The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-10-19

bors. As their numbers multiplied
their methods wers.suodined to meet
new conditions. The reS0fness of the
order TO try all things and hold fast
to that which II good m to adjust
itself to every beneficial change Of the
civilization of which IL is a part. has
ever been one Of Its distinguishing feat
ures. II has thus been enabled to keep
its methods at all times up to date and
Justly earned the right to be called a
progressive institution. From a socie-
ty whose early members rarely held
their meetings elsewhere than in a tav-
ern. so that they might be within easy
call of the landlord from whom they
obtained liquid refreshments to give
life to their transactions, IL has grown
into a great order whose lodges have
no affinity with drinking places and
whose membership are not allowed to
quaff the flowing bowl at any meeting
held under the orders auspices. From
a society whose founders thought their
wives and daughters untitled by nature
to either keep a secret or to have part
or share In any organized work
outside the churches. II has
advanced to such higher ideas OF
the sphere and capabilities OF woman
hood that IL has organized and fos-
tered the Rebekah degree, giving IL
constantly increasing privileges and
powers. until IL is now recognized not
only as an integral part of Odd Fellow
ship. but as one of Its potent factors.
Its system of benefits and relief Is such
that each member Is aided I'm time of
sickness without the necessity Of a petit
ton for help. Assistance In given with
out onense to the dignity or self-respect
of the recipient.
THE principles taught at the affairs
OF Odd Fellowship are intended to give
its members high conceptions of life
Its privileges. duties. responsibilities
and aspirations. The order teaches
reverence to God as our common
father. preserver and be~nefactor. loyal
ty to the government under which we
live and fraternal love for our fellow
man. Under the influence OF these prin-
ciples the true odd Fellow finds his
greatest pleasure in the effort to make
the world better and happier. He rec
~ognizes every man as his brother, to
whom he can say:
Give me your hand; I claim fraternal
With every tribe and nation meath the
skies.
Yes. give me your hand, be it of dainty
mold.
Or rough, henceforth tits mine to hold;
In restless toll. in penury n pain.
! share your loss. and give you Of my
gain.
You wear a shining star, or only call
The flower upon your breast a bluet
small;
II matters not. child Of uncertain fate.
You have my hand in low or high es-
tate
THE beneficent illustrations of Odd
Fellowship are conducted on a mag
nificent scale. The order has no insur-
ance features. and yet since Its organ
ization in 1919 II has given relief "a
2. 1877. 1856 members, n in addition
thereto has ministered substantial aid
To pa. l03 widowed families. Its tota
receipts have been s20l. 067. 1851. and
of this amoun the sum Of s77, $50. $50. IL.
more than 30 per ent OF gross receipts
have been paid out in relief of distress
During the year 1897 alone. out of a
total revenue of s.sl6. 259. 80. the sun
| OF 81. 1854, 500 Al was paid in relief. What
other institution can make such a
splendid showing of pure benevo-
lence?
The order was never in better condi'
ton than to-day. Notwithstanding ths
hard times of recent years and thu
multiplication of fraternal societies.
have mentioned its large membership
the largest II has ever had. Its lodges
now have invested in buildings. loans
etc. the sum of s26. 3Ss. 695. "A. odd Eel
lowship has established n now main
tains a larger number Of homes for thu
care of aged and infrm members, thu
support of widows Of deceased mem
bers and the education of orphans thar
all other secret societies combined.
"Am I not right i'm saying. withou
qualification, that Odd Fellowship
stands at the head of the class?
"Odd Fellowship Is popular and pros
porous I'm Montana. We have in goo'
standing So subordinate lodges, "a Re
bekah lodges. 1929 subordinate mem
beers and l.l63 Rebekah members. Al
though the state of New York has 1904
members. II Is a source Of pride to u
to know that. taking the population o
the two states. Montana has a large
per centage of a Fellowship thai
the great Empire state.
odd Fellowship is at the head of tn
class. no mistake"