The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1906-12-13

Fellowship and other fraternal bodies
exist2 On the seal of the Sovereign
Grand Lodge we read these words, We
command you to visit the sick. TO bury
the dead to relieve the distressed and
educate the orphan Within the walls
of a lodge room we meet for mutual
counsel, for the relief OF distress and
the elevation of human character. In
this great work, in the promulgation
and practice OF Friendship, Love and
Truth, IN the warfare against vice IN
all its forms, and the exercise of kindly
offices to one another in time of trouble
is it not every way fitting and proper
that woman should have full and hon
orable recognition
Therefore on this suspicious occasion,
on this commemoration of the sixtieth
anniversary of the pioneer odd Fellow
body in all this part of the world, l
am sure that | am authorized in the
name of Excelsior Lodge and. of all
Odd Fellowship as well to bring this
word of appreciation and praise for
those worthy women who in the years
that have passed, as well as in the
present, have so steadfastly, so de
votedly and so successfully co-operated
in the good work of our order
Let no one fancy that the professed
principles of our Order are empty
words. Those who have seen the most
of its workings are the most fully sat
isfed to the contrary. Many times in
the range of my observation and more
than once in my own experience has
the reality of the principles we profess
been brought forcibiy to my notice.
Many times within my personal knowl-
edge has the kindly attention, the
brotherly or sisterly sympathy and en-
couragement and the material assist
ance IN time of need been to the crate
full recipient like the shadow of great
rock in a weary land.
The subject is in many ways a fas-
cinetJIns one. Were / to give utterance
to all that is in my heart | should be
liable to extend these remarks not only
beyond reasonable bounds but beyond
the patience of my hearers as well. |
have been asked to speak briefly and
1t is my intention to do so, but l can
not close without bearing my admiring
testimony to the admirable way in
which our Rebekah lodges do their
formal and ritual work; work the
beauty and impressiveness of which
must be seen to be appreciated. Let
me assure the brothers of the sub
tunate as to attend the lodges of the
Rebekah Degree that they might there
in learn something to the advantage
of themselves and of the lodges to
which they belong. A word to the wise
should be sufficient.
Considering all the disadvantages
with which they have had to contend,
especially the limited field from which
their membership must be drawn and
the large number of other Organiza-
tiOns more or less similar in character,
all competing actively for recruits, |
think it can be fairly claimed that the
Rebekah lodges in Honolulu have
been great success. Both lodges of
the Degree are on a sound financial
basis, both have a membership com
prising much excellent material, both
have efficient officers and a satisfactory
average attendance, and both do their
ritual work in way to command the
admiration of all who witness it.
But l must close. In conclusion [
would say to our sisters ego on and
persevere in the good work; rise above
all petty and personal feeling; cul
tivate in all ways cordial relations with
the sister lodges; keep up the quality
of your ritual work and even improve
it so far as practicable; and see that no
root of bitterness springs up to deface
and defile the fair garden of the Odd
Fellow virtues.''
To the brothers I would say "help
the sisters, give them not only your
sympathy and good viii, but your per-
sonai support and assistance, for they
are doing a work for Odd Fellowship !
and through Odd Fellowship work
for humanity that ] am afraid some
Of you do not appreciate.
One specific thing some at least of |
you can do, and that is to send in your !
applications for membership in the Re |
bekah Degree. The cost is small, the |
time required is not great and the profit |
and enjoyment to be received far more !
than an equivalent. !
Before taking my seat pardon me / .
pray You a word of a personal nature.
For nearly two years past as you know
have held the office of District Deputy
Grand Sire, becoming thereby the Off
:ial head of the Order in this Terri
,ory. My official position has brought
ne into close and in some ways into con-
idential relations with the officers and
members of the Rebekah lodges, and l
wish TO testify here in this public way
o the very pleasant and friendly rela-
luis L nave Dttn ctJIS 10 illdlfIdlu Win
he sisters throughout my term.
For the uniform courtesy and con-
ideration shown me both personally
md officially, for the readiness to seek
ny official advice and to follow the
anne when given, for the pleasantness
hat has marked all our relations. and
nally for many visits and other well
ONE attentions during the weary weeks
When | was an inmate of the Hospital;
or these and for every manifestation
f the spirit of Odd Fellowship, when
yer, wherever, and to whomsoeyer
l can say with all sincerity
nd earnestness ''Thanks and God bless
-ou. -
Brother Levers concluded the exer-
ises by thanking the lodge for the
onor conferred upon him in having
i'm occupy the chair for the evening.
lie announced the lighter element of
he entertainment and adjourned the
leeting.