“The 1920 I.O.O.F Convention in Westminster”

Carroll County Times article for 14 May 1995

By Jay A. Graybeal

Lodges, fraternal and masonic organizations were important community groups which were both social and civic in nature. In addition to providing social opportunities for their members, these organizations also provided services to their communities. Most local organizations met weekly or monthly in their hall. The groups also met yearly to conduct business, parade and to enjoy a meal together. The May 1920 meeting of area Odd Fellows lodges was a major community event in Westminster as reported in the American Sentinel.
A monster demonstration of the Carroll County Lodges of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, consisting of Salem Lodge No. 60, of Westminster; Sulphur Springs Lodge No. 30, of New Windsor; Daniel and Jacob Lodge No. 23, of Manchester, Springfield Lodge No. 134, of Sykesville; Taney Lodge No. 28, of Taneytown; St. Stephens Lodge No. 95, of Daniel; Prosperity Lodge No. 58, of Mt. Airy; Mason and Dixon Lodge No. 69, of Harney, assisted by Hamden Lodge No. 124, of Hamden; Mt. Zion Lodge No. 87, of Pikesville; Potomac Lodge No. 130, of Hagerstown; Frederick City Lodge No. 100, of Frederick City, and Littlestown Lodge, of Littlestown, Pa., will be held Tuesday, May 18, in Westminster.This promises to be one of the greatest and most enthusiastic demonstrations of its kind ever held in the State and every Odd Fellow should make a special effort to be present and participate in the parade and assist in making this occasion a success. There is expected to be at least one thousand five hundred Odd Fellows in full regalia and on foot in this parade.

The parade will be in three divisions and each division led by a band of music. the first division will form on Main street on the East side of the Opera House, facing East, and will be led by the Mayor and City Council. This division will be composed of the Mt. Pleasant Band, Grand Lodge officers, Taney Lodge, Hamden Lodge, Mt. Zion Lodge, Potomac Lodge, Frederick City Lodge and Littlestown Lodge.

The second division, headed by the Boy Scout Band, of Westminster, will form on Main street on the West side of the Opera House and will composed of Mt. Airy Lodge, Mason and Dixon Lodge, St. Stephens Lodge and Springfield Lodge.

The third division, led by the Oak Orchard Band, will form on the west side of the Opera House. this division will consist of Sulphur Spring Lodge, Salem Lodge and the candidates who are later to receive their degrees at the Armory.

The procession will move promptly at six thirty o’clock, East on Main street to Center, up Center to Green, West on Green to Bond, down Bond to Main, West on Main to Pennsylvania Avenue, up Pennsylvania Avenue to Union, up Union to Main, East on Main to Longwell, disbanding at the Armory.

Immediately after the parade all Odd Fellows will assemble in the auditorium room of the Armory where short addresses will be made by the Grand Lodge officers while the degree teams are getting in readiness.

There will be from one hundred and fifty to two hundred candidates to receive the first, second and third degree of the Order.

Taney Lodge No. 28, of Taneytown, will confer the first degree; Prospect Lodge No. 58, of Mt. Airy, will confer the second degree; Sulphur Springs Lodge No. 130, of New Windsor, will confer the third degree.

Immediately after the conferring of degrees, all will proceed to Firemen’s Building where a light luncheon, consisting of sandwiches, coffee, ice cream and cigars will be served.
Photo Caption: Membership badge worn by Adam Jackson Martin, Salem Lodge No. 60, I.O.O.F., Westminster. On the reverse side of the badge is a black silk ribbon inscribed, “In Memoriam” which was worn at the funeral of an Odd Fellow. Historical Society of Carroll county Collection, gift of Mrs. Lula M. Burroughs and Mrs. Helen M. Farber, 1985.