Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1884-05-13
Address by Mr.. Heber Kerr.

We publish below the address made by
Mr. Heber Kerr, at the recent celebration
OF the Goth Anniversary of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, held at their Hall in
this city,
Mr.. Chairman-We can not boast of as
many years as the Order which tonight cell
ebrateS the Goth Anniversary, nor can we
lay claim to as many years as most of the
Orders here represented tonight. But I
trust, sir, we shall fall behind none in earn.
estness of purpose, in fidelity to the trust
committed to us, and in eminent success.
In our efforts to relieve our distressed breth-
ren, and their helpless families.
The knights of Honor have been in ex-
lstence 10 years. and in that time nearly
$l1 200, 900 have been paid to the widows
and orphans of our deceased brothers, by
the Supreme Treasurer of the Supreme
Lodge of the United States. The Grand
Lodge of Virginia was organized in 1876
since that time there has been paid to wild
ows and orphans in this grand Jurisdiction,
S3S3, OOO-deducting the amount collected
from the members of the Order in this State,
leaves balance of $685. as paid to
widows and orphans, over and above the
total sum collected from our state lodge
| w Q tdht llO dCCOullU uclc Oh UQc l1IOe sum
paid on account Of sick benefits.
think we can point to this record with
just pride, and while we have to mourn the
loss of those with whom we associate in
fraternal union, we are comforted in the
knowledge, that those whom they leave be-
hind, will, by the benefcent plans of our
Order, not be left in want; nor dependent
upon charity, nor the tardy relief of either
friends or strangers. This duty to the fam
lilies of our deceased brothers has ever been
faithfully performed-the relief has been
prompt and cheerful-and the willing tes-
timony of hundreds, who have felt the bles-
sings OF our Order in their sore need and
distress, will ever be given as monument
to its great worth. The Supreme Dictator
of the Universe in infinite wisdom, has con-
stituted us, each, our brothers keeper, and
to the extent that we fulfill this plan in the
divine economy, to that extent shall we be
blessed in this life; and in the great assem-
bly, of all orders of men, in the last day,
these acts of kindness and love shall not be
lost in the account that shall be rendered
against US. Our field is the world, and our
efforts should extend wherever humanity in
found-thus ever pressing on in this Heay-
emily mission of "good will ON earth"-those
who come after us shall rise up and call us
blessed-and our noble Orders shall exert
an influence for good which shall pass down
to the remotest boundary of time. l take
it as another link in the chain which binds
u.s. as willing helpers in humanity's cause,
that around this festive board tonight, we
have assembled representatives from all the
benevolent Orders of our city. So far as I
know, this is the first time such meeting
has taken place here; and look upon it as
an advance step in the great cause of BROTH
erhood. l trust, sir, it may be profitable to
us as individuals, and result in the rapid
increase in strength, and influence, of our
noble ORDERS
thank you, sir, and your committee, on
the part of the Knights of Honor, for the
opportunity to meet the representative of
the various Lodges of our city. 1t is a
good thing for brethren to ''dwell together
i'll unity" and healthy emulation which
produces not bitterness, in striving for good
and noble ends, must be promotive of great
benefit to the individual who makes the
cause of the distressed and afflicted his
own; and give a manly growth, and effect
iveness in action to the organization to
which he belongs. If, then, we would Sc
cure these blessings individually, and pro-
mote the active work of our respective Or
ders, let us ever be ready to give our time,
our talent, and our energy, to the work our
hands shall find to do in upbuilding onr
noble Orders.