Omaha daily bee., 1911-04-28
Council Bluffs.
ODD FELLOWS CELEBRATE
Members of Order from Two States
Observe Anniversary.
BIG PARADE STARTS IN RAIN
Addresses In DOhany Theater Made
by General Dodge, Grand Master
Ring and Others-BaII
Ends Day.

Ring and Others-BaIl
Ends Day.
Showery weather Wednesday morning
caused the cancellation Of the order for
special train to bring the members of the
odd Fellows" craft residing in the east
ern part Of the county to Council Bluffs
to attend the celebration of the ninety
second anniversary Of the founding of odd
Fellowship in the United States. Many,
however came on the regular trains from
the intervening towns, and the number Of
visiting odd Fellows was almost as great
as was anticipated.
II was estimated that about 100 came
from Omaha, South Omaha and Nebraska
There were also many Rebekahs from the
district. and during the afternoon 1t was
estimated that at least 1000 Odd Fellows
partook Of the hospitality OF the city.
The parade, which was to be one Of the
principal features of the afternoon, was
slightly delayed by the rain. 1t looked
to the crowds on the streets, standing
within the protection of awnings and UNI
brellas, as II the parade would have to be
abandoned, but the odd Fellows were not
made of the stuff that constitutes Quit
ters Headed by a band they marched
up Broadway in the rain, followed by a
large number of the Rebekahs in cabs.
Before the parade had gone block the
rain ceased and few moments later warm
and brilliant sunshine was bathing the
marchers. The women stopped their cabs
and Joined the procession afoot.
After marching up Broadway to the
Methodist church and returning the head
OF the parade reached Pearl and Broad
way In time to receive and welcome the
Nebraska delegations, who came across
the river ir special street cars, accom-
panied by band of a dozen pieces. The
procession reformed, with the Nebraskans
properly escorted and marched half a
dozen blocks on the side walks, going east
on the north side and west on the south
SIDE OF Broadway. The procession ended
at the Dohany theater, where the pro-
gram for the remainder of the afternoon
was carried out.
Theater Filled.
Every seat in the theater was oceilnied
and both balconies filled, while at least
100 more or less distinguished Odd Fellows
occupied the stage. General @. NJ. Dodge
was master OF ceremonies and the Elks'
quartet furnished the music. After the
opening prayer by Rev. Edgar Price and
the Introductory remarks by District Pres
ident s. s. Keller, General Dodge took
charge In short and brilliant speech
he reviewed the history of Odd Fellowship
In this contradictory that was almost
all made in his own lifetime. II have Just
celebrated my S0th birthday anniversary. -
said General Dodge, land when I was
born Odd Fellowship was only eight years
old / have seen II grow from the little
beginning to the mighty power for the ad-
vancement of civilization and the brother
mood OF man that 1t represents today. I
have lived the life OF an Odd Fellow for
sixty-seven years. became a charter
member OF one of the first lodges that was
formed in Council Bluffs and 1 have seen
my friends, neighbors and brethren coma
and go, passing from the stage OF action
to the higher rewards that await those who
live, consctentiously, the Odd Fellows life. -
General Dodge detailed a number of pleas
ant incidents connected with the growth
of the order in this city.
Mrs. Helen Prescott, state president of
the Rebekahs. gave a brief address. de-
failing the work and successes of the aux
Hilary.
III. c. Chaplin OF West Union. grand
patriarch of the state grand lodge. told OF
the work the order had accomplished in
the state, referring to its splendid benefi-
oence and its continuous and rapid growth.
Grand Master speakn.
H. c. Ring of Cedar Rapids, state grand
master, told what the order had accom-.
plished since its beginning in this coun-
try. He said there were now sixty-nine
grand jurisdictions and 1880 subordinate
Jurisdictions. There ara fifty-seven grand
eneampments and 3653 subordinate en-
campments. There is a total membership
OF 2,1O6OO0 The Odd Fellows Of the United
States have paid for sick benefits since
1880 more than $lS00O0OOO. In the last year
they have ministered to the wants of n zoo
widowed families. He declared there was
no higher conception Of the duties OF citi-
Senship than are taught in the ritual of
the order and that no religion contained
more glowing jewels of truth than were
inculcated in its fundamental teachinRs-
grateful TO your Creator, faithful to your
country, fraternal TO your fellow mar. "
j. Marks OF Omaha made a brilliant and
witty informal talk, closing the program.
He told what Odd Fellowship was doing
In Nebraska and spoke glowingly Of the
100000 home that Is being built at York
and which is TO be dedicated In October
After the program at the theater a re-
ception was held at odd Fellows' templa.
lasting until after o'clock. The davis
events ended with a ball at Masonic tenn
pie.
nrtuk INA