The UAOD (United Ancient Order of Druids) was organized as a fraternal benefit society in 1860. The ritual and ceremonies were based loosely on ancient Druidic myths. The legendary history of the society traces its roots back to the Roman invasion of Briton and credits the legendary Togo Dubeline with returning the Order of Druids to a state of original purity as well as with making important discoveries in moral philosophy.
The Ancient Order of Druids was founded in 1781 at the King's Arms Tavern, Poland and Oxford Streets, London, England. The moving force in its formation was a gentleman named Henry Hurle. (The first modern Druid order may have been the Druid Order, founded in 1717 at the Apple-Tree Tavern in London, soon after the first written material on Freemasonry was promulgated.) The Lodge started by Henry Hurle began charting "Junior Primative Lodges" just two years after its own institution: As the parent Lodge, Hurle's first Lodge was thereafter known as the Grand Lodge of the Ancient Order of Druids. The Ancient Order of Druids stated that the society was, "Established to promote harmony and good fellowship."
The Ancient Order of Druids came to America with the first Grove of Druids instituted in the City of New York in 1830. Gradually the Order branched out in different parts of the States. Early on, a rival United Ancient Order of Druids was organized, and the two branches eventually consolidated under the name of the United Ancient Order of Druids. In 1860, California Grove No. 1 was instituted at old Hangtown (now known as Placerville) under the leadership of the founder of California Druidism. P.N.G.A. (Past National Grand Arch) Frederick Sieg. California Grove No. 1 of Druids is no longer active today. A Druidic monument honoring P.N.G.A. Frederick Sieg adorns the main street of Placerville.
The term "Grove" derives from the oak groves in which the original Druids reputedly met. In these forest grove edifices in which they kindled their alter fires, the tops were never covered and the Ancient Druids used the sky or heaven as their roof. The district lodge is called a Grand Grove, and Supreme Groves regulating States and countries. Interestingly, the term Grove is not used outside the United States: Foreign countries refer to their local organizations as "Lodges."
In California the Druidic family is composed of three separate bodies: Groves, being the Brotherhood, Circles, known as the Sisterhood, and the Chapters, known as the Fun Branch. A member of the brotherhood branch can in due time join the sisterhood. However, a member of the sisterhood cannot join the brotherhood branch. Both members of the brotherhood and the sisterhood are eligible to join the Chapter branch. All three branches of the Druidic Fraternity claim a root in antiquity and each branch has its own moral precepts.
The guiding virtues of the Grove are Justice, Morality, and Brotherly Love. The motto of the Druids the world over is "United To Assist" (Integritas Pro Rupe Nobis). The aim of the Druids is Unity, Peace and Concord. The officers of the Grove are: Noble Arch, Vice Arch, Secretary, Treasurer, Inside Guardian, right hand Bard, left hand Bard, Outside Guardian. The officers of a Chapter are Past Chief Druid, Chief Druid (presiding officer), Chief Bard, Secretary, Treasurer, Guide, Guardian, and Sentinel. The motto of the Chapter is Equity, Integrity, and Obedience. The guiding virtues of the Circle Branch are the Seven Star Points: Honor, Truth, Justice, Faith, Hope, Love, and Benevolence. The officers of the Circle are: Arch Druidress, First Bard, Second Bard, Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Conductress, Inside Guardian, Outside Guardian, Three Trustees, Three Auditors, Musician, Chaplain, Left Supporter to the Arch Druidess, Right and Left Supporters to the First Bard, and Flag Detail. The principles of virtue of the Chapter Branch are Equity, Integrity, and Obedience.
The Seven Precepts of Merlin
1. Labor diligently to acquire knowledge for it is power;
2. When in authority decide reasonably, for thine authority may cease;
3. Bear with fortitude the ills of life, remembering that no mortal sorrow is perpetual;
4. Love virtue - for it bringeth peace;
5. Abhor vice - for it bringeth evil upon all;
6. Cultivate the social virtues, so shalt thou be beloved by all men; and
7. Obey those in authority in all just things, that virtue may be exalted.