Chevaliers...Attention!  Welcome!

Thank you for visiting the Department Council's webpage.  We are continuing to grow in West Virginia, but with your support, we can overcome our low membership and become one of the best aspects of Odd Fellowship in the Order. 

Any third degree member in good standing in an Encampment is eligible to join a Canton.  For more information on a Canton that is located near you, please click here.

Department Council and LAPM

The annual session of the Department Council of West Virginia was held at Comfort Suites in Mineral Wells, West Virginia.  At our session, we were honored to have with us General Donald McLaren and his wife, Lady Barbara, from the Jurisdiction of Massachusetts.

The sessions were held at Comfort Suites in Mineral Wells, and you could have not asked for a better facility for our meetings.  The 2010 sessions will be held at the same facility at the same rates.  Book now for 2010 by clicking here.

A Welcome from the Membership Chairman

A welcome from the Cantons to you.

The Patriarchs Militant branch of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows is the highest and the most prestigious branch of all.  By means of the highest, it is the last lodge to join in the Order, and therefore, it is the most prestigious to obtain.

Any third degree member of an Encampment lodge is eligible to join the Cantons.  We have a limited number of Cantons throughout West Virginia, and we want to increase our membership so that there is a Canton in every town where there is an Encampment and branch out from there.

The goal for 2010 is to have two (2) new Cantons instituted before December 31, 2010.  You can be a part of the success!  All it takes is a bit of interest that will go long ways.

So, if you are an Encampment member, think about the Patriarchs Militant.  You won't be disappointed.

Chivalrously,

Brigadier General Emil R. Suder
Department Commander & Membership Chairman

Information about the Department Council

Officers of the Department Council of West Virginia (2008-2012)
List of Cantons in West Virginia (Updated on June 6, 2009)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to the website of the Department Council of West Virginia!  I am, indeed, delighted that you seek more information about the highest branch of the Order.

We take much pride of the semi-military unit of the IOOF.  The constant battle to maintain and increase membership is one that we live with each and every day.

Please take a moment to learn more about us and how we make the world a better place.  So many people I come in contact with on a day-to-day basis say, "The Patriarchs Militant is nothing but a militia."  That is not true.  If you take research for a moment about this branch, you will see that we were and still a part of the military.  Jewels to recognize our efforts during World War I, World War II, and the Korean wars are on display at Arlington National Cemetery.

I sincerely hope that you enjoy looking at the information on this and hope that you will become a member after joining the Encampment branch.

Chivalrously,


Brigadier General Emil R. Suder
Department Commander
Emil.Suder@wvioof.org