p. 157United Sons of Industry

The Chaplain defines his duties as: “To conduct the devotional exercises and perform such other duties as the President may direct.”

Opening Prayer by Chaplain

“Almighty Maker of the Universe, and giver of every good to mankind, we return our heartiest thanks to Thee, that we are permitted to again assemble here. Be with all connected with our Order, and aid us in extending its benefits in all parts of our land. Be with all Orders and associations having for their object the advancement of education and the moral welfare and happiness of mankind. Amen.”

The candidate for initiation in the different degrees of Apprentice, Journeyman and Master Mechanic, has to pass through the usual process of examination, cross-questioning, etc., till he is told to kneel before an open coffin containing a skeleton, representing a dead traitor to the Order, his right hand resting on the coffin and left hand on his breast:

President: “Brother———, if you are still willing to proceed, you will repeat after me the following obligation:”

Master Mechanic’s Obligation

“In the presence of Almighty God and these witnesses assembled in this duly organized Lodge of United Sons of Industry, now working in the Third, or Master Mechanic’s Degree, do most solemnly affirm that I will never reveal any or either of the secrets that may be committed to my care now, or at any other time, to any person or persons, upon any pretence whatsoever, unless to a worthy brother of this degree, and then only when I am duly authorized so to do for the good of the Order. The Grand Hailing Sign of Distress or the words which accompany it, I will never give under any circumstances, unless my life is in danger or for the purpose of instruction; and should I see that sign given by day or hear the word which accompanies it by night, I will go to the assistance of the brother in distress, and aid or relieve him if in my power. Furthermore, should I at any time see or hear of a worthy brother of this degree about to be despoiled unlawfully of any property, or any undue advantage taken of him, I will warn him of such if within my power. Should I at any time have any place of emolument at my disposal, and a worthy brother of this degree apply for such, I shall give him the preference, I deeming him capable of fulfilling the duties requisite thereof. Binding myself upon the violation of this obligation to no less penalty than total expulsion from the Order. So help me God, and keep me steadfast in this, my solemn vow and obligation, of this, the Master Mechanic’s Degree of the United Sons of Industry.”

President: “Brother, which do you most desire: light or darkness?”

Candidate: “Light.”

President: “Give our brother light.”

(At the head and foot of the coffin stand two masked persons in long black robes, and on the right hand side stands the Chaplain, in a long white robe, also masked. As the hoodwink is removed from candidate’s eyes, they each point with forefinger at the skeleton, when the Chaplain exclaims: “Behold the secret doom.”)

Vice President: “My brother, behold the traitor’s doom. He whom you first saw surrounded by friends, who would have shielded him from every danger; who would have been his support in every trial, proved recreant to the trust confided to him. Those brothers, for self-protection, and in strict compliance with their obligation, were forced to turn against him the sword of Justice as a brother. He fell from the high position to which they had exalted him, his shafts of enmity were turned, his babbling tongue was forever silenced; he met a traitor’s doom. Behold! Beware! Hold sacred your obligation. Let his fate be an example forever before you; let the impression sink deep into your heart. That you may be guided aright is the prayer of all these Brothers who now surround you.”

President: “Guide the brother still further on his way.” (Escort hoodwinks the candidate and marches him three times around the hall, halting in front of the President, when hoodwink is removed.)

President: “Brother, as you have taken the third and last step, you are now entitled to all the signs, grips and passwords of this lodge.”