The Fremont County record. [volume] (Canon City, Colo.) 1877-18??, 1882-12-30
A. 0. U. W.
Who Are the United w orl<mcns s-What
Is Their MissiOnY

The impression seems to prevail with
many who are unacquainted with the An
cient Order of United Workmen, except by
name, that it is some kind of trade Or
ganization, which has been formed for pro-
tecting or advancing the interests of work
ing men-in fact trade union. Others
who have been better informed as to its OBJ
jects and workings are impressed with the
idea that its membership is made up ex-
clusively of mechanics and laborers, being
misled by the Plebeian cognomen. Whether
this natural mistake has had detrimental
effect upon any who would have Joined the
order, had they been better informed, am
not prepared to say; but, if such should
be the fact, have no regrets to express, foi
the members of the ancient order can well
afford to lose the companionship of any
who may fear contamination by associating
with workingmen.
/ confess that the name of "United Work
men is not so attractive and aristocratio
rs that of some orders which have had
their origin in the seat of refinement, the
very sound of the names of which is sug-
gestive of purple and gold; yet do con-
tend that the personnel of our membership
will compare favorably with that of other
orders whose aesthetic founders paid more
attention to the beautiful in choosing a
name. Recognizing the mobility of Ia
Dor" true men of every useful occupation
in life have joined our ranks. The rough,
honest hand of toll is grasped around our
altars by those whose means have placed
them beyond the necessity for labor.
Merchants, clerks, clergymen, doctors, law
yers, mechanics, journalists-in fact, all
honorable avocations in life are represented
in our membership. He who will not join
the "Workmen because he fears the asso-
ciations might find himself, much to his
surprise, out of his element, were he per-
mitted to enter one of our lodge rooms. On
q recent occasion, here in the west, at the
same altar, one evening, were initiated a
| governor, states attorney general, a
judge, and journeyman mechanic. The
members of the Ancient Order of United
| Workmen feel pride in their name, for
the records of good deeds done by this
grand old organization form the brightest
page in humanity's histor: and make the
heart of every member glow with pride at
the thought that he has contributed his
mite to accomplish the grand result.
The United Workmen let the rays OF
their charity shine out into the world
around. Our lodges are places of social
resort, where refining and educating influ-
ences are felt, where friendships are made,
and pleasant hours spent, which are as
helpful rs they are pleasant These social
intercourses tend to make better fathers,
husbands, and sons. They soften the as
pcrities Of life, and cause workers to ac-
complish more. The Apostle Paul says
that charity is the noblcst and grandest OF
Christian attributes, without which "a man
is as sounding brass or a tinkliDg Gym
ball By charity / do not mean the mere
bestowal Of aims, though that, OF course,
is included; but that fervent brothcrly
love which leads men to observe the Golden
Rule, Do unto others as you would have
Others do unto you" Grand charities arc
the sweetest purest and noblcst Of earthly
things, and receive the willing reverence OF
high and low alike. Charitable institu-
tions deserve fostering care and protection,
and when recognized should be cherished
and loved.
The Ancient Order Of United Worsmen
is one of these charitable institutions, and
it's bcneficcnt influence is felt from the At
lantic to the Pacific. It's kindly deeds have
caused the widows heart to forget its dull
throbbings of pain, and bless the thought
full care of the loved departed which shield
ed her from want. 1t has softcned the pill
low of the dying man, whose glazing eyes
rested affectionately upon his little ones AS
be remembered that gaunt poverty would
not knock at the door Of his home after he
had gone to his rest. 1t has elevated the
minds of the living, whose mites made il
| possible for these generous provisions 10 be
made. Yea, the living and dead aru alike
under its soft and benign influences.
We are all subjected TO misfortune, sick
ness and death. Strength il no protection
neither is wealth, honor, fame, health, hap
piness nor youth. Time and chance may
happen alike to all. lie who is strong to-
day, rejoicing in his yigor, m5T, tomorrow
be moaning in pain, or y ing stin and stark
upon his bier. He who is rich to-day may
| DC btTltktH uUNfl next NttN, ana littr MS
death his fiimily feel the cruel grip of chill
penury and want Youth, manhood and
old age are alike subject TO yicissitude and
adversely comes when least expected. A
member OF this order, by paying an ASSESS
mcnt hardly amounting to nine cents day,
can leave his family, after his death, the
large sum of $4,000. This benefit is made
certain by the honor Of brethren not one,
or two, 100 or 1000; for the Ancient Or
der of United WorsmeH has nearly i260JU
members, scattered throggh every state
| from the rocky coast Of Maine TO that dis
taDt shore where rolls the Oregon, and
hears no sound save it's own d.,shings.p
There is also a system of sick benefits,
30 that if any member il unable TO follow
his usual occupation he can draw weekly
sum which win enable him 10 provide for his
family during his incompctcDcy. In case
Of sickness, watchers are furnished by the
lodge and friendly sympathy extended, n
balm most healing in it8 effects The mil
lions of dollars paid out TO the families of
deceased brethren during the sixteen years
of the existence of this order, is n mouu-
ment more lasting than brass, and has n
brilliancy uneguallcd by diamonds. The
smiles of the bcreft ones, the comfort pro-
vidcd for the flthcrlcss, and the death
darlcned rooms which have been frightened