, I94

Before closing this article, it is proper that I should refer to those of the brethren who have attained to prominent positions in the Grand Lodge and Grand Encamp- ment, with some of the important events in which they took part. First among these I would mention Benjamin Bremner, who be- came grand master in 1884 and was grand representative to the Sovereign Grand Lodge in the years 1883, 1884, 1888. 1889, 1890 and 1891. Mr. Bremner has been an enthusiastic Odd Fellow and is entitled to the credit of organizing and training the members in the work of conferring the de- grees in a beautiful, systematic and dignified manner. Through his efforts a union de- gree team was formed which exemplified the initiatory and three subordinate degrees before the Grand Lodge at its session in Charlottetown in 1889, the result of which was far reaching in its effect and created an impetus for improved work throughout the entire jurisdiction. Mr. Bremner was also instrumental in the formation of the Grand Encampment of the Maritime Prov— inces, which was instituted by him on the 9th of August, 1892, during the session of the Grand Lodge at Summerside.

Theophilus L. Chappelle became an Odd Fellow in June 19, 1871, and was elected grand master in 1890. He was always a good attendant at the lodge meetings and took a very active interest in promoting the welfare of the lodge, always ready and will— ing for any and every duty which came in his way. During his term of office as grand master the order in this jurisdiction had one of the most prosperous years in its history; three new subordinate lodges and one Re- bekah lodge were added to the roll, the net increase in membership being 425. Brother Chappelle’s many good qualities will long be remembered by the brothers.

PAST AND PRESENT OF

T. B. Grady, of Summerside, has ever been the backbone of Prince Edward Lodge; he succeeded to the chair of grand master in 1896, performing the duties of that office in a satisfactory manner. During his term four subordinate and two Rebekah lodges were instituted. He was elected grand rep- resentative to the Sovereign Grand Lodge for the years 1899 and 1900.

The writer of this article was honored by election as grand master in 1903 at Lu— nenburg, Nova Scotia, and had the satisfac- tion of reporting during his tenure of office the institution of the Rebekah Assembly for the Maritime Provinces. five subordinate lodges and one Rebekah lodge with a net in- c1ease in the membership of 440.

INSURANCE.

There is no insurance feature authorized or permitted by the laws of the order, but in Canada an auxiliary society exists known as the Odd Fellows Relief Association. with headquarters at Kingston, Ontario. The business of this society is the insuring of the lives of Odd Fellows on the mutual fra- ternal principle. The association has been in existence for over thirty years and has had such a successful history that it yearly receives the cordial recognition of every Ca- nadian Grand Lodge. The total member- ship to June 30, 1905, was 18,400. Amount paid out during the previous year for death claims, $138,820.66, and for disability claims, $2,500.00. The amount carried to reserve fund for the year 1904-05 was $50.- 000.00 and the total reserve fund is $350,- 000.00. Since its organization the associa- tion has paid out $1, 500,000 in death claims. Its record for the promptness in payment of claims and for its judicious and econom-

ical management cannot be surpassed by any similar institution in existence.