Rensselaer Republican, Volume 20, Number 38, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 May 1888 — Indiana Odd Fellows. [ARTICLE]

Indiana Odd Fellows.

The Daughters of Rebecca, 1.0. 0. F., met in convention at Indianapolis, Tuesday, Mrs. Anna Hunt, of Brazil, presiding. The rapid growth of the degree in Indiana made it necessary to reduce the basis of representation, and with that end in view a resolution was passed fixing it at two delegates for each fifty members and one delegate for each fraction over fifty members. A resolution was also passed fixing a per capita tax of one cent per member to pay the expenses of the annual meeting. The greater portion of the session was taken up in discussing the advisability of asking that tbe Rebecca Degree be recognized by the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the United States as a grand body. A resolution demanding such recognition was introduced last year, but was laid over until this year for action. A resolution was finally passed by an almost unanimous vote asking the Grand Lodge, 1.0. 0. F., to instruct its delegates to the Sovereign Grand Lodge to vote for the establishment of a Rebecca grand degree in each State in the Union. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: President—Mrs. Anna Crews, Greencastle. Vice-President—Miss Alice McQuiddy, Indianapolis. - Secretary—Mrs. Anna Henderson, Sontn Bend. Treasurer—Mrs. Anna J. Clark, Union City. Warden—Mrs. Sallie C. Jackson, Jeffersonville. Guardian—Mrs. Clara Lennon, Camden. Chaplain—Mrs. Anna Hunt, Brazil. Three hundred delegates attended the Grand Lodge on Wednesday and Thursday. Charters for three new subordinate and six new Rebekah lodges were granted. The secretary’s report shows a net increase in membership for the six months of 750 and of the year 1887 of 1,940. During last named period there were 2,897 initiations. Sixteen hundred and fort?-seven brothers, --atid 162 widowed families have oeen relieved. The snm of $33,322.37 has been paid for the relief of brothers; $2,830.16 for the relief of widowed families; $446.77 for the education di orphans; $10,575.79 for burying the dead, and $3,476 29 for other charitable purposes, making tbe total amount of relief <50,651.28. Im this branch of our report may be found the great secret of the success of our Order —its care for the sick and suffering—its protection—of widows and orphans. The Secretary reported the number of effective ledges at 552, against 551 for 1887; total net membership in Indiana, 28,210, against 27,440 a year ago; ladies receiving the Degree of Rebekah, 705; resourcesof 10dge5,51,661,024 66; receipts of ledgee, $140,113.46; expensesof lodges, $65,484.74. Of the Rebekah Lodges the total membership is 6,769 (January 1), against 6,464 for the preceding year.