Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Illinois - University Library

Wednesday. ) GRAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS, I. O. O. F. 4 1
1911 8,819 3,919
1912 8,772 3,715
Total 72,226 31,177
Suspensions 31,177
Net gain 40,049
We also give the following extracts from the report of the retiring
Grand Chancellor of the Grand Domain of Indiana, Knights of Pythias,
which met last month:
"Within the last twenty years our Order has suspended more mem-
bers than the total aggregate of the membership of today. This fact
naturally causes thoughtful Pythians to wonder and to endeavor, if
possible, to solve the problem and prevent this great and unnecessary
drain on our membership. Many valuable suggestions have been
offered by members who have given the question considerable thought.
Some hold that the theory "once a Pythian always a Pythian" should
be the universal rule, and I am free to admit that I most heartily
approve of that sentiment and believe that condition could be brought
about in having two classes of members such as 'beneficial' and
'fraternal,' the dues to be fixed according to the demands of each
class."
On the other hand, the Grand Lodge of A. F. & A. M. of this State,
which does not pay either sick or funeral benefits, and has a larger
membership in the State than our Order, makes the following report
of members suspended for non-payment of dues:
During the year 1910 629
During the year 1911 751
During the year 1 912 860
Your committee believe that one of the great causes of so many
suspensions for non-payment of Dodge dues is that a great many members
become dissatisfied with the action of their Subordinate Dodges
in allowing or disallowing said members sick benefits. So many of our
members seem to think that the Dodge ought to pay them for any and
all claims that they may be disposed to present to the Visiting Com-
mittee, and then if said claim is rejected by the Visiting Committee or
by the Dodge there is sure to be trouble, and in most cases our Order
loses a member as a result.
If all the members of our Order would only drink deeply at the
fountain of Odd Fellowship, and be thoroughly imbued with the principles
of Friendship, Dove and Truth in all that those words mean,
then our Order would not have such problems to solve.
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