Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-07-11
THE RECHABITES.
The Grand High Tent Now in Con-
vention Here.
history OF THE ORIGIN OF THE ORDER.
How It Has Grown in England and
in This Country.
SOME PROMINENT MEMBERS.

The High Tent Of the Independent Order Of
nual session in Rechabite Hall, Navy Yard, this
morning at 10 o'clock, with representative and
past high representatives in attendance from
different states and the District Of Columbia.
The following are the officers: Fred. F. Skip
per Of North Carolina, past high chief ruler;
]. J. Murray Of this city, high chief ruler; 7.
H. Keen of Wilmington, n. c., high deputy
ruler; L. H. Patterson Of this city, high secre-
tary-treasurer; W. E. KitzmiIler and NJ. g.
Saum of Hagerstown, Md. F. T. Skipper Of
North Carolina, Edgar Thompson Of Virginia
and W. B. Williams of Baltimore, Nd.
trustees.
The morning hours were devoted to the con-
sideration Of the report Of the committee on
credentials and the admission Of new members.
Maryland, Virginia and the District Of Column
bia. A recess was taken until O'Clock, and on
reassembling the reports Of the high chief ruler
and high secretary-treasurer were presented and
referred to committees. High Chief Ruler
Murray makes some radical recommendations
relative to the ritual and laws, which will engage
the attention OF the High Tent tomorrow.
The District entertainment committee will
take the visitors to River View tomorrow even
ing. where they will be banqueted.
HISTORY OF THE ORDER.
The Independent Order Of Rechabites in
North America has always been entirely dis
tinct from the English order, having its own
organization, ritual, &c. Both orders derive
their name from the ancient Rechabites men,
toned in Jeremiah, xxxv, and other parts Of
the Bible. These Rechabites were the de-
scendants Of the Kenites or Midianites, kins-
men to Moses wife, who accompanied the
Israeiites to Palestine. Not being Israeltes
they received no part Of the land for an inherit
ance, but were allowed to pasture their focks
where they pleased. They accompanied the
jews in the Babyionian captivity, and after the
restoration were mostly adopted into the tribe
Of the Levites; but many maintained an indie
pendent existence and have numerous descend
ants today in Arabia and Asia Minor. They are
remarkable as being the first body Of people
known to have abstained entirely from the use
Of intoxicating drinks, Carrying their princi-
pies SO far as to refuse to plant grape vines. 1t
was, therefore, only natural that their name
should be chosen as an inspiration for one Of
the strongholds of the modern temperance
movement. The English Rechsbite order,
known as the Stafford Unity, was founded at
Stafford, England, in August, 1885, being the
oldess Of the modern secret societies.
1t is strong order in England,
and last August number Of dissenting tents OF
the American order joined the English order.
The American order, known as the "Independ
ent Order OF Rechabites IN North America"
was founded in New York city August 2, 1912.
1t u.s. therefore, the oldest secret total abstinence
organization in America. The order has done
much good in retaining drinking men wher-
ever it has gained a footing, and 1t seems to
have special power in reaching and reforming
men whom the other societies cannot attract
and hold Its objects are mutual benefit in
the exercise Of temperance, fortitude and Jus
tice, securing to its membership sympathy and
relief in times Of sickness and distress. and in
the event of death the decent observance OF
necessary funeral obseques. and it is based
upon and seeks the extension Of the principles
of total abstinence from all intoxicating
liquors."
The membership is in three classes: CD Pri-
mary tents, composed Of white males Of good
moral character, over sixteen years Of age"
CD woman's tents, composed of women and girls
twelve years Of age and over and such male
members OF primary tent as they may, after
a reasonable probation, desire to admit to men,
bership, and CD junior tents for boys from
ten to sixteen years OF age. and those who have
proven themselves worthy at the age of sixteen
years are transferred to the primary tent.
No sectarian or political discussion is allowed
in the tent room. All power is invested in an
incorporated High Tent, meeting annually. COM
posed Of one representative from each tent in
good standing and past representatives who
continue in good standing.
The following are some OF the prominent men
in the order: