Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1897-06-06
in Cincinnati and is a splendid likeness of
Mr.. Howard


The Odd Fellows will observe Memorial
Day June 20. The committee appointed
from Franklin Lodge No. 3. Excelsior No.
40, William Tell No. 6. Virginius No ?,
Wheeling No. 8, Concord No. 10, Eureka
No. IS. met last Friday evening and de-
cided TO hold the services at the Baptist
church, June 20, at 1890 a. m. The COM
mittee has also secured a band, and hopes
that all Brother Odd Fellows will turn
out on the above date and pay respect TO
departed Brothers. And again. Brothers,
we would like to meet you oftener in the
lodge room. Just stop and think mo-
ment, Brother, that you belong 10 the
greatest order in the world We can re-
fer to the history of our order with pride.
Fine men, unknown to fame and accept
ing the common walks of life seventy
eight years ago organized the first lodge
of Independent Order of Odd Fellows on
this continent. They had emblazoned on
their banner The fatherhood of God and
the Brotherhood of Man" as their motto,
and beneath this motto in bold relief they
proclaimed their object TO be TO frater-
nl2e the world. We are amazed at the as
sumption, but as we stand now at the
head of 100000 members coming from
every walk of life with II 900 lodges reach
ing down into every State and territory
Of this union and every city, town and
hamlet on this occasion, we can to
some extent realize the predictions and
work of that great and good man. Thorn
as Widely, and his co-laborers.
They were not chasing phantom.
Their works do abide. At the same ratio
of increase in membership and wealth at
the close of the next century what will
be che roll call of this mighty host? Then
every country in the civilized world shall
witness the work. and see the beneficent
influence of our blessed order We are
laden with the blessings of 10000 bereaved
families relieved in time of need and J.,
800 900 of our Brethren succored in time OF
distress. During the past fifty years we
have distributed in charity to the unfor-
tunate and suffering among US the vast
sum of 100000. We have collected
fro IN our membership during the year over
s. OO0 600 and expended in charity for the
relief of the afflicted among us nearly
s.. $50 eco and not only have we expended
these vast sums of money within the linn
it's of our organization. but in all the great
calamities that have befallen other people
in States, city or town. we have gather
ed up among the membership Of this great
Brotherhood thousands of dollars, and
passed it into the hands of committees for
the relief of the suffering.
What glorious Offering on the alter Of
humanity, the incense from such an OFF,
ering must reach the throne Of Almighty
God, and cause him to look with benedic-
ton on such work for his children
Our organization with such a history
must and will live through all time and
merit the respect and encouragement Of
all good people. Brothers. let US go on in
our glorious work until all nations, tongues
and kindreds of the earth shall know the
law of one universal Brotherhood until we
shall fraternize the world.
We believe in odd Fellowship, because
we have tested and proven the underly-
ing principles that inspire it and make 1t
strong. II is the largest fraternal organi-
cation in the world. Strongest in point OF
numbers and resources. dispensing larg-
er benefcience throbbing with a more
abundant vitality, its growth during the
past few years has been phenomenal 1t
is one of the moral. social and intellect
ual forces Of the country. 1t stands for
love of country. for devotion TO wife and
child and fireside. it is the nursery of good
citizenship. the promoter of patriotism,
for no man can be an Odd Fellow in spirit
and truth unless he is faithful to his coun-
try as well as fraternal to his fellowman.
II has done more to allay the resultant
bitterness of sectional strife than any 9TH
or agency on this continent. Within its
ranks all men are equal. 1t inculcates the
duty Of mans humanity TO man. it teaches
the divine assertion of the Brotherhood
of God and the Brotherhood of Man"
1t makes fraternal love living, concrete,
vitaizing truth. it is the measure and the
pledge of friendship it is practical piety
in active daily service. it is that blessed
charity of which the great apostle wrote
incarnated and systematized, it offers to
man desiring TO be of some service to his
fellows a field of labor, broad catholic and
enduring. it is the untiring foe of ignor
ance and vice and human selishness. To
resist the sick. relieve the distressed, bury
the dead and educate the orphans these
are the watchwords of our order and
their faithful observance constitutes the
source and secret of its power. the in
spiration and end of its mission.
Sweet friendship thine alter erect in each
heart
For the world is more lovely wherever
thou art
Pale. sickness and want never bar thy
door.
And thy pathway is blessed by the pray
ers of the poor.
Truth. soul of creation pure essence Of
Him
Who called world after world from rs
limitless dim.
Oh. still be thine influence first in the
soul;
And its thoughts to thee turn as the
needle to pole.
Love mightiest, hottest power of heaven,
To friendship and truth be thine influences
given,
And with these over earth spread thy
glorious reign,
Until paradise blooms in full splendor
again"
PARKERSBURG.