Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1867-07-02
NO. SO.

glance must suffice to recall its principal
features that they may renewedly awaken
our songs OF praise. We will only look SO
far back as to its introduction into this
country.
More than half century ago, in the year
1906, in the ''Shakspere House." IN Fair
Street, now Fulton Street, New York, the
first Lodge is said to have been formed, but
the members of II were soon scattered. Ten
years later, In the city of Baltimore, and
without knowing what had been done in
New York, five members of the Order from
beyond the sea, formed successful organi-
cation which has remained to this day, and
has stretched out its branches till 1t has filed
the land. AT this present time there are
said to be in the United States 3O72 Lodges
and Encampments, containing membership
of 205,307, and their aggregate receipts
amounted in the last year to more than six
hundred thousand dollars.
Fifteen years ago tney were able to state
with truth, From town to town, from city
to city, from State to State, has this Order
spread, and thousands upon thousands of the
best men of the nation have been gathered
TO its folds" Its members were scattered
all through the north and the south, and
and when the sad trumpet notes of civil war
summoned even brothers to conflict, the
armies of both combatants were replenished
from their ranks. But, as soon as the dark
storm rolled away and deeds Of love were
| permitted to succeed to deeds Of carnage,
| these men, who prOfessed to be brethren,
hastened to renew 10 each other their cove
nants OF kindness. The Order is now one
in the east and west, the north and south
one unbroken band which knows no east,
no west, no north, no south, but one glori-
Gus land of freedom, and one extended work
of mercy. 1t is chiefly for this blessing, that,
| in the Order issued for this day, you are
called to give thanks in these most appre-
pirate words: ITO render thanks to the ever
living God for his manifest favor and pIo-
lection to that institution which we so much
love and cherish, and especially for the
preservation Of its unbroken unity through
trials azd perils Of unparalleled severity
And the members of this particular Lodge
have much to be thankful for, though your
joy is not unmingled with memories of sad
ness. One of your nur.ber went forth to the
J battlefield never to return. Edward Baxter
: fell, nobly fighting for his country, at the
atorming of Marie's Heights, Virginia, May
Sd, 1868. He was & member of Company
@, 23d Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers
3 For long time his fate was unRertaln, and
7 well remember the anxious waiting, and
I longing of his widowed mother and loving
. sisters and brother. But, with the full evil
] dence Of his death came also worthy record
!, OF his noble deeds as determined soldier,
g and touching tribute to his worth from his
, comrades in arms This is the only blank
r that war has left IN your ranks. Six of the
: members OF this Lodge were regularly en-
! rolled in the army, and about forty rendered
k occasional service at Fort Delaware, Gun
|, powder River, &c. And surely you TO
whom God granted his protecting care are
n specially called upon to offer praise.
h This Lodge was organized in 1850, and
e since that time has received about five hun
n dred members There are now in active
is connexion with it about one hundred, OF
10 whom some forty or fifty assemble weekly
n at their regular meetings. You have been
h prospered also in worldly matters, and, with
- an ample fund, safely and loyalty invested
le in government bonds, you have sufficient
m evidences of prosperity to stir your hearts
RS to full thanksgiving.
Q. AS last word OF exhortation may say,
re be good Odd Fellows if you are Odd Fellowl
he at all. He is least chargeable with unrea
Id sonable oddity who lives up to his principles
ks to say, don't be satisfied with being goot
er Odd Fellows Stop not upon the shorte
1t, line, good as far as ii goes. Having started
70, well, go on. Press upward in the ascending
n paths to "glory, honor and Immortality
&c which are opened to you only in the religion
ly of Christ Be good Christians, and so shal
&C. you be better Odd Fellows, better citizens
an better men, and happier as you are better
If Follow but this short and plain advice, an
he then may apply to you in all their fulnes
cir of meaning those glowing words OF Cow
nd per-
m. "Hear what God the Lord hath spoken;
co. Oh, my people, faint and few,
on Comfortless, afflicted, broken,
he Fair abodes build for you;
Scenes Of heartfelt tribulation
I'VE Shall no more perplex your ways,
IN, You shall name your walls salvation,
ing And your gates shall all be praise.
~ ~ There, like streams that feed the garden,
VA VA Pleasures without end shall flow,
~ ~ For the Lord, your faith rewarding,
~, All his bounty shall bestow;
WI WI Still, in undisturbed possession
on gu Peace and righteousness shall reign;
'ne M Never shall you feel oppression,
,ho Hear the voice of war again.
The "Yea, no more your suns descending
pel Waning moons no more shall see;
the But your griefs forever ending,
God Find eternal noon in Me;
It," GOD shall rise, and shining DER you,
Change to-day the gloom of night;
0p- He, the Lord, shall be your glory,
hip God your everlasting light"
tied