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V
EMORY UNIVERSITY
GEORGE W. STINGLEY
Founder of the Knights of the
Guiding Star of the East
MANUAL AND GENERAL LAW
of the Order of the
Knights of the Guiding Star
of the East
Edited by
J. H. Williams, I. S. AT. G.M.
1913
Press of
THE ARKANSAS UNIT
Morrilton, Arkansas
Copyright 1913, by
J. H. WILLIAMS
All rights reserved
ILLUSTRATIONS
Page
George W. Stingley Frontispiece
Mrs. M. E. Stingley 17
Prof. J. H. Williams 33
William Carter l 65
C H.. Sneed 93
Mrs. Emma McClain 129
W. H. Westbrooks 161
Henry Harlee 193
MANUAL AND LAWS
OF THE
K. OF G. S. E.
Table of Contents
Absence , - 49
Age . -— 48
Anniversaries 91
Annual Sermon , . 93
Appeals 60
Appointments — - 60
Aprona > . 56
Applications — 93
Acrresta 75
Ark 167
Articles of Incorporation 18
Assessments —,— 103
Associations , .—— — 72
Axe - —. 56
Badges —-—-—— — — 52
Balloting ——-— 50
Ballot Boxes — ... ——.———- 73
Balls —— - 49
Behavior . ! — 53
Beneficiery . — . 73^
Bible 54
Bond3 —=.— —-—- 53
Books —.——i—— •— 51
Borrowing ———— . — 51
Board, I. S. N- — VI
Burying •——— 63
Business of Lodge or Temple 36
Business of Grand Lodge —-—- 41
Business of Grand Council .— 39
Business of I. S. N. Grand Lodge 47
Business of Associations 72
Buttons 54
Table of Contents
Call Meetings 69
Collar 3S
Commissions, General and Subordinate 125
Committees : r 123
Conduct 129
Captain of Guards. 8
Caps 56
Cards - 55
Ceremonies 153
Casket . 94
Candidate 129
Charges 77
Character 83
Chair 169
Chaplain 7
Change in Office - 85
Charters 61
Comrade 144
Council 107
Credentials 85
Crepe, when used and how : See Funerals
Deeds ' 76
Deacons, Junior and Senior, 11
Delegates 127
Degrees 68
Denomination 139
Deputy -— 123
Diagram 33
Dictate 126
Directors 140
Disbursements 130
Dispensations 79
Table of Contents
Distance 145
Dissatisfaction 146
Disease - „ 150
Dress 200
Duties of officers, subordinate and grand 22
Entrance ,! 137
Emblems - „ 144
Excursions , : , 143
Expelled . , 109
Expenses . „ 70
Eye 163
Fees of Officers „ , „ „ 146
Fines . 144
Funeral Services — . —. 154
Gavel . ♦ 56
Grand Honors — ^ 151
Grand Officers :—^ 21
Grand Master - _ -—_— 131
-Halls _ 58
Headquarters —.—.—.— — 133
Holly Leaf —>.—.—.—- —- — 95
Initiation —..—.. - 147
Installation 149 and 192
Insurance —. , 143
Insurrection . . - — 138
Instruction — — - 137
I. S. N. Grand Master ._L ~ , 141
I S. N, Office — 142
I. S. N. Board —— 71
Joint Meetings —.—.—- 105
Jewell 58
Table of Contents
Joining 99
Jurisdiction 100
Judical Bodies 126
Keys 171
Lambs 173
Ladies Court 116
Lantern 176
Ladder 105
Lodges 68
Liquors 1 87
Meetings 65
Membershp, Lodges and Temples, Grand Council, Grand
Lodge, etc. 47
Minutes 67
Misrule 101
Memorials 59
Monies _ 92
Moving 67
Manual 21
Motions 66
Name of Order 136
Notification 115
Obligation 135
Obedience 86
Officers Subordinate Lodge 21
Officers Grand Lodge 21
Orphans 118
Odes 151
Organizers 148
Opening Lodge or Temple 86
Petition 107
Past Master r 120
Table of Contents
Pass Word 119
Pins 182
Paraphanalia 122
President 101
Qualification of Candidates 136
Quarrelling 128
Quorum 122
Rates, Railroad 149
Regalia „ 121
Recall 134
Recognize 123
Removal 70
Reimburse 87
Rituals 112
Resuscitate 81-115
Representation 111
Recommendation 133
Royal Princess 114
Rules 137
Robes . 88
Relief 113
Reports 78
Receipts 120
Report Blank 43
Sale of Literature 101
Salaries 113
Seals 56
Superintendent 150
Sinking Fund 94
Slipper : 95
Square 84
Subordinate Lodge and Temple 110
Table of Contents
Substitute 104
Supplies , — ——■ ^
Suspended =——-—..—-— -•— 80
Supply House —— --—- 75
Secretary — .——.— 5
Swords ———-—.—r——. — 56
Star — 165
Stations — — — 34
Taxes 77
Temples . 89
Thorney Tibrett - —- , 117
Traveling , .1 96
Treasure —— 6
Trials ~— ———96
Transfers , , ———— 89
Trustees —. ~ — —1—,— 98
Turnouts -— 88
Unfinished Business —.—.—— — —-— 97
Uniform Rank —.——,—— — —— 148
Uniforms ———-—.— —— — —.— S8
Unfinancial —«. —— —— 99
Unfaithfulness ——— ———.—•—. 90
Vacancies, How Filled . — , 117
Vice-President —.—— — 102
Voting . 106
Visits of Officers ——— — —— — 110
Visitors, How Treated — . —-——— 130
Virgin -— — — -—— 177
Work of the Day — ————, —-— 103
Wardens, Junior and Senior 7
Wills — 74
PREFACE
To the many members of the Grand United Order of the
Knights of the Guiding Star of The East, Greeting:
The work we present to you here is the wish of the
second quadrennial session, the same earnest endeavor
of the leaders that this work should come before the many
thousand, to be considered as the Manual and General
Law of the K of G. S. E.
We have sought to simplify every detail of the work,
that a full sense of the nature of our aim may be realized
and to this means we have consecrated our thoughts to
the utility of our readers. It is my fondest hope that the
readers of this work may see the realization of the glory
and beauty of Knighthood as the author of this work sees
it and we earnestly hope that this small work may dawn
to the beginning of a grander and nobler work and that
those who may confide in the K. of G. S. E. may shine
forth as stars in the etherial regions of beauty and that
as they read may act and do as proposed in these pages.
Therefore we hereby commend this work to you with best
wishes for your success and satisfaction, and remain,
Yours sincerely,
J. H. Williams,
RESOLUTION ADOPTED
The following resolutions were adopted m a meeting
of the Grand Council of the JC, of G. !§. E,, Avtgust 26th,
1905:
Resolved; That w§ the members of the 1C. of G. S.
E,, do declare ourselves an association for the mutual im¬
provement in elocution, composition, and debate and foi'
enlarging Our fund of intelligence, in the pursuit which
Objict we desire to exhibit a due consideration for the
comMSiid of teinpdr,- in all our intercourses to geek the
truth itt All our §x#rciS£s and promote the general welfare
of our people and seek the blessing of liberty for ourselves
and our posterity,
(Seal) G. W« Stingily, Chairman.
COPYRIGHT
Class A. XXC. No. 82484
Library of Congress, towit:
Be it remembered that on the twenty-second day of
March, 1904, G. W. Stingley of Morrilton, Arkansas hath
deposited in this office the title of a book. The title of
which is in the following words towit: Constitution of
the Knight of the Guiding Star of the East.
The right whereof he claims as the author and pro¬
prietor in conformity with the laws of the United States
Copyrights.
Office of Register of Copyright, Washington, D. C.
Herbert Putnam
Librarian of Congress
Thomald Salberg,
Register of Copyrights
Written, J. M. B.
Revised, J. W. C.
Entered, A. C.
Mailed, E. S. E.
(Seal)
(I. V. 1904—5,000)
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
State of Arkansas,
County of Pulaski
Whereas, G. W. Stingley, M. M. Markus, R. McClain
and others have filed in the office of the Clerk of the
Courts of -the County of Pulaski, these constitution or
articles of association in compliance with the provisions
of law. With these petition for incorporation under
the name or style of the Knights of the Guiding Star of
the East.
They are therefore hereby declared a body politic and
corporate by the name and style aforesaid, with all the
powers, privileges, annuities granted in the law, there¬
unto appertaining.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and affixed the seal of said court this the 31st day of
January 1896.
E. A. Ramsey, Clerk
R. G. Pillows, D. C.
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
State of Arkansas,
County of Pulaski
In the Pulaski Circuit Court.
The undersigned citizens of the State of Arkansas and
members of the order of the Knights of the Guiding Star
of the East, petitioning your Honorable Court to be in¬
corporated under the laws of the State of Arkansas pro¬
viding for the incorporation of Benevolent and Mutual Benefit
Associations Represent.
MRS. M. E. STINGLEY
Wife of the Founder of the
Order
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. 3. E.
I. The name of the corporation shall be the Lodges
and Temples of the Order of Knights of the Guiding Star
•of the East.
II. It shall be controlled by the Board of Trustees of
Arkansas, members being elected or appointed annually
and the same approved by the Stat© Grand Lodge.
III. The place of business shall be some place within
the state of Arkansas, but petitioners pray the right to
establish places of business elsewhere, these places shall
be designated by the Grand Lodge.
IV. The headquarters of the Corporation shall be at
Morrilton, Arkansas, the headquarters of the Board shall
be wherever the Grand Master resides, unless fixed other¬
wise by the Grand Lodge.
V. The purposes of the organization shall be such
as are set forth in the accompaning articles of Incorpora¬
tion.
VI. The membership shall consist of such male and
females as are admitted from time to time under the regu¬
lations provided in the Articles of Incorporation and
By-Laws,
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 4th day of
January 1910.
J. H. Williams
Wm. Carter
B. L. Cox
H. P. Lytes
Respectfully your petitioners,
Ellen Bratton
P. H. Greenlaw
H. Harlee
C. H. Sneed
S. L. McClung,
(Seal)
Notary Public
17
MANUAL AND LAWS' OF THE K. OF G. S. 17.
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
Know AU Men by These Presents ll.
That, the corporators hereinafter named have by
these presents formed a corporation under and in persu-
ance to the laws of the State of Arkansas, in that behalf
provided for the incorporation of benevolent and mutual
benefit associations and in evidence thereof do execute the
following articles of incorporation.
I. The name of the corporation as stated above.
II. The corporators are: J." H. Williams, Wm. Car¬
ter, Ellen Bratton and others.
III. The principal place of business shall be at
Morrilton, Ark., the places of business in the state shall
be fixed by the State Grand Lodge.
IV. The State Grand Lodge and Eoyal Court shnll
meet once a year, the place of its meeting shall be fixed
by the State Grand Lodge and Royal Court. The time
shall be fixed by the Grand Master or the Inter-Stat^
Grand Master.
V. The general nature of the business and objects of
the incorporation, are: To establish, institute and control
and govern, subordinate lodges and temples, ladies royal
courts and juvenile clubs of the order, in the state of Ark¬
ansas and elsewhere; to make interpret and exercise the
laws to govern them; to establish and control a memorial
gift fund; a home for the aged and indigent members and
orphans of the order; to prosecute and defend, suits at
law and equity for the subordinate lodges and tenples
and to improve ourselves in elocution, composition and
debate, to enlarge our fund of intelligence in the pursuit
18
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. Ofr G. S. E.
'of which object, we desire to exhibit a due consideration
for the command of temper in all our intercourses* to
.seek the truth in all our exercises and promote the general
welfare of our people.
VI. It shall have a seal to authenticate official doc¬
uments, its existence shall be perpetual, it has no ca;;,nl
•or stock.
VII. The business of the corporation shall be con¬
trolled by a Board of Grand Lodge Officers who shall be
•elected or appointed annually in a regular session and
shall huld their term of office for one year or until their
successors are installed or qualified.
VIII. The officers shall' be Grand Master, Dept.
'Grand Master, Grand Senior 'Warden, Grand Junior
Warden, Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer, Grand
'Chaplain, Grand Master of Ceremonies, Grand Marshall
•Grand Captain of Guards, Grand Senior Deacon, Grand
•Junior Deacon, Grand Sentinel and Grand Eoyal Prin¬
cess, and Inter-State National Grand Officers.
IX. The Board shall have power to make, interpret,
and execute rules, laws and regulations in the absence
<xf the Grand Lodge or Grand Council.
X. The officers for the present year are:
J, H. Williams, Grand Master, Morrilton; Wm. Carter
Treasurer, Morrilton; B. L. Cox, Secretary, -Morrilton;
H. P. Lytes, J. W., Germantown, P. A. Greenlaw, S. W.,
Sandtown; C. H. Sneed, Marshall, .Springfield; Ellen
Bratton, Sen., Plumerville; H. Harlee, C. of G. Morrii-
tOJl.
XI. The membership of the Grand Lodge shall be
19
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
Grand Master, Dept. Grand Master, R. P. Grand Senior
and Junior Warden, Grand Governess of Juvenile Clubs
G. Chaplain, Grand Senior and Junior Deacons, Sentinel
Marshall, and Delegates from subordinate lodges ani
temples.
XII. The grand Lodges and sub. L. and T. Juve¬
nile Clubs shall be controlled by such rules as may be
adopted by the I. S. N. Board or I. S. N. Quadrennial
session from time to time.
In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hand
and seals, January, 1910.
J. H. Williams, Wm. Carter, B. L. Cox,
P. A. Greenlaw, Ellen Bratton, H. Harlee
H. P. Lytes C. H. Sneed
20
MANUAL AND LAWS OP THE K. OP G. S. E.
MANUAL AND GENERAL LAWS.
Prepared for the general use of the Worshipful Mas¬
ters, Presidents, Commissioners, and all high officers of
the K. of G. S. E. This Manual contains full explanation
and emblems used by this order and must be consulted
.frequently by the W. M. and Presidents for the benefit
<of their crafts. The Manual is the standard theory to
govern subordinate lodges, etc., and can be relied upon
as the sciences have been carefully prepared. It is also
a guide to manage and control Supreme Grand Lodges
Supreme Councils and all the departments of the K. of
G. S. E., U. S. A.
The order of the Knights of the Guiding Star of the
East consists of subordinate Lodges, Temples and
Juvenile Clubs, Grand Councils, Grand Lodges and Su¬
preme Grand Lodge.
Sec. I. Officers, Subordinate Lodge. The officers
of a Subordinate Lodge are: Worshipful Master, Past
Worshipful Master, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treas¬
urer, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Chaplain, Master
of Ceremonies, Captain of Guards, Marshall and Sentinel
Senior Deacon, Junior Deacon, A sick Gommittee, com¬
posed of three members. A Finance Committee, composed
of three members, Board of Trustees and Directors, In¬
vestigating Committee.
Sec. II. Officers of the Grand Lodge. The officers
of the Grand Lodge are: State Grand Master, Deputy
State Grand Master, Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer,
Grand Senior Warden, Grand Junior Warden, Grand
Chaplain, Grand Captain of Guards, Grand Marshall,
21
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G.- S. ,U.
Grand Senior Deacon, Grand Junior Deacon, Grand Sen¬
tinel, State Grand Board of Directors, or Trustees, and
Grand Royal Princess and officers.
Sec. IIL Officers of the Inter-State Grand Lodge
or Board. The officers of the L S. N. Board of G. L. are-
I. S. N. Grand Master, Deputy L S. N. Grand Master,
I. S. N. Secretary, L S. N. Treasurer, I. S. N. Memorial
Secretary, and the quorutn of officers to consist of twelve
or more, including I. S. N. Trustees and Attorney. Del¬
egates to the I, S. N. Grand Lodge.
Sec. IV. Duties of Officers, Subordinate Lodge. It is
the duty of the Worshipful Master to be present and pre¬
side over all meetings of the Subordinate Lodge to enforce
due observance of the laws, rules and regulations, put
motions regularly made, call all special meetings, appoint
all special committees, see that his craft observe order
and due respect, and perform all other duties as his offica
may require. He shall open and close the lodge in regu¬
lar order and be of sober mind, kind disposition, ready
at times, to explain the laws to his craft, and explain
the ritualistc sciences, and instruct his craft in their duty.
He shall not debate upon any question nor vote unless the
vote of the craft tie, then he shall cast the deciding vote.
He shall be impartial to the craft, and shall not allow any
disputes or wrangles, he shall not make motions or
amendments. He shall obey all summons from his State
Grand Master whether sent verbal or written, he shall
give due and timely notice to his craft of the visit of high¬
er officers, make preparations for their advent an,d see
that the compensations of the visiting officers are ar-
22
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
Tanged. He shall give his craft due and timely notice
'of all approaching dues or "assessments and see that his
>craft is in possession of the implements of the lodge. In
•case of the death of a sister of the correspondent tenaple,
and if necessary he shall call his craft together to aid
and assist the president of such temple. He is also re¬
quired and must assist the president to make arrangements
•on funeral occasions, he shall be the Sampson to the
temple, which means strength, he is allowed to visit the
temple at intervals and if called upon for any advice shall
give same freely and shall not require compensation for
such advice to the temple, he shall see that all reports
are properly prepared and sent to their destination. He
shall visit the State Grand Lodge or Council regularly or
■cause his proxy to go and he shall observe all rules from
time to time given him by his superior officers and re¬
sign his station, if required, to the State Grand Master
when he shall visit his lodge. In case of a death in his
lodge he shall call the lodge together and make arrange¬
ments for the funeral, when his attention is called in ord¬
er he shall observe the same, and he shall stand as the
light of his lodge.
The duties of the President of a Temple are similar
to those of a W. M. Any W. M. or President failing to
observe the above rules are subject to removal by the
State Grand Master or Grand Royal Prince and another
appointed to his or her place.
W. M. and President shall give their visiting officers
the honor and due respect of their office. The passions
of the W. M. and President must be kept in due bounds
23
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E,
especially with the brothers and sisters of the order.
It shall be the duty of the Past Master
and Vice-President to perform all the duties of the W. M.
and President during their absence. The past Master
and Vice-resident shall fill vacancies in the lodge and
temple the same as the W. M. and President. The Past
Master is also the chairman of the Board of Directors.
Duties of Secretary. It shall be the duty of the
Secretary to keep in a book provided for the purpose, a
record of the proceedings of the meetings, all business
items and he shall read his minutes to the lodge. He
shall call the roll and keep an accurate account of each
member, he cannot vote or debate without permission to
speak to a point, his books shall be open for inspection
at all times by the craft, and at all times must prove
himself worthy of the office. He shall keep in a separate
book, names of all members of the craft, age and amoum
of memorial gift, when admitted, who his or her bene¬
ficiaries are, when expelled or died. He shall give notice
to all members of dues, fines or assessment, sign or write
all warrants of monies to be paid out, sign all reports
before sending them off. He shall count the vote of the
craft and report to the W. M. or President and shall keep
a record of all initiations, all members raised from the
second to third degrees, also of all who come into
possession of higher degrees, when and by whom such
degrees were confered and shall keep an account of the
craft's expenditures and receipts. He shall keep a record
of all applications, whether accepted or rejected. When
a member shall become in arrear to the amount of 50c,
24
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
the secretary shall notify the person to whom the will of
such member is made, if necessary, because it may be
willed to a little child or if the child has a guardian, it
shall not be necessary to notify tlit child.| The secretary
shall mark any member suspended, who shall become
in arrear to the amount of 75c even though the member
shall re-instate at the next meeting. To preserve the
strength and harmony of the craft the secretary must be
diligent, and honest and must possess some business
qualification to fill the office he is elected or appointed
to. Should a member die and not be square upon
the book of the secretary, and the secretary should
mark said member square, he shall be suspended
for ten (10) years for such violation. The secretary
shall attend to all correspondence of the craft by order of
the W. M. or President.
Duty of Treasurer. It shall be the duty of the treas¬
urer to receive all money of the craft or society, keep an
accurate account of same, keep receipts of all monies paid
out and shall not pay out any money without an order
from the W. M. or President countersigned by the secre¬
tary and seal placed thereon, unless within the body of
the lodge or temple. He shall report the condition of the
treasury monthly, shall keep the money of the society
constantly on hand for immediate use, and in case
of emergency the treasurer msy pay to the W. M. or Presi
dent, money for the society purposes without the signa¬
ture and seal of the secretary but shall hold receipts of
such transaction and amount paid on such conditions,
and in such case the W. M. or President is held responsi
25
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
ble to the craft for satisfaction. The treasurer must be
present at all meetings to pay off the indebtedness of the
craft in connection with the finance committee. Money
cannot be treasured when the craft is in debt. A treasur¬
er holder must furnish bond to the amount he holds.
Should a treasury holder lose the money of the society
he shall make such amount lost good, provided he was not
robbed by a highwayman on the way to or from the meet¬
ing, but if such should occur the treasurer shall furnish
minute details of the affair to the craft at once and he
shall if satisfactory evidence be given, be excused for the
amount stolen in such manner described above..
Duty of Senior Warden. It is the duty of the Senior
Warden to protect the Worshipful Master or President
and assist in opening and closing the lodge and temple
according to ritualistic order. In the absence of the W.
M. or President, if three fourths of the members be present
he shall perform the duties of the W. M. or President, pro
tem. The duty of the Junior shall be in like manner to
that of the S. W. with the exception of holding the office
W. M. or President.
Duty of the Master of Ceremonies. It shall be the
duty of the Master of Ceremonies to be present at all the
meetings, read from the Holy Bible in the opening and
closing of such meetings, he must be sober and quite
religious, he must be an accurate reader and able to un¬
derstand what he shall read. He shall assist in the
initiation of candidates, he shall sing in the opening and
closing of the lodge or temple, he shall at all times assist
in the religious work of the order and upon all occasions
26
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S, ?j.
in public parades the M. of C. shall carry the Holy Bible.
Duty of Chaplain. The duty of the Chaplain shall I,e
to offer prayer for the lodges and temples in opening and
closing and upon all occasions he must pray. He shall
be of a religious disposition, ready to give spiritual bless¬
ing upon the craft he shall live a quiet sober life, he shall
call the craft's attention to religious duties, at all times
nor shall he suffer the religious confidence of the society
to falter. He must believe in the supreme ruler of the
universe and he shall be the religious light of the lodge
and temples. Upon the Chaplain's faith depends the
religious success of the craft.
Duty of Marshall. It is the duty of the Marshall to
wait on the lodge or temple, observe neatness in attire and
appearances, see that the craft observe order during the
sessions, attend to the cleanliness and neatness of the
members, see that the members observe the will of the
W. M. and President. The Marshall shall be active in the
duties of the lodge serving both members and the chair.
His place is wherever his immediate service is or can be
rendered at once, he shall keep order and command in all
processions, public display turn-outs, anniversaries. He
shall arrest any member for any violation or disorderly
conduct or indecent manner or behavior or disorderly
performance of duty when ordered by the W. M. or Pres¬
ident. The Marshall shall see that the craft is clothed
and put in possession of their working implements, or
range the diagram of the lodge or temple in order, take
care of the jewels and implements, see that none are lost,
arrest tardy members, arraign them before altar for
27
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
investigation, as he shall likewise do without the pass¬
word, he shall keep a watchful eye upon the craft at all
times, the Marsshall shall possess some degree of skill and
bravery, sober and orderly in his disposition, his sword
must be in his hand ready for service at all times during
active duties for the craft.
Duties of Captain of Guards. The duty of the Cap¬
tain of the Guards is to guard the door of the Lodge and
Temple while in session, see that no one enters the lodge
room except those who are in possession of the pass word
and able to stand the test. He shall be a person of much
bravery and much intelligence to protect and defend the
interest of the society. He shall guard the craft against
all intruders not possessed of the principles of a knight.
The C. of G. shall always carry the implement of
his office during the session and shall guard the craft
during drills and marches and public turnouts, see
that no one interferes and see that no one interferes with
the craft while on their duty for the society. The C . of
G. shall be the first on duty and the last off. He shall
post the sentinel in the degree the craft is at work in
he shall serve the craft as a messenger between the door
and the W. M. or President, with true reports and the
proper salute to the chair. . His salute to the chair is,
the sword in right hand across the chest with left hand
extending forward palm down. This salute is never to be
omitted when addressing the chair. The C. of G. shall
possess sufficient intelligence to be able to defend the
principles of the order at all places, he shall see that
no one intrudes upon the principles of the Guiding Star,
28
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
He must be full of zeal and activity quick to apprehend,
on the alert to amend and correct.
Duty of Senior and Junior Deacon. The Senior and
Junior Deacon shall guard the rear of all processions,
meetings, etc., with the great Battle Axe to cut down any
member of order, or cut down any person or persons
who attempt to spoil the glory of the order. The Deacons
must be brave and dauntless, full of ambition for ri^htj
ready at t he command to serve the chair and the craft.
Ready to fell to the earth any impending trees of violence
and they shall not falter to play well their part. The Axe
of the Deacons are laid to the roots of every tree that
fails to bear fruit, i. e., cut down those who fail to dis¬
charge their duty. The Deacons are full of grace and
obedience to the craft.
Duties of Sentinel and Tyler. The duties of the
Sentinel and Tyler are to guard the outer door of the
lodge and temple, they must be well versed in the secrets
and sciences of the order to enable them to serve as a wall
of protection to the craft, they must be keen in perception
firm in resentment to perjured persons, they shall observe
the laws of the order against all eavedroppers, or curious
seekers, see that no one interferes while the craft is at
work. They shall notify the Captain of Guards of the
approach of a member for admission in the secret council,
after due test and trial by him. If after test and trial he
finds them unworthy he shall dispatch the intruder from
the door and the premises of the society. He shall carry
his sword in hand ready for immediate action. The Sen-
29
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
tinel and Tyler shall at least once compass the lodge and
temple room during the meeting to ascertain if all is at
p6ace and well. Should the Tyler or Sentinel become
overpowered by some vicious intruder he shall call the C.
of G. who will notify the W. M. or President, who shall
summon the craft to the relief o f the Tyler and Sentinel
at once or if necessary call the civil officers. The Sentin¬
el and Tyler must guard the rights of the craft even at
the point of the sword.
Duties of the Sick Committee. The Sick Committer
must see after the sick members throughout the commun¬
ity, furnish them money and nourishment as they may need
and medicine and a nurse if necessary. They shall report
to the W. M. or President who shall reimbursse them. A
member who is sick must at once notify the chairman
of the Sick Committee, who shall visit the member and
report to the W. M. or President, who, should it be deemed
necessary, appoint some one to sit up with the sick each
day or night. A member may be fined $1.00 for failing
to attend the sick when ordered to do so by the W. M. or
the President. The society shall not furnish a physician
but should a member fail to secure one after every effort
on their part, then the Sick Committee must furnish a
physician for the patient, and in no wise shall a member
who is in arrears receive assistance. The Sick Committee
must use every effort available for the comfort of th^ sick.
Indispensible or matrimonial afflictions are not to be
reckoned with as a person sick, yet should a lodge or
temple see fit to donate a small sum for the relief it shall
do so, however the sick benefits mttst be paid on the
30
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
recommendation of the Sick Committee. Should a mem¬
ber become in arrear while sick, enough of the amount
appropriated to them shall be used to pay up their dues.
The Sick Committee shall not report the convalescent as
sick, nor can a lodge or temple pay sick dues continually
for more than three (3) months, after that time applica¬
tion must be made to the relief department through the
State Grand Master, who shall place such members upon
the state relief list and the State Board shall attend to
the financial provision of such members, but this does not
release the members from their lawful duty to visit such
members and rendering comfort as far as possible. The
society shall not pay the bill of a doctor, but
should a member die, who has no relatives, the lodge or
temple may, if able, pay such bill and more especially, if
the memorial gift returns to the department or to the
lodge or temple.
Should a member be away from home and become
sick, and desires to return home and is unable to do so, and
if that member is paid up, they shall notify the Sick Com¬
mittee, who shall proceed to get the member home, by the
assistance of the sick member's relatives and the craft.
If away from home, when sick, they must send a doctor's
certificate, stating the time and illness, to be entitled
to the benefits, otherwise they shall not receive such
The lodge or temple are not to be compelled to pay
sick benefits to any member who was afflicted chronically
before uniting with the order, as they had enter¬
ed by false pretense, hence the society is not bound to pay
for such illness, see Sec. 70, of the By-laws. Should a
31
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
member knowlingly indulge in anything, causing illness
above ordinary labor and propensities of life, such as
the use of drugs, intoxicating liquors, tobacco, morphine,
or such, the society shall not pay such member the sick
benefit. Should a member by accidental injury and
become sick from such injury, they can claim the atten¬
tion of the Sick Committee and shall receive, one half
benefit, however no accident benefit is paid to members.
It is not necessary to be under the care of a physician to
be entitled to sick benefits, and if it is a known fact by the
Sick Committee, that the member deserves benefit and
attention they shall receive such. A member who fails
to notify the Sick Committee when sick shall forfeit the
benefit . Money can be drawn for the benefit without a
meeting of the craft, by the Sick Committe.
82
PROF. J. H. WILLIAMS
Inter-State National Grand
Master, Author of this
Manual
Treasurer
W. M.
Secretary
Sick Committee
Chaplain
Finance Committee
Altar
x/i
*
C. of G.
Members
M. of C.
Marshall
Members
P. M.
Sentinel
Reception Room
Preparation Room
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
STATIONS
The Worshipful Master or President's station is situ¬
ated to the east part of the hall or building, elevated upon
a platform, with three steps leading there-upon. The
cushion chair is placed thereon, with other imp^me'jls*
belonging to the station. A carpet upon the floor of the
platform or rugs thereon indicate that the members have
prepared an easy path for the W. M. or President.
The Treasurer is stationed to the right of the W. M.
or President better to observe their will and obey the
orders.
The Secretary is stationed to the left of the W. M. or
President for instant and constant communicaticn be¬
tween the secretary and chair, and convenient to serve
the craft.
The Sick Committee is stationed to the right and in
front of the W. M. or President to observe and report con¬
ditions of the sick members of the craft.
The Chaplain is stationed directly in front of the
W. M. or President with back to the W. M. and facin.?- the
members showing his grace and favor with the Jehovah
to the craft, but shall stand upon the square before the
altar when praying, facing the W. M.
The Finance Committee shall be stationed to the left
and in front of the W. M. or President, accessible to the
secretary and to better take note of and account for the
finances of the lodge.
The Junior Warden shall be stationed to the right
of the W. M. or President better to observe his duty and
render obedience to the craft.
34
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OP G. S. E.
The Senior Warden shall be stationed to the left of
"the W. M. or President better to assist them in the duty
•of the lodge or temple.
The Altar with the Holy Bible in center of diagram,
and showing the Holy Bible opened thereon, is the guide
to all our works and practices.
To the right of the J. W. as the Captain of Guards,
to offer better and more immediate protection.
The Marshall stationed to the left of the S. W. t©
observe his orders in the active duties of the lodge.
The members are arranged in regular order to the
right and left of the Past Master better t© hear the in
structions of the W. M., President, or P. M. and obey the
mandates of the law.
The Past Master's station is an front and in the west
part of the hall of building: better to serve as a rear
guide to the members.
The Sentinel and Tyler are stationed to the left of
the P. M. outside of the door, in the reception room, better
to observe the duties and carry out the law of the order,
Through the door that connects the preparation room
to the reception roam, the candidate must pass by the
Sentinel into the lodge room.
This arrangement of stations is necessary to the ful¬
filment of the Jaw of the ©rder and must be complied
•with. In all lodge rooms of the K. of G. S. E. the arrange
ment of the diagram and stations are the same.
35
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE" K. OF" G'. S. ET,-
BUSINESS OF SUBORDINATE*
LODGE AND TEMPLE",
The btrsisness of a Subordinate Lodge or Temple shalT
be after the opening exercises, as. are. outlined in the-
ritual. Roll of officers and members callexl and all va¬
cancies filled. There must be a sufficient number of
members present to fill all vacancies, before the W. M. or
President can proceed with, the business of the session-
Tha-ee master workman may transact legitimate business
of the lodge or temple. Reading of the minutes of the-
previous session and approving same. Minutes of a.
previous session are read so as to refresh the mind of the
members upon the craft's work, and to detect any errors,
of the secretary and that those present who were absent
at the previous session, may become familiar with the
transpiring events. All minutes are adopted after t^e
necessary corrections are made. Minutes or a record of
the transaction of each meeting must be written and
preserved. Verbal minutes shall not be accepted.
The first meeting of each month is styled the busi¬
ness meeting, the second is usually for practice, however
business may be transacted at this meeting as at the first.
Every member must be present at the business meeting
so as to assist in transacting the business that may come
before the house. The business of the chair shall be to
see that each and every member does his whole duty and
carry out the business of the lodge or temple. A written
report must be rendered to the craft upon all occasions,
yet sometimes the case may occur that a verbal report
would suffice, however the W. M. and President must in-
36
DilANUAL AND XAWS OF TlTE "K. OF G. S. "E.
"sist on written reports as this is the means of adding a
-fund of intelligence and improving ourselves. Should a
-Member be absent 4rona -a meeting it in no wise excuses
•them from reporting and the remaining members of the
committee must .prepare a report &s ft. is the duty of the
.joint number of members on the committee to report.
It is the duty 'of the lodge or temple to exact true and
"legitimate reports at each "business meeting. "Should re¬
ports be called 3k>r and the committee is unprepared to
make s«ch, they m'ay as"k -for further time and it shall be
.granted, provided it is accomplished in the present
session. Reports must be .prepared before "entering the
hall, if however the rule is laden thte report may be $re-
;pared during the session, iut usually the attention of
'each and every -member in the house is or -Should be given
to the business before the hJouse, hence it is nfe time and
.place to prepare reports. Officers must prepare rfeports
for each 'business session .and all reports must be called
for at that ttene.
Proposition -for membership shall hold an important
place in each meeting of the lodge v>r temple or juvenile
>clubs, as this is the means of replenishing the lodge ©r
temple, and ®~n no account shall this department of ousi<-
-iness be overlooked.
Tirae should be taken to ball&t upon a candidate,
(either by actual ballot or by acclamation. Not because
the candidate is well known to the W. M. or President
shall this be abridged, tout this is law and must be carried
(out.
Initiatory ceremonies shall be performed with solenv-
37
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E,
nity, that the proper impression may be stamped upon the
candidate . The strictest order shall be preserved during"
the initiation of a candidate and all members present
shall join in the active work that the beauty and g"lory of
the society may be fulfilled. Initiations shall not be
conducted roughly as this does not impress a thinhing-
man or woman. You must take time and engage the
attention of the candidate to instruct the candidate in
the principles and sciences of the order. Usually half-
initiation produces half-interest, therefore the full cere¬
mony of initiation shall be carried through with each
candidate, unless the candidate shall be a man or woman
who readily understands the application of the society.
In this case a W. M. or President may rely on their own
judgement as to how far to carry the initiation. The more
business-like and orderly the initiation the greater the
impression will be upon the applicant.
Election of officers shall be held in a regular business
meeting of the Lodge or Temple, and at a time appointed.
Election shall not be for friendship or personal qualifi¬
cations, but for the interest of the craft. All applications
for degrees shall be made in the business meeting and the
degrees may be conferred in the second or practice meet¬
ing. Haste shall be avoided while conferring degrees. Each
step must be explained plainly to the candidate to impart
to him the necessary amount of knowledge desired.
Unfinishd business is such business as the craft left
upon the table or docket from the previous meeting, as
the lodge or temple must close at stated times. Of course
it sometimes happens that the hour of adjournment ar-
38
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
rives, with business unfinished, therefore at the next bus¬
iness and commence just where the craft left off. The
W. M. or Presisdent must not allow an absent member to
detain the meeting by probing backwards into the busi¬
ness of a previous session, unless the member was out on
duty for the craft, as the craft was not responsible for
them being absent. New business shall not be taken up
until all old business shall have been finished. New
business is such business as may come before the house
properly, and so long as it is in keeping with the rales
and regulations and the articles, of incorporation, othei-
wise it shall be ruled out by the chair. After all busi¬
ness is finished and the hour of adjournment has not
arrived, a lecture by a member or a visitor may be enter
tained, but no lecture can be entertained until all busi¬
ness is finished.
The business of the State Grand Council shall be a
conference of the W. M. and Presidents of the various
lodges or temples, and conducted by the State Grand Mas¬
ter, or his deputy, including the attention of the Grand
Royal Prince and officers of the grand Royal Court, in
which the best methods of conducting and managing sub-
bordinate lodges, temples and juvenile clubs shall be dis¬
cussed and new methods adopted for the government of
same. The Grand Council is usually opened in the fourth
degree as the members are usually of that degree and rank
and is opened similar to a lodge. The Grand Council
shall hear reports from the subordinate lodges and tem¬
ples, ascertain the standing of the society in the state,
hear appeals of members, from subordinate lodges or tem¬
ples, hear trials of accused officers, appoint committees
39
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S F:
to wait upon and try cases of appeal. The Grand Ccunci.
shall assess the salaries of the state grand officers ai;d de¬
cide upon the payment of same, hear reports of degrees
conferred by persons impowered to do so, and shall arrange
and prepare programs for the State Grand Lodge, shall
pay the craft their wages. No Grand Council shall assess
the salaries of officers higher than the state's income
revenue. No appeal will be considered unless the evidence
is in writing and if the appealing party shall not be pres¬
ent he shall be represented by a counselor, in good stand¬
ing in the order. Fairness shall be the chief aim of the
Grand Council during a trial or an appeal.
Various sections and portions of the law are discuss¬
ed by the Grand Council members, and differences of opin¬
ion as to the execution of the laws and rules are harmon¬
ized. It is a school of the science and the law of the order
in its application and as such it is the duty of each mem¬
ber to be present upon each sitting. Each State Grand
Officer shall be present prepared to assist the State Grand
Master in the execution of any business that may come
before the body. The business may vary according to the
presentation of matters before the house. The Grand
Council meets twice a year or if expedient may meer only
Once. The Ladies Royal Court shall meet in connection
With the Council, at least two or three hours in the early
part of the session shall be given to it. The Grand Coun¬
cil is usually called to work only one day but ma5" con¬
tinue its session, the following night to finish the business
before the body. The time and place for the meeting1 is
fixed by the State Grand Master, but the place of meeting;
40
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
may, sometimes, be fixed by the Grand Council. The
Grand Master, from the discussions in the Council, is able
to determine the strength of the W. M.s and Presidents
and their ability to govern the lodges and temples, and
can make his instructions accordingly. The G. M. shall
decide all questions of law that come up in the Grand
Council and see that the Council agree upon the defini¬
tion of the law for the benefit of the society.
BUSINESS OF STATE GRAND LODGE
The State Grand Lodge convenes annually, its
business shall be of the same order generally as a Grand
Council, only of greater detail and higher nature. The
State Grand Lodge shall be conducted by the Inter-State
National Grand Master or his proxy appointed by him
with his dispensation seal. The State Grand Lodge is
opened similar to that of a subordinate lodge only on a
grand occasion. The word Grand shall preceed the name
of each title officer, i. e., for example Bro. Grand Junior
Warden, etc. This title is adhered to during all ses¬
sions of the State Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge Roll
is called, of which the Inter-state Grand Master heads the
roll. The State Grand Master shall fill all vacant sta¬
tion by appointment, and appoint the various commit¬
tees to serve the State Grand Lodge during the session.
The duty of the Committee on Credentials shall be to re¬
ceive and examine all the credentials according to name
and number of delegates from the subordinate lodges and
41
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
temples and report to the State Grand Lodge. It shall be
the duty of the committee on rules to prepare rules for the
present session. It shall be the duty of the Committee
on Reports to ascertain if the reports from the various
lodges and temples and other sources are in accordance
with the law and to report same to the State Grand
Lodge. It shall be the duty of the Committee on Recom¬
mendations to make and receive recommendations for the
government of and the betterment of the society. It shall
be the duty of the Committee on By-laws to ascertain if
the laws adopted by the subordinate lodges and temples
during the past year, are in accord with the general laws
and rules. It shall be the duty of the Committee on
Grievances to ascertain if any grievance exist between
two or more lodges or temples from events occuring dur¬
ing the year or from the Grand Officers treatment to the
subordinate lodge or temple. It shall be the duty of the
Committee on Condolence to prepare suitable epigrams
and appropriate remarks for the deceased members. It
shall be the duty of the Committee on Obituary to c. llect
the sayings and doings of deceased members who have
died during the year. It shall be the duty of the Com¬
mittee to prepare resolutions of appreciation and re¬
spect to the lodge and temple and to the people where the
Grand Lodge Convened. It shall be the duty of the Com¬
mittee on Auditory to record the time and service of the
members of the Grand Lodge and make arrangements for
the payment of the laborers, also to record the receipts
and expenditure of the Lodge and make the disbursement
for the Lodge. It shall be the duty of the Committee
on Permanent Organization to slate the State Grand
42
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
Officers for the next year. It shall be the duty of the
Committee on Time and Place to fix the place for the
convention next State Grand Lodge, and the time
shall be fixed by the I. S. N. G. M., or the I. S. N Board.
Hear reports from all the subordinate lodge?, temples
and juvenile clubs, commissioners, subordinate. general
and grand officers, i. e. S. G. M. Grand Secretary, Grand
Treasurer, Grand Royal Princess, Deputy Grand Master.
The reports of the subordinate lodges and temples shall
be for the amount of work done during the past year,
number of members initiated, number suspended, number
died, number raised from second to third - degrees
number expelled, number orphans, number widows, num¬
ber first, second, third, fourth, and fifth degree members,
number who received the fourth and fifth degrees during
the year and by whom, amount of money raised, amount of
money expended and for what purposes. See Annua* re¬
port blanks which follows:
Annual Report of No K. of G. S. E.
State of to the S. G of K. of G. S. E.
1. No. Initiated.
2. No. Re-instated.
3. No. Transfered.
3. No. Widows.
5. No. Orphans.
6. No. Died.
7. No. Suspended or Expelled.
8. No. Raised from 1st and 2nd to 3rd Degrees.
9. No. 1st Degree members.
43
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. K
10. No. 2nd Degree members.
11. No. 3rd Degree members.
12. No. 4th and 5th Degree members.
13. No. 6th and 7th Degree members.
14. Total No. of members.
15. No. paid S. G. Tax.
16. No. paid M. G. F.
17. Amount Collected.
1. For monthly dues.
2. For M. G. dues.
3. For S. G. tax.
4. For Sanitorium home.
5. For monument.
6. Extra assessments.
7. For rent.
8. Total amount received.
18. Expenditures.
1. For sick benefit.
3. For relief.
4. For rents.
5. For lights and fuel.
6. Paid S. G. M. or G. R. P.
7. Paid for M. G. certificate.
8. Miscellaneous.
9. Total amount expended.
19. Amount due I. S. N. G. M. Dept.
20. No. of members to receivee 4th and 5th degrees
since last by whom
Certified and sealed by W. M. or President
44
MANUAL AND LAWS OP THE K. OF G. S. E.
REPORT BLANK OF S. G. M. COMMISSIONER, R.
P. OR SUPT.
Dept., Gen. Com. or Sub. Com. or R. P.
1. No. lodges organized.
2. No. of temples organized.
3. No. of juvenile clubs organized.
4. No. lodges and temples resusitated.
5. Amount received for same.
6. No. charters granted.
7. No. of charters taken up.
8. Amount received for same.
9. No. commissioners appointed.
10. Amount received.
11. No. visits made.
12. Amount received for same.
13. No. Installations conducted.
14. Amount received.
15. No. 4th and 5th degrees confered.
16. Amount received.
17. No. dispensations granted.
18. Amount received.
19. Amount received, initiations.
20. Amount received for traveling expenses.
21. Total amount received, all sources.
22. Amount of salary promised.
23. Amount of Salary received.
24. Balance due on salary.
25. No. G. C. attended.
26. No. of death certificates signed.
To the State Grand
State of __l
of
of the K. of G. S. E.
S. G. M.
45
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S K
27. Amount due I. S. N. G. N. department on degrees
28. Amount due on literature.
29. No Governesses appointed.
I, G. M., Dept., Com., R. P.
do certify this is a complete and true report for the year
ending this day of
Signed
The report of the Grand Secretary shall be a state¬
ment showing the amount collected from the various
sources during the past year, and the total receipts, also
showing all expenditures and dates of each, the purpose
and amount of each expenditure, the balance on hand
and the amount brought forward from last S. G. L.
The report of the Grand Treasurer shall show how
much he received from the Grand Secretary and date of
such receipts and how much paid out and the purpose for
which paid out and the balance in the treasury.
Hear the reports of all the various committees ap¬
pointed, make amendments to the State Grand Lodge
Laws. Shall hold Memorial Services. It is the duty of
each member to attend the Grand Annual Sermon, the
public is also invited. The Grand Lodge shall conduct
trials of S. G. M. or G. R. P., hold annual elections of S.
G. officers, conduct State Grand Installation, and confer
higher degrees.
Appoint General and Subordinate Commissioners,
impart general instructions and hear lectures on degrees
signs, and emblems of the order. The duty of the officers
and members of the S. G. Lodge and G. R. Court is simi¬
lar to that of a subordinate lodge. The Grand Royal
46
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. 'E.
'Court meets in joint session with the State Grand Lodge,
'only their official duties .are of a higher nature.
BUSINESS OF THE INTER STATE NATIONAL
CLRAND LODGE Oft BOARD.
The -"business of ttfe -Inter-State National G*rand
Lodge or l?oard is to receive reports from delegates from
the various states, providences and districts of the K. of
PG. S. E., U. S. A. and shall convene quadrennially. It shall
revise and .make new laws to govern the society In general
and shall hear reports from tire I. S. .N. G. M., the I. S.
N. Depart. G. M., the I. S. N. Secretary and treasurer and
other sources that may come up t© such session, cancel or
repeal such Jaws to meet the times. The I. S. N. G. M. is
the chief presiding officer on such occasions. The I. S.
Crrand Officers shall be elected and installed to office and
begin their duties within 30 days, or immediately if con
venienfc after the installation.
The duties of the I. S. N. G. Officers shall be the same
s.s the S. G. L. Officers, only of a Mgher degree.
The work of the I. S. N. G. Lodge or Board is stand-
card for the entire jurisdiction of the JC. of the G. -S. of
the E. and is final.
MEMBERSHIP
The xaen&Vership of the subordinate lodge or templfe
are such persons as have come into the society from time
to time through associations or a regular chartered lodge
or temple or juvenile club and who conform to the
2-ules and regulations of the order and keep up their dues
47
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
and assessments in the lodge and temple and insurance
department.
The membership of the State Grand Council consists
of all the regular elected State Grand officers and Dele¬
gates or reprsentatives from the subordinate lodges and
temples -and juvenile clubs; Commissioners—General and
Subordinate—and Superintendents. Other 4th or 5th
degree members can become members of the Council by
the payment of $2.00.
The membership of the State Grand Lodge is the
same as the Grand Council except the I. S. N. G. M. who
presides and none are privileged to join the G. L. by pay¬
ing the membership fee.
The membership of the Inter-State National Grand
Lodge consists of the members of the I. S. G. N. Board
members and all delegates and representatives sent from
the various states, districts and territories.
AGE
No person can obtain a memorial certificate who is
over 50 years of age. No person can obtain a memorial
of $200.00 who is over 48 years of age. The minimum
age of male to be admitted into the K. of G. S. E. is 18
years, females, 16 years. Children in the Juvenile Clubs
from 3 years to 15 for girls, and 3 years to 17 years for
boys. Should a person misrepresent their age and gain
entrance into the society and it is proven, his certificate
is cancelled and annuled.
The society does not pay old age benefits, but should
a member by old age, become uhable to keep up in the
society, then the relief department must see after such
48
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E,
member or the member must be sent to the home for in¬
digent members and orphans.
QUALIFICATIONS OF MEMBERS
A person wishing to unite with the K. of G. S. E. to
fee accepted, must be sound in body, under the tongue of
a good report; temperate in habits, not given to bad or
riotous company, or indulges in intoxicants or false
presumtions, must be peacable and law abiding, indus¬
trious, patriotic and whose aspirations are of a high and
noble purpose, able to earn a living by manual labor,
willing to labor and seek the welfare of his fellow man
Such persons will make staunch members for*the society.
ABSENT
No member shall willfully absent himself from regu¬
lar meetings or any other meeting of the society, and if he
does so shall be fined, unless he produces a lawful and
reasonable excuse for being absent. If the W. M. or Pres¬
ident is absent the P. M. or Vice President will fill the sta¬
tion, in their absence the S. W. may conduct the meeting.
Any presiding officer being absent does not retard the
meeting of the session, the deputy or next in rank will
assume the duties and proceed. To be absent 3 consecu¬
tive times the chair can appoint another person to fill the
station unless a lawful excuse is given. Absence from
home or the city excuses a member.
BALLOT BALLS
Black and white ballot balls are used by the society
to vote. The black balls reject, while the white balls
49
MANUAL AND LAWS" OF THE" K. OF G. S-. ET.
elect. When balloting upon two officers, the officer re¬
ceiving: the greatest number of white balls shall be de¬
clared elected. A Mater must not exhibit his ball before-
putting into the box, this is a secret. Black and white'
marbles may be, used with excellent results^
BALLOT ENG
AH applicants for membership, into* Chartered Lodges
Temples and Juvenile Clubs shall be balloted upon, either
by actual ballot or by acclamation. If three black balls-
occur the applicant is rejected, should one or two occur
it depends upon the W. M. or President to decide. If by
acclamation -vote three-fourths of the members present are
necessary to elect. All members who are paid up must
cast their ballot for or against all measures or appl'ca-
tions votable, for reasons best known to themselves. A
voter is not compelled to state reasons in open meeting
concerning his vote. All members must vote according
to their sacred honor and convictions and not for friend¬
ship or relations. A ballot shall be cast for the society's
interest and not for the person. A member in arrears to
the amount of 75c cannot vote. If an applicant is known
to be sickly, subject to certain bad habits, untruthfulness,
drink, riotous living or whose character is of a question¬
able nature, shall not be balloted upon. The society
shall not depart from this rule in any of its departments.
After balloting the box is inspected by the J. W., then by
the S. W., then by the W. M. or President, then the Secre¬
tary shall make the count and report to the W. M. or Pres¬
ident, who shall declare the result. Any member in good
standing who shall refuse to vote is suject to a fine.
50
manual and laws of the k. of g. s. e.
ballot shall be required upon applicants into associa¬
tions. The ballot is a sacred trust and must be recogniz¬
ed as such, therefore a ballot must be cast with honest
conviction for the betterment of the society and the en¬
hancement of its beauty.
BORROWING
Any member who is paid up may borrow money from
the Lodge or Temple or Club in case of extreme necessity
Provided the member is vouched for by at least two mem¬
bers in good standing and who shall be held responsible
for the amount to the society and no money shall be
loaned without such requirements being fulfilled . Thi?
•does not apply to borrowing paraphanalia. The society
shall require the member who borrows money from the
society to furnish bond if desired. A person neglecting
or refusing to pay back money borrowed from the society
when due shall stand suspended, until paid, and anyone
who shall borrow money from the society and shall suffer
themselves to become suspended on the account, shall bo
prosecuted in civil courts for false pretense and embez¬
zlement. In all cases where a member shall borrow
money from the society a stipulated time must be recog
nized for the payment of the said money. In case of a
distressed member a donation is much preferred to lend¬
ing. Borrowing lodge jewels and parapranalia and fail¬
ing to return them, shall constitute a misdemeanor.
BOOKS
The books of the society shall be kept in a neat and
careful manner and shall be open for inspection by the
51
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
craft. This applies to all departments. The books shall
be kept for future reference by various officers from time
to time. The books of the Subordinate Lodge or Temple
shall be inspected annually by the S. G. M.. or R. P. or at
any time necessary, in accordance to the provisions of
the law and constitution. If the Secretary's book is in¬
spected by a higher officer i. e. G. M. or R. P. and is
found not to be kept in order, and neat that Lodge or
Temple is subject to a fine of not less than 50c nor more
than $1.50 to be paid to the State Treasury Department
and reported to the G. C. or G. L. by the officer who
assessed the fine. Should the Lodge or Temple refuse
to pay the fine, it shall stand suspended until paid. The
credits shall be given upon business methods on the books
and the G. M. or R. P. in their visits shall see that the
Secretary's books are well kept. All books such as rituals
constitutions, etc., must be furnished by the department.
BADGES
All Badges used in the society must be furnished by
the department. All members on all public occasions
must wear badges, occasions such as funerals, installa¬
tions, anniversaries, annual sermons, and in the S. G.
Lodge and G. C. and Quadrennial sessions. Badges shall
be prepared for special occasions and special officers.
No member shall purchase or obtain badges from other
sources than the department to be designated by
this society. Badges shall be worn according to the
official standing of the members. The managers shall
furnish all badges at the lowest possible rate to the mem¬
bers. The provision to this law is that any member not
52
MANUAL AND LAWS OP THE K. OF G. S. E,
ifi possession, of the third degree shall not be required to
wear a badge or button on any occasion, but can wear re¬
galia. The Marshal shall report to the society all members
without badges on all occasions as above mentioned.
Badges cannot fre worn by members when off duty. But¬
tons an-d pins can be worn at all times, whether in attend¬
ance upon the society duties or not. Badges are used as
marks <of distinction.
BONDS
The supreme and responsible officers of the society,
such as secretaries and treasurers shall be required to
■furnish approved bond to the society in proportion to the
amount of responsibility of his or her position. The
amount of the bond shall be determined by the society in
the several departments and shall be renewed from time
to time as may be necessary to the safety of the society,
Exorbitant bonds shall not be required of any officer and
shall be no more than the actual safety of the society.
Any officer who shall be elected or appointed to an office
that requires a bond and shall not be able to make one or
should refuse to do so, shall be inelligible to hold the
office. If they do so it is at the risk of the society. A
fidelity bond shall be acceptable when properly indorsed
and prepared in legal form. This section shall not be
abridged in any of the departments of the society.
BEHAVIOR
No member shall be allowed to dictate to the W. M.
or President until they have taken the third degree and
53
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
not then unless they observe order. A member shall at
all times and places observe respect, true manly and wo¬
manly courage, such as are befiting to the recognition
of the better classes, not only is strict behavior required,
of the members during the various sessions, and in active
duties of the societies, and at all times and places. They
shall be peaceful quiet and law-abiding citizens in the
country in which they reside, sober gentlemanly in dispo¬
sition and thus promote the welfare and prosperity of
our fraternity. Their name shall not appear in any plot
against their fellow men or his country, in class legisla¬
tion against the safety and good of the society, they shall
labor earnestly for the advancement of the race in every
way pertaining to true citizenship. A knight's behavior
shall mark him in the eyes of the public for the confidence
of price and worth. Members shall observe quietness
during all marches or drills, and upon all public occas-
sions.
BUTTONS AND PINS
Buttons and Pins are prepared for the members of
the Lodge or Temple to wear at all times and places and
shall be furnished by the department of the society.
Buttons are prepared for the members in all degrees ex¬
cept the first and second degrees.
BIBLE
The Holy Bible, the written word of our Creator, is
the most sublime of all books and must be open upon the
altar during all meetings in all of the departments of the
54
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
society. Each craft shall own a Bible for the express
purpose of use in the Lodge or Temple. It is one of the
jewels of the society and must be cared for, it is carried
in marches by the oldest man in the Lodge (upon a
cushion). No Lodge or Temple or any meeting of the
society can transact any business without the open Bible,
except an association. Any craft that shall waive this
section is not on the square.
CARDS
Cards shall be used for the identification of members
traveling, to show their standing in the society. This
card with other qualifications will admit them to affili¬
ate in or with other crafts, provided the card shows them
paid up. The card is marked by the Secretary, and shall
give the membership number. When the card is exhibit¬
ed it demonstrates the fact of a knight and no member
shall be fully denied who can prove his identification.
Should a person be in doubt of the authenticity of a
stranger they shall investigate and learn the facts.
Monthly cards are used to be kept by the individuals
a receipt to show their standing in the Lodge or Temple.
This card should alaways correspond with the Secretary's
book and will serve as a traveling card. Transfer cards
shall be used to transfer a member from one body to
another. A finance card is a statement of accounts sent
a member who is in arrear with the society and are sent
to members who are three months in arrear with fines,
dues or assessments. A member receiving a finance card
must reply at once or stand suspended. The card shall
show each item as it is due, by the members.
55
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S E
SEALS
Seals shall be used in all the departments of the K. of
G. S. E. to authenticate the various officers of such depart
ments and shall be placed upon all reports. No report
shall be accepted unless bearing the seal of the depart¬
ment that makes the report. A Subordinate Lodge or
Temple shall be subject to a fine who shall not have and
properly use a seal. The seal must bear the name and num¬
ber of the department it shall represent, whether Juvenile
Club, Lodge or Temple, Grand Lodge, I. S. N. G. Lodge,
etc. The department shall furnish seals for every de¬
partment of the order.
SUPPLIES
All supplies for the society shall be obtained of the
department, including paraphanalia, periodicals, regalia,
swords and everything that is used in any of the depart¬
ments according to the provisions of the law, provided it
is in the line of the society to carry such.
SWORDS
Each subordinate Lodge or Temple must have in
possession at least three swords. The Marshal, the
Captain of Guards, the Sentinel and Tyler shall carry
a sword while on duty for the Lodge or Temple or the
society in any of its departments, or meetings or conven¬
tions.
AXES
The Great Axe shall be carried by the Senior and
Junior Deacon in all departments of the Society. The
56
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
Great Axe is styled the Battle Axe and shall be kept in
all subordinate Lodges and Temples. It is the token of
authority to the Junior and Senior Deacons.
APRONS
Aprons shall be worn upon all active duties of the
society as part of the masculine regalia. Aprons may
be special and common. A first and second degree mem¬
ber can wear an apron and collar, but not a badge or
button or pin. Collar and cape is the regalia for the
feminine sex, upon all active duties of the society in any
of its departments or gatherings.
CAPS
Caps shall be worn by members of the Uniform Rank
as a male attire and is according to the fashion of the
Board. Caps must be worn by male members of the 4th and
5th degrees when on duty in these or higher degrees. Hats
are worn by the W. M. of a Subordinate Lodge while the
Lodge is in session. The S. G. M. and I. S. N. G. M. while
presiding shall wear a hat or cap but during devotional
exercises must bare the head in revenence to our Father
which art in Heaven. The cap of an officer of higher de¬
gree shall be made so as to distinguish them from the
other members.
GAVEL
The Gavel is a small instrument and is made oi wood,
glass or other material. It is the emblem of authority
used by a presiding officer, in all the departments of the
57
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E
order. When it is sounded it demands attention and
must be obeyed. A member who shall fail to obey the
Gavel shall be subject to a fine. Gavels may be furnished
in most any style of finish desired. The Gavel is one of
the implements of the lodge and must be handed from one
presiding officer to his successor, if the same is the proper¬
ty of the society.
JEWELS
The Jewels of Subordinate Lodges and Temples shall
be the Holy Bible; 2 supporters; 3 swords; 1 cushion
Chair; 1 Slipper; 1 Thorny Tibret; 1 Golden Lad¬
der; 1 Casket; 1 Ballot Box with black and white balls,
and regalia; 1 English Spanker; 1 Clapboard; 1 Dark
Lantern; 2 Axes; 2 Pens; 1 Key of Metal. Other Jewels,
Burning Candle, Baisin and Hissop, Dyed Garments,
Colors, Charters and Other Paraphanalia.
HALLS
The society shall own, control, and maintain its
hall when possible. The society shall hold all its meet¬
ings in the hall. But should it be more convenient, then
another place or places may be used, instead of the hall.
Every Lodge and Temple should labor to the end of own¬
ing a hall. Other Lodges and Temples may unite in
purchasing a hall, provided all are of the K. of G. S. E.
Halls erected for the K. of G. S. E. must be two stories
in height and must be erected due east and west, but the
society shall not indulge in expensive halls, until fully
able. The K. of G. S. E. shall not enter into partnership
with another society to purchase halls. The society shall
58
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
mot erect a hall upon the premises of an individual unless
the plot of ground is deeded to the society. The value of
Halls shall be estimated in annual reports of Subordinate
Lodge or Temple. Halls destroyed by fire, cyclone or a
flood, the general society shall assist to rebuild same.
MEMORIALS
Every person who shall join the K. of G. S. E. shall
take out a Memorial Gift Certificate. This as the name
implies means that the amount stipulated in the con¬
tract will be paid at the death of the owner of the certifi¬
cate as a Memorial Gift of the deceased member. The
Memorial Gift bears the seal of the order and the provis¬
ions of the validity of the contract. The amount, the
name of the holder, the beneficiary and the date of issue.
Should a member lose his Certificate by fire, flood,
or cyclone, a duplicate may be ootained from the depart¬
ment by the owner sending enough money to cover pos¬
tage. Should a member carelessly lose it he can obtain
another by purchasing same. Should a member desire
to change his memorial he can do so by paying 25c.
Should a certificate become soiled and faded, th-3 owner
may have a duplicate by the payment of 15c, but to lose
a memorial does not release the department from the
payment of same, provided the proper affidavit is pro¬
duced to the department. The amount of memorials
shall be fixed by the department that shall issue sair.e.
A memorial is paid upon every three months, ix not it
shall become null and void. Memorials may become null
and void upon certain provisions. The face value of all
memorials are paid according to the provisions of the law.
59
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S FJ
APPEALS
Appeals can be made by members of Subordinate
Lodges or Temples who have been tried and judgment
rendered against them and who do not believe justice has
been meeted out. In such cases they shall reserve the
right to take an appeal to the State Grand Council, the
evidence though must be written and in case the accused
party is not a member of the Grand Council he shall be
represented by a Council member and the decision of the
Council shall be final. This applies to the members and
officers of Subordinate' Lodges and Temples. An appeal
from the trial in the Grand Council may be heard in the
State Grand Lodge in like manner to that of a subordi¬
nate Lodge or Temple. Unless it be a State Grand Master,
then he may appeal his case to the consideration of the
I. S. N. Board. In case the Grand Officer has been re¬
moved from office and cannot attend the Grand Lodge he
shall be represented by a member of the Grand Lodge.
The appeal cases of the State Grand Master, General
Commissioners, and Royal Princess are the only cases
heard by the I. S. N. Board. A decision of the S. G. Lodge
is final upon appeal cases of Grand Officers except those
stated above. The appeal of no member shall be heard
who was suspended or expelled for non-payment of dues,
of assessments, etc., for the wilful neglect of duty and
suffered themselves to be removed from office or for eni-
bezzelment of society funds.
APPOINTMENTS
Appointments are made to fill vacancies in any of the
official departments of the society. In case of vacancy in
60
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
a subordinate Lodge or Temple, the W. M. or President
shall appoint someone to fill the vacant office. In case
of a vacancy in the Grand Officers the State Grand Mas¬
ter shall appont another to fill the place. In case the
vacancy occurs in the I. S. N. Official Department, the I.
S. N. Grand Master shall make the appointment. A
W. M. or President failing to perform the duties of office
may be removed and another appointed and instructed
to proceed. Governess of Juvenile Clubs shall be appoint¬
ed by the G. M. or R. P. Directors of the Subordinate
Lodges, Temples and Juvenile Clubs may be appointed by
the W. M. or President or Governess of Clubs. An officer
who shall be appointed to acceed to a station shall possess
full power as if elected and shall be obeyed and respected
Appointments are used only as a system to facilitate mat¬
ters in case of emergency and not to be indulged ivi as a
mere practice or rule. A member of a committee appointed
to discharge a duty and shall neglect or refuse, is subject
to a fine. All committees are appointed by the chair in
all departments of the society. Commssioners, subordi¬
nate and general superintendents are appointed by
the G. M. The members of the I. S. N. G. Board are ap¬
pointed by the G. M. and I. S. N. G. M. In case of a va ¬
cancy in the G. M. Office the I. S. N. G. M. shall appoint
the deputy to proceed with the duties of the office. The
I. S. N. Board shall appoint a I. S. N. G. M. if the office
becomes vacant.
CHARTER
A Charter is a document granting certain rights to
parties or a person or corporation, bearing stipulation and
61
MANUAL AND LAWS OP THE K. OF G. S. F:
seal of the grantor. Usually naming the provisions car¬
ried. with or in it. Charters are granted Subordinate
Lodges, Temples, Juvenile Clubs, Grand Councils or
Grand Lodges, the Supreme department works under a
charter granted by the civil courts. No subordinate
Lodge or Temple can meet and transact business without
a charter from the official department of the society. The
State Grand Officers must obtain a charter from the
official department to transact business in a Grand Coun¬
cil or Grand Lodge. The Ladies Royal Court shall work
tinder the State Grand Lodge Charter that is pre¬
pared for the Royal Court and is similar in style to a G.
L. Charter. Subordinate Lodges and Temple charter,
bear the same provision and are subject to the same reg¬
ulations. When an organizer shall organize and set up
a Lodge, Temple or Juvenile Club, he shall qualify his
members before granting and surrendering to them the
charter. All charters of the K. of G. S. E. must bear the
official seal of the society and must be signed by the sec¬
retary of such department granting or issuing such
charter. Charters of the K. of G. S. E. are never sold
and are granted upon certain conditions and are there¬
fore subject to arrest from certain causes. Should a
Lodge or Temple become defunct, the charter reverts back
or is taken up and transfered by the S. G. M. to another
point. Should a charter become lost it can be duplicated.
Charters must be cased or framed for protection, but
can be renewed at small expense when mutilated or soiled.
Charters are granted by the civil courts to grant the so¬
ciety the power to operate in states. Charters shall be
inspected by the S. G. M. while visiting the subordinate
62
manual and laws of the k. of g. s. e.
Lodge or Temple by the Royal Princess and a Lodge or
Temple is subject to a fine wh<t> fails or neglects to care
properly for their charter. Charters are usually kept in
the possession of the W. M., President, Governess, S. G. M.
<or I. S. N. G. M. If they are lost or destroyed by fire,
cyclone, or flood, it will be replaced by the department
free of cost, the craft paying the postage. Under such
conditions a craft can meet and transact business with*
•out a charter by holding a dispensation or warrant until a
new charter can be obtained, but on such occasions the
Grand Master shall be notified who will at once issue a
dispensation or warrant to such a craft or body, which
impowers them to proceed with their work. Otherwise no
department of the society can hold a meting to transact
business without a charter. Charters are obtained by pe¬
tition and should a charter become arrested its members
may petition the G. M. or the department and pray for
another charter and by complying with the laws and reg¬
ulations the petition will be recognized. A price is paid to
use the chartered rights for a term sometimes not speci¬
fied.
BURIALS AND FUNERALS
Burying of the dead shall be conducted with an air of
solemnity and reverence with due respect and honor, as
becomes a bereaved body. The ceremonies shall not be
of such nature as to prolong grief to the bereaved and
sorrowing companions. The adjacent craft may be called
to the assistance of a bereaved craft upon such occasions
to assisst in the ceremonies. If a craft is called upon to
assist in a funeral, and if the distance is within 5 miles
63
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
they shall obey the call or suffer to be reported to the next.
Grand Council or to the S. G. M. at once.
Should a member of the Temple die, the Worshipful
Master of the corresponding lodge shall call together a.
sufficient number of brothers to assist the President with
the necessary arrangements in the burying of the de¬
ceased sister. But the Lodge shall not be held responsi¬
ble for the expense, unless the President and Temple is
unable to secure the service of an undertaker.
Excessive burials shall not be indulged, by the society
but they shall be sufficient to maintain the hon¬
or and dignity of the craft, provided the relatives of the
deceased assume the excessive expense, then the craft
shall submit to their wishes. When the craft is able it
can furnish conveyance for the family of the deceased
member and the same for craft members. Individual
members shall employ their own conveyance on such oc¬
casions, when able, though the society may agree to pay
for the service of same. No Lodge or Temple shall be com¬
pelled to bury a member who is in arrear in the society.
Perfect order must be observed upon all funeral occasons.
Upon the death of a member of the Lodge or Temple the
W. M. or President shall call the craft together to make
the necessary arrangements for the burial, open Lodge or
Temple in the Third degree for that purpose. A member
refusing to obey the call of the W. M. or President on a
funeral occasion is subject to a fine of not less than $2.00
nor more than $5.00, unless with a lawful excuse. The
society may own burying grounds for its members but
should the relatives of a deceased member desire the de¬
ceased person buried somewhere else the craft shall ccm-
64
WILLIAM CARTER
National Secretary and Treas¬
urer, Memorial Gift Fund
MANUAL AND LAWS OF 'THE R. OP G. S. E
"ply, or should the deceased desire to be buried elsewhere,
'the request should be complied with. Where deceased
is a member of more than one society, a conference with
the officers of the other orders shall be held, the K. of G. S-.
E. shall pay an equal part of burial expenses. Should a rel¬
ative of the deceased member desire the body to be sent
home for burial the society shall grant such request, ihe
W. M. or President may accompany the body to its des¬
tination if the society is able. Should a craft of the
•order be there, they shall attend to the burying of such
person or assist, but they shall not be required to asstimo
a heavy expense for same.
MEETINGS
The meetings of the Subordinate Lodge or Temple
shall be arranged for the convenence of its members, i. e.,
the meeting days and nights. Any day or night during
the week may be used. Two meetings per month is the
law but if for convenience the craft sees fit to meet more
or less it should do so. All meetings shall be on the prop¬
er time scheduled in all departments of the K. of G. S.
E. and call meetings are in order any time necessary to
transact business for the society. The meeting hours and
[place on all occasions shall be observed and obeyed by
the members. No -meeting shall be held on Sunday*
except anniversaries or for funeral occasions. Extensive
service in meetings to simply prolong the time shall not be
allowed by the chair in any of the departments of the or¬
der. The ladies shall meet in the afternoon before the
brothers meeting night. Juvenile Clubs may meet on Sat¬
urday afternoon for convenience or any other time. To
65
MANUAL AND LAWS- OP THE K. OF G. S. E..
be late at meetings the member is subject to a fine--
Meetings must be held upon the second floor, but if by
reason, of inability to do so, then, the craft may meet upons
the first floor. This does not apply to Grand Lodges and
Grand Councils. They usually meet upon the first floor
for convenience of space. Strict order shalL be obsreved
in all the meetings of the society.
MOTIONS
A Lodge motion is to rise to the effect that some¬
thing must be done. The chair of all departments shall
put all motions regularly made before the house but
should a motion be made that is not in keeping with the
rules and regulations or the corporate rights of the so¬
ciety it shall not be put by the chair, as it is not regular.
A member must be in possession of the third degree before
he can make a motion and be recognized. Nor can a
motion be considered from a member under a fine or a
charge, nor can a motion be made by the secretary unless,
by permission of the chair. The presiding officer shall
have power to rule out motions that are not in keep¬
ing with the regularity of the order, but the chair must be
satisfied of the fact. Motions can be made to rescind
certain by-laws and rules and to amend certain laws and
rules, provided, the amendment is in the limits of the
corporate rights of the order. Should a motion receive
no second, it is lost and another motion- can be made. A
motion cannot be considered while another motion is be¬
fore the craft, unless it is made to recall the previous
motion, and provided the party who seconded the former
motion will accept. The chair cannot add or take from a
66
MANUAL AND XAWS OP TOE K. OTP G. "S. £
Motion, as the vote belongs 'to the craft, but the chair can
•explain the effects oi a motion "before the tote is taken as
lie is the light of the craft and shall be held responsible
Uo the department for misrule or ^shtrnld he suffer mis-
•conduct in his craft.
MINUTES
The iftinutes of all business meetings 'of the society
Shall be kfcpt, by the secretary and pferserved for future
reference. Minutes of thte meetings of the Lodge
•or Temple should be kept ill a separate book from other
matters of the craft and should be writteil upon such
material as will warrant perservation t>f the same. A
secretary whss wilfully n'eglects to keep the minutes prop*
'erly, may be removed and another appointed in his stead.
'The minutes of any previous session may be called up
by the chair ior reference to the matter pending. Should
•"a secretary be unable to. provide or procure such minutes
lie Shall bfe fined 25c, provided, the craft has furnished
Sufficient material too the secretary to keep the minutes
*ipon, if nt)t the secretary shall be excused tor Same.
Should minutfes of a session be lost the secretary shall
be held responsible for same.
MOVING
A member "moving from *one place to another shall
•carry aft identification card to prove their standing in
ithe society. If by reason t>f moving the member shall
jmiss the quarterly passward, he shall be entitled to it,
;provided he is in good standing, and can prote himself.
A ^member who shall move where there is no Lodge or
67
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
Temple may be authorized to organize one or to use in¬
fluence for same. If by reason a member shall become
unfinancial they can renew by simply paying up the back
issues. Members moving can transfer if desired and. con¬
venient to some other body of the society.
LODGES
The Lodges are for the masculine members of the
order and is managed by the Worshipful Master. The
Grand Master shall visit the Lodges and Temples in
states where the Royal Prince is active. Where a Grand
Ledge is organized the G. R. P. shall visit the Temples
in the same relation as a G. M. is to a lodge. Aa Lodge
cannot be organized with less than 10 members. A
Lodge can consist of men and women formed for an
association. Three master workmen may hold a charter
and constitute a Lodge where the number has decreased
and may enjoy all the benefits of a lodge.
DEGREES
Degrees in a society are allotments of science and
privileges, and may run high in number. The First
Degree is the first allotment of science and privilege
granted candidate. No candidate shall be initiated with¬
out receiving degrees. The session shall at all times be
called open in that degree of which they wish to confer.
Higher degrees belongs to higher officers. Degrees art
subject to be added to the society from time to time. To
transact business the body shall be in the same degree,
let it be advanced or low. First, Second, and Third
Degrees are conferred by the W. M. or President. Fourth
68
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
and Fifth Degrees are confered by the I. S. N. G. M.> S.
G. M., General Commissioners and G. R. P. Higher De¬
grees are given by the I. S. N. G. M. When conferring
Degrees, time must be taken to explain each step in its
simplest manner. A member shall be proficient in the
preceeding Degrees before advancing higher. A member
can be suspended for the nonpayment of degrees conferred
upon him. A membr must be in possession of the Third
Degree to fill the active duties of the Lodge or Temple in
any office.
Members entering the K. of G. S. E. through associa¬
tions receive the three degrees for the admission fees, but
members entering through a chartered lodge or temple
unless under dispensation, shall pay for the Second
and Third Degrees extra from the entrance fees. L'egrce
for male and female are the same. Elected W. M. or
Presidents shall receive the Fourth and Fifth Degrees
at half price.
CALL MEETINGS
Call meetings are extra sessions called at a time
upon which no regular meeting is scheduled. A call meet¬
ing is in order and expedient at any time necessary to
transact or see after business of a business nature, and
such meetings are subject to the call of the W.[ M., Presi¬
dent, S. G. M. or higher officer of the order. The members
are bound, obligatory, bound to obey the call for such
meeting. A call meeting is advisable in any of the de*
partments of the order, when in the advisibility the
officer sees fit to call a session and in such meetings any
business of the K. of G. S. E. may be transacted. The
69
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S- E
same validity as entertained in a call meeting as thougfo
it was a regular meeting.
EXPENSES
Expensseg are reckoned as the financial ctfst of indi-'
Viduals for carrying out certain rights and performing
certain duties and under sections where it is necessary
for members to incur expenses upon themselves, the ex¬
pense shall be paid to such individuals by the society.
Upon sueh occasions where it is necessary to uphold the
honor aflid diginity of the order, the leader may spend his
6r her individual means and according t© the law of the
order can receive such means back from the society.
The expenses of delegates and representatives toiust
be defrayed by the body or association sending them.
Unnecessary expense shall not be incurred by delegates
and- the society Shall ftot be responsible, only, for actual-
expense itt the interest of the order or for the purposes for
which the delegate was sent. Provisions shall be made
for the expense of all sessions where same shall occur.
The trveling expenses of th I. S. N, G. M. and othgr
expenses incured by him in the interest of the order are
in accordanc with the law and shall be defrayed by the
society. His expenses for stationery shall not be paid
for by the society as it is provided for otherwise. Kail-
Way and other expenses, unavoidably occuring, and in
the interest of the trip, must be paid by the body so visit¬
ed. An itemized statement of such expenses must be
tendered to the body or the society,
70
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
INTER-STATE NATIONAL BOARD
The Inter-State National Board is a tribunal of equal
power as the Inter-State National Grand Lodge and is
the power to act, determine and put into execution rules
and laws, edicts, etc., and to make new regulation. The
members of the Board consist of twelve or more appointed
by the I. S. N. G. M., these together with Supply H^ouse
Manager, I. S. N. Secretary, Treasurer and Attorney,
should there be any.
A State Board of Directors shall be appointed by the
S. G. M. in the State Grand Lodge to see after the matters
of the State Grand Lodge and Council. The I. S. N.
Grand Lodge Meetings are subject to call at the will and
discretion of the I. S. N. G. M. or in case of error; if he
shall refuse to call the meeting for the correction, of the
same then the Deputy I. S. N. G. M. or I. S. N. G. Secre¬
tary may summons together the Board members for ac¬
tion. No definite periods are set for such meetings, but
the Board shall be called only in case of emergency or
urgent business. The session of the Board may be one
or more days as the business of the society may be dispos¬
ed of. All Board members must be present at all meet¬
ings and they must be men and women of high moral and
religious qualifications, possessing some degree of busi¬
ness sense whose forethought shall be exemplified by that
fitness of zeal as shall become a man or woman to serve
in such capacity. States, districts and territories
where there is no State Grand Lodge shall be under the
supervision of the I. S. N. Board and according to the
directions of the I. S. N. Grand Master. The decisions
of the board shall be final. The board shall control the
71
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S R
entire society. For unlawful conduct, the power of the
I. S. N. G. M. may be impeached by the Board with due
process of the laws of trials. Should the power of the
I. S. N. G. M. be impeached or his resignation or death,
and there is no Deputy X. S. N. G. M. the Board shall pro¬
ceed to appoint one to serve out the "unexpired term. All
Board members must be in full connection to the society
through some subordinate Lodge or Temple or otherwise.
The Board members shall receive due compensation for
their service in the session and they are required to pre
pare and present such wholesome rcommendations to the
Board as will tend to the mutual advancement of the order
in general. The Board members, shall have at least 15
days notice prior to the date of meeting of the Board.
The expenses of the Board members shall be defrayed by
the states of which they are members, provided it does not
work hardship upon such state. A state shall see that
it enjoys all the privileges and rights acruing to them by
sending' their board Jnember to each session, and should a
member refuse to attend without a lawful excuse, they
shall pay a fine.
ASSOCIATIONS
An Association is a collection of persons formed to¬
gether for some specified purpose of carrying out some
plan or design. Associations are formed by organizers
to set up Lodges and Temples and Juvenile Clubs. The
Associations may consist of as many persons as may join
upon such occasions, but usually not less than ten in the
K. of G. S. E. Should a Lodge or Temple meet and not
have a sufficient number of persons to open in duo form
72
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
the W. M. or President may declare the Lodge or Temple
opened into an association for the dispatch of business
that may come before the house. Members who enter
the K. of G. S. .E. through Associations receive the third
degree for the Association rates and are subject to any
duties the same as a member who has entered
through a regular chartered Lodge or Temple. Appli¬
cants who enter through Associations into the society, are
not initiated, and such members are obligated only to the
charter. The officers for the Lodge or Temple are elected
in the Association on such occasions. Male and female
may form themselves into an association jointly and from
such Association may be turned into a Lodge or a Temple.
Any person may be authorized to assist in forming an
association for the order by the organizer or the officer
in charge of the association pro tem. Association rates
are cheaper than to enter the regular chartered Lodge or
Temple.
BALLOT BOXES
Any small convenient box may be used for a ballot
box, where the Lodge or Temple has not attaind suffic¬
ient strength to purchase a regular one from the depart¬
ment. However all ballot boxes must have closed tops,
while being used. The ballot box is used for casting bal¬
lots for or against a candidate or measure.
BENEFICIARIES
All candidates admitted into the order must give the
full name of beneficiary, whether husband, wife child or
relatives or whosoever it may be. No member of the K.
73
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E
of G. S. E. shall be compelled to name relatives or mem¬
bers of the craft as their beneficiary, even institutions
may be named. Minors must have lawful guardians
before a Memorial gift will be paid to them. Beneficiary
money shall be paid according to the will of the owner of
the Memorial Gift Certificate and will not be changed
after the death of a member. Should a member' die leav¬
ing no will, the amount of the Memorial reverts back to
the Memorial fund. The Beneficiary of a Memorial Gift
Certificate must be notified in case the owner gets behind
with assessments or any society financial requirements
that may invalidate the certificate.
Beneficiaries may be changed by the consent of the
holder of the Memorial Gift Certificate and may be any
number of persons. Beneficiaries or their lawful guard¬
ians must sign a Beneficiary Claim Receipt, at the time
of th© death of the holder of the policy, before the benefic¬
iary money is paid. Beneficiary money may be left with
the department and drawn as needed. In such cases the
Memorial Gift Department shall allow interest upon such
amount, provided it shall be left 24 months with the
department.
WILLS
A Will is a term applied to bequeath allotments . All
persons joining the order of the K. of G. S. E. are expect¬
ed to make a will to the amount of the Memorial Gift, to
some party, person' or thing. It is not obligatory to make
a will at the time of entering the order, it may be made
at any later time by the holder of a policy.
74
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
SUPPLY HOUSE
Supply House is a term applied to the place where
the members of the order receive all their supplies for
use in the society. Every article used by the society may
be obtained there. No person belonging to this order
shall purchase any Lodge or Temple paraphanalia else¬
where than at the Supply House. No person can be in
charge of the Supply House who is not a member of the
order.
ARRESTS
Arrest means to secure and hold in custody. A mem¬
ber of the order maybe arrested 'by the Marshall of the
order for improper conduct or misdemeanor while upon
duty for the order or for nonperformance of duty, being
without the password, proper clothes or apparel while
on active duty for the society. A charter may be arrested
by a State Grand Master or Grand Royal Prince should
& subordinate Lodge or Temple refuse to obey the edicts
of the order. Should a charter become arrested a Lodge
or Temple cannot meet until the charter has been restor¬
ed. They may petition the authorities for the restoration.
To arrest a charter, suspends the Lodge or Temple, unless
the members transfer to another Lodge or Temple. If a
charter is arrested and the body complys with the edicts
of the order the charter shall be restored to them free and
in good condition. Should an officer destroy an arrested
charter and the body makes amends then the per¬
son shall furnish another free. A charter arrested
must be redeemed within 6 months or it becomes null and
void. To transfer from under an arrested charter, will
75
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E
be considered as reinstating into another body as the law
requires one to be paid up to transfer.
To arrest a member does not suspend the member
and they shall still be allowed a members privilege as fat*
as defense of conduct is concerned. A member must
have the right of a speedy trial. Should a member resij4,
the Marshall who attempts to arrest him he shall be fined
$2.00 or suspended two years.
DEEDS
A Deed is a document of title. The deeds for proper¬
ty of the K. of G. S. E. shall be made to the Knights of the
Guiding Star of The East, to the name of the trustees or
their successors. No deed shall be made to an individual
of any property that belongs to the order. Should the
society desire to sell property, where a deed is required,
the trustees by the consent of the society shall sell and
iign the deed of conveyance. No trustee can sell ->r mor-
gage real estate of the society without the society's con¬
sent. Such a deed is null and void, as it is the property of
the society and not the trustee. Deeds must specify all
the requirements of the law of state and county and
can be made to one oi1 more societies at the same time, in
case of a joint purchase, and in such cases the K. of G. S. E.
E. shall hold a copy of the deed. As many copies of the
deed must be made as jointlies, as is required, provided
the other society or societies require same. Such deeds
Shall be in the possession of the trustes. If destroyed or
lost a duplicate must be secured. The trustees mast
transfer deeds to their succssors. Trustees must see
that deeds are properly made and recorded. Deeds can
76
manual and laws op the k. op g. s. e
be inspected by the State Grand Master and other officers
in authority and should a trustee refuse to surrender a
deed at the expiration of his term of office, it can be < b*
tained through the civil officer and thfe trustee stands
suspended or expelled, if the deed is destroyed by him
secure a duplicate.
CHARGES
A charge is an assessed amount of revenue or stand¬
ing or qualification. A member can be placed under a
charge for certain acts of misdemeanors, which is a stand¬
ing of qualification. Charges are made upon the Lodges
and Temples by the S. G. M. and R. P. as a fee for such
service and instructions upon the visits or the calls of
these officers. Should a Grand Master or Royal Prince
be called by a Lodge or Temple, a charge is made upon
that Lodge or Temple for services rendered by the officer.
Charges as fees are made for conducting installations.
Charges for confering higher degrees, by Grand Officers.
!No visiting officer shall make excessive charges upon the
craft they visit, nor shall excessive charges be tolerated in
any of the departments of the K. of G. S. E.
TAXES
Taxes are charged upon real and personal property
by the civil courts. Taxes of the order are paid at inter¬
vals by its members to carry on the work of the order.
The members may be taxed any sum necessary to meet the
financial demands of the order. Taxes may be State, I. S.
N., Surbordinate Lodge or Temple. The State Grand
Master or Advisors may tax the membership to save the
77
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K- OF G. S. E.
honor of the society. So shall the I. S. N. department
do likewise. A member who shall refuse or neglect to
pay a tax levied upon him or h.er, stands suspended as
for nonpayment of other dues or assessment. Taxes upon
the property of the order must be paid, by the society
through its trustees.
REPORTS
A Report is a statement of proceedings. Reports from
the Subordinate Lodges and Temples must be made quart¬
erly to the department office. The report must show the
actual doings of the Lodge and Temples in the past three
months and all items required of the craft. Reports
must be made to state Grand Councils and L S. N. Grand
Lodges and Boards. No reports from Subordinate Lodge
Temple or Juvenile Club or State Grand Lodge shall
be recognized unless same shall bear the seal of such
department. All officers must makej^ reports in such meet¬
ings where reports are called for. None shall be exempt
from the above. A failure in any of the departments of
officers to make report, subjects that officer to a fine.
Items to be included in annual report to the Grand Lodge
may be listed from page 25, for subordinate Lodges and
Temples. Items to be invluded in the rport of a Com¬
missioners, Grand Master, Organizer, Deputy Royal
Prince and Superintendent page 26 . Reports made by
Grand Officers and Council shall receive the Grand Lodge
Seal as evidence of acceptance and placed in the minutes.
Reports in the Subordinate Lodge and Temple need not
bear the seal, but all reports must be in writing. A ver¬
bal report shall not be accepted. All reports shall be
78
manual and laws of the tl of g. 's. 12
copied in the minutes of the society in all the depart¬
ments, in a book for the purpose.
DISPENSATIONS
A t Dispensation is to suspend the rule or law and
-by privilege use or work by a substitute for a limited time.
All Dispensations of the Order are furnished by the I. S.
N. Grand Master to State Grand Master, Royal Prince,
'Commissioners, Deputies, etc. State Grand Master fur*
Irishes same to Subordinate Lodges and Temples Dis*-
pensations are granted upon various occasions to faciliate
the interest of the society. Dispensations are granted
to secure members into the Lodge or Temple or to confer
-Degrees or to turn a subordinate Lodge or Temple into an
-Association for special purposes, or to work without a
charter. Any privilege used aside from the law is done
toy dispensation. Pees are charged for dispensations un~
less it should be to hold an anniversary sermon, after the
day set apart by the law has passed, or to allow some offi¬
cer to hold a session in the absence of a higher officer,
then it is free. Dispensations must bear the seal of the
:rank of the person granting them. A subordinate Lodge or
Temple may ask for a dispensation at any time necessary-
to accomplish the needed interest of the craft. A Grand
Master cannot grant a dispensation unless the dispensa¬
tion is Brst granted him by a higher official Department.
All Association are formed and work under a dispensa^
tion by virture of the authority granted the person vhb
forms same.
79
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
SUSPENDED
Any member of the K. of G. S. E. in any of the depart¬
ments may be suspended or any department of the society
may be suspended, by the I. S. N. Grand Master for im¬
proper affiliations or conduct. The I. S. N. G. M. reserves
the right to suspend any member in the order for. viola¬
tion or misdemeanor or improper affiliative insurrections.
Libel, if it be proven that the party is guilty, is an offense
punishable by suspension, however in such cases evidence
must be obtained sufficient to warrant action. A member
may be suspended for non-payment of dues, fines, assess¬
ments, taxes, or for improper conduct in violation of
Knighthood, but no member can be suspended who is not
proven guilty of whatever the charge preferred against
them. If it be omission or commission of trust, suspend¬
ing a member does not expell them. They are only held
in suspense for a term and is again in full connection as
soon as the cause of the suspension is removed. A person
during the time o'f suspension cannot affiliate with the
Lodge or Temple and is not entitled to any of the benefits
of the society during the term of such suspension. A
member who shall become suspended for nonpayment of
dues or fines or assessments, must pay up all arrears
for which they were suspended together with all
that occurred upon the craft during the time in
which they were suspended, to place them in full
connection with the society again or he must re-instate
and take out a new policy. A member suspended for non¬
payment of dues, assessments, etc., cannot pay up and
become in full connection unless sound bodied at the time
he wishes to come back.
80
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE R. OF G. S. E
A member who shall fail to pay the Memorial Gift
after thirty days from the first day of the quarter is sus¬
pended by the department, but should they pay the Lodge
or Temple dues, they are entitled to the Lodge or Temple
benefits and burials, should death occur. They can renew
full connection with the department by paying double. The
first ten days of the quarter are the collection of the
Memorial Gift Assessment, the next twenty days are for
recording same, hence the Memorial Gift record is open
thirty days in each quarter for receiving and recording
the Memorial Gift. To suspend a member as punishment
for any misconduct, the suspended member becomes in
full connection after the term of suspension, but must pay
up the arrears in all the departments and state such con¬
ditions to the department where he shall send in the -sus¬
ceptibilities for redemption. Should a member be sus¬
pended as a punishment and immediately after the sus¬
pended term expires, is sick at the time provided he was
not suspended for more than six months, may come back
in full connection by paying what is due by him to renew
themselves and nothing i§ necessary in this case except to
pay what dues or assessments occur during the term of
suspense.
RE-INSTATE
Re-instate is to renew allegiance. A member of the
K. of G. S. E. wishing to re-instate into the society, must
pay up all dues, fines, and assessments for which he was
suspended together with all dues and assessments that
occurred upon the society during the period he was out and
then take up a new Memorial. A person must be sound
81
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
bodied to re-instate after six months, provided he was
suspended for non-payment of dues or assessments. A
member can. remain out of the order any length of time
and can re-instate again provided they meet the require¬
ments. A person who has been out of the order for
twelve months must make an application for reinstate¬
ment and of course the application will be balloted upon
by the Lodge or Temple, as to whether or not the party
shall be received. Being guilty and sent to prison sus¬
pends a member and he cannot re-instate upon his return.
A member guilty of violating the matrimonial rights and
suspended cannot re instate unless the craft by a two-third
forgives him. A person guilty of murder and known to
be guilty of such is suspended and cannot re-instate wheth¬
er sent to prison or not, provided it is not justifiable
homicide. Misappropriation of the society's funds or
forgery upon the order and suspended cannot reinstate.
CHAIR
The Chair is an emblem used by the order and is the
seat of the ruler or leader of any of the departments of
the society. It is as it were the throne of light and
power to the craft, regardless of who may be elected to
fill it and requires respect and reverence. The chair¬
man must be obeyed as long as he acts in accordance to
the law. The chair shall observe due order and respect
that becometh a ruler. Of ^ourse the chair may become
out of order, then the entire body is out of order from the
fact that the ruler is out of order. In such cases the S.
W. may arise to a point of order and should the chair re¬
fuse to take heed or make the necessary amends then an
82
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. "S. £.
<extra session is called and he can be reported and the S.
W. shall observe the regular order by announcing the
"Vice-President, Deputy, or P. M. to fill the chair, until the
-matter is adjusted by the higher body or co&rt. The
chair nrast obey the law as well as the members. No
^member shall speak to the chair 'without the proper
salute, if so h® cannot be recognized. The &. W. can
council the chair during the session, but must observe
strict behavior. Any m'ember may dictate to the chak-
and the chair shall hear when the same is in harmony and
•order with the laws 2nd rules. The chair shall rule out
<of order anyone not speaking upon the point at issue.
Should a member fail to obey 'on such occasion the mar*-
shall shall arrest according to the chair and a fine shall
•be imposed by that bo<liy*
The chairman is held responsible for the enforce¬
ment of the laws, and regulations. He shall advise ana
communicate all messages to the body from higher ofTr-
<cers, as all communications shall be through the chak%
though it .be sent through the secretary ©r other members.
CHARACTER
The Character of members of the order, must be ifi
harmony with the rule and law of the society. They iau«t
fee peaceful, law abiding citizens of the community or
country where they live. Must not be United with any
concern to plot against the peace and safety of the society
or its members. And must not knowingly extort one penny
wrongfully from the order or its -members, must protect
the name and honor of & knight at all times and places,
jior suffer others to wrong the honor of society or its
83 «
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
members, when in their power to prevent it, and shall
guard the virtue" of a Knight at all times and placet?.
Shall adhere to the business methods of the work of the
order and shall see that a strict observance of same is
held. He shall not violate oath or obligation or expose
the business of the order, nor shall they practice any
forgery scheme; shall not be guilty of any immoral prac¬
tice or improper conduct unbecoming of a thoughtful
Knight, nor shall they raise arms against the order or its
members. A member cannot be considered worthy Uiitil
he shall live up to the above rules of character.
SQUARE
The Square is an emblem used by the order. It is
placed upon the floor of the hall in front of the altar.
A member late in attending the meetings, must be es¬
corted by the marshal and standing upon the square,
address the chair, W. M., P. M., President or Vice and
receive advice from the chair. The Chaplain shall stand
upon the square to pray in the opening and closing of the
lodge meetings. A candidate is placed upon the square
to receive the instructions from the chair and is taught
its first uses. No craft shall be without a square. The word
square indicates straight or even, therefore a member
who is not in harmony with the rules and regulations of
the order is not on the square. A member who shall be
in arrears cannot be marked square and shall be subject
to punishment. Any act, performance or duty that is not
in harmony with the rules and regulations of the society
is not on the square. A member to be on the square must
be up to all the requirements of the society in all its de-
84
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
partments. A member to be elected or even cast a vote
must be financially square. The society can square a
member for various reason and purposes. The Lodge or
Temple who shall square a member on the books, after
death shall be suspended. A member cannot receive any
benefits who is not financially square. A square member
shall not be denied any right or privilege in the law of
the society.
CREDENTIALS
Credentials are Certificates carried by Delegates *>r
representatives showing their authority to present them¬
selves for membership into such meetings or bodies where
these certificates are required. These must be sign¬
ed and sealed by the proper authorities sending such del¬
egates. No delegate can be recognized in any annual
Grand Lodge who shall not be in possession of the creden¬
tials from the Lodge or Temple. Delegates from various
States, Districts etc., must carry credentials to the I. S.
N. Grand Lodge or they cannot be seated therein. A proxy
sent by any officer to hold any meeting, or attend to mat¬
ters for a Grand Officer shall carry and show his creden¬
tials to authenticate his authority. Credentials cannot
be recognized unless bearing the seal of the body who
sent the delegate.
CHANGES IN OFFICE
In case an executive officer may miss three consecu¬
tive meetings, he can be removed from office and another
member elected to fill the office. Any officer in Subordinate
Lodge or Temple may be changed for such cause. Should
85
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E
an officer, after election, desire to change p!ar?s with
another, and it meets the approval of the craft, then they
may make the change. To change a member from office
does not suspend the member. Should a change be made1
In the officials of the society, it must be maJe for the
honor and advancement of the order, and for no other
reason. Prejudice cannot change an officer of the society.
OPENING THE LODGE AND TEMPLE
No Lodge or Temple must be opened for business
without song and prayer. Care shall be exercised that the
glory of the order be maintained in all the opening ex¬
ercises in all the departments of the order. State Grand
Councils, State Grand Lodges, I. S. National Boards and
I. S. N. Grand Lodges are opened in the same manner of a
subordinate Lodge or Temple only in a higher degree but
same rule shall be observed. A short form may be used
in Opening the Lodge and Temple when the number fa
fitteiidSfice is Small Or haste necessary, by singing and
praying'. Then the chairman by power vessted in him may
declare the house opened for business, and where the
attendance is few the chair may declare the house opened
into an Association for business. This to be resorted
to in case of an emergency, for lack of time and numbers.
This short form may be used in any of the departments
of the K. of G. S. E.
OBEDIENCE
Obedience is Heavens first law. To obey is better
than sacrifice, and in all Christiandom obedience has held
an important place in the life of mankind. A person
who is unable to obey and heed another seldom makes
good. Obedience of members to the several officers of the
86
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
order is demanded in all the departments' of the order
and no member shall disobey an officer in the bounds of
the law. A member can be fined for disobedience and the
various officers and members must be reasonable and law¬
ful on all occasions and so fulfill the realm of true Knight¬
hood.
REIMBURSE
Reimburse, to make good. When the Sick Committee
shall visit a sick member and find them in need, the sick
committee shall furnish means for immediate use and
the Lodge or Temple shall reimburse the committee at its
next meeting and receive the report of same. Should
a member spend his or her money in any of the depart¬
ments of the order for the honor and glory of the order,
where it was absolutely necessary to save the reputation
of the society, then the socity shall reimburse them for
the amount spent. No member shall hesitate to advance
means for the order, as the law is that he shall be reim¬
bursed for the amount. Members shall be reimbursed
for involuntary service for the order where such service
was necessary to the enhancement of the order and may
be done according to the advisability of the society.
LIQUORS
No member of the society shall indulge in the fre¬
quent use of Liquors, to the extent of imparing his use¬
fulness or to expose the serenity of the order before the
public. He shall not deal illegitimately with them; shall
not revel with such companions upon such retreats. An
officer under the influence of liquor is subject to a sus-
87
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S FT
pension or a fine of $10.00. Should the indulgence in
liquors cause a member to betray the trust and confidence
of a Knight he shall be fined or suspended. Temperance
must be esteemed in the bosom of every true Knight.
ROBES
Robes, are worn by the Grand Royal Prince during
the public sessions and worn by a candidate when being
initiated into the Royal Court. Robes were worn by an¬
cient nobles as a mark of distinction and honor and upon
public occasions. Upon public occasions all the members
of the Ladies Royal Court may wear robes and crowns.
Robes shall be of a gorgeous nature, color to suit the
occasion. The department will furnish such robes as may
be needed by the members upon all occasions.
TURNOUTS
Pttblie Tfxmoo-tss shall be observed with obedience
and fervor. No member shall absent himself from such
displays. Public turnouts occur at the death of members,
anniversaries, annual sermons, laying corner stone or
going before the public. Concise movements and accura¬
cy must be maintained upon ail turnouts to save the
integrity of the order. Should a member be unable to
turn out on account of health, he is excused. Regalias,
Badges, Buttons and full society dress shall be worn up¬
on public turnouts, by all who participate in such occas¬
ions, provided all the members are of the third degree
rank Quiet and order must be maintained on public turn¬
outs, attentiveness to duties must be held sacred by all
the members. Installations are termed turnouts if pub-
88
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
licly conducted. The Lodge or Temple may regail with
officers.
TEMPLES
Temples are places where the female members of
the society meet to transact their business similar to
the Subordinate Lodge. The same rules and laws govern
the temple as govern the Subordinate Lodge. The officers
are similar excpt the President, Vice, and Tyler, the
pass word is different, the grip is different, but the signs
are the same as the Subordinate Lodge. The number of
subordinate officers decrease by one from those of a Sub¬
ordinate Lodge. An organizer may set up a Temple as
well as a Lodge but the Royal Prince shall visit the Tem¬
ple, where there is an active Royal Prince, while the
Grand Master visits the Lodge. Temples may meet in joint
session with the Lodge. Delegates from the Temple
meet jointly in the Grand Council and Grand Lodge
with delegates from the Lodge. Opening ceremonies of
the temple are the same as the Lodge. The dress and re¬
galia of the Temples are different. Temple members do
not wear aprons, nor caps, but wear wreaths on installa¬
tions. The order of business of the Temple is like unto
that of the Lodge opening, exercises etc. (See Ritual)
TRANSFERS
A girl may transfer from the Juvenile Club into the
Temple at the age of 16 years. A boy may transfer from
the Juvenile Club to the Lodge at the age of 18 years. A.
member may transfer from one Lodge or Temple to an¬
other for convenience, anywhere in the state. Should a
89
MANtJAL Aftt) laws of TH£ K. Of G. s £
Lodge or Temple decrease in membership to the number
as to be of no use to itself, the Grand Master may trans-'
fer the members and the property to the next nearest
Lodge or Temple. An entire Lodge or Temple may trans-'
fer into another £ it so desires. Temple and Lodg# para--
phanalia is transfered from one to another.
unfaithfulness
Unfaithfulness is a relaxation from duty and a dis¬
respect for principles.
The Grand Master shall report the1 unfaithfulness o£
any Grand officer in his province to the i. S. n. Grand
Master. Unfaithfulness on the part of any officer or mem¬
ber of the order shall be reported- and the unfaithful officer
shall be removed. Unfaithful members suffer themselves:
to become suspended. Unfaithfulness or the part of any
officer or member of the K, of G. S. E. is forbiddeu under
p-enaity. As the ftnfaiihfulness' of one member may en--
danger the entire society, therefore the craft ftiiist guard-
against unfaithfulness Okf thou unfaithful Steward
hast thou put thy Lords money to an exchange, so that
when he shall come he shall receive his own with interest,
The society shall not trust a large interest into the hands
of a man or woman who is not faithful over small things,
for is it not well said, "Seeth thou a man faithful over
small things he shall rule many" A Knight shall be faiths
ful to .his brother and sister, faithful to his Lodge or Tem¬
ple, faithful to his country and faithftfl to his Creator,
Faithful to the performance of every duty of the order,
faithful to obey all calls, summons, rules, etc., faithful to'
guard the interest of the order and its members
90
manual and laws of the k. op g. s. e.
faithful to go at all times to the rescue of a brother or a
sister, faithful to all obligations, Fuith is the watch¬
word.
ANNIVERSARIES
The Anniversasry Service of the K. of <G. S. E. shall b-e
Tield the third Sunday in July of each year. Two or 3®ore
Lodges <or Temples may unite in the service. It sliall be
a service of praise and thanksgiving to the Almighty God
for His goodness and mercy. The service shall be of such
nature as to present the religious side of the order to the
public and may be exhibited by the best talent that the
Lodge or Temple possesses- The program for such oc¬
casions shall be prepared by the National Grand Master
and may be varied according to his discretion. Should
a Lodge of Temple fail to observe upon the regular daj',
they may obtain a dispensation from the Grand Master,
free, to use another day. A clergyman of the order shall
be used to preach the anniversary sermon, where possible
to obtain one. No number of degrees are required of a
clergyman to preach the sermon, but in all cases, the very
best material, possible, shall be selected. Lodges, Tem¬
ples and Juvenile Clubs all join in the service together.
The services shall show the religious propensities of
the order. Full regalia must be worn upon the occasion.
Regardless of official station only the best talent shall be
put up before the public upon such occasions. No less
than one third of the total collection shall go to the gen¬
eral Treasury for the Sanitorium home and must be for-
worded immediately after the service. This day is set
apart as a day of praise and must be observed by all the
91
MANUAL AND LAWS OP THE K. OF G. S E
members in the jurisdiction of the K. of G. S. E. The
public is invited to attend the service. The Marshall
Shall see that disscipline and order are maintained or
report the same. A public march from the hall to the
Church is advisable. March by twos, women first, child¬
ren next, and the men in the rear. Place some men in
front to march and protect. All the officers being pres¬
ent with the badges of their offices in use. The Wardens
shall arch each turning point and each door of exit or
entering; and the male members must lift their hats or
caps when passing under it. The Wardens' Arch is made
by holding the tops of supporters together. Open ranks
at church door, the last passing through first and the rest
follow. First Degree Members can turn out to the anni¬
versary exercises but First and Second Degree Memgbers
are not compelled to wear badge or button upon the occas¬
ion. Members who refuse to turn out at the anniversary
fhall be fined $1.00 unless health- will not permit or other
lawful excuse. No spirit o£ demonination shall be exhib¬
ited on such occasions, no respect of places except for the
most convenient and edifying and promoting the general
good of the order. No Lodge or Temple shall fail to ob¬
serve this service annually.
MONIES
Money is a legal tender for a debt. The money of
the society in all its departments are placed in the hands
of a treassurer for convenience and safety. Large sums
Shall be deposited in Banks in the name of the society by
the Finance Committee. The money of the society may be
loaned with good and approved security on interest. No
92
C. H. SNEED
Grand Master, State of "Arkan¬
sas, Third Term
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E-
money can be treasured up until all debts are paid. No
discrimination shall be made in the members to the use of
the society's money upon them. • The money shall be
governed and disposed of by the members of the society.
Where able the money may be invested in real estate,
bonds, collateral, etc., in any legitimate and safe way to
secure returns to the society. Money may be transfered
when necesssary to carry on the business of the society.
ANNUAL SERMON
The Annual Sermon shall be preached during the
convention of the annual State Grand Lodge, each year
by some clergyman of the order. The public is invited.
Lodge convenes may regail and turn out with the Grand
Lodge members. Every member who is attending the State
Grand Lodge shall attend the annual sermon in full re¬
galia. The collection shall go to assisst the State Grand
Lodge to settle the expenses of that body. Annual ser¬
mon is only observed by the State Grand Lodge or the
State Grand Council where the former does not exist.
The memorial service is also observed by the State Grand
Lodge annually.
Annual sermons are never postponed as they are a
part of the State Grand Lodge service. Annual sermons
shall be conducted in a manner to benefit the public as
well as the society.
APPLICATIONS
Applications for membership shall be considered
from time to time from persons feeling an interest in the
93
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
society and wishing to unite themselves thereto. Appli¬
cations may be written or verbal but all applications must
have a voucher of the Lodge or Temple and musts send 50c
with the application. No application will be considered
unless accompanied by at least 50c. Should an applicant
be rejected he may make another application after 3
months or 6 months. Applications where the Applicant
is a stranger must be investigated by a committee on
investigation, before the member is received. If an appli¬
cation is refused the amount sent must be returned to
the applicant, but if applicant sends money and fails to
meet, it is applicant's fault. All applications are voted
upon either by actual ballot or acclamation. Applica¬
tion for membership must give age, name, sex, married or
single, occupation, residence, according to Sec. 70, By¬
laws and constitution. Applications, where the party is
known to be over age cannot be considered and are known
not to measure up to the requirements of the order. Where
the history of the applicant is known by two or more of
the members, it need not go before the committee to be
investigated.
CASKET
The Casket is used only while confering the Third
Degree upon male members, when they are raised to the
Master Workman Degree. The lid should not be closed
completely when used. Candidate is hoodwinked while
using same. The casket is reserved in secrecy except for
this degree and purpose only. It can be made to order
by any carpenter or cabinet maker, full size.
94
MANUAL AND LAWS OP THE K. OF G. S. E.
HOLLY LEAF
The Holly Leaf, or either Cedar, Evergreen Herb or
plant is used upon all -funeral or burying occasions. It
shall be worn beneath the crepe badge, while burying a
deceased member. It signifies that our brother or sister
still lives fresh with us yet, though dead. The marshall
shall provide the evergreen upon such occasions. It is
"worn only at a burying and is released afterwards.
SLIPPER
The Slipped is an emblem of the K. of G. S. E. and
anust be kept in the Lodge or Temple. It is used in the
initiation of candidates. It belongs to the list of the
society's property. Its use is explained in the ritualistic
ceremonies of the order. No Lodge or Temple can pre¬
pare and initiate a candidate properly without the slipper
It is worn by the candidate while the First Degree is be¬
ing confered. While being carried through the ordeals of
initiation it is worn upon the right foot by the candidate,
SINKING FUND
A small amount of the amount paid each month by
the members of the order is reserved or is known as the
sinking fund. It is paid in connection with the M. G*
assessment and goes to the general treasury. Its pur
pose is to help out in case of emergency upon the Memor"
ial Gift Department. The amount may be raised or de¬
creased by the Board as occasions necessitate. No mem¬
ber can pay -M. G. assesment, without paying the sink¬
ing fund, and if a member is square with the M. G. he is
square with the sinking fund also.
95
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
TRAVELING
Traveling is necessary to carry on the work of the or-
£er and is not done by all members but by those who are
in traveling1 positions, such as the W. M., President, Com¬
missioner and Sub-Commissioner, State Grand Officers,,
and L S. N. Grand Officers. It is impossible to carry on:
the work of the order without traveling and it shall be
the duty of all members of the traveling capacity to pre¬
pare for such duties previous to the time for traveling.
Club rates shall be procured when possible to curtail flat
expense of delegates. Traveling for the order must be
done upon the most economic scale. ' Traveling expense
for the order must be paid by the order in all its depart¬
ments upon all occasions. Traveling is not a prider
but a labor and a responsible duty. No expense for
traveling not immediately connected with the interest of
the order can be charged or collected from the order.
Should a member refuse to travel when necessary he shall
be judged as unfaithful, unless with a lawful excuse.
TRIALS
A trial is an investigation to ascertain certain facts.
No member shall be expelled or suspended without the
right of a trial. A trial in a society differs from a trial
in a civil court and are varied. In case a member is in
arrear a sufficient number of months to warrant suspen¬
sion the book and his account read to him is his trial and
he shall state whether or not he will comply, to the rules or
laws. A member charged with an offense must have a
trial to prove their guilt or innocence, before suspension.
Sometimes sufficient proof may be obtained from the party
96
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OTP G. S. £
V" rough the mails. A committee shall be appointed to
"wait upon the members under charge and ascertain the
:facts in the case, and report to the Lodge or Temple. The
'"Grand Master shall attend a trial of a male member
"while the Grand iloyal Princess shall attend the trial of a
female mfembfer, If satisfaction can be obtained in sub¬
ordinate trials the G. M. may not be called. Trials of
State Grand Lodge officers must be in the State Grand
Council or appeals from subordinate members can be
lieard in that body. The trials of members shall bfc fair
and impartial, without regard to relation or fellowship.
Should a member not feel that justice is mfeeted out to him
in a trial he can appeal to the "higher 'body. Trials of I.
S. N. Grand Officers shall be in the I. S. N. Grand Council
or Lodge. They have no appeal to make. Trials rtitist
have due consideration and conducted with peace and har¬
mony remembering that it is a brother or sister.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Any business commenced in the Lodge or Temple and
not completed before the time to ' adjourn, is termed un¬
finished business and when the Lodge or Temple meets
again the unfinished business must be taken up where
left off and carried out and finished if possible. "Unfinish¬
ed business may be tabled at any time for future consid-
eraton when rushed for time. Unfinished business may
occur in any o-f the departments of the order. A call
meeting is in order to work upon unfinished business.
Unfinished business is called for before new business.
Unfinished business may occupy an entire evening sessioA
depending on what it is dr the nature of the business.-
97
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
When all the unfinished is off and there is no new business
and the hour of adjournment has not arrived, a lecture
may be entertained from one of the visitors or a member.
UNIFORMS
Uniforms of the order consists of white gloves, lodge
apron and collar made according to the order and rules,
badge, cap, bla-ck coat and trousers, white vests and emb¬
lem of office. The Uniform of the Temple consist of
white dress, Temple collar, crown or wreath, sash, white
gloves, or robe if of that department or white sailor hat,
etc.
Uniforms are worn only upon turnouts or public dis¬
plays, and the uniform of an officer marks his degree of
rank. Uniforms must be worn by members of the Third
or higher degrees. Individual uniform may be purchased
by the members. Uniforms cannot be worn by members
not on duty for the society.
TRUSTEES
Trustees are men or women of trustworthiness
The Trustees of the Lodge or Temple are elected each year
and their duty is to look after the property and real estate
of the order. They shall look after the widows and or¬
phan children. The Board of Trustees may meet and de¬
vise plans to carry out the responsibility involved upon
them. A trustee who shall fail to discharge his duty may
be removed and another person appointed or elected. The
I. S, N. Board shall be the administsrator for children,
who haw no parents or relatives, whose parents die be¬
longing to the order according to directions of trustees.
98
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
Widows when in need must report to the trustees and they
must report to the Lodge or Temple or State Grand Mas¬
ter for the purpose of obtaining relief for the above per¬
son.
JOINING THE ORDER
Persons joining the order of the K. of G. S. E. take a
policy or Memorial Gift certificate. The Memorial may
be of the highest or lowest amount to suit the discretion
of the party joining. The higher memorial will cost
the Lodge or Temple more than the cheaper one.
The society furnishes the Memorial free to the party join¬
ing for the amount charged for admission. Should a
person pay $2.50 to join the order, out of this
amount he gets one-quarter Memorial Gift assessment
paid, or for that quarter and gets his Memorial Gift cer¬
tificate and the degree stipulated for,in the price of join¬
ing. The society is open to members to join at anytime.
Persons can join the order much cheaper under dispensa¬
tions. A person cannot join the order who is beyond 50
years of age. Persons known to be of a very disagreeable
character shall not be allowed or requested to join the
order.
UNFINANCIAL
Unfinancial is a word applied to members who re¬
fuse to pay their dues, fines, assessments, etc., for a period
of three consecutive months or more, and it is known; in
the community that they are members of the order. Hence
to be able to distinguish such members from others, when
the society fails to render them service or benefit, they
99
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S F.
are styled as unfinancial members. Unfinancial members
are not entitled to the benefits and privileges of the order
as is a financial member. The person or party to whom &
policy is willed, shall be notified that such policy hol¬
der becomes unfinancial. All members shall be immediate¬
ly notified when they become unfinancial. Should a . mem¬
ber by reason of sickness become unfinancial, the craft
may credit the member tip out of his sick dues. Should a
member become unfinancial, then /take sick the order shall
not pay any sick benefit to such a member. Should a mem¬
ber die, unfinancial, the society is exempt from liabilities
to such members. Members shall be marked suspended
after proper notification of unfinancial standing.
JURISDICTION
The Jurisdiction of the K. of G. S. E. extends from
ocean to ocean and from the great Lakes to the gulf, and
elsewhere. Each state has its jurisdiction which only ex¬
tends to the limit of the state. A Grand Master can hot
grant a commission tov any person out of his state nor
grant dispensations for more than twelve months or the
expiration of his term of office as that period is the expi¬
rations of his jurisdiction. Several states may be a dis¬
trict jurisdiction. No officer can work beyond the juris¬
diction of his office. The jurisdiction of commissioners
are named in the stipulation made them, also to organiz¬
ers and deputies. The jurisdiction of an officer extends
according to the rank of that officer, i. e. whether state or
inter-state, national or subordinate. Each member shall
labor earnestly in his respective jurisdiction for the
advancement of the order.
100
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
MISRULE
Any officer who shall be under the influence of any
intoxicant liquors or drugs and shall transact business or
hold a meetng in such a condition shall be guilty of mis¬
rule. To execute the official duties in a partial manner
is to be guilty of misrule. To practice discrimination
on account of personal association, or friends, shall be
misrule. Any system of management that is not in har¬
mony with the laws and regulations of the order shall
be classed as missrule. Any officer guilty of mirule can
be removed and another appointed in his or her stead.
This in itself does not suspend the officer unless the of¬
fense is grave enough to warrant supension.
To be removed from office for misrule does not in
itself suspend a person, the nature of the act must de¬
cide that point.
SALE OF LITERATURE
All literature to be used in the society shall be on
sale by the department and no ' member shall purchase
literature elsewhere for use in the society, than from the
department, except stationery to be used for recording
minutes etc. The proceeds from the sale of this Litera¬
ture shall go to the department of the society. The man¬
ager of the supply department shall keep in regular stock
all the literature of the society or be prepared to furnish
same at a reasonable cost to the craft. The law provides
that a small percent of the amount received for the litera¬
ture shall go to the manager of the supply department.
PRESIDENT.
The President is the ruler of the Temple. She is the
101
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E
guide and light of the Temple. She presides at all meet¬
ings of the Temple and is held responsible to the official
department for the enforement of the laws and rules in
her Temple and to fill all vacancies that occur. She is
the preferred delegate to the S. G. Council and Grand
Lodge from the Temple. All matters of interest to the
Temple are referred to her. She shall rule impartially and
discreetly and serve her Temple with that zeal and fit¬
ness that becomes a true leader, shall explain and give
notice of all rules and summons sent to the Temple and
shall guard the interest at all times. Confer Second and
Third degrees upon the members when necessary. She
shall visit the State Grand Lodge and Council. She shall
report the condition of her Temple every three months
or see that it is done. In case of inability to serve the
Vice President shall fill the station of the President. A
President can call the W. Mf of her brother Lodge to her
assistance at any time necessary.
VICE PRESIDENT
The Vice-President is the second ruler in the Temple,
and every Temple must have a Vice-President. There is
fto responsibility placed on the Vice-President with refer¬
ence to managing the Temple, except in the absence of the
President, then the Vice-President assumes all the duties
of the Preident. The Vice Preident is chairman of . the
Investigating Committee and is elected each year along
with the other officers. The President can appoint the
Vice President to carry on her work any time durng her
absence.
102
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
THE WORK OF THE DAY
Work of the day is regular routine amounts of
business allotted to be attended to at each meeting and
other society business. The work of the day shall be con¬
ducted in regular, according to system and shall not be
hurriedly passed over so as not to retain the presstige of
the same. The work of the day shall be to call to order and
to open in due form. Call roll, fill vacancies, arrange dia¬
gram in order, hear reading of journal or minutes, appoint
committees, hear reports of committees and officers. Re¬
fer to new business, of whatever nature it may come
up properly. No lectures shall be entertained unless the
work of the day is completed. The work of the day may
be varied according to the nature of the work and the
amount of time to be used.
ASSESSMENTS
Assessments are fixed amounts charged against in¬
dividuals for public purposes. .Assesssments in the so¬
ciety are for various purposes. The Lodge or Temple
may assess itself for a purpose. The assessment is valid
The Grand Lodge or Council may assess the members of
the state for emergency purpose. The department offi-
ials reserve the right to assess all members of its juris¬
diction. Assessments are regular or extra. Regular
assessments are those that occur at regular intervals ac-
cordng to regulations and law, State I. S. N. taxes, M.
G. payments, etc. Any assessment made only once or for
a short interval or for some special purpose, is known as
an extra assessment. An extra assessment is as binding
as a regular one. A member can become suspended for
103
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S E
non-payment of an extra assessment, the same as for a
regular one. Any number of assessments may be levied
during one current year to meet the demands of the socie¬
ty. A member refusing to pay regular or extra assess¬
ments can be suspended for the same. A member may be
exempt from certan assessments on account of services
rendered or may be exempt from certain assessments as
a benefit for certain causes. A member who shall become
suspended for nonpayment upon a policy and wishes to
reinstate and retain the orginal policy must pay up all
the back assessments upon the policy or take out a new
one. No assessments are standard amounts. They are
subject to be raised or lowered as the society may deter¬
mine from time to time. The assessments are a lawful
basis for a fixed time made by the society and must be
paid and are upon all members in all degrees, ranks and
stations.
SUBSTITUTE
A Substitute is any article, thing or person used in¬
stead of the original. Any station that may be vacant by
non-attendance of an elected officer may be filled by some
one as a substitute. Should a W. M. or Presdent be un¬
able to attend a Grand Session, or any higher officer, if
possible the place may be supplied by a substitute. A
substitute shall serve as the regular and be intitled to the
same compensation. A substitute must be of the same
degree as the original. A substitute must be instructed
as to the duties imposed by the body sending them. A
substitute shall receive the same recognition in a deliber¬
ate body as the original. It does not deprive the regular
104
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
elected officer of any privileges in the next session |should
he decide to attend in person, after being absent at a
previous session. In all departments of the K. of G. S.
E., where possible, a substitute may be used for regulari¬
ty and in keeping with the order. A substitute must
carry credentials to prove his authority to fill a place.
Such credentials shall bear seal of the body who sends
the substitute and the signature , and seal of the person
who sends the substitute and the credentials shall be ac¬
cepted. A substitute is held responsible as much as a
regular officer. The substitute shall be required to serve
upon all the duties of the original and is legal.
LADDER
A Ladder is a series of steps braced upon either side
by uprights. The Golden Ladder of the K. of G. S. E.
consists of a three round ladder or steps used in the
initiation of candidates. It is constructed as plain steps
When conferring the first degree upon a candidate; the
candidate is placed upon the first round or step of the
Golden Ladder and in a like manner for the Second and
Third degrees. The Golden Ladder may be constructed
by any carpenter or the department may furnish it. All
candidates initiated must pass over the Golden Ladder. It
it? an emblem or piece of Lodge furniture and belongs to
the Lodge or Temple. It is used only in the initiation of
candidates.
JOINT MEETINGS
Joint meetings are such meetings where the Lodge
and Temple meet in joint session and a joint meeting may
105
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S F,
be planned and called at any time necessary by tVs W. M.
and President to transact any business of any nature be¬
longing to both Lodge and Temple. The business of a
joint meeting may be such as may come before the craft
that is of interest to the Lodge and Temple. Such meet¬
ings shall be conducted in regular order and according to
system. Most any business of a Lodge nature may be at¬
tended to in such meetings except to initiate candidates
unless it shall be a Lodge or Temple made up of males and
females, collecting and working under one charter or a
W. M. may be called in to assist a President in ceremonies
of such work.
A joint meeting is usually conducted by a W. M., yet
a chairman may be selected and a secretary from anoi.g
the members present. In such meetings the password is
taken separately by the marshalls of each craft. All
Grand Sessions shall be held jointly, male and female,
working together. Members must obey the call of the W.
M. and President for a joint meeting. The business of a
joint meeting is valid the same as a single meeting. The W.
M. or President shall call their craft to meet wher. asked
by either W. M. or President to call a joint meeting.
Joint Meetings may be called to meet visiting officers when
befitting. The same regulations prevail in a joint meeting
as in a single meeting. Applications can be received in
a joint meeting, collections, etc. of dues, if time permits.
VOTING
Voting is a process of expressing the will of a person
by action. Members of the order who are of the Third
degree and are square with the society, not under any
106
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E
charge or fine, must vote for or against all measures or
candidates or policies, that shall come before the society.
The secretary cannot vote except by permission. The
chairman cannot vote except when the vote of the body is
a tie, then the chairman shall cast the deciding vote.
Voting is legal by ballot or by acclamation or by the u.v.ial
Lodge sign or any suitable method may be adopted.
Only members of that body can vote. A visitor cannot
vote (this applies to all departments of the society). This
law shall be observed and a member of any body who shall
refuse to vote, when qualified, can be fined 25c. To use
balls to vote for officers, and the officer receiving black
balls is not discredited by receiving such.
PETITION
A petition is a request for privilege and may be e:ther
verbal or written. Any person who desires may petition
the society for membership. Petitions for membership
into the society must be endorsed by two or more members
in good standing. Petitions from persons who are
known not to measure up to the standard of the society
cannot be received under any conditions.
COUNCIL
A council is a convention of like nature to a Grand
Lodge. The State Grand Master presides in the Council.
The business is like unto that of a subordinate Lodge,
except upon a higher degree and consists of Fourth and
Fifth degree members of the order. All the State Grand
officers, delegates and commissioners are membrs of the
Council. The W. M. and President must attend the
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MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
Council for the purpose of receiving the necessary in¬
structions and to discuss various topics of the law. Sal¬
aries of the officers are fixed by the Grand Council. Re¬
ports upon degrees and other work shall be made in the
Council. The Council shall hear trials and appeals. No
elections are held in the council. For membership of the
Council see page 48. When Fourth or Fifth degree mem¬
bers shall pay $2.00 to join the Council they shall remain
members for life if desired and have all the privileges of a
Council member, except compensation, unless appointed
to fill a vacant station, so long as they remain square in
the order. All who are members of the Council are not
members of the Grand Lodge and the fact that they have
paid $2.00 to join the Council does not make them mem¬
bers of the Grand Lodge, (See page 48), such privilege
is not granted to join the Grand Lodge. A Council may
be called twice a year to transact business for the craft
of the state. Preparations are made in the Council for
the payment of officers and other indebtedness of the
state. A state or district having 200 members can hold
a council and stand to be organized by the I. S. N. Grand
Master or Deputy and in such Councils the officers can
be elected and are re-elected each year until the state
shall be organized into a Grand Lodge. This is the only
provision for the election in a Council. The Council is
subject to the call of the State Grand Master, and is the
body to adjust all differences between the Grand Officers
and can impeach the power of the same if necessary. A
person receiving the Fourth and Fifth degrees, which cost
$3.00, should they not be elected W. M. or President and
wish to join the Council may do so by paying the sum of
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MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E
$2.00. This membership is good in all the succeeding
Councils. All technicalities of the law are discussed and
explained in the Council.
EXPELLED
Expelled is to discharge from affiliation, for a cause,
as a punishment. Members may after speedy and just
trial be expelled for any length of time, according to the
nature of the offense. A member who has suffered ex¬
pulsion cannot join the order again until the term has
expired of his or Tier expulsion, and not then if beyond the
age limit and other requirements. For raising an insur¬
rection a member may be expelled, for violating the civil
law, so as to be sent to the state prison, he may be expell¬
ed, and if the courts prove them guilty the society has no
right to decide otherwise. Should any member know of
the innocence of such party he shall testify to the same in
the court and endeavor to save the accused and if such
means fail the case can be brought before the society and
a few days for. investigation may prove sufficient to release
the accused party with out expulsion. A W. M. or Presi¬
dent by a vote of the Lodge or Temple may expell a mem¬
ber for any length of time. To be suspended one is still
a member without affiliation or benefits. To be- expelled
one is no longer a member, he must pay full joining fee to
even come back into the order after the term of expulsion.
It costs nothing to return to the order after a short period
of suspension except to pay the amount for which sus¬
pend and intervening dues and assessments, if any. An
expelled member is not carried upon the secretary's book
but a suspended member may remain on the secretary's
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MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
hook, provided the suspension is not over 6 months. The
minimum term to expell a member is ten years; the max-
mum term is life or 99 years. Guilty of violating the
chasity of a brother's wife or sister's daughter to mater¬
nity, shall be expelled 20 years. Should a member raise
arms against another member of the order he shall be fin¬
ed from $2.50 to $10.00, if he shall refuse to pay he shall
be expelled. A member can be expelled for immoral
practice, violative and unbecoming a Knight.
SUBORDINATE LODGES AND TEMPLES
Subordinate is a term applied to local Lodges and
Temples, from the fact that they are under the Grand
Lodge and Council and all members affiliate in a Subor¬
dinate Lodge or Temple. Regardless of the rank a^d
station of an officer, they must be a member of some Sub¬
ordinate Lodge or Temple and must keep up square there¬
in. Suspension from the subordinate Lodge or Temple
suspends a member from any office that they may be hold¬
ers of. All members are subject to the duties of the sub¬
ordinate Lodge or Temple, i. e., dues, assessments, taxes,
etc. There is no exemption of any except as may be al¬
lowed for service or for a compensation. S. G. M. and G.
R. \P. visit the subordinate Lodges and Temples annually.
VISITS OF OFFICERS
The visiting officer shall notify the craft at least
three weeks prior to his or her visit. The I. S. N. G.
Officers are privileged to visit and meet any society in
the jurisdiction and shall be received . with the honors due
them. The Grand Master is accessory to visit any meet-
110
manual and laws op the k. op g. s. e
lng body of the State, i. e., the Lodge, Temple and Juve¬
nile Club but the G. R. P., is elected and chosen visitor
to the Temples and Juvenile Clubs, for a fee, yet a
•Grand Master can visit either one; but the Grand Master
is the chosen visitor to the Lodges. Certain charges are
made by the visiting officer and shall be paid. Subordi¬
nate Lodges, Temples and Juvenile Clubs are entitled to
pay for one visit per year at the time it is made. The
price or fee charged by a visiting officer is $2.00 minimum
and $2.50 maximum, yet the entire fee way be ctanated
to the craft, Members with the W. M. and' President
of a subordinate Lodge shall arrange to meet and to re¬
ceive a visiting officer on the appointed time. No officer
shall charge a fee except the Grand Master and Royal
Princess or their proxy. A W. M. may visit a Presi¬
dent in her Temple, when he feels dispossed to do so, or
any brother of the lodge may visit the sister Temple at
■will, but 110 brother shall dictate, or confuse a Temple if
so he shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject . to a
fine or suspension.
Any square members can visit another Lodge or Tem¬
ple at any time or any member of a Grand Lodge can visit
other Grand Lodges or Councils. The I. S. N. G. M. shall
visit any state in the jurisdiction of the K. of G. S. E.
at least once a year when possible. A craft or body shall
not be responsible to recognize the visit of any officer
if not notified when a fee is required.
REPRESENTATION
Representation is a system of recognition. Each
Lodge, Temple and Juvenile Club shall be represented
111
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE" K. OF G. S. E.
annually in the State Grand Lodge. No Lodge or Temple
or Juvenile' Club cam. be represented withcrat the payment
of a fee. The various departments of. the society shall be;
represented by the delgates ta the various representative
meetings. No craft that is square shall be denied repre¬
sentation in any body where such craft is- eligible to-
represent. In case of inability to represent by a dele¬
gate to the Grand Lodge or other sessions, represesntation
may be made by letter and will be received. All bodies;
shall send their representatives well prepared upon all
occasion with full reports and equipped with all the
requirementss of the law. A craft that has failed to>
cbmply to the laws, rules and regulations, can be denied
representation in a representative body. The general
system of the K. of G. S. E. is a representative form of
government and all the departments of the order shall
be constructed upon such basis. The fee for representa¬
tion goes to pay the expenses of such representatives. A
body must be qualified to expect representation.
RITUALS
Rituals are books containing the directions for carry¬
ing out all the ceremonies of a society and contains the
symbols, sciencess, signs, odes, designs, ceremonies, etc*
Rituals are for the use of the W. M., President, S. and J.
Wardens, M. of C. and all higher officers. No member
can obtain a ritual elsewhere than from the department
or through the authorized persons. Rituals shall be
kept in secrecy by those who use them. Any person ex¬
posing a ritual shall be guilty of violating oath and obli¬
gation. Rituals are furnished free to new Lodges and
112
MANUAL AND LAWS 'OF 'THE K. OF G. S. £
"Temples. Leaders must familiarize themselves With the
Ritual. No Ritual is sold as individual property, Sand
only so Jong as he or she remains in the craft. Care should
be taken not to lose a Ritual. All Ritual work is regarded
as secret, and "must be considered so by all parties into
"whose hands a ritual may come. A ritual reverts back
■to the society should a member in possession of one be¬
come suspended, expelled or dies. The amount paid for
•a Ritual is only paid for the privilege to use it while
one is connected with the order.
RELIEF
Relief is "help. A small percent of all the monies
paid in as M. G. is known as the relief fund or shall go
"to that purpose. The relief fund may be drawn upon at
any time to assist the general or regular fund. In case of
distress of a member, the craft may donate means to aid
?such distressed member and same shall go wp£>n the min¬
utes as so much for relief. Relief may be in money or any
:articie of value, or a dispense of dues for a length of
time by way of assistance to a distressed Brother Or sis*
ter. A State Grand Master may make application to the
treasurer for relief for a decripit or needy member of the
order in his state, where the relief department of the sub¬
ordinate Lodge or Temple is exhausted. Any bestowal of
"help to a distressed member shall be reported as so much
£or relief purposes. A subordinate Lodge may apply
through the G. M. for relief in cases of emergency*
SALARY
Salary is a stipulated amount of money for service
113
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
rendered. State and Grand officers are placed upon a sal¬
ary for their services for the society. The salary of any
officer must be within the bounds of the financial income
of such department, as shall be required to pay the sal¬
ary. Exhorbitant salary shall not be stipulated as the col¬
lection of same may place a hardship upon the members.
Salaries of officers shall be fixed from time to time by the
department. Salaries may be increased or decreased in
proportion to the amount of income. Grand Secretaries
and Grand Masters work upon a regular salary, while
the other state officers receive so much salary per day for
service in all the departments of the society.
Where a salary is paid the amount shall be fixed
by the body of which the salaried officer is associated. An
officer who shall fail to receive the full amount of his sal¬
ary cannot sue the society for his salary. The salaries
of all officers must be paid if possible and as early as con¬
venient. Salaries shall not be paid in advance, yet in ex¬
traordinary cases of emergency, an officer may secure a
loan of one-third or one-fourth of his salary for a current
payroll, i. e., one quarter is termed a payroll in some of
the departments of the society. Salaries of the officers
are payable on demand, when due, and by order of the
chairman of the department by which such salaried officer
is engaged.
ROYAL PRINCESS
The Royal Princess is the female State Officer who
visits the subordinate Temples and Juvenile Clubs, hold
Ladies Royal Court and Grand Court, appoint governess
for Juvenile Clubs, order money from the Royal Court
114
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
Treasurer for indebtedness and expenses of such depart¬
ment. The Royal Princess shall report her work at each
State Grand Lodge as a State Grand Master is required
to do. A salary shall be fixed for the Royal Princess where
the state is competent to pay the same. A Royal Princess
can organize and set up work for the K. of G. S. E. with¬
in the limits of her state jurisdiction. The Royal Princess
presides at all meetings and shall hold office for one year
and is subject to re-election if the craft sees fit to do so.
RESUSCITATE
Resuscitate is to build up again to revive. A State
Grand Master or Royal Prince may, and it is their duty
to resuscitate broken down Lodges and Temples of the
order wherever convenient and expedient. A Lodge or
Temple worn or run down shall receive the attenton of
the Grand Master or Royal Prince to be resuscitated.
If possible a Lodge or Temple can be resuscitated upon
the original charter, of course should the members be con¬
siderably in the lapse they may take new memorials.
NOTIFICATION
In every department of the K. of G. S. E. the members
shall be notified of their duty and all laws, rules and regu¬
lations sent out from the higher departments or from
higher officers. Members, Lodges, Temples or Crafts can¬
not be held responsible unless same has been notified.
Time of notification may vary according to the nature of
the business or the meeting. Notifications of new laws
and regulations shall be made immediately upon adoption
and passage or as early as practicable. To spurn a noti-
115
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. 51
fication one is subject to a fine. Notifications must be
under seal of such party sending1 them out. A notification
bearing no seal shall not be considered valid, hence may
hot be enforced by the chairman upon the craft. A ver¬
bal notification of non-official meeting, etc., shall be obey¬
ed when properly given out, throughout the society.
LADIES COURT
The Ladies Court consists of Fourth and Fifth de¬
gree female members of the society. No person can join
the Ladies Court who is not in possession of the above
degrees. A small fee is charged for joining, after taking
the Fourth and Fifth degrees. The Ladies Royal Court
Shall meet as often as the State Grand Council or Grand
Lodge and the members of the Ladies Royal Court pay an
extra quarterly or annual dues to support the constitution
of the Ladies Royal Court. The business of the Court is to
hear reports from the governess of Juvenile Clubs and
Royal Court officers and endorse and adopt such recom¬
mendations to further and protect the interest of the
Ladies Royal Court and to attend to such other duties of
interest to the Court. The Ladies Royal Court shall meet
in connection with the State Grand Lodge and Council,
prior to the opening of the same. Officers of the Ladies
Royal Court are members of the State Grand Lodge and
subject to duty and compensation. The Court shall pay
Its officers for service in the court, properly. The Grand
Lodge will be responsible for the remainder of the term
of service in the Grand Royal Court and the State Grand
Lodge. The Ladies Royal Court of each state shall send
their delegate to the I. S. N. Grand Lodge in person of
116
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
Royal Princess or proxy. A member must be square in
the Temple to join the Ladies Royal Court.
THORNEY TIBRETT
The Thorney Tibrett is used only to initiate candi¬
dates. It is the property of the Lodge and consists of a
piece of wood 16 x 20 and is driven full of nails and paint¬
ed red. The points of the nails are upward. Any W. M.
can procure this from the department. Each Lodge
should possess one for the purpose above mentioned.
VACANCIES, HOW FILLED
In case a vacancy shall occur in the Lodge or Temple
the W. M. or President shall appoint some one to fill the
vacancy. If in the state official staff, the G. M. or G. R.
P. shall appoint some one to fill the vacancy. If in the I.
S. N. Department the I. S. N. G. M. shall appoint some¬
one to fill the vacancy. Any member appointed to fill the
vacancy of an officer shall be entitled to receive the com¬
pensation of such office for the term they shall serve No
vacancy can be filled by any person who is not of the same
degree as the officer who is elected to serve in such capac¬
ity. In case of impeachment of the I. S. N. G. M. or G. M.
and there's no deputy, the Grand Lodge and I. S. N. Board
shall make appontment to fill such place. This rule
is the same with the Grand Royal Princess. Vacan¬
cies are filled temporarily and permanently according to
the naure of the same. If by death, resignation, impeach¬
ment, permanent disablity, then the vacancy is filled
permanently. If for absence, then the Vacancy is filled
117
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E
protem. All vacancies in all the departments of the so
ciety, must be filled if possible.
ORPHANS
Orphans are descendants, under age, of members of
the order, whose parents are dead and died in good stand¬
ing with the order. Such children whose parents died
members of the order, shall be reported as orphans of the
society and shall be subject to the rules and benefits of
the order according to the provisions of the law. Child¬
ren who have either a mother or father living are not
termed dependent orphans, upon the society, but should
a widow in good standing in the society become in dire
need of support for herself and children, she ean apply to
the Trustees of the order and be recommended to the
board of Lodge, Temple or State and receive benefits to
aid her and her children. A father is supposed to provide
for his children at any rate whether married or single.
Orphans of the society must be reported at each quarter,
or reporting season and the annual term of reporting. The
orphans of the society who are dependant, i. e. who have
neither mother or father the society must see after them
and provide homes for them until they become of age.
It is not compulsory that orphans shall be members of
the order but it is expected that thy shall unite with some
Juvenile Club, if possible and if they desire. The society
shall see to lawful matters for* dependent orphans where
they have no relatives. An orphan home is prepared to
give a home and protection to orphan children of the
order. Where orphans have relatives they may
118
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
make a home with the relatives instead of with the orphan
home of the society.
DECREPIT MEMBERS
A Decrepit Member is one who by age or infirmity
becomes unable to support themselves. They may be wid¬
ows or may not be. Such decrepit members shall be ad¬
mitted to the orphans home of the society, if -they shall
accept such provisions. If not the society shall see after
them as best they can, according to the provisions of the
society.
PASS WORD
The Pass Word is the secret by which one member
shall know another in the dark, as well as in the light,
though they be strangers. The pass word is issued quart¬
erly and shall be distributed throughout the jurisdiction
by the secretaries. After being furnished to the secre¬
taries by the I. S. N. G. M. The pass word when sent out
shall bear the seal of the department that shall send it
out, to authenticate its officiality. All square members
are entitled to the pass word and its ' use. No member
who is not square shall be imparted the pass word. The
password alone will not admit a stranger into the Lodge
or Temple, other qualifications are necessary to admit a
stranger. Should a member forget the password he shall
pay a fine of ten cents unless excused. Pass words are
ether standard or quarterly. The standard pass, words
are given with degrees, while the quarterly pass word is
issued each quarter and good for only one quarter. The
Standard pass word is good as long as the order lasts or
119
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E
to the member as long as he is in full connection to the
order. The pass word shall entitle all the members to
admittance in the Lodge and Temple when they meet and
the pass word shall be taken up at any meeting of the
department of the K. of G. S. E. in subordinate Lodges,
Temples or Juvenile Clubs, Grand Council or Grand
Lodges, I. S. G. N. Boards and I. S. G. N. Lodges for the
benefit of the society.
PAST MASTER
The term Past Master is applied to the Vice Worship¬
ful Master. He presides over the Lodge in the absence of
the W. M. He is chairman of the Investigation Com¬
mittee. He is elected annually as the officers of the
subordinate Lodge and performs all the duties of
the Worshipful Master. He is also chairman of the
Board of Directors.
RECEIPTS
A receipt is a written statement showing an amount
of money paid to a party, firm or corporation.
When the secretary of a Lodge or Temple or of any
of the departments of the order, shall pay out any money
belonging to the order, he or she shall turn the receipt in
to the treasurer as vouchers for such amount and the pur¬
pose of the same. When the finance committee of a Lodge
or Temple shall pay off indebtedness of the craft they shall
return the receipt to the Lodge or Temple treasurer as a
voucher for the amount. When officers of the society, i.
e., secretary and treasurer shall receive monies from the
society from crafts they shall give receipts for same*, The
120
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
receipts shall bear the seal of the department receving the
money. The finance committee of the Lodge or Temple,
shall, after business, report the receipts of the day. The
receipts of the treasurer shall correspond to the accounts
of the secretary's book for the amounts expended. Due
cards shall answer as receipts for money paid into the
Lodge or Temple. When a State Grand Treasurer shall
make report in the Grand Lodge and Council the receipts
and cash money shall correspond to the Grand Secretary's
books. His receipts shall count as actual cash received.
The receipts of a Grand Council or State Grand Lodge
shall be reported to the body by the auditing committee.
Fayment of officer's salaries, do not demand a receipt,
when paid in the body of a meeting or a regular payroll.
If sent by mail or other persons, a receipt may be demand¬
ed.
REGALIA
Regalia is a Lodge of Temple's dress, ordered by the so¬
ciety to be worn upon special occasions, designed accord
ing to the order and degree of rank of officers and mem¬
bers. The regalia of the Lodge differs from that of the
Temple. The price of the regalia is determined according to
the grade of material and workmanship. Any costume or¬
dered and worn^by the members while on duty for the or¬
der is termed regalia. Badges, buttons, etc., excepted. All
members upon all public occasions or turnouts shall wear
regalia. A first or second degree member can wear re¬
galia, but not a button or badge that bears the letters, F.
H. C. Regalia shall be furnished by the department only
to members of the order. Members shall wear regalia up-
121
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S F:
on all anniversaries, annual sermons, installations, quad-
renial occasions, and burials or funerals of the Grand
Lodges and I. S. N. Grand Lodges.
PARAPHANALIA
The term Paraphanalia is applied to all the properly
of the society. All paraphanalia used in the order must
be furnished by the department. Members shall not pur¬
chase paraphanalia, elsewhere than of the society. All
Lodges and Temples must have a supply of paraphna.lia
required to furnish the main working system. All the
departments likewise. Where possible different para¬
phanalia is used in the different departments of the so¬
ciety.
QUORUM
Three Third degree members shall be sufficient to
transact business in and for the Lodge and Tem¬
ple. A sufficient number of members to fill all the Lodges
and Temple stations is a quorum of officers. A quorum
of officers need not be present at all times to carry on the
work of the society, A quorum to set up a new Lodge or
Temple shall not be less than ten and mpy be male and
female together. Upon such occasions in subordinate
Lodges and Temples, seven members shall be considered
a quorum, but three third degree members shall be con¬
sidered a quorum. If three third degree members are
present the business of the Lodge or Temple may be car¬
ried on in order and with the same regularity as usual.
122
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E
RECOGNITION
Recognition means notice and honor or attention
vpaid to. The officers of the order shall be recognized and
•obeyed upon all occasions reasonable and in harmony
'with the laws and rules of the order. When Grand or I.
S. N. Grand Officers shall visit crafts or bodies they shall
be recognized "with proper honors and salutes, that the
Jaw requires. In all deliberate bodies, a speaker shall
be recognized by the chair provided the Speaker is in
harmony and order, and according to rules and regula¬
tions. First and Second degree members are not recog¬
nized when dictating to the W. M. No member
<?an be recognized when out of order. No member when
in order shall be denied the recognition that belongs to
him. A delegate must have proper credentials, signed
and sealed and the other lawful requirements to be recog¬
nized in any deliberate body or meeting. A lodge or
Temple that fails to comply to the rules and laws cannot
be recognized in deliberate bodies. Officers must be
square in the order to obtain recognition in the various
bodies. This fact shall not be abridged in any department
of' the society. No member shall exercise any rights or
privileges in any of the meetings of the order without
giving the salute of recognition to th'e chairman, i. e..
to speak, to pass across the house, to talk, to be excused
from the room, etc. Failure to do So shall be subject to a
fine.
COMMITTEES
A committee is a body of persons consisting of any
number, three or more, but must be uneven in number.
123
MANUAL AND LAWS' OF THE K, OF G. S. K
All committees o£ the society shall be appointed by the?
chairman in alL the departments of the K. of . S. E'_
The committees of a subordinate Lodge or Temple are;.
Sick Committee, Finance Committee, Invesstlgating Com-
mttee and special committees. Special committees are
such as may be appointed by the chairman for any duty
©f- the society. Committees at the Grand Council ancE
Grand Lodge are varied and many, as may be necessary,
io execute the work of those bodies- Standing commit¬
tees are suuch as hold their office for a term of one year or
for some length of time. Committees shall make reports
upon such matters that they were appointed upon at the
time designated to report. Committees may be continu¬
ed for further service end for futher reports. The report
of. the committees when submitted shall be considered by
the body in whose capacity the committee is working, to
the best advantage of the society. Should an appointed
committee refuse to serve upon a duty after due and time¬
ly notice from the chair, the committee shall be subject
to a fine, should the matter be in harmony with the laws
of the order. The duty of all the committees shall be ex¬
plained and outlined to them when appointed. Commit¬
tees shall render true and faithful service to the society.
All reports of committees shall be from an unbiased mo¬
tive and for honest principles, regardless of the matter
and person under consideration. The report may be final
and accepted as lawful. Should a report from a commit¬
tee fail to be in harmony with the order and according
to the law, the report may be rejected by the body under
whose auspices the committee is serving. No committee
shall be bound to serve upon a matter that is not in accord
124
MANUAL AND 'LAWS O'F TTIJE !K. OF G. S. E
"With the order. All reports of committees shall be made
in the interest of the society and the welfare of the order
in 'general. ■Committees 'shall luok Well to this end sat all
times and places and upon -all matters.
COMMISSIONERS, FUNEKAL AND SUBORDINATE
A Commissiorter Is a person having authority -from
■a higher power to perform certain duties.
A General Commisisoner is appointed by the I. !S. K.
vGrand Master and can do work in the jUrxsdictfon of
'of the K. of G. S. E., TJ. S. A. and shall report to the I. S.
N. Grand Master Tiis "acts and work and Is held respon¬
sible to the I. S. N. G. Board for his official acts. They
can do and perform such as their commission grants and
Taw permits; commissions to he revoked by the powers
igranting it. Should it becom'e necessary to revoke a com¬
mission it does nut suspend a member from the order.
Subordinate Commissioners are granted by the State
'Grand Master and is valid within the limits of the state
•only. He is subject to such duties and privileges as are
^granted in the commission and shall report official acts
to the G. M., Grand Lodge and Council. A fee is charged
:for a commission to prove bona fide acts. This fee is
"usually charged for the rights to use the authority for
stipulated period. Commissioners' papers of authority
anust bear seal of department which issued same. Persons
jnust be qualified to do the work before they can be com¬
missioned to do such work, as an unqualified commission¬
er reflects discredit upon the society and therefore such
persons should not be appointed as commissioners. A
State Grand Master shall report the unofficial acts of a
125
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
General commissioner to the I. S. N. G. M. happening any
where within his state. All commissioners are held res¬
ponsible to the power granting same for faithful perfor¬
mance of duties.
JUDICIAL BODIES
Judicial bodies are such, bodies as can render judg¬
ment and execute the same. The Judicial bodies of the
K. of G. S. E. are the Subordinate Lodges and Temples,
State Grand Councils and Grand Lodges, Royal Courts, I.
S. N. Boards and I. S. N. Grand Lodges. Judgment shall
be impartial and in keeping with the law and regulation.
The Legislative bodies are such as make laws; such
bodies are the I. S. N. Grand Lodge and I. S. N. Board, in
the K. of G. S. E. and the State Grand Lodge for a state
only or in the jurisdiction of the state. A State Grand
Lodge may legislate for the immediate interest of the
state so long as the legislation does not conflict with the
general laws of the order, or is in harmony with the
general usages of the order. The laws made by the legis¬
lative department shall be enforced by the judicial de¬
partments. The decisions of the judicial departments
must be obeyed by the members of the society, and all
decisions of the judicial departments, shall be in harmony
with the articles of incorporation.
DICTATE
Dictate, to plan for, or report back to. A. W. M. or
President cannot receive dictations from a member unless
they are in possession of the third degree and not then
unless in order. In all the departments of the society no
12P
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE R. OF G. S. E.
member shall dictate to the chair who cannot observe
order. Dictations are allowed from proper persons and
in proper order and not otherwise.
DELEGATES
A delegate is a person elected by a body of people to
attend a higher meeting of like character.
Worshipful Masters and President are the preferrel
delegates from the subordinate Lodges and Temples to the
State Grand Lodge, yet another person, a member in good
standing, can be elected as a delegate of such Lodge or
Temple, if it is the desire of these bodies. In all cases
the best material should be selected as the delegate. The
delegates shall be selected for the interest of the order
and not for personal motives. Delegates to the State
Grand Lodge must be in possession of the Fourth and
Fifth degres or must come prepared to take them in such
assembly. In all departments of the society the lower
bodies must send their delegates ' to the higher bodies,
when such is the requirements. Delegates are paid by the
body who sends them and their expenses also. Delegates
must be of the same degree as the meeting in which they
shall attend. A"' person must be in possession of the Third
degree to be a delegate to the lowest assembly and shall
go prepared to take the Fourth and Fifth degrees. Any
member elected to the position of W. M. or President and
only of the Third degree shall have the Fourth and Fifth
degree at half regular price or the dispensation rate which
enables them at once to be eligible to attend the higher
r courts as a delegate without any extra preparation of
degrees. Delegates shall attend strictly to the business
127
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
of the body that sent them and adhere to the duties of the
aoeiety. Delegates shall leave their respective Lodges with
the view of defraying expenses. Appropriations shall
be made to delegates to defray expenses. State delegates
are elected in subordinate Lodges and Temples. Quad¬
rennial or I. S. N. Delegates shall be elected in the state
Grand Lodge <?r in the Grand Council where there is no
State Grand Lodge. No person can be a delegate to a
Quadrenial session unless of the Fourth and Fifth de¬
grees. Matters of interest to the Lodge and Temple far
consideration in the State Grand Lodge and Grand Coun¬
cil shall be carried into such meetings by the delegate.
Delegates may be instructed before leaving camp, provid¬
ed, such instructions are in harmony with the rules of
the order. A delegate may be expelled from the session
for misbehavior. Delegates shall be held amendable to
higher bodies for concise reports from their several juris¬
dictions or bodies.
QUARRELLING
Quarrelling shall not be tolerated in any of the de¬
partments of the society or its meetings. Remembering
that ye are brothers and sisters of the same oath and obli¬
gation and matters of a disagreeable nature shall be con¬
sidered in a friendly and businesslike manner by all con¬
cerned. If such matters cannot be considered in a friend¬
ly and business way the parties concerned will be fined
according to the nature of the case. Harsh words stir
up anger and shall be avoided in all the meetings of the
society. Any member arguing upon a matter that shall
tend to stir up a quarel shall be called down by the chair
128
MRS. EMMA McCLAIN
One of the pioneers of the Ord¬
er. First Grand Royal
Princess. Died Feb. 16,
-1899,
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
and should a member insist upon bringing up a quarrel in
a meeting of the society, the person so persisting can be
dealth with according to the law by fine or suspension.
Quarrelling, disputes, disagreements or troubles that may
arise between members of the order shall be settled in
the society and not in the civic courts. Before proceeding
to the civil law the matter must be given a due and thor¬
ough consideration in the society and one or both of the
parties concerned must be suspended from the order. A
Brother or sister of the K. of G. S. E. shall not take anoth¬
er to the civil courts. Should a member violate the prin¬
ciples of the order enough to proceed to the civil court
with a brother or sister Knight, this wroing act is suffic¬
ient to warrant his or her suspenssion therefore disorder¬
ly conduct is forbidden to one another in the strictest
sense and term.
CONDUCT
Conduct is deportment. A member's conduct shall
be of such fitness as shall become a man or woman of such
position and under such an obligation. The conduct of
a Knight of the G. S. E. shall be peaceful and law-abiding,
sober, quiet, exemplified by goodness and honor. (See
above rules.)
CANDIDATES
No candidate can be admitted into the order until
satisfactory evidence has been rendered to the society
that he or she is the proper materiatjior the ordr and who
will meet the approval of the society and have been
brought in and vouched for in the regular manner. A
129
Manual and laws of the k. of g. s. e
candidate shall not be roughly handled as this does not
impress a sensible man or woman, but shall be initiated
according to conditions and the rules and practice by de¬
grees, First, Second and Third and no candidate shall be
advanced to a higher degree until he is thoroughly taught
and instructed in the former degrees. Wherever appli¬
cable a candidate may receive three degrees in the same
meeting without a dispensation. The candidate shall
pay separately for each degree, but in associations and
under dispensations a stipulated price is charged for the
First, Second and Third degrees combined. Should
a candidate be rejected, his fee is returned to him or
if a candidate refuses the order of initiation he shall be
allowed to return but shall not receive the fee paid into
the order. Care should be exercised not to offend a can¬
didate by unnecessary questions and treatment of an un¬
becoming nature. Candidates shall be under the imme¬
diate care of a member while hoodwinked. Unbecoming
manners shall not be tolerated during the initiation of
candidate, proper instructions must be imparted to the
candidate in each degree before leaving it to the next
degree.
VISITORS
A member of the order is at liberty to visit another
craft of the order at his or her discretion and shall not be
denied admittance. A member to visit another craft and
be entitled to recognition must prove his affiliation 'with
the order by the quarterly pass word and card to show
his standing or a recommendation from his craft. Should
the visitor be a stranger, he shall be tested by the pass
130
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
word, the test of the order and the rules and regulations
of his or her craft and other requirements as may be ex¬
pedient to sufficiently warrant his qualifications of true
Knighthood. A visitor shall be given a warm reception
and shall be allowed freedom in the craft to the extent of
the rules and laws. A visitor cannot exercise the rights
of a member of the craft in voting, but he shall be allowed
freedom in all the exercses and practices of the craft.
He may visit provided he is square and in full connection
and affiliations. Caution shall be foremost in the treat¬
ment of visitors as to who and what manner is used con¬
cerning them. S. G. Masters and R. P. upon their vsits
shall be received with the proper honors. A Lodge and
Temple may meet in joint session upon the occasion of the
G. M. visit. The I. S. N. G. M. is subject to visit and affili¬
ate in any S. G. session in the K. of G. S. E. and shall have
full recognition in the same.
GRAND MASTER
The term Grand Master is applied to the chief perpet-
uator of the order in the state, i. e., the head official. He
shall be elected annually. He shall call the Grand Council
and presides over the same, hear reports of various state
officers under his charge, report the misdemeanors or un¬
faithfulness of the General Commissioners to the I. S. N.
G. M. that occur in his jurisdiction. He shall be well
versed in the law and be able to explain and interpret
same at all times and upon the several occasions neces¬
sary. He is held responsible for the enforcement of the
law and edicts of the order in his state and he shall in
connection with his board make the arrangements foy
131
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E
the state bond to the auditor or insurance commissioner
of his state and jurisdiction; he shall render his annual
report in the G. L. He shall be paid a salary assess¬
ed in the G. C. He shall receive a fee for each annual visit
he shall make to Lodges, and a certain per cent upon the
admittance of members into chartered Lodges and Tem¬
ples. He shall see that his state is canvassed thorough¬
ly, resuscitate broken down Lodges and Temples, organ¬
ize new ones, sign charters, be present when called
upon to meet a Lodge upon matters of society interest;
he shall furnish charters to his commissioners,
confer degrees, fill vacancies in the state official staff,
prepare the program for the State Grand Lodge,
notify the Royal Princess of the convention of his
Grand Council. A Grand Master may hold a supreme
Grand Lodge with the dispensation seal of the I. S. N.
G. M. and perform all the duties of the I. S. N. G. M.
upon such occasion. A Grand Master can oppoint or¬
ganizers aAd commissioners within the jurisdiction of his
state, whose power continues for the length of term of
his office and no longer. He shall render aid to the
Royal Princess when desired. He shall adjust differences
that occur between the state officials where applicable.
He shall hear the grievances of members that may come
up in the Grand Council from subordinate Lodges and
Temples, or the trial of officers, appoint committees to
investigate appeals from subordinate Lodges and Temples.
He shall be a ready co-worker with the I. S. N. G. M.
The grievances of officers must be reported to the Grand
Master to be adjusted. The power of a Grand Master
can be impeached by the board for unlawful acts; in such
132
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
case the Deputy become the Grand Master. To impeach
the powers of a Grand Master does not suspend him
from the order, but the result of the act reported to the I.
S. N. G. M. and to his subordinate Lodge of which he
shall be in affiliation may cause his suspension from the
society. A Grand Master can arrest a charter for non¬
compliance to the law of the order. He can impose a
fine upon a lodge for careless keeping of records and books
or the proceedings of the society. He can suspend any
work that is not in harmony with the society in his state
All matters of interest to the society within his state.
He shall sign warrants upon the State Treasurer for the
payment of State Funds and see that the Supreme Grand
Lodge has the proper jewels of the order to do its work.
He shall hold installations and can invest authority upon
others to do so by his seal and commission.
In case of impeachment, resignation or death of
a Grand Master, the Deputy shall at once assume the
duties of the Grand Master and proceed with the work.
The Deputy is elected annually in the same manner as
the Grand Master. His term of office is one year. He
shall be active in setting up new Lodges and Temples in
the jurisdiction of the state. He shall fill the office of the
Grand Master in his absence. He is held to report in the
Grand Lodge for his official acts. He is a co-worker with
the Grand Master. He shall be of the same degree as the
Grand Master.
RECOMMENDATIONS
A Recommendation is the thought or the idea of an
individual or a committee or of parties, so formed into
133
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E
a proposed law or rule and requesting that such thought
or idea become a law. Recommendations are usually in¬
troduced into deliberate bodies by a committee. Recom¬
mendations come into the hands of the committee from
delegates from the lower branches of the order to be con¬
sidered and introduced to the assembly. Laws can be
amended by recommendations or may be repealed by
recommendations.
All recommendations in order may be considered in
any of the departments of the K. of . S. E. in their res¬
pective bodies. When recommendations shall be received
and adopted by a representative body they become a part
of the regular law to govern all business under such con¬
trol and usually become effective immediately after adop¬
tion or timely notice. Any member in good standing and
order may offer a recommendation into such body where
he deems expedient for the advancement of the order, of
which he is affiliating. First and Second degree members
cannot offer recommendations and be considered, as this
is not in order and keeping with regularity in deliberate
bodies. Any measure advisable to the feasibility of the
order may be recommended and considered, provided the
measure is in harmony with the regulations. When laws
have been amended by recommendations the recommend¬
ations become of the unit degree of power of the law.
Recommendations to supreme bodies must be endorsed
by the S. G. M. No recommendation shall be adopted
without first considering carefully.
RECALL
A recommendation may be offered to recall certain
134
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
matters of interest and reconsider them. Such methods
may be ussed in any of the deliberate bodies of the K. of
G. S. E. A member, after consideration may recall his
motion, provided it is recalled before passage or adoption.
Recommendations are subject to debate in delberate
bodies.
OBLIGATIONS
Obligations are binding vows. All members are obli¬
gated into the society of the K. of G. S. E. Candidates
take their obligation upon bended knees in the society.
In associations the members are obligated to the charter.
A member can be guilty of violation of his oath and ob¬
ligation by committing what he vows not to do, or leave
undone what he vows to do. The obligation into the
Lodge or Temple is of the same nature. No person shall
be obligated into the order who shall fail to render satis¬
faction of honest purpose and intention. A person of
unbalanced mind cannot be obligated to the mysteries of
the order, nor can a person be obligated who fails to meet
the approval of the rules and regulations of the order.
Obligations belong to all the degrees of the K. of G. S. E.
Officers shall exercise care when administering obligation
to, candidates to see that they understand what they are
being obligated to do. This phase of the work shall not
be slighted or neglected in any of the departments of
the order. A member can renew his obligation to the
principles of the order; when in the course of time it be¬
comes necessary he can renew his membership in the or¬
der by meeting the requirements of the rules and regu¬
lations. A member may renew a policy by duplicate when
135
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E
worn or soiled. A charter can be renewed by a duplicate.
QUALIFYING OF CANDIDATES
Qualifying a candidate is to ascertain if the candi¬
date is willing and prepared to take the oath and obliga¬
tion of the order. This is a matter necessary before pro¬
ceeding to administer the obligation. No candidate can
be introduced to the mysteries of the order unless quali¬
fied.
NAME OF ORDER
The name of the order is The Grand United Order of
the Knights of the Guiding Star of the East, U. S. A.
This name was adopted by the supreme board in the early
days of the order's existence. According to ancient his¬
tory a person desiring to become a knight was compelled
to undergo a great amount of practice and exercise and
suffer punishment. This method of school-like prepara¬
tion continued until he became a dauntless bravado;
a valiant man, a man skilled in the craft of ingenuity.
Then he received his diploma as a knight and a knight
was loved and honored by his country and native lands¬
men. A knight would suffer a martyrs death before he
would dare disclose any secrets of his masters business.
A knight would ride upon horseback for days and nights
without food or shelter -upon an errand for his country.
A knight would sleep upon the grass carpeted earth, cov¬
ered with the star-decked canopy of heaven to wait upon
his native land. History tells us that a knight would
live in solitude and silence in the most trying periods to
save his brother and his reputation. Hence the word
136
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E
knight was adopted for strength, honor and durability.
That brilliant star that led the wise men to the place
where Jesus Jay is observed as a guide according to his¬
tory and its literal interpretation is Jesus ■ Christ. We
iiold it as our guide, and if we will follow oxir guide we
shall sail one day into the fair .haven of rest. The star
<of our guide has led its thousands into the peaceful har-
Jbor and we believe it will guide us to the portals of eter¬
nal rest. Jesus the bright and morning star is our guide
hence we call him great Jehovah, and oftentime our
voices to sing the song:
■Guide me, Oh thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land,
I am weak but thou art mighty,
Hold me with thy powerful hand.
Strong deliverer, Strong deliverer,
Be thou still my strength and song.
The East has always been acknowledged as the pla.;
of light and power. The kings, Princes, and Potentates
sat in the East. Prophets, in offering their invocations
to the Almighty would turn their faces to the east. Thev
seem to all face and move toward the East. Planets re¬
volve and move on their orbit but seem to move eastward.
When in search of light a traveler invariably looks to
the East. Hence accepted as our motto. We are brave
and valiant followers of that wonderful guide, expecting
to arrive at the place of light, power and greatness.
INSTRUCTIONS
Insstructions are given from time to time in the order
137
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S". K,
and shall be observed. The W. M. and President shalE
not faiL to impart instructions to committees when ap¬
pointed to' newly made members and to their crafts.
A State Grand Master and Royal Princess in' their annual
visits shall impart their annual instructions to the vari¬
ous Lodges and Temples, in their jurisdiction.; also in;
Grand Councils and Grand Lodges. Every chairman in.
any of the departments of- the order shall deliver instruc¬
tions upon the important matters under consideration as-,
a message to his hearers and members shall at all times be
ready to receive instructions and give such as they are4
able to impart. Only true and wholesome instructions;
shall be imparted and shall be in harmony with the law
of" the order and shall be received as such. Otherwise the
instructions need not be adhered to by the members of
the erder. Officers when installed shall be instructed iit
their duties. Members shall not be denied the proper
instructions upon the law of the society, its rules and
regulations. The second meeting in the month shall be
known as the meeting' of instruction. The service shall
in no wise be abridged. No one should impart instruc¬
tion. upon a matter he himself does not understand, as
such instructions might not be wholesome and true.
INSURRECTIONS
Insurrections are upheavals or disturbances of the
peace, or tearing asunder, a league, a body, or a govern¬
ment. A member can if he desires raise an insurrec¬
tion in the subordinate Lodge or Temple, or in the other
departments of the order. Any member who shall stir
up envy, strife or malice among the members with the in-
138
manual AND LAWS OP THE K. "O'P g. S. ±
"tention of turning them against the law, or the "proper
-harmony thereof, or the lawful teachings of their deader
-shall be deemed as guilty of insurrection. The punish¬
ment for such an offense is ^expulsion -for '99 years. No
insurrectionist shall be -'allowed to play upon the imagin¬
ative fiction of craft. He shall fee called down by the
'chair or arrested by the marshall. A member can pro¬
duce an insurrection -by outside gossip -to individuals
-and so disturb the work -and order and rule of the craft
•to a degree "that -the craft becomes anmanageable. A
^member shall -not entertain te«ch conversations 'as "will or
-may tend to disturb the peace -and, harmony of the craft
"in the body-or without the meetings. Should a Member
■disturb the quietitttde of the meetings he sha^l be fined
according to the iiature of the disturbance. Should a
•disturbance occur from the outside and from disinterest¬
ed concerns to the craft that -a meeting shall be closed
the craft shall maintain perfect order aaid discipline -ac¬
cording to th« will and command of the chairman. The
-sentinel shall guard the outside against disturbers while
"the meeting lasts.
DENOMINATION
Denomination is a creed of worship. The applica¬
tion of assignments in the order shall not refer in ,any
^manner t® creed of worship. In selecting officers or per¬
sons for duty in the society or places for sessions it shall
be against, the rules to do so with reference to denomi¬
nation. Society means union and must practice unity.
No member shall be allowed to dictate creed of worship,
if so lie is subject to fine. The members so far as the K.
139
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
of G. S. E. is concerned shall know no denomination-
All matters of interest to the society shall be to order ex¬
clusively and the man or woman and not creed of wor¬
ship.
DIRECTORS
The directors shall see that the law of the society is
executed and make such preparations as may be neces¬
sary to influence the work of the order. Directors shall
meet in council regular for the advancement of the order
and craft. They shall stand as a guide or pier to the
craft, oversee the work and direct according to law and
rule and should the disbursements become greater than
the income, the directors shall devise plans to reimburse the
treasury. Directors shall see that funds are not placed
where unnecessary, but shall be placed where most needed
and compulsory. Receipt of disbursement shall be kept
showing for what purpose and to whom. The secretary
shall be one of the committee with the Directors upon the
occasion of disbursements that a knowledge of the same be
duly recorded upon his books.
I. S. N. G. OFFICERS AND MEMBERS
I. S. N. G. Officers are such as are elected by the I.
S. N. department and whose services are retained by the
entire jurisdiction of the order. The term of office is
for four years. They shall be men and women of hon¬
est desires and true purposes, fully qualified to serve
in such capacitl. Must possess some degree of educa¬
tion and exercise good judgment in the direction of the
140
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E
general welfare of the order. The regular standing
I. S. N. G. officers are the Inter State Grand Master and
Deputy, I. S. N. G. Secretary, I. S. N. G. Treasurer, and
I S. N. G. Supply House Manager, and the other corps
of the official staff may be chosen at the sessions of the
I. S. N. Board., and I. S. N. Grand Lodge. If by inabili¬
ty, impeachment, death, or resignation, of any I. S. N.
Grand Officer, the I. S. N. G. M. shall fill by appointment
the vacancy, except the vacancy that may occur in the
office of I. S. N. G. M., then the deputy shall assume the
duties of the office. In case of a. vacancy in both I. S. N. G.
M. and deputy, then the I. S. N. Board shall fill the vacan¬
cy by appointment. Same shall be valid and substan¬
tial. All the members of the I. S. N. Board shall be reg¬
ular members of the I. S. N. Grand Lodge, together with
the delegates from the various states, provinces and dis¬
tricts of the K. of G. S. E. The I. S. N. Grand Lodge meets
quadrennially, and such I. S. N. Grand Officers must be
present upon such occasions. Standing salaries are paid
to the regular standing I. S. N. G. officers. The others
are paid per day for actual services rendered in such
meetings or sessions.
I. S. N. GRAND MASTER
The I. S. N. Grand Master is the Chief Presiding
officer of the K. of G. S. E., U. S. A. He shall preside in
all the State Grand Lodges and in Grand Council where
there is no State Grand Lodge. He shall grant all
dispensations and charters and memorials, sign for the
disbursements of all I. S. N. monies, death claimss, etc.,
and travel throughout the jurisdiction of the K. of G. S.
141
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
E., U. S. A., negotiate in new states for the order, secure
states, districts and territories where no State Grand
Lodge shall be under the supervision of the L S. N.
Board according to the direction of the I. S. N. Grand
Master he has the power to suspend any member in the
jurisdiction of the order when proven guilty. Suspend
the operation of any work not in keeping with the regu¬
larity of the order. He shall report his official acts to
the I. S. N. Board and audit the records of the I. S. N.
Department at least each quarter. Call the I. S. N.
Board at his discretion, or when necessary to adjust mat¬
ters of interest to the general security, decide upon all
questions of law from officers of the order His decisions
shall be final with the seal and consent of the I. S. N.
Board his decisions and interpretations shall be accepted
and must be in according to the articles of incorporation.
His powers can be impeached by the I. S. N. Board for
violation of law and order. He prepares all literature used in
the society and receives a certain percentage.
I. S. N. OFFICE
The I. S. N. Office is the place where the affairs of
the I. S. N. Department are attended to. Where the re¬
cords are kept, and the accounts of the jurisdiction, the
literature, regalia, and Lodge paraphanalia, are kept.
Jewels, implements and where such are prepared. This
office is the property of the general society. The expen¬
ses of such office are defrayed from the general treasury.
The I. S. N. Office is the headquarters of the society. It
is common custom that all organizations shall have a
headquarter office and the I. S. N. office shall be the
142
MANUAL AND LAWS OP THE K. OF G. S. E
headquarters for the society in the jurisdction of the U.
S. A. The I. S. N. Grand Master has access to such
office, where he prepares such material as is necessary for
his work and the society. The funds of State and I. S. N.
Department are kept separate. The state official staff
manages the state funds, while the I. S. N. official staff
manages the I. S. N. funds. The I. S. N. funds are used
for I. S. N. purposes only, A portion of all the funds
accruing in the I. S. N. office goes for expenses of such
office. The funds of the I. S. N^ department may be in¬
creased by I. S. N. Assessments. The state funds are in¬
creased by state assessments. State and I. S. N. funds
shall be fully protected by honest persons who are able
and willing to furnish bond for same. Funds shall be
handled with care and caution. The State Grand Master
signs for the payment of the state funds, while the I. S.
N. Grand Master signs for the payment of the I. S. N.
funds.
EXCURSIONS AND PICNICS
The Society shall reserve the right to give and hold
picnics and excursions when it desires but not on Sun¬
days. Picnics shall be given to re-imburse the treasury
of the order and for the outing of the members. The
committees shall arrange matters for excursions and
picnics to the mutual advantage of the order and those
concerned.
INSURANCE
The Grand Master with his Board shall make pro¬
visions to comply with rules of insurance commissioners
143
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
The real estate that belongs to the order must be kept
insured against direct loss by fire or such accident. The
order is termed fraternal insurance.
COMRADES AND JUVENILE CLUBS
Comrade is the term applied to the members of the
Juvenile club, and are alphabetically arranged, as com¬
rade A, comrade B, etc. The various duties of comrades
are fully explained in the constitution of the juvenile
Club. Comrades are members of the order only in the
premature degree yet. Juvenile Clubs are and must be
near some Temple for protection. The Governess pre¬
sides over the Club, assisted by Comrade A. Juvenile
Clubs pay M. G. and have representatives in the Grand
Council and the Grand Lodge, pay the expenses of their
delegate thereto. The Royal Princess shall visit Juve¬
nile Clubs annually and shall appoint Governesses of
clubs where necessary. The business of the Juvenile
Club is similar to the business of the Lodge or Temple,
only in the Junior degree. Juvenile Clubs shall be or¬
ganized wherever possible for children.
EMBLEMS OF THE ORDER
The emblems of the order are the Eye, the Star, the
Ark, the Chair, the Casket, the Thorny Tibret, the Gold¬
en Ladder, the Key, the Lantern, the Lambs, the Virgin,
the Slipper, the Bible the Great Pen, and the Battle Axe.
FINES
Fines are assessed or imposed taxation, either money
or forfeit of rights or privileges for misconduct and are a
144
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
punishment for same. The fines of the order shall not
be excessive in any of the departments in all cases must
conform to the rules and regulations and in accordance
to the nature of the matter that causes the fine. Fines
paid in any deliberate body of this order go to aid such
body, whether in subordinate Lodge or Temple, Grand
Council, Grand Lodge, or I. S. N. Grand Lodge or Board.
No member, regardless of official rank shall be exempt
from fines, if guilty to such a degree. A member can
become suspended for non-payment of a fine. The chair¬
man assesses the fines in all departments of the order
but must assess them in keeping with the rules of the
order. The society may vote to release a fine. Fines are
lawful and must be paid or the party must suffer the con¬
sequences. Fines in higher deliberate bodies are higher
than those in subordinate Lodges and Temples. To fine
a member a small amount does not impair his standing in
the order, but must be paid at the time allotted for pay¬
ment.
DISTANCE
Distance is measured space. Any member of the or¬
der who shall reside at such a distance so as to cause in¬
convenience attending the meetings may transfer to a
nearer body. A member moving a distance away where
there is none of the K. of G. S. E. may send their fees back
to the Lodge or Temple and so keep up square. Distance
shall not deter members from public turnouts, unless over
five miles. Distance of delegates to Grand Lodge or
Grand Council shall be no excuse for non-attendance
of members upon such occaesions. Distance is not con-
145
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. K
sidered between subordinate Lodges and Temples as to
how far apart they shall be. This is left to the people.
DISSATISFACTION"
Dissatisfaction sometimes arises in subordinate
Lodges or Temples between members and the W. M. or
President, or between officers. When it occurs in the
subordinate Lodge or Temple it shall be adjusted in such
body if possible. Although it may be necessary to call
the State Grand Master, or the Royal Princess. If be¬
tween Grand Officers it shall be adjusted in the Grand
Council. A member may transfer on account of dissatis¬
faction, but on such condition the member must be
known to be of good moral standing' or else the transfer
will not be received when transferred for such account.
FEES OF OFFICERS
Fees are charged by Grand Officers and such fees are
legal. But shall not be exhorbitant. The Grand Mas¬
ter can charge a fee for his annual visit or for a call visit
to a craft, or installing officers. A fee may be charged
on various accounts by officers for duties performed
and services rendered for the order. A fee shall be paid
by aE who shall enter the society. A small portion is
sent with application, the remainder paid later when can¬
didate is received or comes to receive admittance. En¬
trance fees are lower under the dispensation than without
it. All members of the order, or all persons de¬
siring to join the order must enter through some associa¬
tion. or chartered Lodge or Temple or Juvenile Club.
146
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OP G. S. E.
RULES.
Rules made by the subordinate Lodge or Temple
must be obeyed and heed must be taken to them of
course. Rules made by the subordinate Lodge and Tem¬
ple must conform to the law of the order, and therefore
such rules are as binding as the law. A majority of a
Lodge or Temple must sanction a rule before it can be ad¬
opted by a subordinate Lodge or Temple. A Lodge
or Temple has the specific right to make and adopt any
rule for the betterment of the Lodge's or temple's con¬
dition, so long as such rule is in harmony with the law
of the order and general regulations of the same. No
Lodge or Temple can adopt a rule which is against the
law of the order. Rules may be made from time to time
in deparments of the K. of G. S. E.
INITIATION
Initiations shall be conducted in an orderly manner.
Rough treatment shall be avoided on all occassions of
initiations. Sufficient time shall be taken to fully ex¬
plain the science of the work as one proceeds. In the in¬
itiation of persons the golden ladder is used in all three
degrees. First degree the candidate is escorted
upon the first step and second degree the can¬
didate is escorted upon the second step and likewise the
third degree on the third step. The thorny tibret is used
in the first degree. The casket is used in the third de¬
gree only. The qualification and obligation of the candi¬
date are essential features in the initiation. The treat¬
ment during the initiation shall be governed according to
the condition of the person initiated. Care shall be taken
147
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E
not to injure the person during initiation. The impres¬
sion is what is necessary. No person can be initiated
until they have paid the fee charged for entrance so far
as the first degree.
ORGANIZERS
Organizers are such men and women who organize
and set up Lodges and Temples from time to time. They
shall be appointed and commissioned by I. S. N. G. M.
and State Grand Masters. Persons who shall be appoint¬
ed as organizers must satisfy the Grand Master as to
their ability. An education is unnecssary to organize
the work of the order. Organizers shall report their work
in the State Grand Lodge and become a member of such
body.
UNIFORM RANK
The uniform rank is composed of fourth and fifth
degree male members of the order, organized by the
Grand Master and hold their meetings for practice of tac¬
tics. They shall turn out at the State Grand Lodge and
exhibit their skill in their drill and tactics. They shall
have a well drilled leader, who ^shall be able to prosecute
the work with competency and completeness. The dress
is full Prince Albert coat, trousers to match, cadet caps,
officers swords and belts. The uniform rank shall prac¬
tice to make their display in the annual sessions of the
State Grand Lodge. Thirty men compose a rank with
one leader. Any male member of the fourth or fifth de¬
gree may join the uniform rank. A small fee is charged
for admission into the rank and to keep up the necessary
148
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
expenses of the craft. Uniform ranks shall be fostered
throughout the K. of G. S. E.
RAILROAD RATES
Railroad rates are cheaper to go in clubs, or secure
reduced rates from the superintendent. However such
expense shall be borne by the society when sending dele¬
gates and representatives upon errands for the society.
Officers shall spend their individual means if necessary
for railroad fare. The amount shall be returned to them
by the order or the department for which such service was
rendered. All Grand Bodies shall have the right to in¬
tercede for special railroad rates for delegats.
INSTALLATIONS
All officers elected to serve the members of the K.
of G. S. E. shall be installed in their several offices wheth¬
er subordinate or Grand. If subordinate the installa¬
tion shall be within thirty days after the election and
shall be conducted by the State Grand Master or Com¬
missioner, or the Deputy Grand Master. The correspond¬
ing Lodge and Temple shall install together. The in¬
stallation may be private or public at the discretion of the
craft. Officers to be installed shall wear full regalia and
white gloves. Should the installation be of Grand Of¬
ficers it shall be conducted by the I. S. N. Grand Master
or his appointed deputy and shall be immediately after
the election of such Grand officers. The I. S. N. Grand
Master shall also conduct the installation of I. S. N.
Grand Officers.
149
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE! K. OF G. S. E
SUPERINTENDENT
A superintendent is a person authorized- to oversee?
business and work of another. They are either elected
or appointed. A superintendent may be left in charge
of certain districts to1 command and oversee the work as
long as necessary and sufficient evidence may warrant
the same. A superintendent shall go into new fields of
labor and organize new work and report the business
transactions of his labors.
DISEASES
Before applicants are received lilto the society it is
necessary that they be examind by a practicing' physi¬
cian. This is to prvent such as may be afflicted with
hideous diseases that may endanger thg Safety of
the society members or may entail hardship upon the
craft. A person known to be afflicted with chronic dis¬
eases cannot enter the society under any conditions.
Members shall exercise caution not to admit diseased
persons into the society. Should a diseased person by
misrepresentation secure entrance into the society and
afterwards this is discovered, that memorial gift certifi¬
cate can be made null and void by the State Grand Mastser
The society shall guard against coming into contact with
contagious diseases. If necessary by dispensing with
the meetings and collecting the dues at the homes of the
members. Should a member die with any contagious!
disase and the civil officers forbid interference of people
with such persons, then the craft shall be satisfied to*
Withhold such attentions, and if the craft sees fit it can
refer the amount of burying expenses to the nearest rel-
150
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
ative of such deceased person. This Expense belongs to
the craft and the amount belongs to the deceased persons,
therefore for the glory and beauty of the order upon such
occassions the amount can be referred to the relatives;
however the policy is not affected by such deaths occur-
ing from such diseases unless the person is in the rear
according to the law.
GRAND HONORS
The Grand Honors of the society are honors that be¬
long to Grand and Supreme officers only and shall be prac¬
tised only upon occasions when such Grand or Supreme
officers shall make a visit to a craft and are conferred as
follows: When a State Grand Master shall visit a craft
the announcement of his arrival shall be made known to
the chairman, who shall communicate the same to the
body. The house shall be put in order for his reception.
The Senior and Junior Wardens shall stand at the door
with arched supporters. The Marshall shall lead the way
after the door has been opened by the Captain of the
Guards, who shall follow. In this manner the State
Grand Master is escorted before the altar. When the
room is put in order for the State Grand Master's advent
the chairman shall rap the gavel. All the members shall
be upon their feet to greet the presence of the State Grand
Master and shall remain in this position until the State
Grand Master is upon the Chairman's station, then the
Chairman shall rap for the craft to be seated, after hon¬
ors are given. While the Grand Master is
at the Altar the Grand Honors are conferred thus:
All members have on white gloves. Raise both hands
151
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E
in an arch, fingers touching over the head, bring hands
to side full length, striking sides with some quickness.
Repeat this three times. Of course the Grand Master is
introduced before the honors are given. The Grand Mas¬
ter is then escorted to the Chairman's station and grant¬
ed the Chairman's seat. The Chairman shall be seated
upon the Grand Master's left side. The craft is then
turned over to the Grand Master to make his regular de¬
liverances and inspections of the craft work. To put the
house in order for the reception of the Grand Master is to
arrange everything with neatness, members put on their
regalia, officers in their proper stations, arrange the dia¬
gram, properly instruct the craft in obedience and be¬
havior. The Temples shall observe these rules when vis¬
ited by the Grand Royal Princess. When a body is vis¬
ited by the I. S. N. G. M. the arched honors shall be re¬
peated four times instead of three times. When any
I. S. N. Grand Officer shall visit a lower body, the Grand
honors shall be given them. When the I. S. N. G. M.
shall visit the Grand Council the State Grand Master
shall introduce the I. S. N. G. M. to the council with the
appropriate honors. Should an I. S. N. Grand Officer be
present upon an anniversary occasion he shall be given a
place upon the program and when introduced he shall be
given the Grand Honors; upon all occasions when I. S. N.
Grand Officers are present the rule of the Grand Honors
shall be observed, thus showing the appreciaton of their
presence and no member shall slight the form in any de¬
gree or upon any occasion, but must show observance of
the custom.
152
CEREMONIES' EMBLEMS' ETC
Emblems, explanation of some of the usages in the
order, science of ritualistic designs, funerals, turn-outs,
and practices of the order.
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
FUNERAL SERVICES
At the death of a member of the order the Worship¬
ful Master or President shall be notified. Who will com¬
municate by order or in person the fact to the craft. Ap¬
point a committee, Worshipful Master or President being
Chairman, to confer with relatives of the deceased and
prepare for funeral and interment, which preparations
shall be as near as possible in keeping with family wishes.
The order shall in no wise be bound beyond its lawful
duty to satisfy the relatives in creating unneces¬
sary expenses; but no Lodge or Temple of Juvenile Club
shall fail to do their whole duty. The Lodge and Temple
shall be called on at the hall if necessary for preparation
and practice and proceed to the place where the deceased
member rests. The service must be organized by the Mas¬
ter in charge, whether W. M. or President. The men shall
march upon either side of the corpse to the church and
cemetery unless the condition of the weather will not
permit them to walk. Thus all the members of the
Temple and Juvenile Club shall join in the procession in
conveyances. The procession shall be in the form laid
154
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
down in the ritual where convenient as near as possible.
No Lodge or Temple shall refuse assistance to a brother
or sister Lodge or Temple upon such conditions. All
members who expect to take part in the funeral cere¬
monies must be present and provided with the necessary
equipment to read from if possible. Should the deceas¬
ed be a brother or sister, the term brother or sister, him
ov her shall be used in the ceremony. Should no service be
held at the house or church all the ceremony maybe car¬
ded out at the cemetery. The service begins with song
(all standing.)
Hear what the voice from Heaven proclaims
For all the pious dead;
Sweet is the savior of their names,
And soft their sleeping beds.
They die in Jesus and are blest,
How kind their slumbers are,
From sufferings and from sins released,
And freed from every care.
Far from this world of toil and strife
They're present with the Lord.
The labors of their mortal life
End in a large reward.
RESPONSIVE READING
Master—What man is he that liveth and shall not
see death? Shall he deliver his soul from the grave?
Members—Man walketh in a vain shadow, he heap-
155
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
eth up riches, he cannot tell who shall gather them, he
soweth and another reapeth.
Master—When he dieth he shall carry nothing away
his glory shall not ascend after him.
Members—Naked he came into the world and naked
he must return.
Master—The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken
away; blessed be the name of the Lord.
SONG, C. M.
When musing sorrow weeps the past,
And mourns the present pain,
'Tis sweet to think of peace at last,
■ And feel that death is gain.
It is that heaven-born faith surveys
The path that leads to light,
And longs her eagle plumes to raise
And lose herself in flight.
Oh let me wing my hallowed flight
From Earth-born woe and care,
And soar above these clouds of night,
My Saviors bliss to share.
Offer prayer.
After prayer the master reads as follows:
"Dear Brethren and Sisters, we have assembled here
to witness and pay the last tribute of respect to our be¬
loved (Brother or Sister). As it has pleased Almighty
God in his wisdom and justice to break one of our links
156
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E,
we bow in humble submission to his divine justice. God
layeth up his iniquity for his children. He rewardeth
him and he shall know it. His eyes shall drink his destruc¬
tion and he shall drink of the wrath of the Almighty for
what pleasure hath he in his house when the members
cf his mouth are cut off in the midst. Shall any teach
God knowledge Seeing he judgeth those that are high.
Cno dieth in his full strength, being wholly at ease and
quiet. Behold his breasts are full of milk and his bones
ere moistened with marrow, and another dieth in the
bitterness of his soul. They shall lie down* together in
the dust and the worms shall cover them. Who shall de¬
clare his way to his face? Who shall repay him what he
Lath done? Yet shall he be brought to the grave and
shall remain in the tomb. Is not God in the height of
heaven? And behold the height of the stars, how high
they are- And thou sayest how doth God know? Can he
judge through the dark cloud? Thick clouds are a cover¬
ing to him that he seeth not and he walketh in the circuit
of the heavens."
All members repeat, "Oh Lord, Oh Lord, Oh Lord."
while right hand is across bosom standing. This much of
ceremony may be carried on at church or house.
When procession arrives at the grave all members
shall form a circle around the grave, clergymen and offic¬
ers standing at the head, family and relatives at foot,
space in circle for family. Casket is placed on poles
over the grave, then the Master shall read as follows:
"We are almost heart-stricken at the loss we have
sustained. We have nothing of this world's consola¬
tion to offer. We can only weep for the loss of our be-
157
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
loved member, who has gone to the accomplishment of
the destiny of all mankind. Wherefore we now deposit
in the earth no more to see in this world, for in as much
as it has pleased the Almighty in his wise providence
to take out of the world the soul of our deceased friend,
we therefore consign his' body to the earth, looking for¬
ward to the resurrection at the last day and we shall see
our beloved friend again."
While corpse is being lowered into grave sing the
following hymn:
It is not death to die,
To leave this weary clay
And 'midst the brotherhood on high,
To be at home with God.
It is not death to close
The eye long dimmed by tears,
And wake in glorious repose
To spend eternal years.
It is not death to fling
Aside this sinful dust
And rise on strong exulting wing
To live among the Just.
Then shall the master read as follows;
"As we here plant our brother in the heart of the
earth, we believe he shall rise again. Christ has said,
'I am the resurrection and the life. He that believeth on
me, though he were dead, yet shall he rise again,' and
though we part with tearful eyes and leave thee to thy
158
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E,
clay clad home, we shall wait and hope to see thee on that
bright and cloudless morning with those who have washed
their robes in the blood of the Lamb, and made them
white and clean. Now we commit thee, dear Brother
(here let one hold earth upon a shovel and deposit by
small quantities as the master reads this) earth to
earth, dust to dust, ashes to ashes, looking to the resur¬
rection at the last day when the earth and sea shall give
up their dead. Dear friend we bid thee a long and
peaceful farewell. You are at rest from your labor.
May you be in peace, and though we leave thee to thy
mother earth, thy sweet remembrance shall go with us,
and as thou hast gone as appointe'd of thee, so shall we,
to join in the sweet communion some day to part no more.
No more shall we greet them in our circle around our
shrine; therefore we say to thy ashes, "Peace forever,
peace forever, peace forever, Amen.' " All members re¬
peat above sentence, with both hands stretched in full
length in front, level with the chest, let hands fall to
side.) Master reads:
"Oh Lord Almighty and most merciful God in whom
we live and move and have our being; and before whom
all men must appear to render an account of the deeds
done in the body, we ask Thee to take charge of us as we
go from hence and be with us at all times in future life,
for Christ's sake." All repeat, "O Lord, 0 Lord, O Lord"
Members link hands and march once around the grave
and deposit, after halting, a piece of holly leaf or ever¬
green into the grave, singing the following song:
159
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
Farewell dear friend, death calls thee home,
With you no more this earth we'll roam;
But in that world we'll soar above,
Where all is peace and joy and love.
(Here give space for clergyman if desired. When
clergyman concludes cover grave. While grave is being1
covered sing the following song;
Servant of God, well done,
Rest from thy loved employ,
The battle fought the victory won,
Enter thy master's joy.
The voice at midnight came,
He started up to hear
A mortal arrow pierced his frame
He fell but felt no fear.
Tranquil amid alarms
It found him on the field,
A veteran slumbering on his arms,
Beneath his red cross shield.
His sword was in his hand,
Still warm with recent fight,
Ready that moment at command,
Through rock and steel to smite.
The pains of death are past
Labor and sorrow cease
And life's long warfare closed at last,
His soul is found in peace.
160
W. H. WESTBROOKS
Grand Secretary, State of Ark¬
ansas, Compiler of Sword
Tactics and Drill
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
Soldier of Christ, well done,
Praise be thy new employ
And while eternal ages run.
Rest in thy Savior's joy.
When grave is covered attend the death signs thus:
Raise right hand arms length above head with forefinger
pointing, bring hand down in front of you in position as
pointing to opposite party, carried over from left to right
three times, the bare finger pointing and saying, "Death
lias been here and thrust a sickle, and thrust a sickle,
and thrust a sickle." Then join both hands together,
even with waist, palms downward with three downward
motions saying, "A brother has fallen victim, victim, vic¬
tim to the earth." Turn palms upward, raise three mo¬
tions to level with chest, saying, "Angels came and lift¬
ed him up, lifted him up, lifted him up, and bore him
away." In repeating the last sentence wave both hands
outward from the body full length and let hands fall to
sides. All repeat, "0 Lord, O Lord, O Lord."
Announcements and dismissal. All members return
to hall, if convenient, to disband.
Upon funeral occasions members must wear
mourning badge. A public design of mourning
consists of, for men a strip of black crepe tied
around the left arm above the elbow; for women pin to
left breast a small piece of crepe. Wear it in Lodge
or Temple meetings 30 days. Crepe shall remain upon
stations in the hall 30 days, also upon the swords and
supporters.
If the deceased is a State Grand Officer the
161
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. T.
State Grand Master shall officiate' at the funeral. All
Grand officers shall be present if possible. Each Lodge or
Temple in the state shall wear crepe emblems 60 days.
All Grand officers shall wear mourning- design 60 days
in their Lodge or Temple meetings. The funeral cere¬
monies are the same if the deceased is an I. S. N. Officer.
The I. S. N. G. M. shall officiate at the funeral if possible.
Emblems s'hall be creped 20 days in all the Lodges and
Temples in- the Jurisdiction of the order.
All members attending funerals shall dress in full
fegalia. Men shall attire in black coat and trousers,
and black- hat or cap. Ladies shall attire in black sailor
hats. Should the deceased belong to other societies the
Iv. of G. S. E. shall pay its portion of the whole amount
of funeral expenses. The order shall not object to rel¬
atives assisting in funeral expenses of their deceased.
FUNERAL DRESS
162
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
As the tree is cut down by force of power and felled
to the earth, and it decays and wasteth away so is man
sometimes in the prime of life by force or some unseen
power. He falleth to earth, his body decays and wastes
away, but as the stump of the tree remains as a mark or
sign, so shall man's works and deeds remain after him,
and though man be dead and his body wasted away, yet
man lives in the hearts of his fellowmen and the shrine
of his country.
EMBLEMS AND SYMBOLS
The following emblems or symbols have been adopted
as figurative meanings to the use of the K. of G. S. E., U.
S. A. A search of the sacred scriptures will reveal the
figurative meanings of the same to all thoughtful Knights
of the Guiding Star of the East who shall search out
the truth of this grand order and practice them in theiv
deportment through life.
THE EYE
The open eye denotes the ever wakeful and watchful
163
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. F.
eye of God. That all seeing eye that looks down from
its lofty abode and watches all we do. Its figure shows
that it never sleeps and never grows weary of its destined
duty. It teaches that the eye of the leaders are always
open and alert to care for those dependent upon them
for their care and consideration. The book of Numbers
tells us that the Philistines would pluck out the eyes of
their prisoners. This means to us that should a member
violate the law and the rules of the order, and become
suspended, his eyes to the order are then plucked out.
He will not be allowed to see the glory and beauty of
the order and its benefit to him any longer. He must
grope away in darkness and imagination. Gen. 3-5 "Your
eye shall be opened." This teaches that the eyes are not
carefully opened until you are in possession of more than
one degree. The New Testament tells us if the right eye
offend thee pluck it out. This teaches that if the leader
prove offensive to the welfare of the order he must be
plucked up and out. Jeremiah, 9-1, "Oh that mine eyes
were a fountain of tears." This teaches that a true knight
would suffer his eyes to melt out in tears before he would
betray a brother or sister knight. Psalms 35-18. "The
eye of the Lord is ever upon them that love him." This
teaches that the watchful care of those who lead shall
ever open to duty and to the welfare of the members. A
thoughtful knight is ever watchful to duty and to his
obligation and to discover an opportunity to help his
brother and sister knights. Ever watchful to the edicts
of the superior officers. The eye of a Worshipful Mas¬
ter or President is always open for the advancement of
the lodges and temples in every way possible. Ezekiel
164
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. F.
One dieth in his full strength, bing wholly at ease and
tells us the custom of painting the eyes to meet on cer¬
tain occasions. This brings in our minds to be always
mindful of treacherous friends and acts. Be watchful of
traitors lest they spoil the peace and harmony of the
order. Look well to the advancement of the order not
through an eye painted with friendship and financial
gain nor esteem, except for such qualities as are be¬
fitting or such service commendable to the glory and
beauty of the order. Eph, 6-6. The Apostle Paul tells
us that we should not labor as eye servants. Thus we
should observe to obey the laws and regulations govern¬
ing the fraternity remote as well as present, and also
to guard ourselves against making pretensions that the
true spirit of realism may at all times be foremost in our con¬
siderations.
THE STAR
The star accepted by the K. of G. S. E. and used as a
symbolical guide as the sense of the scripture teaches
that each star in the firmament was ordained and named
and shall be for tokens and signs and guides for the inhab¬
itants of the earth and they are termed by astronomers as
fixed and movable planets and bear relation of service
165
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. fl
to the earth. They are sometimes seen to dart across
the etherial regions, seemingly to change places in their
silvery sockets. Judges 6-20. "The Stars fought in their
courses." This teaches us that a guide or leader to en¬
deavor to pursue within the realm of such posterity, it
is sometimes necessary to fight and push the way through
great oppositions, obstacles and cares, must fight down
wrong and injustice that righteousness and justice may
triumph. Daniel 12-3. "They that be wise and draw
many to righteousness shall shine forth as the stars for¬
ever and ever." This teaches that the justice and service
rendered by a true leader shall not soon be forgotten,
that their work shall stand, yea, as a pyramid to future
generations. Their characteristics shall be copied as
examples and rules and written upon the pages of history
to the memory of such characters and as that glorious
star piloted the wise men to the place of the saviors birth.
Thus we observe that should we be guided and led by
those who are placed in that position and execute the
duties of that position, we shall be shown the beautiful
panorama of the blessedness of the order's desire. We
shall be led on to that higher plane of true manhood and
that men and women may stand in awe and repeat the
story of old, that these are a peculiar people, whose exam¬
ples we so much desire to follow. The points of the star
denote that we are always on the true points of fellow¬
ship with all mankind and especially a brother or sister
of the order and so the stars are assistants to light up the
world by night, so are we as lights to our less fortunate
brothers and sisters, to lighten the pathway and though
the stars may seem to change places and dart away, yet
166
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OP G. "S. E,
*che duty of the stars shall be performed on time. So is
ithe K. of G. S. JE. We may change positions and move
across the continent, but the duty of the order shall be
performed .on proper time. A star is never dim, except
by azure clouds. So is a knight; he is always bright ex¬
cept when dimmed by clouds of sorrow.
THE ARK
The Ark, in a biblical sense, was used for the preset
"Vation of flesh upOn the earth at the time of the great
-Hood Which destroyed all flesh except what was on the
Ark. Therefore we, as K, of G. S. E., accept this symbol
to be used in the Order as an emblem of preservation
to the strongholds of the order, and teaches us as true
knights our business matters are always locked inside the
•order for safety and for protection from our enemies,
and that our confidence locked in the bos&m of a brother
;and sister knight is just as safe as in our own" bosom, and
ttiat their good principles and good names are securely
locked within the bosom of each other as themselves and
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MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
that as the Ark floated upon the great deep with its car¬
go of living freight, while the angry billows dashed upon-
its hull, so shall those who remain in the circle of the K.
of G. S. E. They shall be safe from coroding cares
and fiery darts of the uprising oppositions and vicissi¬
tudes of life. Exodus 25 tells us that according to divine
directions to the children of Israel this Ark was
kept by the priests secure in tents and in this Ark
was kept the scroll of the law and the vessels of the house
of the Lord, and upon the lid of this Ark was a mercy
seat and upon the two ends of the mercy seat were two>
cherubs and the Chronicles tell us that it was a danger¬
ous thing to trifle with the Ark unless you were the prop¬
er person and had clean hands, and that this Ark was
conveyed upon an ox-cart and that men had lost their
lives attempting to handle or touch the Ark. AH this
teaches us that our laws and regulations as well as our
principles are kept secure and held inviolate by those
chosen to fill such positions and the guardian of the
Ark of safety is at all times intrusted to the care of
noble men and women who espouse the cause of our choice
The mercy seat of the anicent Ark shows that it is the
privilege of a true knight leader to exercise mercy and not
sacrifice. The two cherubs are to show that without re¬
gard to rank or principalities, the mercy seat is free to all
knights alike and acceptable to all who may approach
in need and the scripture teaches that the Ark being car¬
ried on an ox-cart exemplified that our Ark is protectd
by strength, patience and durability. The cart denotes
that in case of diverse journeys and rugged paths, the
two wheeled cart may be easily lifted over the obstruc-
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^MANUAL AND LAWS OP "THE X. OF G. "S. IE,
%ton and in the case of diabolical paths the strong oxen
«could readily pull the cart; so shall the defenders of the
Ark of the 1C. of "G. S. E. When necessary they will lift
the burden and take the load upon themselves and that
•combined aid and strength wiil proceed on ithe journey.
Strong to overcome the opposing combatants, patient
to endure the yoke of the laws and rules and to overcome
the rebelliousness of unfaithfulness from men and women.
The Ark was a large boat which teaches us that the Ark
■of the order is safe and secure hy the protection of the
civil law of the land we as true knights hope lor a safe
voyage across life's stormy sea. A certain and sure
sail into the haven of rest. The Ark is locked with the
keys of faith, liope and charity; its anchor is truth, jus¬
tice and righteousness, purity of heart and purpose with
^wisdom from on high.
The chair selected and used by the K. of 0. S. E. for
5a purpose expressed and desired by members of the order.
.169
THE CHAlfc
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S". EV.
The fashion and style of the chair selected has a cushion-. t
bottom and portable backs and arms. Arms and back are-
cushioned and the chair is mounted upon rollers^ quali¬
ty: Strong- and durable. This demonstrates that no of¬
ficer is seated in the K. of G. £>. E- until preparations have1
been made for his support and comfort and such accom¬
odations as are required for such positions and best:
adapted to such character. The cushion seat will enable'
them to sit long without tiring and afford comfort that
they may the better hear and give instructions. The
portable cushioned back high and strong to recline upon
when he shall have need. The strong cushioned arms
are the unfaltering support of the members who are al¬
ways by their side to bear them up if necessary and keep,
them erect and upon the members and the official staff
they can rest their trust and confidence. The arms made
fast show that the officers support is steady and present
all the while at t heir service and it is in that spirit that
support is comfortably supplied. The chair is
mounted on rollers, which shows that the chairman or
leader is entirely detached from all caucus plans or indi¬
vidual coercions or the participating in any league with
parties. With rollers underneath he cannot overbalance
to either side of any plan or proceeding or arguments
but must retain a straight and unbiased position. To
keep himself secure from possible injury it is necessary
to turn and view the conditions from all the four cardinal
points, the better to deal out order and justice in every
phase of the order for its advancement and its adherents.
The rollers under the chair also teach and show that
it can be readily changed from one place or position with-
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MANUAL AND LAWS OP THE K. OF T3. S. E,
©ut interrupting its contents. This illustrates the fact
that the officer can readily be changed without mater¬
ially interrupting the proceedings 'of the work of the or¬
der and as the anctents recognized the chair as the seat
<of authority, so do wfe likewise observe the mandates of
the order from the chair which -is the authority for pri¬
vilege and responsibility of the order.
THE KEY
The key emblem in Use by the Ordfer is emblematical
feature of security and safety. Its symbolisms to the
•order are various. -Isiah, 22-22 "'The key of the House
«of David will I lay upon his shoulder. He shall open
and none shall shut. He shall shut and none shall
open." This teaches us that the leaders possess the power
to hold in suspense or tardiness and the craft cannot pro¬
ceed. The leaders can open up avenues for the advance¬
ment of the order so vividly until no one can retard their
progress. The success or failure of the craft depends to
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MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
a. very great extent upon him. John declared that "He
had the key of the house of David. He shutteth up, no
man openeth, he openeth, no man shutteth." Which
shows that a leader can advance or retard a craft at
will. Christ, in the gospel of Matthew, speaking to-
Peter, says, "I give you the keys of the Kingdom and
whatsoever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven
and whatsoever you loose on earth shall be loosed in
heaven." This teaches us that the chairman with the
secretary holds the key of membership to the craft and
whomsoever the secretary shall mark not square shall be
considered the same by the chairman and the craft and
whomsoever the secretary shall mark square the same
shall be recognized as square by the chairman and
teaches regardless of the rank or station of a member in
the society if he is suspended in the subordinate Lodge
or Temple the same is suspended at the headquarters
also, and that whatever name or person is entered upon
the books of the subordinate Lodge or Temple the same
is entered upon the record of the department. Christ said
in St. Luke, "Woe unto you lawyers who have taken
away the key of knowledge." To us this means that we
shall come upon those who fail to impart the instruc¬
tions and knowledge to the craft that belongs to them.
John said, "I have the keys of death and hell." This is
the reasoning feature carried within the bosom of every
true and thoughtful knight. It depends upon his or her
efforts as to whether he remain in the order or not. He
can continue within the field of the order or can discon¬
tinue at will. John said, "A stat fell from heaven and
unto him was given the key to the bottomless pit."' To
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MANUAL Am> LAWS OP THE K. OF G. S. E.
«s it means that the society is as a bottomless pit—its
^xist&nce is perpetual and each officer must use the key
in the defense of the order and also teaches that a sub-
ordinant Lodge or Temple must never pay out all the mon¬
ey from the treasury. The society shall hold and main¬
tain the treasury as a bottomless pit. The emblem key
teaches that the secrets of this society are securely
lockd with the key of knowledge, within the bosoms
of the officers and members and we hold the key. We
can lock them within and no one can unlock them
to receive or take away from us. To be in pos¬
session of this great key bestows upon us the power to
unravel the mysteries of this grand institution. With
this great key we can unlock the storehouse of pleasure
and benefit that is prepared for all the true followers of
that faithful guide.
THE LAMBS
The lamb in scripture reference is innocence and
purity, accepted by the order for the purpose of demon¬
strating to the people the true zeal of knighthood in its
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MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
fullest terms and senses. Just the emblem appears, the
spirit is shown therefrom in close proximity. Rev. 6-16.
"And said to the mountains and rocks, fall on us and
bide us from the face of him that sitteth upon the throne
and from the wrath of the Lamb." This is to remind
us that should we violate the law and rule of the order
that we become as those men, we shall wish the rocks
and mountains to fall upon us from the consequences of
the punishment thereof. Yet the judge shall be as true
and pure as the Lamb, unfaltering in his mercy, unwaver¬
ing in his judgement, firm in his decisions. Rev. 7 14.
"And he said to me these are they which came up out of
great tribulations and have washed their robes and made
them white in the blood of the Lamb." This is a vivid
and true distinction of all the true and tried. Knights
who are always in their proper places to receive the nec¬
essary training and instruction that is guaranteed them
from time to time. They are always bright and enlight¬
ened upon the science of the order and accomplish their
every duty with zeal and light heartedness. They have
xeceived and adhered to the instructions given and are
clean and prepared to perform all duties when called upon
by their associates and comrades. Rev. 1-2-11. "And
they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the
words of their testimony." Applied to the K. of G. S. E.
it means that from the untiring instructions given by the
leaders from time to time, if taken and followed, we shall
overcome every obstacle and surmount difficulties and
be able to triumph over the enemies of right. Isaiah
53-7. "He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter and as a
sheep before the shears is dumb, so he openeth not his
174
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E,
mouth." This brings to our mind the submissiveness of
every true and loyal knight to the conformity of the prin¬
ciples, rules, and regulations of the order. A perfect
willingness on his part to accept and take upon himself
the sacred oath and obligation and subject themselves
to the methods and custom without a murmur of com¬
plaint cr confiscation of any plan or proceeding. Show¬
ing further that great example laid down to the Holy
Writ that we are so humble to submissiveness until if
necessary we are willing to lay down our life before we
will suffer to betray certain rights or break certain ties
of friendship, or even suffer a slip of our tongue in the
presence of our enemies, or the enemies of the order.
1st Peter, 1-19. "But with the precious book of Christ
as a lamb without blemish or spot." This teaches us
to observe that there are rights and ceremonies in this
order that we have sworn to protect, perform and obey
and execute without fault or falter, and in that light we
do solemnly promise to perform with holy zeal those
duties allotted to us and it is the true and earnest desire
that every knight should be without blemish or spot to
the community, his country, and his God. The picture
shows one lamb lying down and the other standing up
which teaches us that whether lowly or exalted highly,
we possess the same qualificatons. Regardless of pur
humble state or lofty positions we have the same spirit
within . us.
175
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S, E
THE LANTERN
The lantern emblem of the K. of G. S. E. shows con¬
venience and easiness to convey a light and according:
to its fashion and style the light is not easily extinguish
ed by wind or rain or ordinary use. tts fashion and
make will withstand the storms. Its rims serve as a pro¬
tection to the globe, the top a shelter in case of rain, its
various detachable agencies for quickness of action and
promtness to do service. The clouded or dark globe to
warn intruders to beware how they approach the light.
A worthy knight has the secrets of the order deep down
in his heart and well secured and protected from expos
ure. The storm and rain of adversity will not cause a
knight to disclose the secrets of the order. The clouded
globe teaches that a true knight does not proceed in such
a conspicuous manner, as outside show to the world, but
the those of the circle of the order who know him best
the clouded globe is a signal to a brother or sister knight
to always be mindful of duty. The darkened lantern is
symbol of a secret bosom friend used to lighten our path¬
way through, this unfriendly world and to show to our
176
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. F.
fellow men that we may carry with us daily that zeal and
fitness that others may desire to come and go with us.
This lantern enables one to see his way amid the dark¬
ness of superstitions and delusions of life; he can impart
light to his associates and should we be banished from
friends and relatives, with this lantern we can follow the
path back to the fold again. It teaches that the spirit
of knighthood that burns within us is protected by dur¬
able and strong defenses against impending obstacles
and sheltered from sore depravity and diversions. The
lantern was used by the ancients for night travel, and it
is used to show to us that our oath and obligations is
just as fresh at night as in the day.
THE VIRGIN
The virgin emblem is emblematical of virtue, honesty
and fidelity as is practised by the K. of G. S. E. Even the
177
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E
sacred scripture tells us that a good woman is prized for
her virtue. The balances, the sword, the hoodwink, the
K. of G. S. E. holds as truth, judgement and justice. The
hoodwinked virgin teaches that no discrimination shall be
practiced or tolerated by any member regardless of rank
or station in life or social integrity. In the administra¬
tion of the law we know no creed, race or color. All
appear before us as perfect strangers in the eyes of the
law. The balances teach us to render unto each
and every one of the properties guaranteed by the order
although the conditions may be of such nature as to not
at all times suit our personal circumstances with regard
to modification of social requirements, yet we must be
controlled by the decision of the balances of justice. As
in ancient days the balances knew nothing but justice
regardless of kings, queens, potentates or social condi¬
tions, rank or file, exalted or humble, rich or poor, the
balances have decreed to render justice and substantiate
fairness and impartiality to all mankind and more es¬
pecially to a brother or sister of the order. We, as the
K. of G. S. E. have sworn by our obligation to use the
balances of justice to our fellow men and to our country.
Micah 6-11. "Shall I count them pure with the wicked
balances and the bag of deceitful weights?" This teaches
us that the balances can be so arranged by wicked devi¬
ces to carry out wicked plots and designs or plans and
that bags of deceitfulness can be carried about and even
brought into the sacred council of justice to sway the
minds and hearts of the unwary, but woe unto them,
how can we call them pure; ere long they will meet their
fate and fall. Hosea, 12-7. "He is a merchant. The
178
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. F.
balances of deceit are in his hand, he loveth to oppress."
This brings to mind that whoever shall use the balances
in such a manner because he possesses the power with
deceit to oppress those under his care and consideration
shall be mindful lest temptations overcome him and he
be made a spoil. Those who for . selfish motives, who
rise up in the night to tamper with the balances of justice
to gain favorites and alliance and knowing it will cause
oppression and whose heart is full of deceit and who
the crown and diadem of glory shall surely be taken away
smile to show a traitors dimple and relegate their strength
from them. Lev, 19-36. "Just balances, just weights,
and a just Ephah shall ye have." Thus we observe that
the true balances are accepted and respected and admir¬
ed by every liberty loving man and woman upon this
sphere an such balances shall rule the kingdom of the
dominion of the K. of G. S. E. upon this continent and
elsewhere. The Prophet Daniel in his interpretations
of that ever memorial handwriting on the wall when
the king with his concubines had subverted the hours of
refreshments into intemperance and excess was this:
"That thou hast been weighed in the balances and found
wanting." And judgement that very night was declared
and executed upon them. This teaches us that at no
time or place will intemperance be tolerated in the
K. of G. S. E. Intemperance will debase a people and
the practice thereof will cause one to stumble in the
judgement with the balances and the balances of power
shall be taken from him. The sword in right hand
means the execution of judgement rendered by the bal¬
ances of justice, and teaches us that sooner or later truth,
179
MANUAL AKT> LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S< f!
justice and judgement will be meted out" to every individ¬
ual. Jeremiah, 47-6. "Qh thou swG'rd of the Lord, ho\V
long will it be ere thou be quiet? Put tip thyself into
thy scabbard. Rest, be still.'' This teaches us that the
eword of judgement is never asleep or at rest from duty.
Always on the alert and stands ready at the command
of justice to execute his will and carry out his designs.
2nd Samuel, 20-8. "When they were at the great stone
which is in Cideon Amasa went before them and Joab's
garment which he had put on was girded unto him and
under it a girdlle with a sword fastened Upon his loins
in the sheaf thereof and as he went forth it fell out."
This is t© teach us that regardless of rattk or station
or social magnitude we have sworn never to let the
sword of justice fall from us when called upon to acom-»
plish any duty and that should we suffer the sword to fall
on account of friendship or popularity others will secure
the sword and our lives shall surely be lost . Therefore
we as the K. of G. S. E, hold this a timely warning that
if we fail to execute judgement of the law. The hand
that holds the sword has a wrist band and is partly bare
which denotes strength and ready touch and activity?
which shows to us that those who execute the law and
handle the sword of judgement are supported and backed
by the strong arm of the laws of the order and no harm
will befall them. The virgin is surrounded in sunlight
which shows that the work of this department of the
order is performed in the light of and t» the knowledge
of all the craft. That nothing shall be done in darkiness;
to the society wherein the manifest interest of the society
is concerned*
180
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
HOLY BIBLE
The Holy Bible emblem demonstrates that nothing
shall be construed in the embodiment of the law and the
rules of the order but what must conform to the teachings
of this great book of books. It lays open before us
upon the Altar, at all times as our daily guide and con¬
sulting physician even before we attempt to transact any
business or even prepare any rules or to execute any
laws, or carry out any designs, our eyes must first be turn¬
ed to the Holy Bible. It is the written word of the
Great Lawgiver of the universe and all the practices,
plans, proceedings, etc., of the order must conform to its
teachings. We have taken allegiance to accept and abide
in the faith thereof. The K. of G. S. E. hold the princi¬
ples they practice daily, the teachings of this great book.
Prophet and seers of old acknowledged its superiority
in the curiculum of literature. Governments and Prin-
181
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E
cipalities have searched this great book for foundations
on which to build their arches. No man or woman has
ever gained admittance to the ranks of the K. of G. S. E.
without accepting the principles of the Holy Bible. Its
council shall stand, yea for generations to come. It is
the pier to every civilzed nation and will stand till the
end of the world.
THE SLIPPER
The slipper as accepted by the order is a protection
to the foot and the welfare of the order. There are some
who are more qualified and able to run and perform the
duties which tend to elevate our order. We are willing
and ready to stoop down and take off our shoes and put
them on the foot of a worthy knight. Will go without
shoes if necessary for the advancement and credit of the
institution and to carry out our obligations; it also
teaches us to observe to keep shoes upon the feet of those
who travel for the interest of the order and shoes upon the
feet of our worthy widows and orphans. This emblem
calls our attenton to the above obligation and duty and
reminds us to be careful to send away our representatives
and leaders well clothed with shoes on their feet. The
emblem calls our mind to duty to always provide shoes
for those who must run on errands for the order and duty.
The slipper is soft and flexible so as not to hurt the most
182
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. £,
tender feet, which shows to go upon duty for the order
the feet will keep comfortable, and should the feet be¬
come sore the slipper can easily be removd and .placd on
again.
THE BATTLE AXE
The e'mbl cin axe refers to privilege and power dele¬
gated to officers and the weapon is the instrument used
to execute the duties of the office. It is brought into ser¬
vice in subordinate Lodges and Temples, Grand Council
and Grand Lodge in all sessions, the officers are furnished
"with the battle axfes, the implements of the Junior and
Senior Deacons office. The axe is referred to in the
scripture Deut. 1&-5* "'A man goeth into the woods to
hew wood with a neighbor and his hand fetcheth a stroke
to cut down a tree and the axe slippeth from the helve
and striketh the neighbor and he dies then he shall flee
to the city of refuge." The lesson learned in this, that
as the Senior and Junior Deacons are performing their
duties and should they by mistake or accidently cut down
the wrong -man or his axe should slip and injure a man
or woman the matter shall at once be made known and
the necessary adjustment made at once to cover the mis-
18^
MANUAL AND LAWS' OF THE' K. OF G. S. E-
take. 1st Kings, 6-7. "And the house when it was irr.
building, was built of stones made ready before it was:
brought thi.th©r so tha± there was neither hammer, nor-
axe or any tool of iron heard in the house" while it was
in building." This teaches us' that the axe is not used as
a tflol to carry an the work of', building, or making rules,
laws or regulations. The power or use of the axe is"
not known or heard in.' such, matters.. Isa., 10-15, "Shall'
the axe boast itself against him that hew or shall the
staff lift up itself as if it were no wood?" This shows-
thai there is n© power in- the axe of itself hut- in the man-
oi" woman, who holds, the axe. The axe would rest dor¬
mant always a& far as service1 and power is concerned,,
unless in, the hand of a. person able to use it. Jere-
mah7 51-20. "Thou; art my battle axe and weapon of war
for with tliee- will I break, in pieces the nations and with
thee will I destroy the kingdoms." This teaches us that
who ever rebels against the order and will not submit to
continue in its terms or seek to disturb the peace and har¬
mony shall be broken, in. pieces and their kingdoms of
rebellion and insubordination will be destroyed and cast
away. Those who rise up in opposition to overthrow
the order and its principles shall certainly be broken
down, 2nd Samuel, 12-31. "And he brought forth the
people and put them under saws and harrows and axes of
iron and he made them pass through brick kilns." The
lesson taught is that every individual who enters the or¬
der of the K. of G. S. E. must pass the axe. The hundreds
and the thousands of men and women who constitute
this great and mighty host, have all passed directly by
the axe and were found worthy and admitted. Psalms,
184
XiANXJAl AND laws op the "K. op g. is. £.
•74, 5 6. "A man was famous according as he had lifted
up axes against the thick trees." This teaches that a
man or woman may become famous by the way and
manner they use their influence to protect -the .principles
«of the order -and -main-tain its stability.
THE PEN
Job 'said, "Oh'that "my 'Words were graven with an iron
pen ami lead in the rocks forever." This teaches
the caution that shall Ife exercised 'with the written mat¬
ter of th'e Carder. They shall not be destroyed but filed
•away for futarfe Reference if possible to be seen forever
or referred to at wi'fi. That substantial books shall be
used to write upt>n ami all important matters must be
written with Ink for -durability. Jerfemiah said, ""The
-sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron ahd the point
lof a diamond." This illustrates that the written ac^
»count of suspended members is upon the book strong "and
<clear as a diamond against them and the account stands
•as a pier to bar them from the affiliation and benefit
•of the Artier, David said, "My tongue is th'e pen of a
-feady writer/' This teaches that th'e secretary cannot
Write what he thinks but write the proceedings of the
<f>rd«r and the -rulings thereof.
185
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
ANNIVERSARY TURNOUTS
The law of the order has set aside the third Sunday
in July of each year as Anniversary Day, and upon this;
day each Lodge and Temple and Juvenile Club shall hold
a service of thanksgiving: throughout the dominion of the
K. of G. S. E. Two or more Lodges or Temples may
unite to hold the service. Nothing shall excuse a member
from turning out on the occasion except sickness or a
lawful excuse. Full notice and preparations shall be
given and made prior to the day of such service. All
the members shall meet at the hall or place of suitable
convenience and dress in full regalia, uniform to consist
of regalia, white gloves and badges. Men wear
black coat and trousers and white vests. Ladies wear
white waist and skirt and white sailor hats. All must
wear badge and white gloves. Presidents may wear flower
wreaths, extra badges for W. M. and President. The
Lodge shall be opened in the third degree if all the mem¬
bers are of that degree. Only the best talent shall be
placed upon the program. The Juvenile Club shall have
place upon the program. Regardless of the station one
fills in the subordinate Lodge or Temple the best must be
chosen for leader and to fill places upon the program.
The Master shall instruct to the interest of the general
order before retiring to the meeting place. All the mem¬
bers shall march by twos in the procession. Men shall
march first, ladies next, Juvenile Club in rear. A few
men in extreme rear. Captain of Guards shall lead.
Marshal shall guide the procession and keep order up
and down the line; the wardens shall arch the door of the
hall while procession passes out, arch each corner turned,
186
manual and laws or the k. of g. s. £.
arch the church door before the procession pass into the
church. When procession reaches church, stop, open
ranks right and left, rear of procession pass through
open ranks until all the ranks pass into the church.
Each officer shall carry his badge of office on this occa¬
sion. When convenient, upon entering the church, all
remain standing until the Master sounds the gavel to
be seated. Then the object and purpose of the meeting
shall ba stated by the Master. The service shall begin
according to projram. Each member shall observe order
and shall contribute in the collection when the collection
is called for. At the close of the service the door of the
church will be arched by the Wardens and the members
march back to the hall and dismiss in order. The same
arches shall be made on reurning to the hall as going
from the hall. The collection shall be divided as follows:
One third of the total collection shall go to the society
to be sent -to the regular department for sanitarium or
hospital, the remainder to be divideed between the min¬
ister and the church, at the discretion of the officers.
The clergyman must bea full member of the order if pos¬
sible to secure one. If there be none then the body shall
decide upon and select another preacher. Any minister
of good ministrial ability can attend such sermon. It
shall be in strict violation of the law to tolerate any de¬
nomination of minister or church for the service. The
public shall be invited. The service must be solemnized
in sacred devotion and thanksgiving. The public signs
are given before leaving the church. In case a Lodge or
Temple shall fail to receive programs in due and suffi¬
cient time for practice, this shall not excuse them from-
187
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E,
holding the service upon that day and subjects upon the:
order may be discussedk by the Master and leaders and" the
sermon preached. But if for convenience some other-
day later than the" third Sunday may be more beneficial
than the regular day. The craft may, by dispensation:
from the G. M. or the I. S. N. G .M., postpone the service
to the day selected. In such case the dispensation is
free. The best talent of ministry and the most accomo¬
dating church shall be used upon such occasions. No'
preference of denominations in church or minister shall
be allowed. Should a Grand Officer be present upon
the occasion place shall be allowed upon the program to
appreciate his presence, but upon all occasions the sanc¬
tity of the service must be observed. Programs for the-
service are furnished by the department of the order.
MODE OF INITIATION
A person who has been received for initiation shall
receive orders from the society when to present them¬
selves. The business of the society shall be dispatched
rapidly upon such meetings when a candidate is to be
initiated so as not to permit the applicant to become im¬
patient waiting and such business as may be postponed
until the next meeting may be postponed. The candidate
shall be prepared in the ante-room by being made quali¬
fied; then the candidate is hoodwinked and escorted in¬
to the hall by one or two officers, chosen by the W. M. or
President. Three raps of the gavel, all the members be
upon their feet while the candidate is marched three times
around the hall; the third time stop in front of the Altar
188
manual and laws of the k. of g. "s. £.
While the procession marches around the hall singing the
following hymn, €. M.
By cool Siloam's shady rill
How fair the lilies grow,
How sweet the breath beneath the hill
Of Sharon's dewey rose.
Lo such the child whose early feet
The path of peace have trod
Whose secret heart with influence sweet
Is upward draw to God.
By cool Siloam's shady rill
The lily must decay
The rose that blooms beneath the hill
Must shortly fade away.
And soon, too soon, the wintry hour
Of man's maturer age
Will shake the soul with sorrow's power
And stormy passion rage.
The candidate is then caused to kneel in front of the
Altar, right hand upon heart and left hand raised up
\vide open placed upon the open bible, while the W. M.
Or President or Master shall administer the obligation.
After obligation the candidate is caused to stand upon
the square. Assemble all the members around the can¬
didate, ask candidate what he most desires (ans. light).
-Master shall say this while all members repeat same, "And
Ood said let there be light." On repeating the third
"time all the members stamp upon the floor and clap hands
"while the bandage falls from candidates eyes. All the
189
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
members form a link around the candidate and ask the
candidate to get out at the weakest point. (Members
shall bear up to prevent candidate's escape from the
circle. Under no conditions shall the candidate be al¬
lowed to escape.) The candidate is satisfied then their
stystem is expained to him; he is then led before the
Master's station and shown the thorny tibret and told
that he must tread thereon. Then he is hoodwinked and
feet made bare and caused to jump upon the cushion,
but is instructed that he must jump upon the thorny
tibrett. After this exercise the thorny tibrett and cushion
are quickly put away and the candidate is placed upon
the first step of the golden ladder and conveyed to the
Master's station for the proper instructions in the signs,
grips, and lectures of the first degree. The frightful goat
in this degree is a piece of board two feet long; during
the march and the singing, get in front of candidate,
place foot on board and slam to floor, making quite a
frightful noise to the candidate. After the instructions
candidate is given a seat in the craft room and name en¬
rolled upon the secretary's book.
SECOND DEGREE
Candidate is prepared before the Altar and before
reading the scripture verse the candidate is caused to take
this obligation: "I
do faithfully promise that I will obey all rules and regu¬
lations of this order and always be faithful to my duty;
and that I will never on any conditions take advantage
of a brother or sister of the order. I further promise
that I will do all in my power to advance the cause of my
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MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
Lodge or Temple, and should I ever be elected to office I
will never betray the confidence of my brothers and
sisters,, binding myself under no less penalty than to
have my face torn away. O Lord, O Lord." Candidate
is caused to stand, read to him scripture verses and give
him the instructions in the second degree, he being
upon the second step of the ladder, he is carried before
the master for his instructions.
THIRD DEGREE
Before reading the ceremony the candidate is pre¬
pared in the ante-room by being hoodwinked and led into
the lodge chamber; march around hall once, singing as
follows:
All hail the power of Jesus' name
Let angels prostrate fall.
Bring forth the royal diadem
And crown him Lord of All
Ye chosen seed of Israel's race,
Ye ransomed from the fall,
Hail him who saves you by his grace
And crown him Lord of All
After singing the candidate is then instructed that
he has intruded upon the rights of the order and our law
is that all intruders must die. Ask him if he has any
message to send home to his friends; then he is seized by
the brothers, tripped up and placed in the casket and
are supposed to be nailing on the lid, but the lid is not
put on to remain only one minute, and it is removed.
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MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E
Raise candidate and asist hini Upon the third step o£
the golden ladder and then read the ceremonies and give
the ihstru'ctions in the third degree. The lecture irt the
third degree is as follows:
"Dear Sir Knight, you are now in full possession
of sufficient degrees and sciences to enable you to prove
yourself in the world. You are now prepared for the
duties that may be thrust upon you in the interest of
your fellowman. You shall guard well your manner and
disposition of carriage and at all times labor to the ad¬
vancement of- you fellowman and more especially a
brother or sister of the order. You have taken the
sublime degree which enables you to fill any office in the
subordinate Lodge or Temple. You have traveled the
route which your fellow associates have traveled and
thus far we congratulate you upon the stand you have
taken for the mutual assistance of your fellowman. The
tools of use in the third degree are the battle axe, the
great pen, the noble key, the dark lantern, the safety
box, slipper, and the cushion chair, which I shall now ex¬
plain in brief to you." (See lecture and read from Rit¬
ual.)
INSTALLATIONS
Upon occasions when installations are to be held the
members shall meet early at the hall. The Master shall
Open the Lodge and Temple in due form in the third de¬
gree and shall announce the intention and purpose of
the meeting. The Marshall and W. M. shall prepare the
jewels of installations, such as shall be used by the
various officers. Ladies dress in white. Before proceed-
192
HENRY HARLEE
Past Grand Master, National
Grand Marshall
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
mg to install, the officers shall march in a drill around
the hall led by the Marshall and all the officers to be
installed stand in a circle enclosed by a larger circle of
the members. The secretary shall call the Officers to be
installed and they shall be introduced by an usher; one
or two men who shall make the presenations to the
Master. The officers shall be presented in regular order
accordingw to station and rank.
Usher to Master—Brother Grand Master I take
pleasure in presenting to you Brother
(if a lady say sister), who has been duly elected to the
office of Lodge or Temple No. of the.
K. of G. S. E., and is now ready for installation.
Master—Brother , you have been duly
elected to the office of W. M. or President of Lodge or
Temple No. of the K. of G. S. E. . This shows -the
confidence and trust the members of the craft have in
you as a leader. Your duty is to meet and open your
Lodge or Temple regularly on time, put all questions
regularly made, cast the deciding vote in case of a tie
in the vote; sign all orders for the payment of monies
from the treasury of the Lodge or Temple and to govern
your craft with zeal and that fitness of power that dem¬
onstrates a true and worthy leader. You shall enforce
the laws, rules and regulations of the order or see. that
it is done; you shall observe the commands of your high¬
er officers to communicate them to your craft. I now
present you with a gavel. It is the emblem of your
authority. It is the proper instrument to be used by
a presiding officer. When sounded it demands attention
and silence; see that you use this instrument with honor
193
MANUAL AKD LAWS' OF THE X. OF G. S. £
and credit ta yourself and to the craft and keep ydtft*
passion in due bounds with all mankind and more es^
pecially with- the members pi thg order. You will look
well to you-r station and let your light shine."
The usher shall escort them to their stations. The
same installation refers to deputies and assistants as-
the regu-larly elceted officer.
SECRETARY
Master—"Brother or Sister ,
you have been- elected to the office of secretary o£ this1
Lodge or Temple. With the confidence the craft holds in
your qualifications your duty it to record the proceedings
of the Lodge or Temple. Keep a true account of all the
members' financial standing, call the roll when the Lodge
or • Temple is open for business-, write a correct minute
of each meeting, write all orders for monies to be paid
from the treasury, notify members When in arrears, as¬
sist the W. M. or President to make out their reports.-
You are not to* vote1 or to make motions or amendments;'
you may discuss- upon questions if time permits, but you
must observe the proceedings of the craft, and when a-
candidate is initiated yo>u> shall show in the Secretary's
book the candidate's age, residence, occupation and who
the Will is- made to. If suspended, when and why, if ex-
pell«d, when dnd for what cause, I-£ died, when and what
the cause of death. I now present you with an emblem
of your office which is a noble pen of the order. May'
you use the great pen with honor- and credit to yourself
a®d the order. Look well to your stations and let your?
light shine."
194
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OP G. S. E.
SENIOR WARDEN
Master—"Brother or Sister
you have been elected to the oifice of Senior Warden by
the confidence the craft possess in your ability to serve
in such capacity. Your duty is to protect the Junior
Warden and assist in the opening and closing of the
Lodge or Temple. You shall assist the Junior Warden
bearing the supporters arched over the Chaplain and es¬
cort same upon active duties of devotion; in the absence
of the W. M. or President you shall fill the station and
conduct the meeting if the Past Master is not present.
I now present you with a supporter, the emblem of your
office. Look well to your duty and let your light shine.
JUNIOR WARDEN
Master—"Brother or Sister
you have been elected to the office of Junior Warden by
the trust the craft has confided in your ability to fill the
same. Your duty is to protect the Senior Warden and
assist in the closing of the Lodge or Temple. Associate
with the Senior Warden with arched supporters, while
the Chaplain is in his active duty and other duties of
the society. . You shall be chairman of the investigating
committee. I present to you a supporter, * the emblem of
your office. See that you observe your duty and let your
light shine.
TREASURER
Master—"Brother or Sister :
you have been elected to the office of Treasurer of Lodge
or Temple No the craft thus showing the confidence
195
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. &
and trust they have in your honesty to fill the same,
Your duty is to receive all monies belonging' to the craft,
keep a just account of same, not to pay any mon¬
ey out without a written order from the Secretary and
signed by the W. M. or President and the craft beingr
aware of the same, exept in the open Lodge or Temple.
I now prsent to you the emblem of the office, the noble
key, a token of universal power. Hold this key sacred,
do not deceive or betray the craft. May you observe and
obey the duties of your office, and let your light shine.
MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Master—"Brother or Sister
you have been elected to the office of Master of Cere¬
monies. Your duties are to assist in the opening and
closing1 ceremonies of the Lodge or Temple, assist in the
initiation of candidates, attend to the reading of the
sacred scripture when necessary, carty the Holy Bible
upon marches of public displays. I now present you with
one of the emblems of the order, which is the Holy Bible.
This book enfolds God's will and the future destiny of
mankind. It is the mysterious history that holds the
key to open the door which admits man to read God's
will. You shall search the scriptures for in them ye
think ye have eternal life. You will observe to look, well
to your duty and let your light shine.
CHAPLAIN
Master—"BrotheY or Sister ,
you have been elected Chaplain, of Lodge or Temple No.
. . , according to your religious qualifications,
19 ft
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OP G. S. £,.
Y our duty is to conduct prayer in the opening and clos¬
ing exercises of the Lodge or Temple. I now present to
you the Holy Bible, the greatest and grandest of books.
See that you keep your passions in due bounds with all
snankind "and more especially a brother or sister of the
■order. You will observe your duty and look well t<j
your station and let your light shine.
CAPTAIN OF THE GUARDS
Master—"Brother or Sister
you have been elected to the office of Captain of the
Cruards by • the confidence the members of the craft have
in your ability to fill the same. Your duty is to obtain
the pass word, pass the sentinel, and make a true report
to the "W. M. br President. I present you with an em¬
blem of the order, and the implement of your office, which
is a drawn sword. You will guard well the door from
the inside, see that none shall pass through the door ex¬
cept they are worthy. You will look well to your sta¬
tion and Jet your light shine.
MARSHALL
Master—'''Brother or Sister .
you have been elected Marshall of Lodge or Temple No.
, with the trust the craft has in your ability to fill
the same. I now present you with an emblem of the
order, which is a sword. Your duty is to command in
all the processions, keep an eye on the neatness of dress
of the members. Keep an observance of order and good
behavior in the Lodge or Temple, arrange the diagram
in the lodge room, arrest any member for violation of the
197
MANUAL AND LAWS" OF THE K. OF G. S. B-
law or rule of the society. You will have charge of the
jewels and implements of the Lodge or Temple to see
that none be lost. You. will observe your duty and let
your light shine.
SENTrNEL OK TYLER
Master—"Brother or Sister
you have been elected to the office of Sentinel or Tyler
by the confidence the craft has in your bravery to fill the
same. I now present to you: the emblem of your office,
a drawn sword . Your duty is to guard the outer door,
see that no one interferes with the Lodge or Temple
while in session, that no one shall pass into the meetings
unless worthy and qualified and in possession of the prop¬
er pass word, prove yourself worthy, do not betray your
trust, look well to.your station and let your light shine.
SENIOR DEACON
Master-—"Brother or Sister
you have been elected Senior Deacon. This is a mark
of honor that the craft has seen fit to bestow upon you.
I now present to you the emblem of your office, which is
the great battle axe. This is the axe that lay at the
root of the trees, therefore every tree that bringeth not
forth good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire."—Mat.
3-10. Your duty is to sit in the rear of the Lodge room,
the better to guard the craft and obey the orders of the
chairman. You shall walk in the rear of the processions
or drills and parades to defend and protect the craft.
You will prove yourself worthy and let your light shine.
198
3VIANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. £.
SICK COMMITTEE
-Master—"Brothfers or Sisters, you have been appoint¬
ed as Sick Committee for Lodge or Temple No ,
"according to your qualifications. Your duty is to see
•after the sick members of thie craft, administer the neces¬
sities to them and report to the craft. You will observe
;your duty and let your -light shine.
FINNANCE COMMITTEE
Master—"-Brothers or Sisters, you have been ap¬
pointed Finance Committee of Lodge or Temple No.
"which shows the confidence the craft has in your busi¬
ness capacity to s^rve in this office. Your duty is to
count all .monies of the craft, pay off all indebtedness of
"the craft, deposit the money in the bank to the K .of G.
■S. E, by said Finance Committee. Look well and let
;your light shine.
After the installations all the officers shall form in
the hall and march double file, then single file then double
file, then convex file and crown the Worshipful Master
•and President, Silence by the rap of the gavel for the
charge and the instructions.
CHARGE TO OFFICERS WHEN INSTALLED
Mmtet—"Brethren and "Sisters, you as officers have
"won th£ confidence and trust of your Brothers and Sis¬
ters, as servants to serve your craft the ensuing term and
have sworn to defend and protect the rights that sus¬
tain and protect your noble institution, and as Knights
<of the Guiding Star ol the East prove yourselves worthy.
The success or failure of the Lodge or Temple depends in
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MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
a large degree upon the efforts you put forth to promote
the order's advancement. Unto you is intrusted those
dependant for instructions, advice and care. You are
the stewards and must render annual report of your
stewardship. Therefore let your lights shine for thy
light shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehends
it not. Ask and it shall be given unto you, seek and
ye shall find, knock and it shall open unto you. Ye are
the light of the Lodge and Temple. A city set upon a hill
cannot be hidden, whomsoever therefore shall break one
of these commandments and teach men and women to da
so shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven. You
shall observe the laws, rules and regulations handed you
from time to time, to advise and communicate same in
due time to the craft. Faithfulness on your part is ex¬
pected in the discharge of every duty and to the fulfif-
ment of each and every engagement."
SONG
We praise thee, 0 God, for the son of thy love
For Jesus who died and is now gone above.
Chorus—
Hallelujah thine the Glory, Hallelujah, Amen,
Hallelujah, thine the glory, revive us again
We praise the 0 God, for thy spirit of light, '
Who has shown us our Savior and scattered our night
Prayer by Chaplain.
■Master—"Let our assembly be known by the teach¬
ings of our true and solemn engagement to bring the
truth out of each and every heart."
"O Lord, 0 Lord, 0 Lord."
200
MANUAL AND LAWS OP THE K. OF G. S. £.
Master— "Brethren and Sisters this is a matter that
may be well spoken of. Consider the duties that may
devolve upon you as thoughtful Knights of the Guiding
Star of the East. Are you prepared to perform your
duties as your offices require?"
Ans.-—"We are."
Master—"You must then be sworn."
Let all repeat with the right hand upon chest:
"We do solemnly promise and swear in the presence
of God and these witnesses, around us assembled, that
Ave will protect and defend, to our utmost ability, the
Jaws and rules and such other laws that may be made
in conformity to this grand order and its general regula¬
tions. O Lord."
(Note—The charge to officers shall precede the
march. Silence and dismissal after march.)
The preceeding installation shall be used for Grand
Officers only. The word Grand shall be used and the
duties of each Grand Officer shall be outlined to them.
The emblems are practically the same and likewise the I.
S. N. Officers.
DRESS
The dress of the members shall be upon various oc~
casions different as the occasions demand. For funeral
occasions blade is preferred, installations white, anniver¬
saries white. This applies to ladies. Men wear black
upon all occasions as their dress and the Lodge or Temple
regalia and white gloves. The dress of the members
must always be neat and tidy and in harmony with the
occasion on which certain dress is worn.
201
MANUAL AND LAWS" QF THE" K. OF G. 8. B-
THE CALLING SIGN
The calling' sign in the first degree is to stand erect,,
bring right hand once over head from left to right, let
hand fall to side. The answer to the calling sign is to
bring the left hand wide open across the mouth from right
to left.
THE DISTRESS SIGN
The distress sign is stand erect, raise right hand
open first and second fingers, place the thumb under
chin, first and second fingers across the nose. Answer—
Raise left hand, close the second third and fourth fingers
with, forefinger pointing- carried direct to the right eye,
then to left ear then, to the heart, let hand fall to side.
If you cannot respond to distriess call, while letting hand
iall to side turn the back of hand to party.
SIGN OF DANGER OR CAUTION
When a knight is seen near to or about to enter
danger of any kind and the person in jeopardy may not
be aware of the fact, then the danger or caution sign is
given to warn the party of impending danger and is given
thus: Grasp the nose with right hand as if wringing it.
make a noise by clearing throat, to call the attention of
the party, or make a shuffle upon .the ground with the
foot. When the danger sign is given it must be obeyed
at once. The party whose attention is called by the cau¬
tion sign must discontinue the proceedure at once. The
standard pass word is F . The grip is given
when the pass word is taken on all occasion. The lec¬
ture is complied with in first, second or third degree,
known as the test of qualifications of knighthood.
202
MANUAL ANT) XAWS OF THE K. OP G. S. £.
DRILLS
-Drills should be conducted fey a drillmaster. "Upon all
«occasi«ms ^vhere a drill is to be carried out a drill master
should" fee secured to cwnduct the drill. The Uniform
Jtank can meet and practice the drill as often as necessary
that they may -be the more perfect when turning out at
the Grand .Lodge. Drills belong1 chiefly to the Uniform
Rank.
SIGNS
'Signs are to*ke:rrs 'by ^which objects are made known.
Different degrees require different signs.
SIGNS OF -FIRST DEGREE
Any jperson desiring to enter the Lodge or Temple
when reaching the outer door give one rap. After satisfy¬
ing the sentinel ©r the Tyler that they are worthy, they
will be answered fcy one rap from the inside, which
-means that the craft is at work in the first degree. The
Captain of the Guards will then remove the wicket to re¬
ceive the password; if correct the door will open to admit
the party. If nut correct then the fact is made known to
the W, -M. or President, who will ask for some member to
Vouch for the party-. Upon entering the room the person
"will walk directly in front of the Altar, stand upon the
Square, salute the chair, turn to the right, salute the
Vice President or the Past Master and take seat, but if
late will be retained at the Altar by the Marshall, to rend¬
er excuse to the W. -M. or President and the craft. If
"the excuse is not sufficient the person shall pay a fine for
late attendance. If excuse is accepted, then the party is
excused -and -seated*
203
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
SECOND DEGREE SIGNS
The calling sign in the second degree is stand erect,
with bend in the right knee, with right hand raised even
with head and clinched as if fixing to strike, with the
left hand grasp the raiment at left breast. Answer by-
bringing the left hand wide open to the right shoulder.
DISTRESS SIGN
The distress sign in the second degree is given by-
crossing both hands with palms out, raised even with
face. When you see this distress sign given and cannot
comply, bring right hand to left shoulder and draw
across the chest from left to right. If you can comply
carry left forefinger direct to right eye.
THIRD DEGREE SIGNS
The calling sign in the third degree is given by rais¬
ing the right hand at arm's length above head, with hand
closed except fore finger pointing upward and the second
finger pressing against the thumb, the left hand at arm's
length to side. Answer by bringing the right hand wide
open to the heart and extend to opposite party with the
paim out then let hand fall to side.
DISTRESS SIGN
The distress sign in the third degree is given by
standing in a languid position with hands raised to a
fair level with the head and wide open palms forward.
To answer draw back of thumb of right hand across the
throat from the left to the right ear, cross hands
upon the bosom, let hands fall to side. If at night and
204
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
this distress sign cannot be seen, make three distinct
raps, or where the raps cannot be heard exclaim three
times, "Hello! Hello!- Hello!!!" When these signs are
heard or seen the person hearing or seeing them shall ad¬
vance immediately to the party giving them. Upon ar¬
riving at the place where the party is he shall inquire,
"Who are you?" Second party will answer, "How did
you ask me?" First party will say, "I asked you on the
square," etc., until the test is complied with.
THE SALUTING SIGN
The saluting sign upon all occasions is given by
standing with the body slightly inclined forward with the
right hand pressed to heart and left hand raised up level
with the head to form a square palm forward. When
entering the Lodge or Temple, or any meeting of the K.
of G. S. E. this sign must be giwen while standing before
the Altar upon the square. No member can be excused
from the lodge room unless they pass the Altar and sub¬
mit the saluting sign to the chairman. This sign shows
that the oath and obligation is still fresh upon the mind.
No member shall address the chairman without the sal¬
uting sign being given, nor shall a member cross the hall
during services without giving sign. Grips to the vari¬
ous degrees are explained in the Ritual.
CEREMONY OF LAYING CORNER STONE
The laying df corner stones for churches, public
buildings and halls is a part of the duty of the Grand
205
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E
United Order of the Guiding Star of the East. The
ceremony shall be conducted by the International Grand
Master, Stat© Grand Master or some one legally author¬
ized by either of them to perform the same. Parties
desiring the K. of G. S. E. to lay their corner stone must
make application to the W. M. of the nearest
Lodge, stating the time and place at which they wish the
ceremony to be performed. This petition must be
signed by the committee that has charge of the building.
The W. M. when he receives the petition must present
the same to the State Grand Master with any recommenda¬
tion that he has to make. The Grand Master, when he
receives the petition and recommedation (if favorable)
issues an official dispensation to the W. M. to prepare
to assist in or proceed to lay the corner stone. (The
lodge thus petitioned shall if possible secure three small
silver cups, for the earth, corn, and water, a small tin
box, and a small bible also a copy of the constitution and
by-laws of the organization having the stone laid.) The
cup containing the earth shall be carried by the Past
Master that of the corn by the Senior Warden, that of
the water by the Junior Warden. The bible by the Chap¬
lain, the by laws by the Secretary and the tin box by the
Treasurer." The dress for the brethren on such occasions
shall be black coat and pants, white vest., white gloves,
and black hats.
On the day appointed the brethren o£ the lodge, with,
such other lodges that had been invited, shall assemble
at the lodge room o>r place of meeting at the time that
has been previously agreed upon by the lodge. The W,
M. opns the lodge in proper form, H© will then state
206
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. F.
the object of the meeting. He will direct the Captain of
Guards to see that all the brethren are dressed in the full
regalia of the order. He then directs the Marshall to
take charge and form the procession. (The Master of
Ceremonies and Marshall will give the members all need¬
ed instructions before leaving the lodge room.)
ORDER OF PROCESSION
1. Tyler with drawn sword.
2. Standard (or banner) of the order, carried by
the tallest member in rank, supported by two archers,
each with rods.
3. Members two abreast.
4. Chaplain and Master of Ceremonies.
5. Secretary and Treasurer.
6. Senior and Junior Wardens.
7. Past Masters.
8. Worshipful Master, suported by the two Dea¬
cons, bearing the great axe.
If the Grand Master or any of the Grand Lodge
officers are present they take position next to the lodge
according to their rank and office. The Marshall shall
have full charge of the procession assisted by the Cap¬
tain of the Guard. On arriving at the place where the
ceremony is to be held the procession will halt and the
Marshall will see that the line is opened to the right and
left so as to allow the Grand Officers and the distinguished
visitors and the rear to pass through in reversed order.
The Marshall and Tyler will lead the line of march.
All being arranged the W. M. (who shall act M. of
C., will give several raps with his bavel, which will call
207
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E
the assembly to order, and as soon as silence is attain¬
ed, the Captain of the Guard shall make the following
proclamation.
"By the authority of the Grand Master of the Grand
Lodge of the G. U. 0. of the K. of G. S. E. of
and its jurisdictions, and in accordance with his order, I
do now command and require all persons here assem¬
bled to preserve silence and to observe good order and
dcorum during the ceremonies of this occasion. Hear
ye and be governed according."
CEREMONIES
The following shall be the order of exercises:
1. The Master of Ceremony will read the 91st
Psalm.
2. Singing Hymn. (L. M.)
Jehovah reigns; he dwells in light ,
Girded with majesty and might;
The world created by his hands,
Still on its firm foundation stands.
But ere this spacious world was made,
Or had its first foundation laid,
Thy throne eternal ages stood,
Thyself the ever living God.
Forever shall his throne endure;
His promise stands forever sixre;
Ajid everlasting holiness
Becomes the dwelling of Hs grace,
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MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
3. The following or some other appropriate prayer
may be offered by the Chaplain.
"Oh, Lord thou who made heaven and earth; Thou
who commanded and all obeyed; Thou art an all wise
God; we acknowledge thy wisdom and all thy goodness
toward us. Thy name should be praised at all times
and at all occasions. O Lord we desire to give thee thanks
for all the rich mercies we have enjoyed. We acknow¬
ledge even at this moment our unworthiness to call upon
thee and to ask for our forgiveness. We are weak and
dependent creatures upon thee. Pardon us of all our
sins, make us submissive to thy will. Increase our faith
in thee. Teach us what thou would have us do. We
most humbly ask thy blessings upon the order at large
of which we are members. Grant that the principles of
this order and the purposes for which it was founded be
the cause of doing much good among our fellow men.
Bless the widows and orphans of the order, the poor and
needy, those who may be sick, and those who may be
in distress. May thy blessings rest upon all from the
humblest in the lodge to those who ocupy the highest
position in the order. Draw them daily nearer to thee
that thy laws may be kept.
"We ask that thy favor rest upon this important
undertaking. Grant as those who build upon this stone
that each of us may by faith build upon that founda¬
tion stone, the corner stone laid by thee in Zion, and that
we ma- by our deportment in this life, become partici¬
pants around that throne in the building not made with
hands, eternal in the heavens. O Lord we pray for thy
approval of our labors at this hour in laying this corner-
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MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E
&tone, grant unto us all that shall build upon the Stone?
thy protection, and give Us all strength, wisdom and
patience to continue until the building shall have been
completed.
Bless us individually and collectively with all that
thou seest is for our good; pardon our sins and redeem
our souls and around thy throne we will ascribe all honor
and glory to thy name, through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
Amen."
All respond, "0 Lord, 0 Lord, 0 Lord."
All give the Grand Honors.
The Worshipful Master will then introduce the or¬
ator for the occasion as follows:
"Ladies and Gentlemen, we have assembled on this
occasion for the purpose of laying a corner stone for
I now take pleasure in introducing Broth¬
er , who will deliver the oration for this
occasion."
The orator may use the following or some other
address suitable for the occasion;
Ladies and Gentlemen, and Officers and Members of
the Knights of the Guiding Star of the East;
Through an invitation of the Building Committee of
the edifice to be erected here, we are presnt today in
keeping with one of the established usages of all fra¬
ternal organizations, to lay a corner stone for
While there is no commandment or la.w to be found issued
by our great creator requiring us to render him this serv¬
ice, neither is there any prescribed law of our country
that makes or accords this an honor, or makes it the duty
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MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. F.
or exclusive right to be performed by any particular or¬
ganization. Nevertheless, we feel to say on our part
that it is justly right and not out of place for a corner
stone to be laid. While we may not be able to produce
all the facts and evidence as strong as some would re¬
quire us to do, yet permit me to say that the custom of
laying corner stones is of ancient origin and highly hon¬
orable. It has been observed for centuries past. It
comes to us from generation to generation, and that too
from a scriptural point. So it leaves no room for doubt
upon the question. Notice the language of our Lord:
"Behold I lay in Zion for a foundation stone, a tried stone
a precious corner stone; a sure foundation." (Isaiah,
28-16.) The Apostle Peter speaks o'f the corner stone be¬
ing built upon thee foundation. Here the saviour of the
world is compared as being the chief corner-stone. You
now see that the use of a foundation or corner-stone is
a real neessity, and that it i s not a new idea of the build¬
ers of the present day. The use of the stone has been
handed down to us from ancients of days gone by, and for
specific reasons should not be dispensed with by exper¬
ienced workmen, not so much for the grandeur of form¬
ality of the manner in which it may be laid, or by whom
laid, but for its actual usefulness and its great impor¬
tance.
Therefore, it i s proper that we his creatures, should
honor and adore his name, and through faith build upon
his promise.
Before proceeding to lay this corner stone and erect
this edifice, we should ask his blessings, guidance and
protection.
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MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E
Trusting that his holy spirit may abide with you
and that every demand may be met, that every obstacle
that appears may be removed, and that your anticipa¬
tion in the completion may be fully realized in the near
future, for which objet the members of this august body
have met today upon this site contemplating laying
the corner-stone. We are prompted before doing so to
call your attention to the object of the K. of G. S. E.,
which is for the advancement of common humanity in
wisdom, virtue and happiness. It can not be denied
that this important object has too often been lost sight
of, yet it is a cheering fact that the professions of those
who have at times abused the order have always borne
witness against themselves. A leading principle in our
order is its firm hope in the future, which, with all its
teachings and ceremonies, inspire a hope founded on
the progressive nature of man, looking forward to the
time when love not fear shall rule the human breast;
when all who shall exist shall hail their fellow men as
brothers in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood
of man. In conclusion, brethren, let us renew our cov¬
enant with our God, and with the fratenity at large:
striving to become more useful, wiser and better, to per¬
petuate the princples and extend the domain of the K.
of G, S. E. all over the world.
(After the oration the following hymn may be used.)
HYMN, C. M.
If human, kindness meets return,
And owns the grateful tie;
If tender thoughts within us barn,
To feel a friend is nigh
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MANUAL ANI) LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. £.
Oh, shall not warmer accents tell
The gratitude we owe
To him who died our fears to quell,
And save from endless woe
While yet his anguished soul surveyed
Those pangs that would not flee,
What love his latest words displayed,
"Meet and remember me."
Hemember thee! Thy death, thy shame.
The griefs which thou didst bear!
O Memory, leave no other name
But his recorded there.
After singing whatever is to be deposited in the
stone must be presented before ceremony takes place.
A small Holy Bible, a list of all the officers and members
and a small piece of coin. The documents must be placed
in the tin box and then the tin box is placed in the stone
by the W. M. at the proper time . During the ceremony
the archers will stand in front of the stone with rods
crossed. The chaplain will advance and present the
small bible as follows:
Chaplain—"Honored Worshipful; Master, I present
to you this Holy Bible to be deposited in this stone. May
those who occupy this edifice treasure up the teaching
therein."
W. M.—"Worthy Chaplain, I accept this book, God's
Holy Word, may his Holy Spirit always direct, may his
love always control, and his truth ever guide and abide
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MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E~
with those who inhabit this place. In the name o£ St.
Jasper, I deposit this Holy Bible."
Treasurer advances and says, "W. M., I here present
these funds to be deposited in this stone."
W. M.—"Brother Treasurer, I accept this offering
and deposit the same. May those who shall frequent
this edifice increase and lay up treasures in heaven."
Secretary—"Worshipful Master I present you with
these laws and this record of which is a
true statement of our transactions. Deposit them in
our behalf."
W. M.—"Brother Secretary, I accept these laws and
this record and deposit them as requested. May those
for whom this edifice is being built be faithful and true
live in the fear of God, without favor, prejudice or par¬
tiality, for the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom."
The brethren forming the left hand on the right
shoulder of the brother on his left, for?ning a complete
circle, they then place the left hand on their left breast,
over the heart, and stand with uncovered heads. The W.
M. will then place the tin box in the cavity of the stone,
and with a trowel spreads the cement upon the stone or
causes the same to be done.
W. M.—"As this cement is spread upon the edges to
unite these stones, so may the cement of brotherly love
bind us in the bonds of social union; and may the love of
our Heavenly Father spread its influence among us."
Brethren respond—"O Lord, O Lord, Amen."
As the brethren pronounce the word "Amen they
let their hands fall heavily to their sides. The P.M.
advances and presents the goblet containing the earth
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MANUAL AND LAWS 01? THE K. OP G. S. £.
to th'e W. M.
W. M.-—"In the 'name of our Heavenly Father, I
-tay this eorfte'r stone alid scatter the earth thereon, in
itoken t)f the stability, and truthfulness of our grand order
iemefnberiftg this truth, 'FrOm dust we were taken,
&nd Untb dust we shall return.' May this building be
\1s6d tor good and honorable purposes in all the relations
of life."
All re&pona-^'Praise the name of the Lord.'*
The Senior Warden presents the goblet of corn,
If. the name of the Great Architect I de*
posit this corn i'n the earth upon this stone, in token
cf our admission into this grand and honarable order*
The corn is a blessing bestowed for the preservation of
health and strength. May it be as good seed, planted in
good soil, bring forth much fruit to the elevation of man¬
kind and to the glory of God. Let us labor not for the
meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth
unto everlasting life."
The J. W. Presents the Goblet of water*
IF. M;—-"In the name of the Great 'I am', and in hon¬
or cf the K. of G. S. E. I lay this stone and sprinkle this
«arth and this corn with this water, emblematic of the
motives of our beloved fraternity, and in remembrance
of the promise made by the great Jehovah to Noah for
his faith in him. He declared that the inhabitants of the
"world should never again be destroyed by water. May
the dews of heaven rest upon the inhabitants of this ed¬
ifice, and the seed of peace be sown in their hearts and
their wearied spirits be refreshed by the water of life."
All respond—"Even until the end of time."
215
MANUAL ^ND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
W. M.— (Striking the stone three times with the
gavel.) "I, , Worshipful Master, in behalf
of Lodge No , G. U. O. of K. of G. S. E.
of the city (or town) of , State of ,
do solemnly declare this corner stone to be laid upon the
walls upon which is to be erected this edifice 'Hear ye,
Hear ye' All persons concerned take due notice and
be governed accordingly."
All respond—"Amen, Amen, 0 Lord, O Lord."
DOXOLOGY
"Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise him all creatures here below,
Praise him above, ye heavenly host,
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Marshall re-forms procession, and returns to hall.
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manual and laws of the k. of G. S. £.
DEDICATION CEREMONY
—OF—
LODGES AND TEMPLES OF K. OF G. S. E.
The Dedication Ceremony of Lodges and Temples
may be either public or private. The hall, before it is
dedicated, must be furnished with all the necessities for
the work and business of the Lodge or Temple. The cere¬
monies must be performed by the Inter-State Grand Mas¬
ter, State Grand Master, or a legal representative, duly
appointed by either of them. (A general Commissioner
or a General Superintendent may conduct dedications.)
All new Lodges and Temples must be dedicated
before used.
All arrangments for dedications must be made
by the officers and members of the Lodge or Temple to be
dedicated. The Worshipful Master or President shall
notify the I. S. N. G. M. or the S. G. M, giving time and
place At the appointed time and place, the officers and
Members of the Lodge or Temple will assemble at or
near the hall, dressed in the full regalia of the order.
After which the Marshall shall proceed to form the pro¬
cession in the following order. (If the Temple is present
they will be formed in front as follows.)
1. Sentinel of Lodge in front with drawn sword.
2. Sisters not officers by two's.
3. Tyler and Marshall.
4. M. of C. and Chaplain*
217
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E-
5. Senior and Junior Wardens.
6. Secretary and Treasurer.
7. President and Vice President.
8. Senior and Junior Deacons.
LODGE
1. Brothers not officers by two's.
2. All Past Officers by two's.
3. All visiting Brothers by two's.
4. Marshall.
5. M. of C. and Chaplain, with Holy Bible.
6. Secretary and Treasurer, with money box and
records.
7. Captain of Guards, with Charter.
8. Past Master, with earth.
9. Senior and Junior Wardens, with wheat.
10. Worshipful Master, with water.
11. Grand Master. (Or officer in charge.)
12. Deacons with Great Axe.
When all is ready the procession will march to the
hall, halting at entrance. The Marshall will cause them
in open order. After which the rear will march in re¬
versed order. The procession will march three times
around the hall. On the third round, the W. M., arriving
at his station, will make one rap of the gavel. All will
be seated. (Music may be played or a song during the
march.)
SERVICE
W. M.—"Brothers and Sisters, we have assembled
here for the purpose of dedicating this hall and enjoyment
of Faith, Hope and Charity. I take great pleasure in
218
MANUAL AN1) „ LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. £.
(gives three raps, all rise) introducing Brother ,
the dedicating officer." The W. M. then presents the
gavel to the dedicating officer, who gives one rap, all are
seated.
He then makes the following address:
Brothers and Sisters, the solemn duties of the hour,
and the importance of the business that has called us
together cannot be overestimated in an order like ours,
fulfilling a high and noble duty in this Christian age.
We are banded together for mutual aid and protection;
to help each other in sickness; to comfort each other in
distress; to care for orphans, and make glad the hearts
of mourning widows of the order, for this is the mission
of our grand and noble order. How necessary it is that
we should in all our work and business, r'emember an over¬
ruling providence, and ask that he may preside over Otir
councils tod give us wisdom to Successfully conduct and
guide the affairs of our order that it may continue a
blessing for all time to come. Let us not only dedicate
our hall to the Lord, but give ourselves unto his keeping.
After the address the assembly is called up and
while singing marches three times around the hall and
then form into a hollow square. The dedicating officer,
W. M., P. M., S. W., C. of G., Secretary, Treasurer and
Chaplain form inside the square near the Altar
The Chaplain steps to the Altar and reads the fol¬
lowing scriptures: Deut. 20: 1-5, 1st Chron. 26:20-27,
Ezek. 44: 23-29. The assembly then sings two stanzas of
some selected song. Prayer by the Chaplain.
Dedicating Officer—"We will now proceed to dedi¬
cate this hall to the Lord."
219
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
Chaplain—"Brothers and Sisters, in the name of the
Great 'I Am,' I deposit upon this Altar God's most
Holy Word, the foundation of every virtue. May his
friendship always direct, may his Holy Spirit always
control, and may his everlasting love ever guide and
abide with us forever."
All respond—"Amen, Amen."
Treasrer will advance to Altar and say—"Brothers
and Sisters, I here deposit the fund; may they, under the
nuture and fosteroing care of this Lodge constantly in¬
crease and multiply as a grain of mustard seed. May
you lay up treasures in Heaven."
All respond—"Amen, Amen, Amen."
Secretary advances and says—"Brothers and Sis¬
ters, I deposit these records of this Lodge. May they
always contain a true history of the transactions of the
Lodge, recorded in the fear' of the Lord, and without
prejudice or partiality, for the fear of the Lord is the be¬
ginning of wisdom."
Response—"O Lord, O Lord."
Captain of Guards advavnces and says—"Brothers
and Sisters I deposit this charter. May is never be sus¬
pended, recalled or fortified. May this Lodge, founded
as it is upon justice, supported by charity, cemented by
brotherly love, and maintained with truth, manifest its
influence for good in all the relations of life.
Response—"May God help".
Past Master advances and says—"Dear Brothers and
Sisters, in the name and by authority of the Grand Mas¬
ter I deposit this earth, typical of stability, extent and
fruitfulness of our order; may it ever merit and receive
220
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
the blessings of God and show forth his honor and glory."
Response—"So may it ever be".
Senior Warden advances and says—"Brothers and
Sisters, in the name of the Grand Lodge of the State
°f , I deposit this wheat in this earth
typical of your admission into our order, and may you be
as good seed sown in good soil, bringing forth much fruit
to the honor and glory of the Lord."
Response—"May God help us to prosper."
Worshipful Master advances and says—"In the name
of the K. of G. S. E. I sprinkle this earth and wheat with
this water, emblematic of the purity of our motives and
the care, solicitude and affection the knights of the
Guiding Star will ever feel and manifest in the growth,
prosperity, and reputation of your Lodge. May the God
of Faith, Hope and Charity sprinkle you as with the
dews of heaven, multiply and refresh you as he does the
earth, that you may show forth his glory until the end
of time."
Response—"Bless and keep us, O Lord."
Grand Master, or Officer in charge—"I now solemn¬
ly dedicate this hall in the bones of 'Love, Purity, and
Fervency.' May the members sustain and defend in all
the relations of life, the brother and sisterhood; may it
protect the widows and orphans, be a home for the
stranger, a refuge for the oppressed, a resting place for
the weary. May this our work endure, and harmony,
prosperity, and abundant success bless the brethren and
sisters, individually and collectively. Finally may God
keep and prosper you until the end of time."
Response—"To God be glory forever, Amen."
221
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E
After the service a song may be sung or music to
suit the occasion, during which the grand honors may be
given.
PROCLAMATION
G. M.—"By the power and authority in me vested, I
do declare this hall duly dedicated. Hear ye, all persons
(One rap all are seated.)
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E.
FORMS OF BLANKS
TRANSFER CARDS
Transfer from ' No. of the
G. U. O. of K. of G. S. E., loated in the city (or town) of
, County of , State of
To whom it may concern—
This is to certify that Brother (or sister)
, is square on the books of said Lodge (or
Temple) for all dues, fines and assessments and is in good
and regular standing. By his (or her) request is hereby
granted this transfer, which shall be valid for three
months after date.
Given under our hands and seal this the
day of , A. D. 19 .
W. M. or President.
(seal) Secretary
223
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E
DEATH PROOF
— , State of
19
To the Grand Secretary of the State of
This is to certify that was a member
of No. , and was in good and
regular standing at time of death, which occurred on the
day of , 19
caused from
Signed W. M. or Pres.
This is to certify that I attended to and treated
during his (or her) ill¬
ness, and who died on the of 19 .
caused from
M. D.
This is to certify that I buried
on the day of 19 , who
died on the day of 19 ,
from
Undertaker
Subscribed and sworn to before me, a notary public,
this the day of 19 .
Notary Public
(seal) My commission expires
224
SWORD TACTICS AND DRILL
—OF THE—
UNIFORM RANK OF K. OF G. S. E.
Compiled by
W. H. WESTBROOKS
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E
SWORD TACTICS AND DRILL
1. Cautionary, which is; Attention, Company (or
squad.)
2. Preparatory, which indicates the movement,
3. The command of execution, which caused the
movement.
POSITION
1. Heels on the same line, as near as possible,
2. The feet turned out equally; stand easy,
3. The knees straight.
4. The body erect, inclining a little forward,
5. Shoulders square, and falling naturally.
6. The arms hanging with elbows near the body.
7. The head erect and to the front,
8. The chin drawn in.
9. The eyes fixed straight to the front,
10. The tallest man to the right of the line,
11. The smallest man to the extreme left of the line.
12. Company will fall in with swords in scabbards.
SQUAD AND COMPANIES, HOW FORMED
1. A squad shall consist of eight knights and one
officer,
2. Four or more squads shall constitute a company.-
3. The officers for a company shall be a Captaitfy
First and Second Lieutenant, First and Second Seargent,
and one Corporal for each squad.
22G
manual and laws of the k. of g. s. e.
4. All officers shall be obeyed and recognized, by
the squads or company under their management.
FORMING THE LINES
To form the lines the Captain (or commanding
officer) will command:
1. Attention company, or squad fall in line. (The
Knights will form in one rank, face to the right. )
2. Front face. (Raise the right foot slightly and
turn on the left heel half around, shoulders slightly
touching.)
3. Right Dress. (Each Knight will turn his head
to the right and place himself on a line with the Knight
next to him on his right. The "Left Dress" is executed
by the same movement reversed.)
4. Front. (The head will resume the natural posi¬
tion.)
5. Form the right, count two's. (At his command
the Knights will count from right to left, in voice, "One
two; one two;" until through the rank.)
6. Form divisions, right face. (Knights will all
face to right; No. 2 will step to right of No. 1, thus form¬
ing two files, No. 1 constituting first division and No. 2
second division.)
7. Second division, right face; forward march; sec¬
ond division halt; right about face; right dress; front.
After being plaed in the proper position for inspe-
tion the First Lientenant advances within 10 paces of the
Captain or Commanding Officer, salutes and says, Cap-
227
MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. E
tain (or name of officer), the lines are now ready for in¬
spection."
The commanding Officer draws his sword and, to¬
gether with the First Lieutenant, advances to the right
between the two divisions, coming to a halt near the right
and center of the two divisions. The First Lientenant
then commands:
"Attention Company. Handle swords. Draw
swords. Carry swords. Present swords."
While standing at Present, the Captain (or com¬
manding officer), together with the First Lieutenant
passes down through the lines, at the same time noting
any irregularity in dress, etc. The Commanding Officer
then takes his place on the extreme left and commands:
14. Carry swords.
15. First Division, forward march. Division halt.
(At this command the First Division advances within
four feet of the Second Division.)
16. Divisions form arch. (At this command each
Knight of the First and Second Divisions places the
point of their swords together, the hilts being on a line
and in front of the right shoulder.)
17. Company carry swords.
18. Company present swords.
19. Company guard the head. (At this command
the Knights will raise their swords horizontally above
their heads as if to ward off a blow.)
20. Company carry swords.
21. Company order swords. (Bring point of sword
to ground, about four inches to right of toes of right
foot.)
228
manual and laws of the k. of g. s. £.
22. Company carry swords.
23. Company present swords.
24. Company return swords.
MARCHING DRILL
25. First Division, right about face.
26. Second Division, close ranks.
27. Company right face.
28. Mark time. March.
29. Company right, march. Guide right.
30. Company left, march.
31. Company right by file, march.
32. Division right and left march.
33. Division right and left, march.
34. Division right and left, march.
35. Company halt.
36. Count four's.
37.. Attention company. Fours right, march. (Each
four wheels ninety degrees to the right on a fixed pivot,
the pivot man turns in his place; the man on the march¬
ing flank maintains full step.)
38. Fours right about. March. Guide right.
39. Company halt Left dress, front.
40 Fours right, column right, march
41. Company right oblique, march.
42. Company forward march.
43. Fours right, front into line, march. Company
halt, guide right. Front.
Note—These drills or commands may be increased
or modified at the discretion of the Commander-in-Chief
229
manual' and laws of the k. of g. s. e.
SWORD EXERCISE
1. Attention company, draw swords. (At the word
"raw" sieze the scabbard with the left hand and grasp
the sword with the right hand.)
2. At the word "swords" draw the sword from the
scabbard and extend the right hand to the front, and
drop the sword in the hollow of the elbow.
3. Bring the right hand to the thigh, the elbow a
little bent, holding the sword between the thumb and two
fingers, the blade perpendicular, this being position of
"Carry swords."
PRESENT SWORDS
Raise the sword perpendicularly, the flat of the blade
opposite the right eye, the guard at the height of the
shoulder, the elbow supported on the body.
GUARD THE HEAD
1. Same as "Present swords."
2. Hold the sword in a horizontal position above
the head, about six inches in front of the forehead.
GUARD THE BODY
1. Same as "Present swords," except in this case
the blade is outward.
2. Cut downward and bring the sword to "Carry."
FORM THE ARCH
1. Same as "Present swords."
2. Place blade of swords together, elbow pressing
right side etc.
SALUTE
1. Same as "Present swords."
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MANUAL AND LAWS OF THE K. OF G. S. £.
2. Bring hilt of sword on line and about six inches
from right eye.
RETURN SWORDS
1. Bring the sword to the position of "Present."
2. Drop the point, turn the head to the left, and re¬
turn the sword; bring your head to front and drop the
hands to the natural position.
231