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Induction into Christian the Fourth’s Guild on July 4th — Celebrated the Spirit of Friendship
Seven benches were present in Duus’ Wine Cellar to conduct this year’s induction of new members into the Guild as part of the ongoing friendship between the United States and Denmark—a long-standing tradition where friendship takes center stage.
Ten expectant new members, along with at least as many guests in the cellar, went through the well-known induction ritual of Christian the Fourth’s Guild. Prior to the ceremony, it was established that all present—both the inductees and the guests—understood and spoke Danish. Therefore, it was decided that the induction would be conducted in Danish on this occasion.
As usual for the July 4th inductions, there was a tight schedule, as most attendees needed to make it to the Rebild Society’s luncheon ahead of the main event in the hills.
The ten new members learned all about the Guild’s rules and regulations and were also given the mandatory city tour, albeit the cut version due to time constraints. Afterwards, the newly inducted tasted the traditional mead, and everyone passed this test successfully. Then, they were seated, and the Christian the Fourth’s Guild gala lunch was served. Beer was tasted, and—according to the head table—later also snaps, which still very much belongs to Aalborg and proudly bears the city’s name.
All good things ended, as they say, except good friendship. That must be nurtured and built upon, a message that the guild brothers underlined with their farewell song.
Afterwards, everyone departed for Rebild Hills. Upon arrival, it was immediately clear that something new had been introduced - the usual white tent in the parking lot in front of Rebildhus was nowhere to be seen. Instead, a large tip had been erected in the area normally used for overflow parking.
It was exciting to step inside, and without a doubt, the intended atmosphere was achieved, as a warm and cozy mood quickly spread.
Then came the luncheon, which was completed within a couple of hours and included speeches—among them one by Rebild Society chairman Jørgen Bech Madsen, who emphasized the value of friendship in light of the current situation with a rather controversial U.S. president.
But the Rebild Society has existed since 1912, always based on friendship between the U.S. and Denmark, founded especially of the many Danes who over the years became Danish-Americans.
Throughout its history, the Rebild Society has worked to promote this message of friendship, regardless of who the U.S. president has been—serving as a global signal that friendship between nations is essential to mutual well-being.
As tradition dictates, Christian the Fourth’s Guild also took to the stage to present C4 ties and caps for the gentlemen, and C4 scarves and caps for the ladies among the special invitees. This year’s guests included Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, world-renowned Aalborg-born ice hockey player Nicolai Ehlers, and Member of Parliament Muhammed Rona.
As is also tradition for July 4th events, the weather proved difficult to control. This year brought a healthy dose of rain—but the tipi tent managed to keep guests dry. It became more challenging when the rain arrived during the main event in the hills.
On Denmark's Liberation Day, May 5th, donations were fittingly handed out by both Christian IV's Guild and its associated Foundation. The timing was appropriate, as the Guild was actively engaged in social work during the German occupation and continues to support local events and charitable initiatives that shape the cultural life of Aalborg.
Founded in 1942 during World War II, Christian IV's Guild originally aimed to support true Danes through social aid and related efforts. Staying true to its legacy, the Guild awarded the Aalborg Prize to Jan Larsen, Director of Aalborg Handball, on this day. The prize is awarded to a person or organization that contributes positively to Aalborg or its citizens, either through notable initiatives or other positive acts. During the award ceremony, the chief bencher jokingly remarked that the donation might serve as a down payment to secure star handball player Mathias Gisel for the team. Jan Larsen responded with a smile, noting he would consider the suggestion depending on the amount.
The chief bencher then handed over proceedings to Vibeke Gamst, Chairman of the Guild’s Foundation. She began the presentation of donations, which were granted to seventeen recipients in varying amounts. Each recipient was called forward to receive an envelope containing the awarded donation.
The recipients were all visibly delighted. Among them were the Hunting Horn Blowers, who expressed their gratitude with an impressive performance of various hunting signals on both Fürst Pless and Parforce horns. The acoustics under the vaulted cellar ceilings only amplified the grandeur of the performance.
In total, the Guild and Foundation distributed DKK 90,000 to enthusiastic recipients that day.
After the donation ceremony, guests were treated to a refreshment and the Guild’s traditional gala dinner, featuring two red sausages with bread, served with delicious homemade cognac mustard and ketchup.
Following this, all participants moved to Aalborg Monastery, where they gathered in the Refectory together with attendees of the Friends of the Monastery’s general assembly. Former cathedral organist Erling A. Thomsen performed a beautiful piano concert, and when the concert concluded, members of Christian IV’s Guild continued to the Monastery Church, where guide Margrethe Østergaard gave a presentation about the church’s location, interior design, and its role throughout history.
For many of the donation recipients, this was hopefully a memorable and enriching extra experience.
The Guild of Christian the Fourth had the pleasure of admitting no fewer than 28 “real men” on April 9, 2025.
It is, after all, a special date in the Danish calendar (The day Denmark was occupied by Germany in 1940)something the entire group was well aware of, even though the event it marks took place 85 years ago.
The initiation followed its traditional course, with nine benchers present, including the chief bencher.
The Chief Bencher welcomed the assembly and promised, among other things, that the guests would later be treated to a historical account of the Guild's origins.
The guests listened attentively as the Chief Bencher explained which sisters and brothers they were now joining. It is always impressive to hear how many royals’ members of Christian IV’s Guild there are. Equally impressive is the fact that the future Prime Minister has already been initiated.
The Chief Bencher also introduced the benchers present, highlighting not only their roles in the Guild but also their many accomplishments outside of it—often to the guests’ amazement at the breadth of knowledge gathered around the head table.
Lively conversation had already filled the cellar before the benchers made their entrance, and following the various introductions and stories, a delightful and vibrant mood took hold.
The next point on the agenda was more serious—the formal admission of the new members.
They were presented with the clauses of the Guild Charter (Laugsskråen), and afterward, the newly initiated declared themselves ready for admission—despite, or perhaps because of, the strict rules laid out in the Charter.
It was a cheerful group that was then sent on a sightseeing tour of Aalborg, which included a visit to the beautiful tree planted by Christian IV’s Guild in front of the City Hall.
After another walk accompanied by music and song, the group arrived at the "secret entrance to the cellar." There, they were told about some of the trials and tribulations the Guild has endured through the years. The recently handed out “golden key,” which each new member had received, was then tested to ensure that in the future, all could gain access to the cellar when visiting the city.
Back in the cellar, the newly initiated were invited to taste the ancient drink mead, after which they were shown to their seats to enjoy Christian IV’s Guild’s grand gala dinner.
They were instructed not to touch the schnapps until the head table gave permission.
This was mostly successful—though a few members couldn’t quite manage the art of "biting the schnapps," and instead ended up toasting with empty glasses.
A bit of food and drink only lifted the spirits further, and when the Guild’s troubadours began playing music and leading singalongs from the Guild's songbook, the room filled with the powerful sound of men’s voices in song.
The Chief Bencher’s tales of life’s oddities—like how to learn Finnish in an hour, or how a Norwegian priest was taught to keep his congregation awake during his sermons—brought waves of laughter through the room.
As with all good things, the morning eventually had to end.
And the benchers left the cellar while the new members applauded.
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The Guild Assembly of Christian the IV’s Guild on Thursday Februar 27th
When the benchors entered the cellar to conduct the 2025 Guild Assembly, they were met by a packed room. Many members took the opportunity to attend this evening to hear about the guild’s activities over the past year.
Following the customary welcome toast, "Our thirst first," the Chief Bencher warmly welcomed everyone to this important evening, the annual Guild Assembly. A structured agenda was in place, and to oversee proceedings, the Chief Bencher proposed the election of the former Colonel and Garrison Commander Flemming Larsen. This proposal was met with enthusiastic applause, and Flemming Larsen took over the leadership of the meeting.
The Chief Bencher, Niels Voss Hansen, then addressed the assembly, reporting on a busy year for the guild in 2024. A major highlight was the 400th anniversary of Jens Bang’s Stone House, which led to two special jubilee admissions of new members. The guild also played a role in the anniversary tours of the historic building and participated in the official reception celebrating the house’s milestone.
Over the past year, 250 paying new members were admitted. Additionally, a new initiative was launched—a Donation Club within the guild, which has already attracted twelve donors. These donations will help strengthen the guild’s social work.
The report was approved.
The guild’s treasurer then presented the financial report, which showed a healthy surplus, thanks to prudent management of the guild’s funds. This, too, was approved.
Under the agenda item for board elections, there was a change in the treasurer position. Torben Røgild had chosen to step down but wished to remain a bencher. As his replacement, Henrik Røgild Knudsen was proposed and elected, officially taking over as treasurer upon receiving the key to the guild’s treasury. All other board members were re-elected.
With the agenda completed, the Chief Bencher thanked Flemming Larsen for guiding the assembly through all agenda points with a steady hand.
Next came the presentation of scholarships and donations.
- The Guild’s Honorary Award was given to world champion runner Stine Rex for her remarkable achievements—not for her outstanding athletic performance but for raising several hundred thousand kroner, which she directed toward improving young people’s living conditions.
- The Guild’s Initiative Award was presented to Keld Gregersen, the founder and chairman of the association Gestus, which conducts significant social work.
- The Guild’s Aalborg Award was also scheduled for presentation, but the recipient was unfortunately unable to attend and will receive it at a later occasion.
As tradition dictates, donations were also awarded to students residing in the Churchill Room and Toldstrup Room at the May 4th College.
Following this, the traditional admission of new members took place. The history of the guild, the origins of its name, and the significance of the Guild Toast—which outlines the proper conduct within the guild community—were explained to the new members. Their knowledge of Aalborg was further expanded during a city tour, including a stop at the Town Hall, where the guild’s beautiful linden tree was presented. They were then led to the “secret passage,” where they successfully tested their newly issued C4 keys.
The group reconvened in the cellar, where they enjoyed the traditional Viking drink, mead, before taking their seats once more. The evening continued with communal singing, cheerful camaraderie, and the guild’s signature schnapps ritual. The guild’s two troubadours provided additional entertainment before the benchers eventually departed.
Later in the evening, as tradition holds, the benchers gathered with the donation recipients for a reception at the Town Hall.
Once again, it was a wonderful evening filled with great experiences in Christian the IV’s Guild.
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On Saturday, February 15, 2025, a record-breaking initiation took place. At least fifty-seven members from the Odd Fellow lodges in North Jutland sought initiation to Christian IV’s Guild.
This meant that every seat in Duus Wine Cellar was occupied by people eager to join the guild. After a city tour through both old and new Aalborg, as well as a check to ensure that the secret entrance could be accessed with the C4 key, the group returned to their seats, where they had the opportunity to taste the ancient Viking drink, mead.
The large gathering created an electrifying atmosphere in the cellar, especially when the benchers sat the main table repeatedly toasted with delicious beer—an act that was met with longing glances from those awaiting initiation.
There was also much amusement during the introduction of the benchers, whether during the short or extended presentation of the chief bencher, the troubadour who graduated from the Royal Danish Academy of Music, or the senior brother who married into a fortune.
Christian IV’s Guild’s “Grand Lunch” dinner was enjoyed with the necessary respect, and afterward, the gathering was introduced to the renowned temperance advocate Larsen-Ledet and his efforts in this cause. 
The guests sang along enthusiastically with the songs from the guild’s songbook, and the atmosphere was further lifted when the guild’s troubadours performed several musical pieces.
It turned into a couple of joyful and festive hours—not least because, naturally, it took some extra time to organize all fifty-seven new applicants. However, the benchers were able to leave behind a happily buzzing crowd.
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