The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1879-04-16
ODD-FELLOWS.
Meeting Of the Grand Lodge Yester.
'. day.

ANCE-ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GRAND
MASTER AND GRAND REPRESENTATIVES,
&C., &C.
The Grand Lodge of Virginia, Tndepen-
dent Order OF Odd-FeIIows, met in annual
session at Odd-Fel|ows' Hall, in this city,
Yesterday morning-Graud Master T. J.
Talbot presiding. After the invocation by
tne chaplain the Grand Lodge was opened
in due form.
The Grand Master appointed the follow
ing Standing committees for the session:
On Credentials: M. Colbert, P. G. N.
II. Peay,P. G. '1'ne'
On State Of the Order: A. r. Courtney,
r: 6. 81. (chairmanl; j. B. Blanks, PIG. NJ;
W.J Points, P. D. G. NJ; A. L. Hill, P.
u. NJ; W. NJ. Barnetts, P. G.
On Appeals: r. 2. Button, P. G.. (cbair-
NAM; a; w. Archer, P. c.; John A. Col
ON Bylaws: J. C. Cochran, P. G..
lcha!rman); W. w. Sherwood, P. CIV.
w. Worsbam, P. G. '.~''' - =
On Charters: G.. P. Benson. p. G.. NJ
lchairman); NJ. a. Haas, Z. g.; Rev. G. G..
.ianderslce, p. G.. @. 49, -.
On Finance: j. II. Robinson, P. G.. NJ.
|chairman); J. II. Peay, z. g.; W. T. Par
Inc Committee on Credentials submitted
report as 10 The admission OF representa-
yves ana past grands, which was adopted.
ihe Grand, Warden then formally intro
duced the representatives reported upon,
and they were properly and formally in
| struc;ed in their duties.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GRAND MASTER.
The Grand Master next submitted his
annual report. After an appropriate intro
ducnon, the Grand Master says: My OBJ
servatlons rs an Odd.FeIlow convince me
that II we would deserve the success that
we so earnestly wish, for we must take the
ag@ressive; we should never be content to
stand still. Too many of us never
reflect upon the main objects of our asso-
citation and OF our work. TO visit the sick,
to bury the dead, educate the orphan,
&C., are noble works for our fallen hui
manity, and are worthy objects for organi-
Zation. But they are with us only means
pl eparing for nobler objects. We have to
build mp moral man within, which is
to be shield and comfort to our.
selves and our brethren, and daily make Us
more helpful and sympathizing to the strar.
ger, the feeble, and the needy. The princ;
pies OF Odd-Fellowsbip are not exhausted
when we have made provision for the sup
port OF brother who, by an act OF Provi.
drnce. is unable to provide for himself, and
| for the eve nr hand Of Il friend TO be by his
sick bed. nor educating his children. We
| have to build up "a high moral nature which
shall raise us above the petty iealousies and
Drejudces and factions Of u selfish world
and show to all with whom we are thrown
| in contact The attractive exterior of those
within whose hearts ever abide the noble
! principles OF friendship, love, and truth
| The Odd-Felow shows bis true character
| by being the embodiment Of all that car
elevate human nature, and being the dis
pcnscr OF good to his fellows as he would
| be to the loved children of his mother.
Our Rebekah lodges are good in theil
way, but they can meyer take the place o
| the semi-annual assembling OF oul falnilie;
| in the lodee-room and the social and festive
| enjoyment OF an evening.
III connection with'this suggestion OF oc
casional social gatherings OF cur families a:
means OF culiiyating a more extensive
| friendship, will call your attention to an
other matter deemed worthy OF considers
ton. At times some Of our brethren are
thrown out of employment, and can dc
nothing for the support OF their families. A
little outside influence will frequently be oi
substantial benefit. | would therefore sug
gest the appointment by subordinate lodge:
OF a standing committee, 10 be known as
the Working Aid Committee, whose duty II
shall be to find out those members Of tht
! lodge who are from any cause thrown Ou
OF work, and to aid them in again obtaining
! emplOymcnt. It would be 4 great comfor
and encouragement to those thus situated
| 10 know that their lodge had an eye upon
| them in their trouble and was seeking tC
procure them relief.
He next refers to the importance Of c
better understanding OF the nature and prin'
c:ples of the order. He calls attention tC
tile relation which must exist between tho
amount Of weekly benefits and OF weekly
dues. He makes appropriate reference tc
! the yellow-fever scourge and the aid rem.
dered by the lodges in Virginia; refers tc
the 2G!h of April being the natal day OF the
order and this the siYtieth year OF its exist.
rnca, and refers TO the death OF z. q. NJ. E,
DR.. f. Z. Robinson.
During the year one ledge has surrendered
its charter. and a new lodge has been insti'
tutcd at Stafford Courthouse.
| would respectfully recommend, says the
Grand Master, the passage OF some law re-
uuiring that all questions and appeals from
subordinate lodge or its members should
be sert directly to the D. ID. &. NJ. and that
appeals from his decision should alone come
to the Grand Master.
The information furnished by these dis
trict reports, while in some eases not 1ull'
IA regards financial matters, yet in the main
are encouraging, and show the order TO be
| in better condition than was imagined i
| few months since.
OTHER REPORTS.
The representatives TO the Grand Lodge
next submitted their report, which was also
4 we'll prepared and interesting document.
Both the Grand Masters report and that
OF the representatives were referred TO
committee to distribute the various subjects
to appropriate committees.
The lodges were then called for business,
during which much business OF interest to
the order was introduced.
The Grand Lodge then took recess till
O'Clock.
Afternoon Session.
The Grand Lodge met again at 3 2. D.,
and was promptly called to order
The various amendments submitted at the
last session to the constitution OF the Grand
Lodge and the general laws were duly con-
sidered and disposed OF.
At $3.50 p. VI. the Grand Lodge adjourned
till to-day at 8 O'Clock.