Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Illinois - University Library

Tuesday. j GR ^XD L0DGE F ILLINOIS, I. O. O. F. 37I
Nov. 18. 1913. t
Bless our sick and sorrowful sisters and brothers. Preserve our
lives. Give us good health, bless our orphans and indigent sisters and
brothers.
In an especial manner direct our Officers and Representatives with
great wisdom.
When life is ended save all of us and give us the blessings of Thy
possessions. We ask all in Thy name. Amen!
The foregoing is an epitome of the business part of the session.
But it would not be proper to close this report without making some
allusion to the social features, and the hospitality of those beautiful
and thriving Twin-Cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul, and that splendid
state, Minnesota, which, its Governor says, lies just at the edge of tho
great West.
SUNDAY SERVICES.
The annual sermon was delivered by Rev. Andrew Gillies, at
Hennepin Avenue M. E. Church. His subject, "Odd Fellowship," was
most skillfully handled, and thoroughly appreciated by all. As it will
be reported in full in the S. G. L. Journal, we will not take the space
here to give it.
PUBLIC RECEPTION AND WELCOME.
The opening reception and welcome was given in Unique Theatre,
Monday morning. Shortly after the appointed hour of 9 a. m., with the
theatre filled to overflowing. F. H. Castner, Chairman of the Executive
Committee, in a few well chosen words, extended a welcome from the
committee, and then in turn introduced the following speakers:
Brother A. 0. Eberhart, Governor of Minnesota; Brother W. G. Nye,
Mayor of Minneapolis; A. W. Annes, Grand Master of Minnesota; S.
A. Farnsworth, Grand Patriarch; August Hohenstein, Department
Commander Patriarchs Militant; Mrs. Mahala McGillivray, President
Rebekah Assembly; all of whom, in a most pleasing manner, extended
to all, in behalf of those they were there to represent, a splendid welcome.
To all of which, Grand Sire, C. A. Keller, made a splendid and
fitting response.
ST. PAUL DAY.
Thursday was St. Paul day, and during the afternoon the officers
and members, many accompanied by their wives, were taken to that:
city on chartered street cars, stopping on the way at the beautiful state
capitol building, through which we were escorted by a guide. In the
evening a fine banquet was served in the beautiful Field-Schlick tea
rooms, probably four hundred being served.