Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1881-10-17
DAKOTA ODD FELLOWS.
Meeting of the Grand Lodge Mt Yanktoa--
Election of Ofnoers--Dr. VIM. A. Bent
10y, of Bismarck, Chosen Grand Master.

Meeting Of the Grand Lodge Mt Yanktoa--
Election of Ofhoers--Dr. VIM. A. Bent
10y, of Bismarck, Chosen Grand Master.
The Odd Fellows in Dakota Territory are
keeping race with the advancement of that re-
markable section of country. They have
thlrty-one lodges, with a membership of over
1,100. The grand lodge held its fifth annual
meeting at Yankton on the 18th, 18th and
l4th insts. All but three of the lodges in the
territory were represented. At the conclusion
of the routine business the Yankton lodge
gave their visiting brethren splendid banquet.
The Press and Dakotiam says of it:
"The entertainment consisted of pro-
gramme of music, interspersed with brief adj
dresses by resident and visiting Odd Fellows,
the feature of the evening being the able ad-
dress of the newly elected Grand Master, DIR.
VIM. A. Bentley"
DIR. Bentley was formerly a resident of st.
Paul, but few years ago he removed to Bis
marck. Last year he was elected Deputy
Grand Master at the annual meeting at Sioux
Falls, and this year was unanimously pro-
NOTED to the head of the order in the territory.
Many old friends here can commend the wis
dom of the Dakota brethren in their choice.
Preceding the banquet, DR.. Bentley delivered
an eloquent address, which appears in full in
the Dakotian. We make room for the follow
ing extract:
~ knew a man once, and I regret to say, a
church member, who said he would get rich
if he went to hell to pay for it, and he did not
get richie got the first part of it and per-
haps he may now enjoy the latter portion
mentioned, Beecher and Cannon Farrar's
theory to the contrary Notwithstanding; but
1 am somewhat DEPRESSING. I wish merely
to bring into strong constrast sentiment
which finds an abiding place in altogether too
many hearts, and the teachings of Odd Eel
lowhisp which regards man for what he is
himself-for his manhood. 1t places him
in the scales and weighs him for what his
manhood is worth-for just what his fidelity
will vouch for, not his gold nor
his his notoriety, but for what his private
life is worth, for the good deeds done, the
kind words spoken, for the fidelity and honor
with which he has bravely maintained the
right and combatted wrong; such are its
teachings, and it not only demands allegiance
from its members but it encourages such
principles beyond its jurisdiction outside of
the lodge room. Its influence is ever in this
direction. An Odd Fellows lodge is foun-
tain from which should ever flow the healing
tide of peace and love, of charity and kindness
to all mankind, and safe and sure asylum to
all brethren who are loyal to its teachings. Its
influence upon society is to build up every
enterprise which is calculated to make
men better and happier; 1t directs men into
the paths of sobriety and usefulness, and in
view of the fact that the world has always a
Ratchet to cut down, but no hammer to build
up. Its mission is to see no wrong done its
numerous brethren. Yes, we are brothers;
my brethren. Do we realize all that term i'm
plies? 1t is not an empty puff of air, but ii
means something. Aye, it means mans whole
duty to his fellow man. 1t means that
we have pledged ourselves to be true to
those principles of good which permeate
the great realms of the universe
\ xRemember we are pledged to sustain
truth, honesty and fidelity, and may it ever be
impressed upon our minds that whatever be-
tide to our beloved order, we owe true and
faithful allegiance-so true that when life's
fiftful fever DER, and the sound
of the supreme grand masters gavel wakes us
to a realizing sense of our mortality, we may
be as one sustained and soothed by an unfal
tering trust, as one who wraps the drapery OF
his couch about him and lies down to pleasan,
dreams.