Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-09-12

that organization. TheeRebekah lodges are
under the control Of and send representa-
ttves to the Grand LDdge. They are on
cially visited by the grand master and his
associate grand officers. The Rebekahs are
computed In the grand total Of Odd Fellow
membership. committee Of the Sovereign
Grand Lodge is appoinAed to look after their
interests. and that high body legislates for
its membership.
The degree Of Rebslrah has been called
the browning excellence" of the three-link
order 1t owes its origin to the famous In
diana statesman. Schuyler Colfax. Before
he was a member Of Congress-. Speaker Of
the House of Representatives and Vice
President of the United States he was en-
inent In Odd Fellowship, and his interest
continued until his death.
More than half century ago he carried
sovereign Grand Lodge. 1t was hard
battle. the lines were closely drawn. strong
foes faced each other, and but for the single
vote OF the grand sire the degree would
have been lost to the order.
The degree was not only originated by
schuyler Colfax. but the fight for its adop-
uon was made by him, and the degree work
was also his composition, and on January
1, 1872, the degree went T. operation.
Among the reasons urged To- e adoption
OF TINS degree were the folio wing:
F1rst-lt will complete the present imper-
lect system in force in most of the jurisdic-
lions by which wives and widows cards
are now authorized
Second-It will lessen and ultimately de-
stroy the prejudice felt against the order
by many of the fairer SEX and which. I'M
denlably, often tends to prevent accession
OF members in subordinate lodges.
lhlrd-lt can be made to assist Odd Eel
loWshlp IN peculiar cases of brothers sick
ness. In many such the kind nursing of
woman is needed far more than the assidu-
Gus and constant attendance of man, for
she was formed to minister at the couch OF
an1lctlon, and in the watching which our
laws so strictly provide for We only strive
10 compel the observance of what is in her
nstinct-the promptings of nature the i'm
pulse of the heart
The degree of Rebekah has proved to be
OF great assistance to all branches of the
oroer, ana Its membership has constantly
increased from the beginning of its exist
ence. Success has been shown not only in
the advancement of the principle of the or
yer, put also IN overcoming the formerly
nosolle feei1nS of women. some Of whom
thought secret society established solely
ny men and for men could not be in every
particular above suspicion.
Each year the grand sire issues procla-
mauon calling for universal observance
Of the anniversary of the day on which
fepekah Odd Fellowship was born The
iouf local Rebekah lodges have each re-
cei' copies OF a proclamation by Grand
Sie Joi.h b. Goodwin, fixing September 20
as the nIhe and Baltimore as the place for
TINS years celebration. The degree of Re
pehal Is conferred not only upon the ladies'
out aiSo upon all Odd Fellows in good stand
ing ana their wives. all unmarried white
women VINO. have attained the age of eigh-
teen years, believe in q supreme. intelligent
creator and ruler OF the universe. and who
are or good moral character. The degree
must nave been taken by one who desires to
enter the Sovereign Grand Lodge either as
VISITOR or representative
mere are at present s. T23 Rebekah lodges
unuei 'he immediate jurisdiction of the sew
erai state grand bodies and FIVE under the
sovereign Grand Lodges and TIE total mem
oefsflip is 800 433. This membership is dis
tributed as follows. P - VIC