The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1904-01-22
PUSHING TOF|FTEEN IT WAS A SURPRISE
Happy Evening With Sea
ton Gales Lodge Of
Odd Fellows.

An innovation IN lodge circles was
started by Seaton Gales Lodge, No. "a,
l. O. o. f., last evening in their elegant
ledge room. 1t was the first Of a series
OF surprise parties to be g.von by this
fourishing lodge of Odd Fellows to the
members, visiting Odd Fellows and their
friends.
For the past week the Odd Fellows OF
the city have been on the Qui vive,
caused by the announcements that this
lodge would give a surprise party at the
next regular meeting, which was held
last evening, that is after the regular
business of the lodge was transacted.
The surprise was to be sprung b. Or.
r. NJ Jordan, the newly installed Nobl'
Grand, and Grand Secretary b. II. WOOD
I ell who is member OF that lodge. For
the past few days these gentlemen have
had an air of mystery about them in
mingling with their brother Odd Fellows
Of both Seaton Gales and Manteo lodges
So it was really no surprise that a large
number of members from these two lodges
were present to see the surprise in store
for them. When the lodge room at S:3J
was opened to the public the number
present was augmented by a number o.!
gentlemen, who were not Odd Fellows
besides number OF ladies who shared
equally in the curiosity of all present.
Owing to the sickness of Dr. Jordan,
the full duty Of springing the surprises
devolved upon Grand Secretary Woodell,
who proved himself equal to the occasion
He presided during the evening and the
hour and a half which was taken up was
interestingly spent.
Mr. Woodell started the surprise party
off by making short talk OF explanation
and ended UP by calling on Mr., Joseph
G. Brown for a speech on the surprises
held in store by Oad Fellowship. Mr..
Brown responded in brief but eloquent
speech, reciting some of the pleasant {,
valuable surprises of the order.
Mr.. w. c. McMackin did not make a
speech, but seized the floor and most
f!owery effort introduced Col. Joseph Il.
Pcgue, who surprised al by not beinG
in the lodge room to respond, having
SOUGHT the aeclusion of the antc-room.
Mr.. j. c. Birdsong followed next aud
narrated some of the beauties Of Odd
Fellowship when he was boy chapter
from personal experience, which must
have touched all present.
Col Pogue having returned to the lodge
room during the talk of Mr.. 8irdsong.
was called upon and responded briefly.
but in most happy vein.
! Mr.. E. z. Britton, OF the News and
Observer staff, as one CT the visitors was
next singled out by the Noble Grand and
directed to offer up a surprise in speech.
I1c responded and expressed surprise that
he was not an Odd Fellow, but he sur
prised those present by stating that he
was a K Of p. which is mighty close
! kin.
| Mr.. e. A. Womble surprised all pres
emf by stating that Mr.. W. ~. Wilson had
refused absolutely to make a sGeech on
| this occasion. This was not only a sur
! prise to those present but to Mr.. Will
/ son, who, as usual, had three speeches IN
manuscript in his pocket ready for dc.
| livery.
| Notwithstanding the statement Of Mr.
Womble. all present were surprised when
Nj. Wilson arose end delivered one Of TIC
best speeches Of the evening.
Deputy Grand Master II. e. Biggs and
Mr.. Charles F. Lumgden also made
sreeches which were greatly enjoyed.
! At the conclusion Of Mr.. Lumsden' s
specch the room was darkened and thcss
/ present were treated to another surprise
A ghostly figure glided into the room
from an ante-room. which was followed by
figure representing his satanic majesty
The latter chased the former around the