People's Pilot, Volume 4, Number 52, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 June 1895 — Degree Lodges Established. [ARTICLE]

Degree Lodges Established.

The Alliance friends are to be commended for their energy in organizing their own life insurance business. There has been three lodges of the National Alliance Aid established in the past week near Rensselaer. One is in Union township and is officered by Austin Lakin asPresi dent and Dr. Hudson as Secretary. The memberships are among the most energetic men in the township and success will certainly crown their efforts. In Jordan township. Union School House, another Degree Lodge was instituted last Friday night. Following are the officers —President, John Stillman; Ist. VicePres. Fannie A. Johnson; 2nd. Vice Pres.. George Johnson; Sec., ElizaE. Smith; Lecturer, Sarah A. Harlow; chaplain. Geo. R. Smith; conductor, W. M. James; doorkeeper E. L Harlow.

The third Lodge is near the above, but across the line of Newton county and the officers are. Pres., John Putt: Ist. Vice. Pres. Fred Loughridge; 2nd. Vice-Pres., Mrs. Mary J. Putt; Sec.. Wm. H. Reed; chaplain. W. S. Kemper; conductor. Mrs. M. E. Kemper; doorkeeper, R W. Kemper; A. D. K.. Nancy E. Kempler. It is especially commendable in the foundation of these Lodges that equal recognition is givthe women. They have in all respects the same privileges as their brothers and are insured on the same terms. This honest and fair treatment is resulting in making active workers of the women who now feel that they are not slighted but are fairly recognized as important factors in the Lodge as well as in the home. The elevating influence of women in the Lodge room is too well known to need comment, and the Pilot congratulates the Alliance in the steps it has tak en. We advise all farmers and laborers not to take insurance policies in other Companies or orders till they examine the special advantages offered by the Alliance.