libsysdigi.library.illinois.edulibsysdigi.library.illinois.edu/oca/books2008-09/... ·...

THE UNIVERSITY

OF ILLINOIS

LIBRARY

I. O. O. F.

PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

GRAND LODGE

OF ILLINOIS

AT ITS

SEVENTY-THIRD ANNUAL SESSION

HELD AT

SPRINGFIELD NOVEMBER 15, 16, 17, 1910

SPRINGFIELD:

Published by the Grand Lodge

1910

^ 3

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

SEVENTY -THIRD ANNUAL SESSION

OF THE

i

OF THE

Independent Order of Odd Fellows

Tuesday, November 15, 1910

Representatives'' Hall, State House, November 15, 191O; 7 o'clock, p. m. The Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois of the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows was called to order by Grand Master E. R. Sayler.

Upon call of the roll, Grand Officers were found present as follows :

E. R. SAYLER Grand Master.

JAMES EWING DAVIS Deputy Grand Master.

WILLIAM A. HUBBARD Grand Warden.

JOHN H. SIKES Grand Secretary.

THOS. B. NEEDLES Grand Treasurer.

OWEN SCOTT, P.G.M Grand Representative.

WM. M. GROVES, P.G.M Grand Representative.

Rev. SAMUEL PEARSON Grand Chaplain.

RICHARD P. HAGAN Grand Marshal.

WALTER H. BENNETT Grand Conductor.

R. I. JESSOP Grand Guardian.

J. H. BYERS Grand Herald.

HENRY A. STONE, P.G.M Chief of Ex. & Inst.

T. H. THOMPSON Ass't Ch'f of Ex. & Inst.

241699

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS \ ^, '^^^^^Î'r.-, ^

' X Nov. 15, 1910.

The Grand Secretary announced a quorum of Representa- tives in attendance.

The Grand Marshal reported all correct.

The Opening- Ode was sung, and the Grand Chaplain of- fered prayer.

The Deputy Grand Master, by order of the Grand Master, then proclaimed the Grand Lodge open for the transaction of business.

The printed Reports of the Grand Lodge Officers were received, and were referred to a Special Committee for analysis, and distribution of the matters therein to appropriate committees or other disposition thereof.

The Grand Master announced appointments as follows :

Assistants to the Grand Guardian Edward Gallagher, No. 711; H. A. Raney, No. 465; Chas. D. Becker, No. 6; Henry C. Bickhaus. No. 166; W. M. Duggans, No. 6.

Assistants to the Grand Marshal Heber Briscoe, No. 644; Thomas Hughes, No. 4; J. Parker Smith, No. 240; John W. Sims, No. 315; C. F. Osborn, No. 912; James M. Fletcher, No. 13; L. A. Coss, No. 510; H. M. Smouse, No. 257; Wm. F. Douglas, No. 141; Archibald Feltner, No. 116; Irvin Goble, No. 937.

Committee on Analysis and Distribution Chas. S. Harris, P.G.M.. No. 478; Fred B. Merrills, P.G.M., No. 650; Henry Phillips, P.G.M., No. 16; M. P. Berry, P.G.M., No. 412; George F. Howard, P.G.M., No. 664; W. W. Current, No. 69.

Custodian Chas. R. Coon, No. 6.

Messengers Fred D. Silloway, No. 465 ; Mathias Blumle, No. 196.

Official Reporter D. N. Heinritz, No. 171.

The Grand Secretary announced appointments as follows :

Assistant to the Grand Secretary J. D. Roper, No. 465.

Journal Clerk John R. Camp, No. 322.

Custodian of the Secret JVork Henry A. Stone, P.G.M., No. 122.

Tuesday, I Nov. 15, 1910. J

GRAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS, I. O. O. F.

On motion of Bro. J. J. Lyell. of No. 558, the Grand Lodge Journal of the last session was approved as printed.

On motion of Bro. W. W. Current, of No. 69, it was or- dered that the per diem for this session be computed at three days.

The Committee on Credentials presented their first and second reports, which were considered and adopted, as follows :

[Note Thpse reports had been presented and acted upon and the Degree con ferred upon the brothers therein named then in waiting to receive it at the special !-ession held tliis afternoon.]

DOCUMENT NO. 1.

First report, by Bro. E. E. Skillin. of No. 217.

To the Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois, I. O. O. F.'

Your Committee on Credentials would respectfully report as follows :

That they have examined the credentials of Representatives-elect of the several Lodges, find the following correct, and recommend that the Brothers named be admitted to seats in this body as Represen- tatives.

For the full term of two years

4 John Minter.

6 Edw. Priestman.

8 Fred Strohm. 10 Victor L. Lee. 12 A. Otis Arnold. 14 John McConkey. 16 I. H. Palmer. 18 Phil S. Wilcher. 20 S. R. Ford. 22 Joseph Weigselbaum. 24 Samuel T. Elgin. 26 A. McKinney. 28 A. C. Fassett. .30 Henry Brinkman. 32 H. L. Bradbury. 34 W. D. Morrow. 36 J. W. Schulte. 38 Luther Huggins. 40 William H. Smith. 42 James W. Young. 44 A. T. Short.

46 George W. Mahler. 48 B. F. Lampitt. 50 T. A. Wachtel. 52 P. M. Gumming. 54 John H. Ferrell. 56 John Rudy. 58 Henry Grote. 60 Charles B. Shearer. 62 Luth'er E. Driskell. 64 Everett Black. 66 H. E. Eddingfield. 68 John Stieler. 70 John E. Coultas. 72 James Thoroman. 74 Perry A. Sprague. 76 Joseph Stonei-. 78 J. E. Schleish. 80 W. H. Pease. 82 John T. Kershaw. 84 Harry Wiley. 86 W. E. Sperry.

JOUKNAL OF PROCEEDINGS

J Tuesday, (Nov. 15, 1910.

88 A. M. Jenkins.

90 John W. Mock.

92 C. W. Rudisill.

94 Albertus Tice.

9G Charles A. Foster.

98 N. J. Ross. 100 John T. Sutherland. 102 Charles W. Scragg. 104 Charles F. Hollibaugh. 106 Cliff Smith. 108 Emil Shirley. 110 John Page. 112 R. W. Rockwell. 114 A. R. Williams. 116 Archibald Feltner. 118 H. B. Zenor. 120 Albert A. Stout. 122 C. A. L. Oglesby. 124 U. S. Carey. 126 J. W. Turner. 128 E. Wirth. 130 James A. Nash. 132 J. J. Connelly. 134 James Porter. 136 W. A. Jacobs. 138 A. W. Manly. 140 Carl F. Johnson. 142 Albert J. Lieber. 144 J. D. Johnson. 146 J. F. Harris. 148 John Newendyke. 150 Isaac Leach. 152 Walter E. Brown. 154 Elmer Walker. 156 Daniel Deathei'age. 158 John E. Jennings. 160 George B. Moreland. 162 N. J. Ryan. 164 Oscar Daley. 166 G. Schienle. 170 G. S. Cavins. 172 C. L. Nordholm. 174 Henry M. ^Shultz. 176 A. O. Haines.

178 0. F. Gowdy. 180 Mike Abeggler. 182 David S. Odle. 184 J. L. Curry. 186 W. W. Curry. 188 Charles T. Wade. 190 E. D. Harris. 192 J. C. Pasley. 194 R. H. Pilson. 196 John A.. Gill. 198 Harry A. Decker. 200 Charles J. Stone. 204 W. H. Rigdon. 206 Ira M. Whiteman. 208 W. B. Hanson. 2i0 Amos D. Dunn. 212 L. H. Kellam. 214 A. B. Chadwick. 216 Wyatt Bledsoe. 218 William S. Hasker. 220 Henry Bokamp. 222 John T. Hudson. 224 George Wilson. 226 Henry Vanbebber. 228 C. M. Preston. 230 George Luxton. 232 George Croessmann. 234 C. A. Aldridge. 236 L. R. Hause. 238 Carl W. Gabel. 240 J. Parker Smith. 242 G. W. Friar. 244 A. B. Hoff. 246 Victor Wolf. 250 Lylle A. Murphy. 252 O. P. Dickson. 254 W. E. Jones. 256 Gilbert L. Simpkins. 25'8 Ernst Grieble. 260 S. T. Kysor. 262 John P. Cook. 264 T. A. Hyde. 266 Prank M. Stimox. 268 AVilliam F. Clark.

Nov"l5^^1910.\ ^R-'^ND LODGE OF ILLINOIS, I. O. O. F.

270 R. B. Downing.

274 Lewis Beck.

276 J. R. Noe.

278 W. T. Pierce.

280 S. L. James.

282 F. Moehle.

284 S. D. McCollum.

286 Emil Pfeifer.

288 Charles A. Dewey.

290 John Sorg.

292 W. G. Baulden.

294 E. L. Roades.

296 Thomas Guiltner.

298 George E. Lewis.

300 F. S. Craycroft.

302 J. F. Parlier.

304 Fred J. Krapp.

306 Michael Schmaltz.

308 B. H. Champion.

310 J. W. Singleton.

312 Frank M. Cummings.

314 H. L. Kent.

316 J. P. Turner.

318 W. C. Jones.

320 Arnold P. Bond.

322 Ira Phillips.

324 H. L. Martin.

328 Henry H. Burt.

330 David T. Atherton.

332 E. W. Pennepacker.

334 Harry Stanton.

336 M. Morey.

338 Fred C. Hartleb.

340 Joshua E. Arnold.

342 Joseph W. Beatty.

344 B. T. Bell.

346 C. P. Yates.

348 Ralph R. Smith.

350 Oliver Lindberg.

352 Albert Horton.

354 C. A. Boone.

356 George F. Coumbes.

358 J. M. Miner.

360 F. D. Smith.

362 William E. Bedford.

364 Newton Wimmer.

366 Jas. J. Kelsey.

368 G. W. Rogers.

370 J. E. Hunter.

372 Uriah Rubendall.

374 B. S. Reid.

376 Arthur Wise.

378 Daniel Burnell.

380 John Guaneri.

382 Mitehel Laroche.

384 C. W. Toliver.

386 W. T. Pemberton.

388 Geo. Schuchman.

390 Reinbold Schramm.

392 John Clarida.

394 W. H. Michael.

396 W. R. Hoil.

398 John Kramer.

400 William Ross.

402 Thomas L. McNelley.

406 E. K. Bute.

408 N. A. Carlson.

410 Bert Lawson.

412 W. A. Kirkpatrick.

414 William T. Craycroft.

416 George B. Parkins.

418 Oscar H. Wylie.

420 E. E. Gridley.

422 T. A. Ruyle.

426 Joseph G. Beymon.

428 W. A. Fishel.

430 John Stallions.

432 Fred Branch.

434 W. R. Reid.

436 Ira McCollom.

438 John M. Williams.

440 James B. Muir.

442 Henry R. Smith.

444 Albro Devine.

446 John Truedson.

448 Louis Mohrbacher.

450 L. H. Knodell.

452 William H. Kerr.


( Tuesday, iNov. 15, 1910.

454 G. H. Hubbard. 456 F. E. Melugin. 458 Charles Reische. 460 G. R. Lott. 462 L, E. OaKley. 464 J. D. Marks. 466 Forest B. Gore. 468 Phillip Weisenbaum. 470 Charles M. Nichols. 472 W. T. Armstrong. 474 Joseph Kopf. 476 Albert R. Gerhart. 478 E. M. Ryan. 480 John E. Ottman. 482 J. "W. Thompson. 484 George H. Barton. 486 Joshua McCarver. 488 Emil Dinkelmann. 490 William N. Pyatt. 492 J. H. Burnsted. 494 James Porter. 496 N. P. Wooldridge. 498 B. R. Norton. 500 J. W. Finfrock. 502 Monroe Beers. 504 John L. Whiteside. 506 Arno T. Roner. 508 H. G. Hotchkiss. 510 L. A. Coss. 512 Charles Cisle. 514 C. B. Attwood. 516 W. H. Henson. 518 M. S. Rutledge. 520 J. D. Carson. 522 M. E. Dycus. 524 John Stilabower. 526 Ed. Bengston. 528 J. T. Markel. 530 Ed. Smith. 532 George Collingwood. 534 Alexander Shaw. 536 William Redfern. 538 George W. Patterson 540 J. Henry Debus.

542 J. I. Whallon. 544 John E. Ohlson. 546 Richard Gill. 548 0. J. Woniis. 550 Mede Smith. 552 Joseph Solomon. 554 D. O. Stewart. 556 G. O. Lewis. 558 Thomas Davis. 560 Ernest C. Fields. 562 W. H. Bartmus. 564 J. N. Redman. 566 E. E. Baltzer. 568 H. D. Moreland. 570 W. O. Gilbert. 572 Charles Ash. 574 Henry Blatt. 576 R. N. Evers. 578 A. J. Redman, Jr. 580 H. C. Strait. 582 W. H. Hinekle. 584 Charles Strand. 588 D. M. Fullmer. 590 John G. Limerick. 592 Fred Sohn. 596 Thomas B. Ruyle. 598 G. E. Rommel. 600 Joseph T. Tucker. 602 Charl'es P. Gaut. 604 W. M. Strong. 606 F. J. Busby. 608 Eugene Hansen. 612 George Cannon. 614 John C. Allen. 616 J. W. Birkshire. 618 C. E. Lichness. 620 A. L. Yoe. 622 David Jones. 624 L. C. Newton. 626 Frank W. DeBolt. 628 B. G. Widney. 630 Frank Fucik. 632 Emanuel Kinsey. 634 P. M. Maxfield.

Tuesday, Nov. 15, 1910.;

GRAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS, I. O. O. F.

636 Victor L. Reed.

638 P. R. Murphy.

640 Anton J. Waldhauser.

642 Joseph Abel.

644 C. E. Bigelow.

646 Geo. W. Weaver.

648 J. W. Starr.

650 Andrew Johnson.

652 Rush Maddox.

656 Rohert Chesnut.

658 John Braje.

660 E. E. Reed.

662 W. D. Lighthall.

6o4 John W. Antrim.

666 O. L. Rickard.

668 Charles Reichelderfer.

670 Walter Fox.

672 Robert C. Redfield.

674 F. S. Mapes.

676 J. Will Arnold.

6v8 Fred Woodyard.

680 Fred Schmidt.

684 Robert W. McFadyen.

686 J. August Johnson.

688 C. A. Swarm.

690 O. C. Sproat.

692 Frank E. Bensley.

694 Stephen A. Phillips.

696 John H. Nicholson.

698 Adolph Dryfuss.

700 T. R. Mcintosh.

702 William H. Thompson.

704 J. F. Sims.

706 B. A. Havener.

708 A. G. Mosser.

710 Zina Breeze.

712 Sidney Greeson.

714 James M. Dunsworth.

716 Jerry Filippi.

718 W. L. Grimes.

720 John Mulnix.

722 A. Wagner.

724 William N. Morris.

726 John D. Ellwell.

728 C. C. Ridinger.

730 W. C. Brill.

732 Paris D. Cohoon.

734 James N. Blakslee.

736 Logan Mattingly.

738 R. S. Sharp.

740 Charles Garver.

742 L. M. Mumford.

744 Robert C. Flocken.

746 Warren C. Darnall.

748 Albert Oglesby.

750 William J. Beidelman.

752 William P. iSmith.

754 J. E. Seymour.

756 John Miller.

758 George J. Briggs.

760 William Murphy.

764 B. F. Willan.

766 Walter B. Nolan.

768 Harlyn Shattuck.

770 William T. Dunkel.

772 T. R. Burris.

77 i Robert N. Jones.

776 George Spencer.

778 Louis J. Dober.

780 W. D. Chambers.

782 D. H. Chapman.

784 Willis Baker.

786 A. C. Horney.

788 George B. Thompson.

Q,

INS rj-

M

Z>3

.

400

125

100

200

62

39

60

33

4

7

4

16

1

5

2

15

148

52

70

42

550

400

400

300

1200

800

900

400

School of Instruction (attendance estimated)

Number Lodges represented

Brothers examined for Instructors

Certificates issued to Instructors

Number Past Grands receiving Grand Lodge

Degree

Brothers witnessing- Staff Work (estimated) Attendance at Open Meetings (estimated) . .

125

67

1

1

19

500

lOCO

Tuesday, } GRAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS, L O. 0. F. M

Nov. 15, 1910. ) '

Lodges Attending.

Quincy Nos. 12, 19. 24. 36, 71, 72, 74, 76, 84, 95, 100, 121, 127, 142, 186, 215, 222, 223, 240, 258, 270, 287, 310, 336, 365, 367, 373, 377, 409, 412, 457, 458, 478, 485, 535, 554, 616, 620, 641, 642, 650, 653, 659, 674, 682, 697, 701, 727, 743, 757, 778, 834, 844, 864, 877, 883, 888, 913, 926, 941, 965, 970.

Jacksonville Nos. 4, 49. 68, 70, 72, 82, 83, 92, 93, 106, 121, 125, 184, 186, 243, 277, 310, 331, 341, 342, 356, 414, 415, 427, 458, 465, 481, 502, 681, 684, 702, 727, 761, 883, 947, 952, 957, 962, 971.

Charleston Nos. 35, 65, 86, 90, 106, 116, 117, 121, 130, 134, 158, 186, 249, 260, 297, 316, 347, 352, 355, 363, 453, 469, 482, 524, 545, 559, 571, 575, 576, 596, 601, 602, 604, 605, 609, 614, 633, 635, 636, 644, 664, 692, 712, 740, 742, 744, 747, 773, 781, 790, 791, 792, 805, 850,, 861, 886, 905, 915, 927, 928, 937, 972

Vandalia Nos. 3, 32, 85, 114, 122, 179, 216, 240, 274, 314, 324. 334, 354, 436, 438, 483, 497, 500, 576, 600, 601, 659, 737, 744, 747, 754, 775, 801, 860, 866, 898, 959, 980.

Springfield Nos. 4, 6, 21, 24, 26, 46, 65, 68, 69, 77, 98, 104, 107,

109, 119, 121, 126, 151, 160, 166, 167, 186, 192, 196, 197, 200, 204, 215,

240, 268, 275, 284, 307, 323, 337, 341, 345, 346, 348, 359, 363, 391, 413,

441, 445, 454, 465, 470, 534, 541, 543, 547, 550, 647, 724, 727, 740, 746, 753, 770, 828, 885, 886, 912, 920, 923, 960.

Degree Staffs Quincy: Burnside No. 701 and Bently No. 412. Jacksonville: Meredosia No. 962 and Pioneer No. 70. Charleston: Hindsboro No. 571 and Westfield No. 644. Vandalia: Vernon No. 324 and Vandalia No. 122. Springfield: McLean No. 746 and Lincoln No. 204.

Schools of Instruction Held Quincy, Odd Fellows' Hall; Jackson- ville, Odd Fellows' Hall; Charleston, Odd Fellows' Hall; Vandalia. State Armory; Springfield, Odd Fellows' Temple.

Open Meetings Held Quincy, Turner Hall; Jacksonville, Cen- tenary M. E. Church; Charleston, Richter Block; Vandalia, State Armory; Springfield, Arion Hall.

EDUCATION.

It has been my ambition to exert every effort at my command and use my best endeavors to influence the membership that Odd Fellowship can and does wield a mighty power for good in the world. I have tried at all times to hold up the moral teachings of the Order that the world may look upon us with favor and respect. The following letter was issued calling attention to the little pamphlet on Odd

42 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS | Tuesday,^

tNov. 15, 1910.

Fellowship. My thought in putting out this little book was to better educate the members of our fraternity in the objects and purposes of Odd Fellowship. It is a pleasure to inform you that great good has come from this publication and scores have been added to our Order from its use alone.

In the first place, there were 25 copies distributed to each Subordi- nate Lodge, instructing them to write for additional copies if wanted; many Lodges took advantage of this proposition, some ordering as many as 500 copies. Many indorsements have been received from prominent Odd Fellows on the character and information contained in this little book. Brother Past Grand Sire, E. S. Conway, whose name is known and revered not alone in our Jurisdiction but throughout the world as well, whose knowledge of "Pure Thought and Pure Language" is unsurpassed, writes as follows:

"I am in receipt of your little pamphlet on Odd Fellowship, have read every word of it, and it is worth reading. It is certainly good material, and I wish it might be read in every Lodge not only in our Statie, but in all of North America."

Our Grand Chaplain, Rev. Samuel Pearson, also makes the following indorsement:

"The pamphlet on Odd Fellowship which has been recently received will be of valuable service in the hands of every brother who is working for the good of the Order and seeking converts. I want to cordially approve of your publicity campaign, and the wise use you are making of printers' ink."

I have always held that better education makes better men, makes them more capable of performing their duties in life and carrying out the principles laid down in the "Golden Rule." "As ye would that others do unto you, do ye even so unto them."

Springfield, 111., Jan. 1, 1910. To the Subordinate Lodges, I. 0. 0. F. of Illinois Greeting:

Dear Brothers We have entered upon the greatest educational campaign for Odd Fellowship that has ever been undertaken in the Jurisdiction of Illinois. A series of twenty-five meetings or "Schools of Instruction" will begin January 3rd, 1910. The purpose of these schools is to educate our Subordinate Lodges in conferring the degrees according to the Ritual, and to better inform our members in the unwritten work of the Order.

I recently sent you a post card to be filled out. On that card I asked you the question, "Do you want to increase our membership?" You have invariably answered "Yes."

Nov^'ll^Y&lO. 1 '-l-^^^^ LODGE OF ILLINOIS, L O. 0. F. 43

In order to help you in this important matter, I am sending herewith 25 pamphlets for distribution. On the receipt of these pamphlets I desire the Noble Grand of your Lodge, at once without debate, to appoint a committee of three live members of your Lodge to distribute them to prospective candidates of your community and solicit their membership. These pamphlets have been carefully prepared and even members of the Order will not find them bad reading. If you need more, write to the Grand Master.

Remember, brothers, the Grand Master is with you in this great work, and fully intends to help you all he can. There are quite a number of good men in the jurisdiction of your Lodge who will join the Order if you will kindly hand them one of these pamphlets and ask them for their applications. Try it.

To the Deputy of your Lodge has been sent a list of important questions, which I desire answered. Please assist him with such information as he asks for and carefully file one copy for future reference.

Fraternally yours, Attest: E. R. SAYLER,

JNO. H. SIKES, Grand Master.

Grand Secretary.

44

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS j No^^Ts^^lO

First Page of Cover.

A Pamphlet on Odd Fel owsh p

DEDICATED TO THE PUBL C Inviting All Good Men to Unite with Us

"We Command You to Visit the'Sick Relieve the Di Bury ttie Dead, and Educate the Orphan."

Issued by authority of the Grand Master

of the

Grand Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, ILL., JAN. I, 1910

Attest: JOHN H. SIKES,

Grand Secretary

E. R. SAYLER,

Grand Master

Copies of this Pamphlet Furnished Free Upon Application.

Tuesday, I GRAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS, I. O. 0. F. Nov. 15, 1910. j '

45

Inside of Cover.

J-Ê who realizes that the true mission of man here on earth is to rise above the level of individual influence, and to recognize the Fatherhood of God over all, and the brotherhood of man, Is nature's true nobleman."

46 JOURNAL OK PROCEEDINGS 1 Nov " 1^^*^''

INov. 15, 1910. First Page.

Independent Order of Odd Fellows

HISTORICAL

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows was established In the United States, in the old Seven Stars Tavern In the city of Baltimore, Md., on the 26th day of April, 1819. The first Lodge was named Washington Lodge No. 1.

Thomas Wildey, the Founder of the Order, was born In London, England, on the 15th day of January, 1782. At the age of fourteen years he was apprenticed for the purpose of learning coach spring mailing, and the records show that at the end of the usual seven years he was a skilled work- man of his craft.

Thomas Wildey instituted the first lodge with five members. Nintey years have passed since that event, while during this time our membership has increased to 1,900,000, the largest fraternal society in the woria.

OUR OBJECTS

We hold to no particular creed, save In the existence and attributes of the Almighty God and the binding obligations of the moral law. Religious discussions and political dis- putes are alike excluded from our lodges. We put far from us the bigotry excited by the one and the 111 feeling engen- dered by the other. "Politics divide men, but Interest unites them." We have no peculiar dogmas to establish and we have nothing to do with politics.

Tuesday, \ GRAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS, I. O. O. F. 47

Nov. 15, 1910. 3

Second Page.

Though Odd Fellowship is not a religious society, nor does it profess to be, yet it is an efficient handmaid of religion, the stepping-stone to virtue and to goodness. The true Odd Fellow cannot be otherwise than a good man.

Our lessons are drawn from Holy Writ and are the fun- damental principles of Christianity. Every virtue is recom- mended and every vice is denounced. We teach men the true relation to one another, their duty to their God, to their family and to themselves.

OUR MISSION

The Order comes like a ministering spirit to succor the needy, cheer the despondent and protect the helpless. Its aims and objects are high and praiseworthy. The institution from its very nature commends itself to the good and true in every age and clime. Those who know it best, love it most. Its pure principles become a part of their being They cherish them as some tender, loving thing, and find a sweeter satisfaction, a purer pleasure, in visiting the sick, relieving the distressed, burying the dead and educating the orphan, than they could in sitting on fame's highest pin- nacle and listening to the plaudits of an admiring world.

OUR HOMES

There is nothing that appeals to the heart of an Odd Fellow more forcibly than does our Orphans' Home at Lincoln and our Old Folks' Home at Mattoon.

Our Orphans' Home was dedicated in 1893, and since that time we have sheltered, clothed, fed and educated, approxi- mately, 500 children. We not only give the child a good literary education, but we teach manual training and do- mestic science as well. We have at present 150 bright, happy children, whose minds are developing day by day under the thoughtful care and attention of Odd Fellowship.

48 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS K, '^^%^^l\^,^

^ (Nov. 15, 1910.

Third Page.

3

The Orphans' Home consists of a large central administration building, a school building, chapel, and gymnasium, two buildings used as dormitories for girls, a large building recently dedicated and used as a dining hall, and for do- mestic science. Other buildings have been erected, viz. : a central heating plant, including a manual training school, laundry, barns, etc.

The Old Folks' Home consists of a large three-story building and annex, capable of accommodating 150 people.

We have 100 Old Brothers and Sisters in our Old Folks' Home, perfectly happy and contented in the thought that they are not neglected in their last days.

The value of these two homes, including land, is approxi- mately one-half million dollars. These Homes are main tained by liberal appropriations made at the annual sessions of the Order, the expense approximating $60,000 per year.

No tongue can ever tell of the good these homes have done. Children are "God's most valuable gift," "Man's richest blessing," "Fragile beginnings of a mighty end," "Buds of promise," "Living Jewels, dropped unstained from Heaven," "Diamonds in the rough," "Simplicity," "Inno- cence." Odd Fellowship insures your child a home in every sense of the word ; it feeds, it clothes, it educates, regardless of what your station in life has been.

When age comes upon you, fortune and friends have failed, sickness, distress, sorrow and the grave stare you In the face, Odd Fellowship comes to your relief and offers to you a splendid home the remainder of your days, without money, without price.

THE GUARDIAN OF FREEDOM

Its principles are the bulwarks and guardian of freedom, founded on the eternal principle of Divine revelation. They are a sure guaranty of human rights. Without them gov- ernments leap into despotism ; with them law stands forth to perform its high purpose, the protection of the weak

Nov

Tuesday, I GRAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS, L 0. O. F. 49

. lo, 1910. ) ^

Fourth Page.

from the oppression of the strong ; virtue and religion flourish under their shelter, and heauty grows brighter in the glittering radiance that shines from its shield.

The recognition of the truth of universal brotherhood independent of all national, political, religious and social distinction, irrespective of all geographical and sectional lines and the reduction of this doctrine to practice, is on of the noblest features of Odd Fellowship.

WILL YOU JOIN US?

We need you ; you need our association. We can be of great help to each other. We are neither aristocratic nor low born ; neither the rich nor the poor. We come from the great middle class, the bone and the sinew of the nation.

We have about 1,700 Subordinate and Rebekah Lodges in Illinois, with a membership of almost 130,000 men and women, who are banded together, all working harmoniously for the amelioration of our race. We believe in the Father- hood of God and the brotherhood of man. We believe when we have acted the part of the "Golden Rule" we have per- formed our duty. All sober, honest and industrious men are eligible to become members of this fraternity. If you join us, we will help you ; if you are sick, we will pay you weekly benefits and watch at your bedside ; if you should die, -we will give you a Christian burial ; if your family is without means, we will care for your widow, feed, clothe and educate your children. Are you satisfied?

No matter where you go, you will always be welcome, because you are an Odd Fellow. What more could you ask? What more can we say?

50 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS U. ^"^^r^^VniA

^ [ fov. 15, 1910.

Inside Last Cover.

STATISTICS

Sovereign Grand Lodge 1

Grand Lodges 69

Subordinate Lodges 16,932

Lodge members 1,500,000

Rebekah Lodges 8,645

Rebekah Lodge members 603,931

Total membership 1,888,376

Total relief $125,630,414.78

IN ILLINOIS

Subordinate Lodges 976

Subordinate membership 87,000

Rebekah Lodges 635

Rebekah membership 42,000

Relief paid in Illinois last year $266,383.23

Tuesday I GRAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS, I. O. 0. F. Nov. 15, 1910 j

Outside Last Cover.

"Backward, flow backward, O tide of the years I am so weary of toil and of tears Toll without recompense, tears all in vain ; Take them and give me my childhood again."

52 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS 1 N v" 1^^ V

INov. 15, 1910.

It was very encouraging to note the large percentage of our Subordinate Lodge attending one or more of these meetings the them feel that I fully appreciated their presence I sent out to each Subordinate Lodge, attending one or more of these meetings, the following letter of congi-atulations :

Springfield, 111., March 5, 1910.

Congratulations.

To Subordinate Lodges. I. 0. 0. F. of Illinois:

Dear Brothers The great BOOST in Odd Fellowship is on and I congratulate myself in knowing that your Lodge was well represented at our "Great Rally Meetings." Your name and number will have a place on the honor roll of Lodges attending one or more of these meetings.

The greatest of interest was manifested at all Rally Meetings; Lodges were well represented and the attendance was far beyond our expectations.

The effect of our "Schools of Instruction" will be far reaching. Many Lodges can now boast of the fact of having Official Examiners in their midst.

The opportunity to receive the Grand Lodge Degree was well appreciated, inasmuch as hundreds availed themselves of the privilege.

The marvelous effect produced in the exemplification of the Degree work will be ever lasting, and I have nothing but words of praise for the untiring efforts of Degree Captains and the loyal support of the members of each Staff.

This series of meetings has passed and much good has been accomplished; but let us not stop here; a great work is still ahead of us and it will take our united efforts to make Illinois One Hundred Thousand strong. I want your Lodge to realize that you have an important part to perform. Hold up the standard of the Order, solicit none but good men to join you. Attend your Lodge meetings; observe the social feature, entertain as well as to be entertained; make your Lodge gatherings more pleasant. Don't stay away from Lodge; ask yourself this question, "What kind of a Lodge would this Lodge be if every member were just like me?"

Again thanking you for your loyal support, and assuring you of my sincere friendship, I remain

PYaternally yours, Attest: E. R. SAYLER,


Grand Secretary.

Nov^Tsf mo. } CiR--^^'D LODGE OF ILLINOIS, I. O. O. F. 53

To Lodges that did not attend the Rally Meetings I considered it my duty to write them a letter of regret, urging them to be more faithful in the future.

Springfield, 111., March 5, 1910. To Subordinate Lodges, I. 0. 0. F. of Illinois:

Dear Brothers The twenty-five "Rally Meetings" as scheduled have been held and are now a thing of the past, and you have not availed yourself of the opportunity of being represented at one of these "Booster" Meetings.

I think you will realize later on what a mistake you have made by not improving the opportunity of sending a representative.

In the early part of the year I mailed you a "Post Card" with several questions asked, one of which was, "Do you want to increase your membership?" You answered, "Yes." I trust you are using every effort to accomplish that purpose.

The Grand Master is using all his time and talents to arouse the membership and increase the Order. There has been mailed to your Lodge a supply of the little books on Odd Fellowship. What did you do with them? You will find them a great help in securing members.

There is a great work ahead of us and the Grand Master pleads with you to help. Call your membership together and read this letter carefully, then discuss it.

There is no Odd Fellow but what loves our Orphans' Home and our Old Folks' Home.

Think of our children; what would become of them if it were not for our Home? And the 110 old people at Mattoon, what a blessing to them in old age to be so well cared for. Ask yourself this question: "What kind of a Lodge would this Lodge be if every member were just like me?" What would the Order amount to if every member were just like the brother who never shows up unless there is something to eat?

Get busy and help us "Boost" and we will make Illinois One Hundred Thousand Strong.

Fraternally yours. Attest: E. R. SAYLER,


Grand Secretary.

BOOSTER COMMITTEE.

In order that Lodges might be kept in touch with the work already begun I thought it best to have a committee appointed by the Noble Grand of each Lodge to be known as the "Booster Committee."

54 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS / Nov^Ts^ r

Nov. 15, I&IO.

This committee was instructed to Boost the Lodge in every possible way, make it pleasant for visitors and be a committee on general affairs of the Lodge. I inclosed with the following letter a report card to be mailed to the Grand Master without delay, giving me the name of the Chairman of the committee, giving me his address, etc. I also requested each Lodge to report the number of candidates initiated in honor of our Home.

I am pleased to report that our Lodges took very kindly to this proposition and reported to me without delay. Some Lodges appointed their entire Degree Staff as their "Booster Committee" and named the Captain of the Staff as the Chairman.

These committees have done a splendid work throughout the last half of my administration, which has resulted in securing hundreds of applications that would otherwise never have been received.

Springfield, 111., April 5, 1910. To the Subordinate Lodges, I. 0. 0. F. of Illinois Greeting:

Dear Brothers The increase in membership throughout the jurisdiction since January the first has been wonderful. Our Subordi- nate Lodges with but few exceptions are active. Some have made a gain of 100 per cent. We must not stop here nor rest secure in the thought that our victory is safe; better have a plenty than not enough.

"Booster Committee."

Immediately after the reading of this letter in open Lodge, I want your Noble Grand to appoint a committee of five good live members to be known as a "Booster Committee." This committee to be appointed without debate or motion.

The duty of this committee will be to "Boost" your Lodge in every possible way, secure all the members you can, look after the social feature, make it pleasant for visitors, lend a helping hand to a brother in distress, in fact just "Boost." You will not delay the appointment of this committee from the fact that it is important.

The Secretary will fill out the inclosed blank, giving the name of the Chairman of the committee and such other information as is necessary. Return it to the Grand Master at once in the inclosed envelope.

Lodges having already appointed a committee of this kind need not appoint a new one, simply give me the name of the Chairman.

Inclosed herewith you will find four pictures. I desire that these pictures be exhibited in your Lodge room and kept in the hands of the Secretary at all times. The Grand Master is going to offer a set of these pictures to any brother securing a candidate for initiation or reinstatement.

Tuesday, 7 GRAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS, I. O. O. F. 55

Nov. 10, 1910. 3

The Grand Master wishes to increase the membership of your Lodge and is going to do it through the efforts of this "Booster Com- mittee."

Trusting that I may receive the above information at once, I remain. Fraternally,

Attest: B. R. SAYLER,


Grand Secretary.

* Sample of Card Used in Reporting.

111., April , 1910.

GRAND MASTER: After the reading of your letter our Noble Grand appointed the "Booster" Committee.

The Chairman's name is

His address is

Between the 1st and the 15th of March, and in honor of our

Homes, our Lodge initiated candidates.

Fraternally,

Secretary

Lodge No

NECROLOGY.

Let us not doubt that God has a father's pity towards us, and that in the removal of that which is dearest to us He is still loving and kind.

Death separates, but it also unites. It reunites whom it separates.

Life is but a stage upon which we all have our parts to perform, and in the activity of life we forget the sureness of death.

We do not look upon death with fear and trembling, 'tis only for a short time when we too must lay this body down and then somewhere beyond the trackless fields of space, somewhere beyond the midnight of death, there exists a sweet and peaceful world where dwell the immortal spirits of the blest.

It is a great mission to live. It is a greater mission to have lived well; to leave an inheritance to brothers greater than gold, than gems or priceless jewels; an inheritance rich in Friendship, Love and Truth. And as our tears silently fall in loving memory for our brothers so closely linked in the chains of our lives, let us place flowers, gar- lands of immortelles and laurels, the victor's crown, upon memory's tablet.

56 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS ^( Nov'^Ts^ mO

"Now the laborer's task is o'er;

Now the battle day is past; Now upon the farther shore

Lands the voyager at last. Father, in Thy gracious keeping Leave we now Thy servant sleeping."

JAMES R. KEWLEY,

Past Grand Master, died in Eustis, Florida, April 14, 1910, where he had gone for the purpose of benefiting his health.

After arriving there he seemed to improve and was able to be wheeled around in an invalid chair, but about a week before he passed away he became gradually worse until death claimed him as its own.

Brother Kewley was born May 15, 1853, , at Macedon Center, New York.

He joined the Order at Altona, Illinois, and became a charter member of Lakeside Lodge No. 450. He entered the Grand Lodge as a representative of Lakeside Lodge in 1894, serving in many prominent stations of the Grand Lodge. In 1897 he was made Chair- man of the Committee on Code Revision. In 1898 he was elected Grand Warden, and served as the Grand Master during the year 1901. He was authority on the laws of our Order and at the time of his death was a member of the Committee on Judiciary and Appeals.

His life was a model, his actions were always just. We miss him because we loved and appreciated him. A staunch believer in the tenets of his church and zealous in all its works, he added to his other charms the sterling worth of a Christian man. He fought the fight, the battle is over; he was a good Companion. Gracious in his speech, pleasing in his manner, tender and loving, his was a friendship to be coveted, and once won, ever to be retained.

Another link in Friendship's Golden Chain is broken, another pillar in the temple of Odd Fellowship has fallen. He has exchanged the darkness and twilight of earthly existence for the glorious sun- light of God's perfect day.

His funeral occurred Sunday, April 17th, from South Park Avenue M. E. church, Chicago, and his remains were tenderly laid to rest in beautiful Oakwood cemetery.

The services at the church were very impressive, the floral tributes were beautiful, and the large audience room of the church was filled with sympathizing friends.

The services at the grave were conducted by the Grand Master. assisted by Henry A. Stone, P.G.M.

Nov

^'is^'^mO 1 (-'KAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS, I. O. O. F. S7

APPOINTMENTS.

In the death of Past Grand Master, James R. Kewley, of Chicago, which occured on the 14th day of April, 1910, we have sustained a severe loss from the fact that he was one of the honored members of the Judiciary and Appeals Committee. He received his appointment through Past Grand Master Owen Scott in the year 1908, having served two and one-half years of his term.

The appointment to fill this vacancy has been given to Chicago. I have therefore this 17th day of May, 1910, appointed Brother Oscar D. Olson of John Ericsson Lodge No. 361, to fill the unexpired term of Past Grand Master James R. Kewley on Judiciary and Appeals Committee.

I trust that this appointment will meet with the approval of this Grand Lodge and that Brother Olson may be found fully competent to serve in this important position.

In the death of Past Grand Patriarch, Brother H. T. Eberlein, of Carrollton Lodge No. 342, which occurred on the 21st day of July, we have again met with a loss. Brother Eberlein was a conspicuous figure at all of our Grand Lodge sessions and had a host of good warm friends in the Order.

Brother Eberlein was appointed on the Committee on Legislation, and to fill the vacancy caused by his death, I have appointed Brother Mark Jardine, of Social Lodge No. 140, of Rockford, Illinois. I trust that this appointment will meet with your approval.

On the 24th of September I was much surprised to receive the resignation of Brother Duncan McDougall as a member of the Com- mittee on Judiciary and Appeals. Brother McDougall served one year under Past Grand Master M. P. Berry's administration, was reap- pointed by Past Grand Master L. L. McKinley and served five years. By appointment of Past Grand Master J. A. Lucas, and reappointment of Past Grand Master W. R. Humphrey, he served two years (1904- 1906) as a member of Special Committee on revision of the Code. In 1906 he was again appointed to membership on Committee on JuJi- ciary and Appeals by Past Grand Master Fred B. Merrills, and up to the present time has served four years of this appointment. Bro. McDougall is a man of great ability and has been faithful in every way to the trust imposed upon him. He gives as his reason for resigning that his business has grown to such an extent that it will demand his entire time.

Therefore, under the circumstances, and in accordance with his desires, I have accepted his resignation and have appointed Past Grand Master Owen Scott, of Celestial Lodge No. 186, to fill the vacancy of one year, and recommend him for your consideration.

58 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS \ ^ '^^^f^^\',

Nov. 15, 1910.

SPECIAL SESSIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE.

Springfield, 111., March 2, 1910. To the Officers and Members of Subordinate Lodges, I. 0. 0. F. of

Illinois :

Dear Brothers Whereas, a large number of Past Grands in the city of Kankakee are desirous of receiving the Grand LfOdge Degree, and have made request therefor, I, E. R. Sayler, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, I. O. O. F., do issue this, my Proclamation, under the power and authority in me vested by the laws and Constitu- tion of said Grand Lodge, calling a Special Session of the Grand Lodge to meet in the city of Kankakee at 1 o'clock p. m. on the 18th day of March, 1910, A. D.

Past Grands desiring to receive the Grand Lodge Degree are requested to present certificates of ofliclal rank from their Lodges.

A Past Grand's Credential, to entitle him to receive the Grand Lodge Degree, should be in the following form, viz.:

"This certifies that Bro is a Past Grand

in good standing."

This certificate should be dated, signed by the Secretary, with the seal of the Lodge attached.

Representatives are not compelled to attend this Special Session of the Grand Lodge. All who can possibly do so should be present, but they will not be allowed mileage and per diem.

Those officers of the Grand Lodge required by Law to attend will take notice and be governed accordingly, and I hope there will be a good attendance of members at this Special Session.



Grand Secretary.

SPECIAL SESSION OF THE GRAND LODGE.

Springfield, III., April 25, 1910. To the Officers and Members of Subordinate Lodges, I. 0. 0. F. of

Illinois:

Dear Brothers Whereas, a large number of Past Grands in the city of Chicago are desirous of receiving the Grand Lodge Degree, and whereas, Excelsior Lodge No. 22, I. O. O. F., has made request therefor, I, E. R. Sayler, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, I. O. O. F., do issue this, my Proclamation, under the power and authority in me vested by the Laws and Constitution of said Grand

Tuesday, 7 GRAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS, I. 0. O. F. ^Q

Nov. It), 1910. j ' -^

Lodge, calling a Special Session of the Grand Lodge to meet in the city of Chicago at 8:45 p. m. on Tuesday, the 10th day of May, 1910, A. D.

The Committee on Credentials for the above Special Session will consist of the following brothers, viz.: A. T. Roner, P.G., No. 506, 704 Schiller building; W. R. Helton, P.G., No. 59, 723 Englewood avenue, and Charles W. Callner, P.G., No. 917, 1221 Sawyer avenue.

Past Grands desiring to receive the Grand Lodge Degree are requested to present certificates of official rank from their Lodges, which can be mailed to the Chairman of the Committee on Credentials.


"This certifies that Bro is a Past Grand'

in good standing."


Representatives are not compelled to attend this Special Session of the Grand Lodge, but all who can possibly do so should be present. They will not be allowed mileage and per diem.

Those officers of the Grand Lodge required by law to attend will take notice and be governed accordingly, and I hope there will be a good attendance of members at this Special Session.



Grand Secretary.


Springfield, 111., June 10, 1910. To the Officers and Members of Subordinate Lodges, I. 0. 0. F. of Illinois:

Dear Brothers Whereas, a large number of Past Grands, in the city of Macedonia are desirous of receiving the Grand Lodge Degree, and whereas, Macedonia Lodge No. 315, I. O. O. F., has made request therefor, I, E. R. Sayler, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois, I. O. O. F., do issue this, my Proclamation, under the power and authority in me vested by the Laws and Constitution of said Grand Lodge, calling a Special Session of the Grand Lodge to meet in the city of Macedonia at 2 p. m. on Tuesday, the 28th day of June, 1910, A. D.

The Committee on Credentials for the above Special Session will consist of the following brothers, viz.: S. E. Drake, P.G., J. M. Sullivan, P.G., and C. C. Poster, P.G., all of No. 315, I. O. O. F.

6o JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS ; Xov^Ts^^'oiO

Past Grands desiring to receive the Grand Lodge Degree are requested to present certificates of official rank from their Lodges, which can be mailed to the Chairman of the Committee on Credentials.

A Past Grand's Credential, to entitle him ':c receive the Grand Lodge Degree, should be in the following form, viz.:


in good standing."


Representatives are not compelled to attend this Special Session of the Grand Lodge, but all who can possibly do so should be present. ^They will not be allowed mileage and per diem.

Those officers of the Grand Lodge required by law to attend will take notice and be governed accoMingly, and I hope there will be a good attendance of the members at this Special Session.



Grand Secretary.

SPECIAL SESSIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE.

Springfield, 111., June 30, 1910. To the Officers and Members of Subordinate Lodges, I. 0. 0. F. of

Illinois:

Dear Brothers Whereas, there are a large number of Past Grands in the cities of Sullivan, in Moultrie county, and Beardstown, in Cass county, who are desirous of receiving the Grand Lodge Degree; and whereas, Moultrie Lodge No. 158, I. O. O. F., located at Sullivan, [11., and Ark Lodge No. 16, I. O. O. F., located at Beardstown, 111., have made requests therefor; I, E. R. Sayler, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois, I. O. O. F., do issue this, my Proclama- tion, under the power and authority in me vested by the Laws and Constitution of said Grand Lodge, calling Special Sessions of the Grand Lodge to convene as follows:

Sullivan, Illinois.

To meet in Sullivan, 111., on Tuesday, July 19, 1910, in Odd Fellows' Hall, at 2 o'clock p. m.

The Chairman of the Committee on Credentials for this Special Session will be Bro. John E. Jennings, P.G., of No. 158, I. O. O. F.

Nov'^"l^l&10 ] GRAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS, L O. O. F. 6l

Beardstown, Illinois.

To meet in Beardstown, 111., on Tuesday, August 16, 1910, in Odd Fellows' Hall, at 2 o'clock p. m.

The Chairman of the Committee on Credentials for this Special Session will be Bro. I. H. Palmer, P.G., of No. 16, I. O. O. F.

Past Grands desiring to receive the Grand Lodge Degree are requested to present certificates of official rank from their Lodges, which can be mailed to the Chairman of the Committee on Credentials.



in good standing."


Representatives are not compelled to attend these Special Ses- sions of the Grand Lodge, but all who can possibly do so should be present. They will not be allowed mileage and per diem.

Those officers of the Grand Lodge required by law to attend will take notice and be governed accordingly, and I hope there will be a good attendance of the members at these Special Sessions.



Grand Secretary.


Springfield, 111., August 17, 1910. To the Officers and Members of Subordinate Lodges, I. 0. 0. F. of

Illinois :

Dear Brothers Whereas, a large number of Past Grands in the city of Carthage are desirous of receiving the Grand Lodge Degree, and whereas, Bentley Lodge No. 412, I. O. O. F., has made request therefor, I, E. R. Sayler, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois, I. O. O. F., do issue this, my Proclamation, under the power and authority in me vested by the Laws and Constitution of said Grand Lodge, calling a Special Session of the Grand Lodge to meet in the city of Carthage at 1 p. m. on Thursday, the 1st day of September, 1910, A. D.

Credentials for the above Special Session can be given or mailed to Bro. J. W. Campbell, at Carthage, 111.

Past Grands desiring to receive the Grand Lodge Degres are requested to present certificates of official rank from their Lodges, which can be mailed to the Chairman of the Committee on Credentiale.

62 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS | Nov "Tl ^ mO



in good standing."

This certificate should be dated, signed by the Secretary, with che seal of the Lodge attached.

Representatives are not compelled to attend this Special Session of the Grand Lodge, but all who can possibly do so should be present. They will not be allowed mileage and per diem.

The officers of the Grand Lodge required by law to attend will take notice and be governed accordingly, and I hope there will be a good attendance of the members at this Special Session.



Grand Secretary.

SPECIAL RELIEF.

During the past year I have had occasion to draw on the Special Relief Fund as follows:

Mamie Forsyth, a girl who had formerly lived at our Orphans' Home, was burned to death about October 21st or 22nd. She died in destitute circumstances. The remains were embalmed and kept in the undertaking establishment of A. B. Perrigo, 3913 Cottage Grovf> avenue, Chicago, for four or five days on account of no funds with which to bury the body. The mother of the girl is a member in good standing in one of the local Rebekah Lodges of Chicago and supports herself by doing scrubbing and washing. This Rebekah Lodge is poor and the Subordinate Lodge to which the girl's father belonged during his life did not seem inclined to take charge of the remains. My attention was called to this fact by Bro. Theodore Finn, P.GIl., of Chicago. I thereupon drew a warrant on the Special Relief Fund for the sum of $49.65 in favor of A. B. Perrigo, undertaker, to pay for the expense of burying the body.

A very sad case was reported to me December 10, 1909, in the death of Orpha Mae Braden, one of our orphan children, who had formerly lived at our Orphans' Home at Lincoln, but who has for the past several years been living with her sister, Clora Braden, in Kala- maôo, Michigan.

Orpha had been afflicted for several years past with tuberculosis and was entirely dependent upon her sister Clora for support, not being able to do any work whatsoever. Clora is employed as stenog-

Tuesday, I GRAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS, I. O. O. F. 63

1r> 1910- ( ' -'

Nov. 15, 1910. J

rapher, and through her efforts the two girls managed to get along as best they could on the wages received. Last year Bro. W. M. Groves, P.G.M., was appealed to in behalf of this dear sick girl, and assisted her.

On December 9th the spirit of Orpha Mae Braden took its flight. She passed quietly away, sleeping her last long sleep. Clora was in distress and without funds with which to fittingly lay her beloved sister away. Upon learning the facts and needs in the case, I issued a warrant on the Special Relief Fund for the sum of $100.00, to defray the expenses of the funeral.

A very urgent call was made for the relief of Bro. Ben M. Hun- saker, a member of Southern Lodge No. 241, in the city of Jones bo ro.

Southern Lodge makes the following statement: "Brother Hun- saker joined our Lodge in 1874 and is now 76 years old. Our Lodge has paid him benefits for the past seven years, and this, with other demands, has drained our Lodge treasury. We are a weak Lodge, not able to supply his needs, and do not want him to go to the poor house. Since we have paid him so much and have levied several assessments for him, realizing our financial distress, we feel it cur duty to appeal to the Grand Master for help."

I therefore drew a warrant on the Special Relief Fund for $50 in favor of Southern Lodge No. 241 and instructed them to paj Brother Hunsaker such amounts at such times as they deemed proper,

REPORT OF THE CHERRY MINE DISASTER.

On the 20th day of November and the second day after Grand Lodge Session, I decided to go to Cherry and make a personal investigation of that terrible disaster and to ascertain, if possible, whether or not there were any Odd Fellows who had lost their lives in the Cherry mine, and to take the Special Relief Fund with me, as directed by the Grand Lodge, and contribute such amounts for immediate purposes a-s I deemed proper.

I first asked Dr. J. A. Lucas, P.G.M., Superintendent of our Orphans' Home, to accompany me, which he kindly consented to do. I then sent the following telegram:

Springfield, 111., November 21, 1909. Thomas Young, 919 Sixth street, LaSalle, Illinois:

Send three members of your Lodge as a committee to meet me in Cherry to-day without fail.

(Signed) E. R. SAYLER, Grand Master.

We arrived in Cherry about 4:30 p. m. and proceeded at once to the mine. On our arrival there we found Brothers Thomas Young,

64 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS ] Nov'^^^^'&lO

William H. Orase and William J. Martin, members of LaSalle Lodge, No. 101, as a committee on the request of my telegram. Dr. Lucas, these three brothers and myself then proceeded to make our investigation.

It was difficult to gain any authentic information. We inquired of miners and relief workers, whether there were any Odd Fellows below, but they could not correctly inform us. We then went to the soldiers who were guarding the main shaft of the mine, and upon informing them of the nature of our visit and who we were, they immediately opened their ranks and let us enter. I shall never forget the kind and courteous treatment and respect accorded our Order by the soldiers of the Illinois National Guard.

We soon met our old friend and brother. Captain F. W. Latimer, of Abingdon Lodge, No. 184, and his corps of efficient officers, who gave us such information as was at their command. The best information we could get was that there was a, brother by the name of George White who worked in the mines, but it could not be told whether he was above or below, alive or dead. After being assured by Captain Latimer that he would report at once any information coming to him of any Odd Fellow who might be entombed, we proceeded to the office of the Relief Committee. We met there the dis- tinguished gentlemen, Mr. Ernest P. Bicknell, National Director of the American Red Cross, Washington, D. C; Mr. Sherman C. Kingsley, Chairman of the United Charities of Chicago; Mr. Charles L. Con- nolly, Banker and Chairman of Local Relief Committee; Brother Dun- can McDonald, State President of the United Mine Workers of America. These gentlemen informed us that there were no Odd Fellows who had lost their lives, so far as they knew, but would keep a close watch on the situation, and should any news come to them they would immediately inform us. These gentlemen are men of ability and character, and I wish to express my appreciation for the treatment accorded our committee. Mr. Bicknell informed us that they were receiving funds very rapidly. They had at that time $85,000 subscribed and in sight, and $33,000 had been paid in and was deposited for immediate use. After consulting with our committee, I presented the Chairman of the Relief Committee with a draft for $500, payable to the order of Ernest P. Bicknell, chairman, for which he gave me the following receipt:

Cherry, Illinois, November 20, 1909.

Received from Mr. E. R. Sayler, Grand Master I. O. O. F., Spring- field, Illinois, the sum of $500, to be applied to the relief of the sufferers of the mine disaster of November 13, 1909, at Cherry, Illinois. (Signed) E. P. BICKNELL,

Chairman Relief Committee.

Tuesday, I GRAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS, I. O. O. F. 65

Nov. 15, .1910. J

We also informed the committee tliat the Independent Order of Odd Fellows was ready and willing to contribute any amount necessary to help in this work of relief and was prepared to care for Odd Fellows and their families, provided there were Odd Fellows who had lost their lives in the disaster.

Fictitious reports were received all along the line while we were on our way to the mine. When we arrived there, we found a multi- tude of people awaiting any news that might be good or bad. Tears of sorrow were freely flowing. Previous to the time of our arrival there had been no live miners taken from the mine, but upon hearing the shouts of the people, we soon learned that nine miners, alive, had been hoisted. They were very weak and were taken at once to the sleeping cars and guarded with soldiers. These men had been entombed in that fiery furnace for the period of seven days, and their rescue was marvelous. One miner, on his arrival at the top, showed much weakness, and a friend standing near by told them to give him a little whiskey. He replied with all of his remaining strength, "I don't want whiskey; give me coffee." Up to the time of our leaving, there had been twenty alive and thirty-eight dead hoisted. Human tongue can not express the condition of those grief stricken people nor does space permit me to report in full the many details. It will go down in history as being one of the greatest disasters that has befallen our people. Brother McDonald stated that there were 300 men in the mines, and he did not think that more than sixty of them were alive. Two wives of the dead lost their reason and had to be sent away. Mothers, with their vacant stare, a babe at their breasts, and three or four crying children clinging to their skirts, were aimlessly wan- dering about, refusing to be comforted and go home, nor could they be persuaded to accept food.

After everything was done that could be done at this time, and being assured that we would be kept informed as to future developments, we started for home. After waiting four days and hearing nothing from our brothers at Cherry, I decided to make further investigation. I wrote Victor Larson, Ladd Lodge No. 803; Hugh Patterson, Spring Valley Lodge No. 378, and to L. Frank, Guttenburg Lodge No. 380. I asked them to give me any information at their hands that I might know whether there were any Odd Fellows who had lost their lives at the mine.

The letter in substance was as follows:

November 24, 1909. Me. Victor Larson, Secretary, Ladd, Illinois:

Dear Brother Larson At the last Session of the Grand Lodge, one thousand dollars was placed in the hands of the Grand Master 5

66 lOURNAL OF PROCKKDINGS U- '^"î''^''^',>-,/x

( Nov. lu, 1910.

to be used for the relief of any who might be in trouble from the recent disaster at Cherry. I went to Cherry on last Saturday and made a personal investigation. I could not at that time ascertain whether or not there were any Odd Fellows in the mine. I left with the Chairman of the General Relief Committee the sum of $50(1, and directed him to use it for any purpose that he might think best.

I thought perhaps you might know by this time whether or not there were any Odd Fellows in that mine, and would be able to give me some information. Please attend to this matter promptly, and if you know anything in regard to it, write me at once. I intend to do everything in my power to assist our brothers or their families, and I desire any information at your hands.

Fraternally yours,

E. R. SAYLBR,

Grand Mastei-.

To which I received the following replies:

Ladd Lodge, No. 803, I. 6. O. F.,

Ladd, Illinois, December 7, 1909. E. R. Sayler, Grand Master, Springfield, Illinois:

Dear Sir and Brother In reply to yours of November 24th. will say, that up until yesterday I had been unable to find any particulars in regard to Cherry. We were compelled to make a house to house canvass in order to determine if there were any Odd Fellows there.

And from the report that I had, as near as we can find out, there was only one Odd Fellow in the mine. He leaves a wife and a small son in Cherry. He was a member of Jasper Lodge No. 168, Monroe, la., dues paid to January 1, 1910. Should anything more come to my knowledge, will notify you. In F., L. and T.,

V. LARSON, Secretary.

Spring Valley Lodge No. 378, I. O. O. F., Spring Valley, Illinois, November 29, 1909. E. R. Sayler. Grand Master, I. O. O. F., Springfield, Illinois:

Dear Sir and Brother Yours of the 24th received, and in reply to the same would say that I was in Cherry Sunday, November 2]st, and met Bro. John Stuckhart, a miner of Cherry, and he said there were some Odd Fellows in the mine at the time of the accident, but I could not find out how many.

I think you will get all the information you need by writing to Bro. John Stuckhart of Cherry.

Fraternally yours,

HUGH PATTERSON, Secretary.

Tuesday. 1 GRAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS, I. O. 0. F. 6/

Nov. 15, i&io. y

December 3, 1909. Hox. E. S. CoxwAY, P.G.S.. Oak Park. Illinois:

Dear Brother Conway I feel it my duty to write you this morning^ in regard to my actions in the matter of relief which was donated for the Cherry mine sufferers. I mailed you daily paper, giving an account of my visit there, and at that visit I placed in the hands of Mr. Ernest P. Bicknell the sum of $500. Mr. Bicknell, as you well know, is the National Director of the American Red Cross, and is also Chairman of the General Relief Committee.

In the reconsideration of the motion which was made, you remember in your talk before the Grand Lodge, you advised that this money be placed in the hands of the Grand Master, to be used at his discretion. I felt that $500 was enough at that time. I counseled with Dr. Lucas: and Bro. Sikes, and they also thought that that amount would be sufficient for the first payment.

I have since appointed Bro. H. E. Makutchan, G.R., as my Special Deputy to keep in touch with the situation. I have also written num- erous letters to nearby Lodges and am using every effort to learn whether we have Odd Fellows who lost their lives there.

I would like to ask you, in your judgment, what would be the best course for me as Grand Master to pursue. Shall I retain the $500 until I am satisfied in regard to the loss of life that might have happened to any of our brothers, or shall I turn this $500 over to the General Relief Committee, to be used at their discretion? I am advised here to hold the $500 for a few daysi at least, until 1 am satisfied about the loss of any Odd Fellows, then to turn the remaining $500 over as a general relief fund.

Awaiting your reply, I remain,

Fraternally yours,

E. R. SAYLER,

Grand Master.

Chicago, December 6, 1909. Mr. E. R. Sayler, Grand Master, Springfield, 111.:

Dear Brother Sayler I am in receipt of your letter of the 3d inst., and indorse most heartily your action in the Cherry matter.

As stated in an interview published in the Chicago papers, to-wit: "There will be plenty of money paid in, without doubt, to take care of immediate necessities, but how about next summer, and next winter, and the following summer?"

The Association of Commerce have raised a committee, of which I am the head, to keep track of the wants of these people six to twelve months hence, and the course you have taken is along the same line.

68 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS [ , , '^^%^^^l\^r.

"" i Nov. lo, I'JIO.

Five hundred dollars contributed now is, in my judgment, ample and a wise decision on your part. Simply let the balance of it wait until later, and if it is found necessary to make further contributions, it can be done next summer or next fall. If you desire it, after our committee investigates matters during the spring and early summer months, I will report our finding to you, which may in a sense be a guide as to what you will consider your duty in the matter at that time. Cordially and fraternally yours,

B. S. CONWAY.

On the 24th of November I issued a Special Deputy's Commission to H. E. Makutchan, Grand Representative, of Peace Lodge No. 428, Princeton, Illinois, to make a complete investigation of the disaster and ascertain whether or not there were any Odd Fellows who had lost their lives.

November 24, 1909. Me. H. E. Makutchan, G.R., Princeton, Illinois:

My Dear Makutchan I am sending herewith a Special Deputys Commission. I have received no word from Cherry since my visit there, and am anxious to know whether there are Odd Fellows who lost their lives in that terrible disaster and to know the condition of their families. I have written to Ladd and Spring Valley, and will receive their reply in a day or two.

I want you to go to Cherry and talk with Captain Latimer (if he is there) ; also, to Mr. Ernest P. Bicknell, Chairman of the General Relief Committee, informing them you are my Representative, and are seeking information.

It is no use for me to instruct you in this matter. You know what to do, and I will depend upon you to do your duty. I left a check for $500 with them last Saturday and promised them more any amount, in fact, provided we had lost brothers in the mine.

Trusting that you may be able to attend to this at an early date, and with personal regards, I beg to remain.

Fraternally yours,

E. R. SAYLER,

Grand Master.

Princeton, 111., December 11, 1909. Me. E. R. Sayler, Grand Master, I. O. O. F., Springfield, 111.:

Dear Brother Sayler In compliance with your dispensation of November 24th, appointing me as your Special Deputy, to make a complete investigation of the Cherry mine disaster, to ascertain whether or not there were any Odd Fellows who had lost their lives there, it affords me great pleasure indeed to be able to report to you that the

Tuesday, ) grand LODGE OF ILLINOIS, I. O. O. F. 6q

Nov. 15, I&IO. i . -^

members of our Order were spared from the loss of life in the dreadful Cherry mine disaster, with possibly one exception; and while I am unable to report definitely at this time beyond mere guess work, I am quite confident that the one Odd Fellow who lost his life in this dreadful accident was Brother George White, a member of Jasper Lodge No. 168, Monroe, la., and his remains, no doubt, is among the missing in the third vein of the mine, and we will be unable to learn definitely for a week or ten days.

I understand that he leaves a wife and a son, eight years of age; and as soon as I can find out definitely in regard to the same will advise you further.

Now, as regards the expenditure of further funds at Cherry, I am inclined to believe that it would be advisable to withhold any further action until the mine can be opened and the remains removed, as there may turn up some body that we are unable to find at this time.

I will keep you advised as to any further developments in the matter, and hope to be able to make you a final report before the new year. Fraternally yours,

H. E. MAKUTCHAN,

Special Deputy.

December 6, 1909. Mr. H. E. Makutchan, G.R.. Princeton, Illinois:

Dear Brother Makutchan I am getting very, very anxious with regard to the condition at Cherry. I have not heard from you since I sent you your commission on November 24th. I feel sure that you have been attending to. your duty, but at the same time I would like to know what you think of the situation.

In writing to you the other day, I gave you the name of John Stuckert, who is an Odd Fellow, and I presume you have written to him. The time is drawing short. December will soon be past, and our great work will then begin early in January, and it is for this purpose I would like to have the Cherry mine disaster settled. When we go out on our tour of the State in January, there will be no time to devote to other matters. Please write me and give me such information as you have. I will be very much obliged to you. Awaiting your reply, I beg to remain.

Fraternally yours,

E. R. SAYLER,

Grand Master.

70 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS L, Tuesday

ov. 15, 1910.

Princeton, 111., December 7, 1909. Mr. E. R. Saylkk. Grand Master. I. 0. O. F., Springfield. 111.:

Dear Brother Sayler Your letter of yesterday to hand, and doubt- less you received my letter today.

I had a talk with Bro. John Stuckhart yesterday afternoon, and he tells me there is absolutely nothing I could do by making a trip to Cherry at this time, and he said he would do everything he could to learn of any Odd Fellows that had lost their lives in the mine, and advise me promptly; but he thought there were two Odd Fellows whose remains had not as yet been brought out, ahd that they we;e single men and members of Subordinate Lodge at Granville.

I had a talk with the coroner. Dr. Malm, and he says there is nothing I could do by going to Cherry, so I thought it would be better for me to defer a trip there until later, when some good would come from it, and I will keep right after these Lodges and try and locate any one who could possibly have been in the mine; and I am sure during the next week or ten clays I will be able to give you a full report.

Trusting that this will be satisfactory, and with kindest regards, I beg to remain. Fraternally yours,

H. E. MAKUTCHAN.

Have again asked all" nearby Lodges to tell me if they know of any one who was a member and lost his life in Cherry mine.

HOWARD M.

FINAL REPORT OF MY SPECIAL DEPUTY.

Princeton, 111., September 3, 1910. Hox. E. R. Sayler. Grand Master, I. O. O. F., Springfield. 111.:

Dear Sir and Brother In compliance with your commission of November 24, 1909, to investigate and report upon the loss of life and conditions of the members of our Order at Cherry, Illinois, caused by the great mine disaster of November 13th last, I beg leave to report as follows:

Upon receipt of your commission above referred to, I at once endeavored to learn the conditions and loss of life at Cherry by the members of our Order, and found that two of our brothers had been called upon to give up their lives in that great disaster, viz.:

Brother John Oberg of Olive Branch Lodge No. 15, I. O. O. F., Canton, 111., and Brother George White of Jasper Lodge No. 168, 1. O. O. F., Monroe Center, Iowa.

I

Tuesday, I ckaND LODGE OF ILLINOIS, I. O. O. F. 7r

Nov. 15, 1910. ) ' '

Both of these brothers were members of another fraternal order, which had a lodge at Cherry, and their remains, when found in the mine several months afterwards, were buried by the members of that order.

Brother John Oberg left no immediate relatives to mourn his loss, so far as I am able to learn.

Brother George White left a widow and one child, a son, William Stanley White, ten years old. Mrs. White, the widow of Brother George White, received from Jasper Lodge No. 168, I. O. O. F., of Monroe Center, Iowa, a funeral benefit of thirty dollars ($30), and at the time and until lately kept a boarding house to support herself and son, but had to discontinue because the mines were closed and no demand for board.

Mrs. White advises m.e that the Miners' Union had given her one hundred and fifty dollars ($150) in cash and that the Red Cross Society had for some time and were at present giving her each week the sum of five dollars ($5), taken from a fund created by individual gifts, together with that received from the State of Illinois. She further advised me that she had made no settlement with the coal mining company, but that they had been to see her and tendered her a sum, eighteen hundred dollars ($1,800), in full payment of all claims against them by reason of the death of her husband in their mine, but she had refused to accept it and had placed her case in the hands of her attorneys and would bring suit to recover a greater sum.

Besides making a visit to Cherry, I have kept in close touch with the conditions existing there through frequent almost daily use of the telephone and by personal interviews with our county officers, whose business called them there often.

In view of the fact that our Order was spared the great loss of life that befell other fraternal organizations in this great disaster, and by the taking away of one of our brothers upon whose shoulders rested the care and support of a wife, frail of body, whose health is none too good, in trying to bear her loss of a dear one, together with the care of a young son no doubt she will have many hardships to face in the years to come; and in view of her poverty, I believe she should have at least a sum of two hundred dollars ($200) to assist her in a time of need; and therefore I would recommend that this sum be paid her at this time by you from the special fund created for this purpose at the last Session of the Grand Lodge.

y-Z JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS \ j. '?"^f^^^''

INov. 15, 1910.

It has been a pleasure to me to be able to assist you in this matter, and if I can in any way serve you further in this or any other matter, I shall be glad indeed to have your commands.

Fraternally yours,

H. E. MAKUTCHAN.

Immediately after receiving the above I drew a warrant on the Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge in the sum of two hundred dollars, payable to Mrs. George White, widow of Brother George White, deceased, for which she signed the following receipt: 1200.00. Springfield, 111., September 12, 1910.

Received of E. R. Sayler, Grand Master, Grand Lodge I. O. O. F. of the State of Illinois, the sum of two hundred dollars, as a donation from the Cherry Mine Disaster Fund. MRS. GEORGE WHITE,

Widow of George White, deceased, having lost his life in the Cherry Mine Disaster, and at the time of his death was a member of Jasper Lodge No. 168, I. 0. 0. F., Monroe Center, Iowa.

In closing this report, I desire to express my appreciation to Brothers E. S.' Conway, P.G.S., Dr. J. A. Lucas, P.G.M., H. E. Makut- chan, G.R., Special Deputy, Captain Latimer and the Committee of LaSalle Ltodge No. 101. To these brothers and all who assisted in this matter, I thank you.

In view of the fact of there being $1,000.00 appropriated for this purpose, and only $700.00 having been used, there remains $300.00 unexpended. I will therefore recommend that this balance be retained in the General Relief Fund.

A BOOST FOR OUR HOMES.

In order that our membership might be kept in closer touch with the sentiment of our Homes, and to show their appreciation of them, I sent out the following letter:

Springfield, 111., January 15, 1910. To the Officers and Memhers of Subordinate Lodges, I. 0. 0. F. of

Illinois Greeting :

Dear Brothers I am sending herewith a large poster, which you will hang up in your Lodge room.

I want each Lodge in Illinois to work the INITIATORY DEGREE on as many candidates as can be secured at your regular Lodge meeting night occurring in the SECOND WEEK IN MARCH. I have asked that you secure FIVE CANDIDATES for this night. Some Lodges will secure more, while others will not get this number. However, I

Tuesday, ) GRAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS, I. 0. O. F.

Nov. 15, 1910

WANT TO ADD 5,000 MEMBERS during this second week in March.

Please get busy. This weelt has been set apart in HONOR OF OUR HOMES. By working for this event, you work for the interest of our ORPHANS' HOME and our OLD FOLKS' HOAIE. These Homes are near and dear to each Odd Fellow, and the Grand Master is going to depend on YOU to help him in making this the greatest year in the history of Odd Fellowship in Illinois.

Immediately after your meeting in the second week in March, I want your Secretary to report how many candidates you initiated on that night. Fraternally yours.

Attest: E. R. SAYLER,


Grand Secretary.

74


( TuL'sday,

I Nov. 15. 1910.

\u

CO

<

o

Tuesday, I c;K VND LODGE OF ILLINOIS, I. O. Nov. 15, 1910. I

0. F.

z <

S.2 o o

CO c

.- a c

^ 2 o o

"5

c

0) (D X O ^ S

CJ CD !-i S '^ tP

'^ ^ s ;> g ^

'S -^ g ^ ^ ^

1^ S ^ ^ t^ O

2 S ^

g r^ O O O :5 .S

O

J ^ o

"*^ O '^ p*-, --H

Ph O 13 s :::

U-]

t/i

-o

-o

c

u >

X

UJ CO

c/i

U^

a .-

o

(A O w

8-0

o "^ o

X

C/> ^

^

^

* * DC

UJ

O O O

o

.-

c O w

o I

UJ

o o o

-J cc

o

>-

Q.

g CO

K

i I

"2 91

ac

E

ft)

&> I =3

X

^

^

76 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS \ >-/^'"\^.^^y,',

(Nov. 15, 1910.

This movement resulted in 280 Lodges reporting^ showing an increase in membership of 1,400.

After waiting until the 10th of May, in order that all Lodges might have ample time in which to report, I sent out the following letter, together with a large picture of the buildings of our Orphans' Home at Lincoln, size 21x24 inches.

This picture was furnished free by Bro. Theodore Finn, P.G.R., of Chicago, who is a member of our Orphans' Home Board, and has always taken a great interest in the welfare of our two homes.

Lodges receiving this beautiful picture were well pleased and wrote splendid letters of acknowledgement to the Grand Master.

I desire to express my thanks to Bro. Finn for his kindness to me, not alone in this generous donation, but from the fact that he has done so many things for me, and has proven himself to be a true Odd Fellow on each and every occasion.

Springfield, 111., May 10, 1910. To the Officers and Members of Subordinate Lodges Greeting:

Brothers I desire to compliment your Lodge upon the splendid success you are having. I am pleased with the growth in membership that has come to you thus far during my administration.

It is a pleasure for the Grand Master to receive such splendid reports as come from good Lodges all over the Jurisdiction. I asked for an increase in membership during the first two weeks in March in honor of our Orphans' Home and our Old Folks' Home. I am pleased to note that your Lodge was one of the good Lodges that were successful in gaining members at that particular time. In honor of this fact, and in keeping with the spirit of Odd Fellowship, I desire to remember you in a humble way, j'et I believe in a way that will be appreciated, in presenting to your Lodge this beautiful picture showing the buildings at our Orphans' Home at Lincoln.

Please accept it and remember that it is given as a token of respect for what you have done for the Grand Master. I will ask that you instruct the Trustees of your Lodge to have this picture framed at once and hang it in your Lodge room. It will be pleasant to refer to it and to recognize the fact that it came to you in honor of "Our Homes."

Please "BOOST" your Lodge all you can during the remainder of this year.

Assuring you of my best wishes and hearty co-operation, I remain,

Fraternally yours,

E. R. SAYLER,

Grand Master.

Tuesday, ? GRAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS, I. 0. 0. F. 77

' I n. If) 1 0. I ' ' '

Nov. 15, 1910. ;

OUR HOMES.

One of the pleasant duties of my life this year was in visiting our two Homes. I have attended all the meetings possible held by the Boards at either place, and can cheerfully report our Orphans' Home and our Old Folks' Home in good condition.

There are wants and needs at either Home, which the Grand Lodge must seriously consider, mention of which will be made further on in this report.

When we come to consider that we are caring for 165 little children, placed in our hands from the fact that their fathers were Odd Fellows, representing as they do "jewels of promise," "diamonds in the rough," shaping their minds, moulding their characters and preparing them for the duties of life, then we realize the goodness of Odd Fel- lowship.

Our work does not stop here, for in my mind a more serious proposition comes to us in caring for our aged and indigent Brothers and Sisters. He who gives alms unto the old and needy is reminded of the words of the Master when He said: "It is more blessed to give than to receive. Every man according as he proposeth in his heart, so let him- give; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver."

We are now giving our attention to the care and comfort of 116 old Brothers and Sisters at Mattoon feeding, clothing them and looking after their wants during the remainder of their lives. In performing this pleasant duty, we are but practicing the teaching of the Golden Rule.

Our Orphans' Home represents the "Morning Star" and our Old Folks' Home the "Evening Star" of our Order. While the world appre- ciates and encourages the child, it forgets and neglects the old. The world looks upon the old man as an individual who, having served his purpose, must step aside for the new life coming on in the child. While this is true in many respects, we must remember that Odd Fellowship knows no difference in life, whether old or young, rich or poor, high or low; all are treated alike. Our Order is performing its duty in all respects.

The Board of Directors of our Orphans' Home and the Trustees of our Old Folks' Home are men of high moral character and active in the pursuits of life. We feel that the Order is to be complimented from the fact that our Grand Lodge has chosen from among its ranks men of inestimable worth to fill these important positions.

Likewise, the Advisory Boards of both Homes are doing a good work in assisting to formulate plans to the Interest of the Homes. Splendid v/omen they are, devoting their time and talents to the cause they so nobly represent.

78 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS | ., Tueây,

(Nov. 15. 1910.

.OUR ORPHANS' HOME.

Dr. J. A. Lucas, P.G.M., as Superintendent, and his good wife as Matron, are doing a noble work at our Orphans' Home, the record of which will not be fully understood until it is read in the limelight of eternity.

The Master has so beautifully said: "For inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

I attended the graduating exercises held in the chapel on June 3d. The audience room was filled with children, friends and visitors. A program was rendered, after which came the awarding of the diplomas and presenting each graduate with a bright new $10.00 gold piece. Our graduating class consisted of but two this year Hans Heyl and Alberta Pauline Pause both of whom have done splendidly in the home life and are loved by children, teachers and all. Hans will remain at the Home, as he is not yet 16 years old; while Alberta, a bright, Intelligent girl, good and pure, must go to another home. Your Grand Master, fully knowing the worth of this dear girl, gladly opened the door of his home to her, where she is today carefully treated as a member of our family.

It would not be a complete report did I not mention our Band. I have failed to meet a single Odd Fellow who refused to admire our Band Boys. They look so noble and so man like, marching down the streets of our cities, playing such splendid music. Why shouldn't we be proud of them? They are our Boys. Our Band is in great demand and is making a reputation that will be lasting.

In looking over this Home for our children, I find the boys crowded in the hallways of the Administration Building; that is, the hallways are used by the boys as the only place for recreation, study and play. Those in charge have exercised every effort to keep these children in health and strength under these trying conditions. The lack of room is apparent, and the difficulty of handling the boys in such confined quarters, makes it absolutely necessary for our Brothers and Sisters to provide more room for the boys of our deceased Odd Fel- lows. This demand is a dormitory, which shall be known as the Boys' Dormitory. It should be built to accommodate one hundred of our boys. It should be so constructed as to provide a play room to be used in times of bad weather; good apartments so arranged that their health could be properly taken care of. This Dormitory, which can be readily built by the Brothers and Sisters, should furnish reading rooms, toilet rooms and every other modern convenience to give health, strength and education to the boys of the Institution. This is badly needed, and no time should be lost in doing it.

Tuesday, ( GRAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS, I. O. O. F. Nov. lo, 1910. i

When the Dormitory is constructed, the Board of Trustees should be directed, through the Grand Lodge, to renovate and reconstruct the Administration Building. There is needed in this building an OfBce and Directors' Room, where there could be some privacy in the transaction of the business that comes before the Board. At the time this building was erected, proper sanitation was not taken into consideration. We find the toilets, water closets, etc., placed in the ce

libsysdigi.library.illinois.edulibsysdigi.library.illinois.edu/oca/books2008-09/... ·...

Documents

Transcript of libsysdigi.library.illinois.edulibsysdigi.library.illinois.edu/oca/books2008-09/... ·...