The herald. (Smyrna, Del.) 1870-1871, 1871-04-29

country, In a few brief but well-ex
pressed sentences, he described the rapid
growth of Odd Fellowship in the u. s.,
from the time of the formation of the
first (Washington) Lodge, in Baltimore,
in 1919, by Thomas Wildey, to the pres
emit, tbs tifty-second anniversary of the |
Order in this country. His remarks
were intereresting and were attentiyely |
to.
w. B. Collins, P. G., of Morning Star
Lodge responded. He expressed his at |
tachment and devotion to the Order, and
dwelt at some length upon the three car
dinal virtues engrafted in the principles
of Odd MISUNDERSTANDING, Love,
and Truth.
At this point the programme was
slightly varied, and Prof. Il. q. Bean
delivered the humorous poem, "You
Know How ii is Yourself" with pleas
ing effect.
were very interesting. They consisted
of various incidents of interest and i'm
portance, since his connection with the
Order, in 1854.
Dr. ]. L. Clawson, P. g., of Morning
Star Lodge, then read very interesting
sketch-"History of the Order in Smyr-
na,' which we give in full:
HISTORY OF ODD FELLOWSHIP IN
SMYRNA.
Morning Star Lodge, No. 6, L. O. o.
F., was organ zed June 8th, 1912, with
Henry Van Gaskon, Il. G. Palmatary,
Edward Streets, and John Van Gasken
as charter members. The lodge met in
the building now occupied by our wor-
thy postmaster, till their room, with its
entire contents was destroyed by fire,
Dec. 10th, 1915. (The Doctor here stated
that there exists traditionary legend,
to the effect that during the. fire an old
colored woman saw the goat leap
from the window and run off in the d.
rection of "persimmon pond" But
whether it ran into the pond and was
drowned, or escaped, is still matter of
doubt.) After this misfortune the Lodge
met for time in Public School build
ing, District No. 8. Steps were immedi-
ately taken to secure permanent Lodge
room, and circulars addressed to the va
rious Lodges throughout the United
States, soliciting aid in their new and
necessary enterprise. From the records
| ii appears that prompt and valuable re-
sponses were received, and in few
months, such measures were taken as
secured to the Lodge their present sub
stantial edifice. which has been occupied
| by them since the year 1847. (The Doc
| tor here stated that the ladies of the town
offered every assistance in their power
in aid of the enterprise.) Since its or
ganization the Lodge has been quietly
and unosteniatiously doing its work of
benevolence. 1t i5 interesting in look
ing over the minutes, to see the records
of donations made TO brothers in dis.
tress, widows, and others, whose needs
were brought to their notice. The
amount thus distributed exceeds four
thousand dollars, but of the number of
wants relieved and of hearts made glad,
there is no record save that kept in the
courts of high Heaven.
Such an organization, distributing
bounties as this has done, csnnot but re.
ceive the hearty endorsement Of every
one has mind to appreciate, or heart
| to sympathize with the benevolent en-
| terprises of the age.
| In attempting to give history of the
Order in our town, prominent mention
deserves to be made of the family whose
guests we are this evening. On the even
ing of April 18th, 1866, the following pa.
per, signed by j. B. Cooper, was offered
Tor consideration
"ReSoLUed, That in the opinion of this
Lodge, the great mission of Odd Fellow
sbip-the promotion of the good of the
human race and improvement of this
community-can be better subserved by
the withdrawal OF portion of our MEM
bership, and the organization of sister
| Lodge in our Town." tHls
The minutes show that the proposal
was we'll receive !, and the matter post
poned one week for deliberation. On
the following week the subject was
beought up and fully discussed, and the
resolution adopted, and on June 9th,
1866, Stella Lodge, No. 80, 1. o. O. f.,
was duly organized.
The motive OF this enterprise-the
good of the human race, and The eleYa-
ton and Improvement of this commune
ty-seens broad and liberal enough TO
enlist the heart of every philanthropist,
and its wisdom is fully demonstrated by
what we see around us this evening. In
behalf of humanity, in behalf OF all that
Is good and noble, allow me, brothers
to bid you God speed i'll your labors o.
Friendship, Love, and Truth.
. Mention should also be made of Nc
! Donnell Encampment, whose aims anC
5 work are similar i'll character, but time
will not allow. respectfully sugges
that those who have not as yet entered
, into its solemn rites and mysteries
should at once seek its fold and enlis
under its banner.
The thanks of the members were ther
extended to the choir for their kindl,
aid aud assistance in carrying out thl
= prok ramme.
The exercises concluded with singin,
by the choir, and all retired we'll please,
e with the affair throughout. ...s.
). The music was excellent. The choi
consisted of Mrs. VIM. ii. Baggs, Mis-
Is Mollie Thompson, Prof. T. g. Bean an,
@ MIR. VIM. I'll. Baggs. Miss Addie v
Cooke presided at the organ.
Il throughout the whole affair passed o.
. pleasantly and agreeably; and the mem
- bers of the Order deserve, and doubles
will receive, the thanks of those presen
% for their efforts to make the occasion on
H. of much interest and pleasure to all cor
G. cerned.