The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-02-04

III musit Ilhli, NnSft VIZ
| tertainment by members of the Falstsh
Club and congratulatory speeches by
prominent members OF the order made the
evening very agreeable.
The report also referred to the various
requests received and permissions granted
and called attention to certain unlaw-
full proceedings.
Several Rebekah decisions were render
ed and Jurisdiction was relinquished by
the grand master of Massachusetts to per-
NIT Massachusetts, men TO become mem
bers in this State. 1he Rebekah Branch
OF the order In this jurisdiction contin-
ues to flourish. There has been a net gain
in membership of about ninety, which is
considerably larger than last year. The
%pecuniary affairs have hsen carefully at
tended TO, and the general interest in
everything pertaining to this important
adjunct of odd Fellowship has been main
tanned to an assuring purpose. The par
ticularly noticeable feature of the Rebe-
kahs Is the great amount of interest mani
tested in lodge meetings. The officers
appear To be earnest and enterprising,
and the members seem to be united in
maintaining the fair fame of particular
lodges. This maintains the general pros
perity, and keeps alive the ambition of
officers and members to excel in every
thing undertaken.
A chapter of the report was devoted to
appeals and designations and appoint
ments
DECEASED MEMBERS.
Death has claimed its own and made
inroads in our ranks since last this
Grand Lodge assembled. Memorial tab
lets of deceased members will appear in
the bound volume OF the proceedings OF
this session.
Brother William W. Knight, Of Eagle
Lodge, p. q. NJ, and y. q. r., the
seventh grand master of Rhode Island,
died at his residence in Apponaug, July
4, 1895. lie was buried I'm Apponaug.
Deceased had been in poor health for a
long time because OF advanced age.
W. Brother Henry 4. Easton, past
grand master of Rhode Island Lodge, No.
II, died at his home inf Newport, Friday,
Jan. II, 1896. His funeral was held
Tuesday, January q, and was attended
by a large number of brothers from
Rhode Island and Excelsior lodges,
md citizens of Newport, where he had
held offices of distinction and public
trust. BY his death this jurisdiction
lost a sturdy Odd Fellow and a lovable
brother. Together with members OF the
grand board j attended the large and
impressive funeral. Seven past grand
masters were also present.
The district deputy grand masters have
made frequent official visits to the lodges,
under their charge, and thereby assisted
In the harmony and good fellowship that
have prevailed during the year. This OPP
portunity is taken to thank them for cap
able aid. For details regarding their
work, the Grand Lodge is referred to
their reports accompanying this report.
The limited time intervening between
the annual installation OF lodge officers
and the session of the grand body, to-
gether with the fact that the installations
are often postponed to the second meeting
night of the term, subjects the grand Sec
reta ry to considerable Inconvenience in
IL. -..<-s -. ALA
printer previous to the Grand Lodge ses-
sion. Under our present law, the deputy,
previous to the installation of officers, Is
required to compare the annual report
with the statistical record book and certi-
fy the same as being correct prior to its
being transmitted to this Office. This law
Is all right in theory, but unfortunately
of little value i'm practice.
A change was also recommended regard
ing the prompt issuance of pass words and
the annual exempliication of degree
| work on the evening of Grand Lodge day.
in conclusion the grand master said:
BROTHERS: i am o to take my
place again in the rank and file of this
great army OF workers, but before my
successor assumes the gavel of authority,
I wish to extend my heartfelt hanks to
the Grand Lodge for the honor conferred
pom me, N appreciation to all who
| have assisted during my administration.
y = y tuiil w ,ioAa 1NtAS
tary Mosley for his painstaking care and
wise counsel, and to Grand Marshal Wal
ter =. S~outhwick for his faithfulness ana
constant attention, and to the other
grand officers m the grand representa-
tives for their harmonious cooperation,
h%elpfulness and fellowship.
For my successor 1 ask the same kind
ly consideration that has been bestowed
upon me, and under the direction,
boundless love and care OF the supreme
Ruler OF all things, Dad Fellowship will
be as steadfast as the polar star In its
mission of peace and goodwill.
REPORT OF TUE GRAND SECRETARY.
To the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island. 1. o.
o. f.:
In accordance with the bylaws, / herewith
submit my annual report.
The statistics presented exhibit a slight. but
gratifyin. gain in membership, and the out.
look for the present term Is certainly Of q
bright md promising character
| CONDITION OF TUE ORDER IN RHODE ISLAND.
No. of subordinate lodges. 81
np.ha az t.at,hara Last aVnV A 900