The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1899-03-01

nt biSt annual rtrtlOn Vi lilt
Encampment OF odd Fellows met in
Odd Fellows hall at 10 O'Clock this
morning, the attendance being large.
The reports of the several officers oc-
cupied the early hours of the session.
In his report Grand Patriarch Will
lam Fred Fish said;
II regret TO report that the returns OF
the subordinate encampments show
that loss in membership has again
occurred. but il is pleasure 20 note
that IL is small. compared with the
losses of the last four years. In 1894
the loss was 6l. in 1896 it was 60. I'm 1896
II was 92. and in 1897 il was So. In 1898
il was but AZ. Let US take heart and
be encouraged by the restoration of the
old, or royal purple degree uniform; by
the revival of business and the prosper
ity that will naturally follow by the
unity and hamony prevailing through
out our jurisdiction, and have strong
faith, that a renewed interest and the
awakening 10 energy. with the removal
OF doubts and uncertainties, viii bring "a
return 10 the prosperous position occu-
pied by this jurisdiction a few years
ago. To quote the language OF another:
Those who are acquainted with the
beauties of Patriarchal odd Fellowship.
and thousands of brethren are. know it's
value as well az the beauties of it's rit-
uallstic ceremonies. They know, too,
that TO be an odd Fellow, i'm deed and
in truth, the brother must tread the
weary and rugged road 10 Horeb, and
from its summit obtain a view of the
beautiful hills and wales of the prom
ised land Then why not set about the
work of inviting the brethren of the
subordinatcs to join in the march OF
the shepheds OF the tents OF the faith
full? Ii will be for their good 10 have
them partake OF the hospitalities of
the patriarchal tent. and enjoy the re-
freshing libntions and sustaining food
there bestowed. Let the work of recruit
ing the ranks OF the marching shep-
herds begin at once, and make the fold
OF the tents TO bulge outward with the
crowds seeking TO learn the beauties OF
Patriarchal odd Fellowship.
"June IL, 1s49. this Grand Encamp-
ment was instituted. June IL of the
present year 1t will reach its golden an
niversary. l would recommend that a
committee of five be chosen by this
Grand Encampment 10 arrange for a
proper observance of that eventful oc-
casion."
In concluding his report the grand
patriarch said:
II desire to urge upon you, and upon
all the members of the encampment
branch in our state, to Zealously labor
during the present year TO increase I'm
numbers and 10 improve the condition
of the several encampments. With a
little labor. and the right spirit. we
shall experience an increase instead or
a decrease. Give the incoming grand
patriarch your hearty cooperation and
support, and he will have a prosperous
year.
II take this opportunity 10 thank the
officers and members of this Grand En-
and OF the subordinate en-
for the many courteSieS
shown me during my term OF office. |
have cherished the position to which
you elevated me one year ago not alone
for the honor. but for the many friends
have made in the discharge of my Of
fetal duties. | am greatly indebted TO
the grand scribe for the valuable and
efficient assistance rendered me in the
of the duties of my office.
To the grand representatives. and board
of grand officers my thanks are due for
the many acts of kindess bestowed by
them; and TO the grand marshal j ten
der my thanks for the very faithful
manner in which he has discharged his
duties. In short time | shall transfer
the cares and duties 20 another. with
however. feeling of regret that | have
not been able to do more for this branch
OF the order
Il have always taken into considera-
ton my duty to the order. and IL mis-
takes have been made, they have been
made in the performance OF that duty
In retiring from this exalted station, IL
is with a no less desire to work i'm the
future as I'm the past for the best in
terests of the encampment branch. And
may God, In His infinite mercy, grant
unto us strength. courage and wisdom
the true fraternel spirits necessary for
the achievement OF success in a work
worthy of the highest devotion OF which
man Is capable"
The report of Herbert r. Perkins and
James -. Lloyd was then presented.
and was followed by the report of the
grand scribe. William II. II. Mosley,
which was as follows:
''As predicted i'm our last report.
greater activity has prevailed i'm and
among the encampments. For the
term ending December 81. 1897. we noted
a decrease OF IS i'm membership, while
for the year that has just passed we
have "A net decrease OF AZ only Not since
the year 1903 have there been as many
Initiated or less number dropped from
the rolls. This condition OF affairs is
due very largely 10 energetic and per-
sonal work. not only TO secure new
members, but TO retain within the fold
many who were inclined 90 drop by the