The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-04-19
THE ODD FELLOWS.
Origin, Progress, Objects, and Pre-
sent Status of The Order.
The Semi Centennial Anniversary.
The Arrangements and Pro-
gramme of Exercises for
..- the Grand Cele-
bration.

Thomas Wildey, the 'father and founder of Odd Eel.
owship inAmerica, brought about the organization of
Washington Lodge No. l, |. o. o. f., at Baltimore,
Md. Prior to that time several lodges OF the Order
were started in other localities the continent
Shakespeare Grand Lodge having been formed in
the city of New York as early as the year 1906 But
the lodges that existed previous to 1919 did not for
Of time 50 that NAV be con3entiV stated tbst fS
good seed of Odd Fellowship was planted In Amer-
can ground by Father Wildey, as above set forth
The Order possessed ga local habitation and q
name" in the Old World for many years anterior co
the date Of its introduction upon the Western
hemisphere, but II was regarded century ago as a
convvial society Indeed, all societies in the ''good
old times were conducted pretty much on a spirit
leveD although It was likewise benevolent nstitu-
tion operating, however without any definite system
as TO aid relief in cases of sickness and distress
Odd Fellowship is entitled to the honor of having
taken the lead in temperance reform in this country
nasmueh as years before the Washingtonian move,
nent was started, this Order adopted regulations
forbiddng the use of stimulating beverages in lodge
rooms, and stgmatizing intemperance a disgrace
full and ruinous habit.
Progress of the Order.
The advanced position thus taken by the Order OF
Odd Fellows gave it favorable prestige, and rapidly
did 1t increase In numbers respectability and in
huence. In 1880 the Order had extended into six
States and the District of Columbia, comprising a
lodges in twenty-on States and Territories with an
aggregate membership OF more than II 900; and in
1850 the organization had augmented to 175 600 mem
the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge OF the United
States, now numbers about 100000 contributing
members, comprised in $500 lodges and ioe
Gated in every State and Territory in the Union
In the Canadian Dominion, in British Columbia in
Australia, and the islands of the Pacific Ocean. The
rapid growth of the Order throughout the world IL
something remarkable; the various branches OF the
fraterna family OF Odd Fellows numbering in the
aggregate at least 100000 men. The total revenue
OF the Order in the New World during the past year
the same time for relieving the wants of sick and
needy brothers. buryng the dead, assisting the
widow, and educating the orphan, were not FAR
a he Or,p
mense, probably $50 000O 600; and many fine buildings
for lodge and encampment purposes are owned by
..n, Odd Fellows and the War.
One incident, tending to show the moral influence
OF the Order B that during our late civil war this in
stitution was the only one which remained intact
Masonry and Churches of all denominations seeded
nom eacn other.and when the Grand Lodge Of the
Rebellion, every State and Territory was represented
II is the only institution in the country that has stood
the test OF time. People would have thought that in
| South Carolina all the ties that bound the peopIe
there to the United States were severed but their
eternal honor be II said, they always Recognized the
principal source OF power and owned the authority OF
the Grand Lodge OF the United States. When in
Baltimore the Widey monument was inaugurated it
was grand spectacle TO the men who so lately
were seeking each Others lives marching in the pro,
cesson, and all recognizing the one word Brother"
This principle is really power and mighty power
million OF men had been in arms, and fraternity
survived the shock.
Objects of the Order.
Now word about the objects and operations OF
this organization. Its motto is Friendship, Love-
relieve the distressed bury the dead and educate
the orphan" That the Order practses these things
is shown by the large amount expended in anording
relief in single year; and it should be borne in
mind that this does not comprehend the nnumerable
acts OF benevolence and brothery kindness per
formed, which treasured in the heart but do not
AFFECT the treasury of the society. Every member of
the afhlaton Is entitled TO benefits in time of illness:
and on his decease his widow iii he leaves one| re,
ceives stipulated sum OF money. She is subse-
quently aided as circumstances may require and her
children are guarded with fathery care It is est-
mated that lO,0Oo orphans are under the immediate
protection Of the Order.
based upon the firm foundation of benevolence and
charity The lessons inculcated in all the teachings
OF the Order are in accordance with the belief in the
iatherhood of God and the universal brotherhood of
man. Odd Fellowship is not as some people i'm
the contrary, it is potent auxiliary thereof for
while 1t fosters the spirit of liberation, who
is not a believer in the Supreme Ruler of the uni
verse, and does not possess good moral character
can gain admission into the halowed precincts OF
THIS order: Nevertheless, the society holds no
ligious or political, and, therefore, men OF every
creed and party meet and mingle in the lodge room
for mutual counsel and social converse.
An Inside View of the Order.
great deal has first and last been said about the
mysterious secrets of Odd Fellowship. These ter
rbe secrets seem to be only the mode of initiation
and the signs and tokens OF mutual recognition.
These are Kept secret simply because the security OF
against fraud and imposture. Everything else per-
tanning 10 the institution is made public, that the
objections to Odd Fellowship as secret society are
invalid. As well invegh against the merchant, the
manufacturer, or the family circle for having and
keeping secrets.
The Odd Fellows are an intelligent enterprising
progressive class OF citizens. They have their ltera-
ure, their libraries their lecture associations their
insurance companies, and their eeemosynary and
educational institutions. Their principal magazine
the Official organ OF the ortler-ls published in New
York. by John w. Orr, p. G. NJ 1t is called the me-
ftcdn Odd FeOlo and Is publication that would do
credit TO any society institution eXtant The AAc-
T,cdn Odd FeHOW IL very extensively circulated, and
is doing much toward disseminating the principles OF
the order among the uninitlated Some Of the libra
rles or the fraternity large and valuable,
Der OF them containing from TO- 900 10 $4,000 volumes
each. There are in various States Odd Fellows col
leges and schools for the gratuous tuition OF the
children of deceased brethren. The Order in Ken
tucky is now raising $780, 900 for the audabe purpose
of founding Widows Home and Orphans Uniyer-
sity in that State.
Odd Fellowship comprises citizens OF every rank,
sphere, and station in life. Every honorable profes-
sion and vocation is largely represented therein and
the society is indubitaby power for good in the
world. The circumscribed limits of u newspaper
article will not admit OF exhaustive expose OF the
principles purposes, operations and achievements OF
this great society; indeed, volumes might be de-
voted 10 this fruitful theme Suffice il to say here
that Odd Fellowship Is yet in its infancy, and its des
tiny is TO accomplish wonders in the elevation OF
human character, and In the amelioraon OF the con-
diton OF the family OF man. Every well-wlsher "i
his kind will bid it God-speed in its noble work'
The Semi-Centennry Anniversary
PRELIMINARY ACTION
At the animal communication of the X W. 6rand
Lodge of the United States held IN ~ I'm III
september last, p g. Sire Kennedy made the Follow
ing report
committee m to whom was referred the subject of cee
bratin@ appropriatey the Anniversary OF
o1sideraon they for adoption the following
ha y% the grand Lodges and Grand Enoamp
rsnts under the dioton Of the Grand Lodge of the
United States ann 10 ceebrste in sn & soy are