[from The Paterson Morning Call, July 31, 1934, p. 4]

      Eighty nine years ago today, on July 31, 1845, a masterpiece of the orator's art was created when an old Patersonian, Martin Henry Radcliffe van Hovenburgh, delivered an oration at the dedication of Odd Fellow's hall at Tomkinsville, Staten Island, N. Y., and a committee of the Odd Fellows requested him to reduce the address to writing that it might be recorded and published. It was with pleasure that he gratified their wishes that the publication of the oration might advance the interests of their Order. Permission of the Grand Lodge was given, granting the publication.

     The address follows:

     What is the occasion of our assembling? Whence this gorgeous display? Why these gay banners and glittering dresses? Have met to celebrate the achievements of a conqueror, or, is this a theatrical pageant, only calculated to excite vulgar curiosity and amuse the weak minded? No, my friends, a far different object has gathered us together. We are here to consecrate to benevolence and friendship, a temple, whose foundation is in the heart -- to celebrate in the formation of another link in the chain of sympathy which is fast encircling the earth and already forms a bond of union between hostile nations and opposing creeds. To those who may think this display senseless and unnecessary, let me say, that these decorations are significant of the principles of our Order. Under these symbols are couched mysterious meanings, and strange and sublime lessons speak to the initiated in every article of a brother's regalia.

[To read the complete address, click here]

      Mr. Van Hovenburgh became an Odd Fellow June 19, 1845 in Neptune lodge No. 152, I.O.O.F. at Tomkinsville, N.Y., which was instituted April 25, 1845, and only July 31, 1845, they dedicated their Odd Fellows temple when the oration was made. He was born in Rhinebeck, N. Y., March 31, 1813, when his father was in the American army as a surgeon in the war with England. Was admitted to the bar in New York in 1836, a graduate of N. Y. University. Bishop Arthur Cleveland Coxe was a classmate. Was known as an eminent lawyer, poet and scholar. At one time he edited a publication in Baltimore which was said to be the only literary periodical published at the time below the Mason Dixon line. He was a gifted writer of poetry. His verses were frequently published in local papers. Being educated in the classics, he made a poetical translation of one of Ovid's Metamorphoses, "Phaeton, or the Chariot of the Sun."

      He was married to Miss Mary Theresa O'Connor, who was born in Ireland, June 25, 1831, and died March 29, 1878, and was buried in Sandy Hill cemetery and later moved to family plot in Laurel Grove, where he himself was buried when he died at Ramsey, N. J., while on a visit October 4, 1899. In later years he signed himself Martin Van Hovenberg, omitting his middle initials.

      His family is among the oldest and best known of this city. Nine children were born, some of whom became very prominent. Judge Martin H. R. was the oldest. He for many years was recorder of Haledon. In early life he was lay reader in charge of services at St. Mary's Episcopal church at Haledon and Calvary chapel of Riverside section of Paterson. He was a Shriner, Knights Templar, and Member of Haledon Lodge No. 169 F. & A. M. and deeply interested in all. He died June 17, 1914; Charles, George and Frederick Kiersted died in infancy.

      Alfred Andrew, after being admitted to bar, became County judge, sitting with Judges Jonathan Dixon and James Inglis, Jr. he now resides in Oakland, Cal., with his wife and two daughters, where is practicing law. He is a Past Master of the Joppa Lodge No. 29 F. & A. M. here and prides himself upon having been proposed by their first master, Isaac Van Wagoner and Judge John Hopper. The only daughter was Juliette, now Mrs. J. Henry Leonhard of this city, who has been actively engaged here for years in the Church of the Holy Communion, Calvary chapel, and then St. Mary's at Haledon, side from the Y. W. C. A., the International Institute, and the Nurses Training School committee of the Paterson General hospital.

      Robert Edward was an eminent member of the bar here and died in 1923 previous to which he was actively interested in musical circles, being an active member of the Paterson Musical union, the Paterson Philharmonic society, Joppa Lodge Quartette and Octette and other bodies. He was a member of the Joppa Lodge No. 29 F. & A. M. James Jacob was also a member of the bar here before going to California where he was elected a county judge and still resides there, practicing law. He too was a member of Haledon Lodge No. 169 F. & A. M. Frank Richard died in 1891.

      The elder Martin H. R. was buried from his son, Robert Edward's home, 148 Haledon avenue, and St. Mary's church at Haledon with the late Rev. Mr. Twing officiating. At the time of his death his obituary contained his own poem, entitled, "Dreaming." The poem follows:

[To read the poem, click here]