Agreements and Applications for potential and current members
Series: (Series N2009- 3, Koreshan Unity; Papers, ca. 1887-1990.)
Page 1 of 4
Koreshan Unity
Transcript
Article of Agreement
Article of Agreement Governing the Relations of the Ecclesia of the Koreshan Unity with the members of Association.
THE ECCLESIA or Home of the Koreshan Unity is an association of absolute common interest in all things tolerated in the Order of the Ecclesia.
My signature at the bottom of this article indicates my agreement to fulfill the obligations taken upon myself in this relationship. I agree to turn over to the Trusteeship and treasury of The Koreshan Unity, all property held in my own right before entering the Ecclesia, and all property that may in any way fall to me personally; this shall include all pension, annuities, and other incomes, from whatsoever source, and all sources of allowances. I voluntarily enter the Order, and as voluntarily commit all I have and am to the interests and promotion of the cause of Koreshanity. My performance of use shall be property of the Commonwealth, to be directed and utilized by the Order according to the appointed methods of the system. I do hereby agree to obey, in all things, the properly delegated authorities of the Order, performing cheerfully the uses assigned me. I do hereby further agree to leave the Order at the decision of its authorities, when in their judgment I have violated its rules and am regarded as no more a worthy member of its association. It shall be optional with the Order to allow me little or much or nothing, as the Trusteeship shall judge. If I voluntarily withdraw myself from the association and cease to be a member, I will leave the matter of any gift to me from the association entirely at its discretion, holding no claim against it.
In view of the above voluntary statement, the Ecclesia of The Koreshan Unity, through its Board of Directors, agrees to deal justly, according to the spirit and letter of the communism of Koreshanity,- not too hasty in judging of the shortcomings of its members, slow to condemn, always cognizant of the fact that the spirit of often willing when the flesh is weak,- and will use just and liberal discretion in any gift or contribution it may make to a departing member. Signed by the President of the Board of Directors of The Koreshan Unity, in behalf of the Ecclesia:
THE KORESHAN UNITY
By President.
And in behalf of the person by the undersigned:
Estero, Fla.,   ;19
Probationary Agreement
PROBATIONARY AGREEMENT
With
The Koreshan Unity, Inc., Estero, Fla.
..........................................., 193......
I ............................................., of .................................................... herewith apply for probationary membership in The Koreshan Unity, Inc., at Estero, Florida. Realizing that it is necessary for the said Koreshan Unity to have some form of written agreement when taking strangers into their midst, I willingly and voluntarily have made myself a party to the following contract:
For and in consideration of the sum of ONE DOLLAR, to me in hand paid by The Koreshan Unity, Inc., receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, I hereby agree and covenant to work for said Koreshan Unity, Inc., for the period of six months from date as a Probationary Applicant for membership in said Koreshan Unity. I herewith agree to work under direction, uncomplainingly and to the best of my ability, in whatever industrial department I may be placed by the Management during the term of this agreement. I pledge myself to abstain from use of tobacco, alcoholic beverages and narcotic drugs. I further agree that if at any time during the term of this contract the Management of said Koreshan Unity, Inc., shall decide my presence to be no longer desirable, that on receipt of one week’s notice I will remove myself and my personal effects peaceably from the premises of said Koreshan Unity, Inc., and will make no claim whatever for other wages or remuneration than the amount stipulated in this agreement.
In consideration of the foregoing, the said Koreshan Unity, Inc., herewith agrees and covenants to treat said Probationary Applicant with due courtesy and consideration, as is accorded to members in full fellowship, requiring of said Applicant the performance of no task which, in the opinion of the Management, he is mentally or physically unable to do. Said Koreshan Unity, Inc., further pledges, during the life of this agreement, to furnish said Applicant, in exchange for his services, with shelter, food, clothing, laundry work, dentistry, medical attention, and other requirements that the community treasury can afford, and which, in the judgment of the Management may be deemed essential.
In the event that general conduct of said Probationary Applicant should prove entirely satisfactory to the Management of said Koreshan Unity, Inc., it may at any time waive the six months’ probationary period and receive said Applicant into full membership in the community.
It is herewith mutually understood that this agreement may be terminated by either party thereto on one week’s notification in advance.
Signed,
................................................... Probationary Applicant
................................................... The Koreshan Unity, Inc.
Certificate of Application for Advancement
CERTIFICATE OF APPLICATION FOR ADVANCEMENT
To the Second Court of the Koreshan Unity.
I believe in God as the Divine Person, that Personality being also the Divine Human. I believe in the biunity of God, in his two-in-oneness. I believe that the Lord embodies the masculine and feminine principles and elements in one person, and I utterly repudiate and renounce-if having believed it-the terrible heresy of the tri-personality of the Godhead. I believe that the Lord was the visible and tangible manifestation of the Godhead, and the fullness thereof-the fullness of the Godhead bodily; that He was the Father and the Son, also the Bride and the Bridegroom.
I hold Victoria Gratia the Pre-Eminent of the Koreshan Unity, and will revere her Official position, her Title, her Executive will; and will bestow upon her all the attention and devotion that the dignity of her station as Empress of the Unity warrants and demands.
I believe in the destruction of the wage system, and in the substitution of the Co-operative and Communistic Systems of United Life. I desire to enter the Communistic Order. I believe in the severance of the marital and family ties, and in the substitution of the Divine Fellowship.
I will never use intoxicating drinks as beverages, nor tobacco in any form whatsoever. I will never use profane nor vulgar language. I will not speak evil nor disrespectfully of dignitaries in the Koreshan Unity.
I accept CYRUS as the Messenger of the Covenant, the Lord’s Anointed.
I will strive with all my powers to perform the will of the Unity, will strive to obey all its laws and ordinances, will endure and share its privations, and willingly suffer its persecutions.
Date........................................
Signed....................................
Application for Membership Card
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
SOCIETY ARCH-TRIUMPHANT
ESTERO, FLORIDA
........................................................193...
Being deeply interested in the purposes of your Society, and wishing to identify myself therewith, I respectfully present my name, and request admission to membership.
Name ..........................
Address.......................
Occupation.............................
The Society Arch-Triumphant is but the initiatory degree and one joining it does NOT automatically become a member of the Koreshan Unity or Ecclesia at Estero. (over)
SOCIETY ARCH-TRIUMPHANT
PURPOSE: Inauguration of the divine fellowship in the earth.
REQUISITES: Sobriety, Chastity, and Brotherly Love.
MEMBERSHIP DUES: $2.00 per year, in advance.
(over)