ODDFELLOWS’ ORDER

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 9 November 1935, Page 5

ODDFELLOWS’ ORDER

INSTITUTION OF A REBEKAH LODGE AT BLENHEIM

Beaver Rebekah Lodge, No. 86, of tlm Independent Order of Oddfellows (taking its name from the early one ol the town, “The Beaver,” or “Beavertown”) was successfully founded in the Masonic Hall. Blenheim, commencing :ts career with thirty members and a batch of further prospective candidates. Bro. (!. F. Rudkin, Wellington, Grand Warden, representing the Grand Lodge Executive, acted as Instituting Officer, being assisted in the. institution ceremony by Bro. G. C. Gordon, G.L. Rep., South East Otago District, recently transferred to Nelson as acting Deputy Grand Master, Sister M. P. Freeman, P.N.G., Nelson, as acting Grand Secretary, and Sister M. Sergent, Lady District Deputy Grand Master, Wellington, as acting Grand Marshal. The Charter Members were Bro. A. J. Liley, G.L. Rep., D.D.G.M.. Marlborough, and Sisters F. G. Holdaway, A. M. M. O’Neill, M. Fisher, E. Fisher, U. G. Kennedy, and M. Hoare. The new members were initiated into the Rebekah Degree of the Order hv Sister M. P■ Preeman, P.N.G. acting N.G., assisted by the following officers drawn from Welcome Rebekah Lodge, No. 50, Nelson, a party of whose members totalling forty had come through for the function : Sisters Stallard, P.N.G. (J.P.N.G.), Eyles P.N.G. (Y.C.), Reeves, N.G. (Chaplain), Brough (Warden), Whitwell. P.N.G. (Conductor), Cotton (T.G.), Sherwood (0.G.). Jury, P.N.G. (R.S.N.G.), Lipscombe (L.S.N.G.), Sherwood (R.5.V.0.), Wadsworth (L.S.V. Sparks. P.N.G. (Musician), July and Mason (Alter Supporters). Installation of the first term officers of the new lodge was conducted liy Sister M. Sergent. L.D.D.G.M., Wellington, assisted by Sisters M. P. Freeman, P.N.G.. Deputy Marshal, 11. M. Whitwell, P.N.G., Deputy Financial Secretary. M. Rawson, P.N.G.. Deputy Recording Secretary, Y. R. Stallard,’P.N.G., Deputy Treasurer, I. Eyles, P.N.G., Deputy Warden, and .Lipscombe and Wadsworth, Supporters, and A. Thorne, P.N.G., Deputy Guardian. The ceremonial and ritual work in both instances was of an extremely high standard, thus reflecting great credit on those participating. Welcome Rebekah Lodge, No. 50, and their conch, Bro. G. C. Gordon, C.L. ltep. The officers installed were: Bro. A. J. Liley, J.P.N.G.. Sisters G. Holdaway, N. M. Fisher, V.G., IJ. Kennedy, Recording Secretary, D. McHugh, Financial Secretary, G. Lacey, Treasurer, I. Gardiner, Warden, D. Martelle, Conductor. I). Wnrcup, R.S.N.G., J. Ewart, L.S.N.G., E. Watson, R.S.V.G., E. Fisher, L.S.V.G., M. Hare, Chaplain, and W. Neal, I.G. On completion of the formal work of the evening all present sat down to an ample installation supper, Sister G. Holdaway, N.G., presiding. “The King” was proposed hv the chair. “Grand Lodge of New Zealand” was proposed by Bro. L. A. Young, P.G., and responded to by the Grand Warden, who extended the thanks and congratulations of Grand Lodge Executive to all concerned in organising the new Rebekah Lodge, thanked those who had so ably carried out the ceremonial work of the evening, and congratulated the newly installed officers, making brief reference to the scope and progress of the Order. Bro. L. L. J. Manning, P.G., proposed the “New Rebekah Lodge,” which was responded to by Bro. A. J. Liley, D.D.O. Marlborough, who paid tribute to the work of those responsible for organising the lodge and its equipment. Bro. W. G. Holdaway, P.G., proposed “The Visitors,” which was responded to by Sisters M. Sergent, L.D.D.G.M., Wellington, who presented a set of pedestal covers, and D. Reeve, N.G., Welcome Rebekah Lodge, No. 50, Nelson. Items were rendered by Sisters D. Martella, J. Jury and K. Stent. On behalf of South Otago District Lodge, No. 1, Dunedin. the Grand Warden presented Bro. G. C. Gordon, G.L. Rep., with a Past Gran,] Jewel for services rendered. Bro. Gordon responded. “Auld Lang Syne” concluded a highly enjoyable and successful function in, the vicinity of midnight.

WELCOME REBEKAH LODGE, NELSON Sister D. Reeves, N.G., presided over a large attendance at the fortnightly meeting of the Nelson Rebekah Lodge, in the 1.0. R. Hall. An official visit was received from the Grand Warden (Bro. G. F. Rudkin, Wellington), accompanied by Sister M. Sergent, L.D.D.G.M., Wellington, and Bro. G. C. Gordon, G.L. Rep. They were introduced by Bro. C. J. Brough,’ P.G. In addition to general business, two candidates were elected and initiated in full regular form. Gratification regarding the visit- of the Grand Warden, and L.D.D.G.M., Wellington, was expressed on behalf of the Lodge hv Sister M. P. Freeman, P.N.G. The visitors suitably responded, and the Grand Warden incidentally briefly traversed the development of the Rebekah Degree and progress of the New Zealand Jurisdiction and Order, also expressing appreciation of hospitality accorded. After concluding the meeting a mock wedding ceremony was staged by members of the lodge, supper taking the form of a welding breakfast, during which all thoroughly enjoyed themselves.