Souvenir Commemorating the Dedication of the Odd Fellows Temple, Philadelphia, May 21, 1895 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1895 Excerpt: ...for good will come, before which even he would stand amazed. God grant that he may be spared to see some measure of the fruits of his planting In the further development of this side of the Order's work, it might be well to consider for a moment the subject of funeral or death benefits, by which I mean every instrumentality by which the Order or its associate institutions undertake to provide a fund for the use of the family of an Odd Fellow & MRS. THOMAS BEACH. upon his death. In our early history there was little or no provision in this direction; but of late years, attention has been directed to it by the growing demand for it, and by the means that have been devised to meet that demand. The Order itself has as yet done little in this direction, and, in my opinion, has wisely refrained from entering into the work beyond the providing of a small sum for immediate needs. Mutual independent associations, however, have sprung up among the membership to such an extent that now their aggregate annual disbursements to the families of Odd Fellows almost equal the disbursements of the Order itself. Grave danger and risk of loss and disappointment doubtless exist in this respect, and the legislative bodies of the Order have of late been frequently called upon to control, curb, and direct this work in some degree, without assuming undue responsibility for it. Whether the efforts in this direction have been wise, only the future can determine. It is safe to assume, however, that whatever may result to these associations, the Order at least will have the benefit of their statistical experience, and that from it there may eventually be evolved a system as complete, safe, and reliable as our perfected plan of dues and benefits. I believe that most of us will live ...