
Odd Fellows |
In 17th century England, it was odd
to find people organized for the purpose of giving aid 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". Odd Fellows are also known as "The
Three Link Fraternity" which stands for Friendship, Love
and Truth.
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.
Odd Fellowship became the 1st 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 Colfax
who was Vice President of the United States during the period 1868-1873.
Odd Fellows and Rebekahs were also the first fraternal organization
to establish homes for
our senior members and for orphaned children.
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