The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-03-04
Annual Session of Grand
Encampment.
Reports Presented and Off
GERS Elected for the Year.
Statistics Representing the Numeri-
cal and Financial Strength.

The Grand Encampment of Odd Fell
lows OF the State assembled In annual ses-
sion In Odd Fellows Hall, Weybosset
6treet at 10 O'CLOCK this morning. About
100 members were present, when grand
Patriarch Herbert II. Perkins called to
sion to membership Of recently made past
chief patriarchs representing the nineteen
encampments of Rhode Island. After
this ceremony various reports were pre-
sented. At II O'Clock officers for the en-
suing year were elected. The meeting
was very harmonious.
Grand Patriarch Herbert II. Perkins
presented the following report:
REPORT OF THE GRAND PATRIARCH.
Officers and Patriarchs-Another mile
stone In the history OF Patriarchal Odd
fellowship has been passed, and kind
Provided ce hes permitted us to sgain as
semble In annual council, TO review our
past labors and their fruits, and with
combined energy consider such legislation
as may seem necessary for the future pros
perity OF the great cause which unites US.
Although the results of the past year
have not been as encouraging as l could
wish to report, yet whe have abundant
cause for gratitude to the Giver OF all
good for His protecting influence and
fostering care. That peace anu harmony
have been with us as constant guests Is
evinced by the fact that no appeals have
d been presented during my term OF Office.
While the condition OF the Patriarchal
branch, in its numerical strength, re-
mains practically the same as IL has for
the p st few years, yet the encampments
generally are in fair financial condition.
i am of the opinion that the close Of
another year will show decided gain
numerically and financially. To attain
his end, IL Is apparent TO the thoughtful
observer that to bring the subordinate
lodges and encampments into closer re-
lationship with each other will tend to
increase the efficiency OF both, thus bind
ing them together more FIRMLY as one
grand fraternity.
During the interim, and in compliance
with the vote of this grand encampment,
i installed Archibald b. Sayer, Z. 9. p,
of No. 8, grand high priest, and Charles
A. Champlin, Il. Z. p, OF No. IL, as
grand sentinel.
AS grand patriarch have visited every
encampment in the jurisdiction. On each
occasion l was accompanied by Grand
Marshal Walter G.. Stackpole, and Grand
Representative Thomas NJ. Holden the
other members OF my official family ac-
companying me as often as circumstances
would permit. Grand Representative
Thomas NJ. Holden exempiifed the Sc
cret work at these several visits. With
but few exceptions We found the encamp-
ments in state OF lethargy, that will re-
quire great effort to overcome. i have,
in the course of these official visits, sug-
gested the advisa bility of some concerted
action In the matter OF throwing off this
Jethargy, thatis SO apparent to all, for /
believe that the time has ccme when the
gravity Of the situation should present it
self so forcibly to the thoughtful patriarch
as to cause him to readily see the neces-
sity of prompt and decisive action. From
present indications, it would seem that
the suggestions thus offered have been
heartily endorsed, as several OF the en-
campments have already appointed COM
mittees to carry them into effect. ! trust
that they will receive such aid and en-
couragement from the membership at
large as will result to the best advantage
of this branch of our order. think that
in all the entampmends there Is manifest
an earnest desire to perpetuate the great
fundamental principles of our order
"Faith, Hope and Charity"
April 8. accepted on behalf of the off,
GERS of the grand encampment an invita-
tion from Canton William $. johnson, p.
NJ, 10 be present at Odd Fellows hall on
the evening of April 8, to attend a recep-
tion rendered to Grand Sire John W.
Stebbins, by said Canton. We passed
very pleasant evening. Also, upon invi-
tation of the same Canton, accompanied
by the grand board, / attended divine
Church, on the evening OF April 81. The
occasion was the commemoration OF the
10Th anniversary of our crder.The pastor
Rev. Edward Holyoke, preached an in
structive and interesting sermon. NV
thanks are hereby EXTENDED to Canton
William 5. johnson for courtesies re-
ceived.
May 6, received from the committee
on the Goth anniversary of Moshassuck
encampment an invitation to the board
of grand officers and their ladies to be
present at the Trocadero on the evening
OF May 10, to participate in the festivities
Incidental thereto. The invitation was
accepted, and an enjoyable time was the
result. 1t was an occasion long to be
pleasantly remembered by those who were
fortunate enough to be present. j hereby
extend to the committee my heartfelt
thanKs for courtesies received.
June 10 accepted an invitation from
Fraternity Encampment, No. IL, of East
Providence, to accompany them on a
visitation to Fraternity Encampment,
No. 81, OF Lynn, Mass. Accompanied by
Grand Master George +. Mackinnon, and
Grand Representatives Charles Il. Pierce
and Thomas NJ. Holden of the Grand En-
campmept, and Grand Representatives
Joseph Il. G. Farnham of Grand Lodge,
j was present and witnessed the exempli-
fication of the Patriarchal degree by the
degree STAFF of Fraternity Encsmpment,
No. IL, which received very hattering
compliments from the grand officers OF
Massac chusetts in attendance. singular
coincidence in connection wi h this visi-
tation was the fact that the grand patri-
arch of the largest and of the smallest of
the New England jurisdictions hailed from
encampments bearing the same name
We were received by Grand Patriarch
Winslow j. Rowell, and board of grand
officers, who were untiring in their efforts
in our behalf, and visitors and visited
had n thoroughly good time.
August 10 | accepted an invitation, on
hehalf OF the officers of the Grand En-
campment, 10 be the guests of Fraternity
Encampment, No. IL, of East Providence,
on the afternoon ana evening of August
22, IL being return visit OF Fraternity
Encampment, No. 81, of Lynn, Mass.
officers we fraternized with the two
Fraternities In true Patriarchal style.
Nv thanks are due. md are hereby ex-