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ABOUT US
What is Odd Fellowship?
Simply stated, Odd Fellowship is the collaboration between the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs, fraternal organizations based on the Fatherhood of God, the Brotherhood of Man and the Sisterhood of Woman. They perform charitable work on various projects within the communities where lodges are located. Through their teachings they seek to elevate the character of mankind and thereby make the world a better place in which to live. Odd Fellowship is not a religion; however, it requires its members to believe in a supreme being and be loyal to their country.
History
In 17th century England, where Odd Fellowship began, it was “odd” to find a group of members organized for the sole purpose of giving to those in need and of pursuing projects for the benefit of all mankind. Those who belonged to such an organization were called “odd fellows”.
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows as we know it today began in Baltimore, Maryland, where five members of the Order from England founded Washington Lodge No. 1 on April 26, 1819. The first Noble Grand was one of these Brothers, Thomas Wildey, considered the founder of the Odd Fellowship in North America. A charter was received from Duke of York Lodge in Preston, England, in 1820, a year and a half after its self-institution.
The Addition of the Rebekahs
In 1851, a revered Odd Fellow Brother, Schuyler Colfax, who had long been an advocate of admitting the mothers, wives, sisters and daughters of Odd Fellows to a branch of the Order, succeeded in having the Rebekahs branch established.