Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Illinois - University Library

Tuesday, j GRAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS, I. O. O. F. 343
Nov. IS, 1913
Grand Patriarch, and those who succeed him, may desire to have
jewels of the same design and quality as their predecessors in this
jurisdiction
:
Question.—I ask to be advised whether it is mandatory upon us to
procure the Past Grand Patriarch's Jewel sold by the Sovereign Grand
Lodge, or whether it is optional to have our own jewel made as here-
tofore, it being understood that, while they are Past Grand Patriarch's
Jewels, they can not be used in place of regalia.
Answer.—After carefully considering the legislation of the
Sovereign Grand Lodge at the sessions of 1911 and 1912, I am of the
opinion that it is mandatory upon you to procure the Past Grand Patriarch's
Jewel sold by the Sovereign Grand Lodge.
Miscellaneous Decisions.
Dec. 47. Statement.—The agent for "The Loyal Protective Insurance
Company," of Boston, Massachusetts, claims to have received
authority from the Grand Masters of several Jurisdictions to solicit
business for his company. He carries very flattering credentials from
Grand Secretaries of several Jurisdictions, and asks authority to
solicit from Lodges in this jurisdiction. The advertising matter does
not contain any of the emblems of the Order, but advertises 'for Odd
Fellows only."
Question.—Can such a permission be legally given?
Answer.—Under Sec. 478 of Busbee's Digest it would be illegal for
an insurance association to use the emblems or name of the Order.
This the Loyal does not seem to do. It does advertise "for Odd Fellows
only/' but this is permissible by Art. 480 of Busbee's Digest.
You will also see under Sec. 848 of Busbee's Digest that such companies
are not recognized by the Order and I can not understand what
right Grand Masters have to grant any permits to it to do business. It
•is but another way of getting an illegal endorsement in the name of the
Order. See Busbee's Digest, Sections 841 to 852. See also Journal
1895, pages 76, 296 and 291.
As long as the Loyal uses none of the emblems of the Order and
does not advertise as an Odd Fellows' Insurance Company, though it
may advertise "for Odd Fellows only," it does not seem to be violating
the law, but it has no right to solicit insurance in a Lodge while it is
in session, nor has any Grand Master the right or authority to recog-
nize it by giving permission to solicit or otherwise, as it might in-
fluence members of our Order to join, thinking it was an Odd Fellows'
organization.
The Sovereign Grand Lodge at Indianapolis passed upon a decision
of the Grand Sire in relation to the Loyal Protective Insurance
Company, Journal 1911, pages 293 and 313.