|
Patrons of Husbandry
(THE GRANGE)
The National Grange of the Order
of the Patrons of Husbandry was founded in Washington, DC on December 4, 1867,
by Oliver Hudson Kelley, a Mason and a clerk with the Federal Bureau of
Agriculture, and six other men. Known as "the Farmer's Masonry,"
the order uses a seven-degree ritual system, with signs, passwords, grips, and
regalia. Both men and women are admitted, 14 years of age or older as equal
members, since Kelley was persuaded by his niece, Caroline Hall, to admit women
into the order when it was first founded. The first lodge was Fredonia Grange
No. 1 in Fredonia, NY. It was instrumental in passing the "Granger Laws"
which put an end to various abuses by the railroad industry in the late 1800’s.
The order uses the Holy Bible in its ritual, which is placed on an altar in
the Grange, and 43 passages from the Holy Bible are quoted in the Subordinate
Grange's four degrees. The Grange Master administers vows to the candidates in
each of the four degrees, and the candidate is hoodwinked in the first degree,
showing Masonic influences.
The county level administers the fifth degree called "Pomona," while
the state level administers the "Flora" degree. The National Grange
administers the Degree of "Ceres" or "Demeter" which is
exemplified annually. The order forbids alcohol in its meetings, and stresses
temperance outside of the Grange.
There was a time in the not-too-distant past
when the local Grange Hall was the center of community life in many small towns. It was a
place of social gathering, a political rallying point, an economic cooperative, a
fraternal order, a service organization and an agricultural forum. It instilled love of
God, family and country. It helped farmers band together to protect their mutual
interests. And, more than any other institution it embodied an American way of life.
The Grange is the nation’s oldest and second largest farm organization. It had its
beginnings in Washington DC in 1867, founded by a group of farmers for their mutual
support and to foster civic, moral and political responsibility. Grange members joined in
various group ventures: buying and selling goods; legislative lobbying on behalf of
farmers; and eventually, in protecting themselves through insurance. Grangers considered
themselves good insurance risks because of their dedication to family, property,
citizens’ rights and private enterprise. They thus felt entitled to lower insurance
rates. Many small mutual insurance companies were formed by Grangers, but only five have
grown to multi-state size.
In 1893, the Washington State Grange
met in the hayloft of a new barn in White Salmon, Washington, and resolved to start a fire
insurance cooperative. By-laws, assessments, and conditions for the new association were
formulated and agents were appointed in various Granges. On April 4, 1894, business
commenced and the Washington Fire Relief Association’s insurance was in force.
The Association changed its name in 1936 to Grange Fire Insurance Association. In 1943, to
reflect the broadening of coverage offerings to include casualty, as well as fire
insurance, the name was then changed to Grange Insurance Association. For
a more detailed history and explanation of the Grange degrees be sure to visit:
Order of
Patrons of Husbandry Ritual
5th Degree - Pomona
Opening
Ceremony
The Master will take his place, and call the Grange to order by
one stroke of the gavel. Officers will immediately repair to their respective
stations, and members, clothed in regalia, will be seated. The Master will then
rise and say:
Brothers and
Sisters, we have assembled for work in the Degree of Pomona. Please assist in
opening the Grange.
Calls up.
M.:
Worthy Overseer, please ascertain if all present are entitled to remain with us
in the Fifth Degree.
O.:
Worthy Steward, you will direct your Assistants to satisfy themselves that all
present have received the Fifth Degree.
S.:
My Assistants
will make an examination and report.
The Assistants will receive the words from the Overseer, make the
examination and report, as in the Fourth Degree.
O.:
Worthy Master, I am satisfied that all present have been instructed in the Fifth
Degree.
M.:
Worthy Steward, is the Gate Keeper on guard?
The Steward will see if the Gate Keeper is at his post and
reports.
S.:
He is, Worthy Master
M.:
Worthy Chaplain, we will join with you, and invoke the Divine favor.
C.:
Our Father who art in heaven, we beseech Thee to inspire us with Thy presence on
this occasion. Give us strength of mind, purity of thought, and earnestness of
purpose in the discharge of every duty; and may the work and influence of this
Grange imbue us with wisdom and virtue—that we may he able to carry good cheer
to our homes, and become better qualified to discharge the duties of life. We
ask all in Thy holy name. Amen.
All respond:
Amen.
Song.
M.:
Worthy Steward, please close the Inside Gate.
Steward Closes the door.
S.:
The Gate is closed, Worthy Master.
M.:
Brothers and Sisters having reached this high position through the exercise of
F*, H*, and C*, with F*, and by P*; let the language of the Salutation of this
Degree, be our inspiring motto in all our work as Patrons of Husbandry.
Salutation.
M.:
I now declare the Grange opened for work in the Fifth Degree. Worthy Steward,
inform the Gate Keeper.
Calls down.
Degree Work
A double curtain is stretched across the Hall, in front of the
Stage, on which POMONA presides, surrounded by ten or twelve Lady Attendants,
all gaily dressed. The Stage is superbly decorated with flowers, shrubbery and
fruits.
POMONA seated on the throne—her Attendants form a good Chorus.
A table occupies the centre of the Hall, on which are displayed
fruits and flowers. The Master’s desk is in front of the curtain, on the same
side which it occupies in the subordinate degree work. The officers’ desks are
decorated, but all decorations are covered up in the first part of the work, and
the room is dimly lighted by a single candle on each officer’s desk.
Candidates in the ante-room are clothed in the regalia of the
fourth degree, and Masters of Granges wear their jewels. Each candidate is
closely blindfolded.
A.S. gives the signal of the fifth degree.
S.:
Worthy Overseer, an alarm!
O.:
Worthy Master, an alarm!
M.:
Worthy Overseer, request the Steward to ascertain who thus disturbs our
deliberations.
O.:
Worthy Steward, by command of our Worthy Master you will ascertain who is
without.
S., opens door:
Who are these persons thus disturbing the deliberations of this assembly?
A.S.:
Patrons of Husbandry who desire to receive the degree of Pomona.
S.:
Will you testify that they are eligible?
A.S.:
I will. They have their credentials, which are correct.
S., closes door:
Worthy Overseer, those without are duly qualified candidates for the degree of
Pomona.
O.:
If you will assume the responsibility you can admit them.
S., opens door, and in a loud voice says:
Worthy Assistant, the door is opened, but at your peril let none enter who are
not fully qualified. Tread lightly, and be silent.
Soft music as they pass once around the Hall— the women
candidates attended by the L.A. Steward—and as they reach the Overseer’s desk,
crash of thunder.
O.:
Who are these, and whither are they going?
A.S.:
Patrons of Husbandry, who have served faithfully in all the subordinate degrees,
and desire to enter a higher field of usefulness.
O.:
Have they credentials?
A.S.:
They have: and I now present the same for your examination.
Hands papers.
O.:
While their
papers are being inspected, you will conduct the candidates to the Chaplain.
A.S.:
Worthy Chaplain, by order of our Overseer, I bring these Patrons of Husbandry
for instruction, preparatory to their advancement.
Chap.:
Patrons, the ceremony of the degree you are about to receive is one that can
never be erased from your minds, and should he considered by you with all due
solemnity. Therefore, that you may be prepared in heart and in mind, let us
unite in prayer. Master calls
up.
Chap.:
Almighty
Father, we bow before Thee in all humility, and beseech Thee to look with favor
upon those now present who seek further knowledge
of our
mysteries. May this occasion teach them to look to Thee with increased
reverence, and to love and to serve Thee with greater fervor and devotion. Give
them strength of mind and body, that they may labor more effectively in the good
cause. We ask it in Thy holy name.
All:
Amen.
While candidates stand before the Chaplain the Overseer says:
Worthy Assistant Steward, their credentials are correct, and you
will proceed to the altar with the candidates.
Music while candidates are being ranged around the altar.
A.S.:
Worthy Master, the candidates at the altar are ready to take the obligation.
O. Calls up.
M.:
Patrons, repeat after me:
I, ...,
pledge my sacred honor that what I may, at this time, learn of the mysteries of
this Order, shall he kept secret by me,—and solemnly promise that as a
representative in any legislative or business body of the Order, my voice and
vote shall always be used to promote the welfare of the Order, without fear,
favor or personal bias. And I declare that I never will, by word or deed, wrong
a member of the Order, and will always endeavor to protect our Sisters from
harm. And I hereby renew and confirm all former pledges, under the penalties
heretofore invoked, and make them part of this obligation.
O. calls down, and M. says:
Worthy
Assistant Steward, you will restore them to light, and conduct them to the
Overseer.
A.S.:
Worthy Overseer, I bring these Patrons of Husbandry to be prepared for entering
the Court of Pomona.
O.:
Patrons, have you brought any token of your industry—any product of the soil?
Each Cand.:
I have not.
O.:
It is necessary that you do so; for, to gain favor with Pomona, some tribute
must be presented. I cannot grant you authority to proceed further, and if you
venture it must be at your own risk.
O. inverts his candle.
A.S.:
Patrons, you have heard the Overseer. Shall we proceed?
Cand.:
Yes.
A.S.:
If you will take the risk, I will be your guide.
Music. Worthy Lecturer, these Patrons are on their way to the Court
of Pomona.
L.:
To be admitted there, each must present a written essay upon some agricultural
subject in which the writer is interested—one calculated to advance the
interests of our Order. To
candidates: Are you so provided?
Each Cand.:
I am not.
L.:
It is highly important that you should be, to show that you take an active
interest in the progress of our Order. It is instituted not merely for
amusement, but to accomplish great objects. If all are negligent in this
respect, our time is lost. All the results of experiments must be noted, and
this experience he given for the benefit of our associates. Hereafter, heed
this. As it is, I cannot encourage you with even faint hopes of success in your
pilgrimage to Pomona; and if you proceed, I must caution you that it will be at
your own risk.
L. inverts his candle.
A.S.:
Patrons, she prospect of success is far from encouraging. We will venture to
approach the Worthy Master, and see if we can gain his approval.
Music. Worthy Master, I bring Patrons of
Husbandry who seek admission to the Court of Pomona.
M.:
Have they brought evidence of their skill as Husbandmen and Matrons?
A.S.:
They have not.
M.:
Then they certainly cannot expect to find favor here. It is one of the precepts
and commands of our Order that each member shall contribute liberally, either in
the products of the soil or of the mind for the common good of our fraternity.
They certainly cannot be permitted to participate in the benefits of this degree
without the special permission of Pomona.
A.S.:
Can they have your authority to approach and ask her permission?
M.:
Coming here without any specimen of their skill and industry, I cannot give it.
They must go at their own risk.
M. inverts his candle.
A.S.:
Patrons, your hopes of success grow faint. There remains but one way in which
you can succeed. Will you venture on that?
Each Cand.:
I will!
A.S.:
I charge you then to have courage! You must first secure the Password. Come this
way.
Music.
Every candle but one is extinguished. It is dark
Distant thunder and rain are heard. Lightning flashes. On reaching the Altar the
first curtain is drawn aside showing the Apparition in white, guarded by
dragons. Thunder ceases.
Spectre:
Who are these that dare intrude within this sacred portal.
A.S.:
Patrons of Husbandry who have labored diligently in Subordinate Granges, and who
now desire to gain admission to the Court of Pomona.
Spec.:
Have they brought offerings to lay before her?
A.S.:
They have not,
Spec.:
How, then, do they expect to gain admittance? Have they authority from the
Worthy Master?
A.S.:
They failed to secure that.
Spec.:
Why did they fail?
A.S.:
Because they brought no offerings.
Spec.:
Then they cannot pass.
A.S.:
Are all their hopes, then, blasted? Is there no way in which they can gain your
favor?
Spec.:
There is—one way.
A.S.:
What is it?
Spec.:
Hope, and Persevere.
A.S.:
In what respect?
Spec.:
ALL THROUGH LIFE! Let it be a lesson, never to be forgotten, that success in a
good cause is gained only by perseverance. Never be discouraged. Hope and
persevere!
All:
Hope and Persevere!
Thunder and lightning. Grand crash. Apparition and dragons
disappear.
A.S.:
How we have a clue! Come this way. With it you may gain your end.
A.S. and Candidates retire to the ante-room. As soon as the Hall
is vacated the curtains are drawn back, table and officers’ desks uncovered,
full light, and the whole room made to appear like a fairy bower, in as strong
contrast to its former gloomy appearance as possible. A.S. then gives signal,
which is answered by the S. and the door is thrown open. Grand Concert of voices
and instruments, during which candidates pass slowly around the room, and, as
the song ends, stop at L.
A.S.:
Worthy
Lecturer, we are on our way to the Court of Pomona, seeking wisdom.
L.:
Patrons, those whose seek Pomona’s Court should delight in the science and art
of Agriculture, The charge and labors of the farm, the garden, the dairy, and
the farm household, should have a humanizing influence on the mind. Can we aid
in giving fruitfulness to the soil, assist in the subterranean mysteries of
germination, and direct the growth of the almost intelligent plants, without
grateful recognition of the power of the Almighty? Can we superintend the
mysterious alchemy of dairy and kitchen and the more interesting changes of the
human frame and intellect in their wonderful developments from infancy to age,
and not feel an adoring awe at the wisdom and love of the framer of our bodies
and the Father of our spirits? Thus the study of God’s works is a never ending
source of delight and improvement. It enlightens our minds, refines our tastes,
and expands and improves our affections.
In these
great aims of our Order Pomona delights, and richly rewards all who endeavor to
promote them.
Music, during which candidates are conducted to O.
A.S.:
Worthy Overseer, we salute you.
O.:
Patrons, you have been prepared to consider anew your obligations as husbandmen
and matrons. There is one great duty which I would impress upon your minds at
this time. It is, to preserve, and bring together for exhibition, at proper
seasons, the choicest productions of orchard, farm, garden, dairy, and household
skill, that we may incite one another to good works. But what avail these,
beyond a momentary pleasure, without that instruction which will form others how
they may accomplish similar valuable results?
Every Patron of our ancient art should experiment to discover new modes of
cultivation, or to ascertain precisely what are the elements of success. He
should note the character and condition of the soil; the quality, measure and
weight of his seed; the time and mode of planting; and the state of atmosphere
and season, before, at, and after planting. He should also carefully observe and
record all changes and accidents, helps and hindrances that attend each stage of
growth. And when the experiment is completed, he should as carefully note all
particulars per. taming to the results obtained. This will enable him to
instruct others, and will suggest many valuable hints for future use. Thus will
you truly become eminent Patrons of Husbandry, honoring and being honored,
blessing and being blessed, instructing and being instructed, favored of God,
and your brethren, approved by your own conscience, and the judgment of the wise
and good who know you and your works.
Music, during which the candidates are conducted to Chaplain.
A.S.:
Worthy Chaplain, we solicit words of counsel from you.
Chap.: Patrons, it was proper that you
presented yourselves at our Altar. None should live so near God, and in such
acknowledged dependence on Him,
as the Husbandman and Matron. We live amid His works, surrounded by His
productions, dependent on His air, His light, His warmth, to cause the seed we
plant, to germinate, and all our labors, to yield fruit.
Our every sense is vitalized and gratified by His providence, and our every want
supplied by His bounty. It is most especially true of us, that “in Him we live,
and move, and have our being;” for our labors are His labors, our rewards are
the results of His workings, and our every pulsation and breath should therefore
be in harmony with His works and His will. Even we, ourselves, are God’s
husbandry.
They pass up and salute Pomona.
A.S.:
Worthy Pomona, I greet you, and in behalf these Patrons I solicit your favor.
Pomona:
Have they brought any tribute?
A.S.:
They have not.
Pom.:
How, then, could they enter here?
A.S.:
The talismanic
words of success were uttered, and all obstacles were removed.
Pom.:
What were they?
A.S.:
Hope, and Persevere!
Pom.:
Let those words be indelibly graven on their minds.
To candidates. What seek you?
A.S.:
The authority by which they may be invested with all that belongs to this
degree.
Pom.:
It is granted. Take this signet to our Worthy Master, that they may receive the
Sign and Password.
Passes an emblem of the degree to one of her Attendants, who
gives it to A.S.
A.S.:
Thanks, Worthy Pomona. Bows to her, and turns to
candidates. Through Perseverance we have gained our object. Now let
us to the Worthy Master.
Music.
A.S.:
Worthy Master, I present this signet, received from Pomona, and ask that these
Patrons may be vested with the Sign and Password of this degree.
M.:
The signet is received, and the request shall be granted. Patrons, our wishes
may produce pain and anxiety, but Elope always gives pleasure. Hope on,
persevere ever. These words express the meaning of the letters as placed on the
Cornucopia, the emblem of this degree, H.O.P.E.
Calls up. And now, Patrons,
let us pay our respects to our Worthy Patroness, POMONA.
Pomona rises and advances to the front of the stage.
Pom.:
Patrons, this is truly a fit time for serious reflection. If we work upon
marble, it will crumble—if we work upon brass, time will corrode it—if we rear
temples, they will crumble into dust; but if we work upon immortal minds,—if we
imbue them with just and true principles, the reverence of God and the love of
our fellow-man, we engrave or something which will brighten to all eternity.
As a
reward for your fidelity, your industry and zeal, let us now partake of those
bounties which our labors have secured. I invite you to follow us to the feast.
Music. Pomona leaves the stage. Master approaches and offers his
arm, which she accepts.
Officers and members wait upon the ladies into the Banquet. Master calls upon
Chaplain, who asks a blessing. After the feast, the Grange reassembles, but
closes immediately.
Closing Ceremony
M.:
Worthy Overseer, is the work of this meeting completed?
O.:
It is, Worthy Master.
M.:
Worthy Steward, with the aid of your Assist. ants, please collect the books,
regalia, and implements of labor.
The Steward should collect the Manuals and other books, and place
them upon the Master’s table. The Assistants should pass around the hall and
receive the regalia, badges, &c., and place them neatly in a box prepared and
kept for that purpose. The Master should be the custodian of the Manuals and
other books; the Steward of the regalia and working tools; and the Secretary of
all record books, files, &c.
S.:
All are secured, Worthy Master.
Calls up.
Song.
M.:
Worthy Steward, is the Inside Gate securely closed?
S.:
The gate is closed, Worthy Master.
Salutation.
C. gives benediction.
All:
Amen.
M.:
Brothers and Sisters, I declare this Grange duly closed, until again lawfully
opened. Let us remember our motto and persevere in all good works.
Suggestions for the Fifth Degree Work
Material for paraphernalia necessary in preparation of hall for
conferring the Fifth Degree of Pomona (Hope), and the estimate cost of the
outfit.
1 heavy curtain of Green Baize or Green Flannel, to stretch the
entire width of the hall, 7 or 5 feet high.
1 light curtain, 7 by 5 feet—requires 4¼ yards of White Tarletan.
2 dozen one-half inch curtain rings or hooks.
2 copper wires, length of each a little more than the width of
hall.
1 censer or iron pan.
2 Ounces alcohol
2 pepper dusters.
4 ounces Lycopodium—(can be had at drug store).
1 yard Magnesium Tape—(can get at drug store or art gallery).
1 Tin Pan, in form of dusting pan, 3 inches wide, 10 inches long,
½ inch deep, with a place to insert the Magnesium Tape, and an open socket for
wooden handle.
8 candlesticks.
2 wall hinged lamp brackets, 12 or 14 inches long.
8 yards Bleached Muslin, for spectre robe.
1 round table stand, 3 feet in diameter.
1 round shelving rack for fruit stand, tier after tier till it
reaches a peak—in form of a flower stand.
1 White Muslin Table Cloth, six feet square.
The entire cost of the outfit will be about $20 to $30. A little
judgment must be used to see that everything is neatly made by competent
mechanics.
FIFTH DEGREE.—[Pomona.]
This Degree symbolizes a storm, followed by bright sunshine and a
scene of plenty.
Arrangement of Stage.—Decorate with Autumn fruits, plants and
trees, representing orchard, vineyard and fruit garden, the abundance of a
well-tilled farm
Court Robes.—Light Green material, Ceres trimmed with yellow;
Flora, pink; Pomona, pink and white. Floral decorations of fruit buds for
headwear, with bouquets or baskets of fruit for each.
The robes can be made by the same method as those for the Subordinate Degrees.
The L.A.S. Robe.—Material, Navy blue cheese cloth, or calico,
made sailor fashion, trimmed with white braid. A white cord and tassel confines
it at the waist. A shepherdess’ hat completes the costume. Requires about ten
yards of material. The same suit is worn throughout all the Degrees.
Directions for Making Court Robes—The robes can be made so that
they may be worn
as over-dresses; fitting anyone, by ladies wearing
their own dress waist made of fancy or light colored material.
Then take a full breadth of the goods; getting the length by
measuring from the back of the neck down front, touching the floor when hemmed;
next cut a vent to come to the waist ; now lay it in plaits over the shoulders;
cutting it out at the back of the neck so it will lay nicely around the neck
over the basque like a scarf, next cut two widths, from the waist down, allowing
for a train, and complete the skirt by sewing to front piece at waist, place a
draw at the waist, bringing the skirt over the basque at the waist, wearing sash
of two inch ribbon. Such a stage robe will fit anyone.
Another pretty style of robe
is the Grecian. Make a perfectly plain, white yoke, with high standing collar;
cut the material in required lengths allowing for 3 inches of train, back and
front; use not less than four widths, and sew on the yoke about 3 inches from
lower edge of collar; cut an arm’s eye; make a plain, long, tight-fitting
sleeve. Take a width of material and to make an extra sleeve, like the old. time
angel sleeve, and sew it to the arm’s eye, commencing at the back underneath and
ending on the top of the shoulder. This allows the material to fall from the arm
down the skirt of the robe. A narrow ribbon or cord should gather the gown
loosely at the waist line. The gown should be drawn up to escape the ground
at front and sides and let fall over the ribbon or cord. In making the robes
observe the proper colors for Ceres, Flora and Pomona.
All that remains to be done after that is to trim them nicely
observing the colors of green and white for Pomona, yellow for Ceres, pink and
white for Flora, with wrist ribbons.
The cheese cloth is wide and soft, consequently makes up and
drapes very nicely and will take about 5 yards for a suit.
Pink, white and yellow tarletan, makes a pretty trimming for some
of the suits and ribbon for the others.
Directions for Stage and Court.—To give an impressive effect to
the Court in the several degrees the stage should not be less than ten feet deep
and fifteen feet wide for an ordinary good-sized Grange Hall.
If stage scenery is used, which adds much to the effect of the
Court, the deeper the stage the better the effect, provided the hall is
proportionately large.
In almost any good-sized town a professional stage-fitter can be
found who would be glad to take the contract to put in the slides and scenery
similar. to those used in opera houses.
For Pomona Granges two sets of slides and scenes are necessary;
one representing a storm, the other representing sunshine, fruits, plants,
trees, orchard and vineyard.
MANNER OF WORK.
Instruction in preparing hall for conferring the Fifth Degree,
and manner of conducting the initiation.
Stretch a heavy curtain made of green baize or green flannel
across the entire hall, in front of the stage, 7 or 8 feet high, or as may suit
the hall, mounted on a strong wire
or cord; parting in the center. To mount the curtain, fasten a ring or curtain
hooks every sixteen inches to the upper end of the curtain, through these run a
strong wire or cord ; then fasten the one end of the wire to the wall by means
of a strong screw eyelet, so as to bring the curtain immediately in front of the
stage. Now stretch your wire with curtain tightly across the hall and fasten it
on the opposite side. The curtain will now slide easily on the wire when needed
and will come right in front of the stage.
Back of the heavy curtains and on the side of the stage and
within five inches of the first is stretched another curtain, made of white
Tarletan, 7 by 5 feet, mounted in the same manner as the first, excepting that
it don’t part in the center. If properly mounted it will slide readily on the
wire. It should be weighted lightly with lead at the lower end to keep it in
place, in case of a current of air, and out of danger of lights.
In conferring the degree the light curtain is drawn right in
front of the stage, and the heavy curtains are drawn over this, meeting at the
center—closing the stage from view.
The Master’s desk is brought in front of the curtains to the same
side as in the Subordinate Degree.
The censer is now set near the front and middle of the stage,
right back of the curtains—but not so close as to endanger fire—into this iron
pan or censer pour 2 ounces of alcohol, and put into it a little strip of paper
so that it can be easily lighted when wanted.
On the extreme outer sides of the stage, immediately back of the
curtains, should be placed the lamp
brackets at an elevation of about three feet, upon each of which place a candle
or gas jet.
The heavy woolen curtains should now be pushed towards the center
of the stage, from both sides a distance of about three feet from the wall.
Thin, white muslin curtains should now be placed on both sides,
in front of the candles on the wire from where the heavy curtains were pushed
from the outer sides of the stage.
Place the Lycopodium in the pepper dusters, and to produce the
lightning, throw the Lycopodium from the pepper dusters on the burning candle or
gas jet, which will produce very pretty and impressive explosive flashes through
the muslin curtains in imitation of lightning over clouds (it is perfectly
harmless and without any unpleasant odor). Thunder is produced by means of 2
pieces of sheet iron, 3 feet long, one placed on each side of the stage, which
can by a little practice, be very skilfully used in imitation of distant
thunder.
To produce the sound of rain, use medium size shot, dropping them
from a height of 4 feet into a pan.
The part of the spectre can be most impressively performed by a
sister who should have her part committed. She should be robed in a white sheet,
covering her head and person, only her face and one hand being exposed, in the
style of some ancient classic picture, carefully concealing every vestige of
clothing, and be alone on the back part of the stage near the center,
immediately back of the censer. [A brother may be assigned the part of spectre
if preferred]. On either side of the stage should be the two managers, but out
of sight.
A round stand or table should be placed in the center of the
hall, on which should be arranged, in splendid order, tier after tier, fruits
and flowers of the richest display—the gratuitous contributions of the skilled
Matron and Husbandman.
These preparations for the feast should be carefully covered over with a large
white cloth in the first part of the degree.
A single candle should be on each officer’s desk, and no other
lights should be in the room outside the curtains. The arrangements now all
being completed, the candidates in the anteroom should be blindfolded and then
brought into the hell by the Assistant Steward, with candidates on his right, as
instructed by the Manual, and on reaching the Master’s desk the second time
around there is lightning and a heavy crash of thunder produced by the stage
operators back of the curtain.
After the Obligation remove the blindfold.
As the candidates pass the various officers and are instructed,
the lights are extinguished as marked in the Manual. Distant mutterings of
thunder are heard. At last passing the Master his light is extinguished also.
The censer is now lighted on the stage by the operators; distant thunder becomes
more ominous and rain and storm is heard, lightning flashes—the darkness and
solemnity of the scene before us is the drama of a great storm sweeping over the
hills and valleys of our rural homes, teaching us to look with reverence and
welcome on these great atmospheric disturbances and electric storms that come to
clear our sultry atmosphere and water our parched fields so that they may again
bring forth fruit to satisfy our necessary wants.
The candidates reaching the altar, the first or heavy curtains
are drawn to either side, parting about 5 or 6 feet, showing the apparition in
white, protected by serpents and burning alcohol in censer, in front of the
apparition. Thunder becomes more distant and the spectre speaks in a slow,
measured voice, as in Manual Finally, when the Assistant Steward and spectre get
through with the colloquy—there is thunder, lightning and a grand crash, and the
apparition quickly disappears—the burning censer is removed—the Assistant
Stewards wait with the candidates standing at the altar till the sunlight
appears by the managers lighting the Magnesium Tape at a candle (and placing it
in its place on the pan, being careful that none of its ashes will drop on
clothing or curtains to cause fire). It is then placed in the center of the
stage by means of a long wooden handle, fixed in the socket of the pan. It is
now slowly raised in imitation of the brilliant sun bursting through the clouds
after a storm. At the close of this scene the candidates are taken to the
anteroom, when the curtains are drawn back, the room quickly re-arranged, the
stand laden with fruits and flowers unveiled, the hall is brilliantly lighted,
decorations appear everywhere, Pomona, with her court, accompanied by Flora and
Ceres, take their places on the stage gaily robed and decorated.
The candidates are now brought back and instructed by the various
officers, finally reaching Pomona. She steps forward and delivers her
lecture, and presents the Assistant Steward with a Cornucopia, with the letters
H-O-P-E engraved on it. The Assistant now addresses the Master and presents to
him the Cornucopia, the emblem of this degree. When the Master instructs the
candidates (as in the Manual, on pages 17 and 18, followed by an impromptu
lecture on the signification of the emblem and signs of this degree, and what
the grand and various scenes represent, as follows, immediately after the letters
H-O-P-E.)
MASTER SHOULD COMMIT.
“Patrons, the degree that we are conferring upon you, is that of
Pomona, and is the Fifth Degree of our Order.
It is intended to represent the ominous darkness of a great
electric rain storm, such as we frequently witness passing over our hills and
valleys, watering and refreshing our parched fields, orchards and vineyards so
as to again make them productive.
It is also intended to teach us to look with greater appreciation
and reverence upon the wise provision of the Creator, to protect our very existence.
For, were it not for the purifying effects of these great
electric storms upon the air, life could not be permanently maintained, as
disease and death would scourge the country with pestilence and destruction.
Hence, what we have been taught to hook upon with so much dread,
as elements of destruction and death, are really God’s wise provisions for the
preservation of our very existence.
You observed at the close of the first part of this degree, a luminous
spectre arising in the distance. This is in symbolism of spectres rising in the
night from the drenched and marshy soil; and after the dread and darkness of the
storm have subsided, heaven’s sunlight bursting in upon us, making our hearts
glad with the revived freshness of fruitful fields, orchards and vineyards.
Thus in this degree, like in all previous degrees, we make the
symbolism and teachings part of the fanner’s life.”
(Here follow the instructions in the unwritten work of the
degree).
Pomona then addresses the candidates and invites all to the
festive board. She then leaves the stage. The Master approaches and offers her
his arm which she accepts. Officers and members now wait on the ladies to the
banquet. The Master calls on the Chaplain, who invokes a blessing; when all
commingle in social pleasure and partake of the refreshments and luscious fruits
of orchard, field and vineyard.
The feast being over, the Grange reassembles and finishes its
business in this Degree, and then closes with the ceremonies of the Fifth
Degree.
|
