Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1879-07-25
- ------------------
I. 0. D. F. Celebration:

July 22d, 1879.
lNr. Editor Notwithstanding the heat and
dust some Eve hundred or more persons were
gathered in the grove near Damascus to par
ticipate In the celebration. The number of
Odd-Felows in procession was, perhaps, one
hundred, FIVE lodges being represented. The
procession formed 10 the village and marched
to the grove. The famous Clarksburg brass
band furnished music on the occasion. After
the opening prayer, the Grand Marshal, G
Dodd Mcfarland, Of Baltimore, delivered an
eloquen, and appropriate address. lie went
back to the origin OF the Order, July 22nd,
1919, in the City of Baltimore and traced it
TO the present time.
He showed the great benefits which resulted
from the Order, its PRACTICAL workings and
stated that the number OF 0dd-Fellows at
present within the bounds of the United
States was about a-talf O million. At the
close Of this address the assemblage was dis
missed until dinner. need not state that
many bountifnl repast was spread through
out that grove and most heartily enjoyed by
the participants who needed no appetizer,
though here and there might be econ little
groops going of asi they had forgotten some
thing.
On re-assembling around the stand the ex-
ercises were opened with vocal music by Prof.
w oihcE, usclSttu W oONcTut ihutCe anu RtHtlc-
men who no doubt were pupils of his. The
Professor and his choir favored US during the
afternoon with several select pieces which were
well rendered and<re6ect great credit to both
teacher aud pupil. The next address was de-
livsred BY Grand Secretary, Juo NJ. Jones, Of
Baltimore, he discussed most elo4uenty on
the epblems and notices OF the Order and
their practical bearings and tendencies, such
as faith, hope and charity, friendship and
truth. To- each of these he paid o noble
tribute in language full Of tenderness and
paihos. M
The next speaker was Mr.. E. b. Preityman,
who was introduced as half brother from the
fact that he was member of the Masonic
0rde. and not an Odd-Felow-both Orders
having similar airs and objects.
Mr.. p. 10 the opening Of his remarks CON-
pared his knowledge of Odd-Fellows to Horacs
Greeley's book on farming. AS Horace knew
nothing about farming, so he knew nothing
about tho inner workings OF the Order
but Of tho outer workings and the good re-
sulting therefrom he bore ample testimony.
He paid a passing tribute to crnsty old
bachelors, that is, such as have passed all re-
dempiiou, and held them up in a most unen'
viable light, much to the amusement OF the
audience. He also showed why ladies wer
not admitted to the Order OF Odd Fellows
One reason was, as some assigned, that the,
could not keep secret. bnt he asserted mos
positively that married women could keep I
secret, ("Yes," said some ono behind me
keep 1t going, no doubt that was an oil
bachelor who felt little sore.) Mr.. p. ar
gued that woman needed no Order or organi
cation TO bring out those noble CHARACTERISTIC
Of her nature, such as relieving distress am
ministering TO the wants Of suffering humani
~; he called attention 10 the fact that wo
man was the last at the cross and first at th
sepulchre. but man was calious In his natur
and required to be trained and consequent,
must be united in some Order Of Brotherhood
The address Of our worthy Clerk was well re
ceived and highly appreciated, but IL had
very unexpected result, as An old lady stand
ing neat the platform remarked THAT was
good speech Of Mr.. pre,iyman'e, like II au'
am going 70 make my Son John vote 70
him"
Nothing happened 70 mar tho pleasure Q
the day, exeeP, being jos,led and bshd-sbak