ORGANIZATION OF CENTER LODGE, No. 42, CHARTER MEMBERS, ORIGINAL OFFICERS-NAME ADOPTED-CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS ADOPTED-DISTRICT DEPUTY-REPORT ON FINANCES-CHANGE PLACE OF MEETING -CONDITION OF FINANCES IN 1880-PRESENT OFFICERS-MEMBERS-AIMS, PROVINCE AND USAGES OF THE ORDER.
BRANCH of this order was organized on the 13th of November 1877, in the Red Men's Hall, in the Opera House Building, Muncie. Delaware County, Ind. The organization was perfected by Thomas Anthony, who had been duly authorized for that purpose. At that time, the following persons presented themselves for instruction, and were instructed accordingly, in the degrees of Junior, Senior and Master Workmen, preparatory to their recognition as charter members: C. H. Green, Calvin Haines, H. M. Winans, Garrett D. Leech, S. A. Haines, Sanford Bowers, Joseph Kirk, E. A. Maddy and A. J. Riley.
The preliminary requirements having been complied with, the instituting ceremonies were consummated by the election and installation of the following officers:
S. A. Haines, Past Master Workman; A. J. Riley, Master Workman; Elias A. Maddy, General Foreman; Sanford Bowers, Overseer; Calvin Haines, Guide; H. M. Winans, Recorder; G. D. Leech, Financier; C. H. Green, Receiver; Joseph Kirk, Inside Watchman; G. D. Leech, Trustee, term ending December, 1877; S. A. Haines, Trustee, term ending June, 1878; A. J. Riley, Trustee, term ending December, 1878. The officers were then duly installed, and the name, Center Lodge, No. 42, agreed upon and adopted as that by which this branch should thereafter be designated and known. On the 30th of November 1877, Charles Rodman was duly instructed in the three qualifying degrees, as before prescribed. This was the first initiation, and the subject resided at Indianapolis, Ind. He was presented by Mr. Anthony, and was the tenth member of the lodge, making the number necessary for perfecting the organization complete. At this meeting, also, a committee was appointed to prepare a constitution and by-laws for the government of the lodge, and a committee on hall. December 14, 1877, the Committee on Constitution and By-laws reported such code, which was adopted. The committee on procuring a hall reported that the "Red Men's" Hall had been secured as a suitable place in which to meet. On the 28th of December, 1877, P. M., W. S. A. Haines reported that he had received his commission as District Deputy of this jurisdiction, also a dispensation for a charter for this lodge.
The Committee on Finance, at the meeting of March 8, 1878, made the following report, in conformity with the regulations of the order for the term ending at that date, to wit:
Received for initiation fees $70.50
Received as dues, up to December, 1877 3.00
Received from donation of delegates to Grand Lodge 5.00
Received from donation of Medical Examiner G. D. Leach 2.95
Received on first death assessment 8.45
Received on return from instituting officers 3.00
Total receipts $92.90
On the lst of April 1879, the meeting-place was changed from the old quarters to the room occupied by the Red Men-both lodges moving about the same time-to the room now used as a hall, over Adamson & Goddard's store. The following are the present officers:
William H. Wood, Master Workman; D. C. Mitchell, Foreman; Calvin Haines, Overseer; Charles H. Green, Receiver; J. W. Perkins, Recorder; J. C. Wood, Financier; George Cummings, Guide. On the 6th of July 1880, the Recorder was directed to return the dispensation and secure a charter for the lodge. The following report represents the condition of the finances of the order, for the term commencing June 30, 1880:
Dues collected $56.98
Order on Grand Lodge 12.00
Clearance Card .50
Total $69.48
Receipt of Receiver 71.24
Assessments on Relief Fund collected 263.00
Disbursements:
Assessment Fund $264.00
Balance in that fund $56.65
By order of Lodge on Dues Fund $70.65
Balance in that fund 41.40
Total amount in treasury $98.05
Assessments due $36.00
Dues due 25.71
Total $61.71
Overpaid on dues $2.10
Overpaid on assessments 1.00
Total 33.10
There are about twenty-thee members in the lodge, and the maximum insurance, $2,000. The membership is unlimited in this lodge, and the insurance is limited to $2,000.
The following is a statement of the principles, objects and aims of the institution:
"Without regard to nationality, political opinions or denominational distinctions or preferences, but believing in the existence of a God, the Creator and Preserver of the universe, and recognizing, as a fundamental principle, that usefulness to ourselves and others is a duty which should be the constant aim and care of all, the following are submitted as the aims and purposes of the Ancient Order of United Workmen:
1st, To embrace and give equal protection to all classes and kinds of labor, mental and physical; to strive earnestly to improve the moral, intellectual and social conditions of its members; to endeavor, by whole-some precepts, fraternal admonitions and substantial aid, to inspire a due appreciation of the stern realities and responsibilities of life.
2d, To create a fund for the benefit of its members during sickness or other disability, and, in case of death, to pay a sum to such person or persons as may be designated by each member, thus enabling him to guarantee his family against want.
3d, the adoption of such secret work and means of recognition as will insure the protection of its members wherever the order may exist.
4th, To hold lectures, read essays, discuss new inventions and improvements, encourage research in art, science and literature, and, when practicable, maintain a library for the improvement of its members."
With these noble aims and purposes in view, although it has been but six years since the first Supreme Lodge of A. O. U. W. was instituted, there are now subordinate lodges in seventeen States, and grand lodges in fourteen States of the Union, with a membership of about sixty thousand, and there has already been paid to the heirs and assigns of deceased brothers over $1,000,000.
The order maintains that it offers superior inducements to the uninsured; also, to those wishing more insurance, for the following reasons: It assures weekly sick benefits, with a positive guarantee of $2,000, to the heirs of a deceased brother, and securing to his dependents this handsome legacy without the delay of some ninety days or six months, and the deduction of an exorbitant attorney fee, or, perhaps, a tedious litigation upon some obscure provision in the policy, which is liable to cause forfeiture of the insurance. To the payment of this legacy the order is individually and collectively bound. It officiates at the bedside of a sick brother, and pledges itself to the mutual encouragement and assistance of a brother and his family in every earthly misfortune; and, while it is true that the initiatory ceremonies take place within guarded doors, and that wholesome obligations are then and there administered, it is not a cabal of crafty, evil-disposed persons, who hold clandestine meetings for unworthy purposes, but, on the contrary, being thoroughly democratic in all of its parts, and humane in its purposes, it is becoming-universally popular, and, when it is judged by the only true criterion that can be applied to a fraternal body, it challenges comparison with any and all other charitable enterprises, noble and effective as we may admit them to be; and, while its general plan of protection is business, in theory and practice, it has a distinctive social the members in one common bond of sympathy and fraternal allegiance, permitting no interference with either religion or politics.
The assessments call for but $1.00 at a time, and are so interspersed through the different months of the year as to render the payment thereof no hardship to a member in the most humble financial circumstances. Each member has a voice in conducting the affairs of the brotherhood, and poor or rich are all on the same basis of human equality. The restrictions as to membership are the full age of twenty-one years, and not over fifty; good moral character and sound bodily health; each applicant must pass a rigid and complete medical examination before he can have a degree conferred. Initiation fee, after the institution of a lodge, is $10.05 for each applicant. The lodge dues cannot be less than 7 cents per week. The cost of carrying the insurance benefit of $2,000 has been proved, by actual tests of former years, to be less than 4 cents a day, or an average of $13 each year. (Pages 185-186)
LADIES' BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.
This Society, though not one of the secret orders known as benevolent, is one of the strictly charitable institutions of the city, and as such is entitled to especial consideration, because of the bestowals of the necessaries of life to many of our people, unable, from their own exertions, to keep starvation from their door--not from considerations of pecuniary return, but from motives of highest Christian duty. With this ideal for their guide, the ladies of Muncie met at the residence of Mrs. Fred E. Putnam on Thursday evening, October 7, 1875, and organized the Ladies' Benevolent Society. The officers elected at that itme were: Mrs. J. A. Goddard, President; Mrs. J. A. Husted, Vice President: Mrs. John Marsh, tresurer; and Mrs. Geo. A. Beattie, Secretary.
The following by-laws were adoped for the government of the society, being only those most fully presenting the names, purpose and sphere of this association:
ARTICLE 1. The society shall be called the Benevolent Society of Muncie.
ARTICLE 2. Its object shall be to aid the poor and needy of our city, and temporarily relieve the wants of the widow and orphan, and destitute mothers and children, whose husbands and father, from sickness or other causes, have not provided the necessaries of life.
ARTICLE 3. All are earnestly requested to unite in this work of relieving the wants of the needy and thus together we may do a little for the cause of humanity.
That the objects of this society were met by a fair response from the humane and the charitably disposed of our city, the following abstract of a report presented by the proper officers will give the reader a substantial retrpspect of what was accomplised in the earlier day of its existence, and offer an inducement for the further exercise of that spirit of genuine benevolence which actuated the prime mover in the project:
Balance in treasury from last year......$10.50
Citizens' donation, Thanksgiving Day...19.00
Other donations....................................1.10
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Total.................................................$30.61
Donations of from fifty to seventy-five pounds of meat per month was received from George Kirby & Cox, and appropriated to this purpose.
The society continued its usefulness for about four year, making at times a financial showing much in excess of figures given above, but was finally succeeded by another benevolent societies, which have proven no less useful.
THE HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY OF MUNCIE
On the morning of Sunday, december 28, 1870, a few gentlemen met, by chance, at the store of Frank Leon, on West Main street. Chritmas had just passed, and the memory of its festive scenes was still fresh in the minds of these gentlemen, who were, repectively, Charles W. Kilgore, Frank Leon, Dr. M. James, A. A. Milligan and William Kissel. The season seemed auspicious for the contemplation of the difference between theri own condition and that of other less favored, and the propriety of devising, if possible, some means for the relief of the later. The conversation may have turned upon this point; but, be that as it may, we must regard Mr. Leon as the prime mover and the originator of a practical plan for the consummation of the object aimed at. He said: "Gentlemen, If I can have a second to my action, I propose that a home missionary society be now organized, for the relief of our poor people, and I subscribe $5 to start it." The object was too commendable to require any time for consideration, and every gentleman in the company followed his lead, with an equal amount of cash, except Mr. Milligan, who subscribed $25. The plan originted with the right men. They meant it should succeed, and nothing short of absolute success would satisfy them. Enthusiasm was aroused, and their hearts warmed with the consciousness of a good deed. Others dropped into the store as the morning advanced, and to each the plan was mentioned, receiving their hearty approval and co-operation, so that, within ten minutes, $80 had been collected. No constitution or articles of association were adopted, but, by a majority vote of the gentlemen present, Charles W. Kilgorewas elected President; Frank Leon, Vice President; William Kissel, Treasurer; and Dr. M. James, Secretary. A committee was then appointed, consisting of two gentlemen for each ward of the city, to canvass their respective wards for aid in the good work.
Contributions in cash and produce flowed in freely, amounting, before January 1, 1880, to between $600 and $700. Whatever Christmas Day may have been, New Year's Day was a season long to be remembered by the poor of Muncie; for on that day was spread for them, at the City Building, a feast to which their eyes were unaccustomed, while a band of music heralded the glad tidings to their ears.
Clothing, provisions and other bounties awaited them at the Council Chamber, and, as the needs of each were supplied, the goods were taken to their respective places of abode by express wagons employed for the purpose. Many a heart swelled with gratitude, and many a hard thought turned to a blessing upon the noble hearts that had planned and executed a thing to them so rare, while the generous donors were more than repaid by witnessing the happiness, the gratitude, of those they had befriended.
After this donation, the society still had on hand a balance of $134.16, which was held in reserve for its legitimate uses. The Missionary Sunday School, originated by Mrs. M. C. Smith and Mrs. T. F. Riley, may be regarded as an outgrowth of this society, and an important adjunct to its workings.
About two months after the organization of the society, Mr. Leon was unanimously chosen as its General Manager, in which capacity he still continues to act. It is the most important and practical benevolent in the county, and its perpetuity seems assured. At a union meeting, held at the Presbyterian Church on Thanksgiving Day, 1880, a contribution amounting to $40.58, was made in its behalf, and private donations are numerous.
The officers of the society at this time are: E. Maddy, President; S. S. Rodman, Vice President; Frank Leon, Treasurer; A. W. Clancy, Secretary. (Page 187)
ROYAL ARCANUM
FRATERNAL COUNCIL. NO. 362--DATE OF ORGANIZATION--EARLY MEMBERS--PETITION FOR CHARTER--FIRST OFFICERS--SUBSEQUENT OFFICERS--PROCEEDINGS.
On the 30th day of July, 1879, fraternal Council, No. 362, was organized by Alfred Terry, Deputy Supreme regent. the petition for charter was signed by the following person; G. W. H. Kemper, Thomas H. Kirby, Samuel H. Spooner, Albert E. Lyman, Webster S. Richey, William L. Lacey, Nathaniel F. Leager, Leonidas M. Neely, Stephen B. Streeter, John A. Dwyer, George S. Bartlett, John w. Garner, Albert N. Shuttleworth, William A. Hoyt, Samuel Gibson, William L. Little, James L. Whip, Frank M. Horner, Samuel B. Cosner, James E. Howe, Oscar L. Meeks, George E. Dungan, George F. Leager, George H. Andrews and Elias A. Maddy. the following officers were elected:
W. A. Hoyt, Regent; John W. Garner, Vice Regent; W. S. Richey, Past Regent; William L. Little, Secretary; A. E. Lyman, Collector; S. H. Spooner, Chaplain; J. L. Whippo, Treasurer; L. M. Neely, Guide; O. L. Meeks, Waden; George F. Leager, Sentry; George H. Andrews, George S. Bartlett and Frank M. Horner, Trustees.
William A. Hoyt occupied the office of regent utnil January 26, 1881, when the following officers were installed:
John W. Garner, Regent; W. L. Lacey, Vice Regent; W. A. Hoyt, Past Regent; D. W. Stuart, Orator; George S. Bartlett, Secretary; J. L. Whippo, Collector; Thomas H. Kirby, Treasurer; W. A. Miller, Chaplain; S. B. Streeter, Guide; W. S. Richey, Warden; N. F. Lenger, Sentry; Representative, W. A. Hoyt; Alternate Representative, W. S. Richey; Trustees, W. S. Richey, George H. Andrews and S. H. Spooner.
The meetings are held on the second and fourth Wednesday evenings of each month, in the Knights of Pythias Hall. Five new members have been added since the organization, and all the old ones remain. (Page 187)
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