Evening capital. [volume] (Annapolis, Md.) 1922-1981, 1922-10-20

mated in England among work
ingmen, who had been accus-
toned to assembling together, periodi-
cally, at public houses for social en-
joyment, and although chaotic in
character, at first, ii gradually drifted
into a formal organization and tho
formation Of lodges in imitation OF
other existing fraternities, guilds and
trade societies. The first organiza-
ton was known as THE Ancient Or
der of Odd Fellows" and another
was formed soon after called "The
Union Order of Odd Fellows These
are supposed to have been founded
during the latter part of the 17th, or
near the beginning of the 18th cen-
tury. These two branches came to-
gether in 1915 and organized The
Manchester Unity" which still exists
and extends over the greater part of
the Kingdom of Great Britain.
April 26, 1919, was the natal day of
American Odd Fellowship, for at that
time Thomas Widely. with his four
coadjutors, John Welch. John Duncan,
John Cheatham and Richard Rush
worth, instituted in Baltimore, WASH
ington Lodge. No. 1, at THE Severn
Stars" public house on the south
side of Second street. between Fred
erick and Market Space Thomas
Wildey was installed Noble Grand and
John Welch Vice Grand.
On March 81, 1919. there appeared
in the Baltimore American" the fol-
lowing:
"Notice to Odd Fellows:-A few
mmebers of the Society of Odd Fell
lows will be glad to meet their
brethren for the purpose of forming a
lodge on Friday evening, I'd Aprl, a.
the Seven Stars Second Street, at
the hour of seven p. NJ"
In response to this there assembled
at the rendezvous the above named
brethren. They had all been initiated
into the Order in England, and so far
their qualifications were correct
| Although the prime movers in this
interesting drama were of limited
education and in an humble sphere
of life, yet their personal influence
and the tenents of the Order, even at
this period, were sufficient t. attract
the attention and curiosity of others.
for within three weeks their numbers
| had increased to fifteen. However, II
was not until about the year 1929 that
men of education OF all classes enter
/ ed the Order, and infused nito its be-
ing those moral and progressive prin-
ciples now well known to all
The first lodge formed was honored
with the name OF the great father of
his country, other lodges rose as ty
enchantment, and soon the Indepenl-
ent Order of Odd Fellows was ell
abled to announce to the world the es-
tablishmcnt of the Grand Lodge Of
Maryland. The borders of Maryland
/, circumscribed not the growth of Odd
Fellowship. 1t spread into the neigl-
| boring States; in Pennsylvania
Massachusetts and New York, more
especially it seemed to Start up. and
TO expand as by enchantment. 1t pur-
sued its march into other States. and
mas continued to progress until the
eye has become satiated in tracing its
vast course, until it has become more
difficult to find where il is not, than tc
discern where it is.l Everywhere til.
temples of Odd Fellowship are rising
everywhere her thousands are doint
the deeds, and singing the songs o
charity. 1t promises to become al
most universal bond of fellowshi,
among men, and like the little ston'
which Daniel saw in a vision cut ou
of Zion, soon to fill the earth.
The mighty growth of Odd Fellow
ship in America has been the work o
few short years. The patriarchs o
the Order now stand amongst thei
children; their children thron
around them. Could all their Ameri
can offspring be permitted to join i
the concourse. how would the gloriou
prospect cheer their hearts, and I'll
/. their souls with enthusiasm Whc
this expanding nation shall shol
! forth its millions of Odd Fellows an
its thousands of temples, when W
shall stand as it were in the midst {