Wisconsin Herald, And Grant County Advertiser

The Order of Odd Fellows in England.

Some curious statistical details, illustrative of the present state of this extensive fraternity, were laid before the Grand Metropolitan Lodge, at its last anniversary meeting. It appears that on the 1st of April last, when the returns were made up, that there were in England and Wales 3,340 lodges and 325,000 members, showing an increase of 453 lodges and 53,000 members over the previous year's return. The subscriptions for this year amounted to £352,583; the expenditures to £300,000; leaving a balance of £52,583 in favor of the Association. The total amount of property belonging to the Order, (including pictures, flags, banners, lodge paraphernalia, official apparel, and various insignia) was estimated at £700,000. Amongst the enrolled members are 130 members of Parliament, 629 ministers of religion of various denominations, and 9,000 honorary members who make no claim upon the funds. If each member were to contribute only one half-penny each it would amount to £31,126 a year. If they were to walk two and two, one yard asunder, the procession would extend 92 miles and 380 yards. If they walked three miles an hour it would take 30 hours 11 minutes to pass any given spot--10,214 passing every hour. The chief item of expenditure consists of the charge for medical aid afforded to the sick and indigent of the order.