USA > Illinois > Hancock County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Hancock County, Volume II > Part 69
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"Mrs. Lydia Duffy presided. The program was conducted by Miss Martha Quinby, chairman of the entertainment committee and
was as follows :
Song-America.
Address of Welcome Mrs. Duffy, President of Corps.
Response-Dr. J. N. Markle.
Recitation-George Hearne.
Song-Star Spangled Banner.
Reading-Turner Foley.
Reading-Memorial Ode to Col. Alexander Sympson, Mrs. Emma Mathews.
Historical Sketch-Miss Mary Davidson.
Quartette-'Jefferson Davis' Last Ditch,' Messrs. Campbell, Brink, Hendricks and Loomis.
"Mrs. Duffy's address was full of patriotic expressions for the old soldiers and the Relief Corps. Dr. Markle in response referred feel- ingly to the origin of the Relief Corps in the bands of women who gave voluntary aid in hospitals and battle fields to the sick and wounded soldiers during the war.
"The recitations by George Hearne, Turner Foley and Mrs. Mathews all gave tone to the evening. The quartette carried off the palm in their clever rendition of the war-time song and by bringing in Jeff on the encore disguised in his wife's clothes.
"After the program the ladies served refresh- ments.
"It seems presumptuous for one of this gen- eration to attempt the history of an organiza- tion which is now a memorial of a period in which he had no part-a period whose memories embalm passions of strife and victory and emo- tions of grief and joy, and about which lingers a fragrance of romance that war and only war can create.
"To be a true historian of that period, one would have to live through it. One would have to know of the fierce debates on this side and that of vexed national problems. One would have to know the sound of the first shot that opened a four-years' civil war. One would have to know what it meant for mother, sister, wife or sweetheart to bid good bye to the brave lads as they marched away, and be left to fend for themselves; and one would have to know the anguish of suspense and apprehension, the paralyzing news of death and woe from the front. One would have to know of the pitiful efforts of inexperienced women battling for bread for their fatherless children in a man's world of business, where so few occupations were open to women. One would have to live through such a reign of terror to throw about this history the proper atmosphere.
"Acknowledging our unfitness for the task, we accept the commission assigned us in obedience
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY
to our superiors and in a spirit of reverence for the men and boys who faced the shot and shell at the front and for the brave women who en- dured the anxiety, privations and unromantic part of staying at home to wait and endure and watch and pray and keep body and soul to- gethier while the head of the family reaped glory from the dismal swamps of a fratricidal war.
"In the files of The Carthage Republican for 1863, we find its late editor, J. M. Davidson, who that year bought this paper, early suggesting a lecture course or literary society through which funds could be raised for sick and disabled soldiers. His Christmas editorial that year urged that those who were about to enter into the good things God's providence had given them, should set apart from their profuse bounty, a liberal share for 'some poor woman surrounded by little children, whose husband is far away in some tented field, perhaps in some hospital, perhaps dead.' Again we find this paper announcing a grand wood hauling for the benefit of the families of 'our brave sol- diers in the field or those who have died in the service.'
"Thus early were efforts for relief to the sol- diers and soldiers' families made by citizens.
"The reconstruction period did not alone affect the south. In bowed and silent submission to the laws of custom did the widowed women of the north face the awful problem of supporting their families when so many were in the same situation and where nothing but domestic serv- ice seemed open to them. We can hardly realize the pitifulness of the struggle at that time, when now we see the professions and the trades all open to women, when the ballot is practically hers and when she stands on terms of civic equality with men.
"So urgent was the need for relief to the sick and disabled soldiers and the helpless wives and children, that finally the veterans formed or- ganizations to work toward this relief.
"The honor of the first organization or post of the Grand Army of the Republic lies with Illinois. On April 6, 1868, the first post was or- ganized at Decatur by Maj. Benj. F. Stephenson.
"Carthage had the fifth post organized in the state. Post No. 5 was its name and it was organized in 1867. This organization did not survive and a second one was later chartered.
"On August 12, 1884, a post was organized in Carthage with forty-three charter members, who
were mustered in by Gen. E. B. Hamilton of Quincy. The post was called Alexander Symp- son Post No. 455, named for a former dis- tinguished citizen and comrade, Col. Alexander Sympson.
"Colonel Sympson it will be remembered, be- ing past the age limit for field service, but arduous in the country's cause, accepted the commission of quartermaster and rendered val- uable and highly commended service in that capacity. His acceptable and gallant service won him the rank of Lieut. Colonel and he re- tired from the commission only when shattered in health.
"Capt. Geo. T. Wilson was the first com- mander of Alexander Sympson Post.
"Rendering relief to needy families is natur- ally a woman's work. It is the mothering in- stinct that finds the need and administers unto it with unerring intuition. With all the brotherly love and generosity the organized sol- diers had for their distressed comrades or their families they found. they needed woman's assist- ance to secure adequate results. Consequently in July of 1881, at the meeting in Denver, Colo., of the Fourteenth National Encampment, the G. A. R. received the various women's organiza- tions formed to furnish aid to soldiers' families as auxiliaries of the G. A. R. Henceforth the two organizations have worked to the same end.
"Illinois now stands third in Relief Corps membership, having 12,000 members. Massa- chusetts stands first and Ohio second.
"In 1887 Alexander Sympson Post issued a call to the women to assemble for the purpose of organizing a Relief Corps in this city. On . March 17th, such a meeting was held and Mr. R. J. Swifert presented a resolution that the ladies present, who would leave their name with the secretary, should constitute a woman's auxiliary to Alexander Sympson Post No. 455, which was adopted. Twenty-seven ladies as follows, reported to the secretary of the meeting and became charter members of Alexander Sympson Corps No. 70: Mrs. Mary A. Quinby, Mrs. Florence McMechan, Mrs. Mary F. Riley, Mrs. Anna G. Randolph, Mrs. M. H. Swigert, Miss Emma Hubbs (Wetzel), Mrs. Louisa Kel- ley, Mrs. Angie Woodburn, Mrs. Emma Mathews, Mrs. Etta Hubbs, Mrs. Amanda E. Shultz, Mrs. Sarah E. Taylor, Mrs. Nannie A. M. Hardy, Miss Mamie C. Helfrich (Wolfe), Mrs. Mary H. Wil- son, Mrs. V. Rand, Miss Sadie Newton, Mrs. Mary Gill, Mrs. Laura M. Noyes, Mrs. Lillian
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY
F. Smith, Mrs. Lydia E. Duffy, Mrs. Mary Foutch, Mrs. Lizzie Carlton, Mrs. Clara Starkey, Mrs. Lizzie Fletcher, Mrs. Mary Strader, Mrs. Josephine Helfrich.
"On March 31, 1887, Mrs. Sarah M. Bradford of Augusta, sister of Maj. R. W. McClaughry, formally opened the work of the corps, install- ing the officers, Mrs. M. V. Riley being the first president. Mrs. Bradford was a great help and inspiration to the corps. She acted as installing officer for several successive years and was also department inspector.
"Of the charter members but five remain active members-Mrs. McMechan, Mrs. Wood- burn, Mrs. Mathews, Mrs. Duffy and Mrs. Helf- rich. Ten are bivouacked with the dead. The others have dropped out or removed from town.
"The corps did much relief work independent of the post, but as an auxiliary to the post it was very active and furnished funds and per- sonal service in many of the philanthropies of the post.
"Aside from the relief work the corps has not only met its own expenses and entertained fre- quently but it has done much toward furnishing the' different halls occupied-window shades, curtains, a carpet, an organ, a bunting flag and a silk flag for the post, two sets of silk flags for the color bearers and a piano for the present memorial hall. In the last enterprise the post gallantly came to the rescue with $75 in cash. In the twenty-five years the corps has been or- ganized, about $500 in funds and provisions have been distributed.
"This seems a small sum, when we know that a woman's society of a church in this city pledged and raised $833 1/3 a year for three years on a new church.
"But those who have experience with philan- thropic work, know that a little help in time of need goes a long way. They know that a family temporarily in distress may be quickly relieved or a period when work cannot be ob- tained can be tided over by a small cash gift or a supply of provisions. This is demonstrated In our town by the fact that our charity com- mittee does an immense amount of good with the $16 or $17 collected at Thanksgiving serv- ices together with the clothes and provisions donated.
"The demand for relief work in Carthage was so inconsiderable that a large part of these philanthropies fell to the soldiers' home at Quincy, the widows' home at Wellington or to
sufferers from disastrous floods, famines or fires. The corps never refused a call from a sister corps or from other posts.
"In 1905, while Mrs. Martha Swigert was president, she called a joint meeting of the corps and the post and presented a plan she had for raising funds with which to erect a monu- ment to the soldiers and sailors of the civil war at some suitable public place in this city. The matter was taken up with enthusiasm and all pledged their support. A committee was ap- pointed to raise funds for this object: Mrs. Swigert, Mrs. Helen Moore, Mrs. Josephine Helfrich, Mrs. Mary Johnson, Mrs. Florence Mc- Mechan. A subscription paper was circulated and several hundred dollars were pledged by citizens for the purpose. Some money was given. In the midst of this enterprise the chair- man, Mrs. Swigert died, and the cash was de- posited in the Dime Savings bank and with accrued interest amounts to $44.69. The papers remain in the hands of the committee and it is the hope of the corps to revive interest in the enterprise.
"It is impossible to give a detailed history of the acts and doings of this body, but we here- with give a few items of interest, taken from the secretary's books. December 6, 1888, $58.58 paid for carpet for hall. October 17, 1889, served at the organization of the John Helfrich Camp, Sons of Veterans No. 287. April 4, 1890, purchased organ for hall for $48. May 25, 1890, Mrs. J. F. Hubbs read a paper on her experiences as an army nurse. March, 1892, fifth anniversary of corps, celebrated. October 4, 1900, district convention held in Carthage- supplies sent to Galveston flood sufferers. Jan- uary 6, 1905, beautiful silk flag presented to post with appropriate programn. February 22, 1905, Washington tea at Mrs. McMechan's. May, 1905, committee appointed to raise funds for monument. September 2, 1908, picnic at Elvaston. January 2, 1909, furniture from old hall disposed of at auction. January 8, 1908, first meeting held in memorial hall of the new courthouse.
"We would be glad to give special mention to those zealous members who have been so active in the good of the cause, but that is a difficult thing to encompass and we leave the proper credit to be bestowed by the grateful memories of those who had intimate knowledge of their good works. We will say, however, that our corps has been recognized away from home and
1018
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY
Mrs. Duffy has been district president, an office of honor which Mrs. Emma Mathews of our corps, now holds. Mrs. Duffy and Mrs. Markle are national aides. Department aides : Mrs. Kirkpatrick, Mrs. Moore, Mrs. Josephine Helf- rich, Mrs. Swigert, Mrs. Mathews, Mrs. Mary Johnson, Mrs. McMechan. Department in- spectors : Mrs. Josephine Helfrich, Mrs. Mc- Mechan, Mrs. Duffy, Mrs. Mathews.
"Those who have served the corps as president are as follows: 1887, Mrs. Mary E. Riley ; 1888, Mrs. Anna G. Randolph; 1889, Mrs. Sarah E. Taylor; 1890, Mrs. Mary Gill; 1891, Mrs. Vannie Rand ; 1892, Mrs. V. Rand, Mrs. Isabelle Cutler ; 1893, Mrs. Lydia Duffy ; 1894-5, Mrs. Helen Moore; 1896, Mrs. Florence McMechan ; 1897, Mrs. Emma Mathews; 1898, Mrs. Angie Woodburn; 1899, Mrs. Martha Swigert; 1900, Mrs. Mary Symonds; 1901, Mrs. Josephine Helfrich ; 1902, Mrs. Florence McMechan; 1903, Mrs. Helen Moore; 1904, Mrs. Eva Barger ; 1905, Mrs. Martha Swigert; 1906, Mrs. Sue P. Markle; 1907, Mrs. Angie Woodburn; 1908-9, Mrs. Lydia Kirkpatrick ; 1910, Mrs. Mary John- son ; 1911-12, Mrs. Lydia Duffy.
"Those who have died while members are: Mrs. George Haney, died September 30, 1890 ; Mrs. Mary Strader, died June 11, 1892; Mrs. Mary Quinby, died December 24, 1893; Mrs. Lizzie Carlton, died January 14, 1896; Mrs. Louisa Kelly, died April 8, 1900; Mrs. Hen- rietta Worrell, died June 26, 1903; Mrs. Sophia Hoch, died December 16, 1903; Mrs. Mary Wil- son, died January 7, 1904; Mrs. Lora Conklin, died June 6, 1905; Mrs. Martha H. Swigert, died December 30, 1905; Mrs. Martha Miller, died March 21, 1906; Mrs. Elizabeth Verdelia Sam- ple, died January 31, 1906; Mrs. Mary Biery, died August 22, 1907; Mrs. Mary E. Lane, died January 26, 1908; Mrs. Myra Cutler, died Feb- ruary 6, 1909; Mrs. Nellie Mosley, died March 3, 1910.
"The veterans and widows now receive ade- quate pensions. The soldiers' children have be- come self-supporting men and women, the need of relief for which this order was organized is not so insistent as in earlier days so that now both the Grand Army of the Republic and the Woman's Relief Corps are memorial bodies. As such we greet them today. We cordially acknowledge their work well done and the present generation joins in loving and patriotic salutation to the orders which keep in sacred memory the heroism of men in battle and the
heroism of women at home during the great crisis of our country's history."
Since the foregoing article was written the presidents of the corps have been as follows : 1913, Mrs. Martha Boswell; 1914-15, Mrs. Flor- ence McMechan; 1916, Mrs. Mary Symonds ; 1917-21, Mrs. Etta Shipton, who is still serving.
The following items of interest are taken from The Carthage Gazette of 1866 and 1867. It should be stated that Post No. 34 mentioned in these articles was purely experimental and the organization was abandoned. Afterwards, on August 12, 1884, the Alexander Sympson Post No. 455 was chartered, and began a period of active and successful service.
The Gazette articles are given in chronological order, and include a letter by "a democratic soldier," which will illustrate the varying views entertained as to this proposed organization less than two years after the close of the Civil War. The Carthage Gazette-July 26, 1866.
"A 'Post' of the Grand Army of the Republic has been established at Carthage, and the sol- diers are being rapidly initiated. It is intended to keep alive the remembrance of the field and camp, and to make provisions for suffering and destitute soldiers."
The Carthage Gazette-August 2, 1866.
"We are requested to inform those gentlemen who were 'eavesdropping' around Griffith's Hall, on Monday night, that the meeting above was a meeting of 'Post No. 34, Grand Army of the Republic, District of Hancock,' an order or- ganized for the protection 'and care of soldiers' orphans and widows, and for the perpetuation of that friendship among comrades in arms, which was formed amid the perils and dangers of the field. The said gentlemen are further in- formed that only honorably discharged soldiers are entitled to participate in its meetings, and the company of those who kept up a 'fire in the rear' on those who were fighting the rebellion in front, is not desired-even under the win- dows."
The Carthage Gazette-September 6, 1866.
"GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC
"Soldiers, Attention !
"Pursuant to orders from Department Head- quarters, the members of the different posts of the Grand Army of the Republic, District of Hancock, will meet in convention at the office of the undersigned in Carthage, on Monday, Sep-
1019
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY
tember 10th, 1866, at 1 P. M., for the purpose of completing the organization of the District. A full representation of the different posts is requested.
"John D. Hamilton,
Commander Post No. 34. G. A. R. F. E. Fowler, Adj't."
The Carthage Gazette-October 25, 1866. "G. A. R .- Post No. 34.
"This Encampment meets every Monday even- ing, at 71/2 o'clock, in Griffith's Hall. Members from other Encampments are invited to attend. "John D. Hamilton, Com.
"Frank E. Fowler, Adj."
The Carthage Gazette-November 22, 1866. "G. A. R .- Fall In!
"A meeting of Post No. 34, for special busi- ness, will be held in David Mack's office, next Monday evening, at 61/2 o'clock, sharp! By order of Commander.
"F. E. Fowler, Adj."
The Carthage Gazette-January 10, 1867.
"At a meeting of Post No. 34, G. A. R., held January 5th, 1867, the following were elected officers for the ensuing year : John D. Hamilton, P. C .; A. E. Boude, P. V. C .; H. M. Sleater, P. A .; J. B. Reinoehl, P. Q. M .; F. D. Huestis, O. S .; F. G. McMechan, O. G .; L. B. Moore, C. and J. K. Boude, P. S."
The Carthage Gazette-February 7, 1867. Harmony Township, February 1, 1867. "Ed. Gazette:
"Sir-An article in the Democrat, of your town, having been shown me, in relation to the Grand Army of the Republic, I feel disposed to give it some attention. I am a Democrat, al- ways have been a Democrat, and always expect to be a Democrat. I am also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and the article I refer to has had the effect to have passed into my hands the names of eleven other Democratic soldiers, as candidates for membership in that Organization. Without answering any of the scurrilous contents of the article alluded to, I will proceed to give the principles of the Order, as I, and every other member, understand them:
"In the first place, it is not a society organized to make nominations, or carry elections, for office, nor a mere sect to further the ambitions of political aspirants, but its purpose is to pro-
mote the cause of active loyalty, and to advance, by all legitimate and proper influences, the gen- eral welfare and interests of the soldiers lately in the United States Army. And for the pur- pose of refuting the calumny contained in that article, I would state that it has its secret ceremonies and signs of recognition, the same as the Masons, and other similar societies, wisely and judiciously adopt. It attempts no concealment as to its existence or membership, and has no object, that it is not ready to avow, on all proper occasions; and conscious of the justness of our principles we inscribe them upon our banners so plainly that all may know and understand them.
"The benevolent object of this society is to care, particularly, for the interests of the widows and orphans of our fallen comrades, to aid in securing employment to the disabled heroes of the war, and to secure, by every means in its power, the interests of those who, during the past contest for the supremacy of the Gov- ernment, united in pledging their lives and limbs for its defense.
"All I have to say, in conclusion, is, that any man who does not endorse these principles, is a traitor, and should be punished as such.
"Mr. Editor, knowing as you do, something of the workings of the G. A. R., you will not be surprised to find many Democratic soldiers joining your ranks, as the result of such articles as that written by 'fifty-cents-on-the-dollar.'
"Yours with respect, "A DEMOCRATIC SOLDIER."
The Carthage Gazette-March 14, 1867. "G. A. R.
"Post No. 34 will meet in David Mack's office, on next Monday evening, at 7 o'clock. Members will find it to their advantage to be present."
The Carthage Gazette-March 21, 1867. "Attention-G. A. R.
"An adjourned meeting of the G. A. R. will be held on next Monday evening, March 25, at 71% o'clock, to hear the report of the Committee of Arrangements for the proposed entertain- ment."
ALEXANDER SYMPSON POST, NO. 455 G. A. R., CARTHAGE, ILLINOIS
On August 12, 1884, Post No. 455, Department of Illinois Grand Army of the Republic, was
-
1020
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY
organized at Carthage, Illinois, by Gen. E. B. Hamilton, commander of John Wood Post of Quincy, Illinois, assisted by Comrades C. Rohr- bough and S. P. McGaw of Hamilton, Illinois, Post, and Comrades Arnold and Lowry of Ferris, Illinois, Post. At the suggestion of Capt. Thomas C. Miller, and by vote of the members, the organization was called Alexander Sympson Post, being named for Mr. Alexander Sympson, a prominent and much-loved citizen of Carthage. The charter members were as follows : George T. Wilson, W. M. Tolbert, Peter Jackson, W. A. Symonds, Thomas C. Miller, J. A. James, James Sample, E. M. Robbins, J. G. Layton, N. P. McKee, Henry Bartels, James Corbin, S. W. Merrill, W. L. Rand, G. E. Hainey, Jacob Hayes, Robert Jackson, Joseph Helfrich, B. N. Woods, John Elder, H. W. Williams, S. S. Wilson J. F. Hubbs, R. T. Biery, W. P. Damron, C. W. Taylor, John S. Duffy, E. P. Owen, Geo. M. Kellogg, V. B. Corey, M. V. Riley, James C. Westbrooks, Thos. J. Curry, Theophelos Mack, . John A. Fletcher, Levi Barber, Jr., Adam Curry, B. B. Cason, R. J. Swigert, Jas. A. Wood- burn, Fred Stepp, John Helfrich, A. C. Shultz, W. H. D. Noyes, Wm. Seiverd, F. G. McMechan, T. J. Lane.
The first officers were: Commander, George T. Wilson; senior vice-commander, Thomas C. Miller ; junior vice-commander, John S. Duffie ; officer of the day, Jolin Elder; officer of the guard, T. C. Lane; surgeon, W. H. D. Noyes ; chaplain, James Sample ; quartermaster, S. W. Merrill; adjutant, Peter Jackson ; quarter- master sergeant, Joseph Helfrich; sergeant major, Stephen S. Wilson.
The commanders of Post No. 455 from its or- ganization have been: August 12, 1884 to Jan- uary 1, 1885-George T. Wilson; January 1, 1885 to January 1, 1887-John Elder; January 1, 1887 to January 1, 1888-Peter Jackson; January 1, 1888 to January 1, 1890-E. M. Rob- bins; January 1, 1890 to January 1, 1891- George T. Wilson; January 1, 1891 to January 1, 1892-W. H. D. Noyes; January 1, 1892 to January 1, 1893-Joseph Helfrich; January 1, 1893 to January 1, 1894-Charles W. Taylor ; January 1, 1894 to January 1, 1896-Thomas J. Curry ; January 1, 1896 to January 1, 1897- Thomas C. Miller ; January 1, 1897 to January 1, 1899-John S. Duffy ; January 1, 1899 to Jan- uary 1, 1900-E. McClure; January 1, 1900 to January 1, 1902-William McCurdy ; January 1, 1902 to January 1, 1903-John Elder; January
1, 1903 to January 1, 1904-Fred Stepp; Jan- uary 1, 1904 to January 1, 1906-S. J. Shoup ; January 1, 1906 to January 1, 1907-E. R. Paris ; January 1, 1907 to January 1, 1908-J. N. Markle; January 1, 1908 to January 1, 1909- J. M. Sheets; January 1, 1909 to January I, 1910-J. I. Walker; January 1, 1910 to January 1, 1911-J. N. Markle; January 1, 1911 to Jan- uary 1, 1912-A. Martinis; January 1, 1912 to April, 1912-W. L. Rand (died in office) ; April, 1912, to January 1, 1913-S. W. Prentis ; January 1, 1913 to January 1, 1914-J. W. Kimbrough ; January 1, 1914 to January 1, 1916 -Thomas J. Lane; January 1, 1916 to January 1, 1918-J. N. Markle; January 1, 1918 to Jan- uary 1, 1921-Fred Stepp; January 1, 1921- E. M. Robbins, who is still serving.
For more than thirty years Mr. F. G. Mc- Mechan has served as quartermaster, and Mr. W. A. Symonds as adjutant, for Alexander Sympson Post. (See last chapter.)
CHAPTER XVIII
-
FRATERNAL SOCIETIES
AND
ORGANI-
ZATIONS
ANCIENT FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS-ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR-INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS-DAUGHTERS OF REBEKAH-KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS-KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS-MODERN WOODMEN OF AMERICA-ROYAL NEIGHBORS OF AMERICA-WOODMEN OF THE WORLD-PATRIOTIC ORDER OF EAGLES-COURT OF HONOR-P. E. O. SIS- TERHOOD-DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVO- LUTION-HANCOCK COUNTY MUTUAL LIFE ASSO- CIATION-TRI-STATE COUNTIES MUTUAL LIFE ASSOCIATION.
It matters not where one goes, he will find one or more secret societies organized and working for the good of mankind. While there are numerous semi-secret orders, or lodges, their chief object being that of a mutual benefit insurance, this chapter will treat of both classes of lodges, purely secret fraternities, and the various "insurance orders," represented in Han- cock County. Fifty or a hundred years ago
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY
secret orders were little understood and those who did not belong to them had great prejudice against them. Not so today, for the people generally have come to know that these orders are intended only to promote the good of the masses of the people. The teaching of the Bible is taken largely for the standard of such orders as the Masons, Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias. Many members of these societies and lodges are believers in and doers of the words of the Master.
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