Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Illinois - University Library

272 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS fj- Tu l'^ la y;
Nov. 18, 1913.
PARADE.
The great event of the week from a spectacular standpoint is
always the parade, and as usual it was well worth seeing. It took
place on Wednesday evening, the column marching down Nicollet
Avenue and countermarching on same avenue, which was most
brilliantly illuminated with electrical arches and decorations in addition
to the regular street lights. There must have been eight thousand
persons in line, taking about two hours to pass. Lodges, Encampments,
Cantons and Rebekah Lodges in beautiful floats, seemed to have come
from everywhere. Illinois was well represented by Canton Germania
No. 78, of Chicago, with the largest number of swords of any one
Canton in line, and by Manufacturers Lodge No. 485, and Swedish Olive
Lodge No. 583, both of Moline, with large delegations. It was a scene
long to be remembered by those who participated, and the thousands
of spectators who witnessed it.
ILLINOIS.
The attendance from Illinois was large; indeed, at every turn one
would meet an Illinoian, and as the number was so large we refrain
from enumerating them, owing to the space it would consume. It
affords us great pleasure to report the presence of Canton Germania
No. 78, of Chicago, with more swords than any other Canton, and the
Degree Staffs of Swedish Olive Lodge No. 583, and Manufacturers Lodge
No. 485, who were there to, and did, uphold the prestige of this
splendid jurisdiction.
CONTESTS—PRIZES.
The prizes for drill and degree contests were very liberal, and
many of the best degree staffs in the country were in competition. The
awarding of prizes showed the lodges from Illinois well in the forerank.
Swedish Olive Lodge No. 583, of Moline, first in First Degree, $500.
Manufacturers Lodge No. 485, of Moline, second in Initiatory, $300.
CONCLUSION.
To be a member of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, and to participate
in some measure in its deliberations and in the shaping of its policies,
is a great honor and may well be prized by any member of our Order.
To have been elected representative from this Grand Body is an
especial honor, as Illinois is one of the foremost jurisdictions. Of this
we are deeply sensible.