should be spaced
to allow comfortable seating in the designated area, position
12 (of the enrollment ceremony diagram 2).
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR
LODGE MEETING
All persons, except candidates present for enrollment and
qualified family members in attendance at an Enrollment
ceremony, will show their official good standing membership
card to the Inner Guard upon entry into the Lodge room. The
Inner Guard may designate an assistant to check cards of all
who have previously entered. Any questions should be
reported to the Governor. If a class is to be enrolled,
candidates will be seated in position 11 and the Ritual Staff
will be seated as directed.
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OPENING: The Governor shall call the Lodge to order
promptly at the appointed hour if a quorum of seven good
standing members are present, even though no other officers
are present. He shall fill vacancies in the stations by pro
tempore appointments. If the Governor is absent, the Junior
Governor shall call the Lodge to order. (See General Laws.)
MEMORIZATION: All officers, prior to their installation,
shall commit to memory their parts in the opening and
closing ceremonies. The Lodge should be opened and closed,
and the enrollment ceremony conferred without the use of
the printed ritual.
LODGE SESSION: The Governor may be seated during the
business session of the Lodge, or when so instructed, but
should stand when speaking or while being addressed. All
remarks should be directed to the Governor, unless
permission has been granted to address another Brother.
ADDRESSING OFFICERS: The officers of the Lodge
should be addressed as "Brother" followed by name of their
office, as "Brother Governor" or "Brother Administrator." All
other members should be addressed as "Brother
____________." A member desiring the floor will rise, wait
to be recognized by the Governor, and address him as
"Brother Governor." The Governor will further recognize the
member by saying "Brother ___________", whereupon the
member will proceed. When the Governor calls for a report
or gives individual instructions, the member being addressed
will rise and proceed.
ORDER: When, in the opinion of the Governor, any member is
guilty of disorderly conduct, he shall be denied the floor and
may be reprimanded, fined, or both. If such conduct continues,
the offending member may be removed by the Sergeant-at-Arms
by order of the Governor. (See General Laws.)
ADJOURNMENT: No motion to adjourn shall be
entertained by the Governor. The closing ceremony must be
concluded in full.
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ASSISTANT SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: When an Assistant
Sergeant-at-Arms is needed for a Lodge meeting, he shall be
seated at the door to the lodge room.
INNER & OUTER GUARD: Seated inside of entry door to
Lodge meeting room. (If used by the Lodge)
PARAPHERNALIA: Altar and station cloths, officer
emblems, and all other Lodge paraphernalia must be obtained
from the Supreme Lodge Catalog Sales.
CHIMES: Every Lodge must have Nine O'clock Ceremony
chimes to be operated by a predesignated officer or member
as appointed by the Governor.
CEREMONY PICTURE: Every Lodge should have an
official Nine O'clock Ceremony picture which must be placed
on the wall or corner in the geographical direction of
Mooseheart.
NINE O'CLOCK CEREMONIAL LIGHT: Every Lodge
should be equipped with the official Star Transparency which
must be on a separate switch and be located above the Altar.
The Inner Guard will be in charge of operating the lighting
during a Lodge Meeting. (If used by the Lodge)
VISITING BROTHERS: The Governor must satisfy himself
that all visiting Brothers are entitled to remain if he allows
them to be present at the meeting.
WEARING OF OFFICERS EMBLEMS: Officers may
continue wearing them after the meeting, but shall deposit
them for safe keeping in a predesignated place before leaving
the building.
Officers are encouraged to wear their emblems of office at
all special functions of the Lodge at which it is appropriate to
do so.
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OPENING CEREMONY
GOVERNOR (gives one rap): Under authority granted by the
Supreme Lodge, ____________ Lodge No. ______ of the Loyal
Order of Moose will come to order. Officers will assume their
respective stations. The inner door will be closed until otherwise
directed. Brother Inner Guard (pauses while Inner Guard rises),
are all present entitled to remain?
(Inner Guard faces the Governor, makes his report and is seated.)
INNER GUARD: Brother Governor, they are.
GOVERNOR: Brother Administrator, call the roll of officers.
(The Administrator rises to call the roll of officers. Each officer
in attendance rises as his name is called, responds accordingly
and remains standing. The Administrator will note any
absences. The Governor will make pro-tempore appointments
for any officer who is absent.)
ADMINISTRATOR: The roll has been called.
GOVERNOR: Brother Sergeant-at-Arms, you will now prepare
the Altar and distribute the emblems of office. (Governor gives
one rap and seats all officers except the Sergeant-at-Arms.)
(The Sergeant-at-Arms proceeds to Position 1, picks up the
folded cover of the Altar Cloth and drapes the Altar. He then
picks up the Bible with both hands, transfers it to his left hand,
opens it with his right hand and, again using both hands, places
it in the center of the Altar. He then takes a small step back and
gestures toward the Bible as he speaks.)
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: This is the Holy Bible, our inspiration
and our guide.
(The Sergeant-at-Arms moves toward the Prelate’s station. The
Prelate rises. The Sergeant-at-Arms picks up the Prelate’s
emblem with both hands, takes a small step back and holds the
emblem vertically.)
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: This is the station of Purity.
PRELATE: We pledge to keep our hearts pure, our minds true
and our bodies clean, so that we may learn to love and love to
learn that which is good.
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(The Sergeant-at-Arms steps forward and presents the emblem
to the Prelate using both hands. He stands facing the Prelate
until the Prelate has invested himself with his emblem. The
Prelate remains standing.)
(The Sergeant-at-Arms moves to the Junior Governor’s station.
The Junior Governor rises. The Sergeant-at-Arms picks up the
Junior Governor’s emblem with both hands, takes a small step
back and holds the emblem vertically.)
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: This is the station of Aid.
JUNIOR GOVERNOR: We are bound together in a common
brotherhood and we work for the common good – “One for All
and All for One.”
(The Sergeant-at-Arms steps forward and presents the emblem
to the Junior Governor using both hands. He stands facing the
Junior Governor until the Junior Governor has invested himself
with his emblem. The Junior Governor remains standing.)
(The Sergeant-at-Arms moves to the Past Governor’s station.
The Past Governor rises. The Sergeant-at-Arms picks up the
Past Governor’s emblem with both hands, takes a small step
back and holds the emblem vertically.)
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: This is the station of Wisdom.
PAST GOVERNOR: Get wisdom and get understanding; do
not forget this. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get
wisdom, and with all that you receive, get understanding.
(The Sergeant-at-Arms steps forward and presents the emblem
to the Past Governor using both hands. He stands facing the
Past Governor until the Past Governor has invested himself with
his emblem. The Past Governor remains standing.)
(The Sergeant-at-Arms moves to the Governor’s station. When
the Sergeant-at-Arms stops, the Governor and remaining officers
rise in unison. The Sergeant-at-Arms picks up the Governor’s
emblem with both hands, takes a small step back and holds the
emblem vertically.)
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: This is the station of Progress.
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RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
GOVERNOR: Forward in the good, onward in the right.
(The Sergeant-at-Arms steps forward and presents the emblem
to the Governor using both hands. He stands facing the
Governor. As the Governor invests himself with his emblem, all
remaining officers invest themselves and all remain standing.)
(The Sergeant-at-Arms returns to his chair and remains standing.)
GOVERNOR: (Gives two raps) Everyone will please rise.
GOVERNOR: The Prelate will deliver the opening prayer.
(The Prelate proceeds to Position 1.)
PRELATE: Let us fold our arms and bow our heads.
(The Prelate slowly raises his head and delivers the prayer.)
PRELATE: Almighty God, Creator of the universe and Father
of all mankind, we give You thanks for our fraternal brotherhood
and the great precepts it embodies. Keep us diligent and mindful
of our commitments to You, our children, our senior members,
our families and our communities. Give us a spirit of peace,
harmony and progress as we carry out these precepts in our
Lodge and in our lives. Remind us each day that the greatest
good we can do is to serve You through service to our fellow
man. Amen.
MEMBERS: Amen.
(The Prelate returns to his station and remains standing.)
GOVERNOR (U.S. Lodges): I present the flag of our country
(turns to flag). Place your right hand over your heart and join
with me in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America,
and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
GOVERNOR (Canadian Lodges): I present the flag of our
country (turns to flag). Brothers, salute the flag and join me in
the singing of “O, Canada.”
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GOVERNOR: Brothers, what is the duty of every Moose
member? You will repeat after me.
GOVERNOR: To uphold our fraternal obligations
MEMBERS: (Repeat)
GOVERNOR: To strengthen and maintain the Defending Circle
MEMBERS: (Repeat)
GOVERNOR: And in our daily lives and conduct
MEMBERS: (Repeat)
GOVERNOR: To exemplify Purity, Aid and Progress.
MEMBERS: (Repeat)
GOVERNOR: Brothers, form the Defending Circle by placing
your left hand over your heart as a token of sincerity, place your
right hand on the left shoulder of the Brother to your right as a
token of friendship, and listen to the “Legend of the Locked
Horns.”
(The officers and members form the Defending Circle about the
Altar. Each member faces the Altar and positions hands as
instructed. The Governor waits until the circle is formed and
then advances to Position 8 through an opening created by the
Sergeant-at-Arms. The Sergeant-at-Arms opens and then closes
the circle after taking his place in front of the Governor’s station.
The Governor places his left hand over his heart, but does not
raise his right hand.)
GOVERNOR: In the primeval wilds of the northland, two noble
moose, leaders of their herds, met in deadly combat. Today, their
locked antlers, a silent reminder of the futility of antagonism and
conflict, lie bleaching on the plains.
We meet tonight as Brothers united in a common cause. Let the
spirit of harmony and fraternal regard guide our deliberations.
Otherwise, we will be blinded to the lesson of the “Locked
Horns.”
Brothers, I welcome you and ask you to return to your places
and remain standing.
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(The Governor returns to his station.)
GOVERNOR: I now declare ____________ Lodge No. ______
of the Loyal Order of Moose officially opened. The Inner Guard
will admit all who are qualified to enter.
(The Governor gives one rap to seat the Lodge.)
MEMBERSHIP OBLIGATION
GOVERNOR: Are there members present who are attending a
Lodge meeting for the first time? (Pause to see if any are present)
(If members are present for the first time):
GOVERNOR: We invite you to come forward to a place at the
altar. If your sponsor is present, we invite him to join you.
(Governor pauses while new members and sponsors take
places at altar. He then proceeds to Position 1.)
GOVERNOR: Because the Loyal Order of Moose is a private
organization, use of the social quarters in any Moose Center is
limited to good standing members, their families and
qualified guests.
As a member, you are expected to abide by the Constitution
and General Laws of the Order and the by-laws of your
Lodge. Further, by accepting this obligation, you agree that
you will never bring legal action against the fraternity until
you have taken your concerns to its leaders.
You should always be mindful of your obligation of
membership: to assist in building the membership strength of
the fraternity by sponsoring worthy friends, relatives and
associates; and to provide financial support for our
youngsters at Mooseheart and our seniors at Moosehaven
through your donations to Moose Charities.
If you are willing to accept this obligation and follow our
fraternal laws, please raise your right hand and repeat after
me, using your name where I use mine.
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I __________ __________ - accept my obligation of
membership - in the Loyal Order of Moose - and pledge my
support - in caring for children in need - in looking after our
senior members - in bringing our community closer together and in celebrating life with my Brothers and Co-Workers.
You may lower your hand(s). On behalf of this lodge, it is my
pleasure to welcome you to the Moose fraternity. You may
return to your places and be seated.
(Governor returns to his station as new members and sponsors
return to their chairs.)
GOVERNOR: We will now proceed with the regular order
of business.
(If no members are present for the first time):
GOVERNOR: Seeing none, we will proceed with the regular
order of business.
ORDER OF BUSINESS
1.
Governor: Reading of minutes of the previous meeting.
Administrator reads minutes
Governor: May I have a motion to approve the minutes?
(Governor recognizes member who makes motion and
Administrator records name)
Governor: May I have a 2nd to that motion? (Governor
recognizes member who makes motion and
Administrator records name)
2.
Governor: Any discussion? If not all those in favor,
vote by the usual sign of the Order. Those opposed?
(Governor announces: The vote is favorable and these
minutes have been approved. (or not) (If not approved
– an effort needs to be made to settle any dispute and
make necessary corrections. It may be necessary to
revote.)
Communications and notices.
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3.
4.
5.
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Reports of sickness and distress.
Governor: Ordering of payment for approved bills.
Administrator reads bills
Governor: May I have a motion to approve the bills?
(Governor recognizes member who makes motion and
Administrator records name)
Governor: May I have a 2nd to that motion? (Governor
recognizes member who makes motion and
Administrator records name)
Governor: Any discussion? If not all those in favor,
vote by the usual sign of the Order. Those opposed?
(Governor announces: The vote is favorable. (or not) (If
not approved – an effort needs to be made to settle any
dispute and make necessary corrections.)
Applications for membership.
GOVERNOR: Brother Administrator, do we have any new
applications for membership or any applications for reenrollment?
ADMINISTRATOR: Yes Brother Governor we do. We have
_______ new applications for membership and
_______applications for re-enrollment.
GOVERNOR: Has the Application Review Committee
reported favorably on all these applications?
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN: Yes
Brother Governor we have.
GOVERNOR: Brother Administrator, please read the names
of the applicants and their sponsors.
ADMINISTRATOR: (Read names of all applicants and
names of sponsors.)
GOVERNOR: We will proceed to vote by the usual voting sign
of the Order, unless there is a request to vote by secret ballot.
(A request can be made from the floor to have a paper ballot
instead of the hand vote, or the Governor can also request a
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15
paper ballot. Paper ballots shall be available at all times. If a
paper ballot is used, the Governor shall appoint a threemember election committee to count the ballots and report the
results to the Lodge.)
GOVERNOR: All those in favor of accepting these
applicants for membership will vote by using the voting sign
of the Order.
GOVERNOR: Those opposed?
GOVERNOR: The vote is favorable, and these applicants
have been accepted.
(If vote is not favorable, additional votes should be taken by
dividing applicants until each individual has been accepted
or rejected.)
6.
7.
Reports of Standing and Special Committees.
Governor: Reading of minutes of the Officer’s meeting.
Administrator reads minutes
Governor: May I have a motion to approve the minutes?
(Governor recognizes member who makes motion and
Administrator records name)
Governor: May I have a 2nd to that motion? (Governor
recognizes member who makes motion and
Administrator records name)
Governor: Any discussion? If not all those in favor,
vote by the usual sign of the Order. Those opposed?
(Governor announces: The vote is favorable and these
minutes have been approved. (or not)
8. Unfinished Business.
9. New Business. (For referral to Officers.)
10. (Report of Nominating Committee when necessary.)
(Election or Installation of Officers when necessary.)
11. Good of the Order. (Including remarks of visiting
dignitaries or guests when appropriate)
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INTRODUCTION OF DIGNITARIES OR GUESTS
GOVERNOR: At this time, we are privileged to have
(name)
(title)
visiting with us.
, welcome to
(first name)
_____________________________ Lodge ___________.
(Governor yields floor to dignitary or guest for any comments.)
12. Receipts.
GOVERNOR: Brother Administrator, give the total sum of
money collected by you as Administrator of this Lodge since
your last report, and prior to this meeting.
ADMINISTRATOR: I have collected in all the amount of
$_____________.
GOVERNOR: Brother Treasurer, have you received bank
deposit slips from the Administrator showing the amount of
$_______________ deposited to the credit of this Lodge?
TREASURER: I have, (or) I have not (as the case may be.)
(If the Treasurer has not received the proper deposit slips from
the Administrator, the matter shall be adjusted at once.)
13. Nine O'clock Ceremony.
NINE O'CLOCK CEREMONY
(At the hour of nine o'clock p.m., wherever Moose are gathered
in the name of the Order, they are requested to stand, face
toward Mooseheart, fold their arms across their chests, and for
a moment bow their heads in silent prayer, repeating in concert
the words of the Nine O'clock Ceremony. At a regular meeting
the Governor should call for the ceremony as close to nine
o'clock as possible.)
GOVERNOR: (Gives two raps) It is now nine o'clock. At this
time the little children at Mooseheart kneel at their beds to say
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17
their evening prayers. Let us face toward Mooseheart,
(Governor gestures in the direction of Mooseheart) fold our
arms, bow our heads, and join them in silent prayer.
(Lights turned low but never off, chimes sounded slowly nine
times. After ninth stroke - )
GOVERNOR: Repeat after me.
GOVERNOR: Let the little children come to me
MEMBERS: (Repeat)
GOVERNOR: Do not keep them away
MEMBERS: (Repeat)
GOVERNOR: For they are like the kingdom of Heaven
MEMBERS: (Repeat)
GOVERNOR: God Bless Mooseheart
MEMBERS: (Repeat)
GOVERNOR: Amen.
MEMBERS: (Repeat.)
GOVERNOR: Everyone will again face the Altar.
(Lights turned up.)
GOVERNOR: (Gives one rap.) Please be seated.
GOVERNOR: This Lodge, along with all other units in our
Fraternity participates in the building of an Endowment Fund,
which we hope will be ample to meet any emergency that may
confront Mooseheart or Moosehaven. All members are invited
to contribute to this fund in such an amount as they desire. The
Sergeant-at-Arms will now receive your contributions, and the
sum collected will be remitted to Moose Charities so it may be
credited to the Endowment Fund.
(While the contributions are being received, the Governor
may call on the Endowment Fund Chairman to announce any
current or future Endowment Fund activities.)
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CLOSING CEREMONY
GOVERNOR: Brothers, has any matter of importance been
overlooked or neglected? (Pause) If not, we will proceed to
close.
(Governor gives two raps.)
GOVERNOR: What is the duty of every Moose member?
You will repeat after me.
GOVERNOR: To refrain from discussing
MEMBERS: (Repeat)
GOVERNOR: The business of this Lodge
MEMBERS: (Repeat)
GOVERNOR: Outside of these walls
MEMBERS: (Repeat)
GOVERNOR: Or in the presence of non-members.
MEMBERS: (Repeat)
GOVERNOR: The Prelate will deliver the closing prayer.
(The Prelate proceeds to Position 1.)
PRELATE: Let us fold our arms and bow our heads
(The Prelate slowly raises his head and delivers the prayer.)
PRELATE: Almighty Father, guide us, guard us and keep us
as we go our separate ways. We ask You to bless the good we
have done. Hold Mooseheart and Moosehaven in the hollow
of Your hand and let Your blessing rest upon the children and
seniors entrusted to our care. Be with us in our homes and
watch over us and our loved ones. Give us wisdom and
understanding, and to You be all power and glory forever and
ever. Amen.
(The Prelate returns to his station and remains standing.)
GOVERNOR: Brother Sergeant-at-Arms, please close the
Bible.
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(The Sergeant-at-Arms goes to Position 1 and closes the Bible
by picking it up in both hands, closing it slowly and placing it
back in the center of the Altar. The Sergeant-at-Arms then
returns to his chair and remains standing.)
GOVERNOR: Brothers, please form the Defending Circle.
(Members form the Defending Circle. The Governor advances
within the circle.)
(If a member has died since the last meeting, the Governor
will say:)
GOVERNOR: Brothers, our Defending Circle has been
broken since our last meeting. Brother(s) ________________
(announce name or names) has (have) been called to his (their)
final reward. Let us for a moment, in silence, think of him
(them) and remember his (their) virtues as we offer a prayer for
his (their) loved ones who mourn. Please fold your arms and
bow your heads. (Pause) May he (they) rest in peace.
MEMBERS: Amen.
(If there have been no deaths since the last meeting, the
Governor will omit the preceding item and say:)
GOVERNOR: That which is done is done. Let none depart
from this gathering with anger in his heart. Let us go forth
with good thoughts, good words and good deeds for all
mankind. Brothers, I fraternally bid you “Good Night”. (or
Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Day)
(Following the closing ceremony, the Sergeant-at-Arms will
collect the Bible, Altar cloth, station emblems, flag, chimes and
rituals and put them away for safe keeping.)
20
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
ENROLLMENT CEREMONY
INSTRUCTIONS TO GOVERNOR
FOR CLASS ENROLLMENT
When an enrollment is held at a regular or special meeting, and
family members have not been invited to view the enrollment
or to hear the speaker, the Lodge must be opened and closed
according to the Ritual.
When a special meeting has been called just for the purpose
of enrolling candidates, and qualified family members have
been invited to view the enrollment, the Governor will refer
to page 22 and conduct the meeting as instructed.
(Before the meeting is called to order the stations and Altar
should be properly set up per Diagram 2.)
(Officers should invest themselves with their emblems and all
officer stations should be filled with pro-tempore officers, if
possible.)
(If possible, a microphone should be in position at the Governor's
station and in position 8. A suspended microphone is preferred
in position 8. All ritualists are instructed to use microphones if
available for a class enrollment.)
(The Administrator should certify that all candidates are fully
qualified to be seated in the class.)
(Qualified family members should be invited into the hall and
seated to the left of the Prelate's station (position 12).
Announce in the social quarter's, at least 10 minutes before
the meeting, that beverages will not be permitted in the
meeting room. Normal social quarter operations may be
allowed to continue, if they do not interfere with the
Enrollment Ceremony.)
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
21
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
CHANGES PROHIBITED. All ritual parts should be
delivered from memory as written. No alterations, additions,
or omissions will be permitted. It is recommended that
enrollments be held separately from regular lodge business
meetings.
GOVERNOR: The Governor of the Ritual Staff shall have
absolute charge and control during the enrollment ceremony
ritual. He shall thoroughly familiarize himself with the ritual.
He cannot read it too often or devote too much study to its
proper exemplification. The enrollment ceremony gives the
candidates their first impression of the Order and your lodge.
Make those impressions proper and lasting, and it will reward
your lodge with a lifelong member.
RITUAL STAFF: The Lodge Governor should appoint a
Ritual Staff to confer the enrollment ceremony. Whenever
possible, more than one Brother should be prepared to confer
a part from memory. If a Lodge does not have a Ritual Staff,
Lodge Officers must fulfill this responsibility. The Ritual
Staff should rehearse with sufficient frequency to become
letter perfect.
OFFICERS PRO-TEMPORE: It is the Lodge Governor's
responsibility to see that the Officers’ stations are filled during
the opening and closing portions of the meeting.
ADMINISTRATOR: Prior to the enrollment ceremony, the
Administrator must have on file a completed Official
Membership Application, and have collected all required fees
and dues from each candidate.
ELECTRICIAN: The Lodge Sergeant-at-Arms shall have
charge of the lights during the enrollment ceremony. The
Nine O'clock Ceremony picture and the Star Transparency
are to be lighted during the entire enrollment ceremony.
22
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
CONDUCT: Everyone in attendance shall maintain silence
and order, and refrain from smoking or consuming beverages
during the meeting.
APPAREL: The apparel of the Ritual Staff shall be as follows:
any appropriate, dignified and uniform mode of dress.
CLASS: Before the opening of the meeting, the Class shall
be taken into the Lodge room and be seated as a body behind
the Altar. Four (4) feet from and centered on the Altar
(Position 11).
If only one candidate is to be enrolled, all provisions for and
reference to the "Class" shall be omitted, and appropriate
changes from the plural to singular shall be made in reference
to the candidate.
If the wives, families and special guests are invited to hear the
speaker, they should be ushered into the room and seated in
their proper area. Lodge officers, dignitaries and others
should always be introduced before the speaker.
If qualified family members have been invited to attend the
class enrollment they should be ushered into the room and
seated in area 12 before the Governor calls meeting to order.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIAL MEETINGS
-OPENING(WITH FAMILY MEMBERS PRESENT)
- Enrollment Ceremony
- Installation of Officers
- Mooseheart Founder’s Day Ceremony
GOVERNOR: (Gives one rap) Everyone will please be
seated. I welcome you to our enrollment ceremony.
GOVERNOR: This meeting is called for the purpose of
enrolling candidates (or other ceremony listed above), and
no other business will come before the Lodge.
GOVERNOR: (two raps) The Prelate will open the Bible
and deliver the opening prayer.
(The Prelate goes to position 1 faces the Altar, and in a
dignified manner opens the Bible.)
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
23
PRELATE: This is the Holy Bible; our inspiration and our guide.
(Prelate steps back one step into position 1 area)
PRELATE: Let us fold our arms and bow our heads.
(Prelate slowly raises his head and delivers his prayer.)
PRELATE: Almighty Father, Creator of the universe and
Father of all mankind, we give You thanks for our fraternal
brotherhood and the great precepts it embodies. Keep us
diligent and mindful of our commitments to You, our children,
our senior members, our families, and our communities.
Give us a spirit of peace, harmony, and progress as we carry
on these precepts in our Lodge, and in our lives. Remind us
each day that the greatest good we can do is to serve You
through service to our fellow man. Amen
MEMBERS: Amen.
(Prelate returns to station.)
GOVERNOR: (U.S. Lodges) I present the flag of our
country (turns to face Flag). Place your right hand over your
heart and join with me in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of
America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
CANADIAN GOVERNOR: I present the flag of our country
(turns to flag). Brothers, salute the flag. You will join me in
singing "O Canada."
GOVERNOR: (Gives one rap) Everyone will be seated.
OFFICIAL VISIT
(This ceremony is to be used whenever a Supreme Lodge
Officer or Representative officially visits a Lodge.)
GOVERNOR: At this time we are privileged to have
(name)
(title) visiting with us. (first name)
welcome to ______________________ Lodge _________.
24
22
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
TO FLOOR
POSITIONS
CONDUCT: KEY
Everyone
in attendance
shall maintain silence
and order, and refrain from
smoking
or consuming beverages
Diagram
No.2
during the meeting.
1. Prelate's position is in center of Altar, with toes within
APPAREL:
Ritual
shall be as follows:
one (1) The
footapparel
of Altaroftothe
open
theStaff
Bible.
any appropriate, dignified and uniform mode of dress.
Position 1 area - 12-18 inches from Altar and centered
CLASS:
Before the opening of the meeting, the Class shall
for Prayer.
be
taken
into
Lodge
roominand
beof
seated
as a body
behind
2. Three (3)the
feet
centered
front
Governor's
station
on
the Altar. Four (4) feet from and centered on the Altar
line of march.
(Position 11).
3. Orator's chair three (3) feet left of Governor's station
If only
onefront
candidate
be enrolled,
provisions
for and
with
edge isoftochair
in lineallwith
back edge
of
reference to the "Class" shall be omitted, and appropriate
Governor's station.
changes from the plural to singular shall be made in reference
4. thePrelate's
station.
to
candidate.
5. Jr. Governor's station.
If the wives, families and special guests are invited to hear the
6. Pastthey
Governor's
in into
line the
withroom
frontand
edge
of Jr.
speaker,
should bestation
ushered
seated
in
Governor's
station
and
left
side
of
station
in
line
with
their proper area. Lodge officers, dignitaries and others
front
edgebe
ofintroduced
Governor'sbefore
station.
should
always
the speaker.
7.
Sergeant-at-Arm's
chair
three
(3) feet
right the
of
If qualified family members have been invited
to attend
with front
edge ofinto
chair
line with
class Governor's
enrollment station
they should
be ushered
theinroom
and
edge
Governor's
station.calls meeting to order.
seatedback
in area
12ofbefore
the Governor
8. Position of all staff members when delivering their
INSTRUCTIONS
FOR
SPECIAL
MEETINGS
charges to class unless
otherwise
instructed.
Back five
-OPENING(5) feet and as wide
as standard Altar (32") toes within
(WITH FAMILY MEMBERS PRESENT)
limits.
- Enrollment
9. Chairs
for staff,Ceremony
for exit with Past Governor's and
- Installation ofchairs
Officers
Sergeant-at-Arms
splitting the line of march in
Mooseheart
Founder’s
front of Governor's station. Day Ceremony
GOVERNOR:
(Gives
one rap)
Everyonechair.
will please be
10. Flag seven (7)
feet right
of Governor's
seated.
I welcome
you to our enrollment
11. Class
- Lodge enrollment,
chairs fourceremony.
(4) feet from Altar
and centered.
(For
competition
- twofor
(2)the
chairs,
four (4)
GOVERNOR:
This
meeting
is called
purpose
of
enrolling
candidates
(or centered,
other ceremony
listed
above),
and
feet from
Altar and
and three
(3) feet
apart.)
no other
business
willwithout
come before
the Lodge.
Lodge
meeting
enrollment
- member seating
area, and as(two
largeraps)
as needed.
GOVERNOR:
The Prelate will open the Bible
and
theFamily
opening
prayer.
12. deliver
Area for
seating
(Not for competition).
13. Optional
State,toProvincial
National
Flag and
(Notinfor
(The
Prelate goes
position 1orfaces
the Altar,
a
Competition).
dignified
manner opens the Bible.)
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
25
23
PRELATE: This is the Holy Bible; our inspiration and our guide.
(Prelate steps back one step into position 1 area)
PRELATE: Let us fold our arms and bow our heads.
(Prelate slowly raises his head and delivers his prayer.)
PRELATE: Almighty Father, Creator of the universe and
Father of all mankind, we give You thanks for our fraternal
brotherhood and the great precepts it embodies. Keep us
diligent and mindful of our commitments to You, our children,
our senior members, our families, and our communities.
Give us a spirit of peace, harmony, and progress as we carry
on these precepts in our Lodge, and in our lives. Remind us
each day that the greatest good we can do is to serve You
through service to our fellow man. Amen
MEMBERS: Amen.
(Prelate returns to station.)
GOVERNOR: (U.S. Lodges) I present the flag of our
country (turns to face Flag). Place your right hand over your
heart and join with me in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of
America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
CANADIAN GOVERNOR: I present the flag of our country
(turns to flag). Brothers, salute the flag. You will join me in
singing "O Canada."
GOVERNOR: (Gives one rap) Everyone will be seated.
OFFICIAL VISIT
(This ceremony is to be used whenever a Supreme Lodge
Officer or Representative officially visits a Lodge.)
GOVERNOR: At this time we are privileged to have
(name)
(title) visiting with us. (first name)
DIAGRAM NO. 2Lodge _________.
welcome to ______________________
26
22
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
CEREMONY
CONDUCT: ENROLLMENT
Everyone in attendance
shall maintain silence
and
order,
refrain from smoking
orLODGE
consuming
beverages
HELD
INand
CONJUNCTION
WITH
MEETING
during the meeting.
(#1 in Order of Business)
APPAREL:
The apparel
therap
Ritual
Staff
be as Brother
follows:
GOVERNOR:
(Gives of
one
with
theshall
gavel)
any appropriate, dignified and uniform mode of dress.
Administrator, have the candidates seated before me met all
CLASS:
Before the
opening of the
the Class shall
the requirements
for membership
in meeting,
our Order?
be taken into the Lodge room and be seated as a body behind
(If any
requirement
beenand
met,centered
it must be
the
Altar.
Four (4)has
feetnotfrom
on addressed
the Altar
before
the
Ceremony
begins.)
(Position 11).
ADMINISTRATOR:
Governor,
have. for and
If
only one candidate isBrother
to be enrolled,
allthey
provisions
reference
to
the
"Class"
shall
be
omitted,
and
appropriate
GOVERNOR: We want to welcome you! Before
we start
changes
from theCeremony,
plural to singular
shall
reference
the Enrollment
I would
likebetomade
giveinyou
a few
to
the candidate.
instructions.
If
thegavel
wives,isfamilies
guests areauthority.
invited to One
hear rap
the
The
the signand
of special
the Governor's
speaker, they should be ushered into the room and seated in
calls the Lodge to order or seats members when standing.
their proper area. Lodge officers, dignitaries and others
two raps, call up the Lodge.
should always be introduced before the speaker.
During
the family
enrollment
I ask
youbeen
to please
If
qualified
members
have
invited refrain
to attendfrom
the
smoking,
and unless
instructed,
remain
and
class
enrollment
theyotherwise
should be
ushered into
theseated,
room and
please in
turn
off12pagers
phones.
seated
area
beforeand
thecellular
Governor
calls meeting to order.
You will now learn more about the Moose Fraternity by
INSTRUCTIONS
SPECIAL
MEETINGS
hearing
"The Story of theFOR
Moose".
The Ritual
Staff will now
-OPENINGtake their assigned positions.
(WITH FAMILY MEMBERS PRESENT)
RITUAL
GOVERNOR.
(Standing) (After staff has taken
- Enrollment
Ceremony
their chairs
the Governor
raps once.) We are certainly glad
- Installation
of Officers
that you-have
taken thisFounder’s
step to joinDay
our Fraternity.
Mooseheart
CeremonyAs you do
so, you will leave your footprints in many ways, and in many
GOVERNOR:
(Gives the
one members
rap) Everyone
willfamily...the
please be
lives. This includes
of your
seated. I welcome you to our enrollment ceremony.
members of your new Lodge...and many persons you may
GOVERNOR:
meeting
is called
forthe
therequirements
purpose of
never even meet.This
Since
you have
met all
enrolling
candidates
(or
other
ceremony
listed
above),
for membership in our Order, I would like to invite youand
to
no
willfraternity's
come before
thesolemn
Lodge. moments: the
joinother
us inbusiness
one of our
most
GOVERNOR:
(two raps)
TheLoyal
Prelate
willofopen
the Bible
Enrollment Ceremony
of the
Order
Moose.
The
and
staffdeliver
telling the
the opening
story of prayer.
the Moose is from _____________
LodgePrelate
_______.
Listen
carefully
to the
the Altar,
message
(The
goes to
position
1 faces
and each
in a
member will
bringopens
to you.
dignified
manner
the Bible.)
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
27
23
PRELATE:
You
will now
This
beisgiven
the Holy
theBible;
opportunity
our inspiration
to learnand
- and
our if
guide.
you
are
so
willing
to
embrace
the
noble
principles
upon
which
(Prelate steps back one step into position 1 area)
this proud family fraternity is built. I ask you to ponder them
PRELATE:
foldfor
ourif arms
and bow
our heads.
in both mind Let
and us
heart,
you choose
to join
with us, these
(Prelate
raises
head and
delivers
principlesslowly
will bind
ushis
together
forever,
in a his
lifeprayer.)
of service to
others.
PRELATE:
Almighty Father, Creator of the universe and
Father
we give You
thanks
fraternal
Listen of
as all
themankind,
Sergeant-at-Arms
helps
youfortoour
begin
your
brotherhood and the great precepts it embodies. Keep us
journey.
diligent and mindful of our commitments to You, our children,
our senior members,
ourasfamilies,
andis our
communities.
(Sergeant-at-Arms
rises
Governor
being
seated and
Give
us a to
spirit
of peace,
advances
position
8.) harmony, and progress as we carry
on these precepts in our Lodge, and in our lives. Remind us
each
day that the greatest good
can
do is to
serve
You
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS:
Whenwe
you
receive
your
Moose
through
service
man.
Amen
membership
cardtoitour
willfellow
be only
inches
high, but miles wide.
I say this because
it opens up a whole new world of privileges
MEMBERS:
Amen.
for
you
and
your
family.
(Prelate returns to station.)
First, there are the many privileges you will have in your
GOVERNOR: (U.S. Lodges) I present the flag of our
Lodge. Time after time, week after week, you can participate
country (turns to face Flag). Place your right hand over your
in recreational events tailored to your personal tastes, and
heart
join family,
with meorinother
the Pledge
of Allegiance.
those and
of your
qualified
guests. Expect this
feeling of fun and fellowship to be a life-changing
experience. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
"I
pledge there
allegiance
the flag of
United
States
of
Secondly,
are thetoprivileges
thatthe
extend
beyond
your
America,
and
to
the
Republic
for
which
it
stands,
one
nation
Lodge. These include special opportunities to participate in
under
indivisible,
with liberty
and justice
foronly
all." help
local, God,
regional,
and national
programs
that not
CANADIAN
GOVERNOR:
I present
the flag
of our
country
others, but will
allow your family
to grow
closer
together
as
(turns
well. to flag). Brothers, salute the flag. You will join me in
singing "O Canada."
Another privilege of membership, is to be able to attend
GOVERNOR:
(Gives
will be seated.
Lodge meetings
and one
voterap)
in Everyone
matters brought
before the
Lodge. You will also
be
able
to
invite
your
associates
into
OFFICIAL VISIT
this great fraternity.
(This ceremony is to be used whenever a Supreme Lodge
When
talk membership,
we'revisits
also atalking
Officerwe
or Representative
officially
Lodge.)about the
Women of the Moose. For many successful years,
GOVERNOR:
At Moose
this time
we area privileged
to have
membership in the
has meant
special opportunity
(name)
(title)
visiting
with
us.
(first
name)
for the women in your family to also participate in this
welcome
to ______________________
Lodge _________.
dynamic International
Order.
28
22
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
CONDUCT:
Carry
and show
Everyone
your membership
in attendance
card shall
proudly,
maintain
as it issilence
one of
and
order,valuable
and refrain
smoking
or consuming
the most
cardsfrom
in your
possession,
one thatbeverages
continues
during
the meeting.
to pay you
dividends year after year.
APPAREL:
Thenow
apparel
of thesome
Ritual
be as follows:
Our Orator will
explain
ofStaff
theseshall
dividends
to you.
any appropriate, dignified and uniform mode of dress.
(Sergeant-at-Arms returns to his chair, turns left and is
CLASS: Before the opening of the meeting, the Class shall
seated.
androom
advances
position
Sergeantbe takenOrator
into therises
Lodge
and betoseated
as 8a as
body
behind
at-Arms
returns
to
chair.)
the Altar. Four (4) feet from and centered on the Altar
(Position 11).When you are thinking about your Moose
ORATOR:
membership,
think of isalltothe
andall
family
activities
the
If
only one candidate
be sports
enrolled,
provisions
for and
reference
the "Class"
shall your
be omitted,
appropriate
Moose hasto available.
What's
choice,and
cards...
golf...
changes
from
the plural
to teen
singular
shall be
made inor
reference
bowling...
pool...
darts...
nights...
picnics...
simply
to
the candidate.
cheering
your team from the stands? They're all waiting for
If
theSo
wives,
families
and special
guests
are or
invited
to hear
the
you.
are such
pleasures
as the
Friday
Saturday
night
speaker,
should holiday
be ushered
into theplus
roomalland
in
dinners, they
the annual
festivals,
theseated
special
their
proper
area.
Lodge
officers,
dignitaries
and
others
family events in between.
should always be introduced before the speaker.
The M in "Moose" stands for "more." More sporting and
If qualified family members have been invited to attend the
family
opportunities
which to
andthe
to share
class enrollment
theyin should
beparticipate,
ushered into
roomyour
and
interests
with
others.
To
put
that
another
way:
wherever
you
seated in area 12 before the Governor calls meeting to order.
find fun, you'll find the Moose. Fun that warms the heart and
FOR SPECIAL MEETINGS
linksINSTRUCTIONS
our lives.
-OPENINGWhat is essential to remember is that this family fraternity is
(WITH FAMILY MEMBERS PRESENT)
and always has been a private organization whose privileges
- Enrollment Ceremony
belong only to its members. Private organizations can retain
- Installation of Officers
their protected and tax-free status only so long as their
- Mooseheart Founder’s Day Ceremony
members adhere to this requirement. Family and other
GOVERNOR:
one rap)
please be
qualified guests (Gives
are welcome,
butEveryone
only whenwill
accompanied
seated. I welcome you to our enrollment ceremony.
by the member and his membership card.
GOVERNOR: This meeting is called for the purpose of
As you reach
out and (or
takeother
the oath,
you reach
outabove),
to an entire
enrolling
candidates
ceremony
listed
and
network
of fun, friendship,
and obligation.
no
other business
will come before
the Lodge.You and your
family will soon (two
be saying,
is the best
weBible
ever
GOVERNOR:
raps) "This
The Prelate
willdecision
open the
made."
and
deliver the opening prayer.
Our Prelate
now
you more
of our
involvement
(The
Prelatewill
goes
to tell
position
1 faces
the Altar,
and in in
a
dignified
manner opens the Bible.)
other areas.
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
29
23
PRELATE:
This to
is the
our
inspiration
and our
guide.
(Orator returns
hisHoly
chairBible;
and is
seated.
Prelate
rises
and
advances
to
position
8
as
Orator
returns
to
chair.)
(Prelate steps back one step into position 1 area)
PRELATE:
There
are our
twoarms
sidesand
to bow
the Moose
story: the
PRELATE: Let
us fold
our heads.
receiving and the giving. While the "receiving" is good, the
(Prelate
"giving" slowly
is evenraises
better.his head and delivers his prayer.)
PRELATE: Almighty Father, Creator of the universe and
Throughout
long honored
the Moose
Father of all its
mankind,
we givehistory,
You thanks
for ourFraternity
fraternal
has always focused
ongreat
givingprecepts
something
back. It is altogether
brotherhood
and the
it embodies.
Keep us
diligent
andyou
mindful
of our
commitments
our children,
proper that
should
know
that servicetoisYou,
an important
part
our
senior
our members
families, giving
and our
communities.
of this
story.members,
That means
of their
time and
Give
spirit their
of peace,
harmony,better
and progress
as which
we carry
effortus
toamake
communities
places in
to
on these precepts in our Lodge, and in our lives. Remind us
live.
each day that the greatest good we can do is to serve You
through
service to ourinfellow
Amen
Is
it a neighborhood
need...man.
a family
in crisis... a threat to
health... or anAmen.
educational opportunity for those without
MEMBERS:
means?
whenever the need, the Moose is there
(Prelate Wherever
returns to and
station.)
to enrich the "circle of life."
GOVERNOR: (U.S. Lodges) I present the flag of our
As you step forward, you step into a noble family fraternity
country (turns to face Flag). Place your right hand over your
where "commitment and service" stand on a par with "fun
heart
and join with This
me inisthe
Pledge
of make
Allegiance.
and fellowship".
what
helps
the Moose so
unique, and the path your footprints take so important.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
While we support our communities, we aren't forgetting our
"I
pledgeListen
allegiance
flagGovernor
of the United
States
of
children.
while to
thethe
Junior
shares one
of our
America,
and
to
the
Republic
for
which
it
stands,
one
nation
finest achievements with you.
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
(Prelate returns to his chair and is seated. Jr. Governor
CANADIAN
GOVERNOR:
I present
the flag returns
of our country
rises and advances
to position
8 as Prelate
to his
(turns to flag). Brothers, salute the flag. You will join me in
station.)
singing "O Canada."
JUNIOR GOVERNOR: There is nothing in the world as
GOVERNOR: (Gives one rap) Everyone will be seated.
sweet as youth, and nothing in our fraternity as caring as the
child city we call Mooseheart.
Dedicated to providing a
OFFICIAL VISIT
home
for
children
in
need,
Mooseheart
40Lodge
miles
(This ceremony is to be used wheneverisa located
Supreme
west
of or
Chicago.
This self-contained
"child
city" has stood
Officer
Representative
officially visits
a Lodge.)
like a beacon of hope since its founding in 1913. It is a
GOVERNOR:
At populated
this time we
privileged
to have
model community
withareloving
teachers
and
(name)
(title)
visiting
with
us.
(first
name)
mentors, who stand strong along every step of a developing
welcome
to ______________________ Lodge _________.
child's pathway.
30
22
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
CONDUCT:
in attendance
maintain
silence
Mooseheart. Everyone
Call it love...
call itshall
security...
call
it a
and
order, and refrain
from
or consuming
heartwarming
chance
to smoking
turn tragedies
into beverages
triumphs.
during
theyou
meeting.
Whatever
call it, Mooseheart is one of the most enduring
contributionsThe
thisapparel
fraternity
society.
And
we
APPAREL:
of themakes
RitualtoStaff
shall be
as now
follows:
ask you
to help us
keep our
alive,
theofdream
any
appropriate,
dignified
anddream
uniform
mode
dress. that says
every child
without
a family of
deserves
to have
CLASS:
Before
the opening
the meeting,
theone.
ClassSince
shall
opening
its
doors,
thousands
of
children
have
called
be taken into the Lodge room and be seated as a body behind
Mooseheart
home.(4) feet from and centered on the Altar
the
Altar. Four
(Position
11). cost for our 1000 acre campus, the facilities,
The operating
If
oneand
candidate
to be enrolled,
all provisions
theonly
staff,
its manyis programs
has partially
been for
metand
by
reference
to membership
the "Class" shall
omitted, and
our annual
fees.be Members
alsoappropriate
have an
changes
from the
shall be made in reference
opportunity
to plural
give totosingular
the Mooseheart/Moosehaven
to
the
candidate.
Endowment Fund, and give they have, with love and
If
the wives, Later,
families
and you
special
invited
hearyou
the
generosity.
when
areguests
asked are
to take
thetooath,
speaker,
be ushered
intonourish
the room
seatedand
in
too will they
haveshould
this chance
to help
ourand
dream,
their
proper
area.
Lodge
officers,
dignitaries
and
others
provide the dollars to make that dream come true. It is where
should always be introduced before the speaker.
your mark will be felt in the lives of the young.
If qualified family members have been invited to attend the
Our Nine
O'clock
Ceremony
us an
to
class
enrollment
they
should begives
ushered
intoopportunity
the room and
reflect
more
deeply
upon
the
value
of
Mooseheart.
The
seated in area 12 before the Governor calls meeting to order.
Governor will now lead us in the Nine O'clock Ceremony.
INSTRUCTIONS
SPECIAL
MEETINGS
(Jr. Governor
returns toFOR
his station
and remains
standing.
-OPENINGGovernor rises as Jr. Governor
leaves position 8.)
(WITH FAMILY MEMBERS PRESENT)
GOVERNOR:
(GivesCeremony
two raps as Jr. Governor turns at
- Enrollment
chair.) -Everyone
willofplease
rise. It is now nine o'clock.
Installation
Officers
At this time
the little children
at Mooseheart
kneel at their
- Mooseheart
Founder’s
Day Ceremony
beds to say their evening prayers. Let us face toward
GOVERNOR: (Gives one rap) Everyone will please be
Mooseheart,
fold our
bow
our heads
and join them in
seated.
I welcome
youarms,
to our
enrollment
ceremony.
silent prayer.
GOVERNOR: This meeting is called for the purpose of
(The lights
are turned
andceremony
chimes sound
slowly nine
enrolling
candidates
(orlow
other
listed above),
and
times.
the ninth
the Governor
continues.)
no
otherAfter
business
will stroke
come before
the Lodge.
GOVERNOR:
raps)
The
Prelatecome
will to
open
the Bible
Repeat after me:(two
Let the
little
children
me...(repeat)
and
deliver
opening
prayer.
do not
keepthethem
away...(repeat)
for they are like the
kingdom
of goes
Heaven...(repeat)
God the
bless
Mooseheart
(The
Prelate
to position 1 faces
Altar,
and in a
...(repeat)manner
Amen.opens
(repeat)
dignified
the Bible.)
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
31
23
PRELATE:
ThisEveryone
is the Holy
Bible;
ourface
inspiration
and(Lights
our guide.
GOVERNOR:
will
please
the Altar.
are
turned
up
and
Governor
gives
one
rap)
Please
be
seated.
(Prelate steps back one step into position 1 area)
There
is another
venture
ourbow
fraternity,
and the Past
PRELATE:
Let inspired
us fold our
armsofand
our heads.
Governor will now share part of that story with you.
(Prelate slowly raises his head and delivers his prayer.)
(Past Governor rises and advances to position 8 as Governor
PRELATE: Almighty Father, Creator of the universe and
is
beingofseated.)
Father
all mankind, we give You thanks for our fraternal
brotherhood
and the If
great
precepts
it embodies.
PAST GOVERNOR:
youth
is to be cherished,
thenKeep
age is us
to
diligent
and Located
mindful in
of the
ourwarm
commitments
to You, our
children,
be honored.
Florida sunshine,
Moosehaven
our senior members, our families, and our communities.
is
a complete
community
for our senior
members as
- both
men
Give
us a spirit
of peace, harmony,
and progress
we carry
andthese
women.
Moosehaven
openedand
its doors
1922 Remind
to a special
on
precepts
in our Lodge,
in ourinlives.
us
each
that the and
greatest
good we designed
can do is especially
to serve You
worldday
of comfort
convenience,
for
through
service to
ourseek
fellow
man. Amen
those members
who
a sanctuary
from the cares and
burdens age sometimes
MEMBERS:
Amen. imposes on those young of mind, but in
need
of areturns
helpingtohand.
(Prelate
station.)
Moosehaven - set in a paradise environment just outside of
GOVERNOR: (U.S. Lodges) I present the flag of our
Jacksonville, Florida - illustrates that this fraternity not only
country (turns to face Flag). Place your right hand over your
cherishes its young, but honors its seniors. As you enter our
heart
and joinranks,
with me
in the
fraternity's
you
notPledge
only of
areAllegiance.
helping to keep
Moosehaven's lights burning brightly, but you are warming
PLEDGE
OF ALLEGIANCE
our residents hearts
as well.
"I
pledgeyour
allegiance
to theif flag
of your
the United
States
of
Through
membership,
you or
family ever
have
America,
and
to
the
Republic
for
which
it
stands,
one
nation
a future need, you are now able to request the benefits and
under
God,
with liberty
and justice for
all."extra
blessings
ofindivisible,
both Mooseheart
and Moosehaven.
These
CANADIAN
GOVERNOR:
presentofthe
flag
of our
country
benefits of membership
areI some
the
most
important
(turns
to flag).
Brothers,
salute
the flag. You
will join
in
dividends
you will
enjoy in
this Fraternity.
Always
keepme
your
singing
"O Canada."
dues current,
so you and your family are never without this
valuable
protection.
GOVERNOR:
(Gives one rap) Everyone will be seated.
As you can see, the Loyal
Order of
Moose puts a priority on
OFFICIAL
VISIT
caring. The contributions made by all of us to the
(This
ceremony is to be used
wheneverFund,
a Supreme
Mooseheart/Moosehaven
Endowment
enable Lodge
us to
Officer
officiallywith
visits
Lodge.)
provide or
ourRepresentative
Moosehaven residents
thea life
they so richly
deserve. What nobler
commitment
be?
GOVERNOR:
At this
time wecan
arethere
privileged
to have
(name)
(title)
visiting
with
us.
(first
name)
And now, with some added thoughts, here again is the
welcome
Governor.to ______________________ Lodge _________.
32
22
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
CONDUCT:
Everyone
maintain
silence
(Past Governor
returns in
to attendance
station andshall
is seated.
Governor
rises
and advances
to from
position
8 as Past
Governor beverages
returns to
and order,
and refrain
smoking
or consuming
station.)
during the meeting.
GOVERNOR: Earlier, we spoke of the privileges of
APPAREL: The apparel of the Ritual Staff shall be as follows:
membership
anddignified
the Private
regulations
are a
any appropriate,
and Policy.
uniform These
mode of
dress.
small price to pay for the legal protections we have always
CLASS:
the opening
of the
meeting,
shall
enjoyed. Before
In stepping
forward
today,
you the
areClass
asked
to
be taken into the Lodge room and be seated as a body behind
faithfully abide by this principle, and display your
the Altar. Four (4) feet from and centered on the Altar
membership
(Position 11).card when entering a Moose Lodge.
Now
I ask
each of you
in the purposes
of thefor
Order
If only
oneifcandidate
is tobelieve
be enrolled,
all provisions
and
we have been
describing,
and ifbeyou
sincerely
to join
reference
to the
"Class" shall
omitted,
anddesire
appropriate
with
us as
Brothers?
If to
so,singular
please answer
do."in reference
changes
from
the plural
shall be"Imade
to
the
candidate.
Give your full attention to the obligation you are about to
receive.
Oncefamilies
taken, itand
shall
bind guests
you toare
us, invited
and us to you,
for
If
the wives,
special
hear the
speaker,
all time: they should be ushered into the room and seated in
their proper area. Lodge officers, dignitaries and others
In the presence of the Supreme Being and those gathered
should always be introduced before the speaker.
here, I pledge that I will obey the laws of the Loyal Order of
If
qualified
members
been invited
to attend
Moose,
andfamily
the By-laws
ofhave
the Lodge
of which
I amthe
to
class
enrollment
they should be ushered into the room and
become
a member.
seated in area 12 before the Governor calls meeting to order.
I will propose for membership in this Order only those of
high INSTRUCTIONS
personal character,
andSPECIAL
never oppose
a qualified
FOR
MEETINGS
applicant without just cause.
-OPENING(WITH
FAMILY to
MEMBERS
PRESENT)
I will bring
my concerns
the leadership
of this Order, as
Enrollment
Ceremony
provided by our laws, before appealing to any Civil Authority.
- Installation of Officers
I will cherish
and support
with my Day
energy
and substance, our
- Mooseheart
Founder’s
Ceremony
youngsters at Mooseheart, and our seniors at Moosehaven.
GOVERNOR: (Gives one rap) Everyone will please be
Always Iremember,
there
is strength
in unity,
for a burden
seated.
welcome you
to our
enrollment
ceremony.
heavy to one is borne lightly by many.
GOVERNOR: This meeting is called for the purpose of
All candidates,
and Lodge
Brothers
desiring
to reaffirm
enrolling
candidates
(or other
ceremony
listed
above),their
and
no
other
business
will will
come
before
the(pause)
Lodge.Place your left
faith
in our
Fraternity,
please
rise.
hand over your heart,
raise The
yourPrelate
right hand
after
GOVERNOR:
(two raps)
will and
openrepeat
the Bible
me, deliver
using your
name where
I use mine.
and
the opening
prayer.
I _______________
freely
andand
without
(The
Prelate goes to______________
position 1 faces -the
Altar,
in a
reservationmanner
- acceptopens
the honor
- and obligation of membership
dignified
the Bible.)
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
33
23
-PRELATE:
in the Loyal
This
Order
is theof
Holy
Moose.
Bible;-our
I pledge
inspiration
my service
and our to
guide.
my
Brothers,
and
to
all
members
of
this
Order
this
obligation
(Prelate steps back one step into position 1 area)
- will bind me for all time.
PRELATE: Let us fold our arms and bow our heads.
You may lower your hands. By virtue of the authority given
(Prelate
raisesI his
head
and each
delivers
his prayer.)
to me byslowly
this Lodge,
now
declare
of you
a member of
PRELATE:
Almighty
Father,
Creator
of
the
the Moose Fraternity. Welcome, Brothers! On universe
behalf of and
this
Father of all mankind, we give You thanks for our fraternal
Lodge,
we
are
honored
that
you
have
joined
with
us
in
this
brotherhood and the great precepts it embodies. Keep us
most noble
will please rise.
Theour
Prelate
will
diligent
andOrder.
mindfulEveryone
of our commitments
to You,
children,
now
lead usmembers,
in prayer. our families, and our communities.
our senior
Give us a spirit of peace, harmony, and progress as we carry
(Governor
moves in
to our
position
2 and
rises
on these precepts
Lodge,
andfaces
in ourAltar.
lives.Prelate
Remind
us
and advance
to position
1 area
movesYou
to
each
day that the
greatest good
weascanGovernor
do is to serve
position service
2.)
through
to our fellow man. Amen
MEMBERS: Amen.
PRELATE:
Let us fold our arms and bow our heads.
Almighty
Father,
knows the hearts and minds of all His
(Prelate returns towho
station.)
people, help each of us to accept - and continue - the oath of
GOVERNOR:
(U.S.
present
the flag inofYour
our
Moose allegiance.
We Lodges)
ask You toI hold
us together
country
to faceour
Flag).
your rightfellowship,
hand over your
arms as (turns
we commit
livesPlace
to fraternity,
and
heart
and join
in the
Pledge
of Allegiance.
service.
Wewith
alsomeask
You
to bless
Mooseheart and
Moosehaven, so they will always be there for those in need.
PLEDGE
OF ALLEGIANCE
Amen.(Staff repeats
"Amen")
"I pledgereturns
allegiance
the flag
of the United
States of
(Prelate
to his to
station
and remains
standing.)
America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation
GOVERNOR:
Everyone
please
seated.
under God, indivisible,
with
libertybeand
justice (Pause
for all." until
everyone is seated) Congratulations. With this ceremony,
CANADIAN
GOVERNOR:
flag
our country
we have become
as one. One Iinpresent
spirit...the
one
in of
purpose...
and
(turns
flag). Brothers, salute the flag. You will join me in
one in to
commitment.
singing "O Canada."
As new members of our Order, you are charged with two
GOVERNOR:
(Gives The
one rap)
willthose
be seated.
essential obligations.
first Everyone
is to protect
within our
Order. This includes
your fellow
members, your families,
OFFICIAL
VISIT
and
fraternity
includes
the work
of
(Thisyour
ceremony
is to itself,
be usedwhich
whenever
a Supreme
Lodge
Mooseheart
and
Moosehaven.
Secondly,
there
is
the
Officer or Representative officially visits a Lodge.)
obligation to strengthen our membership. This calls for your
GOVERNOR:
At this time
are privileged
to have
best efforts to encourage
those we
qualified
friends, relatives,
us. (first
name)
and (name)
associates to(title)
join withvisiting
us. Bywith
sponsoring
them
into our
welcome
to ______________________
Lodge
Order, you
will not only help us grow,
but _________.
you will be
34
22
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
CONDUCT:
sharing
all theEveryone
benefitsinand
attendance
privileges
shall
of maintain
this Order
silence
with
and
order, and refrain from smoking or consuming beverages
others.
during
the to
meeting.
We wish
thank you for your participation, and your
APPAREL:
The ceremony
apparel of the
Staff as
shall
as follows:
attention. This
willRitual
conclude
thebeRitual
Staff
any
appropriate,
dignified and uniform mode of dress.
vacates
their positions.
CLASS:
Beforewill
the again
opening
of their
the meeting,
(Lodge Officers
take
stations.)the Class shall
be taken into the Lodge room and be seated as a body behind
GOVERNOR:
the from
Ritualand
Staffcentered
for their on
performance
the
Altar. Four(Thank
(4) feet
the Altar
and
have 11).
Ritual Governor introduce Staff).
(Position
GOVERNOR:
It is my
to acquaint
the members
of
If
only one candidate
is privilege
to be enrolled,
all provisions
for and
reference
thethe
"Class"
shall
this Lodgetowith
Degrees
of be
ouromitted,
Order. and appropriate
changes from the plural to singular shall be made in reference
Every Moose member that meets the requirements for
to the candidate.
eligibility will receive an invitation to join the Moose Legion,
If
wives, of
families
and special
guestsLegion
are invited
to hear
thetheDegree
Service.
The Moose
is made
upthe
of
speaker, they should be ushered into the room and seated in
members who desire to increase their level of service to the
their proper area. Lodge officers, dignitaries and others
fraternity
and provide
further support
to our
humanitarian and
should always
be introduced
before the
speaker.
charitable efforts. Membership in the Moose Legion is
If
qualified
have been invited to attend the
required
forfamily
furthermembers
advancement.
class enrollment they should be ushered into the room and
The
DegreetheofGovernor
Honor iscalls
conferred
upon
seatedFellowship
in area 12 before
meetingonly
to order.
Moose Legionnaires who are specifically called to receive
INSTRUCTIONS
FORDegree
SPECIAL
MEETINGS
the Degree.
This honorary
comes
as a reward for
-OPENINGoutstanding service rendered
to the Order and is a much(WITH
MEMBERS PRESENT)
coveted mark
of FAMILY
distinction.
- Enrollment Ceremony
The ultimate and highest Degree bestowed on a member of
- Installation of Officers
the Loyal Order of Moose is the Pilgrim Degree of Merit.
- Mooseheart Founder’s Day Ceremony
This Degree is conferred only in the House of God at
GOVERNOR:
Everyone
pleasewho
be
Mooseheart, and(Gives
comesone
as arap)
reward
to thosewill
Fellows
seated.
I welcome
you to
our enrollment
ceremony.
have given
exceptional
service
for the fraternity.
GOVERNOR: This meeting is called for the purpose of
We encourage each member of this Lodge to devote himself
enrolling candidates (or other ceremony listed above), and
to the
magnitude
fraternal
thatLodge.
merits advancement
no
other
businessofwill
come service
before the
to these Degrees.
GOVERNOR: (two raps) The Prelate will open the Bible
(During
Lodge
meetingprayer.
proceed with regular Order of
and
deliver
the opening
Business on page 12.)
(The Prelate goes to position 1 faces the Altar, and in a
dignified manner opens the Bible.)
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
35
23
INSTRUCTIONS
FOR
SPECIAL
MEETINGS
PRELATE:
This is the Holy
Bible;
our inspiration
and our guide.
-CLOSING(Prelate steps back one step into position 1 area)
(WITH FAMILY MEMBER'S PRESENT)
PRELATE:
Let us foldCeremony
our arms and bow our heads.
- Enrollment
(Prelate-slowly
raises his
head and delivers his prayer.)
Installation
of Officers
- Mooseheart
Day Ceremony
PRELATE:
AlmightyFounder’s
Father, Creator
of the universe and
Father of all mankind, we give You thanks for our fraternal
GOVERNOR:and(Introduce
dignitaries Keep
or other
brotherhood
the great Officers
preceptsand
it embodies.
us
visitors.)and mindful of our commitments to You, our children,
diligent
our senior members, our families, and our communities.
GOVERNOR:
Sr. Regent and
and progress
request she
Give
us a spirit(Introduce
of peace, harmony,
as introduce
we carry
other
W.O.T.M.
(No
on
these
preceptsofficers
in our present.)
Lodge, and
in Speeches).
our lives. Remind us
each
day that the(Recognize
greatest good
we canVisitor
do is tofor
serve
You
GOVERNOR:
Official
his/her
through service to our fellow man. Amen
comments.)
MEMBERS: Amen.
GOVERNOR: (Call on Administrator for final instructions
(Prelate
returns to(Depending
station.) on size of class, lapel pins may
to new Brothers.)
be
presented
to
new
sponsors
officers
if
GOVERNOR: (U.S. members
Lodges) by
I present
theorflag
of our
sponsors
are
not
present.
If
class
size
is
too
large,
lapel
pins
country (turns to face Flag). Place your right hand over your
shouldand
be join
presented
after
adjournment.)
heart
with me
in the
Pledge of Allegiance.
GOVERNOR: (Make final remarks.)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
GOVERNOR: Brother Sergeant-at-Arms; Please close the
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of
Bible and place the Endowment Fund Cradle upon the altar.
America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation
GOVERNOR:
(Gives 2with
raps)liberty
Everyone
please
rise. The
under
God, indivisible,
and will
justice
for all."
Endowment
Fund
is
vital
to
the
daily
operation
both
CANADIAN GOVERNOR: I present the flag of our of
country
Mooseheart
and
Moosehaven.
Anyone
desiring
to
contribute
(turns to flag). Brothers, salute the flag. You will join me in
to this fund
is asked to approach the altar in an orderly
singing
"O Canada."
manner, make your contribution, then return to your place
GOVERNOR:
(Gives one rap) Everyone will be seated.
and remain standing.
OFFICIAL VISIT
(After all have returned to their places, the Lodge Governor
(This
ceremony
to be from
usedhis
whenever
delivers
his final ischarge
station.)a Supreme Lodge
Officer or Representative officially visits a Lodge.)
GOVERNOR: (From station) Our business being concluded;
GOVERNOR:
At this
we are
privileged
to good
have
let us go forth with
goodtime
thoughts,
good
words and
(name)
(title) I visiting
withbid
us.you(first
name)
deeds
for all mankind.
fraternally
"Good
night."
welcome
______________________
Lodge _________.
(or "GoodtoAfternoon,"
or "Good Morning.")
36
22
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
CONDUCT: LINE
Everyone
in attendance
maintain silence
OF
MARCHshall
FOR
and order, and refrain
from
smoking
or
consuming
beverages
RITUAL CLOSING
during the meeting.
APPAREL: The apparel of the Ritual Staff shall be as follows:
any appropriate, dignified and uniform mode of dress.
CLASS: Before the opening of the meeting, the Class shall
be taken into the Lodge room and be seated as a body behind
the Altar. Four (4) feet from and centered on the Altar
(Position 11).
If only one candidate is to be enrolled, all provisions for and
reference to the "Class" shall be omitted, and appropriate
changes from the plural to singular shall be made in reference
to the candidate.
If the wives, families and special guests are invited to hear the
speaker, they should be ushered into the room and seated in
their proper area. Lodge officers, dignitaries and others
should always be introduced before the speaker.
If qualified family members have been invited to attend the
class enrollment they should be ushered into the room and
seated in area 12 before the Governor calls meeting to order.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIAL MEETINGS
-OPENING(WITH FAMILY MEMBERS PRESENT)
- Enrollment Ceremony
- Installation of Officers
- Mooseheart Founder’s Day Ceremony
GOVERNOR: (Gives one rap) Everyone will please be
seated. I welcome you to our enrollment ceremony.
GOVERNOR: This meeting is called for the purpose of
enrolling candidates (or other ceremony listed above), and
no other business will come before the Lodge.
GOVERNOR: (two raps) The Prelate will open the Bible
and deliver the opening prayer.
(The Prelate goes to position 1 faces the Altar, and in a
DIAGRAM
dignified manner opens
the Bible.)NO. 3
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
37
23
PRELATE:
This is the HolyRITUAL
Bible; our inspiration
and our guide.
ENROLLMENT
CEREMONY
FLOOR
(Prelate steps back
one stepPOSITIONS
into position 1 area)
PRELATE:
Let us fold
ourwork
arms and
our heads.
These
instructions
cover
on abow
standard
size floor
requiring
spacing
ofhis
12head
feetand
from
fronthis
ofprayer.)
Prelate, Jr.
(Prelate slowly
raises
delivers
Governor and Governor's station to center of Altar. When 5
PRELATE: Almighty Father, Creator of the universe and
this
spacing
is not possible,
12 feetforfrom
front of
Father
of all mankind,
we giveallow
You thanks
our fraternal
Governor's
to great
centerprecepts
of Altaritand
adjust remaining
brotherhoodstation
and the
embodies.
Keep us
distances
asmindful
necessary.
Sufficient
spacing
shallour
bechildren,
allowed
diligent and
of our
commitments
to You,
our the
senior
our families,
and 2,
ouroncommunities.
for
Classmembers,
behind Altar.
(See diagram
page 25.)
Give us a spirit of peace, harmony, and progress as we carry
Diagrams
2 and 3in
illustrate
many
floor
positions
designated
on these precepts
our Lodge,
and
in our
lives. Remind
us 10
by
number
as follows:
each
day that
the greatest good we can do is to serve You
through service
to our position
fellow man.
Position
1. Prelate's
for Amen
opening the Bible is in
center
of AltarAmen.
and with toes within one foot of the Altar.
MEMBERS:
Position
1 Area.to 12
to 18 inches from Altar centered for
(Prelate returns
station.)
15
Prelate's prayer.
GOVERNOR: (U.S. Lodges) I present the flag of our
Position
2. Centered
3 feet
in front
Governor's
station
country (turns
to faceand
Flag).
Place
yourof
right
hand over
your
on line of march.
heart and join with me in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Position 3. Orator's chair is 3 feet to the left of the Governor's
station, with front
edge ofOF
chair
in line with the back edge of
PLEDGE
ALLEGIANCE
20
Governor's station.
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of
Position
Prelate's
station. for which it stands, one nation
America,4.and
to the Republic
under God,
with
liberty and justice for all."
Position
5. indivisible,
Jr. Governor's
station.
Position
6. Past
Governor's station
line
with
front
of Jr.
CANADIAN
GOVERNOR:
I presentinthe
flag
of our
country
Governor's
station,
and left
side
his station
injoin
lineme
with
(turns to flag).
Brothers,
salute
theofflag.
You will
in
front
edge
Governor's station.
singing
"Oof
Canada."
25
Position
7. Sergeant-at-Arms
is 3 will
feet be
to seated.
the right of
GOVERNOR:
(Gives one rap) chair
Everyone
the Governor's station, with front edge of chair in line with
OFFICIAL VISIT
the back edge of Governor's station.
(This ceremony
is located
to be used
whenever
a Supreme
Lodge
Position
8. An area
between
the Altar
and Governor's
Officer or
Representative
visitsthe
a Lodge.)
station,
with
the back edgeofficially
5 feet from
Altar. Area is as 30
GOVERNOR:
AtAltar
this (32
time
we areToes
privileged
have
wide
as a standard
inches).
should betowithin
(name)
visiting
with us.class.
(first name)
these
limits at all(title)
times while
addressing
Position
Chairs for Ritual Staff on exit.
welcome9.to ______________________
Lodge _________.
38
22
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
CONDUCT:
Everyone
in attendance
shall maintain
Position 10. (For
Competition)
Your Country's
flag issilence
7 feet
andthe
order,
refrain
from smoking
or consuming
to
rightand
of the
Governor's
chair and
in line withbeverages
it.
during the
Position
11.meeting.
Two chairs for Class during competition. Front
APPAREL:
apparel
follows:
edge
of bothThe
Chairs
areof4 the
feetRitual
fromStaff
Altarshall
andbe
3 as
feet
apart,
any appropriate,
centereddignified
on Altar.and uniform mode of dress.
5 equally
CLASS: 12.
Before
the for
opening
of the meeting,
shall
Position
(Not
competition)
Chairs the
forClass
Qualified
be taken into the Lodge room and be seated as a body behind
Family Members (see Diagram No. 2).
the Altar. Four (4) feet from and centered on the Altar
Position
(Position13.
11).(Not for competition) Optional State, Provincial
or
National
Flag.
If only
one candidate
is to be enrolled, all provisions for and
reference
to
"Class" for
shallMooseheart
be omitted,inand
appropriate
competition
is
10 The symbolicthedirection
changes
from
the
plural
to
singular
shall
be
made
in
centered behind the Prelate's station. A Nine reference
O’clock
to the candidate.
Ceremony
picture should be placed in this area. The
If the wives,direction
families and
guests areininvited
to hear the
symbolic
for special
Moosehaven
competition
is
speaker, they
should
beGovernor's
ushered into
the room and seated in
centered
behind
the Jr.
station.
their proper area. Lodge officers, dignitaries and others
should always be introduced before the speaker.
15
FLOOR MOVEMENTS
If qualified family members have been invited to attend the
The Ritual
Governor
rap be
theushered
gavel once
standing
class
enrollment
they will
should
intowhile
the room
and
seated
area 12to
before
Governor calls
meeting to
at his instation
starttheEnrollment
Ceremony
or order.
Ritual
Competition, after staff has taken their chairs.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIAL MEETINGS
Staff members should avoid
looking at the floor at any time.
-OPENING20 Each staff
member
should enter
and leave
his station with the
(WITH
FAMILY
MEMBERS
PRESENT)
station on
his left. He
should not put his hand upon his
- Enrollment
Ceremony
Installation
Officers
station. - Touching
theof
Altar
Cloth, or brushing against the
Mooseheart
Day
Ceremony
Altar or-Stations
is notFounder’s
a violation,
however
kicking chair,
stations,
or
Altar,
or
dropping
of
mallet
or
gavel
is not
GOVERNOR: (Gives one rap) Everyone will
please
be
permitted.
He should
move
his chair ceremony.
or put his hand on
25 seated.
I welcome
younot
to our
enrollment
it when rising or This
beingmeeting
seated, unless
permission
do so has
GOVERNOR:
is called
for the to
purpose
of
been granted
by the judges.
It ceremony
is not a violation
if the class
enrolling
candidates
(or other
listed above),
and
should
theirwill
chairs.
no
othermove
business
come before the Lodge.
GOVERNOR:
(two raps)
The Prelate
will
the Bible
When a staff member
rises from
his chair
foropen
the purpose
of
deliver
opening
prayer.
moving
to a the
floor
position,
he may pause before stepping off,
30 and
but once
started
he should
continue
without
(The
Prelate
goes
to position
1 faces
theinterruption
Altar, and until
in a
he has reached
hisopens
position.
dignified
manner
the Bible.)
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
39
23
PRELATE:
All
movements
This isshould
the Holy
be Bible;
graceful.
our inspiration
A ritualist
andmay
our guide.
move
within
the
parameters
of
Position
8,
but
toes
must
remain
(Prelate steps back one step into position 1 area)
within its boundaries.
PRELATE: Let us fold our arms and bow our heads.
Facing the Bible, flag, Moosehaven or Mooseheart should be
(Prelate slowly raises his head and delivers his prayer.)
done by centering the body in that direction. Centering the
PRELATE:
Father,
of the universe
and
body means Almighty
turning both
feet Creator
in that direction.
This also
Father of all mankind, we give You thanks for our fraternal
applies
to Governor
whenprecepts
speakingit embodies.
from his station
or
brotherhood
and the great
Keep us
positionand
2. mindful of our commitments to You, our children,
diligent
our senior members, our families, and our communities.
Leaving position 8 is defined as the time after pivot on turn
Give us a spirit of peace, harmony, and progress as we carry
when
a foot
crosses
edge
to the time
on these
precepts
in the
our outer
Lodge,
andofinpositition
our lives.8 Remind
us
the trailing
footthe
is out
of position
8. can do is to serve You
each
day that
greatest
good we
through service to our fellow man. Amen
Staff members should turn left and step off on left foot to go
MEMBERS:
Amen.
left, and should
turn right and step off on right foot to go
right. The
turn is
by a slight pivot on the ball of the
(Prelate
returns
to made
station.)
opposite foot, then stepping off with required foot. Do not
GOVERNOR: (U.S. Lodges) I present the flag of our
turn both feet simultaneously. Stepping off means raising the
country
to face
Place your
right hand
over your
foot and(turns
moving
it in Flag).
the direction
of intended
move.
heart and join with me in the Pledge of Allegiance.
When the Governor, Prelate and Orator leave Position 8, they
should turn to PLEDGE
their left and
off on their left foot and go
OFstep
ALLEGIANCE
to their positions. The Jr. Governor, Past Governor and
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of
Sergeant-at-Arms should turn to their right and step off on
America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation
their right foot and go to their positions.
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
All staff members should go to and from floor positions by
CANADIAN GOVERNOR: I present the flag of our country
the shortest possible route except on vacating, or where
(turns to flag). Brothers, salute the flag. You will join me in
movements are prescribed. The shortest route is a straight
singing "O Canada."
line between the positions and then turning in place without
GOVERNOR:
(Gives
one rap)
Everyone will
be step
seated.
moving forward,
backward
or sideways.
A side
may be
made when leaving chair
at
station.
OFFICIAL VISIT
5
10
15
20
25
There
should be
delay
in following
(This ceremony
is tonobe unnecessary
used whenever
a Supreme
Lodge
30
Governor's
instructions. officially visits a Lodge.)
Officer
or Representative
GOVERNOR:
At this
time
privileged
to have
Heads may be turned
at any
timewe
for are
the purpose
of watching
(name)
visiting
us. on
(first
the movements
of(title)
others, or
to put with
attention
the name)
Governor.
welcome
to ______________________
Lodge
The Governor
is responsible for establishing
the_________.
correct line
40
22
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
CONDUCT:
of
march on exit
Everyone
and each
in attendance
staff member
shall
should
maintain
straddle
silence
the
and
order,
from
correct
lineand
of refrain
march at
all smoking
times. or consuming beverages
during the meeting.
GESTURES
APPAREL: The apparel
of the Ritual Staff shall be as follows:
any appropriate, dignified and uniform mode of dress.
A gesture is an expressive movement of the body, or part of the
the opening
the meeting,
Classpoint.
shall
5 CLASS:
body, usedBefore
to emphasize
an idea,of
emotion,
action orthe
specific
be taken into the Lodge room and be seated as a body behind
Timely
handFour
gestures
smooth
and graceful
be
the
Altar.
(4) that
feet are
from
and centered
on should
the Altar
used
during
(Position
11).every charge.
If
only oneiscandidate
is to be
enrolled,
all provisions
fortime
and
A gesture
most effective
when
it is made
at the same
reference
to related
the "Class"
shall
omitted,
appropriate
as the words
thereto
are be
spoken.
Theand
Governor
may
from otherwise.
the plural to singular shall be made in reference
10 changes
be instructed
to the candidate.
Nodding or shaking the head may be used to emphasize
If the wives, families and special guests are invited to hear the
meaning, but constant movement of the head is prohibited.
speaker, they should be ushered into the room and seated in
Each staff
member
relaxeddignitaries
open-handed
gestures,
their
proper
area. should
Lodgeuse
officers,
and
others
should
be introduced
before
theclosed
speaker.
but mayalways
use finger
or fingers, or
relaxed
hand motion to
15 emphasize
point. When
not gesturing,
handstoshould
in
If qualifieda family
members
have beenhis
invited
attendbethe
front of
his body they
or at should
his sides.
He may into
claspthe
hisroom
handsand
or
class
enrollment
be ushered
seated
area 12but
before
thenot
Governor
calls
meeting
order.
fingersin
together,
should
hold them
behind
him,toput
them
in his pockets, or place them on his hips.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIAL MEETINGS
Unless otherwise instructed,
and when gesturing after taking
-OPENING20 his attention off the class,
he
should PRESENT)
use left hand when
(WITH FAMILY MEMBERS
gesturing
to
the
left,
and
right
hand
when
gesturing to the
- Enrollment Ceremony
right. When
gesturingofinOfficers
the direction of the Altar or Class,
- Installation
he may use
either or both
hands. Day Ceremony
- Mooseheart
Founder’s
When the attention
of theone
speaker
not on thewill
class,
because
GOVERNOR:
(Gives
rap) isEveryone
please
be
25 seated.
he is using
a gestureyou
andtospeaking
in that direction,
he should
I welcome
our enrollment
ceremony.
position his body
in that
direction.
Positioning
the body
GOVERNOR:
This
meeting
is called
for the purpose
of
requires the
turning of(or
both
feet.ceremony
He may vary
required
enrolling
candidates
other
listedfrom
above),
and
floor
position
to make
gesture,
butthe
must
return to required
no
other
business
will come
before
Lodge.
position
after
gesture.
GOVERNOR: (two raps) The Prelate will open the Bible
deliver
the opening
30 and
When
gestures
are madeprayer.
only to help express oneself, and
attention
is
still
class, 1thefaces
handthe
or Altar,
handsand
mayinbe
(The Prelate goesontothe
position
a
extended manner
to the side
andthe
away
from the body. Constant use
dignified
opens
Bible.)
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
41
23
PRELATE:
or
movement
This
ofisthe
thehands
Holy Bible;
is permitted,
our inspiration
and either
and ourorguide.
both
hands
may
be
used
for
these
gestures.
A
staff
member
should
(Prelate steps back one step into position 1 area)
speak in the direction of a gesture when his attention is not on
PRELATE:
Let us fold
our arms
bowgesturing
our heads.is not a
the class. Looking
at the
handsand
when
5
(Prelate
raises
head and delivers his prayer.)
violationslowly
if facing
the his
class.
PRELATE:
Almighty
Father,
Creator
of
the
universe
and
He should not rock on his feet, continually bob or shake his
Father of all mankind, we give You thanks for our fraternal
head,
or permit
histhe
hands
to precepts
indicate nervousness.
fact, he
brotherhood
and
great
it embodies. InKeep
us
should do
hands, head
body
will
diligent
andnothing
mindful with
of ourhis
commitments
to or
You,
our that
children,
our
senior
distract
frommembers,
his talk. our families, and our communities.
Give us a spirit of peace, harmony, and progress as we carry
Gestures
should beinused
in motioning
or staff
to rise
on
these precepts
our Lodge,
and inthe
ourclass
lives.
Remind
us 10
each
that the
greatest
we can do
serve You
or beday
seated.
Gestures
aregood
permissible
at is
thetoGovernor's
through
service
to our 2.
fellow
man.hand
Amen
station and
position
A left
gesture toward the
direction of Mooseheart
is required for the Nine O'clock
MEMBERS:
Amen.
Ceremony.
(Prelate returns to station.)
15
Governor
does not
returning
fromtheNine
GOVERNOR:
(U.S.gesture
Lodges)
I present
flagO'clock
of our
Ceremony.
country (turns to face Flag). Place your right hand over your
Hand
gestures
should
madeof during
the repeated
heart and
join with
me innot
thebe
Pledge
Allegiance.
portion of the Obligation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
SPEAKING
"I pledgeATTENTION
allegiance to theAND
flag of
the United States of
America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation 20
Each staff member should start and complete his charge in
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Position 8 by facing the class. He must stop and establish
CANADIAN
GOVERNOR:
I present the flag of our country
position before
speaking or moving.
(turns to flag). Brothers, salute the flag. You will join me in
While in Position 8, staff members should speak only to class
singing "O Canada."
or in the direction of a gesture. When taking attention off the
GOVERNOR:
rap)direction
Everyone
seated.as eye 25
class, you must(Gives
speak one
in the
ofwill
the be
gesture
contact has been made
with
the
object
that
you
are
gesturing
OFFICIAL VISIT
toward. When returning his attention to the class, he should
(This
is and
to be
used towhenever
Supreme
turn asceremony
he looks at
speaks
the class.a He
shouldLodge
speak
Officer
or Representative
officially
visits
a Lodge.)
on his turn,
and his attention
must be
directed
to the class.
GOVERNOR:
At not
thiscomplete
time wea are
privileged
have 30
Staff members need
sentence
before to
shifting
(name)
(title)
visiting
with
us.
(first
name)
attention. Unless speaking in the direction of a gesture, body
welcome
to ______________________
Lodgethe
_________.
position and
attention of the speaker (except
Governor
42
22
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
CONDUCT:
when
otherwise
Everyone
instructed)
in attendance
should always
shall maintain
be directed
silence
to
and
order,
refrain from smoking or consuming beverages
where
he isand
speaking.
during
A nod the
of meeting.
the head SHOULD NOT be given upon the
APPAREL:
The
apparel of the Ritual Staff shall be as follows:
completion of
a charge.
any appropriate, dignified and uniform mode of dress.
5 Avoid dropping the voice at the end of a sentence. Enunciate
CLASS:
Before the
opening
of theand
meeting,
Class shall
clearly, pronounce
words
correctly,
speak the
LOUDLY
and
be taken into the Lodge room and be seated as a body behind
SLOWLY enough to be understood.
the Altar. Four (4) feet from and centered on the Altar
The
Ritual11).
Staff should be attentive at all times and should
(Position
have
their
attention
person
speaking.
Staff should
be
If only one candidateonisthe
to be
enrolled,
all provisions
for and
10 reference
uniform intopositioning
hands
while seated
and should
the "Class"their
shall
be omitted,
and appropriate
do nothing
to the
cause
distraction
while
at be
chair
or station.
changes
from
plural
to singular
shall
made
in reference
to
the members
candidate.should be friendly and relaxed in delivering
Staff
If
theparts.
wives,They
families
andrefrain
specialfrom
guests
are invitedortosingsong
hear the
their
should
a monotone
speaker,
should be
ushered
into thewith
room
and seated in
delivery, they
and should
give
their charge
impressiveness.
properis area.
Lodgetoofficers,
dignitaries
andthere
others
15 their
The Ritual
not intended
be humorous,
therefore
is
should
always
introducedgrin,
before
no place
for a be
continuous
butthe
an speaker.
occasional friendly
If
qualified
family
members
have been invited
to attendparts
the
smile
will add
to your
impressiveness.
The speaking
class
enrollment
they exactly
should as
be written.
ushered into the room and
must be
given in full,
seated in area 12 before the Governor calls meeting to order.
INDIVIDUAL
INSTRUCTIONS
INSTRUCTIONS
FOR
SPECIAL MEETINGS
-OPENING20 The enrollment ceremony and judging for competition begins
FAMILY
when the(WITH
Governor
raps theMEMBERS
gavel at his PRESENT)
station, and will end
- Enrollment
Ceremony
when staff
is seated uniformly
in Position 9.
- Installation of Officers
The Governor
will giveFounder’s
his initial charge
from his station.
- Mooseheart
Day Ceremony
Sergeant-at-Arms(Gives
rises asone
Governor
is being seated
and steps
GOVERNOR:
rap) Everyone
will please
be
off on left
foot and you
advances
position 8.ceremony.
The Sergeant-at25 seated.
I welcome
to ourtoenrollment
Arms should raise
his right
handistocalled
make for
voting
gesture
GOVERNOR:
This
meeting
the sign
purpose
of
starting on
either of(orthe
words
"and vote."
Whenand
he
enrolling
candidates
other
ceremony
listed above),
completes
his charge,
should
turn
step off on right
no
other business
will he
come
before
theright,
Lodge.
foot,
go
to
position
7,
turn
left
and
be
seated.
GOVERNOR: (two raps) The Prelate will open the Bible
the opening
prayer.
The deliver
Orator should
remain
seated until the Sergeant-at-Arms
30 and
has
completed
his
charge.
As the
Sergeant-at-Arms
(The Prelate goes to position
1 faces
the Altar, andleaves
in a
position 8,
he should
step off on right foot. He
dignified
manner
opensrise
the and
Bible.)
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
43
23
PRELATE:
should
not start
Thischarge
is the Holy
untilBible;
SAA is
ourseated.
inspiration
When
andcompleted,
our guide.
turn
left,
step
off
with
left
foot,
and
go
to
position
3,
(Prelate steps back one step into position 1 area) turn right
and be seated.
PRELATE: Let us fold our arms and bow our heads.
The Prelate should rise and move from his station as the
(Prelate
slowlyposition
raises his
head
and delivers
Orator leaves
8. He
should
not starthis
hisprayer.)
charge until
PRELATE:
Almighty
Father,
Creatorturn
of the
and
the Orator is seated.
When
completed,
left,universe
step off with
Father
all return
mankind,
westation
give You
for our fraternal
left footofand
to his
and thanks
be seated.
brotherhood and the great precepts it embodies. Keep us
The Junior
rise and move
from
station
diligent
and Governor
mindful ofshould
our commitments
to You,
ourhischildren,
as
Prelatemembers,
leaves position
8. He should
his charge
ourthesenior
our families,
and not
our start
communities.
Give
us aPrelate
spirit of
until the
is peace,
seated.harmony, and progress as we carry
on these precepts in our Lodge, and in our lives. Remind us
Uponday
completion
the Jr. Governor's
charge,
turn
each
that the of
greatest
good we can
do ishe
toshould
serve You
through
service
to our
man.return
Amento his station and
right, step
off on
his fellow
right foot,
remain
standing.
The Governor rises as Jr. Governor leaves
MEMBERS:
Amen.
position 8. As the Jr. Governor is turning at his chair, the
(Prelate returns to station.)
Governor should rap twice to raise everyone for the Nine
GOVERNOR:
(U.S. Lodges) I present the flag of our
O'clock Ceremony.
country
(turns tofor
facethe
Flag).
yourCeremony,
right handthe
overRitual
your
In
competition,
NinePlace
O'clock
heart and join
me in
Pledge
of Allegiance.
Governor,
afterwith
rapping
thethe
gavel,
should
instruct everyone to
rise or be seated. The staff should rise immediately after the
OFbe
ALLEGIANCE
second rap of PLEDGE
the gavel and
seated immediately after the
single
rap. allegiance
The Governor
should
for rap
of the
"I
pledge
to the
flagface
of the
the class
United
States
of
gavel before
Nine
O'clockfor
Ceremony
America,
andthe
to the
Republic
which itcharge.
stands, one nation
under
God,O'clock
indivisible,
with liberty
and
justicebefor
all."as the
The Nine
Ceremony
picture
should
used
5
10
15
20
direction of Mooseheart.
TheIGovernor
then
CANADIAN
GOVERNOR:
present theshould
flag ofgesture,
our country
(turns
to flag).
salute
the flag.
You will join
in 25
turn toward
the Brothers,
picture after
saying
"Mooseheart".
Theme
staff
singing
"O Canada."
should turn
in unison with the Governor, and in the most
direct
way to face
Mooseheart.
Prelatewill
turns
left to face
GOVERNOR:
(Gives
one rap) Everyone
be seated.
Mooseheart and turns right to return. Governor shall not
OFFICIAL
VISIT
proceed until all members
of class
are facing in direction of
Mooseheart.
(This ceremony is to be used whenever a Supreme Lodge 30
Officer
or Representative
visits
Lodge.)
Staff members
should foldofficially
their arms
andabow
their heads in
unison for the prayer
GOVERNOR:
At and
this Nine
timeO'clock
we areCeremony,
privilegedandtofolded
have
(title) visiting with us. (first name)
arms(name)
should be uniform.
welcome
to ______________________
The staff member
sounding chimes shouldLodge
follow_________.
instructions
44
22
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
CONDUCT:
for
turning and
Everyone
assuming
in attendance
prayer posture.
shall maintain
He should
silence
then
and
order,
andposture
refrain from
smokingboth
or consuming
beverages
break
prayer
by dropping
arms, raising
head,
during
the meeting.
sound chimes
slowly and only the required 9 times using same
note or tone,The
afterapparel
whichof
hethe
should
prayer
by
APPAREL:
Ritualresume
Staff shall
be posture
as follows:
5 folding
arms then
bowingand
head.
The mode
Governor
should pause
any appropriate,
dignified
uniform
of dress.
aCLASS:
momentBefore
after last
toof
give
to resume
the chime
opening
the member
meeting,time
the Class
shall
prayer
posture.
The
Governor
should
raise
his
head
to normal
be taken into the Lodge room and be seated as a body
behind
speaking
to feet
deliver
theand
Nine
O'clockonCeremony.
the
Altar. position
Four (4)
from
centered
the Altar
After repeating
(Position
11). "Amen", staff should break prayer posture in
andcandidate
return to
former
positions
in unisonforafter
10 unison
If only one
is to
be enrolled,
all provisions
and
instructions
Governor.
reference
toby
thethe"Class"
shall be omitted, and appropriate
changes
to singular
be made
in positions,
reference
After thefrom
classthe
andplural
staff has
returnedshall
to their
former
to
the
candidate.
the Governor should rap gavel, then tell everyone to be
If
the wives,
and
special
guests
invited todoes
hear not
the
seated.
Stafffamilies
seats on
rap
of gavel,
butareGovernor
they should be ushered into the room and seated in
15 speaker,
seat himself.
their proper area. Lodge officers, dignitaries and others
A Ritualalways
Staff is
to know
they are to rise, be
should
beexpected
introduced
beforewhen
the speaker.
seated, or move and they should do so even if not so instructed
If qualified family members have been invited to attend the
by
theenrollment
Governor, or
movements
other staff
members.
class
they
should beofushered
into
the room and
seated
in area 12rises
before
Governor
calls meeting
to order. is
Past Governor
andthe
moves
to position
8 as Governor
20 being seated.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIAL MEETINGS
When Past Governor completes
his charge, he turns right,
-OPENINGsteps off(WITH
on rightFAMILY
foot, returns
to
station
and is seated. After
MEMBERS PRESENT)
completion
of
the
Past
Governor's
charge,
Governor rises and
- Enrollment Ceremony
moves to- Installation
position 8 asofPast
Governor leaves position 8, not
Officers
until the Past Founder’s
Governor isDay
seated.
25 speaking- Mooseheart
Ceremony
The Governor should
demonstrate
instructions
usingbea
GOVERNOR:
(Gives
one rap) his
Everyone
will by
please
gesture for
rising, placing
his left
hand over
his heart and by
seated.
I welcome
you to our
enrollment
ceremony.
raising his right This
hand.meeting
The staff
risethe
andpurpose
repeat the
GOVERNOR:
is should
called for
of
obligationcandidates
with the candidates.
Governorlisted
should
lower and
his
enrolling
(or other ceremony
above),
30 no
hands
without
gesturing,
he the
instructs
other
business
will comeafter
before
Lodge.class to lower
theirs.
GOVERNOR: (two raps) The Prelate will open the Bible
and
the in
opening
Staffdeliver
will rise
unisonprayer.
immediately after Governor says
"please
rise".
Staff
willposition
place left
hand over
heart, and raise
(The Prelate goes to
1 faces
the Altar,
in a
right handmanner
in unison
and the
uniformly
dignified
opens
Bible.) with the Governor. Staff
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
45
23
PRELATE:
will
repeat obligation
This is the Holy
withBible;
the candidates.
our inspiration
Staff
andwill
our guide.
lower
hands
in
unison
with
Governor.
(Prelate steps back one step into position 1 area)
The
Governor
should
beour
speaking
to the
class
PRELATE:
Let
us fold
arms and
bow
ourwhen
heads.he says,
"Everyone will please rise." The Prelate should move to
(Prelate
head and leaves
deliversposition
his prayer.)
position slowly
1 arearaises
as thehisGovernor
8. The
PRELATE:
Almighty
Father,
Creator
of
the
Governor turns left to move to position 2, universe
turns leftand
in
Father
mankind,
give You Prelate
thanks for
ournot
fraternal
positionof2alland
remainswestanding.
does
begin
brotherhood and the great precepts it embodies. Keep us
prayer
Governor
position 2. to You, our children,
diligentuntil
and mindful
of is
ourincommitments
our senior
our families,
and
our communities.
The
Prelate members,
should advance
to position
1 area,
face the class
Give
us a spirit
of peace,
harmony,
and
progress
carry
and assume
prayer
posture,
he should
slowly
raiseas
hiswe
head
to
on these precepts in our Lodge, and in our lives. Remind us
normal
speaking
deliver
should
each
day
that theposition
greatestand
good
we his
canprayer.
do is toStaff
serve
You
be
in unison
in to
raising
arms man.
and bowing
through
service
our fellow
Amen heads, and arms
should be folded uniformly.
MEMBERS: Amen.
At
the completion
his prayer, the Prelate should hold his
(Prelate
returns to of
station.)
position until staff has repeated “Amen”. The staff and the
GOVERNOR:
(U.S.prayer
Lodges)
I present
the flag
of our
Prelate should break
posture
in unison.
The Prelate
country
(turns
tostep
faceoff
Flag).
Place
hand
over
your
should turn
left,
on left
footyour
andright
return
to his
station
and remains
heart
and joinstanding.
with me in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Governor delivers his final charge from position 2 after
PLEDGE
OF ALLEGIANCE
the Prelate returns
to his station.
He must use gesture after he
instructs
everyone
to
be
seated.
seated
"I pledge allegiance to the
flag ofStaff
the should
United be
States
of
without hesitation
in unison.
America,
and to theand
Republic
for which it stands, one nation
under
God,will
indivisible,
with liberty
and justice
for Governor
all."
The staff
rise in unison.
The Prelate
and Jr.
step
to
the
right
front
corner
of
their
stations
and
stand
at a left
CANADIAN GOVERNOR: I present the flag of our country
oblique.
The
Past
Governor
steps
to
the
right
front
corner
(turns to flag). Brothers, salute the flag. You will join me of
in
his station
will face forward. The Prelate, Jr. Governor
singing
"O and
Canada."
and Past Governor should be the same distance from the
GOVERNOR: (Gives one rap) Everyone will be seated.
corner with their heels clearing the front edge of their station,
referring to DiagramOFFICIAL
2 on page 25.VISIT
The Orator and Sergeantat-Arms
remain
standing
centered
in
front aofSupreme
their chairs,
but
(This ceremony is to be used whenever
Lodge
both
turn
a left obliqueofficially
in preparation
enter the line of
Officer
oron
Representative
visits atoLodge.)
march as shown in the diagram on page 25. On vacating, the
GOVERNOR:
we aretheprivileged
to have
Governor (in Pos.At
2) this
turnstime
left astride
line of march
after
(name)
(title)
visiting
with
us.
(first
name)
staff rises. The Governor should pause to allow the staff
welcome
to ______________________
Lodgebefore
_________.
members time
to complete their unison moves
leading
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
46
22
5
10
15
20
25
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
CONDUCT:
off.
He then steps
Everyone
off on his
in attendance
left foot, andshall
proceeds
maintain
per diagram
silence
and
order,
refrain
smoking
or consuming
beverages
on page
25.and
The
Oratorfrom
follows
the Governor
and should
enter
during
meeting.
the linethe
of march
at the corner area as shown, followed by the
Prelate, Jr. Governor,
PastofGovernor
as
APPAREL:
The apparel
the Ritualand
StaffSergeant-at-Arms
shall be as follows:
indicated
by the same
diagram.
The linemode
of march
is a line 3 feet
any appropriate,
dignified
and uniform
of dress.
in
front of Before
stations,the
except
whenofpassing
between
Altarshall
and
CLASS:
opening
the meeting,
thethe
Class
class,
which
is
a
line
18
inches
from
the
Altar.
Staff
members
be taken into the Lodge room and be seated as a body behind
should
be inFour
step (4)
withfeet
the from
Governor
or the man
front
of
the
Altar.
and centered
oninthe
Altar
himself,
(Positionand
11).may step off on either foot. The Governor is
responsible
for establishing
theenrolled,
correct line
of march on
If only one candidate
is to be
all provisions
forexit,
and
but each staff
should
straddle
the correct
of march.
reference
to member
the "Class"
shall
be omitted,
andline
appropriate
Equal spacing
of plural
staff members
bemade
maintained
until
changes
from the
to singularshould
shall be
in reference
to
the candidate.
point
of veering at the Orator’s chair is reached, to go to
assigned
chairfamilies
in Pos. 9and
(asspecial
per Dia.guests
2, Page
Theto
Governor,
If the wives,
are25).
invited
hear the
Prelate, and
Past
Governor
veer tointo
the left
turn
leftseated
in front
speaker,
they
should
be ushered
the and
room
and
in
their
proper
LodgeJr.officers,
and others
of their
chairs,area.
and Orator,
Governordignitaries
and Sergeant-at-Arms
should
always
be introduced
before
thechairs.
speaker.Heads should
veer right
and turn
right in front
of their
be
looking
forward
after
making
turn
in
front oftochair.
If qualified family members have been invited
attendStaff
the
members
should be
simultaneously
andthe
in aroom
uniform
class
enrollment
theyseated
should
be ushered into
and
seated
areasoon
12 before
the Governor callsturns
meeting
mannerin as
as Sergeant-at-Arms
at to
hisorder.
chair.
Placement of the hands should be timely and uniform. To show
INSTRUCTIONS
FOR SPECIAL
MEETINGS
the importance
of the ceremony,
this dignified
manner should
be maintained for a few -OPENINGseconds during a competition or until
FAMILY
MEMBERS PRESENT)
otherwise(WITH
specified
at a meeting.
- Enrollment Ceremony
If any Ritual
Staff members
are Officers of the Lodge, they may
- Installation
of Officers
again take
their proper places
without
further
formality.
- Mooseheart
Founder’s
Day
Ceremony
GOVERNOR: (Gives one rap) Everyone will please be
RULES
OFyou
RITUAL
COMPETITION
seated.
I welcome
to our enrollment
ceremony.
(References
to
International
Competition
GOVERNOR: This meeting is called
for the purpose of
are not(or
Applicable
at this Time)
enrolling candidates
other ceremony
listed above), and
no
other
business
will
come
before
the Lodge.
30 All Association Ritual Competitions
will be under the
GOVERNOR:
(two
raps) The
PrelateItwill
theduty
Bible
jurisdiction of the
Regional
Manager.
shallopen
be his
to
and
deliver
the opening
prayer.
appoint
a Chairman
of the
Competition Committee, as well
as to select
a time
for the
competition.
If necessary,
(The
Prelate
goesand
to place
position
1 faces
the Altar,
and in a
he will also
appoint
a Judging
Committee Chairman. The
dignified
manner
opens
the Bible.)
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
47
23
PRELATE: This
out-of-state
judges
is the
areHoly
not permitted
Bible; our inspiration
to serve asand
Chairman
our guide.
of
the
Competition
Committee,
or
as
Chairman
of
the
Judging
(Prelate steps back one step into position 1 area)
Committee. Competition Chairmen may not compete in the
PRELATE:
Let us fold our arms and bow our heads.
Ritual Competition.
(Prelate
slowly
raises his competition
head and delivers
his prayer.)
Each State or Provincial
will qualify
at least 2 5
PRELATE:
Almighty
Father,
Creator
of
the
and
staffs for International Competition. In addition,universe
1 more staff
Father
of
all
mankind,
we
give
You
thanks
for
our
fraternal
will qualify for each additional 5 staffs (or parts thereof)
brotherhood and the great precepts it embodies. Keep us
when
10 staffs
are commitments
entered in competition.
Nondiligentover
and mindful
of our
to You, our children,
qualifying
staffs,
in
order
of
finish,
may
substitute
for
our senior members, our families, and our communities.
Give
us a spirit
peace,
harmony,
and progress
as we carry 10
qualifying
staffsof not
wishing
to compete
in International
on
these precepts in our Lodge, and in our lives. Remind us
Competition.
each day that the greatest good we can do is to serve You
If
an Association(s)
to not
send a staff(s) to the
through
service to ourchooses
fellow man.
Amen
International Competition, those time slots may be awarded
MEMBERS: Amen.
to another Association(s). This will be done only if the State
(Prelate
returns
to station.)
or Provincial
competition
has more than 15 staffs competing 15
or
greater
than
25%
the the
totalflag
number
of
GOVERNOR: (U.S.participation
Lodges) I from
present
of our
lodges
in
that
Association.
It
is
at
the
discretion
of
the
Moose
country (turns to face Flag). Place your right hand over your
International
to determine
how many time
heart and joinDirector
with meofinRitual
the Pledge
of Allegiance.
slots will be awarded to those who qualify.
OF ALLEGIANCE
Only Lodges inPLEDGE
good standing
in their Associations are eligible 20
to
enter
State,
Provincial
or
International
competitions.
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of
America,
and toshall
the Republic
it stands, one
nation
A Ritual Staff
consist offora which
Past Governor,
Governor,
under
indivisible,
with Orator
liberty and
for all."
JuniorGod,
Governor,
Prelate,
and justice
Sergeant-at-Arms.
Clothing
should
be uniform; Iany
appropriate
and
CANADIAN
GOVERNOR:
present
the flag of
ourdignified
country
mode
of
dress
is
acceptable.
(turns to flag). Brothers, salute the flag. You will join me in 25
singing "O Canada."
Medallions
issued to the International Champions, or
medallions
issued
by State
Provincial
may be
GOVERNOR: (Gives
one or
rap)
EveryoneAssociations,
will be seated.
worn by the champions at class enrollments, but never in any
OFFICIAL VISIT
competition.
(Thiscompetitions,
ceremony is tothe
be used
whenever
a Supreme
Lodge
For
Enrollment
Ceremony
shall
be 30
Officer
or upon
Representative
officially
visits Members),
a Lodge.) and the
conferred
two candidates
(Moose
Ritual Staffs are At
responsible
their own
GOVERNOR:
this timeforwefurnishing
are privileged
to class
have
(name)
(title) visiting with us. (first name)
members.
welcome
______________________
Lodgeall
_________.
JUDGES:toMoose
International shall sanction
judges for
48
22
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
CONDUCT: Everyone
International,
State and in
Provincial
attendance
ritual
shall
contests.
maintainAsilence
list of
and
order,judges
and refrain
from smoking or consuming beverages
qualified
is available.
during
the meeting.
JUDGING:
Competing teams will be judged on ritualistic
APPAREL:
The apparel
of theeffects,
Ritual Staff
shall beappeal,
as follows:
accuracy, delivery,
general
candidate
and
any appropriate,
uniform
mode
of dress.
floordignified
work. Aand
perfect
team
score
is 600 points.
5 individual
(100 points
for each
CLASS:
Before
the Ritualist.)
opening of the meeting, the Class shall
be
taken
into
the
Lodge
room and50bepoints:
seated as
a body
RITUALISTIC ACCURACY:
For
everybehind
word
the Altar. Four (4) feet from and centered on the Altar
omitted, added, transposed, slurred, or substituted in the
(Position 11).
speaking parts of the Ritual, or for each indicated pause
only one
candidate
to be enrolled,
provisions
for and
10 If
omitted
or added
in theisobligation
or theall
individual
parts,
1/4
reference to the "Class" shall be omitted, and appropriate
point will be deducted.
changes from the plural to singular shall be made in reference
Forthe
each
prompt given, 1/2 point will be deducted. A prompt
to
candidate.
will
consist
whatever
of words
needed
for the
the
If the wives,of
families
andnumber
special guests
are are
invited
to hear
speaker they
to recover.
new prompt
beand
given
later.
speaker,
should beAushered
into themay
room
seated
in
15 Judgment
should
used as
to when
a speakerand
hasothers
fully
their proper
area. beLodge
officers,
dignitaries
recovered,
before
charged
with the
another
prompt.
should
always
be being
introduced
before
speaker.
If
qualified
members
havewill
been
to attend the
Fill-in
wordsfamily
such as
nicknames
notinvited
be judged.
class enrollment they should be ushered into the room and
DELIVERY: 8 points: Speaking, 4 points (1/4 point penalty;
seated in area 12 before the Governor calls meeting to order.
too fast, too soft, too soon, too late, monotone, singsong,
20 pronunciation);
Gestures,
4 points
(1/4 point
penalty; not
INSTRUCTIONS
FOR
SPECIAL
MEETINGS
graceful, forbidden, wrong
hand, not enough, missed, not
-OPENINGtimely, body
position).
(WITH
FAMILY MEMBERS PRESENT)
- Enrollment
GENERAL
EFFECT Ceremony
AND CANDIDATE APPEAL: 26
Installation
of Officers
points: -General
appearance,
2 points (1/4 point penalty;
25 untidiness
- Mooseheart
Founder’s
Day Ceremony
of clothes, person
or grooming,
shoes not shined,
tie
not
straight,
not
uniform
in
dress);
Attention
class,be4
GOVERNOR: (Gives one rap) Everyone
will to
please
seated.
I welcome
you to our
points (1/4
point penalty;
not enrollment
enough, tooceremony.
much, untimely);
Impressiveness, This
20 points
(leftistocalled
discretion
of the
judges;
GOVERNOR:
meeting
for the
purpose
of
Poor - 1 to
16, Fair (or
- 16.0625
to 17, Average
17.0625and
to
enrolling
candidates
other ceremony
listed -above),
30 no
18,other
Goodbusiness
- 18.0625
to come
19, Excellent
- 19.0625
will
before the
Lodge. to 20.) Point
spread may be as(two
small
as 1/16
a point,
.0625,
GOVERNOR:
raps)
The of
Prelate
willi.e.open
the.1250,
Bible
.1875,
.2500,the
.3125,
.3750,
.4375, .5000, .5625, .6250, .6875,
and
deliver
opening
prayer.
.7500, .8125, .8750, .9375, .0000.
(The Prelate goes to position 1 faces the Altar, and in a
Impressiveness
reflect
dignified
manner scores
opens the
Bible.)the speaker's ability to
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
49
23
PRELATE:clearly,
enunciate
This is properly
the Holy Bible;
express
ourhimself,
inspiration
move
andabout
our guide.
and
use
smooth,
timely
and
proper
gestures,
project
confidence
in
(Prelate steps back one step into position 1 area)
a relaxed and friendly manner, and speak loudly and slowly
PRELATE:
us fold our arms and bow our heads.
enough to beLet
understood.
(Prelate
slowly raises
his head
and delivers
his prayer.)
INDIVIDUAL
FLOOR
WORK:
16 points:
Vacating 4
PRELATE:
Almighty
Father,
Creator
of
the
points, (1/4 point penalty; looking at floor, notuniverse
correct, and
too
Father
of out
all mankind,
give You thanks
forand
our fraternal
military,
of step, we
confused).
Entering
Leaving
brotherhood and the great precepts it embodies. Keep us
(Stations),
points of
(1/4
penalty; tountimely,
diligent and 4mindful
ourpoint
commitments
You, our careless,
children,
incorrect,
looking
at
floor,
not
uniform);
Floor
Positions and
our senior members, our families, and our communities.
Movement,
6 points,
point and
penalty;
incorrect,
not
Give
us a spirit
of peace,(1/4
harmony,
progress
as we carry
on
these precepts
Lodge,
and in our
lives. Remind
us
uniform,
looking in
at our
floor,
inattentive,
untimely,
careless);
each
dayatthat
the greatest
good
canpenalty;
do is toinattentive,
serve You
Conduct
Stations,
2 points
(1/4we
point
through service to our fellow man. Amen
tense, restless, not uniform).
MEMBERS:
Amen.for competing staffs must be sent to the
ENTRIES: Entries
(Prelate
returns
station.)Committee before the publicized
Chairman
of thetoContest
deadline. Before competing, the captain or an authorized
GOVERNOR: (U.S. Lodges) I present the flag of our
representative of the staff should report any substitutions to
country
(turns to
your rightAfter
hand entry,
over your
the Chairman
of face
the Flag).
ContestPlace
Committee.
not
heart
with
me in the Pledge
Allegiance.
more and
thanjoin
three
substitutions
may beof
made.
All Ritualist, and Class members, must be officially registered
PLEDGE
ALLEGIANCE
at the convention
beforeOF
participating
in International or
Association
Ritual
Competitions.
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of
America,
andProvincial
to the Republic
for whichthe
it stands,
one of
nation
In State or
Competition,
Chairman
the
under
God,
indivisible,
with
liberty
and
justice
for
all."
Competition Committee, and the Chairman of the Judging
Committee
will
be appointed by
the Regional
Manager
subject
CANADIAN
GOVERNOR:
I present
the flag
of our country
to
the
sanction
of
Moose
International.
The
State
or
Provincial
(turns to flag). Brothers, salute the flag. You will join me in
Ritual Chairman
may be appointed Chairman of the Judging
singing
"O Canada."
Committee, but cannot then compete as a contestant. It will be
GOVERNOR: (Gives one rap) Everyone will be seated.
the duty of the Chairman of the Competition Committee to
OFFICIAL
VISIT set up and complete
arrange for an adequate
room, properly
with
the
following:
stations,
chairs,
Altar, aBible,
flag, Lodge
gavel,
(This ceremony is to be used whenever
Supreme
Nine
O'clock
and Moosehaven
pictures,
Altar
and station cloths,
Officer
or Representative
officially
visits
a Lodge.)
and chimes. When all paraphernalia has been placed for
GOVERNOR:
this station
time we
areand
privileged
have
competition, only At
chimes,
chairs
chairs in to
Position
(name)
(title)
visiting
with
us.
(first
name)
9 may be moved to satisfy each team, as long as third and fourth
chairs stilltosplit
the line of march.
welcome
______________________
Lodge _________.
50
22
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
CONDUCT:
The
ChairmanEveryone
of the Judging
in attendance
Committee
shall will
maintain
assume
silence
full
and
order, and refrain
from smoking
or consuming
beverages
responsibility
for conducting
a proper
competition
and
during
theallmeeting.
enforcing
rules pertaining thereto. He is given final authority
concerning
of the
the Ritual
rules and
will
"NO
APPAREL:interpretation
The apparel of
Staff
shall
beCHARGE"
as follows:
any appropriate,
"hit" he feels
is
questionable.
Judges
may
not
dignified and uniform mode of dress.make any
changes
papers
given to
except
to make
CLASS:once
Before
theare
opening
ofthe
theChairman,
meeting, the
Class
shall
clarifications.
Decisions
of
the
Chairman
of
the
Judging
be taken into the Lodge room and be seated as a body behind
Committee
will be
and only
tabulationonerrors
and
the Altar. Four
(4) final,
feet from
and centered
the Altar
undisputed
wrong
posting
errors
will
be
corrected.
Time
limit
(Position 11).
for making corrections will be set by the Judging Committee
If only one candidate is to be enrolled, all provisions for and
Chairman.
When
errorsbeor omitted,
posting errors
reported
reference to
the tabulation
"Class" shall
and are
appropriate
within
the
time
limit,
but
after
trophies
have
been
presented,
changes from the plural to singular shall be made in referencea
duplicate
trophy should be awarded and it will be assumed there
to
the candidate.
is a tie for the place in question. Cash awards should not be
If the wives, families and special guests are invited to hear the
presented
untilshould
scores be
have
been adjusted
properly
placed.
speaker, they
ushered
into theand
room
and seated
in
When
place
of
finishing
has
been
announced,
teams
and
their proper area. Lodge officers, dignitaries and others
individuals
withbe
anintroduced
adjusted score
will the
be placed
in a tie with the
should
always
before
speaker.
team or individual scoring the same or next fewest points.
If qualified family members have been invited to attend the
Two Word
Judges,they
and ashould
minimum
of two approved
class
enrollment
be ushered
into theout-of-state
room and
seated
in areawill
12 before
calls meeting
to order.
Floor Judges
be usedthe
in Governor
all competitions
which have
six or
more teams competing. When there are five or less teams
INSTRUCTIONS
FOR SPECIAL
MEETINGS
competing,
one approved out-of-state
Ritual Floor
Judge may be
-OPENINGused WITH THE PERMISSION
OF MOOSE INTERNATIONAL.
(WITH
FAMILY
PRESENT)
Out-of-state
Ritual
Judges MEMBERS
are not to accept
responsibility as
- Enrollment
Ceremony
Acting Competition
Chairmen,
or as acting Judging Committee
- Installation
Officers to attend a class enrollment
Chairmen.
They are notofpermitted
Mooseheart
Founder’s
Ceremony
just prior to competition to view a Day
competing
staff in action.
GOVERNOR:
(Gives
oneright
rap)ofEveryone
will please
be
Judge No. 1 is seated
to the
the Jr. Governor's
station,
seated.
welcome
our enrollment
ceremony.
betweenIstation
and you
class.toJudge
No. 2 is seated
between the Jr.
Governor's chair and
Past Governor's
Judge
No. 3,of
if
GOVERNOR:
Thisthe
meeting
is calledchair.
for the
purpose
used, is to the
left of the(or
Prelate.
only 1 judge
is used,
he shall
enrolling
candidates
other Ifceremony
listed
above),
and
judge
from
Judge No.
area. One
Word
will do the word
no
other
business
will1 come
before
theJudge
Lodge.
judging
and
the
other
will
do
the
prompting.
Word
and
GOVERNOR: (two raps) The Prelate will open Judge
the Bible
prompter
arethe
seated
to theprayer.
left of the Prelate.
and
deliver
opening
RitualPrelate
Competitions
are open1 to
viewing
by any
(The
goes to position
faces
the Altar,
andgood
in a
standing manner
memberopens
of the
Order including Ritual Team
dignified
the Bible.)
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
51
23
PRELATE:
This isin
thecompetition.
Holy Bible; our
inspiration
and our guide.
members entered
Those
in attendance
shall
to
remain
quiet
and
keep
proper
decorum.
Spectators
or
(Prelate steps back one step into position 1 area)
competing ritualists are not permitted to move about,
PRELATE:
Let or
ususe
foldpapers
our arms
and bow
our heads.
smoke, display
or books,
make
any notes, or
(Prelate
raisesorhiselectrical
head anddevices
delivers while
his prayer.)
use any slowly
recording
a staff is
competing. Cellular
phones
and
pagersof
must
turned and
off.
PRELATE:
Almighty
Father,
Creator
the be
universe
Father of all mankind, we give You thanks for our fraternal
A Ritual Team
who
holds multiple
memberships
brotherhood
andmember
the great
precepts
it embodies.
Keep us
may compete
withofmultiple
teams into You,
any competition
diligent
and mindful
our commitments
our children,
providing
is qualified
be a member
of communities.
each team he
our
senior he
members,
our tofamilies,
and our
Give
us a spirit
of peace,
and progress
as weforcarry
repesents.
A ritualist
willharmony,
only receive
one award
his
on
these score.
preceptsHe
in our
andasinaour
lives.onRemind
us
highest
mayLodge,
be used
fill-in
any staff
each day that the greatest good we can do is to serve You
qualifiedservice
to compete,
but he man.
must have
through
to our fellow
Amenalready competed.
A fill-in will not be scored. He may be used as the class
MEMBERS:
Amen.
prior to competing.
(Prelate returns to station.)
A ritualist who transfers his Lodge membership will be
GOVERNOR:
(U.S. in
Lodges)
I present or
theInternational
flag of our
ineligible to compete
State, Provincial
Lodge Ritual
for ayour
period
sixover
months,
country
(turns tocompetitions
face Flag). Place
rightofhand
your
unless
approved
by
Moose
International.
heart and join with me in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Judging Committee Chairman, Judges and Tabulator
PLEDGE
OFcompetition
ALLEGIANCE
may not compete
in any
in which they are
associated,
nor
may
they
be
fill-in
or as States
a class.of
"I pledge allegiance to the used
flag as
ofathe
United
America,
and
to
the
Republic
for
which
it
stands,
one
nation
The Lodge Secretary must certify on the Ritual Contest
under
God,
indivisible,
with
liberty
and
justice
for
all."
Entry Form (and under the Seal of the Lodge) that each
member of theGOVERNOR:
staff is in good
standing
theofLodge.
CANADIAN
I present
theinflag
our country
(turns
flag). report
Brothers,
the flag.
will
join me
in
A teamto must
for salute
competition
1/2You
hour
before
their
singing
Canada."
allotted "O
time,
unless an acceptable excuse is made to the
GOVERNOR:
one
rap) Everyone
will be seated.of the
Chairman of the(Gives
Judging
Committee
by a representative
team. The burden of OFFICIAL
proof for an acceptable
VISIT excuse will be on
the team. When the excuse has been found to be acceptable, the
(This
ceremony
is to be to
used
Supreme Lodge
team will
be rescheduled
the whenever
end of the acompetition,
or as
Officer
or Representative
officially
visits
a Lodge.)
circumstances
permit during
the contest
period.
GOVERNOR:
this time
are toprivileged
to have
In an emergencyAt
occurring
justweprior
or after arrival
at
(name)
(title)and for
visiting
with us.of permitting
(first name)other
place
of competition,
the purpose
welcome
Lodge _________.
members to
of ______________________
the team to compete for individual
awards, any
52
22
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
CONDUCT:
member
of theEveryone
Moose may
in be
attendance
used as a shall
fill-in,maintain
and maysilence
recite
and
order,
refrain
or read
theand
part.
The from
fill-insmoking
will notor
beconsuming
judged, norbeverages
will any
during
the
meeting.
score for
him
be given. The foregoing does not apply to a team
using a qualified
substitution.
many
as shall
threebe
substitutions
APPAREL:
The apparel
of the As
Ritual
Staff
as follows:
may
be made after
a Lodge
has
submitted
their
entry, however
any appropriate,
dignified
and
uniform
mode
of dress.
aCLASS:
full six member
team
may not
splitmeeting,
in half (3/3)
to add
an
Before the
opening
of the
the Class
shall
additional
team
to
the
competition
count.
be taken into the Lodge room and be seated as a body behind
the Altar.
Four
(4) feet from
anda staff
centered
on the
Altar
There
may be
a circumstance
when
member
is unable
(Position
11).even after the staff has reported and entered into
to continue,
competition.
Should this
activity
cease, and
the
If
only one candidate
is tohappen,
be enrolled,
all will
provisions
for and
reference
"Class" shall
omitted,
and appropriate
team may to
be the
rescheduled
to thebeend
of competition
- or as
changes
from the
pluralduring
to singular
shallperiod.
be madeScore
in reference
circumstances
permit
contest
sheets
to
thebe
candidate.
will
marked at the time of interruption. Although a
If
the wives,
and special
gueststhe
arestart
invited
member
mayfamilies
commence
again from
of to
hishear
partthe
if
speaker,
they should
be ushered
into the room
in
he so desires,
the judging
will continue
fromand
the seated
point of
their
proper area.
Lodge aofficers,
dignitaries
others
interruption.
If necessary
substitution
may beand
made,
but
should
be introduced
before
the staff,
speaker.
will notalways
be judged.
Any member
of the
or any member
If
family
membersmay
have
been
invited
to attendif,the
of qualified
the Judging
Committee,
call
for an
interruption
in
class
enrollment
should
into the
room
his opinion,
somethey
member
of be
theushered
staff appears
to be
ill. and
seated in area 12 before the Governor calls meeting to order.
Judges are not permitted to leave their stations, or make any
otherINSTRUCTIONS
distracting moves FOR
whileSPECIAL
a staff is on
the floor. They
MEETINGS
should not converse with
one another until papers are
-OPENINGcompleted
and given
to the
Chairman.PRESENT)
Word Judges may
(WITH
FAMILY
MEMBERS
ask assistance
from Prompter
after staff is off the floor, but
- Enrollment
Ceremony
this should
not be doneofinOfficers
the hearing of others.
- Installation
Mooseheart
Founder’s
Dayexit
Ceremony
A competing Ritual Team must
the floor after
competition
without
conversing
with
Floor
Word
Judges.
GOVERNOR: (Gives one rap) Everyoneorwill
please
be
seated.
I welcome
youmay
to our
ceremony.
A 1/4 point
penalty
beenrollment
assessed on
the ritualist in
violation.
GOVERNOR:
This meeting is called for the purpose of
enrolling
candidates
(or other with
ceremony
listed above),
and
Judges should not converse
a Ritualist
concerning
no
otherorbusiness
will suggestions
come before to
thehim,
Lodge.
errors,
make any
until the entire
GOVERNOR:
The Prelate
open
the Bible
competition has(two
beenraps)
completed
and thewill
score
sheets
have
and
the opening
prayer.
beendeliver
distributed.
The Competition
Chairman may, however,
answer
questions
to the Ritualist's
appearance
(The
Prelate
goesprior
to position
1 faces the
Altar, andoninthea
floor.
dignified
manner opens the Bible.)
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
53
23
PRELATE: ThisLoyal
is the Holy
Bible; of
ourMoose
inspiration and our guide.
Order
(Prelate steps back one step into position 1 area)
Instructions for Conducting the
PRELATE: Let us fold our arms and bow our heads.
Service of Tribute
(Prelate slowly raises his head and delivers his prayer.)
PRELATE: Almighty Father, Creator of the universe and
1.
A of
permanent
copywe
of give
this tribute
shouldforbeour
kept
by the
Father
all mankind,
You thanks
fraternal
lodge in
notebook
for useKeep
at all
brotherhood
anda thethree-ring
great precepts
it embodies.
us
diligent
and mindfulofofthe
ourService
commitments
to You, our children,
presentations
of Tribute.
our senior
members,
ourisfamilies,
andfor
ourseeing
communities.
2.
The Lodge
Prelate
responsible
that the
Give us a spirit of peace, harmony, and progress as we carry
Service
of
Tribute
is
conducted,
whenever
this us
is
on these precepts in our Lodge, and in our lives. Remind
by the
familygood
of ANY
the
each requested
day that the
greatest
we departed
can do ismember
to serveofYou
Loyal
Order
WhileAmen
the ceremony calls for
through
service
to of
ourMoose.
fellow man.
six participants, it can be done with ANY NUMBER of
MEMBERS: Amen.
members.
(Prelate
returns
to station.)
3.
Those
selected
to perform the ceremony should
familiarize
themselves
withI their
parts.
GOVERNOR: (U.S.
Lodges)
present
the Participants
flag of our
should
not
attempt
to
conduct
the
ceremony
country (turns to face Flag). Place your right hand over from
your
The text
should
alwaysofbe
before them on the
heartmemory.
and join with
me in
the Pledge
Allegiance.
lectern.
4. Participants
in the ceremony
who are members of the
PLEDGE
OF ALLEGIANCE
Higher Degrees (Moose Legion, Fellowship or Pilgrim),
"I pledge
allegiancetoto
theregalia,
flag ofbutthe
United States
of
are encouraged
wear
conventional
jacket,
America,
the tie
Republic
for which
it stands, one nation
dressand
shirttoand
are perfectly
acceptable.
underEnsure
God, indivisible,
with liberty
and book,
justicewhich
for all."
5.
that the Service
of Tribute
is to be
presentedGOVERNOR:
to the family, is
filled out
CANADIAN
I present
theproperly.
flag of our country
6.
should
preferably
(turnsAtoproper
flag). eulogy
Brothers,
salutebethegiven
flag. -You
will joinby
methe
in
most
competent speaker available who knew the
singing
"O Canada."
deceased. The following subjects should be covered:
GOVERNOR: (Gives one rap) Everyone will be seated.
Moose History (length of membership, service to the
OFFICIAL
VISIT
lodge and other
units of the
Order), service to the
Community
and
Church
and
mention
survivors,Lodge
wife,
(This ceremony is to be used whenever aofSupreme
children,
etc. This should
be visits
personalized;
Officer
or Representative
officially
a Lodge.)not just a
reading of the obituary from a newspaper.
GOVERNOR:
At this should
time we
are privileged
to have
7.
Long-stem flowers
be held
by each participant
(name)
(title)
visiting
with
us.
(first
name)
in the ceremony, and by as many attending members of
the Lodge
as possible. At the Lodge
conclusion
of the
welcome
to ______________________
_________.
54
22
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
CONDUCT:
Everyone
maintain silence
ceremony,
they areintoattendance
be placed shall
(at preference
of the
family)
casket,
in orthe
casket, beverages
or in an
and order,
and atop
refrainthe
from
smoking
consuming
immediately
during
the meeting.adjacent vase. If a casket is not present,
they canThe
be apparel
placed next
remains,
oras
a location
APPAREL:
of thetoRitual
Staffportrait
shall be
follows:
of
the
family’s
choosing.
any appropriate, dignified and uniform mode of dress.
8. The Service of Tribute Book is presented to the family
CLASS: Before the opening of the meeting, the Class shall
of the
departed
member
thebeconclusion
the service.
be taken
into
the Lodge
roomatand
seated as aofbody
behind
9. Altar.
Use ofFour
the following
floor and
plan,centered
is suggested
if space
the
(4) feet from
on the
Altar
permits,
(Position
11). at the funeral home.
10. Where the term “Brother” is used to refer to the
If only one candidate is to be enrolled, all provisions for and
departed,
substituting
his highest
earnedand
Degree
such as
reference
to the
"Class" shall
be omitted,
appropriate
Moose
Legionnaire,
Fellow
or
Pilgrim
may
be
used.
changes from the plural to singular shall be made in reference
may be used as written and degree recognition
to theBrother
candidate.
could be included in the eulogy.
If the wives, families and special guests are invited to hear the
11. The graveside service is optional. If it is not performed
speaker, they should be ushered into the room and seated in
those pages
be left dignitaries
out of the final
of
their –proper
area. should
Lodgethen
officers,
andcopy
others
thealways
book that
is presented
to thethe
family
of the departed.
should
be introduced
before
speaker.
If qualified family members have been invited to attend the
Note: These instructions should not remain in the presented
class enrollment they should be ushered into the room and
copy of the book.
seated in area 12 before the Governor calls meeting to order.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIAL MEETINGS
-OPENING(WITH FAMILY MEMBERS PRESENT)
- Enrollment Ceremony
- Installation of Officers
- Mooseheart Founder’s Day Ceremony
GOVERNOR: (Gives one rap) Everyone will please be
seated. I welcome you to our enrollment ceremony.
GOVERNOR: This meeting is called for the purpose of
enrolling candidates (or other ceremony listed above), and
no other business will come before the Lodge.
GOVERNOR: (two raps) The Prelate will open the Bible
and deliver the opening prayer.
(The Prelate goes to position 1 faces the Altar, and in a
DIAGRAM
dignified manner opens
the Bible.)NO. 4
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
55
23
PRELATE: This is the Holy Bible; our inspiration and our guide.
(Prelate steps back one step into position 1 area)
PRELATE: Let us fold our arms and bow our heads.
(Prelate slowly raises his head and delivers his prayer.)
PRELATE: Almighty Father, Creator of the universe and
Father of all mankind, we give You thanks for our fraternal
brotherhood and the great precepts it embodies. Keep us
diligent and mindful of our commitments to You, our children,
our senior members, our families, and our communities.
Give us a spirit of peace, harmony, and progress as we carry
on these precepts in our Lodge, and in our lives. Remind us
each day that the greatest good we can do is to serve You
through service to our fellow man. Amen
Loyal Order of Moose
MEMBERS: Amen.
(Prelate returns to station.)
GOVERNOR: (U.S. Lodges) I present the flag of our
country (turns to face Flag). Place your right hand over your
heart and join with me in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Service of Tribute
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of
America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
CANADIAN GOVERNOR: I present the flag of our country
(turns to flag). Brothers, salute the flag. You will join me in
singing "O Canada."
GOVERNOR: (Gives one rap) Everyone will be seated.
OFFICIAL VISIT
(This ceremony is to be used whenever a Supreme Lodge
Officer or Representative officially visits a Lodge.)
GOVERNOR: At this time we are privileged to have
(name)
(title) visiting with us. (first name)
welcome to ______________________ Lodge _________.
56
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
SERVICE OF TRIBUTE
For
__________________________________
Name
__________________________________
Date
TRIBUTE STAFF
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
57
PARTICIPANT 1:
In memory of a departed Brother, members of the Loyal
Order of Moose perform a Service of Tribute if requested by
the family. We will now proceed with the Service of Tribute
for Brother:
_____________________ _____________________.
(First and Last Name)
58
22
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
PARTICIPANT 1:
CONDUCT: Everyone in attendance shall maintain silence
and order, and refrain from smoking or consuming beverages
during the meeting.
APPAREL:
apparel
of the Ritual
Staff shall
as follows:
The LordThe
is my
shepherd,
I shall
notbewant.
any appropriate, dignified and uniform mode of dress.
He
maketh
me
lie down
greenthepastures;
CLASS:
Before
theto
opening
of thein
meeting,
Class shall
be taken into the Lodge room and be seated as a body behind
He
leadeth
me(4)beside
theand
still
waters.
the Altar.
Four
feet from
centered
on the Altar
(Position 11).
He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me
If only one candidate is to be enrolled, all provisions for and
reference
to the of
"Class"
shall be omitted, and appropriate
In the paths
righteousness
changes from the plural to singular shall be made in reference
to
candidate.
fortheHis
name's sake.
If the wives, families and special guests are invited to hear the
speaker, they should be ushered into the room and seated in
their proper area. Lodge officers, dignitaries and others
Yea,
walk through
valley of the
shouldthough
always beIintroduced
before thethe
speaker.
If
qualifiedof
family
members have been invited to attend the
shadow
death,
class enrollment they should be ushered into the room and
area 12
Governor
to order.
Iseated
willinfear
nobefore
evil;thefor
Thou calls
art meeting
with me;
FOR they
SPECIAL
MEETINGS
ThyINSTRUCTIONS
rod and Thy staff,
comfort
me.
-OPENING-
(WITH FAMILY
MEMBERS
Thou preparest
a table
beforePRESENT)
me in the
- Enrollment Ceremony
Presence
of mineofenemies;
- Installation
Officers
- Mooseheart Founder’s Day Ceremony
Thou anoinest my head with oil;
GOVERNOR: (Gives one rap) Everyone will please be
seated.
I welcome
youover.
to our enrollment ceremony.
My cup
runneth
GOVERNOR: This meeting is called for the purpose of
Surely goodness
and
mercy
enrolling
candidates (or
other
ceremony listed above), and
no other business will come before the Lodge.
Shall follow me all the days of my life.
GOVERNOR: (two raps) The Prelate will open the Bible
and
the opening
Anddeliver
I will
dwell prayer.
in the house of the Lord
(The Prelate goes to position 1 faces the Altar, and in a
forever.manner opens the Bible.)
dignified
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
59
23
PARTICIPANT 2:
PRELATE: This is the Holy Bible; our inspiration and our guide.
(Prelate steps back one step into position 1 area)
PRELATE:
Let us pray. Let us fold our arms and bow our heads.
(Prelate slowly raises his head and delivers his prayer.)
Heavenly Father, we are reminded of the frailty of human
PRELATE: Almighty Father, Creator of the universe and
Father
mankind,
we give
You
thanks
for our of
fraternal
life, forof
weallhave
again been
called
into
the presence
death.
brotherhood and the great precepts it embodies. Keep us
diligent and mindful of our commitments to You, our children,
Brother
__________________
__________________
has
our senior
members, our families,
and our communities.
Give us a spirit of peace, harmony, and progress as we carry
been
called
from this
life,Lodge,
and ourand
Defending
CircleRemind
is broken.
on
these
precepts
in our
in our lives.
us
each day that the greatest good we can do is to serve You
To
our mortal
vision
allfellow
aroundman.
us is Amen
darkness, and so we turn
through
service
to our
MEMBERS:
to You, sourceAmen.
of all life and light, for comfort and for aid.
(Prelate returns to station.)
Help us realize our dependence upon You. Assist us today as
GOVERNOR: (U.S. Lodges) I present the flag of our
country
to face
Flag).
Place that
yourwe
right
hand
over your
we
share(turns
the loss
of our
Brother,
may
comfort
his
heart and join with me in the Pledge of Allegiance.
loved ones. Please assure them of Your wisdom and Your
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
loving-kindness, that they may say with us: Thy will be done.
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of
America,
Amen. and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
CANADIAN GOVERNOR: I present the flag of our country
(turns to flag). Brothers, salute the flag. You will join me in
singing "O Canada."
GOVERNOR:
(Gives
rap) Everyone will
DELIVERY
ofoneEULOGY
andbe seated.
GUEST
OFFICIAL VISIT
SPEAKER(S) IF SCHEDULED
(This ceremony is to be used whenever a Supreme Lodge
Officer or Representative officially visits a Lodge.)
GOVERNOR: At this time we are privileged to have
(name)
(title) visiting with us. (first name)
welcome to ______________________ Lodge _________.
60
22
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
EULOGY
CONDUCT: Everyone in attendance shall maintain silence
and order, and refrain from smoking or consuming beverages
during the meeting.
APPAREL: The apparel of the Ritual Staff shall be as follows:
any appropriate, dignified and uniform mode of dress.
CLASS: Before the opening of the meeting, the Class shall
be taken into the Lodge room and be seated as a body behind
the Altar. Four (4) feet from and centered on the Altar
(Position 11).
If only one candidate is to be enrolled, all provisions for and
reference to the "Class" shall be omitted, and appropriate
changes from the plural to singular shall be made in reference
to the candidate.
If the wives, families and special guests are invited to hear the
speaker, they should be ushered into the room and seated in
their proper area. Lodge officers, dignitaries and others
should always be introduced before the speaker.
If qualified family members have been invited to attend the
class enrollment they should be ushered into the room and
seated in area 12 before the Governor calls meeting to order.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIAL MEETINGS
-OPENING(WITH FAMILY MEMBERS PRESENT)
- Enrollment Ceremony
- Installation of Officers
- Mooseheart Founder’s Day Ceremony
GOVERNOR: (Gives one rap) Everyone will please be
seated. I welcome you to our enrollment ceremony.
GOVERNOR: This meeting is called for the purpose of
enrolling candidates (or other ceremony listed above), and
no other business will come before the Lodge.
GOVERNOR: (two raps) The Prelate will open the Bible
and deliver the opening prayer.
(The Prelate goes to position 1 faces the Altar, and in a
dignified manner opens the Bible.)
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
61
23
EULOGY
PRELATE: This is the Holy Bible; our inspiration and our guide.
(Prelate steps back one step into position 1 area)
PRELATE: Let us fold our arms and bow our heads.
(Prelate slowly raises his head and delivers his prayer.)
PRELATE: Almighty Father, Creator of the universe and
Father of all mankind, we give You thanks for our fraternal
brotherhood and the great precepts it embodies. Keep us
diligent and mindful of our commitments to You, our children,
our senior members, our families, and our communities.
Give us a spirit of peace, harmony, and progress as we carry
on these precepts in our Lodge, and in our lives. Remind us
each day that the greatest good we can do is to serve You
through service to our fellow man. Amen
MEMBERS: Amen.
(Prelate returns to station.)
GOVERNOR: (U.S. Lodges) I present the flag of our
country (turns to face Flag). Place your right hand over your
heart and join with me in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of
America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
CANADIAN GOVERNOR: I present the flag of our country
(turns to flag). Brothers, salute the flag. You will join me in
singing "O Canada."
GOVERNOR: (Gives one rap) Everyone will be seated.
OFFICIAL VISIT
(This ceremony is to be used whenever a Supreme Lodge
Officer or Representative officially visits a Lodge.)
GOVERNOR: At this time we are privileged to have
(name)
(title) visiting with us. (first name)
welcome to ______________________ Lodge _________.
62
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
PARTICIPANT 3:
Our Defending Circle is broken. It is a Circle of Brotherhood.
We have built a great fraternal society upon the precepts of
Purity, Aid and Progress, and have seen in it the realization of
our goal. We placed each member in this Defending Circle
so it would shield those within. Only yesterday we let our
thoughts dwell on that Circle, and our hearts felt pride and
exaltation, but today the Circle is broken and we stand
helpless in the presence of death. We realize how temporary
is the life of man. Now we can only pray that You who watch
over us will forgive our mistakes and faults, and that You will,
because of the dedication that built it, find our Circle worthy.
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
63
PARTICIPANT 4:
Yes, our Defending Circle is broken. Nevertheless, our
departed Brother shall continue to be in our thoughts. God in
his wisdom gives to us the ability to remember those who
have left this life. He also helps us to realize that, through
faith and devotion to Him, eternal life is possible.
The fraternal example of Brother ____________________’s
(Last Name)
service shall be appreciated forever. Through his dedicated
membership, he furthered our fraternity’s service to children
in need at Mooseheart in Illinois; to our senior members in
their retirement years at Moosehaven in Florida; and to not
only our own community, but to communities all over our
domain. Yes, he has now passed from this life into eternity.
But, he shall continue to live in our thoughts. We remember
him as he stood in our Defending Circle proclaiming his
dedication to Brotherly kindness that would unite all mankind
in this life.
64
22
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
PARTICIPANT 5:
CONDUCT: Everyone in attendance shall maintain silence
and order, and refrain from smoking or consuming beverages
during the meeting.
Death is not The
to beapparel
feared.ofOur
Heavenly
is as
thefollows:
author
APPAREL:
the Ritual
StaffFather
shall be
any appropriate, dignified and uniform mode of dress.
of life and all that is in it. Brother _____________________
CLASS: Before the opening of the meeting,
Class shall
(Last the
Name)
be taken into the Lodge room and be seated as a body behind
celebrated
its fullest,
countless
and
the
Altar. that
Fourlife
(4)to feet
from in
and
centeredkindnesses
on the Altar
(Position
11).of service to his Brothers and their families.
in examples
If only one candidate is to be enrolled, all provisions for and
Death now provides him with a peaceful sleep. It is a great
reference to the "Class" shall be omitted, and appropriate
changes
therest
plural
to singular
shall be
in reference
mercy, afrom
serene
from
the struggles
of made
life. His
death is
to the candidate.
but a separation, a journey to an unknown shore; a journey
If the wives, families and special guests are invited to hear the
which allthey
of us
too must
take when
life has
reached
speaker,
should
be ushered
intothis
the room
and
seated its
in
their proper area. Lodge officers, dignitaries and others
end. His memory is indelibly etched in our hearts and minds.
should always be introduced before the speaker.
Wequalified
shall move
forward
in thehave
good,been
andinvited
onwardtoinattend
the right,
If
family
members
the
class
enrollment
they
should
be
ushered
into
the
room
and
as he did in his mortal days. May our Brother rest in peace.
seated in area 12 before the Governor calls meeting to order.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIAL MEETINGS
-OPENING(WITH FAMILY MEMBERS PRESENT)
- Enrollment Ceremony
- Installation of Officers
- Mooseheart Founder’s Day Ceremony
GOVERNOR: (Gives one rap) Everyone will please be
seated. I welcome you to our enrollment ceremony.
GOVERNOR: This meeting is called for the purpose of
enrolling candidates (or other ceremony listed above), and
no other business will come before the Lodge.
GOVERNOR: (two raps) The Prelate will open the Bible
and deliver the opening prayer.
(The Prelate goes to position 1 faces the Altar, and in a
dignified manner opens the Bible.)
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
65
23
PARTICIPANT 6:
PRELATE: This is the Holy Bible; our inspiration and our guide.
(Prelate steps back one step into position 1 area)
PRELATE:
Let us pray. Let us fold our arms and bow our heads.
(Prelate slowly raises his head and delivers his prayer.)
PRELATE:
Almighty
of the
universeMay
and
Almighty God,
we comeFather,
to YouCreator
in this hour
of sorrow.
Father of all mankind, we give You thanks for our fraternal
brotherhood
andand
thecompassion
great precepts
it embodies.
us
Your tenderness
touch
the hearts ofKeep
all who
diligent and mindful of our commitments to You, our children,
have
gathered
here, our
especially
of Brother
our senior
members,
families,the
andfamily
our communities.
Give us a spirit of peace, harmony, and progress as we carry
__________________
Comfort
us us
in
on
these precepts in our ________________.
Lodge, and in our lives.
Remind
eachand
dayLast
that
the greatest good we can do is to serve You
(First
Name)
through service to our fellow man. Amen
our sorrow and strengthen our trust and faith in You.
MEMBERS: Amen.
Heavenly
Father,tohelp
us to conform our lives to Your divine
(Prelate returns
station.)
will,
that we may(U.S.
exemplify
YourI present
good works
and glorify
GOVERNOR:
Lodges)
the flag
of our
country
(turnsGive
to face
Place your
right
hand
over Your
your
Your
name.
us Flag).
the strength
to bear
this
burden
heart and join with me in the Pledge of Allegiance.
wisdom has placed upon us. Make us strong to battle with the
PLEDGE
temptations and
strugglesOF
of ALLEGIANCE
this life, so that when our day
"I
pledge
allegiance
to
the
flag of
United
States of
has come, we too may be gathered
intothe
Your
presence.
America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
This we ask in Your name. Amen.
CANADIAN GOVERNOR: I present the flag of our country
(turns to flag). Brothers, salute the flag. You will join me in
singing "O Canada."
GOVERNOR: (Gives one rap) Everyone will be seated.
OFFICIAL VISIT
(This ceremony is to be used whenever a Supreme Lodge
Officer or Representative officially visits a Lodge.)
GOVERNOR: At this time we are privileged to have
(name)
(title) visiting with us. (first name)
welcome to ______________________ Lodge _________.
66
22
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
PARTICIPANT 1:
CONDUCT: Everyone in attendance shall maintain silence
and order, and refrain from smoking or consuming beverages
during the meeting.
Now, O Heavenly
Father,
with
these
flowers,
of
APPAREL:
The apparel
of the
Ritual
Staff
shall besymbols
as follows:
any appropriate, dignified and uniform mode of dress.
immortality, we commit our Brother to Your loving care.
CLASS: Before the opening of the meeting, the Class shall
be taken into the Lodge room and be seated as a body behind
the Altar. Four (4) feet from and centered on the Altar
(Position 11).
If
only
one candidate
is to beeither
enrolled,
all provisions
for in
and
(All
participants
lay flowers
on the
casket, place
a
reference to the "Class" shall be omitted, and appropriate
vase
or wherever
family
has indicated;
move
in order
changes
from the the
plural
to singular
shall bethen
made
in reference
to
the
candidate.
to the family to express condolences and present Service of
If the wives, families and special guests are invited to hear the
Tribute book as a keepsake.)
speaker, they should be ushered into the room and seated in
their proper area. Lodge officers, dignitaries and others
should always be introduced before the speaker.
If qualified family members have been invited to attend the
class enrollment they should be ushered into the room and
seated in area 12 before the Governor calls meeting to order.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIAL MEETINGS
-OPENING(WITH FAMILY MEMBERS PRESENT)
- Enrollment Ceremony
- Installation of Officers
- Mooseheart Founder’s Day Ceremony
GOVERNOR: (Gives one rap) Everyone will please be
seated. I welcome you to our enrollment ceremony.
GOVERNOR: This meeting is called for the purpose of
enrolling candidates (or other ceremony listed above), and
no other business will come before the Lodge.
GOVERNOR: (two raps) The Prelate will open the Bible
and deliver the opening prayer.
(The Prelate goes to position 1 faces the Altar, and in a
dignified manner opens the Bible.)
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
67
Special Graveside Service
(If the previous service has been performed at the home of the deceased, the
funeral home, the Lodge or at the church, and it is the desire of the relatives
of the deceased that the Moose Lodge also officiate at the grave, the following
service will be used at the grave:)
(Committee and Members shall form a Semi-Circle.)
PARTICIPANT 1:
Brother __________________________________, we now
(First and Last Name)
commit thy body to its long rest. We are your Brothers,
united in a common cause and guided by Purity, Aid and
Progress. Though you have passed from us, yet shall you
ever live in our memory. Our Defending Circle has been
broken, and while we mourn your loss, we shall strive to
emulate your virtues.
We deeply and sincerely sympathize with you, the relatives
and friends of our departed Brother, in your sorrow and your
loss. Though sorrow's load rests heavily upon you, the 23rd
Psalm reminds us all that it is the Heavenly Father who, quote
“leadeth me beside the still waters, He restoreth my soul” end
quote. And it is He who looks down with infinite compassion
upon you who mourn today.
68
22
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
PARTICIPANT 2:
CONDUCT: Everyone in attendance shall maintain silence
and order, and refrain from smoking or consuming beverages
during the meeting.
Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we come to You in our time of
APPAREL: The apparel of the Ritual Staff shall be as follows:
loss,
remembering
our departed
Brother
_______
________.
any appropriate,
dignified
and uniform
mode
of dress.
(First and Last Name)
CLASS: Before the opening of the meeting, the Class shall
Let
Yourinto
tenderness
androom
compassion
touch as
thea hearts
of all,
be taken
the Lodge
and be seated
body behind
the Altar. Four (4) feet from and centered on the Altar
especially his family and friends. Ease our sorrow and revive
(Position 11).
anew
and trust
in be
You.
Father,allgrant
us strength
to
If onlyour
onefaith
candidate
is to
enrolled,
provisions
for and
reference
to
the
"Class"
shall
be
omitted,
and
appropriate
exemplify the precepts of Purity, Aid and Progress, and make
changes from the plural to singular shall be made in reference
us the
strong
to battle with the evils and temptations of this life,
to
candidate.
If
special we
guests
to hear
the
sothe
thatwives,
whenfamilies
our call and
is sounded
mayare
beinvited
gathered
in Your
speaker, they should be ushered into the room and seated in
presence.
their proper area. Lodge officers, dignitaries and others
should
be introduced
before the speaker.
We askalways
this in Your
name. Amen.
If qualified family members have been invited to attend the
class enrollment they should be ushered into the room and
seated in area 12 before the Governor calls meeting to order.
PARTICIPANT 3:
Our Brother,
sweet be your
restSPECIAL
and happyMEETINGS
your awakening.
INSTRUCTIONS
FOR
-OPENINGMay springtime bring to you its earliest buds and flowers.
(WITH FAMILY MEMBERS PRESENT)
May summer's
last rose
linger longest. Though the frost of
- Enrollment
Ceremony
Installation
of
Officers
autumn shall lay the flowers
low, the winter shall come to
- Mooseheart Founder’s Day Ceremony
grace this place with peace and stillness. Yet, in another
GOVERNOR: (Gives one rap) Everyone will please be
springtime
will theyou
flowers
again.ceremony.
So, our Brother,
seated.
I welcome
to ourbloom
enrollment
GOVERNOR:
is called
for the purpose
of
when the bright This
dawnmeeting
of the world's
resurrection
shall light
enrolling candidates (or other ceremony listed above), and
theother
heavens,
maywill
this,come
yourbefore
body, the
nowLodge.
laid low by death,
no
business
GOVERNOR:
(two raps)
Theand
Prelate
will
openabove
the Bible
come forth in immortal
glory,
in the
realm
may
and deliver the opening prayer.
you join in making our broken Circle again complete. Until
(The Prelate goes to position 1 faces the Altar, and in a
then, our manner
Brother, opens
farewell.
dignified
the Bible.)
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
69
23
MEMBERS
PRELATE: This is the Holy
Bible; Farewell.
our inspiration and our guide.
- (Repeat)
(Prelate steps back one step into position 1 area)
PARTICIPANT
4: and bow our heads.
PRELATE: Let us fold our arms
(Prelate
slowly raises
his head
hisemblematic
prayer.) of
Now, O Heavenly
Father,
with and
thesedelivers
flowers,
PRELATE:
Almighty
Father,
Creator
of
the
universe
immortality, we commit our Brother to Your tender care.and
Father of all mankind, we give You thanks for our fraternal
brotherhood and the great precepts it embodies. Keep us
diligent and mindful of our commitments to You, our children,
(Place
flowers
on casket
national
pall covers
our senior
members,
ourunless
families,
and flag
our or
communities.
Give us a spirit of peace, harmony, and progress as we carry
casket;
such case
place
flowers
graveRemind
or where
on theseinprecepts
in our
Lodge,
andatinfoot
ourof
lives.
us
each
day
that
the
greatest
good
we
can
do
is
to
serve
You
desired by family.)
through service to our fellow man. Amen
MEMBERS: Amen.
(All leave
the gravesite
in an orderly manner.)
(Prelate
returns
to station.)
GOVERNOR: (U.S. Lodges) I present the flag of our
country (turns to face Flag). Place your right hand over your
heart and join with me in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of
America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
CANADIAN GOVERNOR: I present the flag of our country
(turns to flag). Brothers, salute the flag. You will join me in
singing "O Canada."
GOVERNOR: (Gives one rap) Everyone will be seated.
OFFICIAL VISIT
(This ceremony is to be used whenever a Supreme Lodge
Officer or Representative officially visits a Lodge.)
GOVERNOR: At this time we are privileged to have
(name)
(title) visiting with us. (first name)
welcome to ______________________ Lodge _________.
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FLOOR POSITIONS
FOR MEMORIAL SERVICE
DIAGRAM NO. 5
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71
Memorial Service
Memorial Services shall be held annually, on or about the first
Sunday in May of each year. In lodges that have a chapter of the
Women of the Moose this should be a joint ceremony, paying respect
to departed Brothers and Co-Workers. If the lodge does not have a
chapter of the Women of the Moose references to the Women of the
Moose should be deleted when the Memorial Service is performed.
Every attempt should be made to notify the relatives of departed
members and co-workers of the date and hour at which the Memorial
Service is going to be performed.
The charter of the lodge and chapter will be placed on easels near
the Governor's station (see diagram). The Altar and stations will be
placed as at a regular men’s lodge meeting, with the addition of
chairs for the officers of the chapter alongside of the lodge officers
chairs. The Governor will call the meeting to order at the appointed
time by giving one rap with the gavel.
GOVERNOR - (Gives one rap.) Dear friends, we have
gathered here in this place, at this hour for the purpose of
remembering and honoring those Brothers and Co-workers who
have been called from the Defending Circle of our Order in the
past year. Brother Sergeant-at-Arms and Guide please drape our
table with a cloth of black, which signifies our sorrow in the
loss of our departed Brothers and Co-workers.
(Sergeant-at-Arms and Guide follow instruction and then
return to their chairs.)
GOVERNOR - (Gives two raps.) Dear friends will you please
rise as the Prelate leads us in prayers.
(Prelate moves to Altar - pos. 1)
PRELATE - Let us fold our arms, and bow our heads.
Heavenly Father, today we gather to pay tribute to the
memories of our departed Brothers and Co-workers; those of
our number called to their eternal rest. Grant that their
memory may remain with us forever, and that their example
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will inspire us to live nobler lives. We ask You to continue
to bless the families and loved ones of these our departed
friends. Let all that we say and do here, in this Memorial
Service, be acceptable in Your sight. Amen.
MEMBERS - (Respond) Amen.
(Appropriate music or song may be used at this time.)
GOVERNOR - Brother Sergeant-at-Arms and Guide please
escort the Junior Past Governor and Junior Graduate Regent
to the anteroom where they each will receive a bouquet of
flowers. (All four Officers remain in ante room until called
upon to return.)
GOVERNOR - Will the Junior Governor and the Junior
Regent please come forward and drape their respective
charters.
(Junior Governor and Junior Regent come forward and drape
respective charters and are then seated next to charters.)
GOVERNOR - Brother Sergeant-at-Arms and Guide will
you please escort the Junior Past Governor and Junior
Graduate Regent into the lodge room and bring them to a
position in front of the draped charters.
(Sergeant-at-Arms and Guide return to the lodge room
escorting each, carrying a bouquet of flowers, to a place in
front of the draped charters.)
GOVERNOR - (With Senior Regent at his side. Soft
appropriate background music may be played during the
reading of the names and the presentation of the flowers.) In
loving memory we call the names of those who have departed
from our Defending Circle since we have last met.
(As Governor and Senior Regent read names, the Junior Past
Governor and Junior Graduate Regent will hand a flower to
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73
the Junior Governor or Junior Regent to place in a white vase
setting on a small table in front of charters. A brief response of
2 or 3 sentences may be made by the Governor or Senior Regent
concerning honors received by the deceased, immediately after
person's name is called.. After names are read, all four will
return to stations and are seated.)
GOVERNOR - The memories of those departed Brothers
and Co-Workers are treasures to be cherished forever. Today,
we have once again assembled to show due respect to these
members of our lodge and chapter, who were known and
loved by us all.
SENIOR REGENT - The natural process of life leads us all
inevitably to the reality of death. But, dear Brothers and Coworkers we take great comfort in the fact that many sweet
memories remain of those who have departed, and their work
accomplished while in our midst.
GOVERNOR - Their charity, kindness and generosity we
treasure in our hearts. Their fidelity and virtue serve as
models for us to follow. Their independence, and courage
we acclaim today, and to all. For death serves only to remind
us that our time too is fleeting, and that while we live, we
remain steadfast to the precepts of our Order.
Today, may we be mindful that life and death must be faced
with courage. Today may we be mindful that the exhilaration
in life must be balanced with humility and that sadness of
death must be balanced with hope.
When we too face the inevitable moment of death, may the
faces of those we love and who love us fill our hearts? For
it is in the lives that remain, that our spirit lives on.
GOVERNOR - (Gives two raps) Dear friends, will you
please rise and stand with folded arms and bowed heads as
the Chaplain leads us in prayer.
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(Chaplain moves to Altar position 1)
CHAPLAIN - Divine Father, we thank You for the
opportunity we have shared today as You have permitted us
to gather in tribute to our departed loved ones. May we
continue to recall with admiration and affection their names
and may we continue to see through the blessing of memory,
their faces. We ask You to continue to bless the families of
each departed Brother and Co-worker. Grant us the strength
to courageously endure the trials of life. Grant us the wisdom
to fearlessly seek You and serve You as long as we live.
Amen.
MEMBERS - (Respond) Amen.
GOVERNOR - (Gives one rap) Please be seated. On behalf
of Lodge ________________________ and Chapter
_________________________, we sincerely thank you for
joining with us in memory of our departed Brothers and Coworkers. If any family members or loved ones would come
forward after the ceremony is concluded we would be honored
to present you with a memorial flower, symbolic of the loving
memory that we share with you.
(Governor and Senior Regent will present flowers after
meeting is concluded.)
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75
INSTALLATION CEREMONY
Attendance at Installation of Officer's Ceremony is limited to
good standing members of the Order. However, family
members and honored members of the community may attend
at the discretion of the Board of Officers. At the institution of
a new Lodge, it is recommended that family members and
honored members of the community be invited to attend the
Installation of Officers. At all installations, it is permissible to
drape the officers' stations, the Altar with its Altar Cloth and to
open the Bible. In mid-term, an officer-elect shall be installed
by the Installing Officer, who shall use only such portions of
the ceremony pertaining to such officer-elect.
The Installation Ceremony shall be held at the last meeting in
April of each year, or at a special installation ceremony held prior
to April 30th and approved by the Lodge Board of Officers.
Newly elected officers will assume office as of midnight April
30th. The Jr. Past Governor (who served as such during the past
year) shall be the Installing Officer, or, any Past Governor of the
Order, appointed by the Governor, may conduct the installation
ceremony.
Before the ceremony, the stations and Altar should be as for
a regular lodge meeting with the additional chairs as shown
in Diagram 6 on page 76. The Installing Officer should ensure
the Prelate (elect) has a copy of this book for the prayer.
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RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
INSTALLATION CEREMONY
DIAGRAM NO. 6
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77
INSTALLATION CEREMONY
For Lodge Officers
GOVERNOR: (Gives one rap) Brothers, it is now time to
install your elected and appointed officers. I have the honor
of introducing _________________ (title, if applicable) who
will be our Installing Officer.
GOVERNOR: (Gives two raps) Everyone will please rise.
GOVERNOR: Brother _______________, I hand you the
gavel, as a symbol of your authority.
INSTALLING OFFICER: (Gives one rap) Everyone will
please be seated.
(The Governor takes a seat at the right of the Installing Officer.)
INSTALLING OFFICER: Brothers, I am here for the
purpose of installing your elected and appointed officers.
Before doing so, it is my duty to determine whether your
retiring officers have complied with the Laws of the Order.
Brother Governor, have the Brothers whom ____________
Lodge No. _______ desires to install into office for the
current year been elected or appointed in strict compliance
with the General Laws of the Order?
GOVERNOR: They have.
INSTALLING OFFICER: Is the Lodge in good standing
with Moose International?
GOVERNOR: It is.
INSTALLING OFFICER: Will the retiring officers please
rise. Please join me in applauding the time, effort and faithful
service they have rendered to the membership of this Lodge
and to the Order during the preceding year. Thank you for a
job well done!
INSTALLING OFFICER: The retiring officers will vacate
their stations.
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(Retiring officers vacate stations.)
INSTALLING OFFICER: At this time it is my pleasure to
introduce Brother _____________, who will be assisting as
the Installing Sergeant-at-Arms for the ceremony.
(Installing Sergeant-at-Arms will take his place at the Altar.)
INSTALLING OFFICER: The Administrator will call the
roll of the officers-elected and appointed and, as each officer's
name is announced, he will report to the Installing Sergeantat-Arms at the Altar and be seated as instructed.
(The officers elected and appointed shall be seated at the
Altar, as shown in the diagram.)
INSTALLING OFFICER: Brothers, do any of you have
just cause to show why any or all of the officers elected or
appointed for this Lodge should not be installed into office?
If so, please make it known at this time.
(If any cause should be presented which cannot be
satisfactorily adjusted, the Installing Officer shall require
the elected or appointed officer to retire from his position at
the Altar, and, proceed to install the remaining officers.
Immediately following the installation, the Board of Officers
shall submit a detailed report covering the cause to the
General Governor, and await his decision. Pending the
decision of the General Governor, the officer who held the
office the preceding year shall remain in office. If he is
unable or unwilling to continue in this position, the office
should remain vacant until a final decision of the General
Governor.)
INSTALLING OFFICER: Since there appears to be no
objection to any of the officers elected or appointed, I shall
proceed to install them.
INSTALLING OFFICER: (Addressing officers elected and
appointed) Do each of you accept the office to which you
have been elected or appointed? If so answer I do.
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79
OFFICERS-ELECT: I do.
INSTALLING OFFICER: Officers elected and appointed
will rise. Place your left hand over your heart, raise your right
hand, and repeat after me, using you name where I use mine.
I, _________________ ___________________, — do
solemnly promise — that I will faithfully and to the best of
my ability — perform the duties of the office — to which I
have been elected or appointed. — I will comply with the
Laws of this Order — and the bylaws of this Lodge. I will
memorize the portion of the Ritual — pertaining to the office
I hold. — I will obey all orders emanating from the Supreme
Council,— the officers of the Supreme Lodge — and Moose
International. — I will remember that — this Family
Fraternity is a private organization — whose privileges
belong only to its members. — I will promote the Moose
fraternal programs — and work to provide — the many
membership privileges — promised to our new members —
upon their enrollment. — I will promote and support— the
programs of the Moose Legion, — and, I will strive to reach
— the level of Moose service — that merits advancement to
— the Fellowship and Pilgrim Degrees. — I will help lead
my Lodge — toward membership and financial progress. —
I will deliver to my successor in office, — or to any other
legal authority of the Order, — all funds and property in my
possession — belonging to this Lodge — or to any other
Lodge of the Order. — I further promise — that I will be a
leader by example — in the office to which I was elected or
appointed. — To all of which I pledge my honor. (Pause) You
may lower your hands and be seated.
*
*
*
*
*
*
INSTALLING OFFICER: Installing Sergeant-at-Arms,
present the out-going Governor at this station.
(Installing Sergeant-at-Arms does as directed.)
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INSTALLING OFFICER: Brother ______________, you
have served this Lodge faithfully as the presiding officer.
(For new Lodge institutions - Brother _____________, you
have been appointed as the Junior Past Governor of this
Lodge.) You are qualified to act as advisor on matters upon
which you will be called to speak, and your attendance at
Lodge meetings will assure that the good accomplished under
your leadership will continue.
As the Junior Past Governor, you will continue as a member
of the Lodge Board of Officers and the House Committee.
You are also the Installing Officer of this Lodge until another
has taken your place.
As a Past Governor, you are now entitled to membership in
the Supreme Lodge when present at its sessions with proper
credentials. I now declare you installed as the Junior Past
Governor of this Lodge and invest you with the emblem of
your office. Installing Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the
Junior Past Governor to his station.
* * * * * *
(Omitted if the Outer and Inner Guards
are not utilized by the Lodge)
INSTALLING OFFICER: Installing Sergeant-at-Arms,
present the Outer Guard and Inner Guard at this station.
(Installing Sergeant-at-Arms does as directed.)
INSTALLING OFFICER: Brothers ____________, it is
your duty to greet each Brother as he enters the Lodge, and
to make the members of this Lodge, as well as visiting
Brothers, feel a sense of welcome. Likewise, it is your duty
to maintain decorum inside and outside the Lodge room door,
and to see that no one but those qualified enter the Lodge
room. You shall also perform all other duties required by the
Laws and Ritual of the Order. I now invest you with the
emblems of your office and declare you duly installed.
Installing Sergeant-at-Arms please escort the Inner and Outer
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
Guards to their stations.
* *
*
*
*
81
*
INSTALLING OFFICER: Installing Sergeant-at-Arms,
present the Sergeant-at-Arms at this station.
(Installing Sergeant-at-Arms does as directed.)
INSTALLING OFFICER: Brother ____________, you are
under the direction of the Governor. You shall assist
members, visitors, or latecomers in making proper entry into
the Lodge room. You are the custodian of Lodge
paraphernalia and shall properly arrange it for all meetings
and special functions, and immediately remove the
paraphernalia after each function. You shall perform such
other duties as may be designated by the Ritual or required by
the Governor. I now invest you with the emblem of your
office and declare you duly installed as Sergeant-at-Arms.
Installing Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the Sergeant-atArms to his station.
*
*
*
*
*
*
INSTALLING OFFICER: Installing Sergeant-at-Arms,
present the Trustee(s)-elect at this station.
(Installing Sergeant-at-Arms does as directed.)
INSTALLING OFFICER: Brother(s) ___________, the
proper operations of this Lodge will depend on your attention
to duty. You shall take an inventory of all physical property
of the Lodge once a year and deliver your report to the
Governor. You shall examine and approve all bills, and report
your recommendations regarding payment to the Lodge and
House Committee. You shall compile an inventory of House
Committee merchandise for resale monthly, and deliver
report to the Administrator. You shall perform all other duties
required by the Laws of the Order or by the Lodge. The
members of this Lodge are confident in your abilities to
perform these special duties. I now invest you with the
emblem(s) of your office and declare you duly installed as
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Trustee(s) of this Lodge for the term to which you have been
elected. Installing Sergeant-at-Arms, please seat our new
Trustee(s).
*
*
*
*
*
*
INSTALLING OFFICER: Installing Sergeant-at-Arms,
present the Treasurer-elect at this station.
(Sergeant-at-Arms does as directed.)
INSTALLING OFFICER: Brother ____________, you,
along with the Administrator and Governor shall be a custodian
of all securities. You are the Treasurer of this Lodge
Corporation and authorized to sign all checks ordered paid by
the Lodge or House Committee. You shall receive from the
Administrator all deposit slips showing deposits made by him
in financial institutions in the name of the Lodge, and report
this information to the membership at regular meetings. You
can ensure the confidence that the members have placed in you
by performing your duties with the utmost care and fidelity. I
now invest you with the emblem of your office and declare you
installed as Treasurer. Installing Sergeant-at-Arms, please
escort the Treasurer to his desk.
*
*
*
*
*
*
(IF THE ADMINISTRATOR HAS NOT BEEN PREVIOUSLY
INSTALLED.)
INSTALLING OFFICER: Installing Sergeant-at-Arms,
present the Administrator-elect at this station.
(Installing Sergeant-at-Arms does as directed.)
INSTALLING OFFICER: Brother ______________, you
are the Secretary of this Lodge Corporation, and along with
the Treasurer and Governor are a custodian for the securities
of this Lodge. You shall correctly keep minutes of all
meetings of this Lodge and House Committee, maintain
accurate financial reports, preserve and file all valuable
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83
papers, report all membership records as required, sign all
approved checks and legal documents, and read all
correspondence to the Board of Officers, House Committee
and Lodge. You shall make timely Financial Reports to Moose
International and perform all other duties as required by the
Laws and Ritual of the Order. Carefully study all the Laws of
the Order, insist your books be audited monthly by the
Auditing Committee, and be zealous in your efforts to keep
this Lodge in good standing in the Order, so the members may
be entitled to the protection provided. Believing your ability
and zeal in the discharge of your duties will contribute to the
success and prosperity of this Lodge, I now invest you with the
emblem of your office and declare you duly installed as
Administrator. Installing Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the
Administrator to his desk.
*
*
*
*
*
*
INSTALLING OFFICER: Installing Sergeant-at-Arms,
present the Prelate-elect at this station.
(Installing Sergeant-at-Arms does as directed.)
INSTALLING OFFICER: Brother __________, you are a
member of the House Committee and the Auditing
Committee, and shall perform all other duties as required by
the Laws and Ritual of our Order. It will be your duty to
invoke the blessing of the Almighty Father in our services
and ceremonies. You will promptly contact or visit the sick
and be as helpful as possible to the needy and distressed and
make a report at each Lodge meeting. Let your conduct and
demeanor be such as to instill the spirit of purity, providing
an example for all members to follow. I now invest you with
the emblem of your office and declare you duly installed as
Prelate. Installing Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the Prelate
to his station.
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*
*
*
*
*
*
INSTALLING OFFICER: Installing Sergeant-at-Arms,
present the Junior Governor-elect at this station.
(Installing Sergeant-at-Arms does as directed.)
INSTALLING OFFICER: Brother _____________, you
are Vice-President of the Lodge Corporation, a member of
the House Committee and shall perform all duties required
of you by the Laws and Rituals of the Order. You will assist
the Governor in preserving order and decorum in the Lodge
and, in conjunction with him, inspect all votes on applicants
when warranted. In the absence of the Governor, you will
preside over the deliberations of this Lodge with full
authority to perform his duties and responsibilities. I now
invest you with the emblem of your office and declare you
duly installed as Junior Governor. Installing Sergeant-atArms, please escort the Junior Governor to his station
*
*
*
*
*
*
INSTALLING OFFICER: Installing Sergeant-at-Arms,
present the Governor-elect at this station.
(Installing Sergeant-at-Arms does as directed.)
INSTALLING OFFICER: Brother _____________, I
welcome you to the station of Progress. You are the
President of the Lodge Corporation and shall preside at all
meetings of the Lodge and House Committee. It shall be
your duty to preserve order, apply and enforce all the Laws
of the Order, and decide parliamentary questions. You, along
with the Administrator and Treasurer, are a custodian of all
securities and authorized to sign all approved checks. You
are a member of all committees of the Lodge, and you must,
at the first regular Lodge meeting, appoint the chairman of
all prescribed standing committees. While you are Governor,
this Lodge should show an increase in active membership
and an increase in net assets. Listen with respect to the
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85
opinion of your Brothers and, in making decisions, remember
that your own feelings or interests must have no weight. The
Lodge membership should be harmonious, diligently
promoting our purposes and enthusiastically engaged in
furthering our fraternal objectives. Upon completion of
your term of office, you become a Past Governor of this
Lodge, which entitles you to membership in the Supreme
Lodge when present at its sessions with proper credentials. A
distinctive honor has been conferred upon you by the
members of your Lodge. I now invest you with the emblem
of your office. I declare you duly installed as Governor of
this Lodge. Installing Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the
Governor to a place on my left.
(Governor stands at left of Installing Officer.)
INSTALLING OFFICER: By the authority vested in me as
Installing Officer, I now declare the officers of this Lodge
duly installed.
(Installing Sergeant-at-Arms returns to his chair and remains
standing.)
INSTALLING OFFICER: (Gives two raps.) Everyone
will rise. Brother Prelate, you will ask the blessing of the
Almighty Father.
PRELATE: (At Altar) Let us fold our arms and bow our
heads. Almighty Father, we ask You to watch over these
officers, to whom the leadership of this Lodge has been
committed. Implant in their hearts the spirit of Fraternal
service, instill wisdom into their decision making, and direct
them toward greater contributions to the humanitarian efforts
of our Order. We especially ask for peace and harmony to
prevail in this Lodge, and that prosperity and good health be
granted to every individual member and his family. We ask
these things in Your name. Amen.
MEMBERS: (in concert) Amen
(Prelate returns to station)
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INSTALLING OFFICER: Brother Governor, I now
present to you the gavel, the symbol of your authority.
(Hands gavel to Governor) Never let it fall in anger, but wield
it firmly and with discretion.
INSTALLING OFFICER: Brothers, let us greet our new
Governor with a round of applause.
GOVERNOR: (Gives one rap) Everyone will be seated.
(Installing Officer returns to his chair and is seated and
Governor proceeds with the regular order of business, or with
the program.)
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87
MOOSEHEART FOUNDERS DAY CEREMONY
While it is appropriate for the Governor and Senior Regent to
deliver the portions indicated, of greater importance is that the
narration be delivered by the most effective male and female
speaker available in your Lodge and Chapter.
The Mooseheart Founder’s Day Ceremony shall be held on
October 27 of each year.
GOVERNOR: Throughout our fraternity, October 27th has long
been recognized as Mooseheart Founder’s Day. On this date each
year, our members are asked to pay tribute to James J. Davis – the
man whose vision and determination breathed new life into a
Moose fraternity that was struggling for survival during the early
20th century. His efforts would quickly thrust the Loyal Order of
Moose – and later the Women of the Moose – through a period of
incredible growth – and would define the great purposes for which
our Order exists.
Today, more than 100 years from the very day he was enrolled
into the fraternity, it is Jim Davis’s vision that remains the bedrock
on which the Moose fraternity continues to stand. We seek to
contemplate Davis’s fraternal legacy on this occasion. But first,
as we acknowledge that true fraternalism can only operate in a
free nation, let us all stand, salute our flag and recite the Pledge of
Allegiance (Canadian Lodges will substitute the singing of “O
Canada”).
SENIOR REGENT: The Moose fraternity acknowledges and
embraces the reality of a higher power. It is therefore fitting that
we open this ceremony with prayer. Please fold your arms and
bow your heads.
LODGE PRELATE or CHAPTER CHAPLAIN: Lord, it is
with humility that we come before You on this occasion. Our
leaders were fallible men and women in times past, just as we
are today. But they knew then, as we know now, that so long
as we are blessed with Your divine guidance, we cannot falter.
As we recall the legacy of James J. Davis, we ask that You give
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us the strength and determination necessary to be of service to
our fellow man. We pray this in Your name. Amen.
SENIOR REGENT: He was born in Wales on October 27th 1873
into a home of very limited means. The struggles of the times and
the opportunities in America prompted his parents to sail across the
Atlantic when he was just 8 years old. The family settled near
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where his father found employment in
the steel mills. At the age of 11, young Davis began working as
his father’s assistant by the blast furnace; he qualified for the
grown-up position of iron puddler by age 16.
In 1893, he moved west to Elwood, Indiana, where he became
active in the labor-union movement during his tenure in a
tinplating mill. Respect earned from his peers, combined with an
ease in working with people, led the ambitious Davis to
government service. In 1902, he was elected Recorder for
Madison County, Indiana at the age of 29.
GOVERNOR: Four years later in 1906, Davis’s life, and the
history of the Moose fraternity, were profoundly changed – both
for the better. On October 27 of that year, the night of his 33rd
birthday, Davis was enrolled into the Loyal Order of Moose as its
247th member at the smallest national convention in the
fraternity’s history, in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Wasting no time,
Davis that night shared his great idea on how to build the Order –
the vision that would quickly become the blueprint of the modern
Moose fraternity.
SENIOR REGENT: He recalled to them his haunting memories,
as a Pennsylvania boy in the 1880s, of having to deliver horrible
telegrams to families informing them that their husband and
father had been killed in a steel-mill accident – and of seeing
that same family soon plunged into destitution, because it had no
resources; no plan for support after the breadwinner’s premature
death. Why couldn’t a fraternal order of working-class men pool
its resources to create what he called “a happy city where the
children of their stricken comrades could be sent to school
RITUAL - LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
89
together—there to learn that . . . the fatherless are fathered, by all
men whose hearts have heard their cry!”
GOVERNOR: Indeed, Davis wondered, with enough
members, why couldn’t a fraternal order make such a plan a
successful reality for all its members? Why couldn’t they
create a place where the children of Moose members could be
housed, clothed and fed; a place where they would receive the
education and vocational training needed to succeed in the
workplace; a place that would offer safety and security in their
time of most desperate need?
His new fraternal brothers agreed. So Davis, with the new title
of Supreme Organizer along with some hand-selected
assistants, started across North America to introduce their ideas
to groups of men in all corners of the continent. Their only tools
of persuasion were their speaking abilities and a few printed
letters and handbills. Even with these primitive forms of mass
communication, interest in the Loyal Order of Moose was
swiftly on the rise. The impressive Davis was making such
progress that by 1909, with membership having grown to more
than 30,000, he was named the fraternity’s first Director
General.
SENIOR REGENT: After three long years of grit and effort,
Davis felt that the time was right to start the wheels in motion
toward a “City of Children” for the growing membership of his
fraternity. He felt that the children needed more than simple
food, clothing and shelter; they must also be educated and
trained so that they would have a chance at least equal to other
young men and women following high school graduation.
During the 1910 convention in Baltimore, Davis was able to
gain the unanimous support of the convention delegates despite
the fact that there were few details on how his dream would
become reality.
Davis and his associates returned to the road in an effort to keep
their momentum moving forward. By 1913, thanks in great
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part to Davis’s strong leadership and his desire to establish
programs vital to his fellow man, the Loyal Order of Moose
had grown from 247 members, when he started his crusade, to
over 400,000. He had enabled the fraternity to finance the
purchase and construction of his “City of Children” west of
Chicago, a place that even today holds a special place in the hearts
of its members. On July 27, 1913, the vision became reality when
Mooseheart, “The Child City”, was dedicated.
GOVERNOR: In the years that followed, Jim Davis re-entered
the world of politics. He served as Secretary of Labor under
Presidents Harding, Coolidge and Hoover. He was elected to the
United States Senate in 1930, representing the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania. He served in that capacity until his retirement in
1945.
He had emigrated to the United States as a small boy, labored
in steel mills through his teenage years and entered public
service in his early 20’s. He joined a fraternal organization
on the brink of extinction as a 33-year-old visionary, then
willed and worked it into success. He had built Moose
membership from a few hundred members in 1906 to
750,000 by the time of his death in 1947.
SENIOR REGENT: Despite all of these accomplishments, it is
Mooseheart, the still-flourishing “happy city” of 1,000 acres, from
which nearly 12,000 young people have emerged to a more
confident future, that continues to be the crowning achievement in
the life of James J. Davis.
During the Child City’s first few years, Mary Putnam Hart, the
talented wife of Mooseheart Board member Albert Bushnell Hart,
penned what has since been sung as Mooseheart’s “Alma Mater.”
Please join me in singing Mooseheart the Happiest.
We come from the prairies, we come from the hills
From cities of toilers in furnace and mills
From Northland to Southland, from river to sea
Humanity sends, and confides us, to thee
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(Chorus)
Mooseheart, oh Mooseheart, we’ll roll thy name along
From ocean to ocean in glad melodious song
Till ringing in triumph, from East to golden West
The chorus re-echoes: Mooseheart, oh Mooseheart,
the happiest.
SENIOR REGENT: The career of James J. Davis is a testimony
to the traits that define members of the Loyal Order of Moose:
character and strength of purpose, tireless effort, the desire to serve
others, and love and compassion for those entrusted to our care.
Each year, Mooseheart Founder’s Day allows us to properly
reflect on the difference that one man or one woman can make –
and asks us to renew our devotion to the ideals and purposes of the
Loyal Order of Moose and the Women of the Moose.
GOVERNOR: Before we conclude this ceremony, the Lodge
Prelate (or Chapter Chaplain) will lead us in prayer. Please fold
your arms and bow your heads.
LODGE PRELATE or CHAPTER CHAPLAIN: Lord, we
continue to acknowledge Your supremacy, Your glory and Your
wisdom. We pledge to You, on this occasion, that we shall always
seek to practice Moose fraternalism for the benefit of those less
fortunate than ourselves. This we promise and pray in Your name.
Amen.
SENIOR REGENT: We thank you for your attendance this
evening. May this ceremony serve as a constant reminder of all
that has been made possible by the fraternal dedication of the men
and women of the Moose.
(END)
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CONDUCT: Everyone in attendance shall maintain silence
and order, and refrain from smoking or consuming beverages
during the meeting.
APPAREL: The apparel of the Ritual Staff shall be as follows:
any appropriate, dignified and uniform mode of dress.
CLASS: Before the opening of the meeting, the Class shall
be taken into the Lodge room and be seated as a body behind
the Altar. Four (4) feet from and centered on the Altar
(Position 11).
If only one candidate is to be enrolled, all provisions for and
reference to the "Class" shall be omitted, and appropriate
changes from the plural to singular shall be made in reference
to the candidate.
If the wives, families and special guests are invited to hear the
speaker, they should be ushered into the room and seated in
their proper area. Lodge officers, dignitaries and others
should always be introduced before the speaker.
If qualified family members have been invited to attend the
class enrollment they should be ushered into the room and
seated in area 12 before the Governor calls meeting to order.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIAL MEETINGS
-OPENING(WITH FAMILY MEMBERS PRESENT)
- Enrollment Ceremony
- Installation of Officers
- Mooseheart Founder’s Day Ceremony
GOVERNOR: (Gives one rap) Everyone will please be
seated. I welcome you to our enrollment ceremony.
GOVERNOR: This meeting is called for the purpose of
enrolling candidates (or other ceremony listed above), and
no other business will come before the Lodge.
GOVERNOR: (two raps) The Prelate will open the Bible
and deliver the opening prayer.
(The Prelate goes to position 1 faces the Altar, and in a
dignified manner opens the Bible.)