Odd Fellows visits (1868)

Post date: Mar 16, 2013 12:15:47 PM

Extract from Maidstone Telegraph of 2nd May 1868

ODDFELLOWS' Visit.—

On Monday evening last, a party of the brothers of the two odd fellows lodges held in Maidstone, paid an official visit to the Flower of Kent Lodge, held at the Queen's Head, Wateringbury. The lodge having been duly opened, Br. J. Hart, P.P.G.M., in the chair, and Br. Russell, V.G, the vice-chair,a new brother was initiated, making the lodge, although only having been opened five months, number 42 members, with fund of £25. In the course the evening, Br. Beaves, C.S., said it always gave him pleasure to see a young lodge prosper, and he was pleased to see them make a new brother that evening. He hoped the new brother would prove a credit to the order, and it was a pleasing duty to him propose his health. The toast was drank with the usual honours. Br. Gigger, secretary to the Perseverance Lodge, in the unavoidable absence of Br. Gurr, Prov. D.G.M., said he had examined the books of the lodge, and was pleased to find them perfectly satisfactorily. The business having been settled, the evening was devoted to harmony, and some pleasing songs were sung by Brs. Hutson, Barton, C. Russell, Croucher, and others. The lodge closed at ten o'clock, after which the visiting brothers partook of supper, provided the host, Br. W. Barton, and then proceeded on their way to Maidstone.

Extract from Maidstone Telegraph 12 December 1868. See also Odd Fellows 1871 for background on society.

WATERINGBURY. Odd Fellows' Visit.

—On Monday evening last the brothers of the Loyal Hand Friendship Lodge, in connection with the Manchester Unity of Odd Fellows, held at the Dog and Bear Inn, King-street, Maidstone, paid visit to the Flower of Kent Lodge of the above Order, held at the Queen's Head Inn, Wateringbury. The visitors started from Maidstone shortly after seven o'clock, and arrived at the Flower Kent Lodge soon after eight. On entering the lodge they were cordially received by the brothers present. Br. R. Russell, N.G., occupied the chair, and Br. J. Russell, A .G., the vice-chair; Br. H. Linsted acting as guardian. Br. H. Gurr proposed " Success to the Manchester Unity Lifeboat," which toast was heartily drank; after which a photograph of the boat was handed round the room for the inspection of those present. The Chairman proposed the health of the visiting brothers, which was responded to by Br. H. Gurr, who said it gave him great pleasure to meet them. He should like to have seen them meet more numerous, but he had no doubt that the unpropitious state of the weather, and the distance from the lodge that many of the members lived at, had deterred them from coming. He should like to see them make members faster, but they must bear in mind that there were many of the old share-out societies in the district. These societies were fast dying out, while the Odd Fellows were increasing; and had no doubt, if they put their shoulders to the wheel, they could get many more young members ; and if young men were to join them, was sure they would never regret having become Odd Fellows. Br. Hutson, sec., stated that the lodge had been established barely a year. They had nearly forty members, £60 in hand, and no sick members on the books. During the evening, Br. J. Hart read a humorous selection from Dickens's " Pickwick Papers." Br. H. Gurr recited some lines on "Friendship, Love, and Truth," and Brs. Bow, Russell, &c., sang some pleasing songs; and on the whole a very pleasant evening was spent. After the lodge was closed, the brothers partook of an excellent supper, provided by the host and hostess, Mr and Mrs Barton, after which the visiting brothers proceeded on their homeward journey.