The opening of the first Tent, which was named the " Ebenezer Tent," No. 1, and which took over the members of the Burial Society, took place in Mrs. Meadowcroft’s Temperance Hotel on Tuesday, the 25th day of August, 1835, the names of the founders, so far as can now be ascertained, were Thomas Bateman, Thomas Bury, William Bush, Thomas Cathrall, Anthony Crossley, Thomas Crowther, Nicholson Gregson, John Holt, Timothy Hough, Robert Joynson, John Jackson, James Kiernan, junr., Robert Lodge, William McDowal, Samuel Morton, James Morris, Edward Richards, Joseph Smith, Thomas Smith, Joseph Thompson, John Whitehead, John Wood, and Stanley Wood, Robert Joynson acting as chairman and Joseph Thompson as secretary.
In a historical sketch of the Order, published in the Rechabite Magazine for March, 1844, the following statement appears : " It is now impossible to ascertain with accuracy who were the first members. There are many candidates for that honour, but the only names for which there’ are documentary proofs, are Thomas Bury, William Bush, Thomas Bateman, Thomas Crowther, Thomas Cathrall, Samuel Morton, Thomas Smith, John Wood, Joseph Thompson, and Robert Joynson."
On the other hand we must recognise the fact that in addition to the tents mentioned there, the Making Book, which was used at the institution of No. 1 Tent, has printed upon it, " Printed by D.R. James Kiernan, Junr., Temperance Journal Office," so that his name, as Deputy Ruler, has a claim to insertion in the list of founders.
Again, the Board of Directors, or Executive Committee, were elected at the third meeting of the Tent, and were undoubtedly among the founders ; and so, apart from those mentioned above, we have, Nicholas Gregson, H.C.R. , Edward Richards, H.D.R., John Holt, John Jackson, Timothy Hough, and Joseph Smith.
I am also of opinion that Antony Crossley and Robert Lodge, the President and Vice-President of the Order Funeral Fund Committee, were also among the founders, also James Morris, who printed the first General Rules, also Stanley Wood, C.R., John Whitehead, D.R., and William McDowal, secretary, whose names appear in the first copy of rules of No. 1 Tent.
I would be very sorry indeed to omit any name from the list of founders who it can be shown had any real connection with the matter, and I am strongly of opinion’ that all these persons were connected with the Institution of the Rechabite Order.
When we consider the fact that the first Tent took over all the members of a pre-existing Temperance Burial Society, there is every likelihood that those mentioned herein were the founders of the Order.
The Secretary, Bro. Joseph Thompson, was the writer of the Ritual, and the general literary genius of the Order. Being a minister it could not very well be otherwise. The strong religious tone of everything in connection with the movement showed his spirit and his guiding hand. He was the minister of Mr. Brotherton’s Chapel, of a sect commenced by Mr. William Cowherd, the peculiarities of which were abstinence’ from the flesh of animals as food and also abstinence from all intoxicating drinks.
The first Ritual of the Order was printed for this occasion, and was a small book of 16 pages with paper covers. On the front page were the words, " Making Book of the Independent Order of Rechabites, Tent No. ____ " ; the second page was blank, and on page 3 were the opening and closing odes, and it is strange to note that these odes were reversed from opening to closing in all future editions. The following are these pages as printed : —
(To be sung at the’ opening of the Tent.)
Swiftly our moments pass away,
And soon they all will disappear;
May we endeavour while ‘tis day
To stop the drunkard’s mad career.Soon will the final hour arrive
When all our care and toil will cease;
Oh ! may we each with ardour strive
To dry the springs which banish peace.
(To be sung at the closing of the Tent.)
Each effort to redeem our race,
Who by intemp’rance are made slaves,
To lead them back to paths of peace,
The blessing’ of our God receives.
And if our labour He approve,
Success upon it will attend,
And we in this employ of love
Our happiest hours on earth shall spend.
The following is the entire ritual, as printed, following the odes:—
D.R. : Are you prepared to enter into a solemn pledge to keep inviolably so long as life endures, or, so long as you remain a member of this Society, the following pledge : —I hereby declare that I will abstain from all intoxicating liquors, except in religious ordinances or when prescribed by a physician ; I will not engage in the traffic of them, and in all suitable ways will discountenance the use, manufacture, and sale of them ?
Answer : I am.
(Worthy Levite, introduce the candidate to our worthy Chief Ruler.)
C.R. : Respected Friend, previous to entering into this solemn covenant, I will describe the nature of a covenant and illustrate with an example which will show you the consequences of breaking a covenant.
A covenant is a mutual compact or agreement of two or more persons to do or not do some act or thing contracted between them. There are matrimonial, civil, and religious covenants, and in each of these the parties pledge themselves to observe certain duties, and when those duties are not observed the covenant is broken.
I will now give you an example of a religious covenant : —" Hear ye the words of this covenant and speak unto the men of Judah and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem ; and say thou unto them, thus saith the Lord God of Israel : ‘ Cursed be the man that obeyeth not the words of this Covenant which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land ‘of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, obey my voice, and do them according to all which I command you : so shall ye be my people, and I will be your God: that I may perform the oath which I have sworn unto your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as it is this day.’ Then answered I and said, ‘ So be it O Lord,’ then the Lord said unto me,' Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, saying, ‘ Hear ye the words of this covenant and do them, for I earnestly protested to your fathers in the day that I brought them up out of the land of Egypt even unto this day, rising early and protesting, saying, Obey my voice. Yet they obeyed not, nor inclined their ear, but walked every one in the imagination of their evil heart ; therefore, I will bring upon them all the words of this covenant which I commanded them to do; but they did them not.’ And the Lord said unto me, ‘ A conspiracy is found among the men of Judah and among the inhabitants of Jerusalem. They are turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, which refused to hear my words; and they went after other Gods to serve them; the House of Israel and the House of Judah have broken my covenant which I made with their fathers.’ Therefore, thus saith the Lord : ‘ Behold I will bring evil upon them which they shall not be able to escape, and though they shall cry to me I will not hearken unto them."
Now as the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem forfeited the favour and protection of Jehovah by breaking covenant with Him, so, if you break the covenant you are about to enter into with the Independent Order of Rechabites you will forfeit all claim to their assistance and protection, you will not only be cut off from the Order, but you will lose all right to those funds which are raised for the relief of the members in case of sickness or death.
Worthy Friend, put your right hand on your left breast and repeat with me the words of our covenant— I, A. B., hereby declare that I will abstain from all intoxicating liquors, except in religious ordinance’s or when prescribed by a physician. I will not engage in the traffic of them, and in all suitable ways will discountenance the use, manufacture, and sale of them, so long as I remain a member of this Society ; and to the utmost of my power I will endeavour to spread the principle of abstinence from all intoxicating liquors. I hereby also pledge myself to keep inviolably the secrets of our honourable Order, to promote the well-being of every brother, and to do all the good I can. I will neither defraud a brother myself, nor be privy to his being defrauded by any other person. Temperance shall govern me in my conduct and conversation ; Fortitude shall support me under trials and afflictions; and Justice shall be found in all my dealings with mankind.
( Worthy Levite, invest our brother with the sash of our Order.)
C:R. : After the sealing of the Twelve Tribes, John, the Revelator, says, " I beheld, and lo, a great multitude, whom no man could number, of all nations and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the Lamb clothed with white robes and palms in their hands, and one of the elders answered, saying unto me, ‘ What are these which are arrayed in white robes ? ‘ and I said unto him, ‘ Sir, thou knowest,’ and he said unto me, ‘ These are they which came out of great tribulation and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.’ " From which, we learn that white is an emblem of purity. The white sash, therefore, is to teach you that your life must be pure and free from immoral blemishes, and I trust that while you wear the robe of purity you will keep yourself unspotted from the world.
(The C.R., taking a Brother by the right hand, shall say)
This union of our hands is a type of that union of the heart which ought to subsist between us and every brother belonging to this our honourable Order, for, when mankind are only externally united together, we often find that " trifles light as air " frequently separate man from man and cause them to become the direst enemies of each other ; but when mankind are united in heart and in life, nothing on earth can separate them—nothing but death; nay, not even that can dissolve the friendship that is cemented between them.
" He that hath this world’s goods, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him ?"
I: shall now acquaint you with a few of the signs and tokens peculiar to our Order. We have some others which will be made known to you after you have been initiated the proper time.
PASSWORD,
ENTER, SIGN, — RAPS AT THE DOOR.
SIGNIFICATION.
PASSWORD, COUNTERSIGN,
SIGNIFICATION.
( Worthy Levite, introduce our Brother to our most worthy Past Chief Ruler.)
CR. : Worthy Brother, I have nothing more to add, but I trust you will be an ornament to our honourable Order, and that your conduct in Tent and out of Tent will be such as will give no occasion to the enemy to point the finger of scorn, and say, " There goes a Rechabite!"
You will be expected to pay strict obedience to the presiding officers, and I hope you will ever prove yourself worthy of the confidence we have placed in you. Worthy Brother, I shall conclude by drinking your very good health.
P.C.R. : Worthy Brother, you are now admitted a member of the most honourable Order amongst men—an Order that has for its object the promotion of everything that is great and wise and virtuous. If you are faithful to your
Covenant, health, peace, and plenty will be your constant companions, and in the language of sacred scripture, " Blessed wilt thou be in the city and in the field. Blessed will be the fruit of thy body and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep."
" Blessed will be thy basket and thy store. Blessed wilt thou be when thou comest in and when thou goest out."
" But if thou go aside from the words of this Covenant, to the right hand or to the left, than, UNBLEST thou wilt be in the city and in the field; unblest will be thy basket and thy store ; unblest will be the fruit of thy land, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep ; unblest wilt thou be when thou comest in and when thou goest out; and thou wilt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a bye-word among thy people."
Worthy Brother, as this Society is composed of men who differ in their religious sentiments and also in their political opinions, we cannot allow any religious or political discussion nor any political toast or sentiment, as it would tend to disunite us, and to destroy that harmony which ought to reign in our Tents ; neither can we allow any profane or obscene song, toast, or recitation to be sung, given, or recited.
If you remain faithful to your covenant, you will be instrumental in driving from the land of your fathers the greatest curse that ever afflicted this nation. Millions, yet unborn, will call you blessed, and when you have run the race of life, your dying moments will be blessed with the cheering recollection that you have laboured to promote the comfort and happiness of YOUR COUNTRYMEN.
( Worthy Levite, introduce our Brother to our worthy Chief Ruler.)
I, A. B., hereby pledge myself to fulfil the duties of my office to the best of my abilities, and that I will attend every meeting of this Society unless prevented by sickness or business, and in that case I will appoint some person, duly qualified, to officiate in my stead. I also pledge myself to be obedient to the decisions of the officers of the District or Order, and also to the orders of the Executive Council, and to promote brotherly love and friendship amongst the brethren. I also pledge myself that I will not give the grip of our Order or the password to any one except to those who are duly qualified to receive them.
I, A. B., hereby solemnly pledge myself to attend to the duties of my office, to keep correct accounts, and if required, to deliver up on demand my books to be inspected by the C.R. of the Tent, or to the officers of the District or Order.
From small beginnings arose the Independent Order of Rechabites which is now exercising so powerful an influence in the great work of moral reform. It has attained the position its founders anticipated. They believed it would cover every part of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. They believed it would spread to the United States and to Australia, and they also believed that the time would come when the Order would be universal and that wherever men were located, there the Order would be found linking together the whole human family against the traffic in intoxicating drinks.
The second meeting of " Ebenezer Tent," No. 1, was held on Tuesday, the 22nd of September, 1835, when several new members were initiated and for several months afterwards additions continued to be made, and it soon numbered upwards of one hundred members.
There is no account of the appointment of the first Executive Council or Board of Directors of the Order, but it is very probable they were elected at the third monthly meeting of the Tent, on Tuesday, October 20th, 1835, and were partly, if not wholly, officers of the Tent also ; because, on Thursday, the 5th of November following, they held their first meeting, at which there were present Bros. Nicholas Gregson, H.C.R., Edwards Richards, H.D.R., Joseph Thompson, C.S., with John Holt, Robert Joynson, Thomas Crowther, and John Jackson. At this meeting arrangements were made for the opening of new Tents, which were to be instituted by the three principal’ officers, or others whom they might appoint, and it was also decided that each new Tent (if situated not more than two miles from Salford) pay a fee of one guinea for opening expenses, and also that the three principal officers were to receive one shilling each for their services at such institution meetings.
On Saturday, the 21st of November, 1835, the Executive Council held its second meeting, and it would appear as if they were viewed as the Governors of " Ebenezer Tent," No. 1, because at this meeting an application was made to them to audit the Tent books, and a sub-committee was appointed for that purpose. It was also determined at this meeting that the members of the Council should receive sixpence each for each attendance at the Executive Council and sixpence per mile for every journey made on behalf of the Order if over one mile ; this was in accordance with the customs of the times. The Executive Council, meeting in a coffee house, must have refreshment, at least, it was thought so, and it was not just that they should bear their own expenses when transacting other people’s business. There was nothing indicative of extravagance in this, though the expense was rather unpopular, but let it be recorded to the honour of the Council that they very frequently resolved that their sixpences be given to some poor brother or abstainer who was suffering from want of any kind.
The First Code of General Rules was adopted at the meeting on November 21st, and were ordered to be printed. Copies of these rules have now become a rarity, and high prices have been offered for them. They contained a few things to which allusion may, with propriety, be made.
The title page read as follows : —
GENERAL
LAWS AND REGULATIONS
TO BE
OBSERVED BY THE MEMBERS
OF THE
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF RECHABITES
OF THE
SALFORD UNITY.
MANCHESTER:
Printed by Bro. Morris, Cannon Street.
The following appeared under the heading, "Motto," on page 3
MOTTO.
We will drink no wine ; for Jonadab, the son of Rechab, our father, commnanded us, saying : " Ye shall drink no wine, neither ye nor your sons for ever."
—Jer. xxxv., 6.
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging ; and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.—Prov. xx., 1.
And the Lord spake unto Aaron, saying, " Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die; it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations;’ ‘—Lev. x., 9. ‘
Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning that they may follow strong drink ; that continue until night till wine inflame them.—Isaiah v., 11.
Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink—Isaiah v., 22.
The names of the Executive Council follow in the following rotation on page 4:—
NICHOLAS GREGSON, H.C.R.
EDWARD RICHARDS, D.C.R.,
JOHN HOLT, T., —
JOSEPH THOMPSON, C.Sec.,
JOHN JACKSON, S.S.,
ROBERT JOYNSON, T.S.,
THOMAS CROWTHER, I.G.,
TIMOTHY HOUGH, O.G.,
JOSEPH SMITH, L.T.
The D.C.R. was evidently Deputy Chief Ruler,T., Treasurer; C.S.. Corresponding Secretary; 5.5., Sick Steward; T.S., Tent Steward; I.G., Inside Guardian; O.G., Outside Guardian ; and L.T., Levite of the Tent; so that it would appear that some, if not all, the officers of the Tent were also officers of the Order.
An address to the members of Temperance Societies then followed on pages 5 and 6:—
AN ADDRESS
To the members of Temperance Societies.
Dear Friends,—In the formation of a new Order it will naturally be expected that some explanation of the motives which have induced us to take such a step b will be given, and also what objects we have in view, and the means by which we intend to accomplish our ends.
Every day’s experience proves that infirmity, disease, and death are the portion of man in this world ; and seeing the misery and wretchedness which abound in our country in consequence of man seeking happiness where it is not to be found, believing that the present pursuits, customs, and practices of our. countrymen are calculated to add to, rather than to diminish the amount of human misery ; and believing also that we are the offspring of one common parent who makes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust, we conceive it to be. our duty to promote the happiness and comfort of our brethren by recommending and adopting those habits and practices which will most assuredly tend to the promotion of temperance, chastity, and every virtue that adorns the human character.
Our objects are to improve the morals of our brethren, to promote brotherly love, to relieve the distressed, to administer to the wants and necessities of the afflicted, and to smooth the dying pillow, and therefore the members of this Order do bind themselves under a most solemn obligation, firmly to unite, sincerely to love, and inflexibly to stand by each other in sickness or in health, in prosperous or in adverse circumstances ; and in order that we may have the means of carrying these benevolent objects into effect, we have founded the INDEPENDENT ORDER OF RECHABITES, and adopted the following laws and regulations for our government.
The name of the Order is taken from a body of people called " Rechabites" (see Jer. xxxv.) who drank no wine, and as the members of this Order drink neither wine nor strong drink, we, however others may differ from us in opinion,
think that the name we have adopted is a very appropriate one, and we trust that it will not prove a stumbling block to any of our temperance brethren, but
that they will consider the nature and usefulness of the institution, an institution
which the improved and improving state of society loudly calls for.
That Secret Orders have been productive of much good no one can deny, but it must be admitted by those who are acquainted with them, that as at present constituted they are unfavourable to the promotion of temperance~ which it is our object to promote in every possible way.
THE INDEPENDENT ORDER OF RECHABITES will be found not only to possess superior advantages to other Orders, but it will be free from many of their imperfections and defects. One peculiar advantage attending our meetings is, we can pass our leisure hours in the company of our friends and enjoy in reality
~ ~ " The feast of Reason and flow of . Soul." This Order is also superior to a benefit
society which only relieves those who are in immediate connection with it ; but if a RECHABITE come from any part of the Kingdom, if he be in distress, he has an equal claim to our assistance and protection.
Trusting the Order will prove a blessing to our country and be a means of preserving us faithful to the pledge we have subscribed,
We remain, your fellow-labourers in the cause of Temperance,
: THE EXECUTIVE ‘COUNCIL
‘ Salford, November, 1835. of the Independent Order of Rechabites.
N.B.—Every information respecting the Order and the formation of new Tents may be known by applying by letter, post paid, to Mr. Joseph Thompson, Corresponding Secretary, Bolton Street, Chapel Street, Salford.
1. That this Society shall be denominated the " Independent Order of Rechabites," and shall consist of persons of good moral character, free from
lameness or disorder, or any religious persuasion, who shall be members of the Temperance Society, having signed the following pledge : " I do hereby voluntarily promise to abstain from all intoxicating liquor such as brandy, whiskey, rum, gin, wine, ale, porter, cider, perry, distilled peppermint, etc. I will not engage in the traffic of them, and in all suitable ways will discountenance the use, manufacture, and sale of them."
2. That the Tent do meet on the evenings appointed at eight o’clock and close at ten in winter and half-past ten in summer, precisely. The business of the Tent to commence’ at half-past eight o’clock ; but the Tent shall not be opened unless five brothers are present. N.B.—Summer to commence on the first of April and winter on the first of October.
3.—That the Chief Ruler shall examine every stranger who shall be ‘in the Tent at the time it is opened ; and after the Tent is opened the Outside and Inside Guardians shall demand the password from every brother who wishes to be admitted; and if the Guardians shall admit a brother without demanding from him the password, they shall be fined for every such neglect of duty one shilling each, and should they leave the door, or suffer a stranger to enter during Tent hours, they, for such offence and neglect, shall be fined ten shillings each, and for neglect of payment they shall be suspended from all benefit.
4. That each Tent shall be governed by the following officers, viz., the C.R., D.R., Secretary, Senior and Junior Stewards, and two Guardians. The duty of the C.E. shall be to keep order during Tent hours, to impose fines and see justice done between the brethren ; the DR. shall assist the C.R. in keeping order, and shall see that the Guardians attend to their duties. The Stewards shall visit the sick, pay the sick and funeral gifts, and serve all summonses ; and the Guardians shall examine each brother previous to his entering the room.
5. That there shall three elective officers, viz., C.R., D.R., and Secretary, to sit six months. To qualify a brother for the office of C.R. he must serve two inferior offices, and for the D.R. one inferior situation. Any brother may stand his poll, for Secretary without having previously served any office. The C.R. to nominate his supporters and Guardians, the D.R. his two supporters. ~i’i oume~~ to take their situations on the election night except the Secretary, who shall take the Tent night following. Any officer refusing to serve after being elected shall be fined one shilling.
6. That propositions for candidates be received the two nights previous to election, and the election shall be by ballot, and he who has the greatest number of votes shall be elected to office ; if the numbers are even, the brother for whom the C.R. has polled is to have the preference. N.B.—No brother shall be elected to the office of C.R., or any other elective office, who is indebted to the Society four shillings and sixpence.
7.—~That the balloting box shall be kept in view of the C.R., and every free brother shall pay a poll ticket each for the C.R., D.R., and Secretary. Brothers to poll immediately after they receive their tickets.
8. That no P.C.R., D.R., or Secretary shall oppose any qualified brother for the same situation unless he has been out of the said office twelve months.
9. That every brother who accepts an office shall attend the Tent at the time appointed for opening the same or send a written or verbal apology satisfactory to a majority of the members present, and shall fill his office when the Tent is opened or be fined one shilling, and if absent for three succeeding nights shall thereby vacate his office and another shall be elected to fill it, and the officer so vacating his office shall not be qualified to fill such situation for twelve months. Should any elective officer or officers be absent, or his or their keys not present at eight o’clock, such officer or officers shall be fined threepence each, notwithstanding such officer or officers shall send his or their keys, the fine to be ~levied for absence. The D.R., Secretary, and host or hostess shall, for the time being, hold each key of the box belonging to the Tent in which the books, papers, and cash belonging to the Tent shall be deposited. N.B.—The host or hostess shall give security to the officers for all regalia belonging to the Tent, and likewise for such monies as may be deposited in the box.
10. That there shall be a regular change of officers every six months.
11. That a committee of nine members be chosen, five from the top and four from the bottom, as they stand on the books of enrolment, at every change of officers; their duty shall be to settle all differences or disputes which may arise among the members ; they shall attend every meeting of the Tent at half-past eight o’clock, and any member being absent at the said time, or not attending special meetings at the time appointed, shall be fined threepence, and for non-attending during Tent hours or on special meetings sixpence. N.B.—Any member of the Committee becoming disqualified another shall be appointed to fill the situation.
12. That any brother swearing, or singing an indecent song, or giving an indecent or political toast or sentiment, shall be fined threepence for each offence.
13. That no brother shall read newspapers or printed books in Tent, nor shall any brother give invitations by card~m or otherwise to visit other societies except those in this Order, or offer or lay wagers, or transact any kind of business ( except that of the Tent) during Tent hours, under a penalty or fine of sixpence and not less than threepence.
14. That if any brother shall disobey the C.R., or any other officer, when called to order, he shall be fined threepence.
15. That all toasts and sentiments shall be given by the C.R. or by the brothers on whom he shall call.
16. That the four propositions, viz., (1) Are any brothers sick P (2) Have any brothers broken the pledge P (3) Has any brother anything to communicate that would tend to prornote the good of the Order. (4) has any brother any friend to propose as a proper person to become a member of our honourable Order P be asked only once each. Any brother interrupting another while he is speaking on any subject shall be fined one penny for every offence, and that no brother or officer shall dictate to the CR. or call his conduct in question during Tent hours except by a regular motion made by a P.C.R.
17. That if any brother of this Order thinks proper to enter any other Order he shall have the privilege of doing so ; and any Tent shall be allowed to make a person belonging to any other secret Order, if in good health and character, and of a proper age, having signed a pledge to abstain from drinking all intoxicating liquors according to Rule 1.
18. That no person under the age of nineteen years nor above forty-five shall be made a brother of this Order unless the son of a worthy brother who shall be allowed to be made at the age of eighteen ; and any brother who proposes any person contrary to these laws shall be fined one pound and not less than ten shillings, whether the person be admitted or not. The charge of initiations be as follows— under 35 years of age, 2s. 6d. ; 35 and under 38, 5s. ; 38 and under 39, 6s. 6d.; 39 and under 40, 8s. ; 40 and under 41, us. ; 41 and under 42, 14s. ; 42 and under 43, 17s. ; 43 and under 44, £1; 44 and under 45, £1 5s. ; 45, £1 lOs. All persons being 35 years of age must produce their registers either from the parish church or from some family book, and in case his register cannot be produced such persons before they can be admitted into the Order must be brought before the officers of the District. All persons must be proposed and seconded by brothers belonging to the Order on one Tent night, and the parties so proposed shall be made on the next Tent night. The name, place of abode, and occupation of the intended brother shall be entered in a book by the secretary and read to the Tent ; the C .R . shall be required to ascertain whether the persons are respectable or not, either by causing them to be inspected or by any other means he may think proper ; when this is done the sense of the Tent shall be taken, and if any brother object to any of the persons being made, and the objection shall , be thought sufficient by a majority of the members present, the person or persons so objected to shall not be admitted.
19. That no person be admitted into a Tent to be initiated if under 35 years of age for a less sum than 2s. 6d. , or if 35 or about for a less sum than be., the proposer and seconder to be bound and ‘liable for the remainder of the initiation money, to be paid along with his contributions within six months from the date of his initiation, and no brother shall be allowed to vote, (receive password, grip, or any benefit until such remainder shall be paid according to scale. (See Rule 18.)
20. That if any brother divulges a brother’s name who votes against any person or persons who may be proposed to become an Independent Rechabite, or any brother making known the discussions used in the Tent or Committee, so as to cause disturbance or angry feelings between two or more brothers, and officer or brother making known the discussions used in Tent or Committee, or revealing the private affairs of the Society to any person who does not belong to the Order, he shall be fined £1, and the said fine shall not be mitigated below lOs., and if not paid by the time appointed, suspension to be the consequence.
21. That if any brother, or present or past officer, make known the secrets of the Order he shall be expelled.
22. That if any officer or brother damage, destroy, or take away any property belonging to the Tent, he shall be brought to trial, and if found guilty he shall either be expelled according to Rule 51 or make such recompense as the committee shall determine, and any member of this Order who shall under any circumstances obtain goods or property of any description of any officer or brother, such member shall not be allowed a quarterly certificate, or clearance, or any relief, or benefit whatever until he has made recompense for the same, or shown good and sufficient cause to a committee why he has not made such recompense.
23. That no brother, officer, or host be allowed to go in or out of the Tent during singing or any discussion that may take place under a penalty of threepence, to be levied upon the Inside Guardian.
24. That when any brother addresses the CR. he shall be standing up and uncovered or be fined one penny.
25. That if any brother neglect to address the present and past officers by their respective titles he shall be fined one penny.
26. That every brother upon his first entrance into the Tent shall give the countersign to the C.R. and D.R. before taking his seat, and again on his last leaving the room, or be fined one penny for each offence.
27. That no brother shall vote in the Tent the night he is initiated.
28. That if a dispute arise in the Tent of any nature or kind whatever which the Committee cannot settle they shall refer the same to the Quarterly Committee, and if the same be not settled by them to mutual satisfaction the case shall then be brought before the A.M.C., whose decision shall be final; or if any dispute arise between two or more members belonging to separate Tents, such dispute after having been tried by the Committee of the Tent of which the offending brother is a member, and not settled by them so as to give satisfaction to the parties, shall then be brought before the Quarterly Committee of the District, and if not settled, it shall then be laid before the Quarterly Committee of the Order, and they shall determine the matter in question, and such determination shall be binding unless the party dissatisfied thinks proper to appeal to the A.M.C., whose judgment shall be final and conclusive.
29. That all complaints or appeals shall be specified in writing from the brother, officers or Tent aggrieved or dissatisfied, and such specification shall be laid before the HCR., or his deputy, or the C.S. ; should it so happen that any brother or officer allege any dispute, grievance, difference, or complain against any officer or brother, so as to bring or cause the same to be brought before a committee, and the same should be false, or that the complainant cannot substantiate or prove the same, such defaulter shall forfeit for the first offence 5s., for the second 7s. 6d., and for the third he shall be reported to a committee of past and present elective officers and shall suffer as they may think proper.
30. That no officer or brother shall go to any Tent to persuade any officer or brother to vote for a brother or an elective officer, and the elective officer shall be chosen out of his own Tent, except in the case of a new Tent, when any officer or brother of the District, being duly qualified, may be allowed to become a candidate and stand his poll to serve any office in such new Tent, and may either draw his clearance or remain a member of his own Tent during the time he is fulfilling such office, and in case there be no candidates to fill the elective offices, that present and past officers, with notice from the H.C.R., be obliged to attend in rotation or be fined according to General Laws.
31. That no titles be given or the word " brother " mentioned except at those times when Rechabites only compose a company.
32. That if any brother misbehaves himself in Tent hours, or enters into conversation with a new made brother, so that his conduct may be deemed a bad example he shall be fined the sum of one shilling, or any officer or brother quarrelling with and striking a brother or officer, either in or out of Tent, shall be fined five shillings.
33. That every brother shall pay his contribution (which shall not be lees than threepence per week) to the Tent he belongs to whether he attends or not, except he has drawn his card, in which case none shall be demanded.
34. That any brother not discharging his fines or arrears for thirteen weeks shall be suspended and not allowed to visit his own or any other Tent until all fines are discharged, and until he reduces his contributions under the limits of the articles.
35. That all Tents belonging to the Independent Order of Rechabites shall be allowed to make such laws for their government concerning financial affairs, and in cases of distress, sickness, or death as they shall think proper, provided the same are not contrary to the General Laws of the Order.
36. That any brother belonging to this Order who is straight upon the books becoming sick, lame, blind, or infirm, and thereby rendered incapable of following his trade or occupation (notwithstanding he may continue to carry on or conduct his business, trade, or occupation by his wife, children, or servants), notice, in writing, must be immediately given to the C.R., who shall apply for a sick gift from the Tent to which he belongs, and such brother shall be entitled to a weekly gift from his Tent so long as he shall remain incapable of attending to his business. No brother to be entitled to a sick or funeral gift until he shall have been initiated nine months, and not to be entitled to a quarterly certificate or clearance until he has been initiated twelve months, and that no card be granted to any brother unless he makes application on a Tent night.
37. That if it should please the Almighty to remove any of our brothers from this earthly Tent, notice in writing must be immediately given to the C.R. of the Tent, who, in case of necessity shall apply for a funeral gift. The Stewards having received a funeral gift from the Tent, shall, without delay, pay the relative or representative of the deceased brother two-thirds of the said gift, they shall take care that a good and sufficient coffin is provided, they shall also attend the funeral (for which they shall receive two shillings and sixpence each out of the funds of the Order), to see that the funeral is conducted with propriety and decorum. If the relative or representative of the deceased shall introduce any intoxicating liquors at the funeral, the Stewards shall not give the remaining one-third of the said gift to such relative or representative, but they shall immediately inform the CR. of the circumstance, who shall summon the committee, and if the committee, after hearing evidence on both sides shall discover that such liquor was introduced without the consent and approval of the relative or representative of the deceased by some one over whom he had no control, they shall order the said Stewards to pay him the remaining part of the funeral gift, but if it be proved that such liquor was ordered by the relative or representative then in such case the Stewards shall pay the remaining third into the funds of the Order. N.B.—-—The same rule shall be observed on the death of a worthy brother’s wife, provided she die first.
38. That should it happen that a worthy brother of any Tent removes to some distant part, and such brother not having received a quarterly certificate or clearance out of his Pent, provided the said brother causes to be paid all arrears due to the said Tent during his absence, he shall be entitled to the same privileges or gifts as if residing in the neighbourhood of his own Tent, in case o~ sickness or death, provided he or his representative send a just account to the said Tent, informing the CR. of his situation, and the same amount shall be certified by the C.R. of the nearest Tent where such brother resides, if there be one in the neighbourhood, if not, the same shall be certified by some respectable surgeon and minister, stating his complaint, etc.
39. That any brother in the receipt of gifts of the Tent. and who may be found imposing thereon by stating himself sick and incapable of following his employment, usual avocation, trade, or calling, when he is able or actually doing so, shall be immediately suspended until such time as he returns the money so fraudulently obtained.
40. That the stewards may grant permission to brothers recovering from sickness to try if they be able to work for two days, no sick gift to be allowed for the two days if such brothers continue to work.
41. Any brother breaking the pledge of abstinence from all intoxicating liquors, according to Rule 1, must re-sign the pledge and be fined for the first offence two shillings and sixpence ; for the second, five shillings ; for the third, ten shillings ; for the fourth twenty shillings. Brothers so offending shall be suspended from all benefit and privileges till such fine be paid, and till such brother has also re-signed the pledge according to Rule 1.
42. That any present or past officer or committee-man, belonging to the Order, who shall break the pledge of abstinence from all intoxicating liquors, according to Rule 1, shall immediately vacate his office and be suspended from all office in the Order for twelve months, notwithstanding, he shall pay the fine or fines and re-sign the pledge according to Rule 1.
43. That if any brother be convicted of felony or fraud or any other disgraceful crime, or if he follow any evil, wicked, or notorious practice, contrary to law. or use any unlawful means in procuring a livelihood, if proof be made thereof within twelve mouths after committing such acts he shall be expelled.
44. That any brother, or brothers, knowing of the same, and not immediately informing the O.R. , or some of the officers, he, or they, shall be fined two shillings.
45. That every officer belonging to the Tent shall be protected equally the same, and by the same law which protects the C.R. , and when the charge of the Tent is given the D.R., the same good order must’ be kept as if the C.R. was present and the same fines inflicted.
46. That no brothers who may be in arrears, out of the limits of the articles, shall be allowed to vote or to stand his poll for any elective office in Tent.
47. That the fines of the Order be inflicted at grand or special committees of past and present officers, or to committees called to settle financial affairs or local disputes in case of disorder as if in open Tent.
48. That each C.R. shall take an obligation not to deliver or give the quarterly password to any officer or brother except those of his own Tent, and not unto them unless they are clear on the books and conduct themselves with propriety, and ~shall enjoin every officer and brother to whom given not to give it to any officer or brother except to the Outside and Inside Guardians of the Tents in strict compliance and in legal possession of it, and any brother giving the password to any ineffective member shall be fined five shillings for each offence.
49. That all disputes or doubts respecting these laws shall be determined by the Executive Council, and none of them shall be altered, amended, or dispensed with but by a motion made at the A.M.C. Any officer qualified and authorised by his Tent, wishing to alter, amend, or dispense with any law, must state the particulars of his motion in writing and deliver it to the H.C.R., D.IL, or C.S. of the Executive Council, fourteen days previous to the meeting of the A.M.C., and such motion shall be taken into consideration at the next A.M.C., and if unanimously approved by them shall be binding upon the Order. No alteration shall be made in these General Laws for the space of two years.
50. That any brother who shall make a motion that any Tent belonging to the Order be removed to a house where intoxicating liquors are sold, shall be expelled, and any brother who shall make a motion that the pledge of abstinence from all intoxicating liquors, according to Rule 1, be dispensed with, shall be expelled from the Order.
51. That before any officer or brother shall be expelled the following rule shall oe observed : If he is present the question for expulsion shall be put from the chair after the C.R. has ordered the brother to retire, and if carried the brother shall not be again admitted, and notice thereof shall be sent to all the Tents of the Order ; but that any officer or brother having committed any crime which subjects him to expulsion, and he shall go out of the way and not appear before his Tent or committee to answer for his conduct within one month after the commission of such crime is made known to his Tent, he shall be proceeded against the same as if present.
52. That any brother attending any Tent belonging to the Order without his sash shall pay a fine of one penny, or make an apology before sitting down.
53. That brothers attending funerals must have white sashes and black rosettes.
54. That any brother belong to this Order shall, upon stating sufficient reasons, be allowed to draw his card or clearance and to throw such card or clearance into any other Tent. Any brother drawing a quarterly certificate or clearance must, within fourteen days after meeting with employment, throw the same into his own Tent or into any other Tent that is more convenient. NB_Brothers may present, and Tents accept, certificates or clearances within the distance of five miles, but are not compelled to do so, and in all cases such certificates or clearances must be given in within fourteen days after drawing them, or those who hold them will not be entitled to the privileges of the Order. But Tents shall not refuse to admit any member bringing a legal certificate or clearance from any Tent in compliance with the laws of the Order at a greater distance than five miles, and if any Tent shall be convicted of breaking this law they shall be fined by the E.C. in such sum as they shall think proper.
55. That the H.C.R. visiting any Tent in the Order shall take precedence of any officer belonging to such Tent, and shall be entitled to the chair of the P.C.R.
56. That the Secretary shall open the books for the contributions of members at half-past eight o’clock and close them at half-past nine, and before the Tent closes he shall make known the receipts and disburbsments of the evening. He ~liaH also precisely at eight o’clock call over the names of the elective officers, and at half-past eight o’clock the names of the committee, and if he shall not be present at the said time he shall he fined one penny ; or if he shall neglect calling over the names of the officers of the Order he shall be fined threepence, and for non-attendance he shall be fined two shillings and sixpence.
57. That every brother of this Order shall purchase from the Executive Council a sash, which he shall wear on Tent nights or be fined according to Rule 52.
58. That every brother shall purchase from the Executive Council a copy of these laws and regulations, for which he shall pay sixpence, to be paid for on delivery.
59. That any brother talking or smoking during making shall be fined threepence.
60. That in case any party or parties shall think proper to appeal to the judgment of the E.C., or to the A.M.C., such party or parties shall deposit ten shillings each into the hands of the CS., and the deposit money of the party losing the trial shall go towards defraying the expenses of the said E.C. or A.M.C.
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Any comments, errors or omissions
gratefully received The Editor |
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