The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-03-05
GRAND ENCAMPMENT, |. 0. 0. F.,
HOLDS ITS ANNUAL SESSION.

The Grand Encampmcnt of Rhode ISL
and, /. o. o. f., met in annual session
this morning. at odd Fellows ball. with
large attendance. Grand Patriarch ii.
Irving Dillenback presiding.
The annual reports showed a gratifying
advance over those OF last year, and were
generally regarded as affording just
cause for congratuation and most
hopeful view of the future: and the ses-
sion was a more than ordinarily busy one,
as an unusual number OF suggestions and
recommendations were offered by the
grand patriarch I'm his annual report.
Among these were notifications In the
law relating TO the consolidation OF sub
ordinate encampments, the appointment
of collectors by subordinates. methods to
enhance the interest OF regular meetings
OF subordinates. Improvement IN the ritu-
aIistic work. the advocacy of biennial ses-
sions OF the Sovereign Grand lodge. the
cultivation of closer relations with CO.
ordinate bodies. efforts To bring the cam
ton and the encampment into closer union,
a more satisfactory cipher OF the unwrit-
ten work. penalties for the violation of
certain laws, better care and protection
of the rituals, an amendment To facilitate
the business OF the grand encampment,
certain measures of economy, etc.
The reports OF the grand scribe and the
grand treasurer were I'm both cases en-
couraging and quite satisfactory; and
the usual routine reports OF standing COM
rnittees were presented. as we'll as "a re-
port from the special committee on AN
odd Fellows Building association.
After the customary formal prelimin-
aries, the candidates for the grand en-
campment degree were introduced by the
grand junior warden and formally initia-
ted
Then came the reading OF the annual
report OF the grand patriarch. which was
especially strong and thoughtful. abound'
ing In suggestions calculated TO advance
the interests of the Order, which Were
treated In a very broad and comprehen
sive manner. and written in a direct and
concise style that contributed TO its ef
fectivenesss and caused it's reading TO b,
given the most careful attention.
GRAND PATRIARCHs REPORT.
The report. I'm its opening paragraphs
urges that the sober thought OF serious
purpose be devoted 10 the proceeding
of the session and takes most hopefu
view OF the record OF the past year anS
the prospects OF the Patriarchal branch
Commenting on the record OF gains an,
losses In membership. the Grand Patriarcl
shows that the number dropped for non
payment OF dues Is 30 per cent smaller
the losses by death are 46 per cent less
the number admitted is - per cent les
and the net loss % per cent smaller thar
in the previous year. while the presen
membcrship in the encampments Is abou
20 per cent of that in the subordinat
lodges-a proportion considerably create
than IN many other jurisdictions.
Reference is made 90 the consolidatio
of Moshassuck and Woonasquatucke
Encampments as the first event OF tn
kind IN the history OF this Grand En-
campment: and the policy of consollda
%ton Is commended as means OF strength
ening and solidifying the Encampmen
branch. The law under which consol
dstion may be effected Is shown 20 be In
equitable and imperfect In some respects
and suitable amendments are suggested.
The hearty cooperation and support G
Grand Master Edwin B. Lincoln are al
propriateiy recognized in the reference {
the official visitations OF the year; an
grateful acknowledge ment ie made {
many Invitations and special courtesie
extended.
Under the caption "a member saved
n member gained" the attention OF ST
bordinates IS especially directed 10 III
wisdom OF appointing "a collector. b
which method Il is urged many pres
cnt LOSSES I'm membership may be avoi,
cd.
Introducing the subject of making u
regular meetings of Subordinutes in a.
FULLEST sense enjoyable and attractive
ell members. the Grand Patriarch sa,
that Individual interest Is the handmade
en- OF organized success" and he stronl
" urges the discussion. at the regul'
meetings OF Subordinate of the gener
needs Of the order. methods 60 ndvan'
fts influence ana usefulness. the icgis
flon Of Grand and Sovereign bodies an
OF tho policies of other jurisdictions a
vjsing All 20 look beyond the confines
their encampment or lodge rooms and
vfdcnlng their horizon enlarge the field
their Interest
The NEGLECT 81 some officers 81 suborf
mates IN the proper rendition OF the ritus
fstic. wort is treated very frankl
fhourh with entire fairness and kindne'
nnd the Grend Patriarch does not hesita
m NJ least 10 imply that those in nir