National Council: - Opening Ceremony

Ritual

For Lodges of the International Organization of Good Templars
Used with permission of the National Council of IOGT-USA
(***Not currently used - for historical significance only.***)
Edited for the Internet by Brent B.

Opening Ceremony

[The C.T. is responsible for the prompt opening of all meetings. Before the Lodge is opened, the Marshall shall have distributed all regalia (if used), rituals and song books. The V.T. shall provide the C.T. with names of all visitors. If there is to be an initiation during the meeting, all preparations for the ceremony should be made before the meeting.]

[In the absence of the C.T. at the opening of the meeting, the V.T., Junior Past C.T. or Secretary shall fill that office. If such duty falls on the Secretary, he or she will only call the Lodge to order, and those present will choose a pro tern Presiding Officer by vote.]

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C.T. We are about to open this Lodge of the International Organization of Good Templars. I wish to extend a cordial welcome to everyone and express the hope that our gathering here today will strengthen the fraternal bonds and unite us in mutual work for the principles of Good Templary. (If there are visitors present, especially officers of a higher body, extend a special welcome and introduction.)

• • •

C.T. Brothers and Sisters, we meet here in the spirit of service as an organization for the benefit of the family as a whole, as well as for each member thereof. Our activities are directed toward popularizing total abstinence from intoxicating beverages so that the idea is accepted by all social groups. We also work toward correction of the social problems caused by the personal use of alcohol and elimination of the causes.

Seldom have more important tasks called true men and women together. Let us so carry on our work that we will become worthy of our organisation and its high purposes.

Ch. We should all consider the greatness of our work. All around the world our work for the develop' ment and preservation of the basic dignity of man is being carried on. In the service of our high endeavors we gather followers from all countries, from all creeds, from all peoples and races, from all social classes and from every line of work. May our presence here today give us new knowledge, new enthusiasm and new energy to successfully carry on this work. With unshakeable faith, with never failing hope, with love that never tires, may we now and always deem it our foremost duty to bring out among all people our organization's teaching of the Brotherhood of Man.

[Alternate, where prayer is preferred]. Our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for Thy protecting care and that we have again been permitted to meet under circumstances of Thy Great Mercy. As we are here to promote the interest of total abstinence and peace, may we be enlightened and strengthened so as to make our plans most effective for the good of mankind. Bless our organization and let Thy favor rest on all kindred societies. We ask this in Thy name. Amen.

[As it is of importance for the Chaplain to vary his speech, it is here pointed out that he is at liberty to choose his own words or to read a suitable poem.]

C.T. We will sing No......

C.T. We should all endeavor during this meeting as well as in our daily lives to fulfill the tasks in-cumbent upon us as Good Templars and as citizens.

The meeting is now opened. The Guard will allow any members and visitors waiting in the ante-room to enter.

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[Order of Business] [Top of Page] [Initiation Ceremony]


	Ritual For Lodges of the International Organization of Good Templars Used with permission of the National Council of IOGT-USA (*Not currently used - for historical significance only.*) Edited for the Internet by Brent B. Opening Ceremony [The C.T. is responsible for the prompt opening of all meetings. Before the Lodge is opened, the Marshall shall have distributed all regalia (if used), rituals and song books. The V.T. shall provide the C.T. with names of all visitors. If there is to be an initiation during the meeting, all preparations for the ceremony should be made before the meeting.] [In the absence of the C.T. at the opening of the meeting, the V.T., Junior Past C.T. or Secretary shall fill that office. If such duty falls on the Secretary, he or she will only call the Lodge to order, and those present will choose a pro tern Presiding Officer by vote.] • C.T. We are about to open this Lodge of the International Organization of Good Templars. I wish to extend a cordial welcome to everyone and express the hope that our gathering here today will strengthen the fraternal bonds and unite us in mutual work for the principles of Good Templary. (If there are visitors present, especially officers of a higher body, extend a special welcome and introduction.) • • • C.T. Brothers and Sisters, we meet here in the spirit of service as an organization for the benefit of the family as a whole, as well as for each member thereof. Our activities are directed toward popularizing total abstinence from intoxicating beverages so that the idea is accepted by all social groups. We also work toward correction of the social problems caused by the personal use of alcohol and elimination of the causes. Seldom have more important tasks called true men and women together. Let us so carry on our work that we will become worthy of our organisation and its high purposes. Ch. We should all consider the greatness of our work. All around the world our work for the develop' ment and preservation of the basic dignity of man is being carried on. In the service of our high endeavors we gather followers from all countries, from all creeds, from all peoples and races, from all social classes and from every line of work. May our presence here today give us new knowledge, new enthusiasm and new energy to successfully carry on this work. With unshakeable faith, with never failing hope, with love that never tires, may we now and always deem it our foremost duty to bring out among all people our organization's teaching of the Brotherhood of Man. [Alternate, where prayer is preferred]. Our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for Thy protecting care and that we have again been permitted to meet under circumstances of Thy Great Mercy. As we are here to promote the interest of total abstinence and peace, may we be enlightened and strengthened so as to make our plans most effective for the good of mankind. Bless our organization and let Thy favor rest on all kindred societies. We ask this in Thy name. Amen. [As it is of importance for the Chaplain to vary his speech, it is here pointed out that he is at liberty to choose his own words or to read a suitable poem.] C.T. We will sing No...... C.T. We should all endeavor during this meeting as well as in our daily lives to fulfill the tasks in-cumbent upon us as Good Templars and as citizens. The meeting is now opened. The Guard will allow any members and visitors waiting in the ante-room to enter. • [Order of Business] [Top of Page] [Initiation Ceremony]