Grindstone Mission Statement

The Grindstone is a historic Shasta County tradition made up of men dedicated to handling all the problems of government—national and world wide—through erudite discussion on the relevant issues of the time (and of all time) amongst a brotherhood of peers (a last bastion of manhood) while enjoying some of the finer things in life.

Grindstone Motto

Logos - Philos - Arete

Reason - Brotherhood - Excellence

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Grindstone Rituals and Traditions

Membership:

Grindstoners - Full membership in the Grindstone requires that you have been tokened.

Initiates - Former prospects who have passed the initial membership requirements and have been given a mission to earn their token. The initial requirements include: being invited by a Sponsor as well as attending three regular meetings; having your Sponsor recommend you for Initiation to members of Gamma Sigma; passing the Gamma Sigma Inquisition which will include questions about the meaning of Grindstone symbols, why you wish to become a member, and why you believe yourself worthy of membership. If a Prospect is not recommended by his Sponsor for, or does not pass, Initiation after the three introductory meetings, he will no longer be welcomed to the Grindstone as a Prospect.

Sponsor - A member who chooses to invite a Prospect to the Grindstone. A Sponsor is expected to vouch for the character, and be accountable for the conduct of, the Prospect. The Prospect should be introduced to Grindstone members at each meeting by their Sponsor. The Sponsor should request permission to invite their Prospect back, and be prepared to give an account as to why he thinks the Prospect should be considered for membership. The Sponsor should prepare the Prospect to be able to meet criteria for becoming an Initiate.

Prospects - Potential members who are men of good character and are interested in becoming a member, and who must be invited and sponsored by
an existing member. Nominations should be made to Gamma Sigma, who will then perform an Inquisition. If the Prospect passes the Inquisition, he will become an Initiate and be given an individualized mission in order to earn his token.

Guests - People invited to visit the Grindstone who either do not qualify for membership or have no current intention of joining. Examples would
include friends or family members who are visiting from out of town or stopping by for some other reason.

Millstoners - Wives and fiances of members of the Grindstone. Automatic membership will be granted once their husband or fiance is tokened. Future functions to be devised by Gamma Sigma will include joint meetings between Grindstoners and Millstoners. Millstoners will be encouraged to plan their own functions in order to get to know each other.

Feeding the Kitty - While dues are not currently required, all members and initiates are expected to feed the kitty $5 when attending the Grindstone in order to help defray operating costs.

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