The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1871-06-15
DAD FELLOW AnnIrer,nrr.

NO; 81 and Mannheim Lodge No. 408,
OF this city, about one hundred and twenty
five IN number, met in front of their hall,
and headed by the G. A. R. Band proceed
ed to the depot, where they net the ex-
cursion train with Lodges from Salem and
were received by the Massillon Lodges,
and proceeded up town, headed by Tie
Massillon Silver Cornet Band.
The Lodges represented were as fellows
MasslIlon, Canton, Salem, Alliance. New
Philadelphia, Minerva, Canal Dover, Ca
nal Fulton, Wooster, Akron and Sandy
vile.
The procession formed at tho Opera
House, which was beautifully decorated.
obout u o'clock, when they marched TO
the Grove making a procession about one
mile IN length. Lynas Ely, of Alliance,
as Chief Marshall, and R. B. Crawford, Of
Massillon, as Assistant Marshall. On ar
rlvlng at the Grove the exercises were
opened by Enos Rafensparger,s President
OF the day, and by music from the several
Bands, and the singing ofthe opening Ode
accompanied by the G.. A. R. Band of
Canton. the music Of which was arranged
by Prof I. F. Kirk.
In the absence of the Grand Chaplain,
the prayer was delivered by the Rev. w.
A. Hale, of Navarro Lodge, now residing
IN Massillon, after which the Bands in
attendance discoursed some very fine mu-
sic.
The address ofSVelcome was delivered
by the Rev. W. A. Hale, who discoursed
IN o truly eloquent style on the advan-
tages OF Od~dfellowship, and Of the parti-
GUAR advantages of meeting at least once
a year in afriendly gathering such as this.
After the address the. assembly seated
themselves to a beautiful repast, which
all enjoyed.
The dinner over the crowd re-assembled
and after "Music by the Bands" the Grafton
was delivered by Rev. D. H. Moore, P. G.
and Grand Chaplain of Ohio. He referred
to the ritual to which their could not be
any objection, ven by church members.
he could not conceive any organization
that ended towards building a grander
foundation for religion than Oddiellow-
ship. DE spoke of the assistance that it
rendered brothers that were stricken down
with disease, especially when away from
home, among strangers. Also the care
taken Of the widow and orphans of deceas-
ed brothers. He said that this order had
already sent relief during the year to
$4,000 needy brothers and to 1916 fami-
lies. Tat they had raised in the aggre-
gate the enormous amount ofS952, 000.27.
These, he said, taught the great principles
OF Friendship, Love and Truth, by US the
heart IS taught benevolence, and benevol-
ence becomes its nature. Odd fellowship
Is not measured by dollars and cents, but
by our three great principles, which shine
with as much brilliancy as the North Star
in the armament. 1t also makes us better
citizens let our countersign be to Go on
then, all the termoil and strife ola wicked
world can be ofno avail.
After the grafton the toasts were re-
sponded to as follows:
"ODD FELLOWSHIP" Responded to by
A. w. Heldenbrand, of NImisiIla Lodge
No. 80 Of Canton. Mr.. II. said: The ora
tor o. the day has told you that at the
sound of the Gavel nearly 100000 Odd
Fellows rise to their feet. How can I
speak Of them IN a BETTING way on an
occasion Ike this. The institution of Odd
q Fellowship Is founded, and no praise Of
mine can make it moreno detractior
less. Odd Fellowshipis ~eternally founded
In enjoying the pleasure and reaping the
benefit of the institution we should not
forget the dead who spent their lives IN
building up the order. Let Us not be u
worthy heirs of them. Odd Fellowship
in plain and simple words, teaches US tc
love our neighbors as ourselves; to dc
unto others asswe would that they should
do unto us. These are the keystone upon
whose structure rests the arch of Odd
Fellowship. 1t teaches us to labor to re-
claim a brother who has stepped aside
into the paths of error. To err is human
"Man's inhumanity to man make:
countless thousands mourn" Odd Eel,
lowship is friendship. 1t teaches US love
for all, rs love is the grand remedy for al
social evil. Odd Fellowship never en-,
deavored to take the Bible out of oGl
public schools. How could we exist five
did nd have secrets, secret signs, &cs SC
We may know our brethren, ever in the
dark. Let US ever be ready, and nevel
be found mapping at on post of duty.
The next toast: DAUGHTERS OF Re,
BEKAH," responded to by DR.. Y. N. Leper
Of Heber Lodge No. 81, Navarro The
Doctor spoke of the women as being the
first to serve IN cases Of sickness, and who
can so well care for our children, bringpC
I them up in the fear and love Of God
I Truly, the daughters Of Rebekah are grea.
I help in this grand work. The time i
coming when all will be bound togethei
in q law Of Universal Brotherhood anC
Sisterhood.. We must always adhere Il
the principles of right and honesty. w,
are taught a grand lesson here to-day t
harmonic together and love one anothe
J and extend the right hand offellowshlp t.
all.
= Thenextt toast, the HEART AND HAND
was responded to by Hon. E. N. Johnson
of the Alliance Lodge, IN a fow brief an'
Z pointed remarks, saying that the hand
should be locked in a friendly clasp ant
the heart full of sympathy for all"
The last toast, THE THREE LINES
was responded to in a very concise man
, ner by D. L. st. John, Of Lawrence Lodg
: No. 297, Canal Fulton, as followss
Friendship, Love and Truth.
As Friends we Meet,
In Love we Greet.
In Truth we Speak"
! The closing Ode was sung by the entir,
: audience accompanied by the 9: A. R
Band of Canton, after which the Benedic
7 ton was pronounced by ReT.W A.. Hale
! Between the toasts the different Bandi
: discoursed SOM very fine music.
l After the closing Of the exercises at thu
Grove the procession newfoundland march.
ed to the Opera House, when, after more
! music from the different Bands, the visit
! ing delegations were escorted to the depot
and departed for their homes.
The exercises were concluded without
any definite understanding as to where the
next anniversary was to be held, though
we understand a great many ofthem favor
Canton as the next place. We hope they
viii decide on Canton, as We think
) Nimisilla and Mannheim Lodges here vii
give them as good q time as can be had
anywhere.
The whole affair passed off very pleas
antly, and we doubt not, pleased every
one there, the Massillonians extending
every hospitality in their power. The
, 26th Anniversary of Odd Fellowship il
: Stark County is . that viii long be re
membered.
! lFor the DemoerAtl
The prosperity Of 8 town is not owing
: alone torths fostering care of a specially
no more 50 than if alfoar attention wer'