UNITED ANCIENT ORDER OF DRUIDS
This fraternal and benevolent society takes its name and nomenclature from the history of the Druids of ancient Gaul and Britain. They were the religious guides of the people, and the chief guardians and expounders of the law. They taught the immortality and transmigration of the soul. Their chosen retreats were groves of oaks, and the remains of their temples are circular cromlechs and dolmens of immense stones. They attained their greatest influence in Britain shortly before the Roman invasion, during the last century before Christ. They were believed to have incited the patriotic revolt of the Britons against Roman rule, and Agricola, when Governor of Britain, cut down their sacred groves and destroyed their temples; when the Druids who escaped fled to the Island of Iona. Upon conversion of the Britons to Christianity, Druidism became only a venerable memory and tradition. Its nomenclature and traditions form the picturesque background of the ceremonies of the modern order of the fraternity and benevolence.
The modern order was formed in England in 1781, and its centennial was celebrated in America by enthusiastic meetings and addresses in a number of cities.
It was introduced into the United States about 1830, but the earliest society died out. A permanent beginning, however, was made in George Washington Lodge, No. 1, instituted in New York in 1839.
In the nomenclature of the Order the name Grove is used commonly as the name lodge in other orders, signifying a local body working under a regular dispensation. The higher body, which issues the dispensation, is called a Grand Grove, and different (State) Grand Groves are under the Supreme Grove, which is the head of the Order, though in full union with the Order in England, Australia, and Germany, with full power to make laws for its own government and for the government of its State, Grand, and Subordinate Groves.
The Order is a moral, social, and beneficial society. Its principles do not conflict with any of the established systems of religion, and are perfectly compatible with the peace and welfare of the State. No oaths are administered by the Order binding its members to any creed or faction. Its object is to unite men together, irrespective of nation, tongue, or creed, for mutual protection and improvement; to assist socially and materially by timely counsel and instructive lessons; and to foster among its members the spirit of fraternity and good fellowship. Its well-regulated system of dues and benefits provides for the relief of the sick and destitute, the burial of the dead, and protection of the widows and orphans of deceased members.
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GROVES IN MARIN and SOUTHERN SONOMA
Nicasio Grove No. 42, United Ancient Order of Druids
Meets 1st and 3rd Wednesday
Novato Grove No. 113, United Ancient Order of Druids
Meets 1st and 3rd Thursday
Tomales Grove No. 83, United Ancient Order of Druids
Meets 1st and 3rd Tuesday at Tomales Town Hall, Main Street, Tomales
Harmony Grove No. 38, United Ancient Order of Druids
Meets 2nd and 4th Thursday, Hermann Sons Hall at 860 Western Ave., Petaluma
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