Smyrna times., 1900-05-02
SMYRNA CITIZEN HONORED,
ElGHTY-FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF ODD Eel.
LOWSHIP DOUBLY ENJOYED.
Joseph Wright, Who Has Been a Member for
Fifty Years, Receives High TestimOn-
ialS From His Brothers,

Fellowship, of interest to the general
order throughout the world, was the
occasion of twO-fold enjoyment at
Morning Star Lodge No. 6, [. O. O.
F., of this town, last Friday night,
when with a most entertaining pro
gram, they paid fitting honor to one of
their members, Mr.. Joseph Wright.
who had just rounded out half cen
tury of Odd Fellowship.
The members and guests numbered
hundred or more, and the meeting
was presided over by the genial master
of ceremonies, Mr.. E. Marriott Fowler.
An orchestra composed of VIM. Nor
ris, violin; w. G. Anthony, cornet;
and W. t. Massey, harp, enlivefed the
occasion with music, and the spirit of
the entertainment was one that evoked
much favorable comment by all who
attended.
The exercises opened with an over
ture by the orchestra; the "Opening
Ode" of the lodge was sung; Chaplain
j. Benjamin Krusen invoked short
prayer, and just before the address of
the evening, Mr.. j. Edwin Hoffecker
rendered a sweet tenor solo.
Rev. w. r. Mowbray, P. G., of
Zion, Md, formerly pastor of Smyrna
Circuit, and while here an active mem
Der of Morning Star Lodge, was the
speaker of the evening. He took for
his subject: Wanted, a Man." For
nearly an hour he held the close atten-
tion of his audience, as he unfolded to
them the need in this day of men of
courage, men of conviction, men of
heart and men of noble character.
His address was plain, simple and for
chile and made an impression on all
who heard him.
The orchestra struck up another
lively air, and the chairman called
upon Mr.. William FAIRIES. The latter
responded with his ready flow of ora
tory, and began with complimentary
reference to the S1st anniversary of
Odd Fellowship, and what was in
culcated in their motto: ''Friendship.
Love and Truth.
The real object for which Mr.. FAIRIES
was called to the front, was to spring a
pleasant surprised and present on be-
half of Messrs. Edgar and joseph Fl.
Wright, handsome crayon of their
father, Mr.. Joseph Wright, to Morn
ing Star Lodge. The picture was hung
directly over the chair of the presiding
officer, and up to this time was shielded
with two flags, one the "Union Jack"
and the other 'The Stars and Stripes "
1t was unveiled while Mr.. FAIRIES was
making the presentation speech and
was received with applause. AS briefly
stated IN the address, Mr.. Josepb
Wright became an Odd Fellow on April
the 18th, 1850, by joining the Manches-
ter Unity Lodge in England. Once
identified he was a loyal member.
After he came to this country, and to
Smyrna, he joined Morning Star
Lodge, on September 30, 1859, where
Tor forty-one years he has been faithful
to his duties. In service he was cleo
ted Noble Grand, July 5, 1872, and
since 1884 has been the treasurer.
DIR. Curtis o. Swinney accepted the
picture on behalf of the lodge and took
occasion to pass very high tribute OH
he life, the character and the Odd
Fellowship of the one in whose honor
he presentation was made.
Another intesesting step was taken
It this point and that was to receive as
he gift of Mr.. Wright, his certificate
II membership to Loyal Victory Lodge.
No. 737 in Bewdley District of the
Manchester Unity, of England, dated
April 18th, 1850. Mr.. Geo. NJ. Steven
on made the presentation speech
he Lodge for some time has been
nxlous to get hold of this old paper.
nd 1t was received with applause.
lr. Wright Immediately afterward was
allied on for a speech but he was too
verwhelmed by the praise rendered
i'm, to respond.
Mr.. j. Benjamin Krusen recited est.
'eter at the Gate;" Matthew V. Ford
ave a numerous Lecture on Apples"
nd B. V. Weldon presented to Rev.
X. Mowbray on the part of Morn
1g Star Lodge, the handsome "crazv
uilt" recently purchased at auction at ,
festival given by Severson's church.
.ev. Mowbray accepted it with feeling
idress in which he appreciated the :
lit in that it brought him close
Morning Star Lodge and Sew
sons church, where he served a
astorate of four years.
The orchestra gave another Selection '
nd the members and guests repaired c
the banquet room, where a refresh {
g repast of ice cream and cake q