Welcome Service for the Reception of new Members.

White Ribbon, Volume 17, Issue 198, 18 December 1911, Page 10

Welcome Service for the Reception of new Members.

1. —Hymn and prayer. i. —New members are called forward by the president, and introduced to the union. Members standing, respond with the Chautauqua salute. 3. —Secretary then reads the Peolaration of Principles, Constitution, and Bylaws, the candidates having previously signed the pledge. 4. —President welcomes them as follows : In behalf of all here present I welcome you into the ranks of those who are working for God, home, and every land. By the signing of the pledge, and payment of membership dues, you are now a part of the largest organised body of women in the world, and have thus multiplied your influence and effectiveness in temperance work a thousand fold. As members of the Women's Christian Temperance Union we love and wear the white ribbon how, and beseech you to wear it faithfully, as a symbol of your loyalty to humanity and to God. It is the beautiful badge of our organization, heaven horn, to promote a holy cause. It is also a blessed bond of fellowship of which we are proud, a plea for purity of life ; it is a pledge for total abstinence ; it teaches the prohibition of the liquor trattie; proclaims the Gospel of Peace ; is a prayer for home protection, predicts a safe path for the childrens feet, and is an emblem of patriotism. It promises hope for the tempted and help to the suffering; it prophesies the coming of Christ’s kingdom into all hearts, and homes, all governments. Let us wave the white ribbon, and follow its gleam. This song, or recitation follows, by some member;

“ I seek it, the white, white ribbon, In parlour and wtreet and cars, I watch for its Hashing message Am those who watch for the stars. For though it In* frayed and dingy And w orn on a shabby dress, It lends to its faithful wearer A charm you can never gut as. So wear it with pride*, dear women, Morning and noon and night, Glad to show, wherever you go, You’re standing for G<sl aud right.” As this is sung, the President pins on bows, the Union coming forward and circling about the new members, all at its close joining haods aud singing, “Blest Be the Tie That Binds,” closing with “The Lord Bless Thee”—etc., the W.C.T.U. benediction. — Exchange,