Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1882-04-27
THE ODD FELLOWS.
Their Sixty-third Anniversary
Last Night.

The lodge rooms ofthe Odd Fellows
in their building on Main street near
Court Square, were crowded to their
capacity last night, with members of
the Order, and their families.
A majority OF those occupying seats
in the lodge room were ladies, all
wives, daug hters and near OF kin Of
the brotherhood. The members Of the
Order stood around in the aisles and
passage ways, earnest and interested
lockers on at the proceedings.
The handsome lodgeroom of the
fourth story of the building had
been tastily decorated for the occasion
by committee Of ladies. Many Of
the latter who attended last night
witnessed for the first time in their
lives the inside of the Odd Fellows
lodge room, and they were naturally
curious as we'll as inquisitive about the
numerous mystic devices and symbols
to be seen there.
The entertainment was conducted
in accordance with the programme
printed two days since. Among the
conspicuous features was the reading
of Sovereign Grand Sire Luther j.
Glenn's proclamation regarding the
proposed celebration Of the sixty
third annual anniversary. 1t alluded
touchingly to the great loss sustained
by the Order in the death, last fall, Of
Grand Secretary James L. Ridgely,
and paid brief. though feeling,
tribute to his memory as we'll as his
eminent services in the interest of the
Order. The proclamation, as we'll as
that of the Grand Master of the State
Of Tennessee, was read in a clear,
round voice by the Secretary for the
evening, Mr.. D. @. Trader.
The ceremonies also included his-
torical extracts, relating to the rise
and progress Of the Order in this
country, from the time the first lodge
was organized at Baltimore, in 1919
by Thos. Wildey and others also its
progress and present strength, of full
half a million Of brothers with lodges
| in every State in america, together
with illusions to the vast expendi,
ture Of millions for the benefit of the
distressed. and the widow and tht
orphan. This portion of the services
was conducted by j. S. Wilkins, al
Noble Grand, and s. s. Garrett, a
Vice Grand.
The Rev. 7. j. Rowan, as Chaplain
conducted the religious ceremonies
and during the course Of the evening
made a few pertinent remarks, il
which he appropriately alluded to tn
fundamental principles of the Order
, Friendship, Love and Truth, and th
express command to relieve the dis
tressed, bury the dead, and educate tn,
orphan. Mr.. w. s. Bruce also spok,
briefly, and mestioned that this wa
the thirty. eighth consecutive ami
versary in which he had participate,
in Memphis. This gentleman is rec
ognized by the Order in this city as
consistent, earnest and useful brother
and one who commands the highes
confidence, as well as affection, Of tn,
fellOwhood.
After impromptu remarks by sew
eral members, the benediction wa
spoken by the chaplain, and the en-
tire audience was served with refresh
ments, including cake, cream. anC
various other palatable di7hes. Thu
ended the thirty-ninth anniversary o.
the Order in this city, and the sixty
third of its existence in this country
The news from other points thil
morning, mentions that the Order
celebrated the occasion, as is theil
custom in all the leading cities in
America, and lodges everywhere Joined
in the expression of thanks to the
Father of Love. whose tender care has
kept their members through the year