The
Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF), also known as the Three Link Fraternity, is an altruistic and benevolent
fraternal organizationA "fraternal organization" or "fraternity" is a brotherhood, though the term usually connotes a distinct or formal organization. Please list college fraternities and sororities at List of social fraternities and sororities.-International:...
derived from the similar British
OddfellowsThe name Oddfellows refers to a number of friendly societies and fraternal organisations operating in the United Kingdom. It also refers to a number of Lodges with histories dating back to the 18th century. These various organisations were set up to protect and care for their members and...
service organizations which came into being during the 18th century, at a time when altruistic and
charitableIn Christian theology charity, or love , means an unlimited loving-kindness toward all others.The term should not be confused with the more restricted modern use of the word charity to mean benevolent giving.- Caritas: altruistic love :...
acts were far less common.The Independent Order of Odd Fellows was founded on the North American Continent in Baltimore, Maryland, on April 26, 1819 when
Thomas WildeyThomas Wildey was the founder of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in North America. He was born in London, England, in 1782. He was left an orphan five years later - and the IOOF pledge to "Educate the Orphan" sprang from his personal childhood experiences. At the age of 14, Wildey went to...
and four members of the Order from England instituted Washington Lodge No. 1. This lodge received its charter from Manchester Unity of Odd Fellows in England.
Odd Fellowship became the first national fraternity to include both men and women when it adopted the beautiful Rebekah Degree on September 20, 1851. This degree is based on the teachings found in the Holy Bible, and was written by the Honorable
Schuyler ColfaxSchuyler Colfax, Jr. was a United States Representative from Indiana , Speaker of the House of Representatives , and the 17th Vice President of the United States . To date, he is one of only two Americans to have served as both House speaker and vice president.President Ulysses S...
who was Vice President of the United States during the period 1868-1873. Odd Fellows and Rebekahs were also the first fraternal organizations to establish homes for our senior members and for orphaned children.}} In the U.S., it is a Mutual Benefit Corporation (U.S. IRS tax code 501(c)(8)).
The word "Independent" in the organization's name was given by the English parent organization as part of the chartered title in the new North American chapter:
Philosophy and purpose
As an organization, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows aims to provide a framework that promotes personal and social development. Lodge degrees and activities aim to improve and elevate every person to a higher, nobler plane; to extend sympathy and aid to those in need, making their burdens lighter, relieving the darkness of despair; to war against vice in every form, and to be a great moral power and influence for the good of humanity. Teachings in the Order are conducted through the exemplification of the Degrees of membership. The Degrees are conferred on the candidate by their Lodge, and are teachings of principles and truths by ceremonies and symbols. The Degrees are presented largely by means of allegory and drama. For Odd Fellows, the degrees in Odd Fellowship emphasizes a leaving of the old life and the start of a better one, of welcoming travelers, and of helping those in need. Lodges also provide an international social network of brothers and sisters that extends to more than 26 countries worldwide. If travelling is an interest, membership can provide a valuable network that will very much welcome an international visitor, and assist in their enterprises, and certainly their travels wherever possible. The command of the IOOF is to "
visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead and educate the orphan." Specifically, IOOF are dedicated to the following purposes:
- To improve and elevate the character of mankind by promoting the principles of friendship, love, truth, faith, hope, charity and universal justice.
- To help make the world a better place to live by aiding each other in times of need and by organizing charitable projects and activities that would benefit the less fortunate, the youth, the elderly, the environment and the community in every way possible.
- To promote good will and harmony amongst peoples and nations through the principle of universal fraternity, holding the belief that all men and women regardless of race, nationality, religion, social status, gender, rank and station are brothers and sisters
Around the world, the Odd Fellows undertake various community and charitable projects. According to an IOOF Sovereign Grand Lodge brochure, the organization's works include:
- The Odd Fellows and Rebekahs spend over US$775 million in relief projects annually
- The Educational Foundation provides substantial loans and grants to students
- SOS Children’s Village provides a caring home for orphaned children in 132 countries around the world
- Odd Fellow and Rebekah Homes provide a caring environment for the elderly
- Living Legacy focuses on planting trees and enhancing the environment
- The Arthritis Foundation
- Visual Research Foundation supports vision care and research through the Wilmer Eye Institute
- United Nations Pilgrimage for Youth sponsors a group of students for an educational trip to the United Nations
- Annual sponsorship of a float in the Rose Parade (Pasadena, California)
- Annual pilgrimages to the "Tomb of the Unknowns
The Tomb of the Unknowns is a monument dedicated to American service members who have died without their remains being identified. It is located in Arlington National Cemetery in the United States...
" (Arlington National Cemetery, USA), and other Tombs of the Unknown SoldierTomb of the Unknown Soldier refers to a grave in which the unidentifiable remains of a soldier are interred. Such tombs can be found in many nations and are usually high-profile national monuments. Throughout history, many soldiers have died in wars without their remains being identified...
.
- Odd Fellow and Rebekah Homes provides a caring environment for the elderly and orphans
- Odd Fellow and Rebekah camps and parks provide recreation for the youth and for families
Fellowship in the IOOF entails:
- One of the strongest fraternal societies in the world.
- A great worldwide united brotherhood.
- A fraternity founded on the basis of universal brotherhood.
- Based on the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man.
- Founded on the North American continent in 1819.
- Based upon the purest principles of equality.
- Non-political and non-sectarian.
- A source of comfort in times of trouble and adversity.
- A world-wide force that stands for all that is noblest and highest.
- An everyday guide for conduct, a mantle that should be worn always.
- An organization that favors no person for their wealth and frowns on none for their poverty.
- An ideal that exists in the heart and mind of every genuine Odd Fellow or Rebekah.
- Fulfilling a mission in the world which no other institution has successfully attempted.
- A vitalizing, sympathetic, and actuating influence in the lives of all its real members.
- A ministering spirit succoring the needy, cheering the despondent and protecting the helpless.
- The handmaid of virtue and religion.
- Founded on the inspired word of God as revealed to man in the Holy scriptures.
Name
Several theories aim to explain the meaning of the name "Odd Fellows".
One says that they were called "odd" because in the beginning of Odd Fellowship in the 18th century, at the time of industrialization, it was rather odd to find people who followed noble values such as benevolence, charity and fraternalism.
A variation on that theory states: "The Odd Fellows, at least according to one story, got its curious name from the fact that it was a lodge that opened its doors to the working class who at that time did not ordinarily belong to fraternal orders—and were thus 'odd'. This may or may not be true as the Odd Fellows have been around for a long time and a good many things get lost in the fog of history."
Another theory states that Odd Fellows were people who engaged in miscellaneous or "odd" trades. In the 18th century, major trades were organized in
guildA guild is an association of craftsmen in a particular trade. The earliest types of guild were formed as confraternities of workers. They were organized in a manner something between a trade union, a cartel, and a secret society...
s or other forms of syndicate, but smaller trades did not have any social or financial security. For that reason, people who exercised unusual trades joined together to form a larger group of "odd" fellows.
A slightly different version of this second theory states: "By the 13th century, the tradesmen's Guilds had become established and prosperous. During the 14th Century, with the growth of trade, the guild 'Masters' moved to protect their power (and wealth) by restricting access to the Guilds. In response, the less experienced (and less wealthy) 'Fellows' set up their own rival Guilds. In smaller towns and villages, there weren't enough Fellows from the same trade to set up a local Guild, so Fellows from a number of trades banded together to form a local Guild of Fellows from an odd assortment of trades. Hence, Guilds of Odd Fellows."
History
"In all times and among all nations which have reached a sufficient level of cultural development, there have always been voluntary associations formed for higher purposes. It is admitted that 'mystery of long-past ages enshrouds the origin of Odd Fellowship'", and that the exact date of its first founding is 'lost in the mist of antiquity'. The Manchester Unity Oddfellows (in United Kingdom) state on their website that "Oddfellows can trace its roots back to the Trade Guilds of the 12th and 13th centuries. Some believe that there are records in Scotland which show that the Oddfellows in its original form may have arisen in the 1500s. Some historians claim that it existed before 1650.
What is clear is that there were numerous Oddfellow organizations in England in the 1700s. One Edwardian Oddfellow history argued that in 1710 there was a 'Loyal Lintot of Oddfellows' in London. The first Oddfellows group in South Yorkshire, England, dates from 1730. The earliest surviving documented evidence of an “Oddfellows” lodge is the minutes of Loyal Aristarchus Oddfellow Lodge no. 9 in England, dated March 12, 1748. By it being lodge number 9, this connotes that there were older Oddfellows lodges that existed before this date. As a result of the Glorious Revolution of 1688 (when the Protestant William of Orange replaced the Catholic King James II), by the mid-18th century, the Order of Patriotic Oddfellows had formed in the south of England, supporting William, and The Ancient Order of Oddfellows had formed in the north, supporting the Stuarts. Subsequent to the failure of Bonnie Prince Charlie's uprising, in 1789 these two Orders formed a partial amalgamation as the Grand United Order of Oddfellows. These days they are more commonly known as "The Grand United Order of Oddfellows Friendly Society" (GUOOFS), abandoning all political and religious disputes and committing itself to promoting the harmony and welfare of its members. Some books mention that there was a lodge of a 'Union Order of Oddfellows' in London in 1750, and one in Derby in 1775. The Oddfellows Magazine of 1888 included a picture of a medal presented to the secretary of a lodge of the Grand Independent Order of Oddfellows in 1796. On a magazine review of a 1798 sermon preached in the Sheffield Parish Church, the "Oddfellows appear to be very numerous with about thirty-nine lodges of them in London and its vicinity, two at Sheffield, and one at each of the following places: Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Shrewsbury, Windsor, Wandsworth, Canterbury, Liverpool, Richmond in Surrey and Lewes". This suggested that the "Original United Order of Oddfellows" consisted of a total of 50 lodges at that time. In 1810, various lodges of the Union or United Order in the Manchester area declared themselves as an "Independent Order", and organized the
"Manchester Unity of Oddfellows" which chartered the Odd Fellows in North America in 1819.
While several
unofficial or
self-institued lodges had existed in New York City sometime in the period 1806 to 1818, because of the charter relationship, the American Odd Fellows is regarded as being founded in
BaltimoreBaltimore is the largest independent city in the United States and the largest city and cultural center of the US state of Maryland. The city is located in central Maryland along the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore is sometimes referred to as Baltimore...
at the Seven Stars Tavern on April 26, 1819, by
Thomas WildeyThomas Wildey was the founder of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in North America. He was born in London, England, in 1782. He was left an orphan five years later - and the IOOF pledge to "Educate the Orphan" sprang from his personal childhood experiences. At the age of 14, Wildey went to...
and some associates who assembled in response to a newspaper advertisement. The following year, the lodge affiliated with the Manchester Unity and was granted the authority to institute new lodges.
In 1842, after an elementary dispute on whether the American lodges were to be involved in decision-making procedures, the American Lodges formed a separate governing system from the English Order, and in 1843 changed their name to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In the following years, lodges were instituted all over the country, first in the east and later in the west. Also in 1842, the English Oddfellow Grand Lodges issued a warrant to an African American sailor named Peter Ogden from New York City; unlike Wildey and the IOOF, Ogden and the African American Odd Fellows lodges never separated from the English order, and they remain part of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows (GUOOF), still headquartered in Philadelphia.
On September 20, 1851, IOOF became the first national fraternity to accept both men and women when it formed the Daughters of Rebekah. Schuyler Colfax, (Vice President of the United States (1869–1873) under President Ulysses S. Grant), was the force behind the movement. Both the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs have higher branches known as Encampments and Patriarchs Militant.
The
American Civil WarThe American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
(1861–1865) shattered the IOOF in America; membership decreased and many lodges were unable to continue their work, especially in the southern States. After the Civil War, with the beginning of industrialization, the deteriorating social circumstances brought large numbers of people to the IOOF and the lodges rallied.
From 1860 to 1910/1920, also known as the "Golden Age of Fraternalism" in America,
[ the Odd Fellows became the largest among all fraternal organizations, (at the time, even larger than freemasonry). By 1889, the IOOF had lodges in every American state.]
In 1896, the World Almanac showed the Odd Fellows as the largest among all fraternal organizations. The Order had also spread to most of the rest of the world, establishing lodges in the Americas, Australasia, and Europe. The peak of membership was probably in 1915 when the IOOF had 3.4 million active members.Note: Some of the "facts" quoted are inaccurate, and there are no supporting references, so the reliability of this source is unknown.
20th century
The
Great DepressionThe Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries it started in about 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s or early 1940s...
and the introduction of
Franklin D. RooseveltFranklin Delano Roosevelt , also known by his initials, FDR, was the 32nd President of the United States and a central figure in world events during the mid-20th century, leading the United States during a time of worldwide economic crisis and world war...
's
New DealThe New Deal was a series of economic programs implemented in the United States between 1933 and 1936. They were passed by the U.S. Congress during the first term of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The programs were Roosevelt's responses to the Great Depression, and focused on what historians call...
brought a decline in membership. During the depression, people could not afford Odd Fellows membership fees, and when the New Deal's social reforms started to take effect, the need for the social work of the Odd Fellows declined.
Some branches of the order (
i.e. some countries) have allowed women to join the Odd Fellows itself, leading to the Rebekahs' decline in importance. Also, the higher branches and their degrees are, in some countries, becoming regarded as less important or too time-consuming, and (in those countries) are gradually being abandoned.
21st century
Although there was a decline in membership in fraternal organizations in general during the 20th century, membership in the 21st century has started to increase. The IOOF continues in the 21st century with lodges around the world, and is claimed to be the "largest united international fraternal order in the world under one head", with every lodge working with the Sovereign Grand Lodge located in the United States. Also, the British "Independent Order of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity", and the IOOF have recognized each other inter-fraternally; members of the Manchester Unity and the IOOF can visit each other's lodges, and are welcome as brothers and sisters. Currently, there are about 12,000 lodges with nearly 600,000 members.
Units of the Order in the U.S.A. include:
- Odd Fellows Lodge
- Rebekahs
The Daughters of Rebekah, also known as the Rebekahs and the International Association of Rebekah Assemblies, is an international service-oriented organization and a branch of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows...
Lodge
- Encampment
- Ladies Encampment Auxiliary (LEA)
- Patriarchs Militant
- Ladies Auxiliary Patriarchs Militant (LAPM)
- Junior Odd Fellows Lodge
- Theta Rho Girls Club
- United Youth Groups
- Zeta Lambda Tau
Summary of Grand Lodges by region
There are IOOF lodges in at least 29 countries: Each Grand Lodge has a number of subordinate lodges that report to them.
Region
|
Total
Grand
Lodges
|
Ref |
Regions / Jurisdictions / Countries (Date established) |
Ref |
| Africa |
0 |
|
Liberia (1874)*, Nigeria (2008)*, |
|
| Asia |
0 |
Philippines (1872)* |
| Australasia |
6 |
Australasia, New South Wales (1836), New Zealand (1843), South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia |
| Canada |
8 |
Canada (1843), Alberta, Atlantic Provinces, British Columbia (1864), Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec (1878), Saskatchewan |
| Europe |
13 |
Europe (2006), Austria, Czech Republic (1877)*, Denmark (1878), Estonia (1993)*, Finland (1925), France (1884)*, Germany (1870), Iceland (1897), Netherlands & Belgium (1911), Norway (1898), Poland (1938)*, Spain*, Sweden (1895), Switzerland (1871) |
| Central America |
2 |
Belize*, Dominican Republic*, Cuba (1883), Mexico (1882), Puerto Rico (1999)*, |
| South America |
1 |
Chile (1874), Uruguay*, Venezuela, |
| United Kingdom |
0 |
(The IOOF in United Kingdom is under the mother chapter, Manchester Unity.) |
| United States of America |
51 |
Sovereign Grand Lodge (1819), Alabama, Arizona (1884), Arkansas, California (1847), Colorado (1860), Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii (1846), Idaho, Illinois (1838), Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri (1834), Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York (1806), North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma (1875), Oregon, Pennsylvania (1821), Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington (1878), West Virginia, Wisconsin (1835), Wyoming |
| Totals |
81 |
Symbols, lodges, officers, positions and degrees
In order to fully understand the purposes and principles of Odd Fellowship, instruction in ceremonial form is divided into degrees. These degrees are dramatic in form and aim to emulate and impart the principles of the fraternity: Friendship, Love, Truth, Faith, Hope, Charity and Universal Justice. Each degree consists of symbols that aim to teach a practical moral code and encourages members to live and act upon them to act positive change upon the world. In the past, when most Odd Fellows lodges offered financial benefits for the sick and distressed members, such symbols, passwords and hand signs were used as proof of membership and protects the lodge funds from impostors. These symbols, signs and passwords are carried up until the modern times as a tradition. The most widely encountered symbol of the IOOF – on signs and gravemarkers – is the three-link chain ("the Chain With Three Links", the "Triple Links") with three initials, 'F', 'L' and 'T', one each inside each link, signifying Friendship, Love and Truth.
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows in the US has three levels of "Lodge": the Lodge, the Encampment, and the Patriarchs Militant. In addition, there is a private club named The Ancient Mystic Order of Samaritans (AMOS). In Australia, this system has been implemented in a slightly different, but largely similar manner.
Lodge
The Lodge is assigned to new initiates. The initials of the subordinate lodge are "FLT" which stands for Friendship, Love and Truth as the basic guides to live by as an Odd Fellow. Once a member has made their way through all the degrees and has had the 3rd degree (truth) bestowed upon them, they are entitled to hold an officer position in their lodge, and are also eligible to go on further in Odd Fellowship through the higher degree branches such as the Encampment and the Patriarchs Militant (aka the Canton).
Lodge Officer Positions
| Office |
Elected/Appointed |
Duty |
| Noble Grand |
Elected |
Sits as Chair for Meetings, Official Representative of lodge to outside persons and organizations and see that the lodge program is planned in advance |
| Vice Grand |
Elected |
Exercise power to assist Noble Grand in Presiding Meetings. Assume the duties and responsibilities of the NG in times of absence or if necessary |
| Past Grand |
Elected |
Assist Noble Grand and lodge officers in every way possible. May act as NG or VG when legally called thereto |
| Secretary |
Elected |
Records minutes at meetings, files necessary paper work, sends and receives communications. |
| Financial Secretary |
Elected |
Notify and collect to members their dues and financial obligations |
| Treasurer |
Elected |
Keeps an accurate file of all finances and receipts of the lodge and writes all checks ordered |
| Warden |
Appointed |
Responsible for the general welfare of the applicant, examines all present before the lodge is opened, give charge of office during initiations, in-charge of regalia and lodge room property and will place regalia in the lodge room before and removing it on closing |
| Conductor |
Appointed |
Receives the candidates when they enter the lodge room, perform all duties assigned in conferring the degrees and assist the Warden while in the lodge |
| Chaplain |
Appointed |
Leads the opening the closing ceremonies and performs all functions assigned during conferral of degrees |
| Right Supporter of Noble Grand |
Appointed |
Supports the NG in keeping order, execute commands, open and close the lodge in due form, see that signs are given correctly and occupy chair of NG when vacated temporarily during lodge hours. |
| Left Supporter of Noble Grand |
Appointed |
See that members who enter the room are in proper regalia and give the signs correctly and to officiate for the Right Supporter when absent |
| Right Supporter of Vice Grand |
Appointed |
Observe that members give the signs correctly, report to the Noble Grand members that do not conduct themselves according to the regulations of the Order. |
| Left Supporter of Vice Grand |
Appointed |
Assist the Right Supporter and officiate for that officer when absent |
| Color Bearer |
Appointed |
Oversees flags and proper presentation of such |
| Right Scene supporter |
Appointed |
Assist at initiations and perform roles specified in the charge book |
| Left Scene Supporter |
Appointed |
Assist at initiations and perform roles specified in the charge book |
| Inner Guardian |
Appointed |
Guards the inner door |
| Outer Guardian |
Appointed |
Guards the outer door |
| Musician (Optional) |
Appointed |
Play all required music and accompaniment during meetings and ceremonies. |
Subordinate Lodge Degrees
0 Initiatory
1 Friendship
2 Brotherly/Sisterly Love
3 Truth
Encampment
The Encampment is a higher branch in the IOOF and is open to third degree members in good standing. This branch is based on the principles of Faith, Hope and Charity. One must go through the Encampment first before seeking entrance into the highest branch, the Patriarchs Militant. Once one has accomplished the Royal Purple degree of the Encampment, one is eligible to hold an officer position in the Encampment and is also eligible for the Patriarchs Militant.
The initials of the Encampment are FHC which stands for Faith, Hope and Charity. The Encampment's seal is a purple tent with golden trim, the triple links above the tent door and crossed shepherds crooks. These symbols can be seen on the purple fez that American members of this branch wear. One must retain their membership and remain in good standing within their own subordinate lodge while in the Encampment.
Encampment Officers
| Office |
Elected/Appointed |
Duty |
| Chief Patriarch (male)/Chief Matriarch (female) |
Elected |
Sits as Chair for Meetings, Official Representative of Encampment to outside persons and organizations and see that the program is planned in advance |
| Senior Warden |
Elected |
Exercise power to assist Chief Patriarch and High Priest in Presiding Meetings. Assume the duties and responsibilities of the CP in times of absence or if necessary |
| Junior Warden |
Elected |
Examine members prior to opening and assist Chief Patriarch and High Priest |
| High Priest |
Elected |
Provide counsel to members |
| Scribe |
Elected |
Records minutes at meetings, files necessary paper work, sends and receives communications. |
| Financial Scribe |
Elected |
Notify and collect to members their dues and financial obligations |
| Treasurer |
Elected |
Keeps an accurate file of all finances and receipts of the lodge and writes all checks ordered |
| Chaplain |
Appointed |
Leads the opening the closing ceremonies and performs all functions assigned during conferral of degrees |
| Color Bearer |
Appointed |
Oversees flags and proper presentation of such |
| Guide |
Appointed |
Assist at initiations and perform roles specified in the charge book |
| Instructor |
Appointed |
Assist at initiations and perform roles specified in the charge book |
| First, Second, Third, Fourth Guardian of the Tent |
All Appointed |
Assist at initiations and perform roles specified in the charge book |
| First, Second, Third, Fourth Watch |
All Appointed |
Assist at initiations and perform roles specified in the charge book |
| Inside Sentinel |
Appointed |
Guards the inner door |
| Outside Sentinel |
Appointed |
Guards the outer door |
| Musician (Optional) |
Appointed |
Play all required music and accompaniment during meetings and ceremonies. |
Encampment Degrees
1 Patriarch
2 Golden Rule
3 Royal Purple
Again, in legal terminology, American Encampments are also considered U.S. I.R.S. 501(c)(8) Mutual Benefit Corporations.
Patriarchs Militant
Founded during the American Civil war, the Patriarchs Militant (PM) is Odd Fellowship's uniformed branch, and is the branch which offers the highest degree of the IOOF. It is purely semi-military in its character, organized for chivalric display and is admirably fulfilling its mission through the annual 'Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers' ceremony held in Washington, DC, Canada and other public ceremonies conducted in several countries such as Cuba.
There is only one degree, the Chevalier degree. Upon completion of this degree, one is entitled to hold office in the Canton. Sometimes the Patriarchs Militant is referred to as "the Canton", due to the Canton being the name used in lieu of "Lodge". The seal of the PM is a gold and jeweled crown, within which is a shepherds crook crossed with a sword and the triple links of Odd Fellowship connecting the two at the bottom. One must retain their membership and remain in good standing within both the subordinate lodge and Encampment while a member of the PM.
Canton Officers
| Office |
Elected/Appointed |
Duty |
| Commandant |
Elected |
Sits as Chair for Meetings, Official Representative of Canton to outside persons and organizations and see that the program is planned in advance |
| Lieutenant |
Elected |
|
| Ensign |
Elected |
Examine members prior to opening and assist Commandant and Lieutenant |
| Clerk/Accountant |
Elected |
Records minutes at meetings, files necessary paper work, sends and receives communications. |
| Chaplain |
Appointed |
Leads opening and closing prayer |
| Color Bearer |
Appointed |
Oversees flags and proper presentation of such |
| Guard |
Appointed |
|
| Sentinel |
Appointed |
|
| Picket |
Appointed |
|
| Musician (Optional) |
Appointed |
Play all required music and accompaniment during meetings and ceremonies. |
Patriarch Militant Degree
1 Chevalier
American Cantons are also considered US IRS
501(c) (8) Mutual Benefit Corporations.
The Ancient Mystic Order of Samaritans (AMOS)
AMOS was preceded by a number of independent clubs, such as the OOH&P (Oriental Order of Humility and Perfection) and the
Imperial Order of MuscovitesThe Imperial Order of Muscovites was an unofficial, appendant body to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in the United States. The IOM was founded in 1894 in Cincinnati, Ohio, and lasted until the mid-1920s. The basic body or unit of the order was called a Kremlin, with officers styled as Czar,...
. These were disbanded in the first two decades of the 20th Century, and melded together to form the AMOS. The Ancient Mystic Order of Samaritans is not an officially recognized body within Odd Fellowship; it is a private club to which only those who are Odd Fellows may belong. A brother who holds the third degree and is in good standing within his subordinate lodge (i.e. he has not been expelled or in arrears of dues, etc.) is eligible to make an application to join.
The brothers who belong to the AMOS, much like the Shriners, wear a red fez, but the tassel which hangs from the fez is of different colors depending on the degree attained or the office held. The seal of the AMOS is an owl sitting upon a pyramid. Above the owl are the words "WE NEVER SLEEP"; at the base of the pyramid is the word Xerxes, and below the pyramid is the Arabian sword called a
scimitarA scimitar is a backsword or sabre with a curved blade, originating in Southwest Asia .The Arabic term saif translates to "sword" in general, but is normally taken to refer to the scimitar type of curved backsword in particular.The curved sword or "scimitar" was widespread throughout the Muslim...
. The word Xerxes alludes to the password of the first degree of the AMOS.
The Ancient Mystic Order of Samaritans (AMOS) Degrees
- Humility (or Samaritan) [Red fez with a yellow tassel]
- Perfection (or Sheik) [Red fez with a red tassel]
Grand United Order of Odd Fellows
The American
Grand United Order of Odd Fellows is a fraternal organization founded in 1843 for
blackThe term black people is used in systems of racial classification for humans of a dark skinned phenotype, relative to other racial groups.Different societies apply different criteria regarding who is classified as "black", and often social variables such as class, socio-economic status also plays a...
members. Created at a time when the IOOF was primarily a
whiteWhite people is a term which usually refers to human beings characterized, at least in part, by the light pigmentation of their skin...
-only organization, the GUOOF obtained its charter directly from Manchester in Great Britain and the American IOOF organization had no control over it. Although still in existence, membership in the US has declined, due to the mainstream IOOF no longer being
segregatedRacial segregation is the separation of humans into racial groups in daily life. It may apply to activities such as eating in a restaurant, drinking from a water fountain, using a public toilet, attending school, going to the movies, or in the rental or purchase of a home...
and the decline in fraternal membership in general.
Notable members of the IOOF
"Odd Fellowship, unlike many other organizations, makes no special effort to attract 'name' members. Ours is a warm, personal type of affiliation that doesn't rely on 'rubbing elbows' with the famous to give us satisfaction." Below are some of the notable men and women who were members of the fraternity:
- Warren Austin
Warren Robinson Austin was an American politician and statesman; among other roles, he served as Senator from Vermont....
, Mayor, Senator (Vermont 1931-1946), Ambassador to the UN
- Hugo Black
Hugo Lafayette Black was an American politician and jurist. A member of the Democratic Party, Black represented Alabama in the United States Senate from 1927 to 1937, and served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1937 to 1971. Black was nominated to the Supreme...
, politician and jurist
- Owen Brewster
Ralph Owen Brewster was an American politician from Maine. Brewster, a Republican, was solidly conservative...
, lawyer, politician, Governor, Senator
- Wilber Brucker, Governor of Michigan (1931–1932)
- Elwood Bruner
Elwood Bruner was a California State Assemblyman in the late nineteenth century.-Biography:Bruner was born September 27, 1854, in Zanesville, Ohio, to Joseph Asbury Bruner, a Methodist minister, and Margaret Morris Bruner and in 1856 went with his family to Marysville, California. In 1863 and 1864...
, California state legislator in the 1890s
- William Jennings Bryan
William Jennings Bryan was an American politician in the late-19th and early-20th centuries. He was a dominant force in the liberal wing of the Democratic Party, standing three times as its candidate for President of the United States...
, U.S. Secretary of State (1913–1915)
- Robert C. Byrd, U.S. Senator (1959–2010)
- Edwin Hubbell Chapin
Edwin Hubbell Chapin was an American preacher and editor of the Christian Leader.Chapin was born in Union Village, Washington County, New York. He did not attend college, but completed his formal education in a seminary at Birmington, Vermont...
, Universalist minister, author, lecturer, and social reformer
- Charlie Chaplin
Sir Charles Spencer "Charlie" Chaplin, KBE was an English comic actor, film director and composer best known for his work during the silent film era. He became the most famous film star in the world before the end of World War I...
, comedic actor and film director
- Parley P. Christensen
Parley Parker Christensen was an American politician and nominee of the Farmer-Labor Party for President of the United States in 1920. He was member of the Utah House of Representatives and of the Los Angeles, California, City Council...
, Utah and California politician, Esperantist
- Ernest E. Cole
Ernest E. Cole was a New York state lawmaker who served as Commissioner of Education of the State of New York from 1940 to 1942.-Early life and education:...
, Commissioner of Education for New York State (1940–1942)
- Schuyler Colfax
Schuyler Colfax, Jr. was a United States Representative from Indiana , Speaker of the House of Representatives , and the 17th Vice President of the United States . To date, he is one of only two Americans to have served as both House speaker and vice president.President Ulysses S...
, U.S. Vice President (1869–1873)
- John J. Cornwell
John Jacob Cornwell was a Democratic politician from Romney in Hampshire County, West Virginia. Cornwell served as the 15th Governor of the US state of West Virginia...
, Governor (WV) and Senator (MD)
- Wyatt Earp
Wyatt Berry Stapp Earp was an American gambler, investor, and law enforcement officer who served in several Western frontier towns. He was also at different times a farmer, teamster, bouncer, saloon-keeper, miner and boxing referee. However, he was never a drover or cowboy. He is most well known...
, law officer in the American Old WestThe American Old West, or the Wild West, comprises the history, geography, people, lore, and cultural expression of life in the Western United States, most often referring to the latter half of the 19th century, between the American Civil War and the end of the century...
- Ulysses S. Grant
Ulysses S. Grant was the 18th President of the United States as well as military commander during the Civil War and post-war Reconstruction periods. Under Grant's command, the Union Army defeated the Confederate military and ended the Confederate States of America...
, 18th U.S. President (1869–1877)
- Warren Harding
Warren Gamaliel Harding was the 29th President of the United States . A Republican from Ohio, Harding was an influential self-made newspaper publisher. He served in the Ohio Senate , as the 28th Lieutenant Governor of Ohio and as a U.S. Senator...
, 29th U.S. President (1921–1923)
- Rutherford Hayes
Rutherford Birchard Hayes was the 19th President of the United States . As president, he oversaw the end of Reconstruction and the United States' entry into the Second Industrial Revolution...
, 19th U.S. President (1877–1881)
- Thomas Hendricks
Thomas Andrews Hendricks was an American politician who served as a Representative and a Senator from Indiana, the 16th Governor of Indiana , and the 21st Vice President of the United States...
, 21st Vice President of the United States
- Anson Jones
Anson Jones was a doctor, businessman, congressman, the fourth and last President of the Republic of Texas, sometimes called the "Architect of Annexation."- Early life :...
, Last President of the Republic of Texas
- Nathan Kelley
Nathan B. Kelley was a United States architect and builder...
, architect of Ohio State House
- Goodwin Knight
Goodwin Jess Knight , known as "Goodie Knight", was a U.S. politician who was the 31st Governor of California from 1953 until 1959.-Early life:...
, Governor of California
- Charles Lindbergh
Charles Augustus Lindbergh was an American aviator, author, inventor, explorer, and social activist.Lindbergh, a 25-year-old U.S...
, American aviator, author, inventor, explorer, and social activist
- William McKinley
William McKinley, Jr. was the 25th President of the United States . He is best known for winning fiercely fought elections, while supporting the gold standard and high tariffs; he succeeded in forging a Republican coalition that for the most part dominated national politics until the 1930s...
, 25th U.S. President (1897–1901)
- William Marsh Rice
William Marsh Rice was an American businessman who bequeathed his fortune to found Rice University in Houston, Texas.-Biography:...
, Founder of Rice University
- Franklin Roosevelt
Franklin Delano Roosevelt , also known by his initials, FDR, was the 32nd President of the United States and a central figure in world events during the mid-20th century, leading the United States during a time of worldwide economic crisis and world war...
, 32nd U.S. President (1933–1945)
- Levi and Matilda Stanley
Levi Stanley and Matilda Joles Stanley were accorded the honorific titles of King and Queen of the Gypsies...
, considered as King and Queen of the Gypsies
- Earl Warren
Earl Warren was the 14th Chief Justice of the United States.He is known for the sweeping decisions of the Warren Court, which ended school segregation and transformed many areas of American law, especially regarding the rights of the accused, ending public-school-sponsored prayer, and requiring...
, U.S. Chief Justice (1953–1969)
- Thomas Wildey
Thomas Wildey was the founder of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in North America. He was born in London, England, in 1782. He was left an orphan five years later - and the IOOF pledge to "Educate the Orphan" sprang from his personal childhood experiences. At the age of 14, Wildey went to...
, Founder of Odd Fellows in the U.S.
- Albert Winn
Major General Albert Maver Winn , was an American military officer, politician, Odd Fellow and freemason....
, Major General of the U.S. Military (1810–1883)
Architectural impact
Although in Britain the Odd Fellows tended to meet in pubs, in the US the lodges often built their own facilities. Many of these are now on the US
National Register of Historic PlacesThe National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
:
- Arroyo Grande IOOF Hall
The Arroyo Grande IOOF Hall is a building in Arroyo Grande, California that was built in 1902. It served historically as a department store and as meeting hall for an Odd Fellows chapter. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991....
(Arroyo Grande, California)
- IOOF Building (Kingman, Arizona)
IOOF Building is at 208 North Fifth Street in Kingman, Arizona. The two story building was built in 1912. The building was in the Mission/Spanish Revival style. This was the second fraternal organization clubhouse in Kingman. In 1922, the first fire station in Kingman was built next door. IOOF is...
- IOOF Building (Ashland, Oregon)
The IOOF Building in Ashland, Oregon, also known as Oddfellows Building, was built in 1879. It served historically as a clubhouse and as a specialty store. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, for its architecture....
- I.O.O.F. Building (Woodland, California)
The historic I.O.O.F. Building is located in Woodland, Yolo County, Northern California.-History:The building was built in 1905 in a modified Mission Revival—Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style. It served historically as as an Odd Fellows clubhouse, a college, and as a specialty store.The...
- I.O.O.F. Building (Idaho Falls, Idaho)
The I.O.O.F. Building is a building in Idaho Falls, Idaho, United States. It was built in Romanesque Revival style in 1909, and served historically as a clubhouse. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984....
- I.O.O.F. Building of Buffalo
The I.O.O.F. Building of Buffalo, in Buffalo, Oklahoma, was built in 1917 in what is now known as Plains Commercial Style architecture. Also known as Harper County Journal Office, the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. It served historically as a meeting hall...
(Buffalo, Oklahoma)
- Odd Fellows Building (Red Bluff, California)
The Odd Fellows Building in Red Bluff, California was built in 1883. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.-See also:* Odd Fellows Hall : Another lodge in northern California...
- Odd Fellows Building (Inez, Kentucky)
- Odd Fellows Building (Owensboro, Kentucky)
The Odd Fellows Building in Owensboro, Kentucky, denoted DAOB 86, was built in 1895. It shows Beaux Arts, Renaissance Revival, and Italian Renaissance Revival styling. It served historically as a professional building, as a clubhouse, and as a specialty store. It was listed on the National...
- Odd Fellows Building (Pikeville, Kentucky)
The Odd Fellows Building in Pikeville, Kentucky was built in 1915 and historically served as a warehouse and as a business. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984....
- Odd Fellows Building (Malden, Massachusetts)
The Odd Fellows Building is a historic building at 442 Main Street in Malden, Massachusetts.It was built in 1907 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988....
- Odd Fellows Building (Raleigh, North Carolina)
The Odd Fellows Building in Raleigh, North Carolina, also known as the Commerce Building, is a skyscraper built in 1923. It reflects Late 19th and Early 20th Century American Movements architecture and Classical Revival architecture....
- Odd Fellows Building (Portland, Oregon)
The Odd Fellows Building in Portland, Oregon was built in 1922. It served historically as a clubhouse. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 for its architecture, which is Late Gothic Revival....
- Odd Fellows Building (Gary, South Dakota)
The Odd Fellows Building in Gary, South Dakota, also known as Odd Fellow's Hall, was built in 1898. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, for its architecture. It served historically as a clubhouse and as a meeting hall....
- Independent Order of Odd Fellows Building (Benton, Arkansas)
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows Building in Benton, Arkansas was built in 1913. It served historically as a meeting hall and as a specialty store. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.-References:...
- Independent Order of Odd Fellows Building (San Diego, California)
Independent Order of Odd Fellows Building is a historic building in San Diego, California's Gaslamp Quarter. Built in 1882, the Odd Fellows Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978....
- Odd Fellows Building and Auditorium
The Odd Fellows Building and Auditorium, located at 228—250 Auburn Avenue, N.E. in the Sweet Auburn Historic District of Atlanta, Georgia, are historic buildings built in 1912 and 1913, respectively, as the headquarters of the District Grand Lodge No. 18, Jurisdiction of Georgia, of the Grand...
(Atlanta, Georgia)
- IOOF Hall (De Beque, Colorado)
The IOOF Hall, also known as Crest Theatre and denoted 5ME 6937, is a building in De Beque, Colorado that was built in 1900. It served historically as a meeting hall and as a theater. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.-References:...
- I.O.O.F. Hall (Mokelumne Hill, California)
The I.O.O.F. Hall in Mokelumne Hill, California, which is California Historical Landmark #256, is said to be California's first three-story building to be erected outside the coastal towns. The original building was erected in 1854 as a two-story building...
- I.O.O.F. Hall (Woodbridge, California)
The I.O.O.F. Hall in Woodbridge, California was built in 1861 in Early Commercial architectural style. It served historically as a clubhouse and as a business. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982....
- Independent Order of Odd Fellows Hall (Ashton, Idaho)
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows Hall in Ashton, Idaho, also known as the Ashton State Bank Building was built in 1907 in Early Commercial architectural style. It served historically as a meeting hall and a business. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.-References:...
- Independent Order of Odd Fellows Hall (Salt Lake City, Utah)
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows Hall in Salt Lake City, Utah, also known as the I.O.O.F. Hall, was built in 1891. It was designed by George F. Costersian in Richardsonian Romanesque style....
- Odd Fellows Hall (Eureka, California)
The Odd Fellows Hall in Eureka, California, also known as the French Empire Mansard Building, is a Second Empire architecture style building built in 1883....
- Odd Fellows Hall (La Grange, California)
The Odd Fellows Hall in La Grange, California was built in 1855. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. It served historically as a clubhouse and as a meeting hall....
- Odd Fellows Hall (Santa Ana, California)
The Odd Fellows Hall in Santa Ana, California, also known as Odd Fellows Building, was built in 1906. It served historically as a clubhouse. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.-External links:*...
- Oddfellow's Hall
The Oddfellows' Hall is an historic site on Warren Avenue in East Providence, Rhode Island.The hall was built in a shingle style in 1889 by Gould & Angell. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980....
- Odd Fellows' Hall
- Odd Fellows Hall
The Odd Fellows Hall in Covington, Kentucky is located at the northeast corner of Fifth Street and Madison Avenue. It was constructed in 1856 by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge, and was the center of Covington's civic and political life for most of the Victorian era. When the American...
- Odd Fellows Block (Grand Forks, North Dakota)
The Odd Fellows Block, located at 23-25 S 4th st and 324 Kittson Ave in the Downtown Grand Forks Historic District of Grand Forks, North Dakota is a historic building built in 1888 as a home for the Odd Fellows meeting hall, which was situated on the third floor...
- Odd Fellows Block (Lewiston, Maine)
Odd Fellows Block is an historic block at 182-190 Lisbon Street in Lewiston, Maine.The block was built in 1876 and served historically as a clubhouse. It was added to the National Historic Register in 1986....
- Odd Fellows Lodge (Bel Air, Maryland)
Odd Fellows Lodge, also known as Old First Presbyterian Church, is a historic building in Bel Air, Maryland, United States. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975....
- Odd Fellows Lodge (Goldsboro, North Carolina)
The Odd Fellows Lodge in Goldsboro, North Carolina was built in 1901. It served historically as a clubhouse and as a specialty store. It was designed by E.G. Porter in Classical Revival architecture and Romanesque architecture styles. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in...
- IOOF Lodge (Alton, Kansas)
The IOOF Lodge in Alton, Kansas was built in 1885. It served historically as a business and as a meeting hall. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.-References:...
- IOOF Lodge (Thompson Falls, Montana)
The IOOF Lodge in Thompson Falls, Montana, also known as Odd Fellows Hall, served historically as a clubhouse and as a meeting hall. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986....
- Odd Fellows Temple (Pasadena, California)
The Odd Fellows Temple in Pasadena, California is a historic Spanish Colonial Revival style building that was built in 1933 at 175 N. Robles. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985....
- Odd Fellows Temple (Lexington, Kentucky)
The Odd Fellows Temple in Lexington, Kentucky, also known as Skullers Jewelry, Inc., was built in Second Empire and Italianate style in 1870. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980....
- Odd Fellows Temple (Waterville, Maine)
- Odd Fellows Temple (East Liverpool, Ohio)
The Odd Fellows Temple in East Liverpool, Ohio was built in 1907. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.It was one of many buildings addressed in a study assessing historic resources in East Liverpool's central business district, a study resulted in the NRHP listing of...
See also
- Odd Fellows
Odd Fellows is a name broadly referring to any of a large number of friendly societies, fraternal and service organizations and/or Lodges.-Societies using the name "Odd Fellows" or variations:...
- Imperial Order of Muscovites
The Imperial Order of Muscovites was an unofficial, appendant body to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in the United States. The IOM was founded in 1894 in Cincinnati, Ohio, and lasted until the mid-1920s. The basic body or unit of the order was called a Kremlin, with officers styled as Czar,...
- Oddfellows
The name Oddfellows refers to a number of friendly societies and fraternal organisations operating in the United Kingdom. It also refers to a number of Lodges with histories dating back to the 18th century. These various organisations were set up to protect and care for their members and...
- the British orders, and
- Independent Order of Odd Fellows Philippines
- Independent Order of Odd Fellows Sweden
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Sweden , is a part of a worldwide altruistic and benevolent Fraternal Order, made up of men and women of good character who have a desire to promote Universal harmony and are always ready to exercise works of charity and benevolence specially to those in need...
- International Association of Rebekah Assemblies
- Theta Rho Girls
- Junior Odd Fellows
- Manchester Unity of Odd Fellows
- Independent Order of Oddfellows (Manchester Unity)
- :category: Odd Fellows
Further reading
- Ross, Theodore (2003): History and Manual of Odd Fellowship. Whitefish: Kessinger Publishing. ISBN 0766145573
- Smith, Don and Roberts, Wayne (1993): The Three Link Fraternity – Odd Fellowship in California. Linden: Linden Publications.
- Coursey, Oscar William. History and Geography of the Philippine Islands. 1903. ISBN 1151701122
External links