# Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1904_S30
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

30 Proceedings of the twentieth convention

person the friendship, charity, benevolence that we teach, bring to light, heap honor upon the Order which herewith welcomes you."

To characterize the Modern Woodmen we first hear the farewell greeting with which every meeting is closed by the Consul. It reads: "Until we assemble again, let each one of us be watchful and faithful, heeding the interests of our fraternity as standing under our special care and protection, holding the old golden rule, labor for humanity, charity, security and peace, that its mission may be carried on, in this way honoring its supporters and bringing happiness and well-being to those entitled to it. And now, by virtue of the authority vested in me, I declare the meeting closed. Until we assemble again, I say good night to all as brother to the brothers." — Note: The ritual prescribes that at every meeting Woodmen are to cast either a white or a black stone into the urn, in order to indicate by the former that the person concerned has lived happily in the time that has elapsed, by the latter that he has lived unhappily. There follows a counting of the stones and discussion.

From the Consul's address to the newly admitted member we take the following: "I solemnly declare that this man according to the laws of fraternity is mine, and according to ancient Roman usage is bought with this copper coin . . . I declare this stranger my son and neighbor. . . . Since you have been admitted, your relations to the fraternity are to be of the most intimate and most lasting kind. Since you were received hospitably, fruit and water have been given you in abundance. The symbolic meaning of the fruit is expressive and beautiful; it reminds us that noble dead are the fruit of wise counsels. The pure water is significant for the purity of our endeavors. . . . My friend, you now enter upon the enjoyment of the blessings of this fraternity."

After admission to the last degree the Consul says: "My son, you have now arrived at the end of your journey." (The candidate is sprinkled with perfume.) "Under the sign of this fragrant water I bid you welcome at our camp fire. May your fortune and the fortune of your family be increased through this act" (entrance into the lodge). "May your life as a Woodman prove worthy of the confidence that we place in you. And as the sweet fragrance of this water spreads from you, so may your influence upon your surroundings be pleasing and bring honor to the fraternity to which you now belong."

Among the Maccabees the one admitted, after three probationary years, is welcomed with the following words: "Companion, you have been tried and not found too light. The ceremonies through which you have passed you shall not forget as long as you live. The purpose of this Order is to