Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 186?-1872, 1869-03-20
ODD FELLOWS.
The Grand Celebration nj Phila.
delphia.

The following, which we copy from
the Philadelphia Post, indicate that
extensive preparations are being made
for the semi centennial celebration
by the [. 0. o. F. in that city on the
26th Of April : #tH y.t ~,
The committees of the Grand
Lodge of the United States and of
the Grand lodge and Grand Encamp-
ment of Pennsylvania are diligently
engaged inhaking the immense prep
arations REQUIRED to make this grand
event SUD essful and splendid one.
From PRESENT indications, the visitors
from othcr States will be in attend
ance in very large numbers, should
the westher prove favorable. Con-
siderable trouble is experienced by
the committees having charge of the
supplying of hotel accommodations
on April rs, the day of celebration,
and they may be compelled to request
possession Of the various Odd Eel.
lows and other halls in the city, for
the purpoS of providing sleeping
apartments for the thousands who
will be in attendance. A'
Arrangements are being perfected
with the vadous railroad lines leading
into Philadelphia to get a decreased
rate Of fare|f for those who desire to
become arGipants in the ceremonies.
1t is estima I'D from information al
ready received that the procession
will numb9 between thirty-fve and
forty thouhnd persons, who, in the
beautiful tgalia of the Order, and
with the distractions in relation to
uniformity of dress carefully observ-
ed, will pfsent grand and imposing
demonstration, such as has never been
witnessed in any of the cities of the
United States.
The greatest care will be exercised
to have sufficient and proper police
arrangements perfected, suited to the
occasion Of SO immense gathering
as will be centred in and upon the
streets through which the procession
will pass, The indoor exercises at
he Academy of Music on the morn
ng Of the day will commence about
nine o'clock, and comprise in the pro-
yramme an overture by grand or
,hestra as the opening piece, This
will be followed by an ode composed
~ p. b. Shillaber, which will be
'ung to the air of "America" by the
'ntire audience, assisted by chorus
IT ladies and gentlemen, professional
singers.
Introductory remarks and vel
,ome will be extended on behalf of
he Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania
through p. G.. Master John w.
stokes, which viii be responded to
~ the Grand Sire of the Grand
lodge of the United States, Mr.. L.
,. Farnsworth. p. G. Master James
=. Ridgcly, the Grand Secretary and
personal friend of the late Thomas
Nildey, the founder of the Order in
he United States, will then deliver
IN Grafton on the history, mission and
purposes Of Odd-Fellowship, An
de, written by p. G. Il. p. Novel;,
he editor Of the American Odd,Fel.
ow, and set to the tune of "Old
hundred" will be sung by the en-
ire assemblage, after which the SER
ices will close to give the officials an
opportunity to take their place in the
inc Of procession, which is intended |
0 be about half past eleven o'clock. |
In tho evening the Academy of
lusic will be used for purposes of |
peaking and vocal and instrumental
music, to which members of the order
nd their families will be admitted .
Iithout charge The lodges and en-
throughout the State are
,aking liberal donations iu aid of the
vent.