Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1889-09-17
THE MYSTIC LINKS.
THB SOVEREIGN GRAND LODGBI. 0. 0. ?.
AT COLUMBUS.
Thousands Of Delegates and Visitors in Attendance.
Impressive Ceremonies Yssisrdsy-Iha Lodge
Royalty Welcomed Growth Of the
0fder-Unisrwood's Report

COLUMBUS, o., September 16.-The
Sovereign Grand Lodge Of Odd Fellows
convened in annual session at noon to-day
with representatives present from every
State eud Territory and from Canada and
the British provinces. The delegates were
welcomed to Ohio by Gov. Foraker, and to
the city by Mayor Bruck, and on behalfof
Ohio Odd Fellows by Grand Master Nc
Kinley and Grand Patriarch Frost. The
Sovereign Grand Lodge holds its sessions
in the House of Representatives Hall.
Grand Sire p. G. Underwood, President,
and all the Grand Officers were present.
The usual standing committees were ap-
pointed, and reports of the Grand Officers
will be submitted at this afternoons ses-
sion.
THE BUSINESS MEETING.
A steady rain, pouring down all after.
noon and evening, seriously interfared with
the musical and military programmes Of
the meeting and making the reception Of
visitors uncomfortable work. Visitors
come in by the thousands during the day
and evening, however.
The business Of the sovereign Grand
Lodge meeting began at noon. The Lodge
was called tOOrder by Grand Sire John O.
Underwood. There were present 162 del
egates representing every State and Terri
tory in the United States, all the jurisdic-
tons Of Canada, besides Denmark and
Europe. First Grand Guardian John ".
Perkins, of Massachusetts, qualified, and
Past Grand f II. Archer, Of this city,
was appointed Assistant Grand Messenger
Of the session.
GROWTH OF THR ORDER.
The report of Grand Sire Underwood
says that the I. D. O. I. was never in o
more prosperous condition than now. The
increase in membership during the past
year was greater than the annual increase
has been within thepast fifteen years. The
following figures show the strength Of The
Order Number Of white Odd Fellows on
the globe January l, 1899 Independent
Order, 672, 7s7; Manchester Unity, 6sS. 492;
total, ], 36l ,279-fully one quarter Of q
million more than that reported by the
next largest civilized secret society; num-
bsr Of Patriarchs Militant departments, AZ
an increase of one; component cantOns,
546-an increase Of 80.
UNDERwOoD's RECOMMENDATIONS.
TIE Grand Sire makes a number of
recommendation, among them being that
The constitution be changed so "a to admit
90 the order, with the consent of the guar
dians, young men 18 years old; that the
Sovereign Grand Lodge Teiterate its recog
milton OF the military movement in the
order, with the statement that the Patri-
alchs Militant ere the only authorised
branch Of Old Fellowship.
The most important recommendation Of
the Grand Sire 10 that suggesting the rails
ing Of q million dollars or more to build a
temple OF permanent home for the highest
body Of the order. The plan contemplates
a general parade and demonstration of the
Patriarchs Militant to be held annually,
and that it be made the means of raising a
fund for the above purpose, the enterprise
20 be held Ia allegiance until soticient has
been raised.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
Reports from thirty-six jurisdictions in
the United States, show aggregate totals OF
the eXpensel Of subordinate bodies, sep3-
rate from benefits, and charities for the
year 1883. and the amount Of invested
funds December 81, 1883, as follows:
Grand Lodge-Toisl current expenses,
81, rs, $50; invested funds, 81. COG, ,2S5.18;
Grand encempments-tOtsl current ex
penses, $119, 055; invested funds, 81, ,072,
.-Q