Ihe International Association of Rebekah Assemblies was founded in 1851, as the female auxiliary branch of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a non-political, non-partisan fraternal organization. (Each group admits both male and female members today.) The following excerpts are taken from a minute book of Beulah Rebekah Lodge No. 5, at the time located in New Westminster, British Columbia.
October 20, 1921
The regular meeting of Beulah Rebekah Lodge No. 5, I.O.O.F, held in the Oddfellows Hall, October 20, 1921.
Lodge opened in regular form at 8 p.m. Sis. Dougherty, N.G., in the chair.
All officers present at Roll Call except the R. & L.S., N.G. and Pianist.
Minutes of the previous meeting were read and adopted.
Report of the Floral Committee
Flowers were sent to Sis. Hudson.
A communication was received from Jubilee Rebekah Lodge No. 14 enclosing a letter from Mrs. Mabel Hoyle asking for information as to the condition of her brother, I—— L—— S——, who is a patient in the mental hospital at Essondale. Moved by Sis. MacLennan, sec. Sis. Murchie, that it be received and attended to.
Miss Norah Jackson was then instructed in the mysteries of the Rebekah Degree.
November 3, 1921
A communication was read from Sis. Isabella Muir, D.D.P. of Vermillion Lodge No. 24, Princeton, reporting visiting Bro. H. H. Huff, who is very ill with cancer and asked that she write and inform the Lodge of his condition. Moved by Sis. Henry, sec. Sis. Ennis, that it be received and noted on the minutes and a letter forwarded to Sis. Huff, also to D.D.P. Sis. Muir for her kindness to our member.
Report of Special Committee
Sis. Levar reported that she and Sis. Gilley had visited the Mental Hospital at Essondale on behalf of Sis. Hoyle and found the her brother I—— L—— S—— had been removed to the Mental Hospital in town owing to his condition being worse instead of improving and that they had written Sis. Hoyle and given her the information they had received.
Floral Drill $4.49.
Good of the Order
Bro. Mills spoke reporting that the Social Committee had $10.00 on hand.
Sis. MacLennan drew the attention of the Lodge to the fact that Beulah Rebekah Lodge No. 5 would have a birthday on November 18th, having been instituted 30 years on that date.
Bro. Mills advised that the Social Committee would make a note of it.
November 17, 1921
Report of the Floral Committee
Flowers were set to Bro. Wilson and Bro. & Sis. Hare.
A birthday cake was presented to the Lodge by Sis. E. Lewis, it being the 30th Anniversary. Sis. Pearce, who was a charter member, cut the cake, which was very much enjoyed by the members.
It was regularly moved and seconded that a Dispensation be asked for to hold a whist drive and dance on November 29th.
December 1, 1921
A communication was received from Princeton Lodge advising of the death of Bro. H. H. Huff on November 20th. Moved by Sis. MacLennan, sec. Sis. Pearce, that it be received and the charter draped for thirty days.
The Social Committee reported having held a whist drive and dance on November 29th. Net receipts of $13.80 were turned over to the Tres. Moved by Sis. MacLennan, sec. Sis. Evelyn Lewis, that the report of the Social Committee be received and the committee thanked.
Moved by Sis. Mills, sec. Sis. Breen, that the Good Cheer Committee act as in previous years and bring in their account to the Lodge.
December 15, 1921
Greetings for Christmas and the New Year were read from Sis. Helena C. Cozens, Pres. R.A. Moved by Sis. Henry, sec. Sis. Lewis, that it be received and noted on the minutes.
A communication was received from Sis. J. L. Wilson thanking the Lodge for the flowers sent during her illness. Moved by Sis. Breen, sec. Sis. Moffatt, that it be received and filed.
January 5, 1922
The Treasurer’s report for 1921 was read showing total Receipts $841.11, Expenditures $690.54. Balance $150.57. Moved by Sis. G. Lewis, sec. Sis. Ennis, that the report be accepted.
The annual report for 1921 was read showing 31 members admitted during the year, 2 withdrawn, 10 suspended and 2 deceased, leaving a membership of 79 bros. 139 sisters—218. Net increase—17. Per capita tax @ 40¢ per member—$87.20.
January 19, 1922
A communication was received from Sis. Minnie Dempster, P.P., thanking the Lodge for the anniversary cake sent her and the Christmas Greetings. Moved by Sis. Pearce, sec. Sis Lewis, that it be received and filed.
Bro. Turner announced that as Bro. Geo. H. Grant, P.G.P., is leaving for Japan on February 2nd, a farewell gathering in his honor will be given on Friday, January 27th, in No. 8 Lodge, Vancouver.
Moved by Sis. McLennan, sec. Sis. Ward, that the matter of entertaining Bro. Grant here by taken up with Royal City Lodge No. 3 on January 20th.
After some discussion the motion was withdrawn.
Moved by Sis. MacLennan, sec. Bro. Turner, that this matter be taken up with Royal City Lodge No. 3.
An amendment was moved by Sis. Lewis, sec. Bro. Macdonell, that a committee be appointed to solicit donations from the members for a presentation to Bro. Grant and to obtain snapshots of as many of the older members as possible.
Committee: Sis. G. Lewis, I. C. MacLennan and Emma Lewis.
Bro. Lewis suggested that a letter be sent to Bro. Grant expressing our regret at his departure.
February 2, 1922
The Christmas Cheer Committee reported having spent $50.00 in their work in addition to $10.00, which was donated. Moved by Sis. G. Lewis, sec. Sis. Breen, that the report be accepted and an order drawn on the Treasurer for the amount.
On behalf of the committee appointed to purchase a gift for Bro. Geo. H. Grant, Sis. MacLennan reported that a sterling silver “Eversharp” pencil was purchased and was engraved “Bro. Geo. H. Grant—Beulah No. 5.” An illuminated address was also presented to him. The balance of the money collected was put into the purse collected by greater Vancouver and New Westminster, which amounted to $251.00.
Moved by Sis. Pearce, sec. Sis. Breen, that the Social Committee be requested to prepare an entertainment in aid of the Home Furnishing Fund.
February 16, 1922
Report of Floral Com.
Flowers were sent to Sis. Clifton, Furness, Coulson and Sis. Fehner’s mother.
On behalf of the Picnic Committee, Sis. Evelyn Lewis asked for the opinion of the members as to whether they would prefer the Picnic to be held on a Wednesday or a Saturday and where. Moved by Sis. MacLennan, sec. Sis. Baker, that the representatives vote as they see fit relative to the Picnic.
On behalf of the Social Committee, Bro. S. Lewis announced that a home-cooking and rummage sale would be held in the store of Mrs. Hudson on Friday, February 24th. The proceeds of the sale to be for the Home Furnishing Fund. It was moved and seconded that a dispensation be asked for in connection therewith.
March 16, 1922
A communication was received from Sis. Coulson thanking the Lodge for the flowers sent her during her illness and the members for their visit. Also inviting members to visit her at White Rock. Moved by Sis. Dougherty, sec. Sis. Ennis, that it be received, filed and the invitation accepted.
New Business
The Financial Secretary asked for a supply of cheque books. Moved by Sis. Mills, sec. Sis. Evelyn Lewis, that an order be drawn on the Treasurer for the amount and the books purchased.
April 6, 1922
A communication was received from the Picnic Committee asking the Lodge to contribute ten cents per capita to assist in defraying the expenses of the picnic. Moved by Sis. Pearce, sec. Sis. Henry, that it be received and filed and no action taken.
An amendment was moved by Bro. Mills, sec. Bro. Parr, that the representatives be instructed to vote against the proposed boat trip and the assessment. The amendment was carried.
Floral Drill $5.68.
April 20, 1922
On behalf of the Picnic Committee, Sis. Evelyn Lewis reported that the motion for the per capita assessment had been withdrawn and she had been instructed to ask the members for donations of prizes for the 1922 Picnic. Moved by Sis. MacLennan, sec. Sis. Hamilton, that the report be received and members wishing to donate prizes report to the committee.
June 15, 1922
N.G. announced that Sis. McKercher would like each member to donate two dish towels as our supply is getting low.
Sis. Lettie Naylor, Belleville, gave a very interesting talk.
July 21, 1922
A communication was received from Sis. Macdonell thanking the Lodge for flowers sent her during her illness and the members for their visits. Moved by Sis. Montgomery, sec. Sis. Mitchell, that it be received and filed.
A communication was received from the Oddfellows’ Annual Picnic Committee asking for donations to provide free ice cream for the children and advising a special meeting will be held on July 22nd, by which date all prizes must be in. After much discussion, it was moved by Sis. Murchie, sec. Sis. Emma Lewis, that the communication be received.
The Secretaries asked for $5.00 in stamps. Moved by Sis. Murchie, sec. Sis. Walmsley, that the Secretary be instructed to buy $5.00 in stamps.
October 5, 1922
The Social Committee presented an account of $3.85 for refreshments for last meeting, being a social evening. Moved by Sis. G. Lewis, recorded by Sis. Bowden that it be referred to the Finance Com.
October 19, 1922
Noble Grand reported Sis. M. G. Macdonell ill in V.G.H., and Sis. Purvis’ two little boys in Isolation Hospital with scarlet fever.
Good of the Order
Sis. Pinco opened her home on Monday Oct. 30, for a Hallowe’en gathering, to take the form of a dishtowel shower for the Social Committee.
November 2, 1922
Report of the Floral Com.
Flowers were sent to Sis. Hellison and M. A. Macdonell, and were also sent to Mrs. Booth’s funeral.
Good of the Order
Sis. Rose moved, second by several, that a vote of thanks be extended to Sis. Pinco for opening her home for a dish towel shower on Oct. 30.
December 21, 1922
Report of the Floral Com.
Flowers were sent to Sis. Todd’s little girl, Sis. Hellison and Bro. Adams.
A communication was received from Sis. K. Hellison thanking the Lodge for the flowers sent her during her illness and extending the Season’s Compliments to the members. Moved by Sis. Bowden, sec. Sis. Hyslop, that it be received and filed.
Good of the Order
Bro. R. A. Merrithew made a few remarks and wished the officers a Merry Christmas.
January 4, 1923
Members Reported Sick
Sis. MacLennan reported Sis. Enos ill in St. Mary’s Hospital. N.G. reported Sis. Ethel Hardy ill in Hospital.
Report of Floral Committee
Flowers were sent to Sis. Hardy.
Good of the Order
On behalf of the members Sis. Turner, Jr. P.N.G., and Sis. Ennis presented Sis. MacLennan with a silk umbrella as a token of appreciation of her work as Staff Captain, which position she has held for the past eight years. Sis. MacLennan thanked the members.
March 1, 1923
Report of the Floral Committee
Flowers were sent [to] Sis. Macdonell and Sis. Fehner.
A communication was received from the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Y.M.C.A. asking for a donation to replace dishes. Moved by Sis. Turner, sec. by Sis. Dougherty, that the communication be received and filed and the Secy. explain that this Lodge has not authority to make donations outside of the Order.
April 5, 1923
Letter of thanks was received from Mrs. J. Edward Phillips and sisters for flowers and sympathy sent. Moved by Sis. Moulton and Pinco.
An Easter card was received from Sis. Lulu Cole. Moved by Sis. Ward, seconded by Sis. McMurphy, that it be received and filed. Carried.
May 3, 1923
Report of the Floral Committee
A letter was read from Sis. Sayer thanking the Lodge for flowers sent her father during his illness. Moved by Sis. Moulton, seconded by Sis. Pinco, that it be received and filed.
Floral Drill $2.76.
Good of the Order
A short social time was spent at this time. Sis. Moulton favored us with a reading, which was much enjoyed; there was also a contest in which Sis. Foster was the winner.
June 21, 1923
A communication was received from the I.O.O.F. Picnic Committee advising that the “Princess Mary” had been secured for Saturday, July 28, to Ganges Harbor, and asking for a generous donation to defray expenses, so that all children under twelve may be carried free; and also advising a special meeting of the Committee on Saturday evening, June 23. Moved by Sis. MacLennan, seconded by Sis. G. Lewis, that the communication be received and filed, the representatives notified of the Committee meeting and as many members as can attend, and that a Rec. Secy. be instructed to advise the Committee that this Lodge would not make a contribution toward expenses. Carried.
July 19, 1923
Report of Floral Com.
Flowers were sent to Sis. Bowden, Slater and Sis. Curl’s mother.
Bro. Lewis announced that the annual picnic would be held on July 28th at Ganges Harbor. Tickets $1.80. S.S. Adelaide chartered for the picnic.
September 6, 1923
Report of the Visiting Com.
Sis. Ennis visited Sis. Turner. Sis. McCabe visited Sis. Turner. N.G. phoned Sis. Turner.
Report of the Floral Com.
Flowers were sent to Sis. Turner. A book was sent to Sis. M. E. Wilson.
A communication was received from the Sec. of the Rebekah Assembly enclosing a proclamation from the Deputy Grand Sire suggesting that the charter of the Lodge be draped for 30 days in memory of Warren G. Harding, late Pres. of the U.S. Moved by Sis. MacLennan, sec. Sis. Henry, that it be received, the proclamation noted on the minutes and the charter draped for 30 days in memory of Warren G. Harding, late Pres. of the U.S. and our late Sis. Evans, P.P.
Floral Drill $2.25.
In view of her approaching marriage to Bro. Oxenbury, Sis. Ennis, on behalf of the Lodge, presented the N.G., Sis. Eva Mosdell, with a cut glass vase and a boquet of flowers.
December 20, 1923
The Christmas Cheer Committee asked for instructions as to dispensing the usual cheer and on motion of Bro. Merrithew, sec. Sis. C. E. Wilson, that the dispensation of cheer be left to the standing Committee, Sis. MacLennan and Pearce, and the N.G. & V.G. Carried.
Good of the Order
Bro. Merrithew was called on and made a few remarks, telling us he had heard from Bro. Geo. Grant, now in Japan, and extended the Lodge and members the Compliments of the Season.
May 1, 1924
F.C. Report
Fin. Com. reported having examined the following bill and found same correct—Pac. Can. Printing Co. 500 Letterhead $5.50. Moved by Sis. McCale, sec. by Sis. Oxenbury. Recommended and an order drawn from the Treasurer for the amount.
Report of Floral Com.
Flowers were sent to Sis. Ward’s husband, Sis. Pinco’s little boy, Sis. Hyslop’s little girl and Sis. Hardy’s sister’s funeral.
An account was read from the T&B Flowershop for $8.00. On motion of Sis. McCabe and Gutteridge it was referred to the Financial Committee.
Communications were read from Sis. Elizabeth L. Murray, P.P., and the family of the late Florence Taylor Pape thanking the Lodge for flowers sent and sympathy extended in their recent bereavement. On motion of —— they were received and filed.
Receipts of the evening $20.00.
Lodge closed in regular form at 11 p.m.
I. C. MacLennan,
Recording Secretary.
Noble Grand, Ethel J. Ennis.