The Kansas herald of freedom. [volume] (Wakarusa, Kan. Territory) 1854-1860, 1859-08-20

SUN, every tlIIlo US entered the LOQ9e,
and the formidable wooden broad ak
which we even now see about many Lodge
rooms. was used as a sort of contribution
box to collect these moneys; for all, in
those days, whether they belonged to the
Lodge or were visitors, contributed theiT
mite to the treasury; and when the wants
of distressed brother were more than
the Lodge could well afford, word was
sent to the other Lodges in the neighbor-
hood; and it was not unusual for Lodges
in body to visit the lodge calling for
rclief-each member making his contri-
button; and, some times, hundreds would
go purposely to give their mite to the
treasury, and continue to go till the ex-
hausted funds were replenished.
Another system prevailed, which has
become obsolete. A brother was entitled
to vote in every Lodge he might visit, the
evenings refreshment being at the ex-
pense of the successful candidate. The
Lodges were always full in those days on
election nights. However we may look
npon these customs, they were at that
time unobjectionable, and cemented the
Lodges in strong fraternal friendship
1t is hardly necessary to say that it has
been an imperative and positive law of
the Order for many years. that no refresh
ment of any kind, except pure cold water,
can be allowed in any Lodge room.
In the year 1912 our Order separated
entirely from the Manchester Unity of
England. The cause of the separation
would take much time to explain, more
than the limits Of the hour assigned for
these exercises would justify. Suffice it
to say, that the separation has been bene-
fetal to both countries, and each is SUI
preme in its own territorial limits. But
the day is not far distant when Grand
Lodge, composed of all nations, will unite
the tribes, tongues and kindreds of the
earth into one family in Odd Fellowship,
acting and speaking its common language.
Some steps toward this end have already
been taken, and We have no doubt that
before many years shall have elapsed this
great work will have been accom- plished.
l believe the day is not far distant when
we shall be able to say of Ode Fellow
ship, in the language of the sacred poet,
See barbarous nations at thy gates attend,
Walk in thy light and in thy temple bend;
See the bright affairs thronged with PROSTATE
kings,
While every land its joyous tribute brings"
From the date we have last mentioned,
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
has advanced with gigantic strides, until
it has laid its foundations broad and deep
in every State, District and Territory OF
the United States, the Canadas, and the
Islands of the Pacific Ocean, and is still
progressing. At the late session of the
Grand Lodge of the United States, thirty
four States and Territories were repre-
sented. 1t appeared by the returns that
there are 3,973 Lodges, and 612 Encarnp-
ments, containing nearly 100000 mem
bers; that the receipts of the last year had
been nearly $2,00o,OO0; that 100000
had been expended in relieving $4,000 ol
its members in affection; that S74, 526 &C
had been expended in the single item o
burying the dead, besides large amount
for the education Of orphans. The property
belonging to the Order exceeds in value
$4,000, 600. In many of the cities and
large towns fine Halls have been erected
to these are added, in some instances
libraries; and every thing in and abou
Odd Fellowship denotes life, activity, ant
progress.
In an address upon the subject of Odd
Fellowship, it will be expected that some
thing should be said of the introduction
of the Order in our own golden State. Al
old file of the California Star, published
in San Francisco in 1947, and which ma,
be found in the Odd Fellows Library O
that city, contains the following adver
tisement:
i NoTIcE.-The friends of the l. o. O
o. F. are respectfully invited to attend
meeting of the Ordef on Tuesday evehin
next, at the Portsmouth House.
(Signed) MANY ODD FELLOWS.
San Francisco, December 4, 1847.
Upon diligeut inquiry, we ind tina
there was then a regular working Lodg
in San Francisco, with the books an
regalia of lodge; but it was self. inst
tuted body, without charter, Dr.. E. /
Jones was presiding officer. This Lodg
met in the Portsmouth House, which the
stood near the spot where the Californi
Exchange now stands. In May, 1848, tn
discovery of gold made chaos of all tn
then existing institutions of San Franci.
co. The churches were left desolate, th
town school was broken up, the printer
left for the mines, and the little seven by
nine weekly paper went in. The Cd
Fellows all left in the grand scramble f
gold; but before leaving they held
meeting and made bonfire Of all th
books and papers Of the Lodge, to preveI
their falling into improper hands. II
regalia was packed away, and was afte
wards burned in one of those destructiy
: fires that laid waste the town. Soon afte
. the N. G. left the country, and few, if an,
! of the original members, have made So
D Francisco their home and had it nj
! been for the collection of facts in relatio
d to the early history of California in Il
Odd Fellows Library of San Francisc
}. these important facts in relation to Ii
early history of Odd Fellowship in tn
State, would have passed into utter o.
{; livion.
After the discovery of gold, and lor
before any chartered Lodges were inst
: tuted, in the more thickly settled parts
+ California Odd Fellows assembled
meetings and organized themselves to tai
: care of the sick and the distressed; al
s l have no doubt that in the year 1859 mo
n than 100000 was expended by d
i brothers Of this State in charitable deet
d besides time, which was money in tho
l. days. 10 Sacramento some $50, 900 "
i expended in supporting the Odd Fellow
= Hospital, and large amounts were spent
g San Franc SEQ, and other places in the Sta
II for the same benevolent purposes. In I
1t fall Of the year 1648 petition was f
l. warded to the Grand Lodge Of the Unit
st States for the establishments Of Lodge
d San Francisco Adispensation was graz
ed on the 18th day of January, 1849, a
ID the Lodge was instituted on the 9th
ut September following. This Lodge
in creased rapidly, and its meetings W,
Tp largely attended by members from I
te Eastern States; and those who arriv
ne sick and in distress from the long q