A handful of outsiders to the Society, including an Acron reporter and a photographer, were invited to a private meeting and sermon for Society of the Old Ones congregants in the Drew Forest on Friday, March 28.
A scene of stoic and solemn worship among the trees; an abandoned building marked the meeting place. The cold chill of early spring wind bit one’s skin through dark robes. More than two dozen candles were lit, and the ceremony began with Latin chanting. Under hoods, no one could be recognized. There were also tables with hot chocolate, sugar cookies and homemade tea laid out.
“It was really exciting to be there, all my friends were jealous,” said Wrongo (‘28).
Since their arrival on campus in January, which was preceded by a great blaring of horns and photographs of deer walking on their hind legs, the campus has been abuzz with rumors about the Society of the Old Ones, who some call a cult. According to the Society’s rules, no photographs of the event can be shared.
After thirty minutes of chanting, candle lighting and bead-bracelet making, the night’s guest of honor, Gol-Goroth, a figure of some importance to the club members, finally arrived, preceded by a special prayer.
“I couldn’t believe my eyes,” said photographer Sigourney Peanut (‘32), who has since lost sight in her right eye from unrelated medical complications. “My earthly servants have welcomed me most adequately,” said Goroth, who arrived late and is not a Drew student.
“Without donations from our congregation, we couldn’t even manage to speak to our master,” Steve the Elder (‘26), Society of the Old Ones president, told the Acron. The Society’s headsboard was denied $200 from the Budgets and Operations Board for sacrificial chickens, and was even unable to secure a spot in the chapel for worship. “We prefer the forest, anyway,” said Elder, “but every time we request funding from either BOB or Drew we are refused. Thankfully, our Venmo is always receiving donations from supportive community members.”
Both BOB and ResLife refused to comment on the Society’s complaints.
“I think these cult guys are weird. Some of them live in McLendon, in a suite next to mine, and their parties are so loud but the CA doesn’t do anything. If you heard it, you’d swear they summoned a demon or something.” said Steve the Younger (‘25). Younger is one of many students who expressed concerns about the Society’s effects on student life. He reported his CA to ResLife for failing to maintain quiet hours.
Similarly, a resident of Madison who lives near the forest, Robert Grobert, age 62, said, “It’s like Mischief Night all over again every other Friday, except instead of eggshells on my roof, my dogs won’t stop barking, and my chickens can’t stop speaking in tongues.”
Despite the challenges the club faces, it has seen its membership grow from its six founding members to 13 in February, and to 66 on March 28.
The Acron, for one, is glad to see the Society at Drew. We really like the Society of the Old Ones. They are very friendly, inviting people.
Flute Neustein is a first-year student majoring in Clarinet-playing and minoring in Hip-Hop Studies.
