The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-09-01
Odd Fellows


majority of members at lodge meet
ings. Many theories by many people
have, at various times. been advanc-
ed as to the cause for this existing con-
dition. After much consideration upon
the subject Ihave arrived at and ex-
press as an opinion that the lack of
full attendance and little interest
manifested in the lodge is due entirely
TO the great majority of members
laborinE under misconcepfion OF
the true purpose OF his lodge as to its
method of government OF it's affairs,
and as to the development and appli-
cation Of its principles to the affairs
Of life.
In Odd Fellowship we have an al
most perfect form of self government.
In our subordinate lodge we have a
noble grand, vice grand. and their re-
spective officers or assistants These
officers are not chosen because or
their regularly attending the lodge,
but Because of their executive ability
to properly manage its affairs and de-
stines.J They preside, and can only
be successful in once when they act
honestly ana impartially towards all
members. What powers such officers
possess ~ so vested in accordance to
the constitution and bylaws OF the
order. The majority of the members
rule. No one member can receive
greater favors from the lodge than
can another. All are on an equal
basis: each have equal opportunities.
and II iH the fault Of the member
should he not avail himself OF the op-
portuntty offered him to become a
shining light, II he should desire to
30 become. in his order. The man
worth millions OF the worlds wealth,
and who lives in a palace, has no
greater favors shown him, nor has he
greater advantages or opportunities
extended him, than has the man who
daily tofls for his livelihood and lives
in an humble cabin.
Odd Fellowship, in its manner OF
government OF the affairs OF the lodge,
in fair and impartial TO all; and IN
the application Of It's doctrine knowns
no creed or color.
As true Odd Fellow are brothers,
not friends or strangers-even more
like as David said to Jonathan. More
than brothers whether or not II come
to pass that | shall rule over Israel
nothing but death shall part thee from
me" Here we have an expression
of the principles OF true Odd Fell
lowsh.p. David pledgsug: That should
he become vested with the highest
worldly powers he would never for
get nor forsake the man who had
extended him a kindness and protec-
ton in the hour of need.
The reason for this unselflsh devo-
lion 10 one another as we find In Odd
Fellowship is because our order is
founded upon those eternal God given
principles Friendship, love and truth.
II is due to the efforts OF the human
race 20 bring about perfect form oil
government, 10 establish as its eternal
foundation the principles OF friend
shin. love and truth, which vii! make
ali men free when nations VIII be un-
known. when all men will be brothers
when charity viii assert dominion over
greed and aNarice. that wars arc
fought. That this the present war, Is
being fought
fraternRi- orders are founded and
maintained because OF the cravings
for an outward expression OF the soul 6
idea.
Many people become members OF
our order without first acquiring an
sAeauatc knowledge Of It's teachings
Joining IT, as In many instances, per
haI-s. for selfish purposes; for the pro-
motion of political or other worldly
ambitions, failing TO grasp its great
broad principles for doing good-~not
to ono or set Of indivsduals-but Tor
the promotion aud regeneration Of the
human race, from darkness ana
doubt 'st.1to knowledge OF itself. OF
ATS alternatives. selfish ambitions, ana
desire 20 rule over others TO sAcn
people our order affords no aid or
ENCOURAGEMENT The result is. when
its true purposes are understood, these
people cease attending meetings and
soon are dropped from the rolls Tor
the non payment Of dues, Again.
many people join the lodge because OF
an excited curiosity to know some
thing about IL And many, after SO
Joining the lodge. cannot see much in
it. They pay their dues; drop In oc~
casionaily-~usually after the lodge has
opened. and depart before II is closed
in their minds they imagine they
know all about the lodge. Its teach
ings its manner OF conducting husi-
ness-~rsrely they give the lodge
MISUNDERSTANDING there Is not much
to learn about IL, no study required
rust place to spend an idle evening
whereas, Odd Fellowship requires as
much study, thought, and apphcauoh
OF the mind to the reason for It's exist
ence, it's purposes and Its teachings
as is required in the mastering OF any
other great and profound problem
The object OF Odd Fellowship is 10
do good in the world Now 10 do good
requires Just as much knowledge 10
know how TO do good as is required 20
successfully accomplish any other oh-
iect in life We cannot become preh-
Gent in any occupation or profession.
unless We devote much time TO study
in preparing ourselves, as VIII assure
our success in engaging in such oc-
cupation or profession. Imagine a man
gong up in an aiYship and expecting
to make n safe landing without first
acquiring complete knowledge or
the machine. it's construction, ana
method of operation, so with ooa
Fellowship The reason for the lack
of interest shown by many members
for the order is. because they have
not a proper conception or knowledge
OF its teachings.
To do good is deep and sublime
subject. and requires thorough
knowledge of the entire principles OF
friendship, love and truth. before we.
ourselves. can successfully apply such
principles to the things OF life. the
HOLY Bible was written and given US
that We may acQuaint ourselves with
n knowledge of our Creator, or His
greatness goodness, mercy and kind
ness. Odd Fellowship finds its origin
IN this holy book. and presents many
of its cardinal truths by exemplifying
Can we grasp it's full meaning with
out a knowledge of its purposes, ana
can we acquire that knowledge with
ont first strenuously applying our
minds to the task OF analyzlng the
principles of its foundation?