Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1905-09-23
BIG TURNOUT OF
ODD FELLOWS
Over $4,000 March Before Multitude
in Philadelphia
REVIEWED BY THE GRAND SIRE

Philadelphia. Sept 20.-A parade In
which over $1,000 Odd Fellows from
this and every state of the Union par
ticipated, brought to n climax the
kist annual communication of the SOW
ereign grand lodge, |. o. y. f.. now In
session in this city. Local lodges and
those from nearby cities and towns
turned out In full strength. To view
them as they passed down Broad
street and countermarched north To
Race, thousands of other Odd Eel.
lows, the families and friends and the
general public thronged the line OF
march.
A diversity OF color in uniform. ban.
ner and regalia combined to make the
whole line one undulating, beautiful
scene and. viewed in panorama. II was
q sight that will be ever remembered
by those who witnessed II.
Every lodge in the long assemblage
bore its own banner in the procession.
Twenty-Five bands. the best from
Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Della
ware. and few from New York.
played every national air dear to the
heart OF an American.
The Patriarchs Militant. 2500 strong.
made beautiful showing. Their
handsomely decorated uniforms. braid
bedecked caps. flashing swords and
shining buttons combined to make
them one of the most beautiful bodies
in line.
But second to none in beauty and
in attraction was the California Drill
Corps. Captain Allie Parker and her
II girls we're the observed of all the
observers. From one end of the route
TO the other they were the cynosure OF
all eyes. Their marching was splen-
did, and their uniforms more beautiful
than any. II was composed OF the regu-
iation cap. short dark skirt. blouse
shirtwaist leggings and all bedecked
with shining buttons and gold braid.
The line was reviewed by Robert f.
Wright. of Allentown. grand sire OF
the sovereign grand lodge; its Off.
GERS. General VI. A. Raney. command
ing Patriarchs Militant. and depart
mcUt ORPOoAN0 AAC PStAC
vue-Stratford.
The reviewing stand for judges for
prize awards, Odd Fellows OF promi.
nence and ladies' OF Rebekah lodges
was opposite Odd Fellows Temple.
Toronto is in the lead for the place
OF meeting next year.
Annual reports OF grand sire Grand
Secretary John y. Goodwin. Grand
Treasurer NJ. Richards Muckle and
General VI. A. Raney. commanding the
Patriarchs Militant, were the features
of the session. After being presented
they we're referred 10 the committee
on distribution of grand officers re-
ports.
The statistical information for the
year included the following: Candi'
dates initiated. 124.2i0; suspended,
54.235: died. 1905. Since 1880 the
order has initiated 1927 .262 candi.
dates and 292,541 members have died.
The total membership Is l.2l7.l45 and
number of subordinate lodges i4.345.
Revenue last year was slS.63S.791 and
relief paid s4.633. 649.05. Total relief
expended from 1880 TO 1904 sl05,i25..
1885.
The increase in membership OF sub.
ordinate lodges was 1924: in the en-.
campment branch. 1890: in the Re
bekah branch. 26.39i. making total
increase of 102,l05. The report upon
the various homes for the care of its
orphans and aged brethren shows 80
institutions. seven of them in Penn
sylvania.