Instructions The Senior Service Ceremony

Transcription

1 Instructions The Senior Service Ceremony EQUIPMENT Candle (1, large white, with the letters ΑΣΦ down the front) Candles (7, white) Candle Guards (7, printed with the Seven Points) Draping (Black) for Table Monogram Pins (1 for each Senior) Sabers (2) Table and (3) Chairs ROBES None are used for this ceremony. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS This is a public convocation that can be performed at the chapter s Spring Formal or other event. If there is no special event, the service should be held before or after a chapter meeting. If available, arrange for the Grand Chapter Advisor, an officer on the Alumni Association or a local alumnus to participate in the ceremony. One participant should be the newest initiated brother. ΑΣΦ 1

2 If, despite advance arrangements, an alumnus cannot be present, another brother may be assigned the part. Senior Service pins are available through Fraternity Headquarters. Order at least two weeks in advance. The Senior Service Ceremony Behind the table, which is draped in black cloth, sits the President, Alumni Director, and GCA or other alumnus; directly behind them stand seven brothers. In the center of the table sits a large white candle with the letters ΑΣΦ down the front. In front of the candle, lying on the table, are two unsheathed sabers crossed at the middle. Between the sabers sits the Senior Service pin for each alumnus candidate. When all is ready, the President calls for attention. The lights are dimmed, and the large candle is lit. The President calls the senior brothers by name and asks that they come forward. When all are present the Marshal, speaks from behind the candidates. Marshal: Once again, you stand within the circle of Alpha Sigma Phi. Just a few short years ago, members conferred upon you a high honor because they believed that your character, your personality, and your ideals made you worthy to become one of them in this brotherhood which they so highly cherish. Now we come full circle as you prepare to leave your role as an undergraduate and begin a new role as an alumnus. Remember, in Alpha Sigma Phi, we are bound to one another through the ties of Brotherhood for life! I now present you to these brothers for the obligation. I leave you entirely in their care. Alumni Director: To our senior brothers, you have kept the light of brotherhood shining to bring younger brothers to this path. You have shared Alpha Sigma Phi with us. It is our hope that the light of brotherhood will bring you back among us frequently and the joys of the Mystic Circle will connect us for life. I am pleased to report that each of these brothers has successfully passed the requirements of our institution and is preparing for graduation. Each is therefore qualified to be recognized as an Alumnus of this Fraternity. President: Before we administer this final obligation to you, we must entrust you to carry into the outside world these cardinal ΑΣΦ 2

3 principles of Alpha Sigma Phi. These are the attributes of character we cherish, and if they thus continue to be a part of you, will contribute in a large measure to your attaining the Pinnacle of Fame in life, of which, may you be richly deserving. When the President has finished speaking, the brother to the far left (behind the Alumni Director) steps forward and lights his candle from the large candle on the table. He then steps back into the row of seven men behind the Alumni Director and then speaks. Brother #1: The top point is emblematic of the first and foremost precept: To Better the Man, through the creation and perpetuation of brotherhood founded upon the values of character. The second brother turns and lights his candle from the man to his right and then speaks his part. After the second point is spoken, the third man turns to his right and lights his candle. Each of the men, in turn, lights his candle from the man to his right and then speaks his part. Brother #2: Brother #3: Brother #4: Brother #5: Brother #6: Brother #7: GCA or Alumnus: The second point: To develop the strength to embrace silence. The third point: To devote yourself to the tenet of charity toward all others. The fourth point: To consistently strive for purity of mind, body, and soul. The fifth point: To govern your every action with a high sense of honor. The sixth point: To dedicate yourself to the principle of patriotism which has made this the land of justice, freedom, and opportunity. The seventh point: To impress in your heart and mind that initiation into Alpha Sigma Phi has bound you to her as a brother all through life. Our hope is that your loyalty to Alpha Sigma Phi, her ideals and teachings, and the spirit of harmony and friendship that you have enjoyed will continue throughout your life. This Fraternity, which you have called home during your college years, was founded in 1845 on high literary principles. These ΑΣΦ 3

4 aspirations remain to this day with a proud tradition of leaders that stretches back to our Founders. To that end, I will now administer the Obligation to you. Kneel upon your left knee, raise your right hand, and repeat after me the following obligation: I, [and give your full name], /will continue my obligations taken during initiation / to excel in all endeavors I may take on, / while always conducting myself as a gentlemen. / Impressing upon my heart and mind / that I am now / and always will be / a brother in Alpha Sigma Phi, / and exemplifying to the outside world / the true meaning of Alpha / Sigma / and Phi. The President rises, takes one of the sabers in his right hand, and says: President: In the name of the Founders and by virtue of the authority vested in me, and in this traditional symbolism of knighthood, I pronounce you an Alumnus of Alpha Sigma Phi. The president repeats the phrase I pronounce you an Alumnus of Alpha Sigma Phi, while touching each man first on the left shoulder, then the head, and then on the right shoulder. After he has knighted the last man, he steps back behind the table and says: President: I pronounce you fully inducted as an Alumnus of Alpha Sigma Phi and entitled to all the rights and privileges of such. Rise. In token of our esteem and appreciation, we present these golden letters to our alumni brother(s), for our time together has been golden. The priceless treasure of brotherhood does not end but grows now with new dimensions. Wear this pin in good health and as a constant reminder not to break the Mystic Circle of brotherhood, but to share it, to help it grow stronger in the years ahead. The Alumni Director places a Senior Service pin on the lapel of each senior. If there is a large number of graduating seniors, the President and GCA may assist the Alumni Director in placing a pin on each senior. ΑΣΦ 4

5 As the pin is placed on the lapel of the last senior, the brotherhood should start singing Within the Mystic Circle. Within the Mystic Circle Joyously to thee we raise, Alpha Sigma Phi Songs of loyalty and praise, Which shall never die. Thou our inspiration art; Ne er shall any heart From thy Mystic Circle part, Alpha Sigma Phi. Many are the friendships dear, Made within thy halls Many mem ries we revere, Clust ring round thy walls. Which, tho far from thee we be, Shall in loyalty Closer bind our hearts to thee, Alpha Sigma Phi. When the song is concluded and all pins have been placed on the brothers, each Brother should be congratulated accordingly. A chorus of For He s an Alpha Sig, is appropriate. End of the Senior Service ΑΣΦ 5

6 Music Within the Mystic Circle ΑΣΦ 6

7 . ΑΣΦ 7