The Universal Language of Freemasonry - ArchiMeD - Johannes ...

Chapter 8 - Categorization of Rituals 675
the funeral benefit!" 1647 It seems that the benefit system of the order was not
without faults. But then, we have to keep in mind that the above-mentioned two
exposés were also published with the intention to keep Christians out of such
orders. Presumably, the warnings against fraternal benefit association result from
religious reasons, and not clear economic analysis. Let us look at the other side,
which is not less subjective.
The insurance fraternities themselves in their advertisements tell a
completely different story, of course. We want to pick out only one of these
brochures, illustrated on the left. It is from the Brotherhood Accident Company,
incorporated in August
1892, for Odd Fellows only.
This leaflet bears no date,
but we estimate that it stems
from the 1920's. It is of
special interest here for two
reasons: first, because it
employs the myth of "riding
the goat," which will be
dealt with later in our
corresponding chapter on
trivialization. Second,
because it uses the
ceremony of the Degree of
Brotherly Love of Odd
Fellowship for advertising
purposes. As to its layout,
on the back it shows the key
ring tag, comparable to the Masonic tag also illustrated in this chapter. Its
number could identify the bearer. As an additional stimulation, this ad promises
a free tag with each purchased insurance policy.
Inside the brochure, there are three poems. One is a very clumsy poem about
how "Papa rode the goat" in an Odd Fellow lodge - but luckily, the Brotherhood
Accident Company exists, so no matter whatever the brethren do with you in
their initiation ceremonies, if you are insured, nothing can go wrong. This gives
the impression that Odd Fellowship is a "fun" society without any high moral
standards, which is denied so anxiously in the ritual.
The next poem, entitled "Jericho Road," describes the happenings in the
Second or Degree of Brotherly Love, that is the story of the good Samaritan. The
last two stanzas contain the advertising for the insurance company, and the
marketing strategy here consists in an equation of the Brotherhood Accident
Company (B.A.C.) with the good Samaritan. As we have seen in the chapter on
the I.O.O.F. ritual, the Second Degree teaches that the one who has mercy on
you and helps you in your difficulties is your only true friend. Therefore, since
1647 Ibid, p. 184.