, 1872-12-20
ODD FELLOWSHIP.
Dedication of the New Hall of
Union and Excelsior
Lodges.

Impressive and Appropriate ceremonies-''Fe|elt'
Gus Addresses by Eminent Members
Of the Order.
The now Odd Fellows Hall on the third floor
Ut Methodisf Church Block, corner Of Clark and
Washington streets, was publicly dedicated to the
uses of the order last evening, the ceremony be-
ing witnessed by'a large audience OF both sexes.
It WAS an interesting occasion, being the first
dedication Of an Odd Eellows' Lodge since the
fire.
The hall, seventy feet long and thirty wide, is
handsomely fitted up. a carpet of tasteful pat
tern hides the floor. On each side are raised
platforms with chairs for the members, and at
the ends are higher platforms, where the officials
sit in awful majesty. There are three high
backed chairs Of black walnut and luminous GRIM
son upholstery on the Noble Grand's dais, and
the same number of chairs in black upholstery
on the dais of the Vice Grand. a finely carved
pedestal, surmounted with marble slab,
stands in front of the Noble Grand.
4 clock over the Vice Grands head
marks the passing minutes, and d huge
stove on one side diffuees q genial and accept
able heat in winter. There is also small but
efficient organ for musical delectation. PEN
dant from the centre OF the ceiling is an elab-
crate gasolier affording abundant light, and
minor branches shoot out from the walls over
the dais. There are several ante-rooms where
novices desirous Of penetrating the inner mys-
teries of the order are put through the prelim-
mary "course Of sprouts" preparatory to enter
ing the sanctuma sanctorun. There are hat
rooms, and a1 the appurtenances Of o Weu-reg-
ulated Lodge: The Lodge is model, gem Of
nestness and beauty, thing of JOY.
Of the furniture establishment Of Potter, King
Co., Nos 284, 286 and 2S8 Wabash avonue.
Everything is elegant, croditable to the Lodge,
to the city that produced it, and to the firm un-
der whose direction it WAS manufactured: The
cost OF fitting up the apartments WAS 81, 600.
Excelsior and Union Lodges are the proprie-
tors OF the Lodge, and will occupy it jointly,
letting it On nights when they do not use it to
other lodges, which will be O convenience to
those that we're burnt out Of house and home,
and have not yet found an abiding place
The exercises lust evening wero begun by
Noble Grand John L. Barnum striking the gayel
on the pedestal. The officers Of the Grand
Lodge of the State, with Grand Master John G..
Rogers. P. G. II. and ?. G. R. at the head,
marched to the dais, and wero received in duo
form by the Noble Grand, tho organ playing
appropriate strains. In the absence Of Grand
Chaplain Perkins, Brother Gray made prayer,
anu LH9u Waa 6ullt LHe OAt pepiHuI4h-
Brethren OF our friendly order,
Honor here asserts her sway.
The Noble Grand then asked Grand Master
Rogers if it was his pleasure that the temple
should be dedicated to the use Of the order,
Having signifed his pleasure, the dedication pro-
ceeded.
The Grand Master congratulated Union and
Excelsior Lodges upon the completion Of their
work, and trusted they would enjoy the blessing
of the Grand Master Of the Universe.
4 palm was then read. verse about by the.
Grand Master and the attending officials.
The Grand Master announced that by the au-
thority OF the Grand Lodge, he declared the
Lodge dedicated to the business and purposes Of
Odd Fellowship.
G. B., then made proclamation.
The heralds Of the North, South, East, and
West then declared the Lodge dedicated to tho
cardinal virtues Of the Order.
The Grand Marshal informed the Grand Mas
ter that the dedication Of the Lodge had been
proclaimed to all quarter Of the earth.
The Divine blessing was invoked upon the
new Lodge and upon the members.
The Grand Master then handed over the
LODGE with m edmonition to Union and Excel
sior Lodges.
Prayer followed. and music by tho organ, and
two Of the brethren.
D. L. Shorey P. G. r., delivered the address.
He referred to the common destruction Of Oct
9, which they shared, and to the fact that they
now shared the common joy and restoration.
Excelsior Lodge had its home in the building
ut the time OF the fire, with an une1pired lease,
They Ind secured lease for ten years more,
through the kindness Of the proprietors of the
building. Union Lodge had Joined with Excel
sior Lodge in the new enterprise, and both had
thereby discovered the verify Of the saying that
ed fifty years ago in Baltimore, was spreading
with silent but wonderful rapidly. Odd Fellow
ship must supply some want, or it would not
have dourishea 50 lu1uriantly: The Order had
spread all over the continent. and its virtues
were carrying it beyond the sea to England and
other parts Of Europe. The business Of the
Order to visit the sick, to relieve the destitute,
to bury the dead, and educate the orphan, wore |
among the nobiest duties Of man. The objects
Of the Order we're e:oquently portrayed, and the
done.
Music
Professor Willard, P. G. s.. being citizen Of
Illinois for forty years, recolected when Ch,caso
lows Lodges in it. He then gavo q history OF
Union LODGE which was established in 1874, and
Of Excelsior Lodge, which was started in 1847.
Excelsior furnished two Grand Masters of the
States Union furnished two Grand Patriarcha to
the Grand Encampment OF the State tgg7t;afod 1Ihg h1
James F. Jillson, the fiEs. Years 'o aeo vas
Excelsior 44iod"fe congratulated them upon
.1a@hergy shown in reyiying and refurnishing
nelf new Lodge.
J. Ward Ellis, P. G. II. and P. g. R., said they
eft their Lodge g year ago because they had
90 much fire in the Methodist Church below
laughter], but then Methodist brethren kindly
ayited them back, and then they were at hone
gain. It made him feel good. The gentleman
'ent on and made pleasant speech, studded
18th anecdotes.
After few remarks from the Grand Master,
ae meeting broke up after singing:
Brethren, We think you all,
For this your friendly call, |
Our hearts to cheer.
from the Now York independent"
=" American enterprise has already won golden {
'tnions and among the foremost in the ranks ne find
m. Epahe & Co. manufacturers Of cd