The Brotherhood

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows was founded on the North American Continent in Baltimore, Maryland, on April 26, 1819 when Thomas Wildey 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.

Quest for Brotherhood

Today, members proudly hail their Order for its wideranging accomplishments, and as the largest fraternity in the world under a single international leader. Odd Fellows and their sister Rebekahs number almost a million members in the world.

Our Friendly Family

The busy, friendly family of Odd Fellowship embraces several degrees and organized units of the Order to give each member a wider opportunity for participation. In addition to the Odd Fellow Lodge, Rebekah Lodge, Junior Lodge, and the Theta Rho Girls Club wa have the Encampment Degree and its Auxiliary which teach subline and useful lessons and the Patriarchs Militant and its Auxiliary which comprise the uniformed group of the Order.

Step Up To Odd Fellowship

Through its teaching and ceremonies, our world Order seeks to elevate the character of men and women, and thus create a more enjoyable and liveable social environment for people. Notable at our lodge meetings are the Bible reposed on the altar and the National Flag in its standard. These emphasize the love Odd Fellows have for God and country and affirm their covenant to abide by the laws of the civil and religious society. Though the Order is not a religion, its doctrine proclaims that no one may become an Odd Fellow who is not faithful to God in the religion of choice and his or her country and agrees to uphold the laws of the land. We ask those who would be members to believe in a Supreme Being. They may worship in their own way.

Order Of Good Deeds

As a great fraternity, Odd Fellowship creates a brotherhood and sisterhood -- not a division of men and women. It stimulates life in all its fullness and goodness. Degrees are linked together to broaden the mind and elevate the character of candidates for membership.

Helping Hand To Others

Odd Fellows practice aid to others as a cherished precept of founder Thomas Wildey. His immortal words command: "Visit the Sick, Relieve the Distressed, Bury the Dead, Educate the Orphan."

Another of the Order's early leaders, Schuyler Colfax, later to become vice-president of the United States, and author of the beautiful Rebekah ritual, enjoined members to be "Guardian of the Widow, and Father of the Fatherless."

Helping other is ever a mandate for our members.

• Finding Membership

  A man or woman of good character, who is loyal to his or her country and believes in a Supreme Being, the Creator and Preserver of the Universe, is eligible for membership. Odd Fellowship strictly forbids any interference with one's religious beliefs or political opinions. A candidate must be sponsored by a current member, so the first step towards joining is to find someone who is a current member. Our application link will allow you to meet a member who will be glad to share Odd Fellowship with you.

• Why Be An Odd Fellow?

  • The Brotherhood
  • Quest for Brotherhood
  • Our Friendly Family
  • Step Up To Odd Fellowship
  • Order Of Good Deeds
  • Helping Hand To Others
  • Adds Zest and Joy to Living

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  To lean more about all the great resaons to consider joining us please click the button below.

  Learn More

• Requirements & Joining Procedure

  • Contact a Lodge or lodge member.
  • Complete an Application. (Received from a Member)
  • Your Application and Initiation fees are forwarded to the Lodge.
  • Interview of the Applicant by an Interviewing Committee.
  • Committee reports to members & provides recommendations
  • Members vote on the Applicant.
  • Applicant is advised of the voting results.
  • Applicant receives an Initiation notice.
  • Applicant receives Initiation in the Lodge.

• Finding Membership

  When the lodge has received your application, they will appoint an interviewing committee of three members. These members will call on you, both to ask questions and to answer any questions you may have concerning the lodge. One purpose of the interviewing committee is to give a candidate at least three familiar faces in the lodge. At the next meeting, the interviewing committee will report back to the lodge. The lodge will ballot to accept you as a member. If you are accepted, the lodge will then send you a letter announcing your election to membership and the date and time for initiation.

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  For an appication please click below.

  Application