Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1878-03-26
Masonic Relief associations.


There are in this State some twenty
Relief Associations. The first were or
gsnized by the Masons and Odd Fellows
in the year 1873 and rapidly followed by
the various trades and citizens until they
now present formidable combination
representing all classes OF industry. The
old stock companies OF Insurance we're
found to be bad investments, costing
more than our farmers and mechanics
could carry; and deceiying the people by
their fair presentations, which have
proved false and fraudulent. Therefore
the people have taken the bull by the
horns, and are padding their own canoe
in this regard.
The Portland Masonic Relief. which
was one OF tho fiji st in this State, now
numbers some nine hundred members.
1t receives masons from the counties of
Cumberland. York and Oxford, and is
limited 10 the number of twelve hundred
membership. There have been fourteen
deaths only since lS73-ihat is nearly five
years. The admission fee varies accord
ing to the age OF the applicant, and -
paid tor tour yeas after admittance, so
that lund IS accum llated and which
now amounts % some seven or eight
thousands OF dollars. Albro +. Chase,
Esq, is Secretary, to whom application
can be made for blanks or any iniorma-
ton wanted, and which will be cheeriully
given. His address IS y. o. Box 757,
Portland, Maine.
The Masons Relief at Mechanic Falls
receives mAsons from sll parts OF the
State. Admission Zee two dollars, and
the only assessments are on the death OF
a member, which IS one dollar snd ten
cents. This Association numbered one
thousand members the first OF the present
year. There have been ten deaths since
its organization, and tour deaths 10 1871.
The Association is limited 10 fifteen hun
dred members, and is rapidly filing up.
The benefit is limited TO one thousand
dollors, 80 that members are assessed
only for two deaths out of three. | no
tced one OF the deceased brothers last
year had paid into the Association three
dollars and ten cents and his widow re-
ceived SS4l. One member had belonged
to the organization but seven days when
he died. j. S. Merrill, Esq, Mechanic
Falls. Maine, is the Secretary, 70 whom
all communications should be addressed.
The Odd Fellows Relief at Bridgton,
Maine, is also in q 1ourishing condition,
and pays It's benehciaries fifteen hundred
dollars on the death OF member, and
We believe the membership is limited TO
twenty-five hundred.
The average deaths are about seven in
Il thousand throughout the United States
some larger in the cities than In the
country, and more in summer than winter.
These Associations are fast accumulat-
ing all over the country, and taking the
place OF private companies OF Insurance,
and appear TO be as safe and sure as any
thing in this life can be-even as sure as
Masonry, which has wilhstood oil the
connections and revolutions OF the human
race for many centuries. One OF the best
features OF these Reliets is that members
can give the benefit to whom they please,
eud chlnge it as often as they please;
aud the money is Immediately paid over,
at his death. on proper notice. without
controversy, and at time when 1t IS
needed il ever, j. u. Il.