The colored American., 1902-10-25
THE B. NJ. C. MEETS.
The Eleventh Conventions Work at
New Haven.-Prof J. Mckenny
Jones is Grand Master.

The eleventh session Of the B. NJ c.,
Grand United Order of Odd Fellows of
America, convened at New Haven in
Harmonic Hall, October 7th, with
Grand Master Edward H. Morris in
the chair. The visitors were welcomed
by Mayor Studley. Mr.. George Wilde,
the first fraternal delegate from the
Grand Lodge, of England, was intro
duced, and he delivered a telling adj
dress, setting forth the principles and
achievements of the Order. He is a
gentleman of scholarly bearing, an
orator Of ability, and his deliverance
was rapturously applauded.
The routine business, reception Of
annual reports and the auditing of
the accounts took place in executive
session. The most important legis-
lation was the appropriation of $4,000
for the purchase of a site, and the
construction and equipment of build
ing for the national headquarters
Despite the elOquence and energetic
efforts of Mr.. Thomas H. Wright to
have the headquarters located N
Washington the majority favored the
retention of Philadelphia as the cen
traI office At the instance of Cor1n-
THAN Lodge, No. 1857, District OF
Columbia, the sum of 500 was unanl-
mously appropriated to purchase
suitably engraved gold medal for the
retiring Grand Master E. H. Morris, as
a testimonial for his efficient and con-
scientious services.
The greatest interest hinged upon
the election of officers, which took
place on Friday, the 10th. The result
was as follows:
Grand Master, ]. McHenry Jones,
West Virginia; Deputy Grand Master
George E. Temple, Missouri; Editor
Odd Fellows Journal, ]. c. Asbury,
Virginia. These were elected without
opposition. The race for Grand Sec
retary was somewhat spirited, and --.e
outcome was quite a surprise to the
uninitiated. The nominees were Chas-
H. Brooks for reelection, James F.
Needham and J. J. G. Mckinley. Mr..
Mckinley withdrew in the early part
of the voting and threw his strength
to Needham. Mr.. Needham, of Phila-
delphia was elected, the vote being
Needham Isl. Brooks 130. Twenty
three nominations were made for the
selection of four Grand Directors.
Those elected, and the votes received by
them were: w. L. Houston, District of
Columbia, 1873; L. NJ. Porter, Arkan-
sas, 174; Rev. E. P. Jones, Mississippi,
169; Nelson c. Mitchell, Massachusetts,,
90. The highest number Of votes re-
ceived other than those elected, was
90, which went to Col. w. A. Pledger,
of Georgia.
Mr.. w. L. Houston received the high
est vote cast for Grand Director, which
was a deserved compliment to him and
an evidence of his high standing with
the fraternity throughout the country.
The choice of the convention will meet
the approval of the Order everywhere,
as Prof. Jones is a parliamentarian OF
ripe experience, and Mr.. Needham has
been a true and tried officer for many
years. The others are well-known rs
capable and painstaking members and
workers.
The District of Columbia got both
bitter and sweet. The twenty-seven
delegates after canvassing the names
of Mr.. Thos H. Wright for Grand
Master. David Clark. for Deputy, David
Warner, for Grand Treasurer, and w.
L. Houston for Grand Director, finally
decided to endorse Mr.. Warner. He
was defeated, however, by W. H.
Smith,. of Hampton, Va, by a vote of
160 to SO. After an all-night session,
adjournment was had Saturday morn
ing, after a general love-feast. The
next convention will be held in 1904