Ritual of the Order of the Eastern StarOrder of the Eastern Star. General Grand Chapter
Religion
Ritual of the Order of the Eastern Star
Order of the Eastern Star. General Grand Chapter
Freemasonry -- Rituals; Order of the Eastern Star -- Rituals
I will explain the significance of the colors, the emblematic flowers,
and the meaning of the several emblems alluding to the distinguished
characters portrayed in the degrees.
Blue symbolizes Fidelity. It is represented by the violet.
The open Bible is appropriate to Jephthah's Daughter, as a symbol of
obedience to the word of God.
Yellow symbolizes Constancy. It is represented by the yellow jessamine.
The Lily of the Valley is appropriate to Ruth, as a symbol of loveliness
among the lowly.
White symbolizes Light, Purity and Joy. It is represented by the white
lily.
The Sun is appropriate to Esther, as a symbol of the light and joy she
gave to a down-trodden race.
Green symbolizes Hope and Immortality. It is represented by the fern.
The Lamb is appropriate to Martha, as a symbol of innocence and
humility.
Red symbolizes Fervency. It is represented by the red rose.
The Lion is appropriate to Electa, as a symbol of the courage and power,
that sustained the martyr defenders of Truth.
And, finally, my sister, Jephthah's Daughter, because she freely
sacrificed her life to preserve her father's honor; Ruth, poor and
lowly, was faithful to the demands of honor and justice; Esther, noble
queen, was prepared to sacrifice her crown and life, to save her people
from destruction; Martha, from her trustful faith and hope of immortal
life; and Electa, pre-eminent in charity, and heroic in endurance of the
wrongs of persecution; were (18.)
So may it be with you. As you illustrate in your life the virtues of
these tried servants of God, so shall be your reward.
You will now be conducted to the Secretary's desk, where you will sign
the By-Laws of this Chapter, and become entitled to all the privileges
of membership; after which you will be re-conducted to your present
position.
While the candidate is signing the By-Laws, there may be vocal or
instrumental music. After signing the By-Laws the candidate is
conducted to the preparation room, disrobes if robes are used, a
badge of the Order put on, and conducted to the East, facing West.
When the door opens for the Conductress and candidate to return, the
Chapter is called up, and all join in singing a welcome song, after
which the Worthy Patron says:
_W. P._ Sisters and Brothers, our sister has passed through the several
degrees of our Order, we hope with some pleasure to her, and we know
with great satisfaction to us. You will give her a hearty welcome and
resume order at the sound of the gavel.
The Chapter takes a recess.
Installation Ceremonies.
These ceremonies may be performed in public. If at a special
meeting, the Chapter will be declared open with one blow of the
Gavel. If regular, it may be opened in an adjacent room and business
postponed, adjourning to the Hall for installation, after which the
Worthy Matron will declare the Chapter closed.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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