France - Document - Rituel de la fête d’adoption du 15 janvier 1893. - 1893

Freemasonry – Lille – Lodge La Fidélité
Ritual of the adoption festival of January 15, 1893.

Complete ten-page Masonic manuscript, large format, written in brown ink under an old card cover bearing the manuscript title “Rituel.” Several leaves are laid out on the reverse of forms printed by the City of Lille – Municipal Revenue Service, dated “190…”.

Text of the ceremony organized by the Lodge La Fidélité, in the Orient of Lille, on the occasion of its adoption festival of January 15, 1893. It governs the entrance of delegations and children with their sponsors, movements in the temple, the interventions of the Venerable Master and the officers, as well as the uncovering of three veils bearing the words “Misère,” “Ignorance,” and “Fanatisme.”

After the reading of the precepts, the sponsors solemnly pledge to provide the children with “aid, light and protection” and to watch over their education. The Venerable Master then proclaims them “adoptive children of the Lodge La Fidélité” in the name of the lodge, the Grand Orient, and the Supreme Council for France and its dependencies. Each child receives a certificate and a symbolic jewel. The ceremony concludes with a speech, thanks to the attendees, and a collection aimed “at alleviating miseries and misfortunes.”

Interesting testimony to republican and secular Freemasonry: instruction, freedom of conscience, religious tolerance, universal fraternity, and the fight against fanaticism. Many musical and stage directions: symphonic orchestra, marches, songs, and an harmony column. Working manuscript showing corrections, deletions, and marginal additions.

Working copy apparently executed at the beginning of the 20th century, judging by the administrative paper used, based on the ritual celebrated on January 15, 1893.

Worn and stained cover; scattered foxing, tears and marginal fragility, especially on the last leaf.