Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1867-05-03

Ilci1g anu WIS itEuluNA hOlA ENhNhpitJ ~
those acquainted with the existence of the
institution without any knowledge OF its
principles, as n mere myth-as surplusage
cast there by the action of time-but after
several years of unprotending works OF be-
neyolence and charity its utility is becoming
known and appreciated and those who at
first stood far aloof, or at the very least re-
garded Odd Fellowship with great dlstrust,
are now in large numbers uniting themselves
with it; laboring earnestly 10 further us oD-
jects and in return are reaping tho rlch re-
ward arising from membership.
At first scarcely tolerated in the by-wnys
as co-worker in the great cause OF charity,
il now moves upon the highways or more
general and universal walks of life, exerting
its great moral influence and struggling with
never firing zeal for supremacy over vice !
and selfshness. Under this rapid extension
by expanding, as well us moro thorough con-
dition of our order, the responsibilities and |
duties Of membership, as well as the de-
mands for relief, rapidly increase, but cor
responding increase OF the membership en-
sures against such appeals Deing in vain or
unrequited
One of the great excellencies OF this insti-
tuition, consists in its silent application OF
benefits-iis funds are distributed in such
manner as to avoid public observation |
though for this very thing the institution has
Ill tut pusJ DtGU ulIulEuJu uuu StNGIGlJ NNh
sured by public olamor.
Few, excepting the members of the Order,
are aware of the very large amount of money
which has been, through the agency OF this
institution, appropriated to benevolent and
charitable purposes within the various jurls-
dictions under its Supervision; and as the
object OF to-day's exercises is to make pub
lie acknowledgment to Almighty God of
our gratitude for his guardian care and pre-
E,tn
realized by many of the institutions of man,
under the destructive influences and blight
ing effects of war, 1t cannot be deemed mop
perfume TO allude specially and definitely to
the labors and results accomplished by this
great brotherhood, in n financial point OF
view.
And on examination of the returns touch
ing financial disbursements it appears that
there has been expended fol charitable pur-
poses exclusively, since 1888, ten millions of
dollars, for the following purposes
Relief of Members, go. ...,.."$6, 908, 934
" Widowed Families, 1,204, 1893
Burying the Dead, ,...."..... 1,659,G66
Education of Orphans, "".... 347,11S t'
$l0,110,911
Whilst several millions more applicable
to the same objects remain in the treasures.
By this immense sum of money, about one
million of members and 500, 900 widowed
families have been relieved, and many thou
sand orphans On large number of whom
must have remained utterly lllIteTate but for
Odd Fellowship have been cared for and
provided with an education fitting them for
the duties OF life. And this money, which
the Independent Order OF Odd Fellows,
through the small but regular contributions
Of the membership, is enabled TO appropriate
to deeds OF charity and beneyolence, is ex-
pended in such manner as TO accomplish the
greatest good; whilst ii is MT paid out in
such protusion as to entail the III effects of
luxury and extravaganza, neither is it so
meagrely applied MS TO fail Of its object and
design-that is, genuine relief to the needy
or afflicted; moreover these benevolent ac-
tions are entirely free of anything calculated
10 create feelings of humility on the part Of
the recipient; these appropriations are re-
quired TO be promptly and regularly taken
to the object of this benevolent care at short
intervals whilst the committees of Relief
are entrusted with the speci duty and care
OF the subject, and do not fail 10 render such
assistance and supply such means and def
clencies as the case seems to demand, wheth-
er that be to watch Mt the bedside during the
disturbed slumbers of the night or take in
charge the stranger who, distar from rela-
tives or acquaintances, finds himself stricken
} with disease or want in strange land, un
less Odd Fellowship or some kindred asso-
citation shall supply friend and home.
Our own State, small in territory, affords
a small jurisdiction wherein to practice thu
, duties of odd Fellowship, Yet within thi
3 small sphere a considerable sum of money
, has been appropriated to relieve the pang
of distress or prevent the cruel suffering
) which in multitude OF instances must have
Q resulted, in the absence of carly and timel.
relief
t Since the year 1916, in Delaware, thor
! has been distributed for
Relief of Members, ..........,..,.""S $50, OGO
I Widowed Families,."." 4,24O
!. Education of Orphans, ............ 575
e S77,s6s
: These sums appear insignificant in com
+ parison with those mentioned in connection
with the operations of tho entire institution
II for n quarter of u century, OF for singl
c year, but serve the better TO show its work
g in detail and furnish a more clear eXampl
of the dissemination of the blessings flown
J, from this fountain OF benevolence.
d Twenty years ago the Odd Fellows {
J, Delaware expended for benevolent purpose
Q the small annual sum Of $456; but the inst
J. tuition has grown in public tav0r-in men
r bership and in strength and influence; il lio
10 spread its beneficial effects through the com
e munity with gentle but willing hands, unit
p about 1000 members and many hundre
II widowed families have enjoyed its blessing
Is whilst large number of orphans of decease
al members live under its protection and qua
le dlanship. II now expends over $4,000 al
10 nually and its membership exceeds 2lO0.
Thus in Delaware the simple statement
m facts connected with its operations IN beha
Id of toiling humanity presents state OF thlnl
p, which no good citizen would desire
IN abridge.
IS, The Order was established in this Stat
al May 27, 1880, through the organization
Delaware Lodge, No / , hut the unpopular
be of the institution, by reason Of Us seer
of character. retarded Its growth in membt
Ii. ship, and for the same reason, intormati'
of concerning its true ard beneficial charact
y was slowly spread amongst the people, al
nd its genuine objects and intrinsic eXeellencl
renamed for time unknown. Cons
ne quently its advancement in Delaware was
of laborious task for those entrusted with &
re- charge and its increasing usefulness was
his beneath the ratio which now marks its pl
zee gress.
In Delaware was chartered. IT also exporter
ed a checkered existence for several yea
by but now stands at the head of the Orr
ge- in this State as an organization contain
of talent and influence with such inherI
The strength as to place its permanency as
beyond question as it is within the power
OBJ human ingenuity to devise.
der And in this State us well as through'
mi the entire jurisdiction of Odd Fellowsh
of the dawn Of q brghterday is fast breakinnl
lief the clouds of omnous portont which lC
led lowered over the zenith of its glory III
c. been dispersed, and the retulgent SPLENDID
APP Benevolcnce and Charity personified str
bile our vision, and from indications alreI
4 | I \ -. i,r4I,n nat- ~.