OPENING ODE
Tune: “Stuttgart”
Outside the Sycamore Inn at the start of the parade
Brethren of our friendly Order,
Honour here asserts her sway;
All within her sacred border
Must her high command obey.
Join, Oddfellowship of brothers,
In this song of truth and love;
Leave disputes and strife to others-
We in harmony must move.
Honour to her courts invites us-
Worthy subjects let us prove;
Strong the chain that here unites us,
Linked with Friendship, Truth and Love.
In our hearts enshrined and cherished,
May these feelings ever bloom;
Falling not when life has perished,
Living still beyond the tomb.
PARTING ODE
Tune: “St George”
Outside the Memorial Hall at the end of the parade
Brothers! Bind the mystic chain,
Keep its links forever bright;
Not a blemish, not a stain
Which will dim its golden light,
Heaven to Earth, and Earth to Heaven,
And all men to God above-
Wondrous chain to mortals given,
Binding in the hands of love.
Who the trembling heart shall stay,
When it’s sinking to a dust?
Who shall turn the oppressor’s way,
When he’s trampling on the just?
God the sinking heart shall free,
He shall break the oppressor’s rod;
Still the hand of man must be
Used as minister of God.
Brothers! Raise to Heaven your hands,
And the links that bind the heart,
Consecrate anew the bands
Of your faith, before we part;
Then in heavenly peace and trust,
Part in Friendship, Truth and Love,
Till released from earth and dust,
We shall meet again above.
PARWICH.ORG 
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