Foresters

ENEA GJONAJ 3o-33o-97o E..M..O..A..P..R..M..M..
SOVEREIGN SANCTUARY ALBANIA
Foresters
According to its own legends, the Foresters began in
medieval times in the royal forests of England, and
admitted men of other professions as early as 1840.
This looks, however, very likely a pietist attempt to
claim parity with the Freemasons. In any case, the
suppression of many secret societies in England in the
wake of the French Revolution means that such claims
cannot easily be checked. There are still several
varieties of Foresters today, but there were many more
in the past. Their talent for schism amounted almost to
genius.
The Royal Order of Foresters was the first to be legally constituted, in 1813. An
intriguing part of their early rituals was initiation by combat with
cudgels, which was apparently abandoned in about 1843.
In 1832 a schism took place and most of the members joined the
newly formed Ancient Order of Foresters. In 1880 the Subsidiary
High Court of the Netherlands and Belgium was formed. The
AOF also went to the U.S., but has since then nearly disappeared.
In England and in the Netherlands it still exists. In the Netherlands
the AOF has four local courts and not more than 150 (most
elderly) members.
Besides this order, there is a small order in Rotterdam with
members of Surinam origins.
The largest order nowadays is the Independent Order of Foresters,

which was formed after a schism form the AOF in 1879. It
functions as a fraternal benefit insurance society in Canada, the
U.K. and the U.S. It admits adults of both sexes and had
approximately 1.4 million members in 1994.
Ancient Order of Foresters Initiation Ceremony

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ENEA GJONAJ 3o-33o-97o E..M..O..A..P..R..M..M.. SOVEREIGN SANCTUARY ALBANIA
This ritual is from 1907.
When a Candidate is to be initiated, who has been duly approved by the Medical Examiner,
favorably reported on by the Investigating Committee, and regularly accepted by ballot, he shall
attend a regular meeting of the Court. At the proper time, the J.B. shall report to the S.B. and the
S.B. to the C.R. that a Candidate, Mr ..., is outside the portal seeking to obtain light upon the
mysteries of Ancient Forestry.
The C.R. shall therefore give *, which shall be similarly responded to by the S.C.R. The C.R. and
S.C.R. thereupon arise the C.R. saying: Officers and Brothers, Mr. ..., a Candidate for initiation
into the mysteries of Ancient Forestry, is outside the portal of this Court. Worthy Sub-Chief
Ranger, can you assure the brethren that he is a sober and discreet person that he has no
affiliation with any illegitimate Society claiming to work under the name of the Ancient Order of
Foresters in any guise, and that he is, so far as your knowledge extends, eligible to be initiated a
member of this Court.
After having examined the application, the S.C.R. says: Worthy Chief Ranger, the Physician of
this Court has carefully examined the Candidate as to his physical condition, and has certified
that he is eligible to membership. The brethren have exercised their prerogative, and you have
examined the result of their ballot, and certified the same to be favorable. I therefore take
pleasure in assuring you that the Candidate is worthy of admission.
The C.R. gives *, seating the S.C.R.
C.R.: My Brothers: You have heard our worthy Sub- Chief Ranger certify that the Candidate in
attendance is worthy to associate with you on equal terms in this Court. But I now ask as a final
safe-guard against the introduction of unhealthy or unworthy persons into the Order if any
member knows of any circumstance which would debar the candidate from becoming a worthy
and beneficial member of this Court and of the Order, that he forthwith proclaim the same or
forever hold his peace.
Should any objection be raised, its merits must be discussed at once, and a vote taken upon its
validity. A majority vote shall determine whether the Candidate should be initiated.
Should no objection be raised, the C.R. will proceed as follows: Officers and Brothers: The
Candidate will be brought into the room blindfolded, and I bespeak for him your utmost courtesy
and consideration. Remember that he is your guest, and in order that he may be properly
impressed with the mysteries on which he is about to receive light, I particularly request that all
private discourse cease, and that you devote your whole attention to the ceremony of initiation.
The Secretary will retire and collect the balance of the initiation fee.
The Secretary salutes and retires, collects the balance of the initiation fee, returns, salutes, and
reports at the altar.
After everything is in readiness, the C.R. calls to order. *
C.R.: Worthy Sub-Chief Ranger, is the Court prepared to proceed with the initiation?
S.C.R: It is.
C.R: Worthy Sub-Chief Ranger, you will now retire with the Woodwards and introduce the
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Candidate.
The S.C.R. and the Woodwards, with their battle axes drawn, advance to the altar, salute and
retire. They repair to the ante-room and divest the Candidate of his coat and vest, blindfold him
and tie his hands behind his back. The S.C.R. addresses the Candidate: Sir, I have been
authorized by our Worthy Chief Ranger to enquire of you your name.
The Candidate replies.
S.C.R.: And likewise your place of residence.
S.C.R.: I have further to enquire whether you have previously been a member of the Order, or
proposed to become a member in any other Court?
If the Candidate should say he has, his answer must be at once reported to the Court, and his
initiation not proceeded with until Rule 124 of General Laws has been complied with. If the
answer of the Candidate is in the negative, the Sub-Chief Ranger will address him as
follows: Sir, at your own request, you are about to be made a member of the Ancient Order of
Foresters. It will be required of you that you solemnly affirm that you will divulge none of the
secrets or mysteries you are about to be intrusted with, and that you will implicitly follow the
instructions you will be given. For the Court which you are about to join, I can say, that no
pledge will be required of you which will conflict with any of the duties you owe to yourself,
your fellow man, your country, or your God. There is yet time to retire if you so wish. Are you
willing to enter and conform to the laws and customs of Ancient Forestry?
If the answer is satisfactory, the S.C.R. takes the Candidates left arm. The Woodwards fall in
behind. The S.C.R. gives *,
responded to by the S.B. throwing a chain against the inside of the door four times and * * by the
S.C.R. and C.R.
S.B.: There is an alarm at the portal, Worthy Chief.
C.R.: An alarm! Who seeks to penetrate the glades of Sherwood Forest at this unseemly hour?
Ascertain the case, good Will Scathelocke.
The S.B. opens the door and says: Our Chief Ranger, Robin Hood, bids me inquire the cause of
this unseemly commotion in the glades of Sherwood Forest! What seek ye, and whom would ye
find?
S.C.R : I am little John, and back of me are Will Scarlet and Midge, the Millers son. While
wandering in the forest we happened upon a stranger, who could give no good account of
himself, and we straightway seized and bound him, and have brought him hither, that Robin
Hood, our Worthy Chief, might see and question him.
S.B.: Has he a name?
S.C.R.: He has, but he refuses to give it!
S.B.: Wait ye outside the threshold until I have informed Robin Hood of his tale, and get his
answer.
The S.B. leaves the door open and addresses the C.R.
S.B: Worthy Chief Ranger, the commotion outside the portal is caused by Little John, our Sub-
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Chief Ranger, and Will Scarlet and Midge, the Millers son, our Woodwards, who, finding a
stranger in the glades of Sherwood Forest, have brought him hither to be interrogated.
C.R.: A stranger, and in Sherwood Forest! Bring him in that we may hear what tale he has to
tell!
S.B.: By command of our Chief Ranger, Robin Hood, you will advance over the threshold three
steps.
The S.C.R., the Candidate and the Woodwards advance over the threshold three steps. The door
is closed. The S.C.R. and the Woodwards fall back one step. The J.P.C.R. steps up lightly, places
his left hand on the Candidates right shoulder and says: My friend, you are now just over the
threshold of a Court of Ancient Forestry. You have come here fettered and half clad, and are now
about to act a part in a drama which actually took place over seven hundred years ago, when
Ancient Forestry had its practical inception. The explanation will be furnished to you in due
season. So far as it lies in my power, I will befriend you, and will answer such questions as may
be put to you. Be of good courage!
The S.C.R. and the Woodwords resume their positions beside the Candidate, the J.P.C.R.
grasping his right arm. They walk slowly around the room twice to a slow march by the organist,
and halt in front of the C.R.s chair.
C.R: How now, Little John? Who is this stranger whom ye bring into the glades of Sherwood
Forest? He is hot one of our band, and for aught we know, may be a spy sent by the Sheriff of
Nottingham to pry into our affairs. Where found ye him, and what does he seek?
S.C.R.: Worthy Chief Ranger, while wandering and seeking news of Will Stutley, who, as you
well know, went forth in search of adventure some two days ago, we fell across this stranger. He
refused to give his name, but said he was seeking Robin Hood, and thinking he might be a spy,
we bound him and brought him here that you might question him.
C.R.: You did well, Little John, to bring him here! Addressing Candidate: You seek Robin
Hood, the out-law, you say? Know, then, that I am Robin Hood, and all around me are the Merry
Men who have thrown off the thraldom of servitude, and the overweening oppression of feudal
lords and purse proud prelates in civic courts, that they might enjoy the free air of heaven in
these true Courts of Sherwood Forest. What do you seek with Robin Hood? Speak truly and
fully, and if your mission be for good, so harm shall befall you!
J.P.C.R., speaking for the Candidate: As Little John has truly said, Will Stutley, one of your
Merry Men, set out in search of adventure two days ago. He donned the gown of a curtial friar,
and was sitting apparently in meditation at the door of the Blue Boar Inn, when a band of the
Sheriff of Nottinghams retainers stopped at the hostelry. By accident, they discovered his
disguise, and not-withstanding that he made a vigorous resistance, they made him prisoner, and
carried him off to Nottingham town. The Sheriff has sentenced him to be hanged by the neck
when the clock strikes eight tomorrow morning, and unless he is rescued before that time, he
surely will die on be gallows. It was to tell you this that the stranger cane here, and now that his
tale is told, he fain would depart in peace.
C.R.: If this news he true, then indeed is poor Will Stutley in a serious plight. What shall we do,
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my Merry Men? Shall we go to Nottingham and beard the Sheriff in his den and take his prey
away? Will Stutley, next to Little John, is the best bowman we have, and even if his rescue were
impossible, we can ill afford to lose him. In unity there is strength, and with seven score good
yeomen such as you are, banded in ties of unity that draw us together, there can be no such word
as failure. What say you? Is Will Stutley to hang?
Members: No! No!
C.R.: Then get ye ready, and we shall go to Nottingham town at break of day, and save poor Will
Stutley from the gallows.
S.C.R.: Gently, good master, gently! There is no man that I love more than Will Stutley, and I
gladly would peril my own neck to save his; but what assurance have we that this stranger tells
the truth? It may be that this is a photon the part of the Sheriff to beguile us from the recesses of
Sherwood Forest, in order that he may be better able to set his minions upon us and do us
damage. The stranger may be, and, indeed, looks honest enough, but, if he be speaking truthfully,
why did he refuse to give his name, and why did he attempt to escape when Will Scarlet, Midge,
the Millers son and I called upon him to halt? Methinks he is but a retainer of the Sheriff who to
curry favor with our arch-enemy, has laid this plot that we might be taken unawares. If ye would
take my advice, good master, ye would hang him from the limb of yonder tree as a spy, nnd here
is the rope to do it.
Chorus of Members: Hang him! Hang him!
The S.C.R. and the Woodwards grasp the Candidate, and throw over his head a rope, provided
with a running noose, and a knot at a proper distance to prevent it from being pulled too tight,
They pull it tout, so that the Candidate may feel the strain upon it, and proceed to pull him off.
The Officers must use cautious care and common sense at this part of the ceremony, so as to
avoid causing injury or offence to the Candidate, and with practice and skill this scene can be
acted in an entirely effective but perfectly unobjectionable manner.
J.P.C.R.: Hold! Would you hang a man who is not only innocent, but at great personal risk to
himself has brought you word of the danger in which one of the chiefs of your band is placed?
This strangers name is of no moment, and his running away when observed can be accounted
for by his belief that you were the Kings Rangers. When he saw who you were, he came with
you peacefully enough, did he not? Then why talk of hanging him? Time enough for that when
you know he is a spy. Would it not be better policy to keep him here until you return from
rescuing Will Stutley at Nottingham, and in the meantime, if he be willing, enlist him as a
member of the band?
C.R.: Well said, good brother! Never shall it he said that Robin Hood permitted a defenceles man
to be hanged as a spy without evidence that he is such. If he be willing to pledge himself to us,
then will he prove himself a true man. What say you, straiger? Are you willing to take the
obligation which hinds us here as brothers?
Candidate: I am.
C.R.: What say you, brothers? Are you satisfied that this stranger shall bind himself to us and our
cause by the vow that we all have taken?
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Members: We are.
C.R.: Then will Little John and our Woodwards conduct the stranger to the spreading oak, where
allegiance to the band is taken, and place him in position to assume the formal obligation.
C.R., S.C.R., Woodwards and J.P.C.R. accompany the Candidate to the altar where he kneels on
his left knee. The S.C.R. removes the bonds binding the Candidates hands, and the Candidate
places his right hand on his heart, the index finger of his left hand pointing upwards. The S.C. R.
holds the rope so that the Candidate may still feel the strain. The Candidate repeats after the
C.R. as follows:
Candidate: I, do solemnly and sincerely promise and declare, in the presence of the assembled
brethren, that I will give a willing and implicit obedience to the laws which govern this fraternity
and this Court that I will at all times yield a ready compliance with the orders issued by the Chief
Ranger, so far as they are consistent with the laws of Ancient Forestry and the will of the
majority of the members of this Court; that I will do all in my power to further the objects for
which we are united, and will never attempt to sow dissension or create discord among the
members, but, on the other hand, will do my utmost to preserve the harmony and brotherly
feeling which are the chief support of the institution; that I will never reveal to any person not a
member of the Order, any of the signs, signals, grips, passwords, or test words, by which Ancient
Foresters are recognized, either by word, sign, or writing, and that I will use the utmost caution
in ascertaining the Forestric standing of any stranger, before imparting to him any part of the
written or unwritten work of the Order. To all of which, I do most solemnly and sincerely pledge
the honor of a man who respects the value of truth and the sacredness of a promise.
The Candidate rises.
C.R.: Worthy Sub-Chief Ranger, if you are now satisfied that this stranger is sincere in his
promises, you will withdraw the cord which is still about his neck.
S.C.R.: Worthy Chief, if it is your command that the cord be taken off, it shall be done, but as the
stranger is to accompany us to Nottingham at daybreak to assist in the rescue of Will Stutley,
will it not the better serve him as a reminder of his oath, that he should wear it about his neck,
and will it not suit our purpose better, that, if he should prove a traitor, we can the more readily
hang hun on the spot.
C.R.: As you will Brethren, the eastern sky is rosy with the promise of sunrise. See to your arms,
that we may start for Nottingham.
Ode
Tune: God Save the King
Armed with a righteous cause,
Spurning oppressive laws,
Freemen are we.
When danger or distress,
Or tyrants hands oppress,
For wrongs we seek redress
In unity.
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At this point the members pass about the room as if preparing for a start. The J.P.C.R takes hold
of the rope and the Candidates right arm, and walks him slowly around the room (see diagram
A) saying as they go:
J.P.C.R.: My brother, you have taken an obligation which satisfies me that you are an honest
man. It is not enough, however, that I should be satisfied, but each brother in the Court must
have his every doubt removed. We are now at the market place in Nottingham, and it lacks but
three minutes to eight oclock. Robin Hood and his band are prepared to effect the rescue of Will
Stutley, and
I will leave you here, where the battle will rage the thickest, in the hope that, your story being
true and your promises sincere, we shall meet again in the shades of Sherwood Forest, Farewell!
The Candidate is left standing between the altar and the

J.P.Cs. station, facing the altar. (See diagram A) A bell
strikes eight. The members constituting the Sheriffs
party begin to march slowly round the room, beginning
at the door an going round by way of the Physicians
station, passing behind the Candidate, Will Stutley being
in the centre, between two members, his hands loosely
bound behind his back. He soliloquizes as follows:
Will Stutley: Alas and alack! I fear this is the end of poor
Will Stutley. Yonder shines the sun which I am now to
look upon for the last time. There stands the grim gibbet
upon which I am to hang like a dog: I, who but a few
short hours ago, stood a Saxon freeman in the glades of
Sherwood Forest, breathing the free air of heaven, and
owing allegiance to no one but God and my
conscience. Struggling with his bonds. Oh ! had I but the
strength to break these bonds, to throw off these cursed
shackles, and stand for one short moment in the strength
of my manhood, I would show these caitiff knaves that
Will Stutly is a worthy disciple of Robin
Hood. Ceases his struggles. But, no, I cannot break
them!
Procession stops opposite the Candidate, between the
altar and the Physicians station.
Will Stutley: And now stand on the gallows alone!
Yonder comes the hangman with his black mask and
sable cloak! A few short moments, and I shall be swung into eternity. Farewell, sun! Farewell,
green trees and verdant fields! Farewell, my companions of sweet Sherwood Forest! Oh! If ye
did but know to what straits poor Wil Stutley is reduced, ye would be here and sweep these
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minions of an unjust law before you like chaff before the wind. Ah! who is that standing yonder
at the foot of the gallows? A mist fills my eyes and I cannot see. Surely it is, it is Little John.
The C.R. blows a horn.
Will Stutley struggles with his bonds. There is commotion in the room as Robin Hoods men
engage the Sheriffs party. Cries, shouts, etc., arise, the Candidate being jostled about in the
centre. The battle surges over the room, the Candidate being carried with it. The Sheriffs men
seem to prevail, and they finally lay hands on the Candidate, the leader crying:
Sheriff: Here is the robber; here he is! See, he has the rope still about his neck! Hang him, quick!
They pull him off round the room, followed by Robin Hoods men. After considerable jostling the
Candidate is rescued by Little John and his men.
Great caution must again be used, so as not to injure or offend the Candidate. The C.R. must see
that the Candidate is not handled roughly. Any officer or member who handles a Candidate
roughly in any part of the initiation ceremony, may be dealt with according to General Laws, for
conduct unbecoming a member of the Order.
The commotion in the room ceases and the Candidate is led to the front of the J.P.C.R.s station.
Little John removes the bandage and says:
S.C.R: My brother, you have had a narrow escape from death at the hands of the Sheriffs
retainers. It will please you to know that we rescued Will Stutley, and that we no longer doubt
your courage, or honesty of purpose. Your story was true in every detail, and the doubts which
we entertained of your sincerity were unfounded. As I placed the noose around your neck, I as
publicly remove it, and welcome you as a worthy member of our band. Removes the noose and
shakes his hand. I will now conduct you to our Worthy Chief Ranger who will instruct you in the
principles of Unity.
Conducts the Candidate in front of the C.R., where the S.W. has already placed a chair.
C.R.: My brother, for such I may now call you; you have acted your part nobly well, and have
proved yourself worthy to associate with us, and receive still further evidences of our confidence.
You have taken part in a drama which, seven hundred years ago, actually took place. Will
Stutley, one of the lieutenants of Robin Hood, was captured by the Sheriff of Nottingham and
condemned to be hanged. Robin and his rangers, to the number of seven score, repaired to
Nottingham, and put to flight ten tunes that number of the Sheriffs retainers by the sheer force
of discipline and unity. The lesson to be drawn from the scene which has just been enacted is,
that in Unity there is Strength. Sometimes this precept is illustrated by exhibiting a bundle of
sticks, exhibits a bundle of sticks where one may easily be snapped in twain, but where the
strength of Hercules would be insufficient to break the united bundle. The purpose of this object
lesson us to teach you that concerted action is the key-note to success. As a Court, we can know
no prosperity, can make no progress, unless our members work in unity and harmony for its best
interests, and bear with each others faults and shortcomings which are the common inheritance
of all mankind. In the Order, as a whole, each Court must work in harmony with every other
Court in spreading the beneficent works of Forestry to the uttermost ends of the earth, so that all
mankind, irrespective of creed, color or nationality, may finally be embraced in its membership,
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and call their fellows brothers. Worthy Sub-Chief Ranger, you will now conduct the Candidate to
the Past Chief Ranger, who will instruct him in the principles of Benevolence.
Ode.
Tune: Tramp, Tramp, Tramp, the Boys are Marching.
To the members of our band, we extend a helping hand,
Blending sympathy with truest common sense;
And we strive to do whats right, working thus with all our might,
Shunning charity, to show Benevolence.
Then learn well what the Order teaches:
Keep its lessons in your mind;
No false charity we preach, no excesses do we teach,
But a ready, helping hand youre sure to find.
The S.C.R. conducts the Candidate around the room while the ode is being sung, finally placing
him in front of the P.C.R.
S.C.R.: By command of Robin Hood, I present Bro. ... to be instructed in the principles of
Benevolence.
P.C.R.: My brother, as you are doubtless aware, Robin Hood is regarded as the founder of
Forestry, and with good reason. The moral principles which he practised in the thirteenth and
fourteenth centuries were crude in their conception, and somewhat harsh in their execution, but
the cardinal doctrine of his motives and methods was to help the poor, to cheer and protect the
unfortunate, to relieve and provide for the widow and the orphan, and to aid and assist the
members of his fraternity when they were in need of succor. In these days of modern civilization,
Robin Hoods practice of taking from the rich to give to the poor would be called robbery, but in
the feudal times in which he lived the emancipation of men from oppressive laws was still in its
infancy and justice was hardly to be obtained. Robin Hood was therefore the apostle of a new
philanthropy. Outlawed for his opposition to the tyrannical customs which prevailed, he
proclaimed by his actions, right in the teeth of those who had cut him off from communion with
his fellow men, the doctrine of the brotherhood of man, which Robert Burns, the ploughman
poet, has so finely expressed in the sublime lines:
Then let us pray. that come what may,
As come it will for a that
That sense and writh oer a the earth.
May bear the gree and a that;
For a that and a that,
Its coming yet, for a that,
That man to man the world oer,
Shall brothers be for a that.
With the emancipation of mankind from the thraldom of feudalism, with the development of
Christian civilization and the march of liberty and fraternity, have come the opportunities of self
help. It has been truthfully said that nothing is more uncertain than the proportion of sickness and
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death which falls to the lot of the individual, but that nothing is more certain than die percentage
of sickness and death among a multitude of men. As a multitude of men, seeking to help each
other, and to bear one anothers burdens, the Ancient Order of Foresters exists and has existed
from time immemorial. It assumes the individuals inevitable liability for sickness and death, and
distribute it among a number of his fellow members, who willingly bear their share, knowing
that their own turn will come in time.
This, then, is Benevolence: the refined robbery of Robin Hood, The word Benevolence is
derived from two Latin words signifying good will, and is synonymous with benignity,
humanity, tenderness and kindness. It does not mean charity: for charity, while a worthy virtue,
and the corner stone of many societies, has no place in the Forestric vocabulary. We do not
dispense charity. Whatsoever our members may receive, they obtain as a matter of right, for
which they have paid, and for which they are expected to pay.
As a Forester, therefore, we expect you to display this most excellent teaching of our profession:
the exercise of Benevolence toward your fellow members and their families.
P.C.R.: Worthy Sub-Chief Ranger and Woodwards, you will conduct the brother to the
preparation room, and clothe him suitably to receive further light in Ancient Forestry.
The Candidate is prepared by taking off his coat and vest. His left arm is bared to above the
elbow. He is not hoodwinked or bound. It is necessary that all the lights in the Court-room be put
out. At the altar will be placed two alcohol asbestos lamps, one at each side, filled with a
preparation, for which the recipe will be found on the instructional pages of this ritual. The
members must be grouped in horse-shoe shape round the altar, facing the S.C.R.s. station, and
must remain perfectly stilt while the Candidate is introduced and takes the obligation. The spirit
lamps must not be lighted until the door is about to be opened to admit the Candidate. The C.R.
stands ot the altar, within the horseshoe, facing the S.C.Rs. station.
So soon as the Woodwards have the Candidate ready to enter, the S.C.R. says: My brother, you
are now about to be presented to Robin Hood, our Worthy Chief Ranger, for the purpose of
taking a further solemn and binding obligation. Are you ready and willing to enter? The
Candidate replies.
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The S.C.R gives * * * * * on the inner door. When the members are ready at the altar, the S.B.
will respond with * * * * *. The S.C.R. will then respond with * * and the S.B. with * *,
whereupon the C.R. will silently swing open the door, and the S.C.R. holding the Candidates left
arm and followed by the Woodwards will march in file to the altar, where they will stop (See
diagram B).
C.R.: Bro. ...,if you are willing to take the
obligation you will kneel at the altar on both
knees, Candidate kneels place your right hand on
your heart Candidateand all present do so, and
raise your naked left arm with the index finger
pointing upward, all present do so, as you see
those around you do, and repeat after me.
I, ..., of my own free will and accord in the
presence of the assembled brethren, do solemnly
and sincerely promise and declare, in addition to
the obligation heretofore taken by me, that I will
conform to all the laws and obligations, now in
force or hereafter to be enacted, by which the
Ancient Order of Foresters as regulated and
controlled, or in default thereof will submit to the
penalties therein contained; that I will further so far
as in me lies the purposes for which the Order is
constituted, and that I will not make known its
signs or passwords, either by word, sign or writing,
except to the Brotherhood or in Courts legally
assembled. Furthermore, I will to the best of my
ability, so far as my means will permit and the
circumstances of the case will warrant, exhibit in a
practical way the principle of Benevolence towards
distressed members of the Order, and will by all
legitimate means at my command see to it, that no
undue advantage is taken of any member, his wife,
widow or orphans, in pecuniary matters, connected
with the Order or out of it. I make this pledge upon
the honor of a man who respects the value of truth
and the sacredness of a promise, in the presence of
the assembled brethren, and under the all-seeing eye of the Supreme Chief Ranger of the
Universe.
C.R.: My brother, having taken this obligation, you will arise and be taken whence you came,
and there further prepared to receive more light on the mysteries of Forestry.
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The S.C.R. takes the Candidates left arm and conducts him from the room without saluting,
followed by the Woodwards, the Officers and members remaining around the altar until they
have retired. The J.P.C.R. thereupon follows him out.
The S.C.R. hoodwinks the Candidate and ties his hands behind his back and removes his shoes.
When the Court-room has been lighted and is prepared for the Candidates reception the S.C.R.
hands him over to the J.P.C.R., who says: My brother, you will remember that on a former
occasion I befriended you, and answered for you questions which you could not answer yourself.
So far as the usages of the Order will permit, I will perform a similar office for you again, but it
will largely depend upon your own conduct how far I may be permitted to befriend you in your
coming emergencies. I counsel you to submit yourself to whatever may be done to you, and if
you will bear in mind that we are your friends and not your enemies, your reasoning powers will
prompt you to acquiesce willingly in whatever ordeals may be necessary to bring you to a full
fellowship with us. Are you ready to enter?
The J.P.C.R. gives * * * * * on inner door. When the Court is ready the S.B. replies with * * * *
*. The J.P.C.R. then gives * * and the S.B. * *. The door is swung open The J.P.C.R. and the
Candidate enter, the J.P.C.R. on the Candidates left. The S.B. closes the door, and when the
Candidate is three or four steps over the threshold,
the S.B. seizes him by the shoulders during the
colloquy. (See Diagram C)
S.B: Hold! By what right do you seek to gain

admission to the secret swainmote?
J.P.C.R: Be still, and let us pass.
S.B. : Pass, you cannot, until you give me the word
that gives you the privilege. Have you the Word of
a Forester?
J.P.C.R.: I have.
S.B.: Advance and pledge it.
The J.P.C.R. gives word in a whisper with the grip.
S.B., releasing the Candidate: The Word is right!
Pass on!
The J.P.C.R. and the Candidate pass around the
room by way of S.C.R.s. station, where the latter is
standing. He grasps the Candidate by both
shoulders, and shakes him, bringing him to a
sudden stop.
S.C.R.: Hold! Who seeks to travel the road that
leads to the secret swainmote? Have you the Word
of a Forester?
12
J.P.C.R.: I am deputed to pass a stranger through the recesses of Sherwood Forest.

S.C.R., shaking the Candidate: Answer my question!
J.P.C.R.: I have the Word.
S.C.R.: Advance and pledge it.
The J.P.C.R. gives the word.
S.C.R.: The Word is right and you can pass on, but the stranger cannot pass until he, too, has
given the Word of a Forester.
J.P.C.R.: He has it not, but will be in possession of it on his way back, and you must needs let
him pass.
S.C.R.: Pass, he shall not, without the Word! Shakes the Candidate Give me the Word of a
Forester!
J.P.C.R.: He has it not, but comes here by express command of Robin Hood himself.
S.C.R.: I care not for that! Shakes the Candidate Give me the secret Word, or it will be the worse
for you!
J.P.C.R.: He cannot give it! He has it not!
S.C.R.: Then he must die! For the third and last time, with this instrument of death at his
throat, pressing the back of a knife to his throat, I ask him for the Word of a Forester, without
which none can pass in either direction.
J.P.C.R.: Nay, him you shall not slay, for I am his friend, and have brought him here! I shall
defend him. Attempt to block our passage, and you shall be successful only over my body!
Unhand him, I say!
The S.C.R. and J.P.C.R. struggle together. Finally the S.C.R. falls to the ground at the
Candidates feet, where he lies still.
J.P.C.R., taking the Candidates left arm again: My Brother, before passing you through the
portal of the Court, I promised to befriend you to the extent of my ability. The proof of my
sincerity lies at your feet! His refusal to recognize a higher authority has laid him low. We are
now about to pass into the presence of one whose power in the present emergency is supreme,
and to whatever he may do, you and I must bow in submission, if we value our obligations. We
will now step over this body, they step over S.C.R., and we are now approaching the spreading
oak which forms a canopy to shelter from the bent of the sun and the inclemencies of the
weather, the hind to which you have hitherto sworn fealty. Robin Hood himself is in the centre,
and gathered around him are his followers. Listen!
The following ode may be sung by all the members in the Court-room, but a more pleasing and
impressive effect would result if it were sung in the ante-room, by a complete quartette.
Ode.
Tune: Royleston
Blest be the tie hat binds
Our band of brothers here,
By acts of friendship true we work
In Unity sincere.
13
To cheer the widows heart,

We ask no recompense;
The orphans tears we wipe away
By true Benevolence.
No strife demeans our Court,

We work with one accord,
To cheer the sick and aid the weak,
While dwelling in Concord.
That Court is doubly blest,

Which keeps these precepts three,
And crowns its efforts for mankind
By truest Sympathy.
The Candidate and the J.P.C.R. pass once round the room and halt in front of C.Rs station. (See
diagram C). As they walk the J.P.C.R. says.: A few steps farther, and we will be in the
immediate presence of Robin Hood! I counsel you to be of good courage!
C.R : Who comes here?
J.P.C.R.: One who has a right to come, accompanied by a brother who has been duly instructed
in the principles of Unity and Benevolence, and who seeks light in the principles of Concord.
C.R.: Are you in possession of the Word of a Forester?
J.P.C.R.: I am.
C.R.: Advance and pledge it. Word is given by J.P.C.R. in a whisper with the grip. The Word is
right! Has the stranger the Word?
J.P.C.R.: He has it not.
C.R.: Then how did he gain admittance?
J.P.C.R.: Through the courtesy of the Senior Beadle at the outer portal and by disabling the Sub-
Chief Ranger at the inner portal when he sought to block his passage.
C.R.: By what means did this stranger, bound and blinded as he is, succeed in doing this?
J.P.C.R.: Through the readiness of a friend to relieve him in his distress and by that friends
exemplification of the Word of a Forester.
C.R.: Do you claim the tight for him to sit in this secret swainmote?
J.P.C.R.: I do!
C.R.: By what token do you ask this right?
J.P.C.R.: By the tokens of Unity, Benevolence and Concord, and because be has taken the
solemn and binding obligations of the Order.
C.R.: Stranger, do you ask this privilege for yourself?
Candidate: I do!
14
J.P.C.R.: And I vouch for us worthiness!

C.R.: Then let the bandage be taken from his eyes that he may see what will befall him, should
he violate his obligations.
At this point the Secretaries and Treasurer present their spears at his breast, the Woodwards at
each side poise their axes as if to strike, the C.R. and the S.C.R. draw their bows and point the
arrows at his heart, the C.R. from the front and the S.C.R. from the back, and the Beadles raise
their bludgeons in the act of bringing them down on his head.
The J.P.C.R. removes the hoodwink from the Candidates eyes, and steps back so that the
Candidate stands alone. The Officers maintain their positions during the following colloquy.
C.R.: Behold the penalty of transgression! In view of the vows you have already taken, do you
promise to be faithful to all your obligations on your journey with us through the forest of this
life ?
Candidate: I do!
C.R.: It is well!
All the Officers withdraw their weapons and
remain standing around him.
C.R.: Worthy Junior Past Chief Ranger, you will
release the Candidate from his bonds, and
reconduct him whence he came; that he may once
more be properly clothed; after which you will
return him to this station for further instruction.
All other Candidates who were merely obligated
and have witnessed the conferring of this degree
upon the Condidate, will here be placed in line by
the S.C.R.; then the J.P.C.R and Candidates
retire, without saluting, followed to the door by
the other Officers in double file, as follows:
S.C.R., Treas., Sec., Sub.Sec., S.W. J.W. (See
diagram D).
When in readiness they will return to the room
where the Candidates are stationed in front of the
C.R. The first verse of the Initiation Ode is sung:
Ode
Tune: God Save the King.
Brothers! attention keep,
Whilst our Host Worthy Chief
Gives you the charge.
Bords of society
Friendship and Sympathy;
Honor and Secrecy,
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Let all Unite.
C.R.: I am now authorized to address you by the name of Brother, and to welcome you, on behalf
of this Court, into our honorable Order. You have bound yourself to us by a solemn obligation
which demands reverence and respect. It becomes you, therefore, from the present hour, to honor
our principles by an unblemished course of conduct, whereby you will reflect credit upon your
own character as a man, and add to the dignity and stability of an Order with whose progress
your own interests are now associated.
I shall now proceed to make you acquainted with the Grip, Word, and Signs o the Order.
The Grip of a Forester is given thus ....
Here the C.R. shall give the Grip.
It is intended as a memorial of the dependence upon each other of our first parents, who, when
expelled from the Garden of Eden, through the sin of disobedience, became, in more than a
figurative sense, the first Foresters; the wilderness of the world before them, with all its dangers,
difficulties and temptations. We are taught by this to recognize the duty of walking hand in hand
through the forest of this life, and of helping each other to surmount its struggles, and to bear up
under its disappointments.
The Word of a Forester is symbolized in the letter S * * * and points to it. The three colors,
Scarlet, Gold and Lincoln Green, typify the virtues inherent in Forestry, namely, Unity,
Benevolence, and Concord, and the letter stands for the word of a Forester, which is the corner
stone on which the whole structure is reared. The Word is .... It expresses the active interest we
take in the welfare of our brethren, and our readiness to share their burdens and relieve their
distresses. It is the same the world over, and is never changed. *.
The Salutation Sign of a Forester is given thus, ....
The Woodwards will here takes one step backward, and after the sign has been exemplified, they
will resume their position near the Candidate.
C.R.: It is emblematic of the act of our first parent, Eve, in plucking, eating and offering to Adam
the forbidden fruit, and is intended to remind us of the duty of obedience and submission, and the
penalties of transgression.
It shall be imperative upon the C.R. to give the correct sign.
The Password for the current quarter, which is always given in a whisper, accompanied by the
Grip, thus, is ....
The C.R. will here give to the Candidate the current quarterly Password.
C.R.: In addition to the Salutation Sign, and Grip, we have other Signs of Recognition with
which I will now acquaint you. Should you at any time when among strangers, desire to ascertain
if there is a brother Forester present or near you, you are at liberty to make this sign, .... Should
your challenge be recognised by an Ancient Forester, he will answer you thus, .... You will then
advance toward each other, when you will say to him, ...? He will respond, .... You will then ask
him, ...? He will reply ..., and extend his hand, which you will accept and permit him to give you
the grip of a Forester, which, if correct, you will return.
16
C.R.: I now present you with a copy of the General Laws, also the By-laws of this Court, which I
trust you will study carefully, so as to be conversant with the Laws of the Order.
I will exemplify this work with the Sub-Chief Ranger, for your benefit.
The C.R. leaves dais, and he and S.C.R . stand in front of the Candidate and exemplify the work.
C.R.: You will notice that the sentences begin with U., B., C. and S., which refer to the three
virtues of the Order, and the symbolic letter S. Worthy Sub-Chief Ranger, you will invest the
Brother with the apron and teach him its symbolism.
S.C.R., facing Candidate and holding the apron before him: As the Grip in which you were
heretofore instructed is a symbol of the dependence upon each other of our first parents, and the
Salutation Sign reminds us of the penalties of transgressing the commands of the Divine Creator,
so is the apron, with which I am now about to invest you, symbolical of the aprons of fig-leaves
with which Adam and Eve clothed themselves when the sin of transgression made them self-
conscious of their nakedness. The apron is in the shape of an inverted triangle, and is formed of
four lesser triangles. Those on the corners in Scarlet, Gold, and Lincoln Green represent the
virtues of Unity, Benevolence and Concord, while the triangle in the centre contains the
symbolic letter S in gold upon white or silver field. This apron you will wear only in the Court-
room. Its symbolism will ever remind you of the obligations you have taken, and that, as a
Forester, we expect you so to conduct yourself that no reproach may be brought upon the Order,
and no contempt upon yourself.
Invests the Candidate with the apron.
From this point the ceremony may he concluded by some Past Chief Ranger or superior Officer
who is present, provided always, the Chief Ranger is disposed to depute such duty to another.
C.R.: Brother, you have been invested with the apron of Forestry and are now admitted as a
member of our Society, and entitled to the privileges of the Order. On behalf of this Court I offer
you, then, the right hand of fellowship.
Here repeat the Grip.
C.R.: From you we expect in return, a ready compliance with our customs, and an honest
obedience to our laws. We are united together, not only for the wise purpose of making provision
against those misfortunes which befall all men, and of assisting those who require our aid, but for
the moderate enjoyment of friendly intercourse, and the temperate interchange of social feeling.
We look, therefore, to find exemplified in you a strict regard for all the obligations of life: that
you should be charitable in judgment, forbearing in temper, and lenient in condemnation:
knowing that, in return, these qualities will draw forth our esteem and awaken our regard. We
encourage no excess in our meetings, and enforcing no creed in religion, or code in politics, we
permit neither wrangling nor dissension to mar our harmony, or interrupt our proceedings. In
your outward acts and dealings as a Forester, we expect you to be sober, upright and
conscientious: willing to help, ready to relieve, obedient to the laws of our country, and respected
in the circles in which you move. In your domestic relationship we look to find you: if a
husband, affectionate and trustful: if a father, regardful of the moral and material well being of
your children and dependents: as a son, dutiful and exemplary, and as a friend, steadfast and true.
17
These qualities will command the admiration of mankind, and in you, as a member of our
Society, they will dignify our Order, consolidate its power, and extend its benign influence.
We welcome you among us, then, upon the principles of Unity, Benevolence and Concord, and
we trust that in your future course through life you will be impressed with a due sense of the
expectations we have formed of you, and of those duties and obligations which it should be the
aim of every member of the Order to recognize and fulfill.
Worthy Sub-Chief Ranger, you will now conduct the brother to the worthy Junior Past Chief
Ranger for further instruction and examination.
The S.C R. and Woodwards will then proceed with the Candidate to they P.C.R., the S.C.R.
saying: Worthy Junior Past Chief Ranger, by direction of our worthy Chief Ranger, I herewith
present to you Brother ... for further instruction and examination.
J.P.C.R.: Brother, I will now examine you in the Salutation Sign, Recognition Sign, Countersign,
Grip, Word, and Password.
Thus having been done, the J.P.C.R. proceeds: In addition to these, we have Signs and Signals of
Distress, in which I will now instruct you. Should you be in danger or distress, and need the help
of a Brother Forester, you may use the Distress Sign, which is made by .... The answer to this
sign is made by .... Should you be unable to attract attention by the use of this sign, you may use
these words, .... Should this sign be observed, or these words be heard and understood by a true
Ancient Forester, he will answer you either by sign or in these words, ..., and immediately go to
your assistance. Should your attention at any time be attracted by this sign or these words I
charge you in the name of friendship and Forestry, go quickly to the assistance of your brother in
danger, and render him such aid as may be within your power.
I will now instruct you how to enter or retire from the Court while in session.
You will advance to the inner door and give * * * * , and to the Senior Beadle give the
Password for the current quarters you will then enter the room and advance to the centre and
salute the Chief Ranger, giving the Salutation Sign, thus ..., using the words Worthy Chief
Ranger and if correct, he will answer it, and you will be at liberty to take your seat. If you wish
to retire before the Court is duly closed, you must salute the Chief Ranger in the same manner as
on entering.
The Voting Sign of a Forester is given thus, ....
I will also exemplify to you the use of the Gavel, the symbol of authority. One Rap (*) calls the
Court to attention, or seats it when standing. Two Raps are for the Officers to assume a standing
position (* * Officers arise). Three Raps will summon the whole Court to arise (* * *, Court
arises and remains standing until the Candidate has left the room.)
With the various tests now in your possession, you will experience no difficulty in proving
yourself an Ancient Forester, or in gaining admission into a Court of Ancient Forestry.
The Woodwards will accompany the S.C.R. and the Candidate as far as the portal, and then
return to their stations.
The new brother having been instructed by the S.C.R. in the ante-room, the caution being taken
that no strangers are present or within hearing, he will give the usual alarm, etc. for admission.
18
On being admitted, he will salute the C.R. and remain standing at the altar in the centre of the
room. The S.C.R. will be admitted at the same time the Candidate is and follow a few paces in
the rear, and slightly towards the left of the latter, saluting the C.R. at the same time as the
Candidate. The S.C.R. will then proceed to the right side of the Candidate, and thus remain until
the circle is formed.
Ode
Tune: God Save the King.
Brothers I have nought to fear
True honors court is here,
Love, truth and joy!
Benevlence here abounds,
Concord our evening crowns,
While every heart resounds,
God bless our cause.
S.C.R.: My brother! We are not associated here merely to glorify and do honor to each other, but
to cement still firmer our fraternal relations, and so unite our influence, that while our social
pleasures are increased, and our individual security against adversity augmented, we may also
exert a combined influence in elevating the character and exalting the dignity of the human race.
In your intercourse with us, remember that brotherly love is the pervading spirit of our
institution. In discussion, let your language be temperate; in demeanor, let your conduct be
respectful. Let your whole deportment be an example of moderation and good behaviour,
without which no institution can permanently prosper; and in the fraternal interchange of deeds
and sympathies, may we ever have cause to look upon you as a true Ancient Forester, standing
among us and walking before the world with all the excellence of an upright man.
The J.P.C.R. and the C.R. will here enter the circle.
J.P.C.R.: This circle which surrounds us is a type of our endless bond of brotherhood. Now let us
add our new brother to our fraternal circle, placing the new brother in the circle line with the
other members, directly opposite the J.P.C.R.s chair, with the hope that be will remain faithful
to all our obligations on his journey with us through the forest of life.
Response by the officers: Be faithful!
C.R.: This is our fraternal circle, and I cannot look upon these goodly pillars, and doubt the
stability of our noble Order. Brothers: Let our emulation be: Who shall prove the most upright
pillar, the staunchest support and the brightest ornament in our Forestric band!
Response by all: So let us strive!
Welcome Ode
Tune: Nettleton, 8s and 7s.
Welcome, brothers, welcome ever,
To our Court in Friendships name;
Here we greet you kindly, brother,
19
Trusting you will do the same.
All our hopes are one in union

All our strength may we unite;
Then let us meet in sweet communion,
Ready ever to do right
Here we meet in joy and gladness

May we always happy be,
Free from sorrow, grief and sadness,
In the bonds of Unity.
May our Order always prosper;

Grow in strength and common sense
Help the sick, that none may suffer
While we have Benevolence
May our Courts prove always blessings,

To each brother thus afford
Peace instead of wanst distressing,
While we dwell in sweet Concord.
During the singing of the Ode, the Officers of the Court in the following order, viz , J.P.C.R.,
C.R., S.C.R., Treasurer, Secretary, S.W., J.W., and S.B., followed by visiting Officials will march
pass the new member, each one extending his hand, giving the new member the Grip of a
Forester and expressing a welcome greeting to him. The Officers and visiting officials, after
greeting the candidate, will proceed to their respective stations in the foregoing order, and
remain standing until the singing of the Ode is finished; the circle of the members of the Court
meanwhile remaining intact. The ceremony having been concluded, all the members and visitors
will remain standing, while the C.R. proceeds as follows:
Foresters Fire (nine only)
C.R: Brethren: The ceremony of Initiation having been concluded, you will please become
seated, and resume the business of the Court. *.
20
Ritual of the Independent Order of Foresters for

Subordinate Lodges
Canada, 1986
General Instructions
Presiding Officer: In the absence of the C.R., the Junior P.C.R. shall preside; if the
Junior P.C.R. be absent, then the P.C.R. present who was most recently the C.R. shall
preside; if no P.C.R. be present, then the V.C.R. shall preside; and if the V.C.R. be
absent, the officer of the Court who is next highest in rank shall preside. If no officer
of the Court be present, and providing there is a quorum of five beneficiary members,
any member may call the Court to Order, and a Chief Ranger pro tem. be chosen,
who shall preside until an officer of the Court arrives.
Absent Officers: In the case of officers being absent the Presiding Officer shall fill the
chairs by pro tem. appointments from the members of the Court. Whenever a regular
officer arrives he shall take his chair.
Voting: The Presiding Officer shall not be entitled to vote when the voting is by sign
vote, but shall give the casting vote on such occasions in the event of a tie. When the
voting is by ballot the Presiding Officer shall cast his ballot the same as the other
members, and shall not in that case be entitled to give the casting vote in the event of
a tie. In case of a tie in the election of an officer or a delegate a new ballot shall be
taken. In other cases the motion is lost.
Balloting: If a ballot is necessary, the procedure shall be as follows: the CR. shall
instruct the S.W. to prepare the ballot-box. The C.R. shall then appoint 2 Tellers and
the V.C.R. shall appoint 1. The C.R. will then say to the Court, We are about to
ballot on ...
The S.W. will then present the ballot-box to the V.C.R., and the Tellers who will
inspect it to see that there are no ballots in the compartment into which the ballots are
to be cast; it will then be presented to the CR., who will also inspect it, and, close the
box. The S.W. will then place the ballot-box on the pedestal and return to his station.
The C.R. will then direct the members to vote, one at a time. When all have voted who
wish, the C.R. will say, Have all voted who wish? If so, I declare the balloting
closed. The Tellers shall count the ballots and report the number of legal votes cast
and the number of spoiled ballots. The presiding officer shall then declare the results.
The black * * * indicate the number of raps of the Gavel to be given by the Officers
for calling up, seating, or calling the Court to order; in certain cases they also
indicate the knocks to be given on the inner door of the Court room. Three raps of the
21
Gavel call up the whole court; two raps seat the Court; one rap calls to order; in the
hands of the V.C.R. one rap calls to order and two raps is a signal to the Senior
Beadle to attend to any alarm.
In the Ritual, wherever the masculine or singular form is used it may be transposed
into the feminine or plural form. When necessary the word Companion may be
substituted for the word Brother.
Opening Ceremony
C.R., *: I am about to open Court ... No. ... for business: if there are any persons
present who are not members of the Court, or otherwise entitled to be present, will
they please retire.
The Officers will assume their accustomed stations in the Court.
I appoint ... pro tem., respectively to the vacant offices.
The Woodwards will see that all present are entitled to a seat in the Court and report
to the Vice Chief Ranger.
The Woodwards will report to the V.C.R.
V.C.R.: Chief Ranger, all present are entitled to a seat in the Court.
C.R.: Brethren, all present being recognized, I request your assistance in opening this
Court. * * *
C.R.: Vice Chief Ranger, officers and members, I welcome you to this meeting and
urge you to give your careful attention and best judgment to such matters as may be
submitted for consideration. Keep in mind that we are gathered to advance the welfare
of our Order by the practice of its principles at all times. Let us seek the opportunity to
be of service to others by protecting their liberty and treating them with tolerance,
understanding and justice. May we be moderate in all things and strive to promote
concord among our fellowmen regardless of creed or nationality.
C.R.: We will sing one verse of the National Anthem. This may be omitted at the
discretion ol the C.R.
C.R.: Will the Woodwards please present the colors. This may be omitted at the
discretion of the C.R.
C.R.: The Orator will now deliver the invocation. * * *
Orator: Great and Merciful God, we humbly invoke Thy blessings not only upon the
members of this Court but upon Thy people everywhere. Incline our hearts to do Thy
will; teach us to be wise, moderate and just in all our actions and courteous and
forgiving to one another. Inspire us to make truth, justice and charity, the foundation
of all our acts; and to Thee be ascribed all the glory and praise, now and evermore.
All members: Amen.
V.C.R.: All present will join me in saluting our Chief Ranger. Left hand over heart
with the left foot slightly advanced.
22
C.R.: I now declare this Court duly and legally opened for the transaction of
business. * *
Order of Business
1. C.R.: Recording Secretary call the roll of Officers.
2. The Chief Ranger will welcome any visiting dignitaries and invite them to a seat on
the dais.
3. Minutes of previous meeting. C.R.: Recording Secretary, please read the Minutes of
the previous meeting.
4. Communications. C.R.: Are there any communications?
5. Report on Applications for Membership. C.R.: Are there any application(s) for
membership?
(Recording Secretary reads names of applicants.)
6. C.R.: Will the Court deal with the application(s) by standing vote?
(If open vote is approved, C R. will say: All those who are in favor of these
applicants being admitted to membership in this Court please stand ... Contrary if
any)
7. Initiation.
If the applicants are waiting the Initiation ceremony will now be proceeded with.
8. Bills or Accounts. C.R.: Are there any bills or accounts?
9. Treasurers Report.
10. Reports of other Officers as occasion requires.
11. Reports of Committees.
(Under this order of business the Court Committee, the Sick Committee, Finance
Committee, Special Auditing Committee and all other special committees will report
when occasion requires.)
12. Election of Officers (the C.R. may invite a visitor of rank to preside.)
13. Installation of Officers.
14. Unfinished and General Business.
15. New Business.
16. Good and Welfare.
(Remarks by visiting dignitaries and announcements.)
17. Closing Ceremony.
C.R.: We have concluded the business of this meeting. I thank you for your attention
and assistance and I look forward with pleasure to our next meeting which I trust you
will attend.
The Orator will invoke the divine blessing. * * *
Orator: Great and Merciful God, we bow again in humble submission before Thee.
We implore Thy direction and blessing upon all our efforts to advance the principles
of our Order, and we earnestly beseech Thee to grant to all Foresters, but especially to
23
all members of this Court, wisdom and strength to walk in the paths of peace, virtue,
and morality. Guide our footsteps in safety to our homes, through the journey of life
ever lead us, and finally, through Thy infinite mercy, bring us to Thy Heavenly Court
above, and to Thy Holy Name be all the glory and praise now and evermore. Amen.
C.R.: Will the Woodwards please retire the colors. (Again this may be omitted).
V.C.R.: Brethren, join me in saluting our Chief Ranger.
C.R.: I now declare the Court duly and legally closed. *
Initiation Ceremony
C.R.: Will all members who are here for initiation please retire to the ante-room.
C.R., *: Senior Woodward, retire to the ante-room, and if there are any candidates
awaiting initiation, please report their names to the Court.
S.W.: Chief Ranger, I find awaiting initiation ...
C.R.: Recording Secretary, (have) the candidate(s) been duly proposed and regularly
elected for membership in our Order, and conformed with all other requirements of
the Constitution and Laws, rules, and usages of the Order?
R.S.: Chief Ranger, all requirements have been met.
(In case one or more of the candidates have not complied with the requirements, his
or their initiation will be postponed, and the others who have qualified may be
initiated.)
(If the Court has a Guard of Honour, the guard should retire with the Woodwards and
stay with the Woodwards and candidates during initiatory ceremony.)
C.R.: The Senior and Junior Woodwards will retire to the ante-room to prepare and
introduce the candidates.
J.B.: * * *
S.B.: Vice Chief Ranger, there is an alarm at our inner door.
V.C.R.: Ascertain the cause thereof.
S.B., * * *, opening door: Who comes?
J.B.: The candidates under escort of the Woodwards, seek admission to the Court to
obtain the benefit of initiation into our great Order.
S.B.: Vice Chief Ranger, the alarm was given by the Senior Woodward who asks for
the admission of the candidates for Initiation.
V.C.R.: Chief Ranger, the candidates under escort of the Woodwards seek admission
for Initiation.
C.R.: Admit them.
V.C.R.: Senior Beadle, by command of the Chief Ranger, you will admit the
Woodwards and direct them to conduct the candidates to the Chief Ranger.
S.B., * * *:, opening door: Senior Woodward, you are permitted to enter the Court
with the candidates whom you will present to the Chief Ranger.
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The Senior Beadle opens wide the door and the Woodwards with the candidates
march slowly around the Court to the station of the Chief Ranger
C.R.: My friends I extend to you a cordial welcome into our Court. In order that you
may know of our history and purpose I will now instruct the Senior Woodward to
escort you to the Past Chief Ranger who will address you.
The candidates will be conducted to the P.C.R the S.W. proceeding as follows.
S.W.: Past Chief Ranger, by direction of the Chief Ranger I present these candidates
for instruction.
P.C.R.: My Friends our Motto consists of the words, Liberty, Benevolence and
Concord, which are represented by the letters, L. B. and C.
LIBERTY is used by Independent Foresters in its best and noblest sense. The Order
recognizes the right of its members to enjoy freedom in all things. It does not assume
to judge between creeds, but accords to everyone civil and religious liberty, so sacred
to all.
The second word of our Motto: BENEVOLENCE brings before us our responsibilities
to our neighbours. It seeks to broaden our minds and to enlarge our sympathies, to
widen the circle of our friends and to free us from the confining influences of
selfishness.
The last word of our Motto: CONCORD suggests to all Independent Foresters the
imperative duty we owe to our beloved Order to zealously promote within our
fraternal circle that mutual respect which begets Concord in all our acts.
You will now be conducted to the Vice Chief Ranger for further instruction.
The Woodwards will conduct the candidates around the Court once, halting before
the V.C.R.
S.W.: Vice Chief Ranger, I present the candidate(s) for further instruction.
V.C.R.: I will now explain briefly the origin and objects of The Independent Order of
Foresters.
As to its Origin
Forestry was suggested by the romantic and historic story of Robin Hood and his
Merrie Men of Sherwood Forest. In the twelfth century these men banded themselves
together for mutual aid and protection. There in the forest they practised their Swain
Motes, and shared the joys and sorrows incident to the life of every one. Though
centuries have passed since their time, their deeds of bravery, their skill in Forestry,
and their acts of charity are still the theme of many a song and story. The simile is
this, The Forest was their world, to-day the world is our Forest.
Qualifications of Membership
Moral courage, physical fitness, and stability of character were their essential
qualifications. The aims and objects of our Order are also in a measure akin to theirs,
to assist each other in health and sickness, and to provide for our loved ones when the
axe of time shall fall in our Forest.
Our Aims and Objects
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From time immemorial this world has been likened unto a Forest. As every tree in the
Forest has its own particular sphere of usefulness, I would urge you as Foresters
journeying through the Forest of Life to leave a trail of kindly deeds, and charitable
acts, so that when it shall please the Supreme Ruler of the Universe to summon you to
the Heavenly Court above, you may prove worthy to hear the words: Well done, thou
good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of thy Lord.
The Woodwards will now conduct you to the pedestal for obligation.
The Woodwards will conduct the candidates around the Court, hailing below the
pedestal facing the C.R.
S.W.: Chief Ranger, the candidates are at the pedestal to take the obligation.
C.R., * * *: Let the circle of concord be formed.
All members will form a circle surrounding the candidates , Woodwards and Orator,
who will give the Obligation.
C.R.: My Friends, membership in The Independent Order of Foresters is entirely
voluntary, its principles are to believe in the existence of God, to cherish and protect
each other in every laudable purpose and undertaking, to visit the sick and attend to
their wants, and to constrain no one in his political or religious convictions. Thus, you
see, the Brotherhood of God and the brotherhood of man is the foundation upon which
the Order is established, and the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would they
should do unto you, is the standard of all our actions.
C.R.: The Orator, Brother ...,will now ask you to pledge your observance and loyalty
to our Order and its principles. This pledge contains nothing of a secretive nature and
does not conflict in any way or manner with any duty you may owe to your religion,
your country, your family or to yourself. Are you willing to make such a pledge?
The Orator will administer the pledge * * *.
Orator: My friends, place your right hand over your heart as a token of your sincerity
and answer the following questions by saying, I do.
1. Do you believe in God, the Creator and Ruler of our Universe?
2. Do you promise to give true allegiance to the Supreme Court of our Order and to be
governed by its Constitution and Laws, its rules and usages now in force and any
which may hereafter be enacted or established?
3. Do you agree for (yourself) (yourselves) and on behalf of your beneficiaries that in
the event of your ceasing at any time to be (a member) (members) in good standing of
the Order (as defined in the constitution and laws of the Order) all your rights, title or
claim to or interest in any property, funds, privileges or benefits either of this Court,
the High Court or the Supreme Court of The Independent Order of Foresters shall
thereby terminate and become null and void?
4. Do you promise to do your best at all times to be a good member of society in
general, honoring all forms of government properly created by the will of the people
and to render true allegiance to the laws of the land?
5. Lastly, do you promise to do your best to alleviate the needs and protect the honor
26
of every member, and to advance the welfare of this Order?

C.R. * *. All return to their seats except the Woodwards and candidates.
C.R. *: The Woodwards will present the candidates to the Vice Chief Ranger for
instruction in Private Work.
S.W.: Vice Chief Ranger, the candidates ... are before you for instruction in the Private
Work of the Order.
V.C.R.: My friends, I congratulate you upon being admitted as members of this court.
Having taken our obligation, we are about to entrust you with the private work. It is
divided into three sections, the first of which describes our signs, passwords, grip, and
the use of the gavel as follows:
V.C.R. will then demonstrate.
First Section
The First Sign is called the Entersign, and is given thus: Left Hand Over Heart.
The Countersign, or answer to it, is given by the Chief Ranger or Past Chief Ranger in
a like manner.
The Sign of Recognition is given thus: Draw Fingers of Left Hand Across Your
Forehead.
The Sign of Distress is given thus: Raise Your Right Arm Straight Up Above Your
Shoulder, Palm Of Hand Open And Outwards.
The Countersign, or answer to it, is given thus: In Same Manner With Left Hand.
The Words of Distress are as follows: Will No One Help Me.
The Token is given thus: Raise Your Right Arm, Palm of Hand Outwards Bending
Arm At Elbow And Bringing Up Close To Side With Tips Of Fingers At Level With
Shoulder.
The Voting Sign is given thus: Raise Your Right Hand in Front Of your Face, Palm
Inwards And Ten Inches From Your Face. When you are requested to give this sign in
voting you will Look Into The Palm Of Your Hand signifying that you make your
decision with an open and unbiased mind.
The Grip is given in this manner: Clasp Hands As In Ordinary Clasp But With Point
Of Index Finger Placed Lightly Upon The Pulse Of The Member You Are Greeting,
(indicating that the hearts of all Foresters should beat in unison.)
In the hands of the Chief Ranger, three raps * * * of the gavel call up the whole Court;
two raps * * seat the Court; one rap * calls to order.
In the hands of the V.C.R. one rap * calls to order and two raps * * is a signal to the
S.B. to attend to any alarm that may be given.
The Woodwards will conduct you to the Orator, who will instruct you in the Second
and Third Sections.
Second Section
S.W.: Orator, by command of the Vice Chief Ranger, I present the candidate(s) for
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instruction in the Second and Third Sections.

Orator: To enter a Court while in session, proceed as follows: At the outer door give
any usual alarm. This will admit you to the ante-room. There clothe yourself in the
proper regalia. At the inner door give * * and to the officer in charge give the
permanent Password Liberty. This will admit you to the Court. Advance to the centre
of the Court, below the Pedestal, and, facing the Past Chief Ranger, give the
Entersign. He will answer you by giving the Countersign, when you will take your
seat.
If not in order for you to be admitted at the moment of giving alarm at the inner door,
(and it is not in order for you to be admitted during the Opening, Closing, or Initiatory
Ceremony) the Senior Beadle will answer your alarm by giving * on the door, in
which case you will wait; and when the ceremony for which you are thus detained is
completed, the Senior Beadle will give * * on the door, when you will be admitted on
your giving the proper Password.
If you desire to, address the Court, rise, face the presiding officer and raise your right
arm, bent at the elbow, and say, Chief Ranger. When you are acknowledged,
proceed with your remarks.
If you desire to retire before the Court is closed, proceed in the same form.
Third Section
The Honors given to Visitors of Rank are as follows: To Chief Rangers and Past Chief
Rangers, thus: Left Hand Over Heart And Left Foot Slightly Advanced.
To an Officer of a High Court thus: Left Hand Over Heart And Old Entersign Given
thus: the Old Entersign is given by placing the tips of the fingers of the right hand
touching the right shoulder with the elbow extended level to the shoulder.
To an Officer of the Supreme Court other than the Supreme Chief Ranger thus:
Interlock Fingers Of Both Hands In Front Of Body In Form Of a C representing The
Circle of Concord. Bring The Hands Together Locked Up Over Your Head In The
Form Of an A representing The Act Of Benevolence And Then Drop Your Arms
Quickly By Your Side, Signifying That They Are Again At Liberty.
To the Supreme Chief Ranger the Royal Salute, thus: The same salute is given, but is
repeated twice and the Hands Are Brought Down With Some Force At Your Side.
The Woodwards will conduct you to the Chief Ranger.
S.W.: Chief Ranger, the candidates have been instructed in the proper Signs of the
Order and are before you for the final act of reception.
C.R.: Brother(s), Companion(s), I am now authorized to address you by that term, and
in Liberty, Benevolence and Concord extend to you a hearty welcome into our Order.
You have bound yourself / yourselves to us by a tie which all upright persons respect;
it becomes you, from the present hour, to follow our principles by leading an
honorable life, whereby you will reflect credit upon the Order with whose progress
and prosperity your interests are now identified.
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I now take pleasure in presenting to you your membership pins bearing the colors of
this degree. I trust that each of you will wear it with dignity and with credit to Court ...
No. ...of The Independent Order of Foresters. * * *
If membership pin was presented with certificate this paragraph may be omitted.
Now by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Laws of the Order, I
proclaim each of you a Forester, entitled to all the rights and privileges of membership
in The Independent Order of Foresters.
Foresters join with me in extending a cordial greeting to our newly initiated
member(s). * *
Applause is permitted.
The Chief Ranger may declare a short intermission to welcome the new member(s).
Installation Ceremony
The Officers who are entitled to install are: Supreme Chief Ranger, Elective Officers
of the Supreme Court, Past Elective Officers of the Supreme Court, a High Chief
Ranger, the members of any High Standing Committee and the Past Elective Officers
of any High Court within its own High Court jurisdiction, Court Deputies and District
Deputies commissioned by the Supreme Chief Ranger The officer conducting the
Ceremony of Installation shall at all times during the ceremony be addressed by his
proper title, as Supreme Chief Ranger, High Chief Ranger, etc., as the case may be. In
public Installations, employ four raps for calling up and three for seating the Court
The High Chief Ranger or other Installing Officer will proceed as follows:
H.C.R.: Chief Ranger, your officers having been constitutionally elected, and the
Court having made the necessary reports and remittances to the Supreme Court and to
the High Court, it is my pleasure that the Installation of the officers-elect be
proceeded with; for which purpose you will direct the present officers to vacate their
respective stations.
C.R.: Officers of Court ..., No. ..., by command of the High Chief Ranger, I direct you
to relinquish your stations so that your successors in office may be duly installed.
H.C.R.: Chief Ranger, in recognition of your eminent services, it is my desire that, on
this occasion, you occupy the post of honor upon my right as Junior Past Chief Ranger
of the Court.
If the C.R has been re-elected, then the above will be addressed to the P.C R. who
shall be requested, to occupy this position at the dais after the C.R. has been
conducted to the pedestal. The Installing Officer will then appoint a High Marshal
and Conductor or Conductress, as the case may be. The H.M. and H.C. will arrange
the Regalia.
H.C.R., *: The High Secretary (or Officer appointed by I.O.) will call the roll of the
officers to be installed. These officers will remain standing until they are escorted to
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the pedestal to receive the obligation.

The High Marshal and Conductor will suitably arrange the officers to be installed just
below the pedestal facing the presiding officer.
H.M.: High Chief Ranger, the officers to be installed are at the pedestal ready to take
the Obligation of office.
H.C.R., * * *: Each of you will say I, pronounce your name in full, and repeat after
me the
Obligation of Office
I, (name in full), in the presence of these witnesses, / do most solemnly and sincerely /
promise and declare / that I will, / to the best of my knowledge and ability, / honestly
and faithfully perform / the duties of the office / to which I have been elected or
appointed.
I will act with strict impartiality / in all matters connected with my office, / and see
that all members have their just dues. / I will enforce / the Constitution and Laws / the
Rules and Regulations / and the Ritual of the Order / and be governed by the same. / I
will pay due respect and obedience / to my superiors, / and treat with kindness and
consideration / those who are my subordinates in office. / I further promise and
declare / that I will safely keep and preserve / the Charter / books / papers / regalia /
all other property and effects, / and the funds of this Court, / and of the Order, / which
may come into my possession or custody, / and use them / solely for the benefit / of
The Independent Order of Foresters. / At the close of my term of office, / I will safely
transfer / and deliver them / to my successor in office, / or at any time / upon the
demand of the Supreme Chief Ranger, / to him personally, / or to anyone whom he
may designate / to receive the same.
For the faithful observance / of each and all of these several promises, / I pledge my
most sacred honor. * *
The officers just obligated will remain standing below the pedestal, and the High
Marshal will present them to the H.C.R. for investiture, in the following order:
Trustees and Members of the Finance Committee
H.M.: High Chief Ranger, I present to you the Trustees and Members of the Finance
Committee for installation.
H.C.R.: (Brother) Trustees you have been elected by the Court to be the Trustees for
all the property of the Court, together with the Chief Ranger, Vice Chief Ranger and
Recording Secretary. I am persuaded that you will so discharge all of your duties as to
merit the still further confidence of your court.
H.C.R.: (Brother) Finance Committee Officers, you shall examine all bills or accounts
presented and report upon their regularity and correctness.
At the close of each quarter or at any other time when ordered by the Court, you shall
audit the books of the Financial Officers of the Court and report the result in writing;
Such report shall include a duly prepared income statement for the preceding period
30
and a balance sheet.

The High Marshal will now invest each of you with your badge of Office, and the
High Conductor will escort you to your respective post, where you will at once enter
upon the discharge of your duties.
Beadles
H.M.: High Chief Ranger, I present to you the Senior and Junior Beadle for
installation.
H.C.R.: (Brother) Senior and Junior Beadles, you will faithfully guard the doors, and
allow no one to enter the Court Room without permission of the Chief Ranger unless
the proper passwords are given; and in all things strive to promote the welfare and
harmony of your Court.
The High Marshal will now invest each of you with your badge of office, and the
High Conductor will escort you to your respective post, where you will at once enter
upon the discharge of your duties.
Woodwards
H.M.: High Chief Ranger, the Woodwards are before you for installation.
H.C.R.: (Brother) Senior and Junior Woodwards, it will be your duty to see that all
present at the opening of the Court are entitled to a seat in the Court, to visit the sick
and attend to their wants. You shall take charge of and carefully keep all the property
of the Court, and at the end of your term of office hand the same over to your
successors in office; and perform such other lawful duties as may be ordered by the
Chief Ranger, or by the Court.
The High Marshal will now invest each of you with your badge of office, and the
High Conductor will escort you to your stations in the Court to enter upon the
discharge of your duties.
Organist
H.M.: High Chief Ranger, I present to you the Organist for installation.
H.C.R.: (Brother) Organist, you are to superintend and conduct the musical services of
the Court, and perform such other duties as may be assigned to you by the Court.
Yours is an important position in the Court, for by the proper performance of the
functions of your office, you can add materially to the effectiveness of the ceremonies
and the interest and pleasure of the meetings.
The High Marshal will now invest you with your badge of office, and the High
Conductor will escort you to your station in the Court.
Promotor of Junior Work, Promotor of Fraternal and Social Work
H.M.: High Chief Ranger, I now present to you the Promoter of Junior Work and the
Promoter of Fraternal and Social Work for installation.
H.C.R.: (Brother) Promoter of Junior Work, the department assigned to you is
deserving of your best energies. I trust that during your term of office we shall have
flourishing Junior activities under your care and promotion.
(Brother) Promoter of Fraternal and Social Work, it will be your duty to design
31
Fraternal and Social programs that will uphold the dignity of the Court and assist in
fulfillment of its purpose.
The High Marshal will now invest each of you with the badge of your office, and the
High Conductor will escort you to your respective station in the Court.
Orator
H.M.: High Chief Ranger, I now present to you the Orator for installation into office.
H.C.R.: (Brother) Orator, you have been chosen to fill an honorable position in the
Court. I trust you will always perform the duties of your office with due solemnity and
dignity; and that our humble prayers, to our Creator, will be rendered by you, with all
reverence and devoutness.
The High Marshal will now invest you with the badge of your office, and the High
Conductor will escort you to your station in the Court.
Public Relations Officer
H.M.: High Chief Ranger, I now present to you the Public Relations Officers for
installation and presentation of his commission.
H.C.R.: (Brother) ..., upon the recommendation of this Court, you have been selected
to be commissioned as the Public Relations Officer. Your duties will be to provide
maximum public awareness of Court activities, submit all reports required and
perform such other duties as the Court may require. The proper public recognition of
the fraternal and community activities of this Court will rest upon the diligent
performance of the functions of your office.
The High Marshall will now invest you with your badge of office, following which
you will be conducted to your station in the Court by the High Conductor.
Treasurer, and Financial Secretary
H.M.: High Chief Ranger, I now present to you the Treasurer and the Financial
Secretary for installation.
H.C.R.: (Brother) Treasurer, your duties are to maintain such books and records as
required by the constituted authorities of the Order and to safely keep the funds of this
Court, and to pay all legal orders drawn upon you out of such funds. The great
importance and responsibility of the office you have assumed will always admonish
you to hold untarnished the honor you have just pledged to the Court.
(Brother) Financial Secretary, it will be your duty to keep accurate accounts as
requested by the Court and pay over to the Treasurer any funds in your hands, taking
his receipt for the same; you shall also perform such other duties assigned to you by
the Chief Ranger or by the Court.
The High Marshal will now invest each of you with the badge of your office, after
which the High Conductor will escort you to your stations in the Court. (You will
enter upon the discharge of your duties as soon as you shall have given the bonds
required by the Court.)
Recording Secretary
H.M.: High Chief Ranger, I now have pleasure in presenting the Recording Secretary
32
for installation.
H.C.R.: (Brother) Recording Secretary, you will keep accurate minutes of all meetings
of this Court; you will conduct all the correspondence of the Court and make true and
correct reports to the Supreme Court and to the High Court; you will read to the Court
at each meeting all communications received from the Supreme Court or the High
Court since the last meeting; sign all orders voted by the Court and none other, unless
otherwise provided for in the Constitution and Laws of the Order; and perform such
other lawful duties as may be ordered by the Chief Ranger or by the Court.
Conductor will escort you to your station in the Court, and you will at once enter upon
the discharge of the duties of your office.
Vice Chief Ranger
H.M.: High Chief Ranger, I have pleasure in presenting to you the Vice Chief Ranger
for installation.
H.C.R.: (Brother) Vice Chief Ranger, it will be your duty to aid in preserving order;
and in the absence of the Chief Ranger and the Past Chief Rangers of the Court, to
perform to the best of your ability, the duties of. presiding officer; and to strive by all
lawful means to advance the welfare of the Court. You will perform such other lawful
duties as may be required of you by the Constitution and Laws of the Order, or by the
Court.
Conductor will escort you to your station in the Court to enter upon the discharge of
your duties.
Past Chief Ranger
H.C.R.: (Brother) Junior Past Chief Ranger, it affords me much pleasure to have the
privilege of decorating you with this badge of honor. May this Court and the Order
long enjoy the benefits of your wise counsel and experience. You will now be
escorted by the High Conductor to your post.
Court Deputy
H.M.: High Chief Ranger, I have now the honor to present to you for investiture with
the badge of his office, Brother ..., who has been commissioned as Court Deputy of
this Court.
H.C.R.: (Brother) ..., you have been recommended to the most honorable position in
the Court. It is your duty to exercise a general supervision over the work of the Court;
to give decisions on points of law whenever an appeal is made to you; to enforce a
strict adherence to the requirements of the Constitution and Laws, Rules and
Regulations of the Order; to install the officers of this Court in the absence of superior
officers; and to perform such other duties as may be required of you by the
Constitution and Laws, or by the constituted authorities of the Order. I have every
confidence that you will discharge the duties of your office faithfully and efficiently.
I now invest you with the badge of your office, and your Commission which has been
33
duly signed. You will now take your seat on the left of the Chief Rangers chair and
will enter upon the discharge of your duties.
Chief Ranger
H.M.: High Chief Ranger, I have now the honor to present to you Brother ..., the
Chief Ranger of this Court, for investiture and induction.
H.C.R., * * *: (Brother) ..., you have been elected to the highest position in the gift of
your brethren. As Chief Ranger of the Court, your duties will be many, and at times
very onerous, requiring from you great patience and tact. As chief executive officer,
you should hold the interests of the Court, and of its members, of paramount
importance. Ever strive to promote harmony among the members; rule with justice;
reprove in kindness; and, above all, set an example of promptness and regularity in
attending the meetings of the Court, and of loyal obedience to the Constitution and
Laws of the Order. I now invest you with the badge of your office (does so), in the full
confidence that it will be handed to your successor in office as unsullied as you now
receive it, and I welcome you to your post of trust and honor. Take the Constitution
and Laws and the Ritual of the Order as your guide and instructors. I commit to your
keeping the Charter of this Court; may you ever cherish and defend it as the Magna
Charta of your Forestric liberties and privileges; and may God protect you in health,
and give you wisdom to govern this Court with honor to yourself and prosperity to our
beloved Order. I have great pleasure in seating you in your official chair and I
proclaim you the Chief Ranger of this Court.
H.C.R.: High Marshal, it is my pleasure that you proclaim the officers of Court ..., No.
..., duly and legally installed.
The H.M. will stand immediately in front of the Chair, below the Dais, face the Court
and make proclamation as follows: By command of the High Chief Ranger, and in
Liberty, Benevolence and Concord I proclaim the officers of Court ..., No. ..., of The
Independent Order of Foresters, duly and legally installed; and may peace, harmony
and good-will ever reign in this Court.
H.C.R.: Chief Ranger, I now surrender to you this gavel, the emblem of your
authority; enter upon the discharge of your duties by seating the Court.
C.R.: * *.
Instituting Ceremony
The ceremony of instituting a new Court shall be conducted by the Supreme Chief
Ranger, or, in his absence by an authorized Officer When everything is ready and the
doors properly tyled or secured, the Instituting Officer shall, if there are other
Foresters present, appoint an acting Secretary and a Marshal to assist in the
ceremony. After which the Instituting Officer will proceed as follows:
Instituting Officer: We are about to institute a new Court of The Independent Order of
34
Foresters.
I.O.: The names of Charter Applicants have been noted for the records of the Court.
I.O.: The Marshal will now present the Charter Applicants for obligation.
The Marshal having arranged the Charter Applicants in a semi-circle below the
Pedestal, the Ceremony will be proceeded with as follows: The Instituting Officer
must here, and to the end of the Ceremony, be addressed by his correct title as
Supreme Chief Ranger, High Chief Ranger, District Deputy of the Supreme Court,
etc., as the case may be.
M.: Supreme Chief Ranger, I have the honor to present the Charter applicants who
have petitioned for a new Court of The Independent Order of Foresters. They have all
signed the required Applications and they are now ready to take upon themselves the
Obligation. of the Order.
The S C R. will conduct the ceremony, and administer the Obligation. The members
will then be seated.
If the name has not already been selected, it will then be done, care being taken not to
select the name of a living person, nor the name of an existing Court in the same High
Court. It is always advisable to select two alternative names, giving the order of
preference.
I.O.: We have selected ... as the name for the new Court. The number has been
assigned by Supreme Court.
I.O.: I will now appoint a Committee to recommend a staff of Officers to serve until
their successors are installed following this institution.
When the Committee has made its selection, and if the selection meets with the
approval of the Instituting Officer, he will, on behalf of the Executive Council, appoint
them as the first staff of Officers and proceed to install them.
Installation of Officers
I.O.: Brethren, on behalf of the Executive Council of the Supreme Court, I will now
install as the Officers of this Court the members whose names have been reported by
the Committee.
I.O.: The Secretary will please call the names of the staff of Officers selected by the
Committee, commencing with that of the Chief Ranger; and the Marshal will please
place them before the pedestal for installation.
M.: The officers to be installed are at the pedestal ready to take the Obligation of
Office.
I.O.: Each of you will say I, pronounce your name in full, and repeat after me the
Obligation of Office
I, (name in full), in the presence of these witnesses, / do most solemnly and sincerely /
35
promise and declare / that I will, / to the best of my knowledge and ability, / honestly
and faithfully perform / the duties of the office / to which I have been elected or
appointed. / I will act with strict impartiality / in all matters connected with my office,
/ and see that all members have their Just dues. / I will enforce / the Constitution and
Laws / the Rules and Regulations / and the Ritual of the Order / and be governed by
the same. / I will pay due respect and obedience / to my superiors, / and treat with
kindness and consideration / those who are my subordinates in office. / I further
promise and declare / that I will safely keep and preserve / the Charter / books / papers
/ regalia / all other property and effects, / and the funds of this Court, / and of the
Order, / which may come into my possession or custody, / and use them / solely for
the benefit / of The Independent Order of Foresters. / At the close of my term of
office, / I will safely transfer / and deliver them / to my successor in office, / or at any
time / upon the demand of the Supreme Chief Ranger, / to him personally, / or to
anyone whom he may designate / to receive the same. /
For the faithful observance / of each and all of these several promises, / I pledge my
most sacred honor.
The Officers just obligated will remain standing below the Pedestal and the Marshal
will present them to the I.O. for investiture, in the order shown in the Installation
Ceremony.
I.O.: Marshal, it is my pleasure that you proclaim the officers of Court ..., No. ..., duly
and legally installed.
The M. will stand in front of the Chair, below the Dais, lace the Court and make
proclamation as follows: By command of the Supreme Chief Ranger, and in Liberty,
Benevolence and Concord, I proclaim the officers of Court ..., No. ..., of The
Independent Order of Foresters, duly and legally installed; and may peace, harmony
and good-will ever reign in this Court.
I.O.: Your Officers having been duly installed, I congratulate you on the successful
performance of a most important ceremony : the institution of a new Court. It is by
such inauguration as this that our Order will extend throughout the length and breadth
of the whole land. May the establishment of this Court bind its members in acts of
brotherly love, practical fraternity and good-will to mankind, and in perpetuating the
blessings of social union to the remotest time.
And now, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Laws, as (give title), I
declare that Court ..., No. ... of The Independent Order of Foresters is duly and legally
instituted for the objects and purposes recognized by the Constitution and Laws of the
Order now in force, or that may hereafter he enacted; and I declare each and every one
of you entitled to all the rights and privileges due to all worthy Foresters by the
Constitution and Laws, Rules and Usages of the Order.
Chief Ranger, you will now enter upon the discharge of your duties by seating the
Court..
Where it is possible to have a Guard of Honor to assist, they will conduct the Charter
36
Members (candidates) to the Altar for obligation.
Reception Ceremony for Visiting Officers
J.B., * * *, gives the S.B. the name and rank of the visitor.
S.B.: Chief Ranger, I have the pleasure of announcing that Brother ... (rank) is in the
ante-room for the purpose of visiting our Court.
C.R., *: The Woodwards will retire to the ante-room and escort the visitor into the
Court room, halting immediately in front of the pedestal. The Court will rise at the
sound of the gavel and assist me to receive and salute our distinguished visitor with
the honors due his rank.
The members will remain at the salute until the visitor is seated.
The C.R. will then address a few words of welcome to the visitor, after which he will
instruct the escort to conduct him to a seat on the dais.
37
Independent Order of Foresters

Exaltation of a Royal Forester
This ritual is dated 1892.
Opening ceremony
Ill. Com.: Ill. Captain of the Guard, what is the first charge of an Encampment of Royal
Foresters?
Ill. C. of G.: Ill. Commander, to see that we are duly guarded.
Ill. Com.: Attend to that charge.
Ill. C. of G.: Ill. Guards, *, to your posts, and guard well this Encampment of Royal Foresters.
As soon as the Ill. Gs have taken their posts the Ill. I.G. will give three loud knocks upon the
door, which will be answered by three loud knocks upon the door given by the Ill. O.G.
Ill. C. of G.: Ill. Commander, the Encampment is duly guarded.
Ill. Com.: Tis well. Ill. Lieut. Commander, *, what is the next charge of an Encampment of
Royal Foresters?
Ill. Lt. C.: To see that all present are Royal Foresters.
Ill. Com.: Direct that that duty be performed
Ill. Lt. C.: Ill. Sword Bearers, *, examine all present in the Countersign and Pass, and make due
report.
The Ill. Sw. Bearers will examine in the current S.A. Pass, and in the Countersign and Pass of a
Royal Forester; after having examined all present, except the Ill. Com., the Ill. Lt.C. and any
distinguished visitors near the Throne, the Ill. Sw. Bearers will report to the Ill. Lt. C.
1st Ill. Sw. B.: Ill. Lieut. Commander, all on your right have given the Countersign and Pass of a
Royal Forester.
2nd Ill. Sw. B.: Ill. Lieut. Commander, all on your left have given the Countersign and Pass of a
Royal Forester.
Ill. Lt.C.: Tis well. Ill. Commander, all present are Royal Foresters.
Ill. Com.: Tis well. Ill. Lieut. Commander, are you a Royal Forester?
Ill. Lt.C.: I am, Ill. Commander; try me and prove me.
Ill. Com.: How will you be proved?
Ill. Lt.C.: By my Signs, Ill. Commander.
Ill. Com.: Advance the Signs.
Ill. Lt. Com.: I will, Ill. Commander, with the assistance of the Ill. Knights and Sir Knights
present.
Ill. Com.: Let it be done in due form.
* * * * *.
Ill. Lt.C.: Ill. Knights and Sir Knights, attend to giving the Signs.
All, then, in conjunction with the Ill. Lt.C., give the Countersign and the Salutation Sign.
Ill. Com.: Ill. Knights and Sir Knights, I perceive that you have all been advanced to the Exalted
Degree of a Royal Forester; but, before I declare this Encampment duly opened, let us look to
God for His blessing.
Ill. C.: Almighty and Everliving God, in whom we live, and move, and have our being, we pray
38
Thee to look with favor upon this assembly of Royal Foresters; endue each of us with a
competence of Thy divine wisdom, so that we may ever walk before Thee with acceptance; and
to Thee, Immortal, Omniscient, and Omnipresent Father, be all the glory, might, majesty, and
dominion now and evermore. Amen
Ill. Com.: Ill. Orator, what is the next charge of an Encampment of Royal Foresters?
Ill. O.: To display Gods Holy Book of the Law, Ill. Commander.
Ill. Com.: Attend to that charge.
The Ill. O. then proceeds to the Altar, opens the Sacred Volume, returns to his post, and says as
follows: Ill. Commander, that duty is performed.
Ill. Com.: Ill. Lieut. Commander, what is the next duty?
Ill. Lt. O.: To see that the Guards are alert and at their posts, Ill. Commander.
Ill. Com.: Perform that duty.
Ill. Lt. C.: * *.
Ill. Lt.C.: *.
Ill. O.G.: * *.
Ill. Lt. C.: The Guards are alert and at their posts, Ill. Commander.
Ill. Com.: Then, by virtue of the powers vested in me, I declare this Encampment of Royal
Foresters duly and legally opened.
* * * * *.
Ceremony of Exaltation
Each Sir Knight should he clothed in full uniform if practicable. Those who are not provided
with the uniform should at least wear a black suit, with sword belt and sword. Every Officer
should know his part thoroughly by heart. The chairs and ballustrade, if any, at the Royal Line
should be removed.
Ill. Com., *: Ill. Archivist, you will retire to the outer anteroom, ascertain if there are any
suppliants in waiting who have been duly elected to membership in this Encampment, and report
to me. The Ill. Inner Guard will permit the Ill. Archivist to retire.
The Ill. Arch. does as directed, and on his return will enter in the usual way, and proceed as
follows:
Ill. A., salutes: Ill. Commander, I find in waiting Bro, ... of Court No. ... who has been duly
elected to membership in this Encampment, has paid the required fees, and now desires to be
advanced to the Exalted Degree of a Royal Forester.
Here and throughout the ceremony, if there be more than one suppliant, the necessary words
must be changed accordingly, as have for has, and desire for desires, etc.
Ill. Com.: Thank you, Sir Knight. Ill. Lieut. Commander, I will thank you to attend to the
admission and examination of the suppliant.
Ill. Lt. C.: Ill. Marshal, repair to the Outer anteroom and bring the suppliant before me for
examination.
The Ill. M. salutes and retires, sees that the suppliant wears the badge or emblem of the Order,
conducts him to the inner door, and gives three loud knocks.
Ill. I. G.: Ill. Captain of the Guard, there is an alarm at the inner door, but not that of a Royal
Forester.
Ill. C of G.: Inquire who comes.
39
Ill. I. G., opens the wicket, if there be one, and says in a loud voice: Who comes here ?
Ill. M., loud enough to be heard within: A suppliant who humbly seeks advancement to the
Exalted Degree of a Royal Forester.
Ill. I. G.: Ill. Captain of the Guard, the alarm was caused by the Ill. Marshal who stands at the
inner gate, accompanied by a suppliant who humbly seeks advancement to the Exalted Degree of
a Royal Forester.
Ill. C. of G.: Open wide the door and let them enter.
Ill. I. G. does so and closes the door again. As they enter the Ill. C. of G. will proceed as
follows:
Ill. C. of G. to Ill. M. and suppliant: Halt! Sir Knights, attention! A stranger is within the
Encampment; let the Royal Line be formed.
Whereupon a line will be formed right across the room, at the Royal Line, each facing the Ill. Lt
C. The Ill. C. of C. meets the Marshal and suppliant, and proceeds as follows:
Ill. C. of G.: Ill. Marshal what do you know of this suppliant? What claim has he for
advancement?
Ill. M.: He is a worthy Forester, a member in good standing in his Subordinate Court,
recommended as worthy of Exaltation by Sir Knights of the Royal Degree.
Ill. C. of G.: Conduct him to our Ill. Lieut. Commander, and report to him.
The Ill M. conducts the suppliant directly to the front of the Ill Lt. Cs. seat.
Ill. M.: Ill. Lieut. Commander, by direction of the Ill. Captain of the Guard, I bring before you
this suppliant. He is a worthy Forester, a member in good standing in his Subordinate Court,
recommended as worthy of Exaltation by Sir Knights of the Royal Degree.
Ill. Lt. C.: Has he, by faithful discharge of his duties, as a man, as a citizen, and as a Forester,
fairly merited the honor he seeks?
Ill. M.: The members of this Encampment have so adjudged by their unanimous vote for
Exaltation.
Ill. Lt. C.: Before he can be advanced, he must prove his knowledge of the work of our Order.
You will examine him in the Semi-annual Password and the Grip of a Forester.
The Ill. M. does so, requiring the suppliant to give the S. A. P. W. in a whisper, and to begin the
Grip, and reports to the Ill. Lt. Commander as follows:
Ill. M.: Ill. Lieut. Commander, I find the suppliant to be a worthy Forester.
Ill. Lt. C.: Thank you, Ill. Marshal. Addressing the suppliant: My brother, attend to the following
questions:
The Ill Lt. C. then addresses the suppliant. The first three questions may be put to one, two or
more of them in turn, the remaining questions are addressed to all, a pause being made for the
reply in each case. If the Ill. Lt. C. is not satisfied with the examination of any suppliant, he may
require him to withdraw and wait until the next convocation.
Ill. Lt. C.: 1. What is the entering signal at the inner door of a Court Room?
2. What further is required in order to pass the inner door?
3. On being admitted to the Court Room; what do you do?
4. You will (each) give me the Entersign.
5. Show me the Foresters Sign of Recognition and its answer.
6. Give the Warning Sign and Danger Signal.
7. Give the Sign of Distress, and the answer to it.
8. What are the Words of Distress?
My Brother, you have passed our scrutiny thus far, but before you can gain advancement you
40
must undergo a further test.

Do you still desire to proceed?
Suppliant answers.
Ill. Lt. C.: Do you promise to submit to all the established usages of the Royal Foresters ?
Suppliant answers.
Ill. Lt. C.: Do you pledge your word that you will never improperly reveal any of the ceremonies
or other secrets of this Encampment?
Suppliant answers.
Should any suppliant decline to answer any of these questions in the affirmative, the Ill. Lt. C.
will direct the Ill. C. of G. to conduct him beyond the outer door. If the answers are all
satisfactory, he will rise and proceed as follows:
Ill. Lt. C.: It gives me pleasure to reward your apparent devotion to our Order, by communicating
to you one of the secrets of this Exalted Degree, namely, the esoteric significance of the letters
on our emblem. To all who see them, they express the name and motto of our noble Order,
Independent Order of Foresters
Liberty, benevolence and Concord.
Pointing to the initials on a badge or on a chart or banner.
But to us they signify that which you will find to be true of those who meet within the sacred
walls of an Encampment of Royal Foresters,
Rnkpmgf okp Mdqpfu oqh Xenquguv Lhgnnqyujkr.
Bear in mind that this phrase is never to be uttered in the hearing of any person whom you do not
know to be a Royal Forester, unless it be as at present uttered in presence of one who is about to
become a Royal Forester. Before you can fully attain to this Exalted Degree, it will be necessary
for you to pass the Royal Line and take a solemn obligation at our sacred altar. You will now
retire in charge of our Ill. Marshal that you may be duly prepared.
The Ill. M. conducts the suppliant to the outer anteroom, the Ill. I. G. allowing them to pass, and
the door being closed after them. The Sir Knights in the Royal Line then resume their ordinary
places.
Ill. Lt. C0., standing: Ill. Commander, the suppliant has been duly admitted and examined, and
has now retired to be prepared for the final ordeal.
Ill. Com., seated: Thank you, Ill. Lieut. Commander. Guards, attend to your duty. Let the
triangle of steel be formed.
The Ill. Sw. Bs arrange themselves about six feet from the door, and about eight feet apart lacing
each other. The Ill. C. of G. stands about four or five feet farther from the door and facing
toward it; each points his sword straight before him. The Ill. M. meanwhile conducts one of the
suppliants into the inner anteroom blindfolds him securely, and then places him close to the
inner door. The Ill. O. G. keeps the outer door closed.
Ill. Com.: Let the signal be given.
The Ill. I. G. gives one loud rap on the door.
Ill. M., to suppliant in a low voice: Until you see again, beware! Raise not a hand except as
directed; just before you is a door; give two knocks, and when you hear the signal answered, give
two more knocks.
The Ill. I. G. answers with one rap, and as soon as the signal is repeated by the suppliant, the Ill.
I. G. opens the door wide.
Ill. I. G.: Who comes here?
Ill. M., standing behind suppliant: A suppliant, who has undergone the scrutiny, and been found
41
worthy of advancement, and is prepared for the final ordeal.

Ill. I. G., in a low voice: Enter, but beware! Swerve not!
The Ill. M. places his hands on the suppliants shoulders, and causes him to go forward three
steps, counting Onetwothree. This should bring the suppliant directly between the Ill. Sw.
Bs.
Ill. M.: You are now in a perilous position. On either side the way is hedged with points of
steel. The Ill. Sw. Bs here touch his arms with their swords. Before you the way is guarded, and
you go forward at the peril of your life. Backward alone the path stands open; would you escape
peril, you must retreat; but bethink you! If you turn back now, your advancement to the Royal
Seat is for ever barred. Will you retire or go forward?
Suppliant answers for himself.
Ill. M.: Then advance!
The Ill. C of G. receives the suppliant upon the point of his sword, carefully pointed to his
breast.
Ill. C. of G.: You have advanced upon the point of a sword, and thus given proof of your courage
and determination. Of such stuff worthy knights are made! But the end is not yet. Be patient!
If there are other suppliants, the one just received should be conducted to a seat near by, to wait
until all have been separately received in like manner. The Ill. M. will then arrange the
suppliants near the Ill. Lt. C.s station. facing the Royal Seat. While he is doing this, the
following movement will take place.
Note: Should the number of Knights present not be sufficient to form the Royal Line effectively,
this order and its execution will be omitted. also the words of the Ill. Com. from But behold,
down to inner sanctuary inclusive; and the giving of the C. S. and P. will be omitted.
* * * * *.
Ill. Com., standing: Sir Knights, to your places in the Royal Line.
All the Sir Knights present, except the Ill. Com., the Ill. M , and the Ill. Gs., silently and quickly
form a line or lines across the room below the altar facing the suppliants, each with a sword
pointed forward from his breast. In order to present a good appearance, the Sir Knights should
be arranged according to height, the tallest in the middle. One-half may be in command of the
Ill. Lt. C. and the other of the Ill. C. of G. If the Ill. St. Bs can be spared from the line, they may
remain at their posts and display the standards when the line opens. If the Sir Knights are not in
uniform, then they will hold out their arms as if they were holding out their swords.
Ill. Com., seated: My suppliant brother, you have been tested and tried and found not wanting.
Your fidelity and devotion heretofore warrant us in believing you worthy of advancement. You
will now be restored to light, after which you may, if you will, pledge your vows at our sacred
altar, thence to be conducted to the Royal Seat. The Ill. M. removes the blindfold, or request the
wearers to remove them, assisting them if required.
But behold, the way is guarded; yet fear not; go forward without flinching.
The Ill. M, if necessary, prompts them to advance in line, he keeping near them on their right.
When within three or four short paces, the Ill. M. gives the C. S., and begins the P.: Hkp
Tvtwvj. The Sir Knights all wave their swords aloft and exclaim, Aku Ovjg Prqygt, upon
which the Ill. M. concludes the P.: Wqh Hhtkgpfujkr. The line then opens in the centre and
each section wheels backward till the sections are parallel, facing the altar.
Ill. Com., seated: Behold the power of the Royal Foresters Pass to open the way to our inner
sanctuary.
Ill. Marshal, you have my command to proclaim the suppliant.
42
Ill. M., standing in front of the suppliant, facing the altar: Hear ye, Ill. Knights and Sir Knights,
and give heed! By command of the Ill. Commander, I hereby proclaim that Bro. ... has been
tested and proved to be a Forester, faithful and true, a man courageous and zealous, and worthy
to be advanced to the Exalted Degree of a Royal Forester. If any Ill. Knight or Sir Knight present
can show cause why this should not now be done, let him speak forth, or for ever afterward hold
his peace.
If objection is made against the advancement of any suppliant, he must retire to the anteroom,
whereupon the validity of the objection must be forthwith decided by a majority vote of the
Encampment, without debate. If there are no objections raised, the Ill. Com. will proceed.
Ill. Com.: Ill. Marshal, place the suppliant at the altar, and thereon lay this sword.
Hands his sword to the Ill. M., who places it on the open Bible, after which he arranges the
suppliants before or around the altar.
Ill. M.: Your commands have been executed, Ill. Commander.
Ill. Com.: Tis well! Ill. Standard Bearers, take your positions near the altar.
The Ill. St. Bs. station themselves on the right and left of the altar, with standards displayed, or if
there are no standards, with drawn swords. In the absence of the Ill. O. the Ill. Com. may
administer the obligation, in which case the necessary changes will be made in the directions
given.
Ill. Com.: The Ill. Orator will take his position at the altar. Ill. Knights and Sir Knights,
attention!
The Ill. Knights and Sir Knights will then draw their swords. The Ill. O. will pass to the side of
the altar nearest the Royal Seat and will uncover his head, if chapeaux or fatigue caps have been
worn. The ranks will at once close up the gaps left by the Ill. Officers.
Ill. Com., standing: The suppliant will place his left hand on the sword resting upon Gods Holy
Book of the Law, and repeat after the Ill. Orator the Sacred Obligation of a Royal Forester.
Ill. O.: You will each say I, and then pronounce your own name in full and repeat after me the
Sacred Obligation of a Royal Forester
I, ..., in the presence of High Heaven, and before these Ill. Knights and Sir Knights, do most
solemnly and sincerely promise and declare, upon my sacred word, and upon the sword, the
symbol of honor, and upon Gods holy Book of the Law, that I will never reveal any of the secrets
of or pertaining to a Royal Forester, unless it shall be to a worthy Knight of this degree whom I
certainly know to be such, or to a brother duly qualified to receive the same within the sacred
walls of an Encampment of Royal Foresters, or as I may be instructed, for the purpose of mutual
recognition.
That I will take as the rule of action and the guide of my life the Divine Law, Do unto others as
ye would they should do unto you.
That I will acknowledge a Royal Forester at all times and in all places, and will visit him in
sickness, succor him in distress, and assist him at all times to the full extent of my power.
That I will not speak ill of a Royal Forester, nor suffer others to do so without protest from me;
but will, as far as in me lies, protect and maintain his character and honor as I would my own.
I further promise to be an exemplar of temperance, virtue and honor, and to be at all times a true
and law-abiding citizen.
And I further promise to cause the mortal remains of a deceased Royal Forester to be decently
43
interred, even at my own expense.

To all and each of these several points I do hereby pledge my sacred word and honor. Amen.
Amen. Amen.
Ill. Com.: Ill. Knights and Sir Knights. Present arms!
As a token of your sincerity, and to seal your vows, you will kiss Gods Holy Book of the Law.
When each suppliant has done so, under the guidance of the Ill. M., the Ill. Com. will
continue: Ill. Knights and Sir Knights, Order arms!
The suppliant will now be conducted, under royal escort, to the foot of the Throne. The Ill.
Knights and Sir Knights will resume their accustomed places.
The Ill. M. will arrange a procession as follows: 1st, Ill. M. with sword at shoulder; 2nd, Ill. St.
Bs. with Standards displayed; 3rd, the suppliants in single file or in pairs, and the Ill. Sw. Bs.
one on each side of the leading file of suppliants, with swords at shoulder. In this order they will
march once or oftener around the room, past the Ill. Com., O., Lt. C. and P. C., wheeling
squarely at the corners, to the front of the Thronea grand march being played, if practicable.
The Ill. M. then passes to the rear of the suppliants, the Ill. St. Bs. stand on the right and left of
the Ill. Com., upon the dais; while the Ill. Sw. Bs. conduct the suppliants, not more than three at
a time, to the foot of the Throne and cause each to kneel on both knees.
Ill. Com., standing: By virtue of the high powers in me vested, and in the name of the
Independent Order of Foresters, I do hereby proclaim (each of) you a Royal Forester. * Rise, Sir
Knight .... The last words are repeated for each one, when all have been Knighted, the Ill. St. Bs.
and Sw. Bs. will take their respective stations; the Ill. M. will arrange the newly made Knights in
a line for instruction and may then take his seat.
Ill. Com., standing: As you have now taken upon yourself the sacred obligation of a Royal
Forester, and been duly advanced to this Exalted Degree, you are entitled to be instructed in our
secret work.
The Ill. Com. gives full instructions as to the C. S. and P., the G. and the manner of entering and
leaving the room when the Encampment is in session. He will then continue: You will now be
conducted to the station of the Ill. Past Commander, who will further instruct you in the
significance of the emblems of our Order, our Signet and Token.
Ill. M.: Ill. Past Commander, by command of the Ill. Commander, I present before you this Sir
Knight for further instructions.
Ill. P. C.: In a former part of these ceremonies, you were informed that the letters on the emblem
or badge of our Order signify to us who have been ADMITTED to an Encampment of Royal
Foresters, RECEIVED on the point of the sword, and KNIGHTED at the Royal Seat, that we are
....
These letters form the SIGNET of a Royal Forester, In testing a person who claims to be such,
....
The TOKEN is used by the Ill. Commander only in acknowledging the Royal Salutation, and is
given thus, ....
The Mooses Head, depicted upon our emblem or badge, is significant of the origin of the
Foresters brotherhood. The Moose is a lordly ranger of the forest, a king of his kind, and his head
is to us a symbol of excellence, and should stimulate us to try and excel in all good works, but
especially in those connected with our Order.
The two Female Figures represent Liberty and Benevolence, while the clasped hands symbolize
the Concord which should ever exist amongst Foresters.
Upon the seal of an Encampment of Royal Foresters appear the following symbols:
44
1. The Crossed Swords: emblematical of knightly honor and chivalry;

2. The Crown; appropriate to our ancient title of Royal Foresters;
3. The All-seeing Eye; reminding us of the loving care exercised over us by an Omniscient and
Omnipresent God, and of our duty to be ever watchful over the welfare of our brethren.
Brother and Sir Knight, it is now my pleasure to congratulate you upon having attained to this
Exalted Degree in our Order, and having been made acquainted with its secret working. The
vows you have taken at this time are of a very solemn character, and impose upon you new and
increased obligations. Ever be watchful, lest you inadvertently violate any of them.
Ill. Com.: The Sir Knight will be escorted to the Ill. Orator for further instructions.
Ill. M.: Ill. Orator, by command of the Ill. Commander, I present before you this Sir Knight for
further instructions.
Ill. O.: Sir Knight I congratulate you on having attained to the Royal and Chivalric Degree of our
Order.
As a Forester, you should henceforth be more than ever devoted to the Order. Any society
worthy to exist, will grow and prosper in proportion to the interest its members take in its
working. We belong to a society of whose principles and of whose history we need not be
ashamed.
As a Sir Knight of the Royal Degree, it becomes you to cherish in your heart, and exemplify in
all your conduct, those high principles of chivalry and honor, unflinching courage in support of
the right, and self-sacrifice on behalf of the weak or distressed, which characterized the noble
knights of the olden time. By such qualities as these, the early forest rangers, known in English
legends as Robin Hood and his merrie men, robbers and outlaws though they were, won
the admiration of the country folk.
The ideal Robin Hood is the knight-errant of the lowly, a chief among free men united against
despotism, and rejoicing in the virgin freshness and gladness of unsubdued nature. The kindly
woods and secret-keeping mountains of all lands with a long history, have sheltered fugitives
from injustice, and avengers of wrongs, whom popular love and fancy and faith have
transformed and glorified into objects of enthusiastic admiration.
We modern Foresters, far from being outlaws, are bound by our obligations to be law-abiding
citizens. But in all good ways we should emulate our ancient brethren, whose haunts were in the
leafy depths of the forest. And not least of all should we imitate their love of Nature, that our
more enlightened minds may be led up to Natures God. Let us not forget that
The groves were Gods first Temples Ere man framed
The lofty vault, to gather and roll back
The sound of anthems; in the darkling wood,
Amid the cool and silence, he knelt down,
And offered to the Mightiest solemn thanks
And supplication. Ah why
Should we, in the worlds riper years, neglect
Gods ancient sanctuaries?
Be it ours to meditate,
In those calm shades, His milder majesty,
And to the beautiful order of His works
Learn to conform the order of our lives.
Ill. Com.: The Ill. Sword Bearers will conduct the Sir Knight to the altar, after which the Ill.
Marshal Knight will proclaim the exaltation of the Sir Knight.
45
* * * * *.
The Ill. M. having previously provided himself with a list of the names, will proceed to the foot of
the throne, stand facing the altar and make proclamation, the new Knights standing in line.
Ill. M.: Hear ye, Ill. Knights and Sir Knights, and take heed! By command of. the Ill.
Commander, I hereby proclaim that Bro. ... has been admitted, received, and advanced to the
Exalted Degree of a Royal Forester, and is now entitled to the honors, privileges and immunities
of that distinguished rank.
Ill. Com.: The new Sir Knight will now be welcomed by his older brethren, after which he will
proceed to the table of the Ill. Archivist, where he will subscribe his name on our roll.
Closing Ceremony
Ill. Com.: Ill. Lieut. Commander, *, I am about to close this Encampment of Royal Foresters:
what is the first charge?
Ill. Lt. C.: To see that all present are Royal Foresters, Ill. Commander.
Ill. Com.: Ill. Lieut. Commander, are you a Royal Forester?
Ill. Lt. C.: I am, Ill. Commander; try me and prove me.
Ill. Com.: How will you be proved, Ill. Lieut. Commander?
Ill. Lt. C.: By my Signs, Ill. Commander.
Ill. Com.: Advance the Signs.
Ill. Lt. C.: I will, Ill. Commander, with the assistance of the Ill. Knights and Sir Knights present.
Ill. Com.: Let it be done in due form.
* * * * *.
Ill. Lt. C.: Ill. Knights and Sir Knights, attend to giving the Signs.
All then, in conjunction with the Ill. Lt. C., give the Token and then the Salutation Sign. The Ill.
Com, will then give the Countersign and proceed as follows:
Ill. Com.: Ill. Knights and Sir Knights, I perceive that you have all received the Exalted Degree
of a Royal Forester; but, before I declare this Encampment duly closed, give ear to the words of
the Ill. Orator.
The Ill. O. then returns his sword and proceeds to the altar and takes his position just below the
altar, facing the throne.
Ill. Com.: Ill. Knights and Sir Knights, attention!
Present Arms!
Ill. O.: And now, to God, the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, be accorded all might, majesty, and
dominion now and for ever. Amen.
Ill.. Brethren.: Amen. Amen. Amen.
Ill. Com.: Order Arms!
*.
The Ill. Brethren return their swords.
Ill. Com.: Ill Orator, what is your next duty?
Ill. O.: To close Gods Holy Book of the Law, Ill. Commander.
Ill. Com.: Perform that duty.
The Ill O. closes the Bible, and after reporting to the Ill. C. as under returns to his post.
Ill. O.: Ill Commander, that duty is performed.
Ill. Com.: Thank you, Ill. Orator.
46
Ill. Lieut. Commander, what is the next duty of an Encampment of Royal Foresters?
Ill. Lt. C.: To see that all present have received justice, tempered with fraternal love.
Ill. Com.: Ill. Marshal, you have my command to make the closing proclamation.
Ill. M.: Hear ye, and take heed! By command of the Ill. Commander, if any Ill. Knight or Sir
Knight present has not received that justice which is due from one brother to another, let him
now make known his grievance.
A slight pause takes place, and if any grievance is laid before the Encampment, it must be
attended to before closing the Encampment; but if no grievance is laid before the Encampment,
the Ill. Lt. C. proceeds: Ill. Commander, every brother present has received his just dues.
Ill. Com.: Ill. Lieut. Commander, what is the last duty of an Encampment of Royal Foresters?
Ill. Lt. C.: To see that the Guards are alert and at their posts.
Ill. Com.: Attend to that duty.
Ill. Lt. C.: * *.
Ill. I. G.: *.
Ill. O. G.: * *.
Ill. Lt. C.: Ill. Commander, the Encampment is duly guarded.
Ill. Com.: Then, by virtue of the powers in me vested, I declare this Encampment of Royal
Foresters duly and legally closed.
* * * * *.
47
Ceremonial of the Catholic Order of

Foresters
Revised and approved by the High Court, 1926
Opening Ceremony
Promptly at the appointed hour, or as soon thereafter as a quorum is present, the

Chief Ranger (or in his absence the Vice Chief Ranger) must call the members to
order by giving a series of raps with the gavel. As soon as there is sufficient silence
for him to be heard, the Chief Ranger, standing, orders: The members will please
come to order and the officers will take their respective stations.
One rap.
The stations of the officers are shown in Fig 1. The Outside Sentinels place is in the ante-room.
The Chief Ranger must then note whether

any of the officers be absent, and if so,
appoint temporary ones and bid them to
take the respective stations.
In making such appointments the Chief
Ranger must select only members who
thoroughly understand the duties of the
offices they are to fill, and in case there be
no such members present, he must instruct
the appointees in their duties. This applies
especially to temporary Conductors and
Inside Sentinel, who should be acquainted
with most, if not with all, the members of
the Court.
The Conductors must see to it that the
officers are provided with badges and, if the
attendance be small compared to the
seating capacity of the hall, assign the
members to seats about equi-distant from
each other, so that no parts of the hail will
be crowded whilst others are deserted.
48
The Chief Ranger then orders: Inside Sentinel, lock the door and allow no one to enter and make
no announcement until ordered to do so. Do you understand your duty?
The Sentinel locks the door and answers: I do, Chief Ranger.
C.R.: Conductors, come forward.
The Conductors go to the center pedestal, salute the Chief Ranger with the sign and await his
instructions.
The Chief Ranger then proceeds: Conductors, all the members of this Court are in good standing
and are entitled to seats in this meeting, provided they have the grip and the password. You will
now give me the grip and password and then examine every one in the hall. Do you understand
you duties?
The Conductors answer: I do, Chief Ranger. and then go to the Chief Ranger, exchange the grip
with him and give him the password, and proceed to examine every person in the hall (Catholic
Priests excepted), the Senior Conductor beginning at the left of the Chief Ranger and continuing
along the left side of the ball, the Junior Conductor taking the opposite side.
If either Conductor finds anyone whom he does not know personally, though he have the grip
and password, the Conductor must obtain his name and the name and number of his Court, and
before proceeding any further report to the Chief Ranger thus: Chief Ranger, Brother ... of this
Court or Brother ... of ... Court No. ... as the case may be, and await the Chief Rangers
instructions.
If the person in question be a member in good standing of the Court, or if he be a visiting
member known to the Chief Ranger to be in good standing in the Order the Chief Ranger
declares: Brother ... is entitled to a seat in this meeting.
But if the person in question is not known to the Chief Ranger, the latter must first assure himself
of such persons good standing in the Order before declaring him entitled to a seat.
The Chief Ranger, in his discretion, may accept the assurance of any officer or member of the
Order as to the good standing of a visitor, or he may accept the latters receipt book, showing
him to be paid up to date, as evidence of the visitors good standing in the Order. In case a
delegation from a Court visits another Court, either one of the officers of the visitors Court or
the leader of the delegation should be prepared to vouch for all the members of the delegation.
If either Conductor find anyone not in possession of either the grip or the password, the
Conductor must request him to go to the Chief Ranger for instruction.
The Chief Ranger must wait until the Conductors have examined all in the hall before instructing
those not in possession of either the grip or the password, and must direct such applicants to
form in single file to his left, and have their financial standing vouched for by the Financial
Secretary.
The Conductors will then go to the Chief Rangers station, where one of the Conductors, standing
to the left of the Chief Ranger, must detain each successive applicant four to five feet from the
one the Chief Ranger is instructing, whilst the other Conductor, standing to the right of the Chief
Ranger, examines each member after he has been instructed.
It is imperative that the Chief Ranger must under no circumstances give either grip or the
49
password to any person whom he does not personally know to be a member in good standing of
the Court and he is empowered to give the grip and password to a visiting member only upon the
presentation by such member of a valid traveling card or a written request for the grip and
password from his Chief Ranger, such request being authenticated with the seal of his Court.
A visiting Chief Ranger is empowered to give the grip and password to a member whom he
knows to be in good standing in his Court.
Any person found not be entitled to a seat in the meeting must retire from the hall before any
further procedure.
After the Conductors have examined everyone in the hall and found them in possession of the
grip and password, and to be otherwise qualified to be present, they proceed to the center
pedestal, and after saluting, reporteach in turnthus: I have examined all on this side of the
hall indicating the side with the hand and find them properly qualified and entitled to seats in this
meeting.
C.R.: Senior and Junior Conductor, you will bring forward and place upon the Center Pedestal
the Cross and the Flag, the standards of the order, to remind us of our duties to God and
Country.
The Conductors will salute, secure cross and flag, and place them upon the Center Pedestal, the
cross to the right, the flag to the left of the Chief Ranger. The crucifix should face the meeting. In
bringing them lorward the Junior Conductor should bear the cross, the Senior Conductor the
flag. After they have been properly placed the Senior Conductor will report: Worthy Chief
Ranger, your orders have been obeyed.
C.R.: Resume your stations.
The Conductors salute and proceed to their stations, and the Chief Ranger requests: The
Reverend Spiritual Director will please say the opening prayer.
Three raps. All rise and remain standing during prayer.
If the Spiritual Director be absent, the Chief Ranger must, in the same form, call upon either the
Past Chief Ranger or the Vice Chief Ranger to say the prayer.
The opening and closing prayers, like the other parts of the ceremonies, should be memorized.
Opening Prayer
Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Thy love. Send
forth Thy Spirit, and they shall be created, and Thou shalt renew the face of the earth. O God,
who hast taught the hearts of the faithful by the light of Thy Holy Spirit, grant, us by the same
Spirit, to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in His consolation through
Jesus Christ, our Lord.
R.: Amen.
Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc.
Seat of Wisdom. R.: Pray for us.
50
C.R.: We will now sing our National Anthem.

At the conclusion of the song the Chief Ranger formally opens the meeting, thus: Brothers, I
declare that ... Court No. ... Catholic Order of Foresters, is now in session for the transaction of
any and all business that may be brought before it in accordance with the laws, rules and
regulations of the Order. Please bear in mind that we meet for our mutual benefit and for that of
our families and dependents; let this be the key to all our acts. We also meet as Catholics; let this
be the reason for conducting our deliberations in a manner becoming intelligent gentlemen.
In the case of a special meeting of the Court the following form is to be used: Brothers, I declare
that ... Court No. ..., Catholic Order of Foresters, is now in special session for the purpose
of state the purpose or business for which the meeting was called, in accordance with the laws,
rules and regulations of the Order.
The Chief Ranger gives one rap and then orders: Inside Sentinel, you may now, as well as later
on, announce any member seeking admittance.
The Sentinel must obtain the name of any member in waiting and, if he be a visitor, the name and
number of his Court. He must also ask the applicant for the password and then make his
announcement in one of the following forms, whichever will suit the case:
1. Chief Ranger, Brother ... of this Court, with the password.
2. Chief Ranger, Brother ... of this Court, without the password.
3. Chief Ranger, Brother ... of ... Court No. ..., with the password.
4. Chief Ranger, Brother ... of ... Court No. ..., without the password.
If, in the first and second cases, the member be in good standing in the Court, and if, in the third
case, the visiting member is known to the Chief Ranger to be in good standing in the Order, the
Chief Ranger orders: Admit him
But if, in the third case, the visiting member is not known to the Chief Ranger, the latter must
first assure himself of such members good standing in the Order before ordering him admitted.
In the fourth case the Chief Ranger is empowered to order the admission of the visiting member
only when the Chief Ranger of such members Court is present and gives his consent, or if such
member has either a valid traveling card or a written request for the grip and password from his
Chief Ranger, such request being authenticated with the seal of his Court.
The Sentinel, having been instructed by the Chief Ranger to admit a member in waiting, opens
the door and, as the member enters, exchanges the grip with him.
If a member so admitted is without either the grip or the password, one of the Conductors must
accompany him to the station of the Chief Ranger and, after the latter has instructed the member,
take the grip and password from him.
If no members are seeking admittance, or when all in waiting have been disposed of as explained
above, the Chief Ranger proceeds with the Order of Business as prescribed in the laws of the
Order.
If any member seeks admittance during the course of the meeting he must be treated in the same
manner as explained above, but he should not be admitted, nor should the Sentinel announce
him, when it would disturb any of the business of the meeting.
51
To save time and annoyance when a large number of members seek admittance at the same time,
the Inside Sentinel should step into the ante-room and obtain the required information from
those in waiting and then return and announce all such members to the Chief Ranger.
At Roll Call of Officers the Senior Conductor must stand at the center pedestal and answer
present or absent as the Recording Secretary calls the names, which should be called in the
following order: S.D., C.R., V.C.R., P.C.R., S., R.S., F.S., T., Ts., S.C., J.C., I.S., and O.S.
In calling the roll both the title and name of each officer must be called; for example: Chief
Ranger, Thos. B. Blank; Recording Secretary, Thos. F. Blank; Trustees, J. F. Blank, Phil J.
Blank, E. S. Blank.
At Roll Call of Members each member answers present for himself when his name is called.
In lieu of calling the names at roll call the members may write them on cards, which the
Conductors must collect and hand to the Recording Secretary, or a special registration book
may be placed on the Recording Secretaries table, or some other convenient place, where
members can register; or each member in turn may be bidden to rise and give his name, which
the Recording Secretary must note.
After the entire Order of Business has been gone through, or after the business of a special
meeting has been transacted, a motion to proceed to close the meeting will be in order.
Order of Business for Subordinate Courts

Every Subordinate Court shall conduct its meetings in accordance with the following
Order of business.
1. Opening ceremony, as per Ritual
2. Roll call of officers.
3. Reading of minutes of last regular meeting, and of any special meeting held thereafter.
4. Initiation.
5. Installation of officers.
6. Reading and disposing of transfer cards.
7. Reading and disposing of applications for reinstatement.
8. Reading and disposing of communications from the High Court, State or Provincial Court and
Subordinate Courts, and any authorized letters or circulars.
9. Reading and. disposing of propositions for membership.
10. Reports of Investigating Committees.
11. Balloting on per sons proposed for membership.
12. Reading and disposing of reports of the Visiting Committee and the Medical Examiner.
13. Reports on members who are in distress or out of employment.
14. Reading and disposing of bills.
15. Reading and disposing of report of the Auditing Committee.
16. Report of the Committee on Good of the Order and of special committees
17. Reports of officers of any official act per formed since previous meeting; suspensions, etc.
18. Reports of change of occupations, residence or address of members.
52
19. Roll call of members. (Collection of assessments and dues and delivery of benefit certificates
to members.)
20. Unfinished business. (Any matter deferred from a previous meeting.)
21. New business. Election of officers and appointment of standing committees, and any other
new matters.
22. Report of suspensions incurred by members, and on members who have withdrawn, resigned
or forfeited their membership.
23. Good of the Order (Secret work drill, if there was no initiation; new password,, and
presentation of names of eligible prospects which should be noted by R.S. and referred to
membership committee, etc.)
24. Adjournment. Closing ceremony, as per Ritual.
The foregoing order of business shall not be changed, but the ceremonies of installation of
officers and initiation of candidates may be deferred, and, by general consent or by two-thirds
vote, any order of business that has been passed may again be reverted to.
Initiation Ceremony
Initiations may be held either at a regular meeting of the Court or at a special meeting called for
that purpose, but must in the case of candidates for regular membership be held within forty-five
days after the High Medical Examiners approval. Joint or class initiations can be held more
satisfactorily at special meetings.
If there be any candidatescardinals, bishops or priestswhom the laws of the Order exempt
from undergoing the ceremony of initiation, they should, before the ceremony begins, be caused
to sign the obligation of the Order and to pay the prescribed fees and dues, and then be
introduced to the Court, unless they express the desire to go through the ceremony with the other
candidates.
Preliminary
As soon as the candidates arrive, they must be taken in charge by the Outside Sentinel, or by a
member appointed for that purpose, who must care for their hats, overcoats and other
superfluous garments; acquaint the candidates with each other and see to it that they are made
comfortable. This is a very important function and should not be underestimated. It is the first
real contact between candidates and the Order and the aim should be to make the first
impression most favorable. The Chief Ranger should see that the Outside Sentinel is duly
instructed. Members must not be allowed to remain with the candidates or engage them in
conversation.
When Initiation in the Order of Business has been reached the Chief Ranger will say: Recording
Secretary, are there any candidates whose medical examination has been approved by the High
Medical Examiner. If so, you will please read their names.
53
Recording Secretary rises and reads names and addresses of candidates and presents list to
Chief Ranger.
C.R.: Is there any brother present who knows of any valid reason why any of these candidates
should not be admitted? If so, let this be made known privately to me now.
Pause.
C.R.: If not, let there be no objections raised later.
If objection be made to anyone the initiation of such one must be deferred until the next meeting,
during which time the matter should be investigated. A special committee of three members
should be appointed to investigate and report at next meeting. If an adverse report be presented,
the Court shall reconsider its previous action and reballot on the application as per laws of the
Order. The Chief Ranger will then proceed: Financial Secretary, proceed to the ante-room and
collect the prescribed fees and dues from the candidates and cause them to sign the obligation of
the Order.
The Financial Secretary proceeds to the center pedestal, salutes the Chief Ranger and then goes
to the anteroom taking all necessary blanks and writing materials with him.
C.R.: Initiating officers, you will now robe and take your respective stations.
C.R.: The Senior Conductor will appoint necessary assistants and arrange the hall for initiation.
The initiating officers then proceed to invest themselves with their gowns. The Chief Ranger
should request two brothers to occupy the seats of the Conductors during initiation.
He also appoints a banner bearer and two brothers to act as cross and flag attendants. The latter
are to be seated in front of the Chief Rangers station; one on each side. The cross to the right of
the Chief Ranger, the flag to the left.
The Chief Ranger then directs the removal from the pedestals and from the backs of the officers
chairs of everything not belonging there, and the placing and arranging of all appurtenances in
orderly and proper position.
Unless special musical program is arranged the Conductors must distribute the Initiation Song
Cards; and provide the Vice Chief Ranger with a sufficient number proposition blanks and
copies of the laws and by-laws for the candidates.
Unless special singers are provided it is a good plan to distribute amongst the other members,
those who are able to lead in singing, instead of having all the good singers together.
After all is in readiness for the initiation, the Chief Ranger will call the meeting to order and
deliver the following charge, Chief Ranger should use singular or plural depending upon the
number of candidates.
C.R.: Brothers, we are about to initiate state number candidates. We desire to make a most
favorable and lasting impression upon those to be inducted into our Order. The Officers alone
cannot do this. They need your cooperation and for this I ask at this time.
Conduct yourselves throughout the ceremony in a dignified manner. Please do not indulge in
smoking, talking or in anything else that might distract the candidates. Do not stare or smile at
them or give them the slightest sign of recognition. Please give the most respectful attention to
the work in hand. Listen most attentively to all spoken. To hear again the obligations taken; the
54
instructions given and the wonderful lessons of the Order dwelt upon, can only be of profit to
you and to the Order. You know how easily we forget. Do not leave your places or retire while
the initiation is in progress. When there is singing in unison, let all join and sing whole heartedly
and pronounce plainly.
When the candidates are announced I will give the signal to rise. Please remain standing until the
signal is given to be seated.
Brother Inside Sentinel! Should a brother ask for admission after the ceremony has begun, you
may admit him quietly provided he has the proper password and his entry will not disturb the
ceremony.
If the number of candidates be large and therefore considerable time be required for the
collection of prescribed fees and dues from the candidates, the Chief Ranger may proceed with
the Order of Business.
When the Financial Secretary returns from the anteroom he proceeds to the center pedestal and
reports in this form: Chief Ranger, I have collected the prescribed fees and dues from the
candidates, and they have signed the obligation of the Order.
F.S. salutes and retires.
C.R.: Senior Conductor! Senior Conductor and assistants and banner carrier will come be fore
the center pedestal and salute; the banner bearer standing back of the Conductors.
C.R.: Senior Conductor, I present to you this list of candidates. You and your assistants will
proceed to the ante-room and prepare the candidates for initiation.
The Conductors salute the Chief Ranger, and preceded by the banner carrier will retire to the
anteroom. The musician for the instruction of the members (unless special music is provided),
plays the initiation ode, which should be in slow, march time. The ode should be rehearsed
before candidates are brought in.
The accompanist should be instructed that in case the candidates do not reach their positions by
the time the singing is concluded he must continue to play either the ode or an appropriate
interlude until one rap of the gavel is given by the Chief Ranger.
The Senior Conductors part in the ceremony is a most important one, and he must undertake its
performance with perfect confidence in himself and in a manner that will at once command the
respect and attention of the candidates. He must give the instructions and directions in a
dignified, clear and unmistakable manner. He must not allow the candidates to indulge in
pleasantries or levity, and, if they persist, he must not hesitate to reprimand them and to inform
them that the initiation they are about to undergo is not a frivolous but a serious matter.
As soon as the Conductors arrive in the ante-room, the Senior Conductor requests the
candidates to rise and form in line as he calls their names. He then proceeds to call the names of
the candidatesthose for honorary as well as those for regular membership. The Junior and the
Assistant Conductors then arrange the candidates in single file in the order of their height, the
shortest one at the forward end of the file; and, if not already done, request and assist the
candidates to lay aside their hats, overcoats and other superfluous garments, all of which must
be cared for by the Outside Sentinel or by a member appointed for that purpose. The Junior
55
Conductor then assumes position at, the forward end of the file and an Assistant Conductor at
the rear end; the other Conductor or Conductors should take positions on the side of the
candidates. The banner carrier should march back of the Junior Conductor.
Before marching into hall the Senior Conductor must instruct the candidates in about the
following form, speaking slowly and in a conversational tone: Candidates, please give me your
attention. During the course of the initiation ceremony you will be given various commands
which I will now explain, and which you must endeavor to execute promptly and properly. When
I command Attention! you will fold your arms and when I command Forwardmarch! you must
start out with the left foot at the word March, thus exemplifying, and while marching keep your
arms folded and step to the music and maintain a uniform space of at least eighteen inches
between each other. At the command Candidates, halt, you must come to rest promptly at the
word Halt and remain in your positions until I give the command, Left face, which is executed
by turning to the left, thusly exemplifying. Upon command Hands down, you will drop your arms
at your side.
Before resuming the march I will give the command, Candidates, fold arms, Right face, which is
executed by turning to the right, thus exemplifying. You will also be asked several questions,
which you must answer by responding I do, I am, I did, or I will, as the question may indicate;
you must not answer yes, sir or no, sir; please remember this. When making the answers and
repeating the Obligation of the Order you must speak distinctly, moderately loud and in unison
with each other. Please pay close and respectful attention to everything that is said and done.
The Senior Conductor, having assured himself that all preparations in the ball are completed,
orders candidates to fold arms and then proceeds to the inner door and announces himself with
candidates to the Inside Sentinel.
S.C.: The Senior Conductor with candidates asks to be admitted.
During the ceremony the Senior Conductor has entire charge of the floor; he directs the marches
and acts as commandant.
The Ceremony
The Inside Sentinel announces: Chief Ranger, the Senior Conductor with candidates seeks
admittance.
The Chief Ranger gives three raps and then orders: Admit the Senior Conductor with
candidates.
The singing of a song or of the first stanza of the Initiation Ode, or march music, is at once
begun and the Sentinel opens the door.
The Senior Conductor commands: Candidates, forwardmarch.
The Junior Conductor, under the direction of the Senior Conductor, leads the candidates to the
station of the Chief Ranger over the line of march shown in the diagram, Fig. 2, by broken lines,
the direction of the march being indicated by the arrows.
56
At this station, and at each succeeding one,

the candidates resting position should be
twelve to fifteen feet from the respective
officer, and in the form of a semi-circle, as
shown in the diagram, wherein the positions
of eight candidates are indicated by light
circles; the heavy circles, a, b, and c,
showing the positions of the Senior, Junior
and Assistant Conductors, respectively. In
case the number of candidates be very
large, it may be necessary to place them so
as to form a large circle or several circles,
one behind the other. Where this is
necessary, the candidates should be divided
into sections and a Conductor placed at the
head of each section.
The Senior Conductor must take up a
position from which he can observe the
progress of both the front and rear ends of
the file of candidates, and as soon as the
latter have reached the positions forming a
symmetrical semi-circle in front of the Chief
Ranger he commands: Candidates, halt.
He then awaits the conclusion of the singing if the latter has not already been reached.
The speed at which the candidates should be marched must be regulated in accordance with the
size of the hall and the number of candidates, so that the completion of the march and the
singing will, as nearly as possible, coincide.
In case the candidates have not reached their resting positions when the singing of the stanza is
concluded, the accompanist must continue to play either the Ode, song or an appropriate
interlude.
As soon as the singing is concluded and the candidates have been halted, the Chief Ranger gives
one rap. The members take their seats, but the Chief Ranger remains standing.
The Senior Conductor commands: Candidates, left face, hands down.
After seeing to it that the candidates are in orderly position, and standing about midway between
the candidates and the Chief Ranger, he salutes the latter and introduces the candidates thus:
Chief Ranger, I present candidates for initiation into the Catholic Order of Foresters.
The Chief Ranger inquires: What assurance have you that they are worthy of membership in our
Order?
The Senior Conductor responds: They have been recommended by two of our members, have
57
been duly elected to membership and have otherwise qualified as required by the laws of the
Order.
The Senior Conductor then salutes and assumes position at the side of the Junior Conductor, as
indicated at a, in the diagram.
The Chief Ranger then proceeds to question the candidates, speaking slowly and distinctly,
thus: Candidates, do you say, each one of you, that you desire to be initiated into the Catholic
Order of Foresters? Then answerI do.
The candidates must answer I do and if they fail to respond promptly the Chief Ranger must
request them to answer.
The Chief Ranger then continues, giving ample time for the candidates to answer after each,
question: Are youeach individual onea practical Roman Catholic? Then answerI am.
Will youeach individual onesolemnly promise to remain true to the church and faithful in
the practice of her teachings? Then answerI will.
Are you now sixteen or over and under fifty years of age? Then answerI am.
Will you always be temperate in your habits, clean of tongue and gentlemanly in your conduct?
Then answerI will.
Will you practice the principles of our Order with your brother members to the very best of your
ability? Then answerI will.
Will you do all in your power to promote by word and deed the best interest of your Court and of
the Order and refrain from all captious criticism and fault-finding either of the Order, its officers
or its members? Then answer I will.
Have you been sick, or have you consulted a physician for any personal physical ailment since
your examination by the Medical Examiner of the Court? Those who have not will please
answerNo.
After candidates have answered Those who have will please answerYes.
If any candidate answers yes to the foregoing question he should not be initiated until the matter
has been first referred to the High Medical Examiner and initiation approved.
Are you now prepared to take the binding obligation of the Catholic Order of Foresters? Then
answerI am.
The Chief Ranger, turning towards the Senior Conductor, then orders: Senior Conductor,
present the candidates to the Past Chief Ranger, who will administer the obligation of the Order.
The Senior Conductor steps forward to about midway between the candidates and the Chief
Rangers station and after saluting the Chief Ranger, commands: Candidates, fold arms, right
face.
The Chief Ranger gives three raps, the members rise and then the Senior Conductor
commands: Candidates, forwardmarch.
At the latter word of command the singing of the second stanza of the Ode begins, or the
musician plays a march.
The Junior Conductor leads the file of candidates over the line of march, shown in diagram, to
the station of the Past Chief Ranger.
58
In case of a narrow hail, where there is insufficient space between the Past Chief Rangers
station and the center pedestal the Senior Conductor should circle candidates back of center
pedestal.
The Past Chief Ranger, the Vice Chief Ranger and the Treasurer remain standing after the
completion of the singing when the candidates are at their station.
The candidates, having reached their positions in front of the Past Chief Rangers station, and the
singing or playing being concluded and the members seated, the Senior Conductor salutes the
Past Chief Ranger and then introduces the candidates thus: Past Chief Ranger, I present
candidates who desire to take the Obligation of the Catholic Order of Foresters.
The Past Chief Ranger then proceeds, slowly and impressively, thus: Worthy candidates! This is
the station of the Past Chief Ranger. Its emblem is the Cross, symbolic of the virtue of Faith.
Faiththat gift of God which unites man with God, and causes man to recognize most clearly
the relations and obligations existing between men.
This Order has as one of its objects the strengthening of faith in God and the development of
faith in the brotherhood of one another. You were presented here to assume the obligation of the
Order; thus to dedicate yourselves in special and solemn manner to the work of Catholic
Forestry.
Worthy candidates, the obligation which you are required to take is a comprehensive one. In
taking it, however, you will not assume anything in conflict with your duty to church, country,
home or loved ones, but you will be bound to render strict obedience to the laws of our Order,
both in letter and spirit. With this understanding, are you willing to take the obligation? Then
answerI am.
If the candidates fail to respond promptly they must be required to answer, and
having answered, the Past Chief Ranger proceeds: Then raise you right
hands exemplifying with the hand open and fingers together and repeat after me.
The Chief Ranger gives three raps and, when the members have risen and all is orderly, the Past
Chief Ranger, holding his own right hand in a raised position and speaking slowly, distinctly and
impressively, administers the following obligation, division by division, giving the candidates
ample time to repeat after him:
Obligation
I solemnly promise that I will remain faithful to holy church, devoted to home and loved ones
and true to my country. I promise that I will earnestly endeavor to live up to the highest ideals of
the Order.
I promise that I will respect and uphold the constitution and laws of the Catholic Order of
Foresters and obey all commands of the High Court of the State (Provincial) Court and of the
Subordinate Court of which I am a member provided such commands do not conflict with my
civil liberty or the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church; that I will never use for any purpose
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or communicate to any person except as prescribed in the ceremonial and the laws, rules and
regulations, any of the signs, grips, passwords or business affairs of the Order; that I will not
defraud or wrong any member or department of the Order or suffer it to be done by others if in
my power to prevent; that I will not tolerate anything of a political nature at any meeting of the
Order; that I will not disparage any member because of his nationality, color or race; or engage
in captious criticism or fault-finding or idle and hurtful gossip; that I will be clean of tongue;
gentlemanly in my conduct; temperate in my habits and just in all my dealings; that I will assist a
member or his family, when in distress, so far as charity requires and my circumstances permit;
and that I will do all in my power to promote the best interests and welfare of my Court and of
the Order.
And I further promise that should I violate in letter or spirit any part of this obligation or the
form subscribed by me, I hereby agree to be expelled and should I be expelled or leave the
Order, I will consider this obligation still binding. To all of which I pledge my word of honor as
a man and a Catholic.
At the conclusion of the obligation the Chief Ranger gives one rap and, when the members have
taken their seats, the Past Chief Ranger continues: Senior Conductor, you will now present the
candidates to our worthy Treasurer for further preparation. Senior Conductor, proceed.
The Senior Conductor proceeds as before. The Chief Ranger gives three raps, the members rise
and at the command Forward, march the singing of the third stanza of the Ode or music begins.
Upon arrival at the Treasurers station, the candidates being in proper position, the Senior
Conductor, saluting the Treasurer, says: Worthy Treasurer, upon direction of the Past Chief
Ranger, I present candidates for further preparation.
The Treasurer proceeds, speaking plainly and impressively: Worthy candidates, this is the
Treasurers station. Its emblem is the heart, emblematic of that greatest of all virtuesCharity.
You have subscribed to the high ideals of our organization and have obligated yourselves in
solemn manner to the fulfillment of the duties and obligations of membership therein. It is my
duty now to call your attention to one of the essential obligations. With the ideal, this Order
unites the practical. To talk charitybrotherly loveaffection for home and loved ones is one
thing. To practice these things by making substantial provisions, is another. By their fruits, ye
shall know them, said the Master. So, by our work, not our wordswill our Order be known and
will we individually gather spiritual treasures for the world to come and build enduring
monuments for ourselves in the hearts and memories of those near and dear to us. Before the
station of the Past Chief Ranger you severally and collectively pledged devotion to home and
loved ones; you pledged that you would assist a member or his family when in distress so far as
Charity requires and your circumstances permit. You sealed this obligation with your word of
honor as men and Catholics.
Worthy candidates, that there may be no misunderstanding, permit me to ask you at this time, did
you each fully understand this part of the obligation taken?
Candidates answer.
After the candidates have answered the Treasurer will say: If there is any candidate who has not,
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let him make it known now.

After a pause: Worthy candidates, this Order through its Courts, makes provision for members in
case of sickness and distress and through the benefit treasury of the Order for the beneficiaries in
case of death. To meet these obligations members are required to pay dues into the Court
treasury and assessments into the benefit fund of the Order. Dues and assessments are payable on
the first of each month to the Financial Secretary of your Court and must he paid before the close
of the month in which they are called, otherwise a member stands by that fact suspended. With a
full understanding of this and to impress the importance of your financial obligations most firmly
upon your minds, I shall now ask you to raise your right hands and repeat after me the following
obligation:
The Chief Ranger gives three raps. After members have risen, Treasurer continues:
Obligation
I solemnly promise to participate in the great charitable and benevolent work of the Order, by
faithfully and punctually discharging my financial obligations to the Order.
I promise that I will never allow myself to become suspended for the non-payment of dues and
assessments. I further promise, should I, for any reason, desire to leave the Order, I will make
final payment to the financial secretary of my Court and secure from its officers an honorable
withdrawal card.
To all of this I pledge my sacred word of honor as a man and a Catholic.
Treasurer orders hands down. C.R. gives one rap for members to be seated.
Treasurer: Worthy candidates! You are coming into this Order in honor. Self interests dictate
that you should never leave it, except in honor. Life, my brothers, has its trials and tribulations.
Should circumstances or conditions therefore arise at any time, which would make it impossible
for you to pay your dues and assessments before the close of the month, go to your Chief Ranger,
state your case, and I am sure that your Court will exercise that Charity which is one of the basic
principles of the Order.
Worthy candidates, by the pledges you have taken you are bound to us and have assumed the
duties of membership, and you are now entitled to instruction in the secret and other work of our
Order.
Addressing himself to the Senior Conductor, the Treasurer then orders: Senior Conductor,
present the candidates to the Vice Chief Ranger, who will give them all necessary instructions.
The Senior Conductor proceeds as before; the Chief Ranger gives three raps; the members rise
and at the command March, the singing of the fourth stanza of the Ode, or the march music,
should begin.
Upon arrival at the Vice Chief Rangers station, and when all is ready, the Senior Conductor
introduces the candidates thus: Vice Chief Ranger, I present candidates who having assumed all
obligations of the Order, are now entitled to instructions.
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C.R. gives one rap for the members to be seated.

The Vice Chief Ranger then proceeds to give the following instructions in a slow, conversational
and explanatory style, exercising every care to be clearly understood by the candidates:
Instructions
V.C.R.: Worthy candidates, this is the station of the Vice Chief Ranger. Its emblem is the anchor,
symbolic of the virtue of Hope. Hope that force that springs eternal in the human breast, and
ever leads man on to renewed and greater effort. Not only do we as Catholic men hope in God,
but we hope, with Gods assistance, working unitedly, through the instrumentality of this Society,
to carry out successfully the great purposes and objects of our organization. It behooves you
therefore to become thoroughly familiar with all pertaining to our Order. It is for this reason that
I shall ask you to pay close attention to my instructions. Furthermore, your future advancement
in this Order will largely depend upon the knowledge you have of it.
This branch of our Order is (will be) known as ... Court No. ....
In case of a joint initiation the Vice Chief Ranger must give the names and numbers of the
several Courts having candidates initiated, using this form: The respective branches of our Order
of which you will be members are known as ....
Being a fraternal society the members of the Order address each other as brother.
The Order has signs, grips and a password, which are to be used only as I will explain, and which
you will never disclose to anyonenot even to a member of the Orderexcept when you are
acting in the capacity of a duly authorized officer.
The sign oft. salute is made by placing the right handthumb and other fingers extended, but
held togetherover the heart exemplifying and bowing the headnot the body
slightly exemplifying and thenrequest Candidates make the sign of salute. When all have made it
properly, continue I will explain the uses of this sign later.
The sign of recognition is made by explain and exemplify sign, and then bid the candidates to
make it. The countersign is the answer to the sign of recognition, and is made by explain and
exemplify countersign, and bid the candidates repeat it. Should you happen to be in a company
of men and wish to know without inquiring whether any of them be a Forester you may employ
this sign of recognition exemplifying, making it so deftly as not to attract the attention of anyone
not a member of the Order. If a Forester be amongst them he will notice this sign and answer
with the countersign exemplifying.
The grip is given and returned in this wise explain and exemplify the grip with the aid of the
Senior Conductor, who must step up to the Vice Chief Ranger for that purpose, and then bid the
Conductors to exchange the grip with the candidates. The grip should always be exchanged
when greeting a brother member, and it must be exchanged with certain officers at the meeting
of a Court, as I will explain later.
The password will be given you by the Chief Ranger. Only members in good standing in the
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Order are entitled to the password and they can obtain it only from the Chief Ranger of their
Court or from the acting Chief Ranger at a meeting of their Court. Visiting members may,
however, obtain the password upon presenting either a valid Traveling Card or a written request
from the Chief Ranger of their Court.
Brothers, you must keep the password a close secret, as you promised, and never communicate it
to any person or to any member of the Order, excepting the presiding officer, Conductor and
Inside Sentinel in their official capacity at a session of a Court or a convention of the Order; and
you must always speak it in a whisper.
We also have gavel signals taking up the gavel employed by the Chief Ranger when presiding at
the meetings of the Court. One rap exemplifying is the signal for ordersilenceand for the
members to take their seats; and it is also used by way of confirming the result of a vote as
declared by the chair or a ruling made by him. Two raps exemplifying is the signal for all officers
to rise. Three raps exemplifying the signal for all to rise to their feet; and a series of raps is used
for calling the meeting to order.
When at the opening of a Court meeting, the Conductor approaches you, you must rise in your
place, exchange the grip with him and give him the password in a whisper. If you have forgotten
either of them you must go to the Chief Ranger for instruction, after which you must give the
grip and password to the Conductor before taking a seat. If you are not personally known to the
Conductor, though having the grip and password, you must give him your name and if you be a
visiting member also the name and number of your Court, and then remain standing until the
Chief Ranger declares you entitled to a seat in the meeting.
If you arrive after the meeting has been opened you will give three raps exemplifying on the inner
doorthe one leading into the hall. When the Inside Sentinel opens the wicket you must give
him your name and, if you be a visiting member, also the name and number of your Court. You
must also give him the password when he asks for it. When the Sentinel admits you, you must
exchange the grip with him, then pass up the middle of the hail to the center
pedestal pointing to it, where you must salute the Chief Ranger with the sign exemplifying. If he
be engaged you may turn towards this station and salute the Vice Chief Ranger. After you have
been recognized with a return of the salute you may take a seat on either side of the hall. If you
have not the password, the Chief Ranger, after having been assured of your good standing, will
order you admitted. When the Sentinel opens the door you will proceed in the same manner, but
after you have saluted, you go to the Chief Ranger for instruction and then give the grip and
password to the Conductor before taking a seat. The Senior Conductor will demonstrate the
proper manner of entering a hall while the Court is in session.
The Senior Conductor leaves the ball, gives due signal, enters in proper form and takes his seat.
V.C.R., continues: If you have not the grip or password and desire to attend a meeting of a Court
other than your own, and at which the Chief Ranger of your Court is not present, you must have
either a valid Traveling Card or a written request for the grip and password from the Chief
Ranger of your Court, such request being under seal of your Court.
From this explanation, candidates, it must be clear to you that you are not entitled and cannot be
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permitted to be present at any meeting of any Court, unless you have the grip and password, and
unless you are known to be members in good standing in the Order. Bear this well in mind.
Now a few words as to your conduct during the meeting of a Court. Should you wish to obtain
the floor for any purpose whatever, you must first rise in your place and addressing your self to
the presiding officer, say Chief Ranger.
When, he has recognized you, you may proceed, but not before. Should you desire to change
your place, cross the hall or retire from the meeting, you must first obtain permission, and then
go to the center pedestal pointing to it and salute the Chief Ranger, or, if he be engaged, the Vice
Chief Ranger, and then pass on in crossing the hall, always do it between this station and the
center pedestal.
At the close of the Court meeting the Chief Ranger gives one rap with the gavel exemplifying and
then making the sign of salute, says: Brothers, good night, or good afternoon, as the case may
be. The members in acknowledgment also make the sign and say in unison: Chief Ranger, good
night or good afternoon.
The regular meetings of this Court are held on the give day of week of each
month give place of meetings and you should endeavor to attend each and every one of them.
The Conductors will now present to you copies of the constitution of the Order. and of the by-
laws of the Court, which you should peruse diligently, so as to become conversant with the laws,
rules and regulations and with your duties of membership. Will each of you promise to do
this? Candidates should answer. Please bear in mind that you will not be able to observe the laws
or fulfill your duties unless you know them.
You will also be given some proposition blanks.
The Vice Chief Ranger then bids the Conductor to hand each candidate copies of the laws and
By-laws and several proposition blanks.
After they have been distributed the Senior Conductor will report: Worthy Vice Chief Ranger.
your orders have been obeyed.
The Vice Chief Ranger continues: You will now be conducted to the station of the Chief Ranger,
where you will hear the lesson of our Order and receive the password.
The Vice Chief Ranger gives three raps for members to rise, turning to Senior Conductor he then
orders: Senior Conductor, present the candidates to the Chief Ranger.
The Senior Conductor proceeds as before, the candidates being led over the same line of march
as at first to the Chief Rangers station, and the fifth and last stanza of the Ode is sung, or a
march is played.
Upon arrival at the Chief Rangers station, the Senior Conductor introduces the candidates
thus: Chief Ranger, I present candidates who have taken the binding obligations of the Order and
have been instructed by the Vice Chief Ranger.
The Chief Ranger gives signal for members to be seated and then delivers the following, with
feeling and conviction, and to the yery best of his ability:
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Lesson
C.R.: Brothers, I have a few words to say to you touching upon the fundamental structure of the
Catholic Order of Foresters.
Our order, planted under the protecting shade of holy Mother Church, in which it finds its source
and from which it draws its inspiration, is founded upon three cardinal principlesprinciples
based upon the three great theological virtues, typified so beautifully by the stations you have
just passedFaith. Hope and Charity; principles that tend to elevate and make us better
members of society, of the church and of the state and nobler defenders of the Christian home.
These principles are: Friendship, Unity and true Christian Charity.
Friendshipa flower that blooms in all ages and in all climes. It isas the rivers, the strands
of the seas or the air we breathecommon to all mankind. It is a principle that you should
practice at all times and under all circumstances and you should cultivate, both by intercourse
and association, the friendship of the members of this Order, whom you ask to be your brothers.
We will be your brothers. Having assumed the self-same obligation that you have taken, we
stand ready to aid and protect you so long as you wear your armor in the cause of right and live
amongst us as true and faithful Catholic Foresters.
My brothers, I will now give you the grasp of Friendship as a mark of welcome to our ranks; at
the same time I will impart to you the password of the Order, which will open to you the doors of
all our Courts.
The Chief Ranger passes around among the candidates, giving to each the grip and password of
the Order. While doing so an appropriate (solemn) song should be sung or an interlude or
reverie played on the piano. If the class is large, the Chief Ranger should request several visiting
Chief Rangers or Past Chief Rangers to assist him in giving out the password. This will expedite
the work. These officers, if possible, should be gowned.
Returning to his station, the Chief Ranger continues: The Conductors will now take the
password to assure me that you are in possession of it.
The Junior and Assistant Conductors, each beginning at his end of the file, then proceed to
examine the candidates, and, if there be a large number, the Senior Conductor assists, taking the
middle one-third. The musician should softly play an interlude or reverie.
The Conductors should not exchange the grip or grasp the hands of the candidates when taking
the password.
If any candidate has forgotten the password the Conductor must request him to step up to the
Chief Ranger for instruction.
The Conductors, finding all in possession of the password, the Senior Conductor will report to
the Chief Ranger thus: Worthy Chief Ranger, all have been examined and are in possession of
the password.
The Chief Ranger then continues: Brothers, the second principle of our Order is Unity. This
principle teaches us that alone man is weak, united he is strong; a truth that the philosopher of
old exemplified so strikingly and which I, in like manner, shall now ask the Senior Conductor to
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exemplify.
Worthy Conductor, come forward.
The Conductor will come forward and salute the Chief Ranger, who will hand him a stick. He
will salute again and then face the candidates, holding the stick so that all can see.
C.R.: Conductor, break the stick.
After this has been done the Chief Ranger will say: Worthy Conductor, you will now take this
handful of sticks, bound closely together to unite their strength, and try to break them.
The Conductor will salute the Chief Ranger, accept from him the bundle of sticks, salute again,
face the candidates and try to break the bundle. Having made several efforts, he will turn, salute
the Chief Ranger and report: Worthy Chief Ranger, I have tried but cannot break the sticks
united.
Conductor salutes and retires to his position.
C.R.: What a splendid illustration of the power of Unity. The single stick so easily broken, resists
every effort when united with others. As with the sticks, so it is with man. Alone we are weak
and can do but little or nothing; our efforts are easily shattered; but associated in a bond of
fraternal union we are strong and can accomplish much for church, home and country and can
make substantial provisions for one another in case of sickness and distress and for our loved
ones, in case of death. You, my brothers, from henceforth will be called upon to lend strength to
this potent principle by inviting into our Order all eligible Catholic men, to the end that the
greatest good may come to the largest number.
Slight Pause.
The third principle, my brothers, is Christian Charity. Charity is that principle which inspires in
our hearts and minds those of Friendship and Unity, and which incites us to do unto others as we
would have them do unto us. Life, my brothers, has its sunshine and its shadows; its days and its
nights; its seasons of joy and its hours of sorrow, and in this eventful drama each and every man
plays a part. And so in our Order. Every member is called upon to dc his share toward making
the world better and brighter; toward bringing sunshine and gladness to hearts in gloom and
towards, dispelling the clouds that at times gather about and darken the life of a brother member.
Remember, my brothers, that Charity consists not only in money giving, or in the doing of things
possible only for the rich; but Charity includes as well those little acts of kindness and mercy,
which all can practice, irrespective of calling or station in life, which give to humanity the touch
of kinship and make the world a place we delight to live in.
My brothers, consoling and encouraging indeed to every Christian soul must be the words of our
Divine Master, promising eternal rewardsome, ye blessed of my Father, possess you the
Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me
to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me to drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; naked and
you covered me; sick and you visited me; I was in prison and you came to me.
Amen, I say to you, as long as you did it to one of these my least brethren, you did it to me.
Pause.
FraternityhumanityChristianity in its deepest significance.
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Cultivate ever, my brothers, the practice of the sublime principle and virtue of Charity. Let no
day pass without enriching it, by performing, in the Masters name, some little act of kindness,
charity or benevolence. Cast from your hearts every grudge; banish every unkind thought: lay
aside every personal prejudice.
Recognize more clearly, each day, in every man, the imagine of Godyour brother. Let not the
vanity of the world dazzle and blind you.
Let the Golden Rule be your motto. Let the sun of charity that rises at home, always set abroad.
Help to propagate and extend the great work in which we are engaged. Lastly, let no act of yours
ever tarnish the fair name of our Order, but let your lives at all times be above reproach. Be
faithful in. your duty to your God, to your family, to your country and to your fellowman; and
consider that, when at last your earthly mission is ended, all the noble and generous deeds which
you performed will serve as golden keys to open for you the gates of eternal happiness.
These, my friends, are the sublime teachings of our Order, and these point out the rule of conduct
we would have you follow as members of the Catholic Order of Foresters.
Pause.
My brothers, I will now invest you each with the emblem of the Order, signifying that you have
been selected to regular membership. This emblem pointing to the emblem on the banner has
upon it a cross and a deer. The cross typifies our faith. The deer, figurative of Christ, symbolizes
those ardent and virtuous desires, which spring so warmly from a truly Christian soul.
The crossthe tree of salvationand the deerthe noblest and keenest denizen of the woods
are to remind us further of the Forestthe Forest of Lifein which we as true Foresters are to
labor zealously and which we are to guard faithfully.
In the cross you find the letters F. H. C., representing those sanctifying virtuesFaith, Hope and
Charity. I ask you to wear this emblem. Let it always be worn, however, with honor. By no act of
yours bring discredit upon it.
The Chief Ranger passes among the candidates and invests each with an emblem (button) of the
Order.
The Senior Conductor assists by passing him the emblem, which he carries on a tray. Should the
class be large, the Chief Ranger should ask one of the other officers to assist.
During this ceremony an appropriate song should be sung, or an interlude played.
The Chief Ranger, upon returning to his station, continues: My dear brothers, your initiation to
regular membership is about to close. Further travels await you, would you reach the heights of
full membership in the Order. You will soon be conducted from this hall. Later you will be
returned to be introduced to the brothers present You were presented proposition blanks. I now
hand you this roll, which I kindly ask each to sign while in the ante-room, certifying that in
appreciation of your admission to membership, and as evidence of your willingness to help
extend the Order, you will make an earnest and sincere effort to secure the application of at least
one good, eligible man within the next sixty days.
Let each sign this roll and let it be returned to the Secretary of the Court for safekeeping and,,
later, during your next march to a higher degree, let it be presented as a pledge and as evidence
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of your loyalty to the Order.

The Chief Ranger hands roll to Senior Conductor who, in turn, hands it to the third candidate.
C.R. gives three raps, members arise.
C.R., pointing to the cross and flag: Behold before me the two great standards of civilization
the cross and the flag. The cross and flag attendant should rise. The one symbolizes the church;
the other the state. How closely interwoven is mans destiny with both. How dependent on these
is the happiness and safety of the home.
My brothers, you each declared before this assemblage that you were a practical Catholic: You
pledged loyalty and obedience to holy Mother Church. I present to you this cross, emblematic of
our faith. The cross attendant hands cross to Chief Ranger, who presents it to Senior Conductor,
who remains standing until C.R. closes remarks. Take it with you. Let it ever serve as a reminder
that through it alone man can be saved and on the occasion of your next journey toward higher
membership let it be presented as evidence of the faith that is in you.
The Senior Conductor holds cross erect, facing candidates, until song is concluded and then
hands cross to the first candidate in line.
Solo: Hail, Cross Divine, Nearer, My God, to Thee or other appropriate religious song.
After the cross has been presented the Chief Ranger continues: At the close of each meeting of
our Order, the members are reminded that a good Catholic and a true Forester is the highest type
of a citizen.
Loyalty to God is the best assurance of loyalty to country. Loyalty to country is a duty as is
loyalty to God, for the Master said: Render to Caesar the things that are Caesars, and to God, the
things that are Gods.
To impress upon your minds most fully the duty you owe to your country, I now present to you
this flag, the emblem of our nation. Flag attendant hands flag to the Chief Ranger, who holding
it high continues: Let it ever remind you of your civic obligations, and cause you to discharge
them faithfully, be it in peace or be it in war.
The Chief Ranger hands flag to Senior Conductor who faces the candidates and stands holding
flag erect while the Star Spangled Banner (in Canada a national anthem) is sung. At conclusion
of singing the Chief Ranger continues: Take this banner with you and in your onward march
toward higher membership let it serve as evidence of your patriotism and your ever willingness
to upbuild and defend your country, even at the cost of your very lives.
With cross and flag I beg you to proceed and vouch for you a safe and happy journey. Conductor
presents flag to second candidate.
C.R.: Worthy Conductor, proceed.
Senior Conductor orders candidates to march as before and leads them to the ante-room.
The Chief Ranger gives three raps; all rise and sing America. In Dominion of Canada a national
hymn is used. Singing should be continued until the new initiates have marched out of the hall.
Upon arrival in the ante-room the Senior Conductor should have all sign the pledge roll. As
soon as all have signed the Senior Conductor should announce to the Inside Sentinel that the
new initiates are ready to return. If the class is large several pledge sheets should be used to
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expedite signing.
The Inside Sentinel, awaiting a proper pause in the business procedure of the Court,
announces: Worthy Chief Ranger, the Conductors with the new initiates ask to be admitted.
C.R.: You will admit them.
The Chief Ranger gives three raps. All members rise. The Conductors will lead the new initiates
before the Chief Ranger, placing them in a semi-circle, as when first they entered: A march
should be played on the piano during entry. After new initiates have been properly placed the
Senior Conductor will step to the center, salute the Chief Ranger, and say: Worthy Chief
Ranger, I present our new brothers, each of whom has signed the roll, they now await your
further pleasure.
C.R.: Brothers, you are about to be introduced collectively to the members present by me and
individually, a little later, by the Conductors. Before proceeding with this formality, permit me to
present to you a number of books, the reading and study of which will be most helpful to you in.
your journey toward higher membership. Read them carefully. Read other books and literature of
a similar nature and thus prepare yourselves for the journeys to come. A word to the wise is
sufficient.
The Conductors will please distribute the books.
After they have been distributed the Chief Ranger will ask the new initiates to face the members
and will make the following introduction: Brothers of ... Court No. ..., I take much pleasure in
presenting to you these new brothers, who are now regular members of this Court and of the
Order. Give them your hearty greeting.
The members applaud and then the Chief Ranger declares a short recess, instructing the
Conductors to introduce the new members individually to all present.
After sufficient time has been given for introduction, congratulations, etc., the Chief Ranger
again calls the meeting to order and continues with the Order of Business. If the meeting is a
special one, for the purpose of initiating a class, a social session should follow.
In either case, one or more of the new, initiates should be called upon for remarks.
Closing Ceremony
A motion to proceed to close having prevailed, or there being no further business to transact, the
Chief Ranger, standing, says: Brothers, we will proceed to close this meeting in regular form.
The conductors will please collect the officers badges.
The Conductors proceed to collect the badges and the Chief Ranger continues: Financial
Secretary, what are the receipts of the Court since the last regular meeting?
The Financial Secretary reports in the following form, speaking slowly so as to enable the
Recording Secretary and the Treasurer to write it down: The receipts are: Benefit Fund, $...;
Court Fund, $...; Contingent Fund, $...; Total, $....
C.R.: Treasurer, will you receive and receipt for these moneys at the close of the meeting and
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credit them to the respective funds ?

The Treasurer must answer.
C.R.: Recording Secretary, have you kept a true record of the acts of this meeting?
The Recording Secretary must answer. And have you noted the receipts of the Court as reported
by the Financial Secretary ?
The Recording Secretary must answer.
As soon as the Conductors have finished collecting the badges, the Chief Ranger requests: The
Reverend Spiritual Director will please say the closing prayer.
Three raps. Members rise and remain standing during prayer.
Closing Prayer
Under Thy protection we take refuge, O Holy Mother of God. Despise not our petition in our
necessities, but deliver us from all dangers, O ever glorious and blessed Virgin.
Let us pray for our departed Brothers.
Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc.
May the souls of our departed brothers and of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of
God, rest in peace. R. Amen.
C.R.: Let us now sing the closing song.
At the conclusion of the song the Chief Ranger commands: The Conductors will come forward
and take charge of the Cross and Flag.
The Conductors come forward, salute, take cross and flag, turn and face the meeting.
C.R.: Brothers, salute the standards.
Members give military salute.
C.R.: Conductors retire.
Conductors take cross and flag to place of safe keeping. Upon their return the C.R. will
say: Brothers, the work of our meeting is performed. Let us part as we metin the spirit of unity
and brotherly love. Let all our acts at all times be governed by the sublime precepts of our Order,
and the world will learn that a good Catholic and a true Forester is the highest type of a citizen.
Do not fail to attend the next meeting, which will be held .... give day and date, and call
particular attention to any special feature of that meeting.
The Chief Ranger then gives one rap and, making the sign of salute, says: Brothers, good night,
or good afternoon as the case may be.
The members, in acknowledgment, also make the sign and say in unison: Chief Ranger, good
night, or good afternoon.
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Foresters of America
Initiation Ritual
1897
Opening of the Court
C.R., *: The Brothers will come to order. The Officers will assume their stations.
C.R.: Brother Junior Woodward, you will ascertain if the Beadles are at their posts,
and if the entrance to the Court Room is properly guarded. Brother Senior Woodward,
you will satisfy yourself that all present are entitled to sit in a Court of Foresters of
America.
Each Woodward as addressed will arise in his place and remain standing until the
Chief Ranger has finished speaking. The Junior Woodward will then go to the outer
door, see that it is closed, and that the Junior Beadle is at his post. He will then close
the inner door, see that the Senior Beadle is at his post, return to his station, and
remain standing; or to may assist the Senior Woodward in taking up the password.
The Senior Woodward in the meantime will advance to the Chief Ranger, give him the
password, and take up the same from each person present.
He will then return to his station and remain standing.
J.W.: Worthy Chief Ranger, the Beadles are their posts and the Court Room is
securely guarded.
S.W.: Worthy Chief Ranger, I am satisfied that all present are Foresters of America.
C.R., * *: Brother Sub Chief Ranger, what are your duties?
S.C.R.: To assist the Chief Ranger in all his work and in his absence to preside over
the Court.
C.R.: Brother Financial Secretary, what are your duties?
F.S.: To receive from the members all moneys due the Court, paying the same only to
the Treasurer, and perform such other duties as our Laws require.
C.R.: Brother Treasurer, what are your duties?
Treas.: To receive from the Financial Secretary all Court funds in his possession, and
to pay the same only on a duly executed warrant.
C.R.: Brothers, it is my duty to preside over the Court, enforce the Laws, and preserve
peace and harmony in our deliberations. In this work I ask your earnest cooperation.
You will remember that we are met together as Foresters of America; that while we
recognize all sects in religion and codes in politics, we permit none to influence our
actions here ; and that as members of one fraternity, created by the same Almighty
Parent, and inhabitants of the same country, we are to aid, support, and protect each
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other. * * *. We will now sing our opening ode.

Done.
C.R.: Brothers, what are the watchwords of our Order?
All: Liberty, Unity, Benevolence, and Concord.
C.R.: With these principles as our guide I declare Court No. , in the Grand
Jurisdiction of ... opened in due form. Observe the Chair.
Chief Ranger and Brothers will give the salutation sign.
Initiation
Explanation: The idea is that of a recruit seeking admission into the Foresters of
America as a patriotic and fraternal society. The Junior Beadle is friendly to his
application, and, to insure his safety, the Junior Beadle gives the applicant a token of
the Order.
The Circle or Ring is placed among our emblems as a type of the endless bond of
brotherhood, and to teach us that, as there is no end to a circle, so ought our efforts to
aid and assist our distressed Brothers be unending, and thereby convince the world
that our profession of benevolence is no idle boast.
The Conflict in the form as submitted is between Indians and Guard in open Court. If
this be found inexpedient, it is contemplated that an imaginary conflict take place in
the ante-room, one Indian is wounded and brought in by Guard, after speech of
Senior Woodward is concluded.
Paraphernalia consist of American flag, one sword and belt, four muskets, one
headsman axe, cord to bind hands, drinking glass, gray robe, four Indian head-
dresses, four stuffed clubs, gloves (about two dozen), two fatigue belts for
Woodwards.
The initiation ceremony has been prepared for use with one Candidate.
C.R.: Brother Senior Beadle, ascertain from the Junior Beadle whether any Candidates
are in waiting.
The Senior Beadle will give * *, if answered by Junior Beadle * *, he will say:
S.B.: Worthy Chief Ranger, no Candidates are in waiting.
If answered by Junior Beadle * * *, he will open the wicket and the Junior Beadle will
give him the full name of all Candidates in waiting.
The Senior Beadle will then say:
S.B.: Worthy Chief Ranger, giving name of Candidate is without and desires
initiation into the mysteries of Forestry.
C.R.: Brother Financial Secretary, has Candidate been duly and legally elected a
member of this Court?
F.S.: He has.
C.E.: You will retire to the ante-room and ascertain if the person in waiting is the
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person who has been proposed and balloted for by this Court.
The Financial Secretary with the proposition and the necessary question blanks in
book form salutes and retires. On entering ante-room the Financial Secretary
propounds, and Candidate answers in writing, the following questions. No answer
should be written by Financial Secretary or other person except Candidate. The
questions shall be printed in book form, and answers written in space under "
answers."
Questions
1. Your name is
2. Your address is
3. Is this your signature?
4. Do you believe in the existence of a Supreme Being?
5. Have you ever been a member of this Order?
6. Have you ever made a previous application for membership in this Order?
7. Have you sought to enter this Order from any improper or unworthy motive?
S. Are you willing to take upon yourself an obligation, provided it does not conflict
with your duty to your God, your country, or yourself?
During the time the Financial Secretary is in the ante-room, the Junior Beadle is at
his post at outer door, standing at attention, no person should be permitted to enter
ante-room. If alarm is sounded, the Junior Beadle answers * *. No person, save the
Financial Secretary and Candidate, should speak. Upon signing of question blank,
and collection of the balance of initiation fee, the Financial Secretary returns to Court
and reports:
F.S.: Worthy Chief Ranger, I am satisfied that the person in waiting is , the party
named in this application, and balloted for in this Court. He has paid the initiation fee
in full, and satisfactorily answered the questions propounded.
The Financial Secretary resumes his station.
C.R.: Brothers, Mr. , having been duly proposed and accepted by ballot as our Law
requires, now presents himself for initiation into the mysteries of our Order. Does any
Brother know of any reason which would render his admission into this Court
detrimental to its peace, prosperity, or good order? If so, speak.
In case there is any objection, the application shall again be referred to a Committee
of Three, none of whom were on the original committee, to investigate said objection.
The Candidate shall not be initiated until the committee has had at least one week to
investigate, and has reported favorably. If the report be unfavorable then the Chief
Ranger shall declare the former ballot null and void, and order a new ballot.
There being no objection:
C.R.: Brothers, prepare for the ceremony of initiation.
The Officers shall wear white gloves. The members of the Guard shall carry muskets
and wear white gloves. The Guard shall consist of four or more members, to be
selected by and under command of the Captain of the Guard. The Captain of the
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Guard shall be appointed at installation by the Chief Ranger for a term of six months.
The altar shall be draped with a flag.
The Junior Beadle prepares Candidate by placing a package of papers in inside
pocket of his coat, and hangs about his neck a string to which is attached one-half of a
wooden ring (such as is used to hang lambrequins), and concealed in clothes; the
other half being in possession of Chief Ranger.
If more than one Candidate, all but one shall be conducted to and seated in the Court
Room at the left of the Junior Past Chief Ranger, there to remain until hereinafter
further directed. With the remaining Candidate the ceremony will proceed.
When all is ready:
C.R.: Brother Senior Beadle, announce to the Junior Beadle that the Court is ready to
receive the Candidate.
Senior Beadle gives double alarm. Answered similarly by Junior Beadle. Senior
Beadle opens door. Junior Beadle instructs Candidate to walk forward into the room.
Senior Beadle follows behind Candidate to guide him if necessary. When Candidate is
near middle of room Woodwards rush forward and seize him.
S.W.: Who are you, sir? What is your business here in this Forest? Have you no
answer to make?
Brother Junior Woodward, bind his hands! Now search him.
Junior Woodward searches him, and finds papers and hands them to Senior
Woodward, who looks them over and then says:
S.W.: Ha! I believe he is a spy! Let us take him to our Chief.
Candidate is taken to Chief Ranger, the Woodwards at either side of Candidate.
S.W.: Worthy Chief Ranger, as the Junior Woodward and myself lay concealed in a
dense part of the Forest, we saw this prisoner stealthily making his way through the
underbrush. Deeming his actions suspicious, we suddenly sprang upon him and made
him a prisoner. He was unable to explain his presence to our satisfaction, and, on
searching him, we found these papers, which appear to be a plan of this Court.
Believing him to be a spy, we have brought him before for further examination.
Senior Woodward hands papers to Chief Ranger, who examines them.
C.R.: Sir, such papers as these should be in the hands of none but a most trusted
officer of this Court. We are here in this Forest, surrounded on all sides by implacable
enemies. For our own safety we are compelled to punish the slightest act of treachery
by immediate death. The fact of these documents being in your possession demands
prompt action. I therefore order that you be taken to the margin of the Forest, and
there executed as a spy.
If no Guard is used, Senior Woodward in front of and Junior Woodward behind
Candidate proceed to block at execution.
If Guard is used:
S.W.: Captain, call out the Guard to attend the execution.
Captain salutes.
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Captain: Guard, attention, fall in!

Guard fall in by twos, facing towards Chief Ranger.
Captain: Forward, march!
When front rank reaches Junior Woodward they open order and go on either side of
Woodwards and Candidate, and close order as soon as they pass Senior Woodward.
Then halt. Rear rank halt when they reach Junior Woodward. Then Woodwards and
Candidate left face.
Captain: Forward, march!
Proceed to execution near Sub Chief Ranger.
Captain: Halt!
All halt and face Candidate.
S.W. to Candidate: Kneel on both knees. Bow your head.
Senior Woodward loosens collar to receive blow of axe held ready to strike by Junior
Woodward. While doing so Senior Woodward finds half of ring, and holding it up to
view says:
S.W.: Hold, what is this?
J.W.: It is a part of the most valued token of our Order. This should be reported to our
Chief.
S.W.: I will do so. Remain here, and guard the prisoner.
Senior Woodward returns to Chief Ranger.
S.W.: Worthy Chief Ranger, upon the person of the prisoner condemned to death I
found this token of our Order. Deeming it of importance, we stayed the execution till
the fact could be reported to you.
Presents half of ring. Chief Ranger takes same.
C.R.: This is indeed important, and you did well to report it. I fear we have
condemned him too hastily.
Present the prisoner before me for further examination.
Senior Woodward returns to prisoner and addresses Captain or Woodward according
as Guard is used or not.
S.W.: The Chief Ranger orders the prisoner returned to him.
If no Guard, Woodwards with Candidate march around room to position in front of
Chief Ranger. The Woodwards then take position on either side, and slightly to rear of
Candidate.
If Guard, the Captain salutes Senior Woodward and orders:
Captain: Guard, attention !
All then face and march to position in front of Chief Ranger.
Captain: Halt!
All halt and right face. Guards fall back two paces.
S.W.: Worthy Chief Ranger, I again present the prisoner.
C.R.: Sir, was this token which was found on your person placed there by the Officer
at the margin of the Forest?
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Candidate, prompted by Senior Woodward: It was.

Chief Ranger takes other half of ring from his pocket, and, joining the two halves,
holds completed ring up to view.
C.R.: Brothers, this is the symbolic emblem of our Forestic Circle. Some time since
the Junior Beadle gave me this half, saying that he had entrusted the other half to one
whose zeal for liberty and fidelity to Forestry had moved him to seek membership of
our Court. This man is not a spy, but one who, revering his country and loving his
fellow-man, seeks companionship in the Foresters of America.
To Candidate: Sir, this emblem found upon your person has saved your life. Let the
experience through which you have just passed be a lesson to you never to judge
hastily of a brother's action, or be guided by external appearances alone. What is it
you now most desire?
Candidate, prompted by Senior Woodward: Liberty.
C.R.: Let him be restored to liberty.
Senior Woodward removes bonds from Candidate.
C.R.: Brother Senior Woodward, conduct him to a position in front of the altar.
If no Guard, the Woodwards, with Candidate, proceed to position at altar. As
Candidate passes, the Junior Woodward, pauses and the waiting Candidates fall in
the rear of Candidate, the Woodwards on either side of and one step to rear of
Candidate.
If Guard, Senior Woodward turns to Captain.
S.W.: Captain, escort us to the altar.
Guards step forward two paces to bring them to original position.
Captain: Left face! Forward, march!
Proceed and take position about altar.
Initiation ode first verse.
Chief Ranger steps down to a position half-way between his station and the altar.
C.R.: Sir, you are approaching the privilege of membership in the Foresters of
America, an Order founded upon and consecrated to the broad principles of Liberty,
Unity, Benevolence, and Concord. We are not the first to proclaim these principles. In
the dark hours of the Revolution, when Liberty had been driven from every American
home, Brother greeted Brother in the silent Forest and with clasped hands pledged
their lives that Liberty should not perish from the land, and that America should be
free. In 1780 Marion, dauntless even in defeat, called his men together in the secret
shades of the Forest, and thus addressed them: "I consider my life but a moment, but
to fill that moment with duty is my all. To-day I am a lover, and Liberty is my
sweetheart. To guard my country is my greatest duty. I am resolved that while I live
my country shall never be enslaved."
All: Never.
C.R.: Sir, Liberty has as serious a meaning to-day as it had among our fellow
Foresters of old. Only those who follow Liberty's star can enter here. Then stand by
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the flag, by the red, white, and blue!

Each color has its history, each stripe its significance, and each star its story.
The red, ardent desire: an ardent desire to see our country prosper and liberty
proclaimed to every people.
The white, purity and humility: pure is our love of brotherhood and country.
The blue, faithfulness and fidelity: be ye faithful to the flag and to the fraternity.
C.R.: Brother Senior Woodward, place the Candidate in proper position to assume the
obligation.
Senior Woodward places candidate.
While this is being done, Chief Ranger returns to his station.
C.R.: Sir, you are now in proper position to take the solemn obligation of a Forester of
America, which I assure you will in no wise conflict with any duty you owe your God,
your country, your neighbor, or yourself. With this assurance, are you willing to
proceed?
Candidate: I am.
Chief Ranger calls up Court and takes position at the altar opposite to and facing
Candidate.
C.R. to Candidate: You will repeat your name in full and say after me:
I, , of my own free will and accord, in the presence of the Brethren here assembled,
do solemnly and sincerely promise, declare, and affirm that I will faithfully keep and
fully conform to all the laws, rules, regulations, and edicts of the Order, when legally
enacted or commanded by the Supreme, Grand, or Subordinate Court, or any Officer
thereof. I will never communicate, either by word, sign, or writing, any of the secret
affairs of the Supreme Court, or any Grand of Subordinate Court; I will not print or
write, or permit to be printed or written, any of the unwritten work of the Order, save
as permitted by the laws of the Order.
I will never wrong a Brother, nor permit him to be wronged, if in my power to prevent
it.
I will, to the extent of my means, aid a Brother in distress, and assist the widows and
orphans of deceased Brothers.
I will, so far as possible, attend all meetings of the Court, promote its welfare, and
assist in the up-building of its membership and finances.
In event of my connection with the Order ceasing, I will consider this obligation as
binding upon me out of the Order as in it.
I make this pledge on the honor of a man who respects the sublime value of truth and
the sacredness of a promise. May He who rules the Universe keep me steadfast and
true in this, my solemn obligation!
Initiation ode- second verse.
When ode is completed, Chief Ranger returns to his station and gives *; Senior
Woodward raises Candidate to his feet; members become seated; Guard, Woodwards,
and Candidate remain as they are.
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C.R.: Brother Senior Woodward, you will present our newly made Brother to the Sub
Chief Ranger.
If Guard is used, Senior Woodward turns to Captain.
S.W.: Captain, dismiss the guard.
Captain, remaining in his position: Guard front. Guard faces Chief Ranger. Forward,
march!
When Guard are seated, or if no Guard is used, Senior and Junior Woodwards step to
either side of Candidate, still facing Chief Ranger. All three right face, and, in single
file, Senior Woodward leads in half circle to front of Sub Chief Ranger, and then left
face.
S.W.: Worthy Sub Chief Ranger, by direction of the Chief Ranger I present our newly
made Brother.
S.C.R.: My Brother, the obligation you have just taken will not make of you a Forester
unless you live and act as a Forester. The true Forester looks beyond the outward
appearance of its forms and ceremonies to the eternal spirit of brotherhood which
links, in the golden chain of our expanding sympathy, heart with heart and hand with
hand.
You will now be conducted to the ante-room, and upon your return you will be further
instructed in the principles of our Order.
Senior Woodward, Candidate, and Junior Woodward right face, and Senior
Woodward leads Candidate to ante-room, Junior Woodward taking his seat as he
reaches his station.
The lights will be turned low, so as to make objects but faintly visible.
The Guard will be in their seats near to Chief Ranger. A band dressed as Indians will
assemble in ante-room, taking care they are not seen by the Candidate. Everything
being ready, the Senior Beadle will open the door, and, without ceremony, admit the
Senior Woodward and Candidate, who will enter and slowly make their way around
the room, and, as they move along, Senior Woodward will say:
S.W.: It is thus you will make your journey through life. You will find that it is not all
sunshine, but that it has its dark days and its times of discouragement and trouble,
when you will need the guiding hand and help of others. As adversity conies to you,
so will it come to your Brother, and you should never forget that in such straits he has
a claim upon your sympathy.
You are now nearing the end of your journey, for the headquarters of our Forestic
Court are close at hand; but do not cease your vigilance, for dangers are often nearest
when the least expected.
At this moment Senior Beadle opens door, and Indians, with war-whoop and yell, rush
from ante-room towards Chief Ranger. The Guard jump up and meet them. A sharp
conflict occurs, during which Indians are gradually driven into ante-room. Guard
following. As Indians retreat, one of their number is left lying on the floor, his head
toward side of the room, groaning as if badly injured. As soon as Indians and Guard
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pass into ante-room, Sub Chief Ranger immediately goes to wounded Indian, and
stands on side nearest Chief Ranger, looking at Indian. At this moment the Guard
come rushing in from ante-room, shouting: Kill him! Kill him!
Before they can touch wounded Indian, the Sub Chief Ranger, lifting his hand, says:
S.C.R.: Peace! Let no mad revel of ever stain a Forester's victory over a fallen foe. In
the hour of his proudest triumph let him never refuse to dip his colors to the sceptre of
Benevolence. And in his daily battles let him never forget that the standard of human
life is not raised by the pressure of brute forces, but by the attraction of those graces of
Benevolence with which the world's Samaritans have crowned the top.
The throne of Benevolence is not pillared on bayonets of steel, and her grandest
victories sound no heralding trumpets; yet where are the people that do not pay her
tribute, or the nation that knows not her power?
She binds her votaries in bonds of sympathy, and the cords of their union throb with a
common impulse the world over and all the time.
She lifts the clouds from the horizon of our lives, shows the world in brighter colors,
and makes it a better place in which to live. She sends her followers to dry the tear
and put a smile in its stead ; and, squaring their lives by the Golden Rule of human
conduct, she helps them to rear a noble structure not made with hands, strong enough
to last through all the ages, and large enough to shelter all mankind.
Here a member, representing a priestly character, clad in a long gray robe, will
silently slip through to the wounded Indian, and, raising his head, will press a glass of
water to his lips, and instantly the Sub Chief Ranger, pointing to the spectacle, will
continue:
S.C.R.: Sometimes, like a ministering angel, she comes to press the cooling cup to the
lips of the wounded, caring not what his name or station, or what the cause for which
he fell. Then, honor to the principles that make us one!
The Guard all kneel about Indian as if anxious to assist him, and the Sub Chief
Ranger, taking glass, raises it above his head, and says:
S.C.R.: Brothers, here's to Friendship in marble and Enmity in dust; and may Liberty,
Unity, Benevolence, and Concord ever hold sway in Courts of Foresters !
When Sub Chief Ranger has finished, Senior Woodward turns Candidate around and
conducts him to Chief Ranger, during which the Guards lift Indian to his feet and
assist him from the room. Lights are turned up.
During verbal instructions by Chief Ranger and Junior Past Chief Ranger, the
Woodwards will exemplify the, sign, etc., before Candidate.
C.R.: My Brother, the scene you have just witnessed is intended to teach a lesson in
Unity, Benevolence, and Concord. You beheld how by united action your companions
repelled the attack of the enemy. Also with what Concord they extended the hand of
Benevolence to the fallen foe. Bear this lesson ever in your mind, and remember that
Benevolence is the crowning principle of our Order.
I will now make you acquainted with the sign, countersign, grip, and word of a
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Forester.
The sign of a Forester is given thus: .
The countersign thus: .
The sign and countersign are emblematic of our Forestic Circle. With the individual
Brother the Circle is incomplete; yet by the countersign we are taught that when even
two are met together, then the Circle is unbroken and its obligation just as binding as
when many are assembled.
The grip of a Forester is given thus: .
It is emblematic of that friendship which we should extend to every member of the
Order. By it we are taught to recognize the duty of walking hand in hand through the
Forests of this life, and of helping each other to surmount its struggles and bear up
under its disappointments.
The word of a Forester is: .
Liberty is the first principle of our Order, and should be strenuously preserved by
you.
The password for the current term is .
The test word is .
This word may be changed at any time, at the discretion of the Supreme Chief
Ranger.
I will now invest you with this badge of membership of our beloved Order, illustrating
its motives, and present you with a copy of the Supreme, Grand, and Subordinate
Court Laws, which you will carefully study.
My Brother, you will hereafter be recognized as a member of Court No.
Foresters of America, subject to its laws and entitled to all its privileges and benefits.
C.R.: Worthy Senior Woodward, you will now conduct our Brother to the Worthy
Junior Past Chief Ranger for further instructions and examination.
S.W.: By direction of the Chief Ranger I herewith present to you our newly initiated
Brother for further instructions and examination.
J.P.C.R.: My Brother, the lessons of this evening teach the value of Liberty and
Benevolence. They constitute the foundation upon which our Fraternity is built, but no
foundation is safe without the binding cement of Unity. In all nations and climes the
conquering force of Unity has been recognized. Our American precept, "United we
stand, divided we fall," is the very keystone of the Nation's prosperity. Let us be true
to each other, true to our Fraternity, and true to our Country.
The great duty of our Order, through which and by which we aim to improve its
members, is Benevolence. It teaches us to regard the great family of mankind as our
brethren, to relieve the distressed and attend the sick, to bury the dead and give
comfort and consolation to the widow and orphan.
To reach the full measure of your responsibilities of membership, you must be of pure
heart and clean hands, constant in attendance upon every Court meeting, and diligent
in the discharge of every duty. Accept such preferment as your Brothers may confer
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upon you. Be animated by the true principles of Forestry, that your life and conduct
may be no reproach to the Brothers whose confidence has made you one of us.
Then let us, as an Order, direct every energy to the preservation of peace in our midst,
and, relying upon the truth of our principles, carry out, in all its fullness and glory, our
God-like motto, "Liberty, Unity, Benevolence, and Concord."
I will now examine you in the sign, countersign, grip, word, password, and test word.
This having been done, the Past Chief Ranger proceeds: In addition to these, we have
signs of challenge and recognition, and signals of distress, with which I will now
acquaint you.
Should you be in any public assembly or thoroughfare, and desire to ascertain if there
is a Forester of America present or near you, you will use this sign: .
If your challenge should be observed by a Forester of America, he will answer you
thus .
Each will then advance to the other, and you will say ; he will reply .
He will then extend his hand, which you will accept, and permit him to give the grip
of Forestry, which, if correct, you will return.
The sign of distress, to be used in the event of your needing assistance or relief, is
made . The answer is . Should you be so situated as to be heard, but not seen, for
example, in the night season, you will give the signal of distress by the use of these
words: .
When this signal is heard by a Brother, he will answer you with the words , and
immediately go to your aid and render such relief and assistance as may be within his
power.
Should you observe the recognition sign, or the sign of distress, or hear the distress
words, you will respond in the manner in which you have been instructed, and by your
conduct manifest that you possess the true principles of our Fraternity.
I will now instruct you how to gain admission into your own or any other Court of
Foresters of America.
On approaching the outer door you will give any ordinary alarm. This will attract the
attention of the Junior Beadle, who will open the wicket, and to whom you will give
the test word, which now is give this in a whisper. You will then be admitted to the
ante-room, where you will clothe yourself in regalia appropriate to your rank and
standing in the Order. You will then approach the inner door and give ; this will be
answered by the Senior Beadle raising the wicket, to whom you will give your name,
and the name and number of the Court to which you belong, in this wise: "Bro. , of
Court , No. ;" or, if it be your own Court, you will say: "Bro. , of this Court."
In either case you will also give the password in a whisper. The Senior Beadle will
then announce you to the Chief Ranger (or Sub Chief Ranger), who will authorize the
Senior Beadle to admit you, if correct.
Upon being admitted, you will advance to the altar and attract the Chief Ranger's
attention by saying, "Worthy Chief Ranger." Observing that he has recognized you,
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you will salute him with the salutation sign. He will answer your salutation with the
countersign.
The voting sign is given thus .
On retiring from the Court Room during a session, or desiring to caution a Brother
engaged in improper speech concerning the Order or its affairs, you will give this
sign, , signifying, my mouth shall ever be encompassed in secrecy. If you are
retiring, the Chief Ranger will respond .
I will also explain to you the use of the gavel, the symbol of authority. One signal
calls the Court to attention or seats it when standing. Two signals are for the officers
to assume a standing position. Three signals will summon the whole Court to arise.
With the various tests now in your possession, you will experience no difficulty in
proving yourself a member of the Foresters of America, or in gaining admission into
any Court of our Order.
The Woodwards will now conduct you to the Financial Secretary, that you may sign
the Constitution and Laws of the Court.
Which being done, the Woodwards with Candidate will take position at altar, the
Woodwards on either side of Candidate.
S.W.: Worthy Chief Ranger, our Brother has signed the Constitution and Laws.
Chief Ranger calls up Court and welcome Ode is sung.
C.R.: Brethren, Brother , having been duly initiated according to the rites and
ceremonies of our Order, is now a Forester of America, entitled to all the privileges
and subject to all the duties and responsibilities of our Fraternity. We will have a
recess of minutes, during which the Senior Woodward and if there be more than
one Candidate, such officers or members as the Chief Ranger may directwill
introduce our new Brother to the members of this Court and all visitors.
Closing of Court
C.R., * * *: Brother Sub Chief Ranger, what are the objects of our Order?
S.C.R.: To unite fraternally all white males in good health and of proper age; to assist
each other in sickness and in distress.
To watch over and protect the widows and orphans of our deceased Brothers.
C.R.: As we go forth into the outer world, my Brothers, let us all be mindful of these
worthy objects; let brotherly love prevail, and may every moral and social virtue abide
with us!
We will now sing our closing ode.
Ode.
C.R.: I now declare this meeting of Court , No. duly closed.
82

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ENEA GJONAJ 3o-33o-97o E..M..O..A..P..R..M..M..

SOVEREIGN SANCTUARY ALBANIA

The largest order nowadays is the Independent Order of Foresters,

Ancient Order of Foresters Initiation Ceremony

This ritual is from 1907.

The Candidate is left standing between the altar and the

S.B: Hold! By what right do you seek to gain

J.P.C.R.: I am deputed to pass a stranger through the recesses of Sherwood Forest.

To cheer the widows heart,

No strife demeans our Court,

That Court is doubly blest,

J.P.C.R.: And I vouch for us worthiness!

Let all Unite.

Trusting you will do the same.

All our hopes are one in union

Here we meet in joy and gladness

May our Order always prosper;

May our Courts prove always blessings,

Ritual of the Independent Order of Foresters for

of every member, and to advance the welfare of this Order?

instruction in the Second and Third Sections.

the pedestal to receive the obligation.

and a balance sheet.

Members (candidates) to the Altar for obligation.

Reception Ceremony for Visiting Officers

Independent Order of Foresters

must undergo a further test.

worthy of advancement, and is prepared for the final ordeal.

Sacred Obligation of a Royal Forester

interred, even at my own expense.

1. The Crossed Swords: emblematical of knightly honor and chivalry;

Ceremonial of the Catholic Order of

Promptly at the appointed hour, or as soon thereafter as a quorum is present, the

The Chief Ranger must then note whether

C.R.: We will now sing our National Anthem.

Order of Business for Subordinate Courts

At this station, and at each succeeding one,

let him make it known now.

C.R. gives one rap for the members to be seated.

of your loyalty to the Order.

credit them to the respective funds ?

Opening of the Court

other. * * *. We will now sing our opening ode.

Captain: Guard, attention, fall in!

Candidate, prompted by Senior Woodward: It was.

the flag, by the red, white, and blue!

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