Independent Order of Odd Fellows of West Virginia

With Odd Fellows and Rebekahs in West Virginia ~ It's Almost Heaven!

What is the Independent Order of 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 first 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.

There are different branches to Odd Fellowship.  Listed below is a simplified list of the different branches of the Order:

Voices of Vision

An informative movie from Sovereign Grand lodge about our Order.

Voices of Vision

Informative Links about Odd Fellowship

Listed below are some links to take you to The Sovereign Grand Lodge and other groups that promote Odd Fellowship throughout America and the world at-large.  We hope that you will take a supreme interest in the teachings of the Order and join. .



Honor Guard at the Annual Homecoming

 

The Patriarchs Militant (PM) branch of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows is made up of a semi-military unit.  Pictured above is a honor guard formed at a celebration.  Date is unknown. Any member of the Encampment lodge is eligible to join the Patriarchs Militant of IOOF.