Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1867-05-03
ODD FELLOWS THANKSGIVING.
ADDRESS OF
r. O. NJ. JosIIUA. MARIs,


porations equalled that which characteristics
the present age, and distinguishes our own
land.
1t is many centuries sinceithe Romans are
supposed to have invented corporations,
whereby n number of individuals are au-
thorized by the laws of the land, to unite
together for common purpose. And now
for almost any conceivable object, the COM
bined means, influence and energy Of num-
bers, through the agency Of organizations,
are resOrted to.
In this way, many with inferior powers
accomplish great results. Through such an
agency, men ofgood intentions, though weak
in capacity are able to exert q great influence
and WELD sceptre of unlimited powers.
A consciousness of inherent weakness and
inadequate ability admonishes mankind that
individual action, though frequently produc-
tive of great effects, seldom surmounts OBJ
stacles of any great magnitude, whilst ex.
perence teaches that the results OF united
action secures more hearty cooperation
from all the parts, ensures aid from the timid
and unwilling, continued assistance from the
more Jealous, us well as affords encourage
ment TO all interested in return. Eventually
such efforts prove commensurate to the ext
gene es of the undertaking without exhaust
ing and discouraging the participants; re-
suit which might have followed action less
comprehensive.
| AS beings possessing proyidential regard
for ourselves, VIC are lead to enter these asso-
clations; the trials and temptations, (resulls
OF disobedience towards our Creator,) which
are constantly depressing humanity, as well
rs the manifest weakness and dependence of
mankind unite to compel men 10 exercise
and cultivate fraternal relations with each
other, and form associations for common de-
fence and preservation.
The grand result OF all which, is the for
nation of society with its various divisions
and classifcations. AS q consequence, in
situations innumerable exist, and others arc
ever being formed, having for their objects
the promotion and advancement OF the pecu-
liar designs and purposes of their member
ship. Thus religion, morality, beneyolence
and charity, learning and commerce are
lostered and advanced among men.
or those devoted TO the promotion OF
benevolence and charity, stands very promi-
nent the institution styled the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows 1t Is distinguished
by reason of its peculiar success; its great
and growing powers for usefulness In the
amelioration OF the condition of the human
race, and its opportunities for searching oui
cases requiring attention and making the
silent application Of the proper remedy, 1t
deserves prominent place among the De'
|
day, because it has already done so much in
behalf of the improving condition OF very
many of the people of this country, anc
evinces unmistakable and promising signs
of permanent, increasing and continued
efforts in that direction.
The time or place of the origination o
odd Fellowship is not definitely known, ant
its early history is enshrouded in much CD
security; we are not able to trace ITS step
with any degree of accuracy farther than Y
the year 1919, to which time the indepen
dent organization points for the date OF IL
foundation in the organization OF Washing
ton Lodge, No 1, at Baltimore, by Thoma
Widely and four other persons, who as wei
as himself had been members OF the irateI
nity that previously existed in England
under the name of Odd Fellowship.
This fraternity existed in other parts .
Europe as well as in England, but being un
governed by wise and salutary laws failed L
accomplish much notoriety as benevolen
institution.
In the course of immigration it becam
transplanied to this country, where II main
tanned feeble, fitlul and inefficient existenc
in some of our larger cities, until the presen
independent organization entirely displace
= it,
Washington Lodge, in Baltimore, was OF
: ranized on the Goth day of April, in tn
b wear 1910 And to that event we Away
!, rccur MS the introduction of Odd Fellowshl
a into this country; as the first substanli
thing done in the cause of implantlng tn
: benevolent institution upon safe, reliapl
d and enduring basis.
u Whereupon we find its career has not "
reached the period of half century, thong
a history of its operations presents grei
v work of unselflsh devotion to the cause
I. humanity, as well as a great contest VII
3. the enemies of secret societies for exlstenc
The advent of this institution, for the pr
~ motion OF all things tending towards u
IN development of the benevolent and Chart
ID BILE qualities OF mankind, was far from peac
d. lul-at every step its progress was resisted
A. while the shafts of ialsehood and detracuc
= were discharged with untiring vehement
&c and fury upon its harmless and unoiiendlI
10 career.
4. With commendable zeal and perslstenc
= however, its founder stood by the standa
lie had. amongst prejudice and ianaticlsi
gu reared to the principles OF Friendship, Lo
n. and Truth and the instltu ion OF Odd ~
TO lowship by virtue of his indeiatigable exc
"a tons and unyielding devotion to the eau
- in which he had embarked, survived =
y. storms of opposition, and its record OF .
ed neyolent and charitable operations, as w
,e as its great membership, together with
=
ol- exertions must continue TO excite both I
H. admiration and establishment OF those W
- inform themselves concerning its history.
"a, In consequence of the great OPPOSITE
~ presented TO the early advancement OF q
me Fellowship: tardy increase of membersh
ess and the time and labor required for invenll
BIT. and perfection of a system of operation
bis several years elapsed without any mater
,sr results taking place.
yer But in the year 1888, the reports from
up several jurisdictions to the Grand Lodge
ar, the United States, exhibited the expen
do ture OF $4,000 in that year for the relief
members, relief of widowed families, bu
ing of the dead, education Of orphans a
we other benevolent purposes. \
" Inasmuch as the membership at this ii
numbered about 5000, and the practice
lsp expanding money for relief had always
the vailed in the Independent Order, which at
low time had been in operation, with an existe
,se. much varied by prosperity and adversely,
~, a space of nineteen years, II is not an
n.y. reasonable presumption TO suppose tina
large sum had previously been expended
bis this benevolent organization for the assua
49,. ment OF grief and smoothing Of the path
,'. life, though it is impossible TO reduce
IS same to any certain amount.
buy But through the complete system now
zone served by the Supreme Head OF the VI
,hat with respect to the branches OF thls org
'"a' cation, by means of which full record
she the transactions concerning pecuniary r.
are rendered annually, we arc now enal
20 10 ascertain the extent of this beneficen'
u And since the year 1888, the annual
calf preparations to benevolent and Chart
root objects have regularly and largely increa
l 10 and now, instead Of distributing the {
paratively small sum of $4,000, over 5000
are paid away for the relief OF those nee
ng-- this timely assistance. I1a
the During the year ehulng Depsenipoii