The States and Union. [volume] (Ashland, Ohio) 1868-1872, 1869-05-12
Semi Centenary Celebration of Odd.
Fellowship at HayesvilIe.

The Fiftieth Anniversary of the es-
tablishment of the I. o. o. T. in this
country was celebrated at Hayesville,
on the Goth of April, 1869.
At 1 o'clock P. NJ, the members of
the Order met in the Hall ; P. G. SEE
was invited to take the Noble Grand s
Chair, and P. G. JONES appointed
Marshal. After arrangements, were
made for the order of marching, the
procession formed in front of the
Hall, and headed by the Hayesville
Brass Band, marched to the M. E.
Church, where, after singing the opel
ing ode: and prayer by the Chaplain,
the following address was delivered by
the Rev. Mr.. BARNES, of Hayesville.
ADDRESS UPON oDD-FELLowsHIP, AT
=. HAYEsvILLE, ASHLAND COUNTY,
OHIO, APRIL 10Th, 1869. ..t-
Ladies and Gentlemen, and -'- &C.,
- Brethrer, Of the Order !:
8 We as Odd-Fellows are assembled
this day for the purpose Of celebrating
our Fiftieth American AnniY ersary.
It has (rom time immemeral, been
a privilege for those associated as we
are to observe the anniversaries of
their organizations with characteristic
dignity, due solemnity and appropri-
n q
AS an Order for the diffusion of
the principles. of Friendship, Love
and Truth" we acknowledge no su-
perior. r.f.r......-..r. -.i.r..3 .... ID
Founded upon such virtues, though,
During our entire history meeting
with violent opposition, from those
necessarily ignorant of the workings
of the same, have we not simply main
tanned an existence, but SO lived, as
to continually increase in number, in
fuence, wealth and popularity. =.
From a single Lodge have We in
creased to the number of 3195, and
from but few members, to the number
of 245, ,036. To- day our prospects are
no less favorable for increase than at
any previous period in our history.
.i1."Onward and upward" have been
upon our Banner inscribed by hands
now motionless and sung by. voices
hushed IL death, true, the fires by
such kindled, are still upon the altars
of pure hearts burning. An Order
whose workings are necessarily hidden
from the uniniated yet which has done,
and is still doing more for the good
of mankind Morally, intellectually,
or Physically, we question the exist
ence of. Demonstrations of such. in
the published journals Of our proceed
ings are furnished from, time TO time.
I would be happy indeed to dwell ex-
clusively upon such themes as these,
pointing to the; disinterested labers of
men who have been identified there.
with, could spend the entire time al
lotted to me in such a manner, but a
duty of different character is de-
volving upon me- go, -r. ..
This community demands of us as
the Representatives Of an Order of
avowed secrecy a defense Of the same.
The time, / believe, since 1S26430
never was in this country, when both
directly and indirectly an influence, as
extensive, as is now, was found against
all Fraternities, and Orders to which
the term "Secret" was pteG4ed. .
Some In a defiant manner have said :
.No defense thereof could be made,
Others that ''the members Of such, be
ing associated for malicious pu. poses,
dared not. before an enlightened au.
dience attempt a defense"
These with many more statements
Of kindred significance having been
made, I as member thereof. feel
called upon today to make q few
statements in defense of the same.
FfcEerst d0--- Uu ..,1s
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