The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) is one of the oldest fraternal orders in the world. Organized on this continent in Baltimore, Maryland – April 26, 1819 by Thomas Wildey and four other Odd Fellows from England. This Order was founded on four great cornerstones upon which to build our Order visit the sick; relieve the distressed, bury the dead and educate the orphan.
Also tied to these four great cornerstones are three of most needed principles by which we live today and add to the strength of our foundation – Friendship, Love and Truth – which are represented by the three links – the emblem of our Order. Other emblems of Odd Fellowship – the skull and crossbones representing the passage of time and the single-eye as the All-knowingness of God.
Odd Fellowship signifies a belief in a Supreme Being and in the brotherhood of man. These two beliefs are the only ‘requirements’ for membership in this great Order. The Order has no interest in denominational affiliations. One must be of good character, belief in a supreme being and an age of 16 years of age to be an Odd Fellow. There are Junior Lodges and Theta Rho Lodges for young men and women. The chief purpose of is to give aid, assistance, comfort to other members, their families and to do charitable work throughout.
Odd Fellowship is dedicated to broadening man’s mind, without taking from the individual any of his rights or privileges – and by so doing elevating his character.
The teachings of Odd Fellowship are based on the Bible. All our degrees are taken from it and built around the great principles of friendship, love, truth, faith, hope, charity and universal justice thereby teaching men and women how to practice these seven principles in their daily life. |
