Hubrig welcomes ‘Friendly Fellows’

Kim Johnson - Thu, Nov, 20, 2008 
The Farragut Press 
http://www.farragutpress.com/articles/2008/11/9475.html
 
The Society of Friendly Fellows has arrived, and anyone can be a member.

Farragut resident Ellen Burgoyne Hubrig, great-granddaughter of the original “Friendly Fellow,” Sidney J. Burgoyne, has published a book, originally written by her grandfather in 1925, called “Daily Thoughts for Friendly Fellows,” that allows membership into the society.

“Along with the book — it is a hardbound book that we sell in a gift box — comes a bookmark and on the bookmark is a special code that allows you to get on our online forum to talk to other Friendly Fellows,” Hubrig said.

The Web site, www.friendlyfellows.com, is up and running and the forum is already active.

“’Daily Thoughts for Friendly Fellows’ is composed of 365 uplifting daily verses on attitudes in relationships, annotated with Scripture verses. The book is a plain spoken guide for daily living for everyone; men and women, young and old alike; whether at home, at school or in the office. It is a gentle and often humorous reminder that learning how to live with others around you will lead to a better understanding of how to live with yourself, a timeless message of hope that will challenge you each day to begin improving yourself by improving your relationships with others.  The Scripture verses make each daily thought a unique opportunity for self-reflection and Bible study,” Hubrig said.

Hubrig’s grandfather inducted the first members into the society during his lifetime.

“He [printed] out the little book and gave it out to people and said, ‘Now you are in the Society of Friendly Fellows,’” Hubrig said.

The book has long been a big part of Hubrig’s life.

“I always used the book,” she said.

“In the 70s I was the president of the Student Council in my high school and whatever day the meeting was on, I read the poem for that day.

“Then I started using it again here in the 90s and people started saying they thought they wanted one of those.

“I have now copyrighted the book and I have added a scripture verse to every day of the year, and we just think it is uplifting and inspirational and we want to build the Society of Friendly Fellows worldwide. I would love to publish it in other languages,” she added.

So who are the “Friendly Fellows?”

“It is a group of people that would be trying to seek and find the good in others,” Hubrig said.

The society’s creed reads: “To live and help live is part of our creed.

“To be real ‘Friendly Fellows’ in word and deed. To be always seeking and trying to find the good that is somewhere in all mankind; to scatter sunshine and spread good cheer, and to bless our brothers by being here; to pass along all that’s inspiring and true that will make ‘Friendly Fellows’ of others, too.”

The society’s logo, which appeared on the book printed by Burgoyne in 1925, a circle comprised of a sash and belt with an outstretched hand in the center, is filled with symbolism.

“There are a lot of things involved in the symbolism of the circle — keeping everyone in unity in the circle, then men and women with the sash and the belt, that all can be friendly fellows,” Hubrig said.

“The open hand is extended as a welcoming greeting symbolizing trust, equality and appreciation. The traditional handshake spans generations as a friendly gesture.

“The open hand and circle are in gold, complementing a blue background and the Friendly Fellows inscription. The gold symbolizes the Society’s rich values and positive, unyielding commitment to find the best in others, while the blue represents dependability and unity of purpose within the ‘Society of Friendly Fellows,’ she added.

Hubrig will hold a book signing from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 21, at Carpe Librum Books.

She said she looks forward to the signing as a way to meet future “Friendly Fellows.”