The daily gazette., 1883-11-21
MEETING.
DELAWARE ODD FELLOWS IN
SESSION.
MEETING OF THE GRAND LODGE
Report OF the Grand Master and Other
Grand omcers-SOme Interesting Sta
tisCics.

The annual report Of the Grand Lodege
OF Delaware, !. o. o. f., which met In VIII
mington this morning, has just been pub
lishe5, from which the following extracts
are taken:
Grand Master Joseph 81. Chandler, in his
report says: There Is an incident of marked
significance TO us upon this occasion, one,
which renders this years memorable in the
annals of our Jurisdiction. To-day we stand
in the midst Of q century. Fifty years ago,
upon the 3rd Of September, this Grand
Lodge was instituted with five charter
members. While ] have the honor to be your
semi-centennial Grand Master, / feel proud
TO announce that among the long list of
Grand Masters, we still have one with US,
who was participate IN she birth of this
Grand Lodge, whose name appears second
upon the list of Its presiding officers.
refer to Past Grand Master Robert B. Nc
Donnell, who was one Of the charter mem
bers, and elected Grand Master in 1884.
Fifty years ago we had but 5000 mem.
bers, and but few Grand Lodges: our order
WAS then an untried experiment. Feeble In
its inception, 1t has grown mighty in its re-
suits. To-day our total numerical strength
is 500 members In good standing. In
that short space we have brought together
l ,000, 600 men and made them brothers. We
have relieved / 1,044, ,4S0 sick brothers. We
cared for 138,6S5 widowed families. We
have carried to the tomb, and decently en-
tered therein, 110,451 deceased brothers.
Thirty thousand orphan children Of
this land raise their feeble voices
in praise and thanks to our noble
order. Our total relief in 50
years amounts to the enormous sum of
S34, 500 ,988, whilst the aggregate amount
that has been poured into our treasury from
1880 to the present, amounts TO $92 1885, $50.
These figures are simply astounding, and
should bring joy TO the heart of good Odd
Fellows. Whilst these are but few OF the
recorded benefactions, who can estimate in
dollars, the unrecorded benefactions that
have been accomplished II so much hrs
been done in 80 short space OF so years of
our existence, with obstacles besetting us
upon every side, who can predict what grand
results await US at the close of the next so
years2
Taking this retrospect and review within
our minds and comparing them with the
work of other institutions, ought we not,
then, upon this our Semi Centennial Ami
versary, feel proud of such record? En-
tering as we do to-day upon the commence
ment of another so years, let us renew our
pledges; let US be more Jealous In our devo-
ton TO the established principles of our
blessed order.
Permit me to congratulate you upon the
renewed evidence of prosperity within our
Jurisdiction. Everywhere, reports from the
subordinates show an increase N their men,
bership; and our finances are In healthy
and vigorous condition. Harmony, peace
and goodwill prevail within our borders;
our total numerical strength has been con-
siderably increased and we have the renewed
assurance, both at home and abroad, that
our order continues its unfalterlng footsteps
for the relief of distressed humanity, and
exhibits the same persistent zeal In the mate
rial aid of the needy, as has been its para
mount Office for two thirds of century. 1t
affords me much pleasure to report the
lodges of our jurisdiction, jealous in ac-
quiring the new ritualistic work adopted by
the sovereign Grand Lodge two years ago.
The old prejudices against the change are
rapidly disappearing, and subordinates are
becoming faithful and energetic In their re-
Quirements in this direction, and members
better acquainted with Its teaching, on ac-
co unit of It's simplicity and beauty.
Then follows list of the districts and
the lodges contained in the several districts,
and communications relative to the workers
of the order and the immediate work of the
Grand Master of decisions rendered In cases
of disputes, etc., and closes his report by re-
turning thanks to the District Deputy
Grand Master, James II. Appleby, for his
hearty and cheerful cooperation in the work
pertaining to the order and also to the
officers and members OF the various lodges
for their fraternal attention and for their
many expressions of confidence and affection
whilst ashociating with them.
The report of the District Deputy Grand
Masters follow, after which comes the re-
port of the Grand Secretary, from which
the following figures, showing the increase
in membership, etc., are taken.