The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-04-25

organization, although it no doubt has done
much to awaken and turn the thoughts OF
men in that direction
ra here aad there man who has but
gan1zauon to which he belongs Is heard to
say; odd Fellowship is all the church /
need" The fundamental principles upon
resentatlVes past and present both derry en-
phsucally this position. 1t is the childish
ana a superhclal Drattle OF this sort that more
imam anything else prejudices thoughtful and
ton g '''>s-s s-ss-ss Tins VI e"1'Aa-
Your presence here this morning as repre-
sentatives Of your various organizations in
the city will go far to disarm criticism and
drive away prejudice of this kind.
Inc second class of people antagonistic to
are honest, outspoken enemies MANY of
them have an intense desire to see the
word made better, and believe that this AID
al similar organizations are absorbing ener-
gIes which might better be put into other
end nra Infy see men going into led e,
net ucite with the Christian church
Now and then they find man who Las en-
tered into covenant with some church but
attend the lodge. and without making full
iroui y INTO the exact condition and Weighing
and Lalancing all the factors in the case hey
ledge is antagonizing the work of the church.
ana n begins wholesale and fndiscrmi-
nate condemnation of all secret organizations.
unprincipled and superficial men, recreant to
the past history and false to the underlying
principles Of Odd Fellowship, who are autag-
onistic to the church, but If so they are eX-
ceptions and do not represent the true idea
Of your honorable body.
1t is a pleasure therefore to have you with
us today, that by your presence you may dis
prove these false, superficial, but often pop
ular conceptions
Mission of the Order.
What Is the mission Of Odd Fellowship?
In the first place, 1t is an organization cali
culated to meet social need. Man is
social being: the instinct for fellowship is
seen in the crudest forms of society. Before
the billiard parlor and gilded saloons came
into existence as centers of attraction for
large class of men, the same impulse which
calls them together in these places led them
to meet in the early day ii the village tav-
ern, at the corner grocery. where they sat
on cracker barrels and soap boxes and talked
about the crops. political situation and not
infrequently, about their neighbors. The
same instinct for fellowship Is met today in
some circles by the literary, debating and
social club, for entertainment, instruction
and inspiration. The organizations are legion
which are trying in some form to satisfy this
social instinct. The saloon, with Its demo-
cratic spirit, wide open hospitality and good
fellowship, is attracting large class. 1t lays
hold upon every attractive accessory in the
way, of music pictures; electric lights. etc.
drawing men together, and thus pandering
to his social need, that this need is satisfied
in any wholesome way by the saloon is open
to large question. e $500
The Young Mems Christian association
usually has its ample parlors, well furnished
gymnasium, attractive reading and game
rooms, and is the center of attraction for
other large class of young men whose tastes,
home training and life purposes are generally
quite different from those who frequent sa-
looms. -. t:l
The Odd Fellows lodge is more than
social club. 1t satisfies an ethical need. 1t
holds up high, moral principles and exem,
These high fences may be lowered IN some
instances so as to admit men Of another char
acter, but when this Is done 1t is plain
departure from the law and history Of this
organization.
BENEVOLENT, and Beneficent.
The true mssionaof Odd. Fellowship is not
found in it's social or ethical capacity. Its
true mission is both benevolent and benef-
cent. Benevolencet is to wish well. Bene-
fcence Is to do we'll. This organization does
not stop with mers good wishes, but it at
tempts in every practical way to do the best
things for It's members aAnd the touch of its
influence is felt FIR good in the business,
its care for the needy and distressed of its
own household its history is fragrant with
pleasant memoriesg Of generous deeds and
hand is not infreduenas stretched out to t.
shield the widow and project the mother and
teach the orphan. It provides strong, tendon
watchmen for the sick. who otherwise would
often be left to Ignorant and careless hands.
It comes to the widow Hazed and bewildered
by her grief, anxious over the question where
to procure means1 for q; respectable burial;
not with hesitating and begrudging hand Of
charity, but with the authority and gen.
crosby of brother who has right to speak
and help In this hour OF need. For the many
good works which 1t Is doing, this organiza-
ton Is making for Itself a warm place In
the hearts and homes of the people. God
speed you in your efforts, and IL the example
Of your wisdom and zeal shall incite the
fective service in caring for the poor and
needy and sick and well, we shall thank you
for II