The Legend Of The Order

Many years ago, the Lenni Lenape Tribe of the Delaware Indians inhabited the Delaware River Valley. Here they pursued the deer, the bear, the wildcat, and the panther. Their villages were numerous and powerful; their hunting parties strong. They tilled the fields aswell as followed the chase. They were a peaceful people, never warring with other tribes unless first attacked.

Many moons they lived in this blissful state of happy contentment. Springtime blossomed into winter, in what seemed a never-ending succession of seasons. But a cloud arose on this peaceful scene. Neighboring tribes and distant enemies began to raid their hunting grounds. Then Chingachgook, the chief of the Lenni Lenape Tribe, made inquiry, "who will go and warn the villages of the Delawares of the danger which threatens?" But none wished to go. But Uncas, his son, said; "My father, here I am; send me. All these villages are of our blood-the Lenni Lenape. What is danger to one is the affair of all. The need is urgent. They are six to our one, and if we are to survive as a nation, we must all stand by each other. Meanwhile, let us both urge on our kindred the necessity of unselfish devotion to each other and the cause in which we are enlisted, and as they get this higher vision, send them forth on their errand of cheerful service."

Then Chingachgook and Uncas set to work. In every village were found some who were willing to give themselves cheerfully in the service of others. Their enemies were compelled to return to their own lands, and when peace was declared, they who first went out to serve their kindred were raised to places of high eminence in the tribe by the chief. For, he said, "The servant of all is the greatest of all." And these men became so convinced that they besought the chief to perpetuate it in some manner.

So Chingachgook bound them together in a Brotherhood into which only they can be admitted who can forget their own interests and advancement while looking out for those of their brothers. And these must also be considered and recommended for membership by their associates.

And so we, the followers of the early Indian on this soil, perpetuate to the present day the Brotherhood of Cheerful Service.