Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Illinois - University Library

Tuesday 1 GRAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS, I. O. O. F. 65
Nov. 18. 1913. f
Grand Master E. R. Sayler and many other Brothers prominent in
the Order were in attendance.
The second School, at Vandalia, was somewhat marred by the
indisposition of the Grand Master, which prevented his attendance,
yet the results attained were in every way satisfactory. I desire
to especially mention the enthusiastic assistance during this School of
Past Grand Master and Past Chief of Examiners and Instructors.
Brother Henry A. Stone.
The third School, at Bloomington, was attended by all the Grand
Officers detailed for this work except Brother Abney. The interest was
good and the results very satisfactory. At the sessions during which
degree work was exemplified the capacity of the hall was taxed and the
visiting staffs conferring the work received an ovation. A pleasant
feature of this meeting was the unexpected attendance of Grand
Representative James Ewing Davis.
The burden of the fourth School at Quincy fell upon the Deputy
Grand Master and Chief of Examiners and Instructors until the last
day when the Grand Secretary arrived and later on the Grand Master,
who had been unavoidably detained, appeared in time to officiate at
the special session of the Grand Lodge and close the School. The
attendance, however, was uniformly good and much interest and
enthusiasm was manifested by the Brethren of the western part of the
state who came for many miles to be present at this meeting.
Olney was not originally designated as a place for holding a state
School in this series, but so much pressure was brought to bear upon
the Grand Master by the Brethren of the eastern part of the state,
that the fifth School was advertised and held in the home town of the
veteran Grand Scribe; Brother Sam Baker. A splendid meeting
resulted and much good was accomplished. Aside from the usual
quota of Grand Officers in attendance we noted with pleasure the
presence of the Grand Chaplain, Brother 0. L. Markman.
The sixth School was held at Peoria and although the attendance
was not large the interest was good. The Grand Master was unable
to be present, so that the valuable assistance of Grand Marshal, Brother
J. J. Crowder, was all the more timely.
The final School, in East St. Louis, beginning April 21st, was in
many respects the most brilliant of the series. The East St. Louis
Brethren are certainly alive to their opportunity and are doing their
part in furthering the work of Odd Fellowship in that rapidly growing
city.
On Friday, February 7th, following the Vandalia School, you were
unable to fill your date with the Brethren at Kinney and at your
request I officiated at the dedication of their new hall.