COPYRIGHTED 1922
FORM OF OPENING
At the proper hour the G. M. or M. takes his or her
seat and gives one rap and says: "We are about to
open Court No
of the G. S. F. U. All persons who are not of this order
will please retire.
G. M. to the G.*M. A. Please get the pass in the first
degree and report to the G. Master or Mistress.
G. M. A. I have visited all persons present and find
them all in possession of the pass except those standing.
G. M. A., gives the names of those standing.
G. M. Thank you. Are there any Sons or Daugh¬
ters who can vouch for those without the pass word ? If
so, please stand and inform the G. M.
G. M. to the G. I. G. You will give notice to the
G. O. G., that we are about to open this the
Court in degree (name the degree.)
The G. I. G. gives the notice to the G. 0. G. that the
Sons and Daughters of the Great Southern Fraternal
Union are about to open, and be on guard and do not per
mit any one until further notice.
The G. 0. G. answers by one rap and says to G. M.:
The Court is protected by Daughter or Son (giving his or
her name) with full instructions.
G. M. Thank you. Knowing that our Grand Court
is well protected, let us put on our regalia and assit in
opening the grand Court in the first degree. The mem¬
bers will all stand, with the G. M. in his or her station,
and the following hymn is sung, lead by the Grand
Chaplain:
2
1.
Christian Soldiers we are marching to the Glory Land of
song,
Though our path be dark and dreary; through this world
it won't be long.
—Chorus—
We are marching on, we are marching on;
0 praise the Lord, 'twill not be long,
We are marching on, we are march'ng on;
To the glory land of song.
Christian- soldiers we are marching, though our path
ways seemeth long,
We will triumph over Satan, who would ever lead us
wrong.
Jesus ever keep and guide us, lest our feeble footsteps
stray,
He will be a strong Protector, and yill guide us all the way
When our earthly life is ended, and we come to death's
dark tide,
He will guide us safely over in Irs presence to abide.
After the song is sung, the following prayer by the Grand
Chaplain.
0, God, the Protector of all who trust in Thee, with¬
out whom nothing is strong, nothing wholly; increase
our faith in thy mercy and grant that each of us may
serve Thee out of a clean heart, and a clean conscience.
Make us better men and women. Grant this, 0 Heaven¬
ly Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, Or Lord, Amen.
Amen. Amen.
Wlr:le the word Amen is spoken all members raise
3
their right hand three times and repeat. (Amen-Amen-
Amen.)
The G. M. says: Officers and members, please re¬
main standing. Please notice; give the signs. If all the
degrees are open, all the signs are given. The G. M.
gives one rap and says r I declare this; the ,
Court No is opened in the first de¬
gree in praise.
G. M. to G. I. G. Please give notice to G. O. G. that
the Court No is
now opened in first degree.
The G. I. G. gives two raps at the door. The G
G. answers by one rap and opens the door and receives
the instructions.
This ceremony must be gone through every time the
door is opened.
The G. I. G. to the G. M. Our Court is well protect¬
ed by daughter or son, (giving their name.)
G. M. * We are prepared for work. We have as¬
sembled for the purpose of transacting such business as
may legally come before th-S Court. I will thank you
for your assistance.
First—Reading of Minutes of previous meeting.
Second—Calling the roll and collecting dues.
Third—Reports of committees, (except sick).
Fourth—Proposal of new members.
Fifth—Unfinished business.
Sixth—If there are any candidates refer them to the
proper committee.
Seventh—Report of s:ck committee.
4
FIRST DEGREE OF ADOPTION
The committee will please retire and prepare the
candidate or candidates.
The committee haying prepared the candidates by
blindfolding, conducts them into the Court, while the
following hymn is sung:
1.
Don't you want to go to that happy home on High,
Where the good shall meet, yes meet to part no more,
And shall live and reign far above the starry sky,
In that sunny cl'me upon.the Golden Shore.
—Chorus—
Don't you want to go ? Don't you want to go,
While we plead and pray, make the start today;
Jesus bids you come to that happy home,
Don't you want to go, don't you want to go ?
2.
Think how many prayers have been offered up for you,
.^Often while you slept dear, mother's tears did flow;
Turn and seek salvation, 0, to her love be true,
While your friends are waiting, don't you want to go ?
—Chorus—
3-
Time is swiftly passing, and soon will close the gate,
Then your soul must sink in everlasting woe,
Give your heart to Jesus, for soon 'twill be too late,
Mother now is waiting, don't you want togo?
—Chorus—
4.
Could you stand in judgment if you should die today?
5
All that you have written you must face you know,
Jesus now is pleading, He'll wash your sins away,
To that home in glory, don't you want to go ?
i—Chorus—
As the singing is ended they stop in front of-the G.
M. He or she gives two raps. All the members stand.
G. M. reads the following: Matt. 9th chapter, 20-30th
verse: And behold, a woman, which was diseased with
an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him and
touched the hem of his garment. For she said within
herself, if I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.
But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her he
said, daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made
thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that
hour. And when Jesus came into the ruler's house and
saw the minstrels and the people making a ijoise, he said
unto them, give place: For the maid is not dead, but
sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But when the
people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the
hand, and the maid arose. And the fame hereof went
abroad into all the land. And when Jesus departed
thence, two blind men followed him, crying and saying,
thou Son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was
come into the house, the blind men came to him; and
Jesus said unto them, believe ye that I am able to do this?
They said unto him, yea, Lord. Then touch he their
eyes, saying, according to your faith be it unto you.
And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straighily charged
them, saying, see that no man know it.
The G. M. gives further instructions. As the mem¬
bers go around the hall they clap their hands together
three times, until they arrive in front of the V. G. M.
6
The G. M. gives one rap and all the members are
seated except the G. M. and the candidate.
The V. G. M- then reads, behold, what manner of love
the Lord has bestowed upon us that we should be called
the Sons and Daughters of Great Southern Fraternal
Union. Therefore, the world knoweth us not because it
knoweth him not. Beloved, now we are the Sons and
Daughters of the Great Southern Fraternal Union, ancj.
it doth not yet appear what we shall be.
After the V. G. M.'s instructions, thfe G. M. says to
the candidates, befgre you can proceed, you must take a
binding obligation such as all Sons and Daughters of the
Great Southern Fraternal Union have heretofore taken.
OBLIGATION TO THE CANDIDATE
G. M. You will please state your name and then
repeat after me:
1, (state name), in the fear of the Lord, and in the
presence of these sons and daughters, do most earnestly
promise that I will keep the secrets of the Sons'and
Daughters of the Great Southern Fraternal Union. I
further promise that I will defend the good name of a
Son or Daughter, either in their presence or absence.
I further promise that I will obey the laws, rules and
regulations of this Grand and Noble Order, or any other
of which I may be a member.
This is the word that admits your solemn obligation.
I, before these Sons and Daughters, bind myself,
under the dreadful penalty of having my right arm cut
off should I willfully reveal any of the secret work given
to me. May the wonder-working God help me to keep
my oath. Amen! Amen! Amen! by all the members.
7
Presiding officers get in front of the candidates and
have them to rise and repeat after you: With your own
free will and accord you come into our midst to become
a Son and Daughter of G. S. F. U. Now we admit you in
our rank.
Every member will link their little finger together
as a link of chain and open their rank and receive the
candidate, and say, we admit you as one of us. We pray
God that you will never break this link as long as you
live. God help you to be governed by the laws^
At the Words Praise God; be true, the explosive
shock all courts must get one is given and the hoodwink
is dropped from the candidate's eyes.
The pass word is given; and the sign is used as a grip
in shaking hands. It can be given at any t'me when
clasping hands with any person, and if the grip is re¬
turned you can test the giver by the word,%'I am satis¬
fied " The second says, ^'With the Great Southern Fra¬
ternal Union." „
The G. M. then gives two raps and all the members
form a circle and lay their hands over their hearts and
say, "Praise God! Prase God! Praise God!" and then
they clasp their hands together three times and say,
"Welcome, welcome, welcome." This makes a fullfledg-
ed member in the Sons and Daughters of G. S. F. U. in
the first degree.
TEST ^
G. M. Are you adopted in the Sons and Daughters
of the G. S. F. U.?
Ans. I have advanced to the Great Healer and
ready against the second day.
8
G. M. What invitation did you receive? Praise
God! Praise God! Praise God! G. M. What answer did
you give ?
I fell down at his feet and told the whole truth, the
words of greeting from the Sons and Daughters of the
G. S. F. U. We call it, I am satisfied.
G. M. The words are right. Will you continue in
the praise of God ?
Yes. I will receive the moral lessons of truth through
the Great Revealer, the Son of God.
G_ M. Will you give me the test?
I will, with your rassistance.
The grip is given. First is this: I am satisfied.
The second will say with Great Southern Fraternal
Union.
SIGNS
Distress Signs—A slap on the right elbow with the
left hand, and a scratch on the left arm with the right
hand in this manner.
The member that sees this sign answers by laying his
right hand on their left shoulder.
You must go to the person giving this sign at the
risk of your life. This sign is only to be used in case of
necessity.
SECOND OR ADVANCED DEGREE
The G. M. takes his or her station and announces to
the Court: We are about to open this Court, No
for the advanced degree to admit members to further in¬
structions for their journey.
The Committee will prepare the daughter or son in
9
the ante room by spreading a veil over their eyes and
tying their hands behind them. They are then led to the
door, when the G. M. A. gves two loud raps
The raps are answered by the G. I. G., who opens
the door and says: Who are thou that disturbs this
court at this watch of the night or day? Take heed to
yourself.
G. M. A. (to the G. I. G.): Thy people come by
adoption and they desire to advance in this wonderful
Grand Court, and are ready against the second day.
G. I. G. I will not let you pass today, nor tomorrow,
until I know by what authority you come thus far on
your journey.
G. M. A. (to G. I G.): We have no word except the
one we received when we passed the G. 0. G.
That I will give you.
The G. M. A. whispers: I am satisfied with G. S. "F. U.
G. I. G. The words are carried and I believe thee
forever and will allow you to pass on to the G. M. Praise
God! Praise God! Praise God!
The G. M. (to the candidates): Are you a daughter
or son of the Court? What message did you bring with
you? What are your greetings?
Candidate. My greetings are the words that I re¬
ceived from our Sons and Daughters the 1st Degree «f
the Grand Court. We call them, I am satisfied with G.
S. F. U.
The G. M. The words are right. The same forever,
you, my Daughter or Son, as you advance, continue in
the chain satisfied.
Candidate. I will, with gratitude, keep my obliga¬
tion that binds me as a daughter or a son to the Grand
10
Court _ As they journey around the following hymn is
sung:
There is a fountain filled with blood
Drawn from Immanuel's veins,
And sinners plunged beneath that flood,
Loose all their guilty sta'ns.
The dying thief rejoiced to see
That fountain in his day;
And there may I, though vile as he,
Wash all my sins away.
At the closing words of the hymn they stop in front
of the G. M.i who then presents the badge and says, let
us read John, the third chapter: What.man of you, hav¬
ing a hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not
leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness and go after
that which is lost until he finds it; and when he hath
found it, he layeth it on his shoulder rejoicing; and when
he cometh home he called together his friends and neigh¬
bors, saying unto them, rejoice with me, for I have
found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that
likewise, joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that re-
penteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons
which need no repentance; either what woman having
ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece doth not light
a candle and sweep the house and seek diligently till she
finds it and when she hath found it she calleth her
friends and neighbors togethers, saying, rejoice with me
for I have found the piece which I had lostj
G. M. gives one rap and all the members are seated.
Then the G. M. says, G. M. A. (conduct our Sons and
Daughters to the Committee room and have their veils
11
removed.
All join hands and form a circle, with the candidates
and G. M in the center.
OBLIGATION
You are now before the Grand Court for the second
t'me and, standing uncovered within this circle, you will
please extend your right hand and lay it upoji the Holy
Bible and repeat after me this solemn obligation:
I (repeat your name), in the presence of the Supreme
Ruler of the Universe, and these Sons and Daughters of
the Grand Court here assembled, do hereby promise and
swear that I will keep, and not divulge the doings and
spcrets of the Grand Court to any person or persons in
the world who are not a Son or Daughter. I moreover
promise and swear that I will not give the secrets of this
degree to a Son or Daughter that has not received the ad¬
vanced degree, unless it is to assist in giving this degree.
To conform to this, my solemn obligation, J pledge my
word as a Son or as a Daughter to keep sacred the trust
confided in me. May God help me to perform all parts
of this obligation.
G. M. As a token of your truthfulness and to bind
to your remembrance your sacred and solemn obligation,
you will take the Bible and press it to your heart and
return it to its place.
G. M. He or she shall be taught to make themselves
known as an advanced Son or Daughter. Son or Daugh¬
ter, you will now attend to be instructed in the language
of this degree, by which you will be recognized at all
times as an advanced Daughter or Son,.
12
SECRET SIGNS
Place your right hand over your heart, your left
hand straight up in front of your nose and say, God seal
my lips, convert my tongue, give me a clean heart and a
clear conscience, that I may be a true Son or Daughter
of the Grand Court of the G. S. F. U. God help me to
be governed by the laws.
The test grip .is given in this way, and means that I
will support you firmly, and be loyal to each other. The
word is given in this way. I-n G-o-d- W-e T-r-u-s-t.
The G. C. is always opened in this degree unless it
is to make members. This word ife given as a further
test of what shall be done with you in the next degree.
TEST
G. M. I was invested with the test of advance, Will
you give me the test?
Candidate. I will, with your assistance.
The grip is given
G. M. " In God"'
Candidate. We trust.
G. M. True Daughter or Son. Enough, Praise
God! Praise God! Praise God!
THIRD OR JUNIOR DEGREE
This degree carries the members of the G. S. F. U.
from the Grand Court to the State Grand Court, and is to
be conferred by the N. or P. N. G M. and State Grand
Master, or at their request only.
PREPARATION
8, 5-15, 18-19, 8, 5-9, 19-2, 12, 9, 14, 4, 6, 15, 12, 4, 5,
13
4-23, 9, 20, 8-20, 8, 5, 9, 14-8, 8, 1, 14, 4, 19-20, 9, 5,
4-19, 5, 3, 21, 18, 5, 12, 25-1, 14, 4-9, 14-20, 8, 5-3, 21, 19,
20, 15, 4-15, 6, S. G. M. A. approaches the inner door.
20, 8, 5-8. S. G. M. A. 20, 8, 5, 14-7, 9, 22, 5, 19-20, 8, 18,
5, 5-18, 1, 16, 19-23, 8, 9, 3, 8-9, 19-1, 14, 19, 23, 5, 18,
5, 4-2, 25-20, 8, 18, 5, 5-18, 1, 16, 19-15, 14-20, 8, 5-9, 14,
19, 9, 4, 5-2, 25-20, 8, 5. S. G. I. G. 23, 8, 5, 14,-20, 8, 5-4
15, 15, 18, 9, 19-15, 16, 5, 14, 5, 10-20, 8, 5. N. G. M. A.
gives the S. G. I. G. the password and is admitted.
The candidates are conducted directly to the station
of the N. G. M.
N. G. M.: 23, 8, 15-3, 15, 13, 5, 20, 8-8, 5, 18, 5-?
N. G. M. A.: 16, 15, 15, 18-2, 12, 9, 14, 4-3 1, 14, 4,
9, 4, 1, 20, 5-15, 18- (candidates) who is (or are) anxious
to pass from darkness to light and receive a part of the
rights, privileges and benefits of the State Grand Lodge.
N. G. M.: 23, 8, 15-1, 18, 5-25, 15, 21-?
Cand. (promptly by N. G. M. A.) : 23, 5-1, 18, 5-20,
8, 5-3, 8, 9, 12, 4, 18, 5, 14-15, 6-20, 8, 5-7, 18, 5, 1,
20-6, 1, 13, 9, 12, 25-15, 1, 4, 15, 16, 20, 9, 15, 15, 14-, who
journeyed on to the advanced station in life then still be¬
ing satisfied, decided to knock at the Junior door for
further instructions. *
S. G. M.: 9, 14-1, 19-13, 21, 3, 8,1, 19-25, 15, 21-8, 1,
22, 5-2, 5, 5, 14-1, 4, 15, 16, 20, 5, 4-1, 4, 22, 1, 14,
3, 5, 4-1, 14, 4-1, 19-25, 5, 20-1, 18, 5-19, 1, 20, 9, 19, 6,
9, 5, 4-9, 20-23, 9, 12, 12-2, 5-7, 15, 15, 4-6, 15, 18-25, 15,
21-20, 15-16, 1, 19, 19-20, 8, 18, 15, 21, 7, 8-20, 8, 5-10, 24,
14, 9, 15, 18-4, 15, 15, 18- and received further instruc¬
tions for your journey until you reach your final destina¬
tion 23, 8, 9, 3, 8-9,10-20, 8, 5-19, 5, 1,12, 5, 4-4, 15, 15, 18.
Gand.: I am satisfied !'I am satisfied! I am satisfied!'
14
All join their little fingers forming a perfect circle
with the N. G. M. in the center.
N. G. M.: 25, 15, 21-1, 18, 5-14, 15, 23-2, 5, 6, 15, 18,
5-20, 8, 5- S. G. C. for the first time standing uncovered,
1, 14, 4-9, 14-1-3, 9, 18, 3, 12, 5- You will please extend
your right hand and lay it upon the Holy. Bible and re¬
peat after me th's, your solemn obligation:
OBLIGATION
1- (18, 5, 16, 5, 1, 20-14, 1, 13, 5-) 4, 15-5, 1, 18, 14,
5, 19, 20, 12, 20-19, 15, 12, 5, 13, 14, 12, 25-1, 14, 4-13, 15,
19, 20-19, 9, 14, 3, 5, 18, 5, 12, 25-16, 18, 15, 13, 9, 19,
5-1, 4-19, 23, 5, 1, 18-20, 8, 1, 20-9-23, 9, 12, 12-11, 5, 5,
16-20, 8, 5-19, 5, 3, 18, 5, 20, 19-15, 6-20, 8, 5- Grand
Court, State Grand Court and any other 19, 5, 3, 18, 5, 2d,
19-15, 6-20, 8, 5- G. S. F. U. that have or hereafter may
be imparted to me. 9-5, 21, 18, 20, 8, 5, 18-16, 18, 15,13,
9, 19, 5-1, 14, 4-19, 23, 5, 1, 18-20, 8, 1, 20-9-23, 9, 12, 12,
4-4, 5, 6, 5, 14, 4-20, 8, 5-7, 15, 15, 4-14, 1, 13, 5-3, 8,
1, 18, 1, 3, 20, 5, 18-1, 14, 4-18, 5, 16, 21, 20, 1, 20,
9, 15, 15, 14-15, 61, 14, 25-19, 15, 14-1, 14, 4-4, 1, 21, 7,
88, 20, 5, 18-15, 6-20, 8, 5- G. S. F. U. 23, 8, 5, 14, 5, 22,
5, 18-1, 14, 4-23, 8, 5, 18, 5, 22, 5, 18-1, 19, 19, 1, 9,
12, 5, 4. Should I falter or fail to keep any and every
part of this vow, I am willing for my body to be burned,
and for my soul to be tormented.
N. I. G.: 19, 15, 14-15, 18-4, 1, 21, 7, 8, 20, 5, 18-25,
13, 21-8, 1, 22, 5-1, 2, 15, 21, 20-18, 5, 1, 3, 8, 5, 4-20,
8, 5-5, 15, 4- 13, 6-25, 15, 21, 18-10, 21, .14, 9, 15, 18-10,
15, 21,18,14, 5, 25- You have traveled well, having been
adopted, journeyed or to the advanced station in life,
and at the same time satisfied to continue until you
15
will have reached and admitted inside the Junior door.
The Junior Sons and Daughters will accompany you as
you travel on to the sealed door; they will comfort you
in distress, defend you when in danger, minister unto
you during your illness, and stand by you even until
death. May you, when coming to the portals of glory,
be in possession of the password of eternaty.
TEST
9, 12, 12-23, 15, 21-7, 9, 22, 5-13, 5, 20, 8, 5-20, 5, 19, 20-
20, 8-20, 8, 5-1, 4, 22, 1, 14, 3, 5, 4-4, 5, 7, 18, 5, 5-23
S. G. M.: 9-23, 1, 19-9, 14, 22, 5, 19, 20, 5, 4-23, 9,
Cand.: 9-23, 9, 12, 12-23, 9, 20, 8-25, 15, 21, 18-1,
19, 19, 9, 19, 20, 1, 14, 3, 5-
The grip is given.
N. G. M.: 19,20,1,20,5-
Cand.: 7,18,1,14,4-12,13,4,7,5.
19, 29, 1, 20, 5-7, 18, 1, 14, 4-12, 15, 4, 7, 5-(This is
the Junior degree password.
N. G. M.: Are you satisfied?
Cand.: I am truly satisfied.
N. G. M.: Why are you satisfied ?
Cand.: Because I have passed through the Junior
door.
N. G. M.: Are you a Junior Son or Daughter of the
G. C. of G. S. F. U.
'r Cand.:; I -knocked at the Junior door and was ready
agaihst the'second day and I am now prepared for the
sealed 'door J
DISTRESS SIGNS
19, 13/ 9/20, 5-7/5, 14, 20, 12, 25-25, 15, 21, 18-12, 5,
16
6, 20-3, 8, 5, 5, 11-20, 8, 18, 5, 5-20, 9, 13, 5,' 19-23, 9,
20, 8-20, 8, 5-18, 9, 7, 8, 20-8, 1, 14, 4.
Answer: Lay your left hand 15, 14-25, 15, 21, 18-18,
9, 7, 8, 20-19, 8, 15, 21, 12, 4, 5, 18. Any member seeing
this must go at the risk of their life as that means dis¬
tress. If it is dark and you can not be seen, 20, 8, 5,14-7,
9, 22, 5-20, 8, 18, 5, 5-12, 15, 21, 4-3, 2, 1, 16, 19—with
the palm of the hand slowly.
Answer: The Son or Daughter 23, 8, 15-8, 5, 1, 18,
19. This sound answers by 15, 14, 5-12, 15, 21, 4-3, 12,
1, 16-1, 14, 4 (a pause) then two 12, 15, 21„ 4-3, 12, 1, 16,
19 in rapid succession. This means a distressed Son or
Daughter, and you must proceed at once to them at the
hazard of your life. This is the duty of a true Great
Southerner.
FOURTH DEGREE
This degree is given by N. G. M. only.
Preparation for sealed or National Grand Lodge
Degree.
N. G. M. or P. N. G. M. Sons and Daughters, we are
assembled to celebrate the full age of your youngest Son
©r Daughter and to seal him or her to the Court. The
N. G. M. A. or V. N. G. M. A. will please retire and pre¬
pare the candidate.
Preparation.
8, 5-15, 18-19, 8, 5, 19-2, 12, 9, 4, 6, 15, 4, 5, 4-1, 14,
4-19, 5, 1, 20-5, 4-9, 14-1-3, 8, 1, 9, 18-1, 14, 4-19, 5, 3, 23,
18, 5, 4-20,15-9, 20. The G. O. G. then gives notice to the
N. Grand Sons and Daughters that the candidate is ready.
20, 8, 5-G. I. G.-3, 1, 18, 18, 9, 5, 19-8, 9, 13-15, 18-8,
5, 18-9, 14, 20, 15-1, 14, 4-1, 18, 15, 21, 4-20, 8, 5-8, 1,
17
12-20/ 8, 18, 5, 5-20, 9, 13, 5, 19-19, 12, 15, 23, 12, 25.
Then they seat him or her in front of the altar of the
National Grand Sons and Daughters. This is done diu>
ing the most profound silence, not a word being spoken.
N. G. M. A. Here we are at the guardeddoor of
'the sealed Sons and Daughters. Let us knock, for we
have a right to enter.
He or she gives four loud raps.
N. G. I. G. (speaking from behind the door): Who
are you that seek admission to the secret assembly of
the sealed Sons and Daughters of the National Grand
Court of the G. S. F. U.
N. G. M. A. We are of the family of the children c J
God and learned the lesson taught by our Father.
* N. G. I. G. Thou hast done well in coming thus far
on your pilgrimage, but you can not pass this entrance
unless you take a solemn obligation which will be given
you by the N. G. M. If you are willing you may pass
and continue your journey.
N. G. M. Now that you are willing to take this
obligation, lay your right hand on this Bible and repeat
after me:
Obligation.
I (repeat name), do most solemnly promise and
swear that 9-23, 9, 12, 12-11, 5, 5, 16-20, 8, 5-19, 4, 18, 5,
20, 19-15, 6-1. 19, 5, 1, 12, 5, 4-19, 15, 14-15, 18-4, 1, 21, 7,
8, 20, 5, 18-15, 6-20, 8, 5-14, 1, 20, 9, 15, 14, 1, 12-7, 18, 1,
14, 4-3, 15, 21, 18, 20-15, 6-20, 8, 5-G. S. F. U. 1, 14, 4-20,
8, 15, 19, 5-15, 6-1, 14-9, 14, 4, 9, 22, 4, 21, 1, 12-23, $
fi, 14-9, 13, 16, 1, 18, 20, 5, 4-20, 15-13, 5-9-6, 21, 18, 20,
8, 5, 18-16, 18, 15, 13, 9, 19, 5-1, 14, 4-19, 23, 5, 1, 18-20,
8, 1, 18-20, 8, 1, 20-9, 23, 9, 12, 12-4, 5, 6, 5, 14, 4-1,
18
14, 4-13, 1, 9, 14, 20, 1, 9, 14, 20, 8, 5-7, 15, 15, 4-14,
1, 13, 5-3, 8, 1,18, 13 20, 5, 18-8, 15, 14, 15, 18-1, 14, 4-22,
9, 18, 20, 14, 5-15, 6-1-23, 15, 18, 20, 8, 25-19, 5, 1, 12,
5, 4-19, 15, 14-15, 20-4, 1, 14, 7, 8, 20, 5, 18, 23, 8, 5,
14, 5, 22, 5, 18-1, 14, 4-23, 8, 5, 18, 5, 22, 5, 18-1, 19,
19, 1, 9, 12, 5, 4. Should I forfeit or fail to keep any and
every part of this vow, may I be cast out in disgrace.
Amen! Amen! Amen! by all members.
N. G. M. Son or Daughter, thy journey is almost
ended. You are at the sealed door. You have repre¬
sented in this journey the travel of a Son or Daughter
through this world. These sealed Sons or Daughters will
accompany you through the journey of life and comfort
you in distress, defend you when in danger, and minister
to you in sickness, but when death's doors are open
they can go no further with you. May you, when you
come to the sealed doors of heaven, be in full possession
of love, friendship, faith and harmony. Members be
loyal to each other.
The Test.
N. G. M. 23, 8, 25-1, 18, 5-25, 15, 14-19, 1, 20, 9, 19,
6,9,5,4-?
Candidate. 2, 5, 3, 1, 14, 19, 5-25, 15, 21-20, 15, 2*1,
3, 8-13, 5-23, 9, 20, 8-20, 8, 5-19, 5, 1, 12.
N. G. M. 1, 18, 5-25, 15, 21, 1-19, 5, 1, 12, 5, 4-4, 1,
21, 7, 8, 20, 5, 18-15, 18-19, 15, 14-9, 14-20, 1, 20; 9, 15,
14, 1, 12-7, 18, 1, 14, 4-3, 15, 21, 18, 20-?
Candidate. 9-8, 1, 22, '5-1, 4, 22, 1, 14, 3, 5, 4-1, 14,
4-23, 1, 19-18, 5, 1, 4, 25-1, 7, 1, 9, 14, 19, 20-20, 8, 5-20,
8, 9, 18, 4-4, 1, 25.
This degree can be given only by N. G. M., P. N.
G. M., or by his request.
19
Distress Signs
19, 20, 18, 5, 20, 3, 8-25, 15, 21, 18-18, 9, 7, 8, 20-8,
1, 14, 4-15, 20-12, 1, 25, 9, 14, 7-9, 20-15, 14-20, 8, 5-20,
15, -16-15, 6-25, 15, 21, 18, 8, 5, 1, 4, 1, 14, 19, 23, 5,
18-2, 25, 3, 1, 20, 3, 8, 9, 18, 7-20, 8, 5, 3, 8, 9, 14-23, 9
20, 8-20, 8, 5-12, 5, 6, 20-8, 1, 14, 4, 1, 14, 25-13, 5, 13,
2, 5, 18-9, 5, 5, 9, 14, 7-20, 8, 9, 19-7, 15-1, 20-20, 8, 5-18,
9, 19, 11-15, 6-20, 8, 5, 9, 18-12, 9, 6, 5, 20, 8, 9, 19-20,
5, 1, 3, 8, 5, 19-21, 19, 20, 15-2, 5-12, 15, 25, 1, 12-20,
15-5, 1, 3, 8-15, 20, 8, 5, 18.
Funeral Ceremony.
After the death of any member of the Court, the
G. M. shall be notified of such, and he or she shall notify
the G. M. A. of that Court, who shall notify the members
of the Court to meet at a certain date or hour to prepare
for the funeral. When the Court assembles, the G. M.
declares the meeting open and announces the purpose
of the call. He or she shall have the Secretary to read the
jiame of the deceased member, stating how long he or
ehe had been a member and the date of death, and all
of this shall be kept as a record.
When the procession arrives at the Church the mem¬
bers will form a line, through which the corpse will pass.
The G. I. G. and the G. O. G. and Right and Left Sup¬
porters will hold their staffs crossed at the Church
door. After the corpse and all the mourners
have passed, all superior and national officers,
followed by the G. M- A. and G. Chaplain, followed by
the members two deep, will pass through the line into
the Church, The G. L G. and G. O. G. shall wait with
their staffs crossed until all the members have parsed
20
under them. After the sermon the G. M. will give
two raps of the gavel and the members will rise and read
the following:
G. M. The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.
Members. He maketh me to lie down in green
pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters.
G. M. He restoreth my soul, he leadeth me in the
paths of righteousness; yea, though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou
art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Member. Thou prepareth for me a table in the
presence of mine enemies ,thou annointeth my head with
oil, my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the
days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
Members. Behold we are sorry. O, Lord, let the
light of thy countenance shine upon us in our distress;
please comfort us.
G. M. The Lord will hear and answer our prayers.
Members. Hear us,, 0, Lord, and comfort our
hearts.
G. M. May the Lord save us with everlasting sal¬
vation.
Prayer, to be led by the Grand Chaplain, or an ex¬
temporaneous prayer may be offered.
Author of all good, giver of all mercy, pour thou
blessings upon us and strengthen our solemn obligations
with ties of sincere affections. May the presence of
fleeting mortality cause us to draw our attention to the
only refuge in the time of need, that when that awful
"moment shall come and we are about to quit these earth-
21
ly scenes, may thy shining countenance dispel all the
gloom of death from our minds, and in thy favor may we
be received and engage in the reunion of our departed
friends as a just reward of a pious and virtuous life.
(All members repeat three time) Praise God! Praise God!
Praise God!
To be read by the G. M. or Mistress.
Dear Sons and Daughters of the G. S. F. U.: This
solemn scene tells us that our ranks have been visited
by that Messenger of Death against whose sudden en¬
trance there is no retreat, and whose end none can avoid.
The chain of our circle has been broken and once a living
being is gone, one that walked and talked as you do now,
their voice is hushed in death, we can only mourn our
loss of a beloved brother or sister (call the name of de¬
ceased). Gone, never to be seen no more in this life.
May (he or she) rest in peace until the resurrection
morning. This is the last we can attribute in token of
our departed brother or sister whom we have met so
often in court. We hope he (or she) has gone to enjoy
a long season of rest and happiness. Now we bid him
(or her) the last farwell. May we all some day meet
Kim (or her) where parting will be no more. All repeat,
farewell, farewell, farewell.
While the G. M. is reading the exhortation the mem¬
bers will stand with their right arm across their breast,
ind as they say farewell, slowly three times, they will
et their right hands fall and resume their seats while the
M. A., with whatever help needed, will assist the fami-
y in viewing the corpse. After the family has taken
he last look at the corpse the G. M. will again call the
nembers to their feet and the G. M. A., with one armor
;earer at his side will pass out and form a line on the out-
22
side, holding their position until the corpse and family-
have passed. The G. M. A. Will have formed an arch
with their staffs at the door and while the members are
marching around the corpse the following song shall be
sung:
1. When the saints go marching home, when the
saints go marching home, I want to be in that number
when the saints go marching home.
2. When they march around the throne, when they
march around the throne, I want to be in that number
when they march around the throne.
3. When the sun refuses to shine, when the sun
refuses to shine, I want to be in that number when the
sun refuses to shine.
4. When they crown him Lord of all, when they
crown him Lord of all, I want to be in that number when
they crown him Lord of all.
Cemetery.
At the sound of the gavel the members shall form a
circle around the grave, with the minister and G. M.
standing at the head and the members of the family
seated or standing at the foot of the graye. The officers
of the Court shall stand next to the G. M. While the
body is being lowered the members will sing, "When the
Saints Go Marching Home," led by the Grand Chaplain.
When the body is ready for commitment the minister
will take charge. If there is no minister the G. M. will
proceed to read the following:
G. M. Lord, we are most heart stricken at the loss
we have sustained. We have nothing of life's consola
tion to offer. We can only mourn and weep for our b:
loved brother or sister. For as much as it has pleaseij
23
the Almighty God in His wise providence to take out of
this world the soul of our departed brother or sister, we
therefore commit his (or her) body to the ground! earth
to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, looking for the
general resurrection and life to come in the last day, when
the earth and sea shall give up their dead and the bodies
of them that sleep shall be raised in immortaility.
Dear Son or Daughter we bid you farewell; you are
at rest from your labors; may you rest in peace.
Prayer of the Chaplain.
Htaisrrr.i e,ltfiyflnF9os51rsB-3zJ98 3Hi
0, Lord, Most Merciful God, in whom we live and have
our being, we ask thee to take charge of us as we go, be
with us forever, till at last we have finished the course of
life. We ask this in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ.
Praise God! Praise God! Praise God!
The G. M. must have twelve rods for members
trimmed in white. The G. M. A.'s rod must be white and
black, to be used at all funerals. After the grave has
been covered#up all the officers must lay their rods across
the grave4as*a house, to remain that way until dismissed.
This performance must be gone through at all funerals.
INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
Brother (or Sister), calling their name, you have been
elected to the office of G. M. of this order with confidence
and trust. These members hav eseen fit to favor you with
this honor. Your duties are (read their duties from, the
Constitution). I now empower you with the jewel of
your office, which is the gavel. See that you keep your
temper and passion within due bounds and rule with fair¬
ness and equity toward all.
24
Brother (or sister), calling their names, you have
been elected to the office of G. C. in this Court, with the
confidence these members have in your uprightness and
qualification. I now present to you the badge of your
office, which is the Hymn Book and Bible. Your duties'
are to pray at the opening and closing of the Court. Keep
your passion in due bound, especially with the members
of the Court. Be ready at all times to visit the sick and
offer prayer.
Brother (or sister), calling their name, you have
been elected to the office, G ,M. A., and as an expression
of confidence these members have in the ability you
possess to fill it. I present you with the emblem of your
office, which is the staff. Your duty is to examine all
present prior to the opening of the lodge, and report the
results to the G. M.; to prepare and accompany candidate,
and obey the orders of the G. M.
My Brother (or sister), calling their name, this
Court has elected you to the office of G. D. M. Youi
duty is to command all public parades, care for all th^
jewels and implements of this Court, and keep an eye tc
the dress and conduct of all members. j
Brothers (or sisters), calling their names, you havd
been elected by this Court to the respective offices oj
G. I. G. and G. 0. G. I now present to you the badge oj
your office, which is the sword. Your duties are to see thaj
ho one enters the lodge room in time of meeting unlesj
they are in possession of the proper password. Prov
yourselves worthy of the trust and do not betray it.
25
OATHS
Sons and Daughters: This s a matter that may be
well spoken of. Consider what is involved upon you, as
Sons and Daughters of G. S. F. U. Are you willing to
perform such duties as your office requires?
All answer: Yes.
Question: Do you swear?
Answer: I do solemnly promise and swear, in the
presence of God and these witnesses around me assem¬
bled, that I will protect and defend such laws as are now
and are hereafter made in conformity to this great Order
in every respect.
INSTRUCTIONS
Sons and Daughters, you have been sworn to protect
(the rights of this Order and to sustain your free institu¬
tion of the Grand Sons and Daughters of G. S. F. U.
Now prove yourselves worthy. You are the light of the
brder. Whosoever shall break the least one of the laws
of this order and shall teach others to do so, shall be
dealt with according to the penalties of its law.
The Chaplain will please lead the Lord's Prayre.
Installer. I declare this Court to be duly installed
with its regular elected officers for the ensuing year. May
all discharge their duties to the credit of themselves and
the glory of God. Amen! Amen! Amen!
DEGREES
It is best to give but one degree at a meeting. This
gives the candidates a better opportunity to learn and
divide the degrees. All the degrees can be given at one
meeting, but it is not best. If it is possible do not give
26
any degrees at a monthly meeting. Have as many call
meetings as you can for lectures, explanation and in¬
struction.
IMPLEMENTS FOR INITIATION
1. Gavel
2. The drum.
3. Call is made by small tin.
4. The fighting is made by wooden rattles.
5. The Holy Bible open on the altar. The form
laid down in the Ritual as near as possible.
6. When initiating let every member be silent.
Conduct the ceremony in a pious manner.
7. Be careful with your Rituals. -Do not let them
be seen by persons who are not members.
8. In public turn-outs follow the instructions that
are found in the rituals unless National Grand Court or¬
ders the turn-out in undress. I that case every member
wears badges, and the officers their jewels. The members
must turn out in full regalia, which consists of white
caps for ladies, white dresses, gloves and your badge.
For men: Dark su:ts and white vests, white gloves and
caps.
Do not make any person a member that you would
be ashamed to appear in pubic with. Be careful to take
none but reliable persons in the community in which they
live. Always have the candidates in the ante-room.
A thick veil reaching entirely around the head is tied
over the eyes. Care must be taken that the ve'l is made
of material that the candidate can not see through.
The ritualistic work is subject to enlargement at any
time the founders see fit.
27
All regalia and supplies of the Great Southern Fra¬
ternal Union must be secured from the National Head¬
quarters at 816 West Ninth Street, Little Rock, Arkansas.
s.
G. M.
G. S.
G. M. A.
and G. T.
R. G.
G. C.
L. G.
G. I. G.
G. 0. G.
V ; ■
V. G. M.
G. D. M.
1