AMERICAN ODDFELLOWSHIP.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9293, 31 August 1893, Page 6

AMERICAN ODDFELLOWSHIP.

INSTITUTION 01 STAR OF EDKN

LODGE, "No. 51. A very successful funetion in connection with the 1.0.0. F., A.C., took place? on Monday evening in the Oddfellows' Hail. Ponsonby. At half-past seven the Star of Auckland Lodge, No. 26, was opened there by special dispensation from the Grand Master. A large number of brethren were present. Ac eight p.m. the newly-initiated members, forming the nucleus of the new Lodge Star of Eden, No. 54, were received, and welcomed by Noble Grand Brother R. Armiger, jun. At a quarter-past eight Brother J. Burchell, Grand Master, Brother E. R. Piggott, Grand Marshal, and acting Grand Lodge officers, were announced. During their entrance a hymn was rendered by the choir. They were received with honours. The Star of Auckland Lodge was then closed, and the chair* occupied by Grand Lodge officers, the Grand Master presiding. The Grand Master addressed the assembly, and spoke of the important duties they were called upon to perform, viz., the institution of the Lodge Star of Eden, and stated that the Order at December, 1891, numbered over 700,000 members and extended to various countries. He quoted from the report to shew that although their numbers were comparatively small in New Zealand, there was evidence that in the near future tht Order would make much more rapid progress, owing to the fast growing appreciation of the solid lines upon which its finance was built, and the beautiful character of its ritual, and asserted that every true Oddfellow, must be, of necessity, a better husband, father, or sou. He urged the brothers to keep close to the lessons inculcated, and he felt sure that prosperity was as good as ensured. The charter members, applying for the establishment of the new Lodge, were then presented by the Grand Marshal, and were obligated by the Grand-Master. The G. Secretary then read the charter, and it was presented to the applicants, and the Grand Master then in ample form duly instituted Lodge Star of Eden, 54, which was pro claimed by the Grand Marshal. After at interval for refreshments business was re suraed, and nominations were received fo office during the current term as follows :- Noble Grand, Brother E. K. Piggot, D.D.G.M. ; Vice Grand, Brother M. . Bennett; Treasurer, Brother L. Halliwel; Permanent Secretary, Brother G. A. Ponford ; Trustees, Brothers Parish, G. Gr»ben, S. D. Green ; auditors, Brothers C. Hemming, A. Armiger, Thomson ; medial officer, Brother Dr. J. Moir. The NO, appointed : Warden, Brother A. A. Armigir; Conductor, Brother R. H. Froude ; S.NS., Brother Green ; R.S.N.G., Brother Than?on;R.S.S., Brother Falconer; L.5.5., Brother H.C.Williams. The N.G. appointed Brother R. Armiger, jun., P. Grand IS. V.G. ; Brother Parish, R.S.V.G. The N.G. also appointed Brother Hawkins I.G. There being no opposition all the officers were declared elected, and were duly installed into their various chairs with imposing solemnity, during which Brother J. li. I'hillpot. P.G., rendered the solo, *' Consider the Lilies," in a finished and masterly style, and, the usual installation odes were rendered by the choir. The Grand Master then addressed ' the assembly, congratulating the Star of Eden Lodge, 54, upon having been fortunate enough to secure the services of such a veteran Oddfellow as Brother E. R. Piggott, for first N.G. He could with truth say, after an intimacy with him of 14 years in the Order, that they could not have selected a more efficient or painstaking officer for the office, or one more qualified to steer them thorough the difficulties often connected with new lodges. On the motion of N.G. Brother M. J. Bennett, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the N.G. officers and brothers of the Star of Auckland Lodge, 26, for their kind and brotherly assistance in connection with the opening. Brother R. Armiger, Jun., N.G., responded. It was resolved that the hearty thanks of ths meeting be tendered to Brother John Burchell, Grand Master, and his officers, for the able manner in which the ceremonies in connection with the instituting of anew lodge and installing of its officers had been carried out. The Grand Master responded, and stated that it had ahvnyi been a labour of love to do anything t< further the interests of the Order in the past, and he felc that the longer he was connected with the institution, the more he appreciated its merits. Various presentations from members to the new lodge were announced, and were highly appreciated by the recipients.