Office of the General Commanding
General Military Council, Patriarchs Militant
Office of the President
International Association
Ladies Auxiliaries Patriarchs Militant
September 2007
Chevaliers, Ladies, Brothers and Sisters:
It is with humility and pride that we greet you as General Commanding and President of the international Association Ladies Auxiliary Patriarchs Militant. Never in our wildest dreams did we ever think that we would attain these honorable offices We thank the General Military Council, the I.A.L.A.P.M. and the Jurisdiction of Southern New England for having the faith and confidence in us to elevate us to this high office. We pledge to do our very best as we take over the leadership of this wonderful branch of Odd Fellowship. The evening of Installation and Change of Command will be an evening we will always remember. Everyone who took part did an outstanding job. We want to thank all those who took time in their busy schedule to spend the evening with us.
It is unfortunate but we are at a crisis situation with not only the Military Branch but in all of Odd Fellowship in
North America
. We must make changes to become effective in the 21st Century. Are you prepared to malice these changes? Are you willing to make the sacrifices that are needed to support our new leaders as we begin the 2007 - 2008 fraternal year? We must all be ready so that Odd Fellowship can continue and flourish long after we are gone. Remember this is a family fraternity and we should always act the way that our great founder Thomas Wildey would expect from us.
Remember we are the show piece of Odd Fellowship. Wear your uniform with pride. Clean uniforms and shoes are a must to promote a positive image of our branch.
It is with sadness that we must report the recent passing of two past Officers, Lady Carlene Rideout, PP-I.A.L.A.P.M. and General (R) Robert Graf. Our prayers and our deepest sympathy are extended to their families.
It was wonderful to meet so many brothers and sisters from
Europe
and
Australasia
. God Bless them for taking the time to come to our International Sessions in
Denver
.
We pledge our support to our Brother Richard and Sister Ruth as we try to promote our Order for the next 12 months. We as members of the independent Order of Odd Fellows must 'Pull Together' like a good team of Oxen. If we pull against one another, our Order will come to demise.
In closing please remember we must 'HAVE FAITH' and we are '
ALL
FOR
ONE
AND
ONE
FOR
ALL'.
Chivalrously,
General Donald E. McLaren
General Coromanding
and
Lady Barbara McLaren
President-I.A.L.A.P.M.