Beauceant News

Early Beginnings of Some Of Our Business

The early beginnings of the S.O.O.B., according to Mrs. Fred C. Shaw, the worthy president of Denver 1 in 1913, were fostered from a “desire of the wives of Knights Templar to enjoy the pleasure of membership in a group of women allied in some manner with their husbands’ Templar activities.”

The ladies met on the third Thursday of the month, with the first official meeting being held on February 20, 1890, with initiation fees of $1.00 and annual dues of $.45. The official refreshments were tea and wafers, for which, if omitted, the hostess would be fined $5.00. In July of that year, the refreshment rules changed, and the ladies had ice cream and little tea cakes.

Nothing about a ritual appeared until July of 1890 when the secretary recorded that the ritual was presented. The title page reads: “Denver Lodge 1” then there is the scimitar with broom and the letters “Denver, Colorado,” and it contained the opening, initiatory, and installation ceremonies.

Just as a point of interest, it is my understanding, based on conversations with P.S.W.P. Mrs. Esther K. Offen, that the first ritual was written by a Sir Knight J. M. Rhoads. The original letters S.O.O.B. stood for Some of our Business, and what was it?

“It is Some of our Business to make this society an attractive center from which shall radiate bright, joyous, and happy influences.” “It is Some of our Business to fleck the pathway of life with sunshine and strew flowers in waste and desolate places.” “It is Some of our Business to slumbering chord with lightsome touch and thrill the heart with soothing melody.” “It is Some of Our Business to be helpful, hopeful, and inspiring and put to flight the phantoms of despondent minds.” “In short, it is Some of Our Business to make life purer, better, and sweeter under the benign influence of S.O.O.B.

Respectfully Submitted Mrs. John C. Forrest PSWP