AMERICAN ODDFELLOWSHIP.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 160, 8 July 1899, Page 2

AMERICAN ODDFELLOWSHIP.

The Myrtle Rebekah Lodge No. 4 held a public installation of officers in Lodge-room, Oddfellows' Hall, Pitt-

street, on Thursday evening. A large ; number' of invitations were issued, .'.■ resulting in a large audience in addi- ; tion to the members. Shortly after 8 p.m. the presiding N.G., Sister Fell, called upon the members for the opening ode, after which the Acting Grand ' Marshall announced fhe Grand Lodge of New Zealand, the officers of which entered for the purpose of installing J. the officers of Myrtle Lodge. D.D.G.M., Bro. R. Armiger, jun., AcN ,'"' ing Grand Master, then called' upon the N.G. to direct her officers to vacate their positions in favour of the G.L. officers in attendance. After having done so was escorted to the chair of Past Noble Grand by the Grand. Marshall. The following brothers filled the various positions as assist- ! ant installing officers,-G. Warden, Bro. J. Burchell, P.G.M.; G. Treasurer, Bro. A. R. Mclntyre, P.G.; G. Secretary, Bro. C. W. Proude, P.G.; G. Marshall, Bro. R..H. Froude; P.G. Ghaplain, Bro J. Falconer, P.G.; G. Guardian, Bro. W. Moncur, P.G.; G. Herald, Bro. H. N. Latimer, N.G. The G.M. then instructed the G. Marshall . to prepare for the building of the altar, which ceremonial, emblematic of ..; the various degrees of Oddfellowship, was duly carried out by G. Heralds of the north, south, east, and west, and crowned by the retiring and elect N.G.s of Myrtle Lodge. The officers' then retired for examination. During their absence an anthem, "I Will: Lift Up Mine Eyes," was rendered in an able rtianner by the chom-The officers elect then entered in their official

robes, proceeding round the hall while : installation ode was sung, and then were presented in turn by G. Mars, hall to the installing master for obligation and installation. The following are the officers for present term:— N.G., Sister Regan; V.G., Sister M. Gallagher; permanent secretary; Sister Clarke ( who was unable to be present through sickness); Treasurer,; Sister Burchell; Record Secretary, Sister Finer; Chaplain, Sister A. Cunnold. The N.G. appointed her officers as follows:—Warden, Sister Jones j Conductor, Sister E. Regan; R.S.N.G., Sifter Dunne; L.S.N.G., Sister Me* In tyre; Inside Guard; Sister C. Sullivan. The V.G. appointed R.S.V.G., Sister Taylor; L.S.V.G., Sister Harrison; all of whom were officially rObed also The G. Master then delivered; the dharges to the various officers, and the G. Marshall proclaimed the officers i of the Myrtle Rebekah Lodge No. 4* duly installed. The G. Master, then addressed the assembly upon the aims and objects of the' -Rebekaji' movement, dealing concisely with its inception in 1851 in America and -its gradual development until now, when the door has been opened to all females of good character and sound physique, and a benefit basis established that, enables young women „to provide against .times of sickness and distress, and to co-operate with Oddfellows in ; general in tending the sick and ameliorating their "' condition, as well as_ developing the social aspect °f Friendly Society work.,in its truest form, fete showed how the movement had extended in America by detailing the splendid homes for indigent Oddfellows, built, equipped, and managea by Oddfellows, largely aided by the Rebekah Sisters, and hoped that .New Zealand would ultimately e6%} n. emulating such a noble example. A™. number of Rebekah Lodges in flew Zealand is 7. During the ceremonythe following items were rendered. "Lost Chord," Sister Lamg; Hymns A. and M. 380 and 220. The grand officers then retired and the LOdge was closed. After an interval for refreshments the subjoined programme was carried through:—Selection, orchestra; song. Sister E. Jfj^. in*?, Bro. Burchell; song, Sister Laing, song, Rro. Wilson; cornet solo.HWr Horsley; selection, orchestra; con eluding with National Anthem, anu terminating an interesting andl agreeable evening to all Who attended. The generaL musical arrangements w£carried out in an able manner by Bro., T. Finer. Votes of thanks to all v. no assisted were carried. ,|