Norwich bulletin., 1909-04-24
ORDER OF PROTECTION.

A well attended and enjoyable meet ing of Thames lodge, No. 326, N. k. O. P was held Tuesday evening in For esters' hall, notwithstanding the in element weather The regular business was transacted and the representatives to the grand lodge session, held in Hartford, Wednesday, April 14th, made an interesting report of the proceed ings. C
 The members were much interested in the remarks made by the newly elected grand trustee. E. M. NeWber- ry, who was present and also those or Deputy Kingdom, Supreme Trustee Robert Small, Past Grand Chaplain Emily R. Kingdom and M. J. Foley of Thames lodge, who has been elected a supreme representative. Near the close of the meeting Brother M. J. Curran was called on for remarks and in a resume of the progress made by Thames lodge in the last few years told of the work done by the deputy, William Kingdom, and said that every member of the lodge held him in the highest esteem, and as an evidence Of this fact he wished at this time to present him @ slight token and he then gave him a fine silk umbrella with a silver mounted handle. suitably en- graved. Brother Kingdom was com pletely taken by surprise. but after a short time responded and in his usual happy style he thanked the members and said that his work as a deputy among them had been a pleasure, as 1t had been the means of forming so many ties of friendship which he hop ed would never be broken.
 After the meeting social time was held and everyone present thoroughIy enjoyed themselves.
 An invitation was received from Fleazer Jewett lodge of Jewett City to attend their anniversary on Fri day evening, April 30, and 1t Is expect ed that about 20 members will go up.
 Owing to the large increase in mem bership last year in this state in the New England Order of Protection, Connecticut is entitled to 19 represent atives in the supreme council, gam of two over last year, as shown by the grand secretary's report at the re- cent grand lodge meeting.
 Three new lodges had been instlut- ed during the year. while one had transferred to another, making a gain of two lodges for the year, the pres ent number being S5 lodges with a membership of 14,3S5, a net gain for the year of 924, 64 of the 85 lodges having made a gain, IT loss and four made neither loss nor gain.
 The prizes offered during the year were won as FOLLOWS. flfSL prize lor numerical gain in benefit members, won by Capitol, with a net gain of 61 Valley won second with net gain of 59. Electric was third with net gain of 55. Natchaug of Willimantic won first prize for making the largest percentage gain in members, 152 per cent; Haskel second. with a gain of 43 per cent. and P. c. Lounsbury third with a gain of 37 per cent. Brother Lyman Maine. Jr., of Willimantic won the gold watch, 57 members; Brother I $. Neil of Mattatuck won the chain and charm, 37 members; A members won a jewel or signet ring for secur- ing five or more benefit members, and nine won badges for securing three members Capitol Valley, Electric, Natchaug. Beulah and Fort Hale won sets of banners for gaining 40 or more benefit members.
 Grand Secretary Wall reported that the gain for the calendar year 1908, was 79S. divided as follows: One half rate 25SNfirst rate 513. second rate q. social nine. There was a loss in third rate members of 39. There were S.391 males and 5,408 females, while the general funds was $29,706.27, an increase Of S3.9344S. While the mem bership had made a net gain of 924 for the year there had been but 114 deaths as against PA for the previous year and the amount paid to the ben eficiaries of the deceased members was S196, 6,539.50