The leader., 1889-10-26

among us.
They trace its history back to the very
earliest period, and tell us that evidences
of its existence are seen at the very
dawning of creation.
[ remember of one writer. who in his
enthusiastic admiration Tor the Order,
tather, perhaps that upon any reliable
lata OH which to base his assertion, de-
clares that Odd Fellowship had its
origin in the garden of Eden. Ihat
Adam, our great Fore-Father, was
Grand Master in the Order and Eve, ms
companion daughter OF what Is known
to us as the Household OF Ruth.
That they both violated the commands
of the Grand Master of the Universe,
were expelled from the Garden OF Eden
or the Lodge, or the household, and at
the entrance a guardian angel placed,
with flaming sword turning III every
direction to prevent their return. But,
who iniated them into the Order, or
who conferred the degrees, seems to be
wrapped in impeachable MYSTERY, ana
we are lift to conjecture with uncer-
/ tainty.
OF, course, there are those, who do
/ not 90 back so far as this, but are con-
tent to fix upon much later date ana
furnish historical data from which its
| history may be reliably traced to very
remote period of time.
But what does all this amount to,
W hat difference does it make, my
/ brethren, whether Odd Fellowship be
Of ancient or modern birth, whether 1t
came into existence yesterday or was
born a hundred or a thousand years ago,
we know that its Introduction among us
is of comparatively recent date. 1hat
less than half century ago it was en-
tirely unknown, | mean so lar as Its
practical teachings are concerned.
True. we had seen the banners OF an
institution processing its principles way
ing in our midst, and had looked upon
men bearing a collar and apron with
significant emblems semblazoned thereon.
and were told they were Odd FellOWs,
good and true. But these ere white
men. and Odd Fellowship. as they un-
derstood and practiced it then and now,
judging of mans qualifications for ad-
mission by 1.-THE color of his skin and the
texture of his hair"
But, it is not my purpose, at tins time
to detain YOU with II recital OF the past
history of the Order i'll this country, nor
the circumstances that led to its intro
duction among us. That has been so
often done that for me to attempt 1t
now would indeed be work OF superior
CATION and Ipresume useless consump-
ton Of time.
Nor do propose to undetake review
of the rise and progress OF the Order
here in the district. Most of us know
something of its early history, its many
struggles and the numerous difficulties
attending its establishments. But few
of us, now living, however, can even
fully realize what the fathers were
called upon to pass through that they
might pass down to those that were to
come after them, the triple linked insti-
tuition in whose interests we are this day
permitted to come together.
To the indOmitable perseverance and
self-sacriticing labors Of those worthy
Sires. The Order is indebted for its
present eminent position, prosperity
and influence. A view of their lives and
labors in the cause of suffering humanity
as odd Fellows, would | know be both
pleasing and an ample theme, ano
would indeed prove a delightful task,
were | in possession OF the necessary
data to undertake it.
= Most of them have long since gone
from labor to reward, but III the
language Of holy writ, we may say OF
them. "Blessed are the dead which die
in the Lord from hencefOrth saith the
spirit, that they may rest from then
labours. and their works do follow them
| can recall but the name OF one OF
two of these old Patriarchs now with us
Past Grand Master Charles Wilson
Anthony Hickman, Benjamin Grant
Truman Ross. But most OF the other;
have gone on before, Cook Mccoy
johnson. Giles, Marshall, Ambush, VIM
Andrew. Freeman, Taverus, Manning
Colbach, Shorter, Costin and Robert
Tanner Freeman. The playmate OF my
boyhood day, whose picture appears
upon the banner borne by his Lodge to-
day. have all gone to join the Grand
} Lodge up wonder AS think OF them
to-day and hosts of others whose names
I cannot recall, as | call to mind then
labors in the cause of Friendship, Love
and Truth. | feel like once more twining
10 the sacred volume and adopting the
language of Paul, that Prince of Apostles
and saving to the Brotherhood here to-
dav wherefore, seeing we also are
compassed about with so great cloud
Of witnesses, let us lay aside every
weight and the sin which doth so easily
beset us, and let us run with patience
the race that is set before u.s."
But now | must proceed to discus
sion of the theme have mentioned, VIZ
The aims and purposes OF Odd Fellow
ship, as taught and exemplitied by the
Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, i'll
Europe and America.
remark in the first place that Ode
Fellow ship aims to promote a higher
standard of moral and intellectual hap
piness.
Lectures of pure and sublime maral.
itv are rehearsed at every Lodge meet
ing. Its notices, symbols and emblems
everywhere displayed in the lodge-roon