The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1871-04-26
WELCOME BROTHERS!
THE FIFTY-sECOND ANNIVERSARY
OF THE
|IndepeRdentOrdeI ofOddFe|I0Vs
Celebration In 2ock xsland-A
large gathering-Ehe Process
sion -Decorationa-HEarch
to the Rall.
Grafton by Bro. J. a. Rhea, Pastor Of the
N. E. Church.

a century been cherished in kindly remem
brance In all paris of the United States,
wherever the three mystic links have bound
Brothers together in the golden bonds Of
Friendship, Love and Truth. This triune
tie holds, even when governments change,
throAes crumble, and people pass away 1t
has risen superior to all matters of state or
church,-it has remained during all the
exciting events that have produced emanci-
patton in America, ecclesiastical and social
reform in Eng the overthrow OF the
Empire in France, the death Of dsspotism
in Spain, unifcation in Germany and Italy
political improvement in Austria, the liberia
ton of the serfs in Russia. the loosening of
Papal power ali over Europe, the inaugurs-
ton of liberal policies behind walled China,
and during all the startling events of the
last half century; and 1t is no wonder, that as
its birthday in America, where it has reach
ed its highest mission comes around, 1t
should find thousands uniting in celebration
ceremonies, or that all who have followed it's
ways Clearing no danger,
Should remember this our festal day
With alits memories lingering long,
It's joyful meetings, fond delays
And ties of Friendship woven strong.
To some who have ''gone on before" we
have said rale, and fdresoelI-to others wan
dering in strange lands we have SAID, "God
speed the safe return, and to ell who assem-
bic in our fair city to day we say "Welcome'
Brothers ALL Unlike the celebrations Of
the Order in England iu it's primitive stages
the ceremonies of to day partake more OF
thanksgiving than of BaochanAlisu song, and
amid all the outward pleasure there is taught
anew the lessons of the Lodge room. For
some weeks the various committees appoint
ed by the Lodge in this city have been busy
preparing for the day and this occasion o.
reunion Of all the Lodges in this vicinity
The banquet is spread, and as We write, the
guests are arriving First to STRIVE was the
New Boston Lodge, which was we'll repre-
scented; this lodge came up on the steame
New Boston. Geneseo Lodge sent good
| ly delegation, arriving on the westward
bound passenger train, G., R. l. P. road
Coal Valley Lodge also sent delegation
Davenport and Scott Lodges and State En-
campment No. 8, of Davenport, were pres
ent, about so in number; also so member,
| from Moline.
The day was cool and cloudy, and looked
rather unpropitious for the success Of Ii,
occasion, but happily the rain did not fall
and all agreed that they were satisfied will
| the weather. The residences of Q numhe
Of our citizens were appropriately decorated
and many business houses displayed thei
| bunting in honor of the occasion.
| About half after 2 o'clock the member
Of Rock Island Lodge met at Darts aall, L
await the arrival of the remainder of thei
invited guests. Moline Lodge and the No
line band came down on the street car,
about one O'Clock. and formed in front o.
the hall, where they we're joined by the
Rock Island, New Boston, Coal Valley snC
| Geneseo Lodges. A committee was theI
despatched to the ferry landing to receiv,
! the Davenport Lodges, and q line extending
from the hall TO Eagle street, was drawn uv
to receive their guests Davenport, suC
Scott Lodges, and State Enesmpnent No.
headed by Fox's band, were received abon
half past one o'clock bv the committee, ant
escorted to Darts Hall, where they fell int
line, and the following order of procession
and march was then observed:
| ORDER OF PROCESSION.
". l.. Sweeney-MArshal of the Day.
Luppy's Brass Band,
Members Of Rock Island Lodge.
| Members of New Boston Lodge,
Moline Brass Band,
| Members Moline Lodge,
Major Schnitger, Marshal.
Members Of Scott Lodge,
Fox's Brass Band,
Members Of Davenport Lodge.
| Members of GeDeseo Lodge,
Members of Coal Valley Lodge,
Members of Millersburg Lodge,
Then came the encampments of the var
Gus places, as one body; members of tb
Grand Lodge of the State of Iowa in III
rear; officers of the same Lodge, Rigl
Worthy Grand Master John Gundake
Right Worthy Grand Marshal John Hale
and Past Grand Patriarch, W. B. Kesrn
of the Grand Encampment of Iowa, in ca
riages, followed by the reception committs
and the orator of the day, in carriages.
Line of March-West to Pearl stree
south to Orleans east to Washington
south to Rock River east to Broadway
north to Illinois street, and thence to Dart
Hall.
AS they passed by the Odd Fellows hal
the pleasant faces of members of the R
bekah Degree, of Moliue, Rock Island, Coz
Valley and Geneseo, could be seen at ii
windows, their COuntsnances expressing Ii
interest they felt in the proceedings.
The procession attracted attention, an
certainly with good reason, fer, with ii
several bands pla ling fine music, the men
bers of the 0rdor in their handsome reg
lie, and the general air of excitement who
seemed to pervade every one, il would r.
quire considerable control TO keep fror
running to doors and looking ont window
There was in line several hundred me
and as fine body of men, too, as is Sc
dom seen at public gatherings.
After observing the line of march, tb
procession was halted iu front of Dart
and the lines opening ranks the rear of tb,
line marched between the lies and into tn
hall, where they were seated. The ladie
of the Rebekah Degree occupied the CALLER
and the Grand Lodges of this state an,
Iowa, occupied the stage. The stage wa
/ ku,, III Il