The Saint Paul globe., 1900-06-14
GRAND LODGE BUSINESS
ODD FELLOWS AND REBEK AHs
EXPEDITE AFFAIRS AT YES
TERDAY'S SESSION
EXPECT TO FINISH TODAY
Both Orders Show Growth and Pros
perity in the Past Year-At-
tend NOrthfieId Dedica-
ton Tomorrow.

What promises to be a very successful
grand lodge meeting of the Odd Fellows
OF the state and Daughters of Rebe,<ah
convened yesterday in the legislative
nails The ladies held forth in the sen
ATE chamber and state officials occupying
the ante rooms as offices were shut out
Oh their own sanctums and several hied
themselves to the country for a fishing
trip Representatives Of both orders were
III 81. Paul to transact business, ana that
they succeeded fairly we'll is shown In
the fact that it was after o'clock last
hlght when adjournment was taken.
Today both lodges will endeavor In
wind up their business, as tomorrow thew
will go to Northheld, where the new Odd
Fellows home will be dedicated with
elaborate ceremony
Ire frst business in order this morning
before the Odd Fellows grand lodge will
be the election OF grand warden A vote
was taken the first of the year and all
offices with the exception of this one
hlled. Three candidates are in the field.
Messrs. French, of Monticello; McGregor.
OF Minneapolis, and Harkins, of Long
Prairie.
Grand Representative Van Deman oc-
cupled half an hour at the opening Of
the afternoon session yesterday, explain
ing the Florida sanItarium, maintained
Tor Odd Fellows who visit Florida in
search Of health. The matter of voting
peconlary assistance to the institution
was referred to a committee. A repori
from the committee on appeals was re-
ceIVeu ana adopted. A lengthy report
was made by the committee on bylaws
A number of chaopeS NOV,
resolution was passed expressing regret
at the departure OF Past Grand Master
II. j. Strouse from the city, and recording
appreciation Of his tireless services in the
interest of the order
AL the morning session the grand lodge
oestee was conferred on large number
OF new delegates to both branches
Grand Master Gamble. in his animal re-
port, told Of the institution of fourteen
new subordinate lodges and five Rebekah
lodges during the year. Nine duplicate
charters were issued and five new halls
were dedicated during the year. During
MS term Grand Master Gamble visited ff-
ty-three lodges, instituted eight subordi-
nate lodges, attended a number Of dedi-
| cations, three consultations. and MANY
other events
lie recommends that the grand lodge
take under advisement a proposition 20
reduce the admission fee for candidates
from $40 to SIS. Also that each sl1bordi
nate lodge require the reading of the con-
sututlon In open lodge at least once each
term.
The report of the grand representa-
t1Yes showed total membership in sub
ordinate lodges Dec 81 last of S3O, ,9Gl. The
Rebekahs number 190,007. This shows a
| net gain of 1904 during the year for the
subordinate lodges and 12,1S4 Rebekahs. a
total gain of 80, ,225 for the last calendar
year -. Ia.
The number of subordinate lodges has
increased by 100, making II, ,419 now in ex-
istence, while 257 Rebekah lodges have
been added to the list making a total of
1888.
order in the whole United States.
The report of Grand Secretary Bolton
shows that for Minnesota the number of
| lodges Dec 81 last was 239 with a mem
bership of 15067. The receipts of the
lodges for the year aggregated $17S. oil II.
and the expenditures $115, ,36401 Sick ben
etits were paid to the amount of $1S 495 67,
while $2,533.S7 were for the relief of wild
ows and orphans. Funeral expenses con
| sumed A,08710, and special cases S4 729. Il.
| making a total of $29,S46.35. The number
| of brothers relieved was 1,033; number of
widows and orphans, 81. Sick benefits
were paid for 6,046 weeks. Ninety-nine
past grands were suspended for non-pay-
ment Of dues.
The order in Minnesota now possesses
| assets to the value of $500 726
The number of Rebekah lodges in the
| state is ITS, with an aggregate member
| ship of 9,O29. The total receipts for the
year were $12, 2,3O206, and the expenses
So, 427.95. Relief was granted to the am unit
of $95391.
An attempt was made once before to
| return to the old system, and out of LOO
past grands entitled to vote, but 800 voted
| in favor of the return.
Among the visitors at the session is e.
| D. Van Deeman, representative to the
sovereign grand lodge from Florida