PIONEER LODGE NO. 1, I.O.O.F.

Evening Star, Issue 19931, 30 July 1928, Page 13

PIONEER LODGE NO. 1,1.0.0. F.

VETERAN’S JEWEL PRESENTED

Noble Grand Bro. A. Howie presidiuc, the fortnightly meeting or Pioneei Lodge, No. 1,1.0.0. F., was'held m tho Rattray Street Hal. Two candidates were proposed and one accepted by transfer. An appeal for assistance for a local member in parlous circumstances mot ready response. Arrangements wore made to support the friendly societies’ annual church memorial service at Octagon Hall on the first Sunday evening iu August. Business concluded, tho lodge entertained Rebckah sisters of local lodges, members’ wives, lady friends, and other visitors to tho number of 10U with progressive euchre, harmony, etc., alter which Bro. F. Wilkinson, the secretary of Grand Lodge, New Zealand, 1.0.0.1., held tho attention of those present while ho presented a veteran’s jewel, known as tho V.C. of tho order, to R.D.D.G.M. Bro. William Kilpatrick, of Pioneer Lodge, iu recognition oi twenty-five years’ continuous services rendered to the lodge. He alluded to tho activities of Bro. Kilpatrick in the district generally, covering the period 1903-28. For Pioneer Lodge Bro. Kilpatrick had been in all the appointed offices at various times. He had thrice been through the principal chairs, receiving Past Grands’ jewels in 1905, 1908, and 1917; also an auditor for some years, and later a trustee, which position ho still holds. In tho South Utago district Bro. Kilpatrick had attained the rank of Past Degree Master, and subsequently the much-coveted position representing the Grand Master iu the district as D.D.G.M.. while on some four occasions ho had been elected as a representative to Grand Lodge in session. He was a P.C.P. of the Phceiiix Encampment; had been an associate member of Maori Mill Lodge for-several years, and was now its treasurer. The Eebekah department of the 1.0.0. P. had not been forgotten by tho brother, for both he and his wife had been members for over fourteen years, and they had been consistent supporters and workers right through. Bro. Wilkinson said that the jewel carried with it tho best wishes of tho members of the lodges in the district. Ho was sure that Bro. Kilpatrick would bo proud to receive. it, and he (the G.S.) hoped the recipient would long bo spared to attend and wear his new decoration at meetings and other functions of tho order. He read extracts from letters sent by the Grand Warden, Bro. J. I. G. Somerville; Grand Trustee, Bro. J. Skinner; and others, who, unable' to be present, had their best wishes to Bro. Kilpatrick; while in one from tho secretary of the Hereweka Lodge, Portobello, ho was requested to “convey to Bro. Kilpatrick their congratulations on having completed a quarter-century of membership, during which, as was known to nil, ho had been carrying out with credit to himself, his lodge, the district, and the jurisdiction Ins obligations as an Oddfellow.” Bro. L. D. Ritchie, D.G. Sire, Grand Lodge of Australasia, added tribute to tho energies displayed by Bro. Kilpatrick in other ways, by alluding to the Initiatory Challenge Cup donated by that brother some years ago, winch is still being annually competed for by the keen young officers now coming on in the local lodges, with the result ox great improvement in the ritual work of the lodges concerned- He had pleasare in welcoming Bro. Iviipatrick into the ranks of the veterans, who in iho case e* tho 1.0.0. F. were still rendering most efficient service to their respective lodges, and were not retired or superannuated, as is the idea com monly connected with the word veteran. Bro. Kilpatrick had, m the speaker’s opinion, recognised early the responsibility of membership, and had all along the years acted accordingly. Bro. Kilpatrick, on rising to respond, was accorded an ovation. Ho stated that ho fully appreciated the kind remarks that had been made to the Grand Secretary and D.G. Sire, and doubted if he. deserved them as well as they had said. Ho had always done his best, and hoped to continue to do so. He, was proud of the jewel, and would value it accordingly. Refreshments, followed by the singing of ‘ Auld Lang Syne,’, brought a pleasing evening to a termination.