the subject matter, and has received a large number of books whicli
they have placed in the Homes. One of the means suggested of ex-
panding the libraries and thereby increasing their value and useful-
ness is, that each Representative and Past Grand attending the next
Grand Lodge Session, and each delegate and Past Noble Grand attend-
ing the next session of the Rebekah Assembly bring two books, one for
the Old Folks' Home and one for the Orphans' Home. These books
are to be delivered to the Library Committee, who will have head-
quarters either at the Grand Secretary's office or at the State House,
due notice of which will appear in the Grand Secretary's announcement
of the Session. The books should be clean, well-bound and of an
elevating character. They need not necessarily be new books. TSere
will be no objection to receiving duplicate copies. The Library Com-
mittee will reserve the right to examine all books, and to reject any
such as are deemed to be unworthy.
The Library Committee further suggests that Lodges having mem-
bers in the Old Folks' Home, be requested to place such members on
the regular subscription list of some newspaper published at the place
where such member formerly resided. Observation has taught us that
of all the reading matter which reaches the Home, the "Home Paper"
is the one which is the most eageny expected and enjoyed.
A little thought and a minimum of expense for a few years will
build up splendid libraries in both of these Homes. The amount of
good which they will accomplish is incalculable. Will you not all con-
tribute something to this worthy cause?
Yours very fraternally.
Attest: I Fred B. Meeeills,
Jno. H. Sikes, Grand Master.
Grand Secretary.
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
The stability and usefulness of our Order will always depend in a
very large measure upon the ability of the Grand Lodge to meet its
financial obligations. Our method of doing business for years past has
been such that the Committee on Finance is more than an auditing
committee. In addition to auditing the books and accounts of those
Grand Lodge Officers and employes who receive and pay out funds, this
committee has served in the capacity of a "Ways and Means" Com-
mittee, and as such takes the initiative in providing the necessary
Nov^l9?967. !" GRAXD LODGE OF ILLIXOIS, I.O.O.F. 73
revenues, and making a proper adjustment between our receipts and
disbursements. If these duties are neglected, or are thoughtlessly or
inaccurately performed, disaster would necessarily result. I think
the practice in the past of continuing old members of the Finance
Committee in service so far as is practicable, is to be commended. I
desire especially to commend the present Committee on Finance, and to
thank them for their patient and efficient work. This Committee has
presented to me the following reports, which are self-explanatory, and
which I herewith transmit for your consideration:
First Report by Brother James Ewing Davis of No. 450.
To the Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois, Independent Order of Odd
Felloios:
Your Committee on Finance would respectfully report that they
met in the office of the Grand Secretary on the 15th day of May, A. D.
1907, and made a careful inventory of the stock of supplies and fixtures
on hand, and for a detailed statement of the receipts and disburse-
ments as well as an inventory, see Grand Secretary's Report.
Your committee checked up the offices and found the business con-
ducted in a very efficient manner and the funds and property of the
Grand Lodge duly and properly accounted for. The receipts of the
offices for the six months ending April 30, 1907, were as follows:
Aged Odd Fellows' Fund $ 100.85
Orphans' Home Account 1,365.78
Sale of Supplies 3,375.30
Old Folks' Home Account 4.429.87
Old Folks' Endowment Account 7,265.32
Orphans' Home Endowment Account 7,411.01
Capitation Tax 34,934.20
Total Receipts $ 58,882.33
All of which has been remitted to the Grand Treasurer, Thomas
B. Needles, and his receipts therefor are on file with the Grand
Secretary.
The disbursements from November 1, 1906, to May 1, 1907, were
as follows:
Orphans' Home $ 12,141.06
Old Folks' Home 8,877.94
Ebert Fund 2.58
Bills allowed by Grand Lodge and Grand Master 439.52
Officers' Reports 414.00
Investment of Endowment Funds 15,000.00
Daily Journal 148.05
Annual Journal of Proceedings 940.10
Sovereign Grand Lodge Tax 150.00
74 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. -i Nov^f9^i^o7
Stationery for G. L., Circular Letters, etc 254.94
S. G. L. Supplies 2,361.50
Special Deputies 43.23
Expense of Committees 527.33
Grand Master's Salary 600.00
Grand Master's Stenographer 300.00
Grand Master's Office Expense 286.69
Special Relief 225.00
Grand Secretary's Salary 999.96
Grand Secretary's Clerk and Stenographer 690.00
Grand Secretary's Office Expense 1,450.40
Total ? 45,852.30
We have also examined and audited the bills for current and con-
tingent expenses of the Grand Secretary's Office for the six months
ending April 30, 1907, amounting to the sum of $1,450.40. "We found
that the same is a necessary expenditure and that proper bills and
receipts are on file and we recommend that the Secretary's bill there-
for be allowed.
The profit on the first six months' business, from November 1, 1906,
to April 30, 1907, on supplies was $1,216.77.
The following Lodges were delinquent both in the matter of cap-
itation tax and reports, May 1, 1907:
8, 14, 26, 29, 61, 64, 66, 77, 84, 105, 107, 122, 149, 156, 168,
175, 183, 187, 216, 239, 242, 252, 275, 283, 284, 317, 335, 359, 363,
367, 373, 399, 401, 405, 414, 436, 468, 475, 476, 490, 502, 503, 507,
516, 522, 533, 537, 550, 561, 569, 587, 590, 591, 592, 594, 617, 620,
654, 661, 662, 680, 682, 687, 693, 694, 696, 700, 701, 704, 707, 708,
709, 711, 713, 736, 737, 765, 767, 774, 779, 802, 804, 805, 811, 814,
822, 834, 843, 846, 849, 851. 854, 856, 858, 860, 881, 882, 897, 899,
907, 921, 923.
The following Lodges were delinquent in their annual reports
May 1, 1907:
71, 117, 226, 288, 315, 381, 448, 493, 576, 688, 745, 824.
The following Lodges were delinquent in their semi-annual reports
May 1, 1907:
511, 586, 733, 738, 812.
The following Lodges were short in their remittances May 1, 1907:
234ā 45c; 450ā 45c; 461ā 80c; 520ā 90c; 562ā 45c; 609ā 10c; 725ā
45c; 876ā 50c; 931ā 90c.
The following Lodges which were delinquent November 1, 1906,
are still delinquent:
168, 187, 317, 367, 802, 854.
rTv^iq^iĀ«>7 [ GRAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS, I.O.O.F. 75
Nov. 19, 1907
The following Lodges which were delinquent May 1, 1906, are
still delinquent:
168, 317, 367, 586, 802, 854, 882.
We are very much gratified to report that the receipts for the six
months ending April 30, 1907, amounting to the sum of $58,882.33 were
the largest in the history of the Order.
Fraternally submitted.
James Ewing Davis,
Cicero J. Lindly,
Geoeqe F. Koestek.
Second Report by Brother George F. Koester of No. 601.
To the Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois, I.O.O.F.:
Your Committee on Finance would respectfully report as follows:
We visited the Old Folks' Home at Mattoon on Wednesday, October
2, 1907, and met with the Board of Trustees of the Home and audited
their books and accounts from October 10, 1906, to date and find the
same correct.
We find the receipts as follows:
Balance on hand (last year) | 6,247.00
Received by Grand Secretary (last year) 63.17
Grand Lodge Appropriations 21,350.00
Receipts from other sources 6,920.64
Total $ 34,580.81
Disbursements as follows:
Account Maintenance $ 16,607.91
Account Barn (Building) Fund 3,600.00
Account Heating Plant Fund 3,220.40
Account Repair Fund 27.50
Account H. Bbert Fund 22.48
Account Cemetery Fund 24.00
Total 23,502.29
Balance on hand $ 11,078.52
Balance on hand made up as follows:
Maintenance $ 6,996.95
Barn Building Fund 420.00
Heating Plant Fund 1,779.60
Repair Fund 724.59
Elevator Fund 744.44
Heating Fund 100.00
Well Fund 150.00
Henry Ebert Fund 31.29
Cemetery Fund 131.65
$ 11,078.52
T6 JOUKNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. ] Nov^^9^19(J7
We find that the meetings of the Board have been held regularly
and were well attended and the affairs of the Home conducted in a
businesslike manner, also the books are kept in a very satisfactory
and creditable manner.
During the past year the Board has had a new brick barn erected
and had such portion of the old frame barn moved as was worth while
and which is now being used as an implement barn. They are also
erecting the central heating plant, which is now nearly completed.
Both of these buildings have been a necessity for some time and \^11
meet the requirements of the Home probably for all time to come.
The Home is now taxed to its full capacity, as we now have 79
members, 64 brothers and 15 sisters with two (2) applications on file.
The question of funds for an additional building should therefore be
considered by the Grand Lodge.
On account of the lack of room in the main building, the help
has been compelled to find quarters in the little frame cottage which,
therefore, needs remodeling to meet these requirements so as to be
able to keep good and reliable help.
The Superintendent now has on file a full and complete inventory
of the personal property belonging to the Home. This is in accordance
with our request.
Fraternally submitted.
Geokge F. Koester.
James Ewing Davis.
CiCEEO J. LiNDLT.
Chicago, 111., October 21, 1907.
Third Report by Brother Cicero J. Lindly, P. G. M. No. 3.
To the Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois, I.O.O.F-.:
Your Committee on Finance would respectfully report that they
met in the office of the Grand Secretary on the 5th day of November,
A. D. 1907, and made a careful inventory of the stock of supplies and
fixtures on hand, and have made a detailed statement of receipts and
disbursements as well as an inventory. (See Grand Secretary's report.)
Your Committee checked up the office and found the business con-
ducted in a very satisfactory manner and the funds and property of
the Grand Lodge duly and properly accounted for.
The office receipts for the six months ending October 31, 1907, were
as follows:
Aged Odd Fellows' Fund $ 121.71
Donations to Orphans' Home 717.75
Orphans' Home Endowment Account 784.59
Donations to Old Folks' Home 2,490.77
Old Folks' Home Endowment Account 1,178.66
Sale of supplies and profit on new Charters 2,275.60
nv^iQ^iqOT \ GRAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS, I.O.O.F. 77
Nov. 19,1907
Capitation Tax ; 37,266.90
Orphans' Home Excursion 16.50
Interest from Grand Treasurer 145.45
Total I 44,997.93
All of which has been remitted to Grand Treasurer Thomas B.
Needles, and his receipts therefor are on file with the Grand Secretary.
The disbursements from May 1 to October 31, were as follows:
Old Folks' Home $ 14,621.77
Orphans' Home 11,194.38
Grand Master's salary 600.00
Grand Master's stenographer 300.00
Grand Master's oflBce expenditure 175.65
Grand Secretary's salary 1,000.04
Grand Secretary's oflBce expenditure 768.20
Grand Secretary's clerk and stenographer 690.00
Stationery G. L. ā circular letters, etc 221.88
Special Relief 465.00
S. G. L. supplies 1,646.50
Special Deputies 267.81
Expense of Committees 275.28
Bonds, Real Estate, Mortgages, Endowment Account 3,100.00
Orphans' Home Excursion 300.00
Profit on Rebekah Charters 360.00
T. B. Needles, Grand Treasurer, salary 100.00
Total $ 36,086.51
The profit on the second six months business, from May 1, 1907
to November 1, 1907, on supplies, was $887.52. We have examined and
audited the bills for current and contingent expenses of the Grand
Secretary's ofiice for the six months ending November 1, 1907, amount-
ing to $768.20, and find the same proper and necessary expenditures.
"We find regular vouchers for same on file in the Secretary's oflSce and
recommend that the Secretary's bill therefor be allowed.
The following Lodges were delinquent both in the matter of capita-
tion tax and reports, November 1, 1907:
2, 7, 17, 29, 53, 72, 78, 115, 125, 148, 149, 150, 156, 168,
175, 181, 207, 227, 257, 269, 317, 318, 326, 351, 363, 367, 379, 387,
399, 414, 422, 424, 425, 427, 444, 481, 486, 490, 503, 507, 537, 551,
561, 591, 596, 597, 631, 645, 654, 662, 676, 681, 685, 701, 705, 707,
724, 736, 737, 753, 765, 772, 800, 803, 810, 811, 821, 822, 836, 849,
851, 854, 855, 856, 857, 882, 907, 917, 923.
78 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. ] nIv.^? 19()7
The following Lodges are delinquent in their semi-annual reports
on November 1, 1907:
11, 63, 71, 83, 87, 254, 284, 372, 388, 520, 616, 642, 648, 747, 806, 899.
The following Lodges were short in their remittance on November
1, 1907: 103ā $1.00; 132ā 5c; 220ā 45c; 673ā $1.80; 797ā 50c.
The following which were delinquent in matter of capitation fax
and report on May 1, 1907 are still delinquent:
317, 367, 591, 654, 737, 851, 854, 882, 907.
The following are still delinquent in reports due May 1, 1907: 149,
563, 704.
The following are still delinquent in annual reports due May 1,
1907: 381, 493, 576, 745, 811.
The following are still delinquent in the semi-annual reports due
May 1, 1907: 511, 586, 812.
The following Lodges short in remittance on May 1, 1907 are still
short: 520ā 90c; 609ā 10c; 725ā 45c; 931ā 90c.
The following Lodges which were delinquent November 1, 1906 are
still delinquent: 317, 367, 854.
The following Lodges which were delinquent May 1, 1906 are still
delinquent: 317, 367, 586, 854, 882.
Fraternally submitted.
Cicero J. Lindlt,
George F. Koestek,
James Ewing Davis.
Fourth Report by Brother James Ewing Davis of No. 450.
To the Orand Lodge of the State of Illinois, I.O.O.F.:
' Your Committee on Finance would respectfully report as follows:
We visited the Orphans' Home at Lincoln on Wednesday, Novem-
ber 6, 1907, and there met with the Grand Master, Board of Trustees
and Advisory Board.
We find the general condition of the Home to be good and its busi-
ness transacted in a very satisfactory manner. A new system of
books has been installed at the Home for which we wish to com-
mend the Secretary of the Board and also wish to commend the Board
of Trustees and Superintendent for the manner in which they have
conducted the affairs entrusted to them. An inventory of the per-
sonal effects has been made as requested.
An implement shed has been erected to protect the farm imple-
ments, etc. In much of this work the older boys at the Home assisted.
Nm-^19^1967 I" GRAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS, I.O.O.F. 79
Considerable improvement has been made in the general condition of
the grounds surrounding the barn and stock sheds.
We are pleased to announce that the Rebekahs have started the
foundation for a domestic science school at the Home which will in-
struct the girls in cooking, etc., thereby better equipping them to cope
with the requirements of the day when they leave the Home.
We find the necessity of a central heating plant and recommend
that their request for an appropriation, which was made by the Board
last year with that end in view, be complied with.
There are at present 126 children at the Home, 75 boys and 51 girls,
with 14 additional applications, 11 girls and 3 boys, which have been
approved. This will make the total enrollment 140, 78 boys and
62 girls.
We find the receipts and disbursements to be as follows:
Receipts.
Cash balance on hand $ 5,338.30
Grand Lodge Appropriation,
Maintenance $ 17,000.00
Repairs 4,000.00
~ 21,000.00
Donation, collections and farm 2,083.53
$ 28,421.83
Disbursements.
Disbursements as per vouchers 23,335.44
Balance in hands of Grand Treasurer $ 5,086.39
Balance made up as follows:
Maintenance $ 1,757.68
Repairs 3,328.71
I 5,086.39
Dr. Lucas, the Superintendent of the Home, has turned over to the
Endowment Fund of the Home during the last year, $230.00 for lectures
delivered by him, also $16.50 received from Orphans' Home excursions.
Fraternally submitted.
James Ewing Davis,
Cicero J. Lindly,
George F. Koesteb.
Committee.
OFFICIAL EXAMINERS AND INSTRUCTORS.
The Chief of Examiners and Instructors and his Assistant have re-
ported quite a number of brethren who have qualified to be appointed
80 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. { Nov"^f9'l907
in the capacity either of Official Examiner and Instructor, or Official
Instructor only. The unwritten work may in some respects be con-
sidered as dry and uninteresting. If this be granted the large number
who have qualified for these appointments is only another evidence of
the enthusiasm possessed by so many of our members.
The list here published does not contain the names of all the
brethren who are qualified Instructors in the unwritten work. It only
purports to contain the names of those who have passed examinations
and been commissioned during this administration. I have no doubt
that there are many hundred in this jurisdiction who are equally well
qualified.
I have the following reports from the Chief of Examiners and
Instructors, and his Assistant:
"Jerseyvh-le, III., October 22, 1907.
Hon. Fred B. Merrills,
Grand Master, I.O.O.F.,
Belleville, 111.
Dear Grand Master ā Conformably to the requirements of law as
Chief of Examiners and Instructors, I have the honor to make the fol-
lowing report for the year:
With Henry A. Stone, P.G.M., as Assistant Chief, I held a school
of instruction on the Monday preceding the Session of the Grand
Lodge, at Springfield, in November, 1906. Such school being held for
the purpose of verifying the work of those holding commissions for the
previous year, and to secure qualified brothers to examine applicants for
appointment during the Grand Lodge Session.
From all of those examined then and during the Session, and im-
mediately subsequent thereto, I sent you a list on the 22d day of Decem-
ber, of all qualified, and recommended to you their appointment as
Examiners and Instructors ā and for Official Instructors. I suppose
you appointed all of these, and as their names are in your possession
and as well contained in the Journal of the Grand Lodge for 1906, I
need not repeat them again.
Since the Session of 1906, I have sent you from time to time, the
names of additional qualified brothers who have been examined by
me, and reported to me as being proficient, by other Examiners and
Instructors ā as you will no doubt include all these names in your
report, it seems unnecessary for me to give them here and thus dupli-
cate the lists in the Grand Lodge Journal of the coming session.
The only school at which I have been present was that on the
Monday preceding the Grand Lodge Session in November, 1906.
While there are many Lodges that do not have the work correct,
the great majority do, and Illinois still maintains its position in the
front rank in general knowledge of the unwritten work, most of the
ov^iq^iQO? f GRAXD LODGE OF ILLINOIS^ I.O.O.F. 81
Nov. 19,1907. f
Lodges having one, two, or three members who have the unwritten
work perfect. As there are qualified brothers appointed by you as
Official Examiners and Instructors in all sections of the State, there
is no reason why .all Lodges should not secure the services of an
Instructor and secure a knowledge of this work so as to insure entire
uniformity.
All Examiners and Instructors are ready and willing to visit
Lodges and give them instructions on very reasonable terms; in a
majority of cases these may be had for the necessary expenses of the
Instructor.
Lodges that do not know the unwritten work, should be urged
to at once secure the attendance of a capable Instructor and learn the
work. I regret to have to report that only in this month one of the'
faithful, earnest, capable Instructors, Eugene W. Stevens of Monmouth,
died early in the present month, at his home, after a lingering illness
resulting from a stroke of paralysis.
I thank you for my appointment and congratulate you for the suc-
cessful results of your term as Grand Master.
With high regard, I am.
Truly and fraternally,
W. E. Carlin, p. G. R.,
Chief of Examiners and Instructors."
REPORT OF ASSISTANT CHIEF EXAMINER AND INSTRUCTOR.
"Aurora, III., October 15, 1907,
Hon. Fred B. Merrills,
Grand Master, I.O.O.F.,
Belleville, 111.
Dear Grand Master ā Another year's mile-stone has passed, and
the time has come to again render to the Grand Master my Official
acts, as Assistant Examiner and Instructor for the I.O.O.F. of Illinois.
This being my 19th Annual Report as Instructor in our great
Jurisdiction, I am pleased to say that the Campaigns of Education in
our Order have been so crowned with success that there seems but
little for the Chief and Assistant Chief now to report. Nearly every
town or city where a good live Lodge is located, there you will find a
brother or brothers well qualified to teach and drill the recruits, so
that the regular Schools of Instruction are few. The only school in
which I have been in attendance this year, was the Annual School
held in Springfield, on Monday, P. M., November 19, 1906, which was not
so much a School of Instruction as an examination of the applicants for
commissions for the year to be appointed by you.
At this School I assisted my worthy Chief, Brother Walter E.
Carlin, P. G. R. at this meeting and during the Grand Lodge Session.
83 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. ] Not ^9^ 1907
The following Brothers have been examined in the unwritten work
and reported to be commissioned, to-wit:
Official Examiners and Instructors.
Sam. J. Baker, P. G. R Olney
Dr. J. R. Kewley P. G. M., 3115 Wabash Avenue Chicago
Vinton Garrett Atwood
A. A. Wilmarth Aurora
C. W. Rudisill Arcadia
Charles D. Baughman Bushnell
Samuel B. Adams Castleton
C. M. Eagleton Champaign
Theo. R. Cook, 1346 Roscoe Street Chicago
Richard Vanderlinden, 154 West 116th Street Chicago
W. L. Ford, 11593 Indiana Avenue Chicago
A. G. Matson, 1137 West Taylor Street Chicago
James W. Edwards Danville
A. J. Mourer Eureka
John Carstensen Erie
I. G. Wise Freeport
Thos. Hollehan Mansfield
Eugene W. Stevens Monmouth
A. Durham Omfeha
James J. Murphy Ottawa
J. J. Lyell Wayne City
U. A. Noble Windsor
W. W. Jeck Flora
Luman A. Williams Ottawa
C. M. Turner Cambridge
T. H. Thompson Kankakee
H. T. Pemberton Rushville
C. A. Hurd Marseilles
L. P. Larson DeKalb
A. A. Tice Marseilles
Official Instructors.
C. G. Stovall Atwood
U. S. Garrett ^ Atwood
Frank S. Taylor Aurora
E. L. Trescott Ashkum
Henry Clarke Bloomington
J. W. Anderson Cambridge
John Renstrom Cambridge
Thomas C. Jansen, 1019 California Avenue Chicago
rT!v^iq%7 \ GRAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS, I.O.O.F. 83
Nov. 19,1907
S. A. W. Lundbeck Chicago
Henry Hoeft, 211 West 117th Street Chicago
Jacob H. Bauer Decatur
John H. Shelton East St. Louis
John Kewish Galva
A. H. Gardner Girard
John Augustine Joliet
O. E. Tandy Jacksonville
A. M. Jenkins Lacon
Bernard Kornmeyer Lockport
J. J. McDermett Smithfield
H. R. Smith Metropolis
S. W. Jones Mt. Carmel
Chas. H. Johnson Polo
A. B. Chesebro Saunemin
F. H. Stevenson Tuscola
Chauncey Hunt Tuscola
George Coley Tuscola
Edward Turner Waverly
H. C. Willeman Wayne City
R. B. Butler Wayne City
James Kinney Toulon
Lee W. Strohmeyer Ottawa
Earl Hance Rockf ord
Emil G. Wilson Rockf ord
F. W. Hogue Marseilles
0. L. Paulus Dewey
Of the foregoing list. Brother Carlin and myself desire you to re-
port to us all who have not complied with the law, by making report
to you, so that we may be informed not later than November 18, 1907,
on which date our next School of Instruction and Examination will
be held, as announced by Brother Carlin.
I desire to thank you for the appointment, and congratulate you
on your work as Grand Master during 1907.
Fraternally submitted.
Henby a. Stone,
Asst. Chief Examiner and Instructor.
But the Sisters of the Rebekah Lodges excel in this as well as in
some other departments of the work of the Order. The very large
number of Sisters who have been examined and commissioned, fur-
nishes evidence of this fact. Sister Nellie L. Harris, P. P., has handed
me the following report of her labors, as Chief of Examiners and In-
structors of the Rebekah Degree. I cannot commend too highly the
efficient work which this worthy Sister has done. Her work and per-
84 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS, ā { ^Iv ^^'^igo
sonality has had a helpful influence upon not only the Rebekah branch
of the Order, but upon every department of the Order. Following her