Author: Ainslie

Ainslie is a Tattoo Artist and owner of Vintage Karma in Tuscola, IL. He is an Odd Fellow and founding member and Past Grand of Tuscola #316 which is right above the tattoo studio. Ainslie is also a member of Owl Creek Rebekah #91, Champaign Encampment #68, and Zonar Canton #18, all of Fisher, IL. He is also on the Grand Lodge of IL IOOF Web Committee and the Sovereign Grand Lodge Communications Committee and built/maintains their websites and Facebook Pages and is a founder of the Heart in Hand blog. When he is not tattooing or Odd Fellowing he built/maintains the official website and Facebook page for guitarist G.E. Smith and helps keep the fans connected.

Empowering Others by Michael Greenzeiger

Empowering Others By Michael Greenzeiger http://www.siliconvalleyoddfellows.org/ http://supremeamos.org/ I’ve had the privilege of belonging to several different lodges and of visiting a number of others all across the country. There are truly many different ways to be a good leader and to run a successful lodge. One commonality I have observed among all those who are […]

Recutting the Gem that is Odd Fellowship

Odd Fellowship is a unique gem cut from the sacred cave of wisdom. When you take a rough gem you then have to carefully cut the shape and facets using years of experience. We achieved our beautiful form of our philosophy in the 1800s and in it we set this jewel in the shining setting […]

What the Odd Fellows of Tomorrow Could Look Like

So many feel powerless in their daily lives, from dead end jobs and corporate slavery to societal expectations and financial limitations, people are craving empowerment over their chaotic lives. Odd Fellows can do all that and more. We just have to look inward to see the built in value that we have to offer our members that is currently being ignored.

Why Can’t We Have Nice Things? By Michael Greenzeiger

Quality takes on many forms. In addition to our lodge halls themselves, we must also think about the lodge furnishings, regalia, and grounds. When we put on an event, the event needs to be well-planned. If food is served, it should be nicely presented in addition to tasting good. There should be options to fit the requirements and tastes of all those present so far as possible. When we perform ritual, it needs to be done competently and with feeling even if we don’t have the time or ability to do memorization work. If we can memorize and recite fluently, all the better!

Odd Interview: Scott Robinson, a new member in PA

The worst is that we are not treating our Lodges as a true business. No one knows we still exist. We are not visible in the community. As a general rule, in my opinion, the IOOF is not good at marketing and business. There are so many things we can do that are simple, cost-effective, and beneficial to get our name out there.

PSGM Humphrey joins the GUOOF by Bro. Page

I am honored to have had the pleasure of bringing PSGM Bro. Jimmy Humphrey into the Grand United Order of Oddfellows, Florence lodge 2212 ! He along with six more gentlemen answered the call to come forth and help us to build something greater than ourselves. Even more awesome was that it was in the presence of my father who is also a proud new member of our Illustrious Order ! He drove six hours to attend lodge, and be a part of history brethren!

Be the Match

You could the Match that ignites passion for Odd Fellowship in your Lodge!

What Every Struggling Lodge Needs. A Rainmaker Revival

For too long things have been allowed to settle. Leadership became a chore and seen as taking one’s turn in the big chair. Thousands of Lodges slowly began to rot on the vine in neglect under the long hot summer sun in the August of our Order as the fertile spring and summer gave way. But we can’t just walk away. There are still so many strong Lodges scattered out there and some that could be easily brought back from the brink with a little water and nurture.

Odd Fellows Makeover

There has been the need for a makeover for the Odd Fellows for a good long while. Most haven’t heard of us. Those who have either think that we are long gone or just a few old guys that hang out once a month. Sadly, that is the reality in many places, punctuated by the random Lodge here and there that is having a revival.

Origins and Meanings of the Three Links

In this evolving research piece, I explore the many possible origins of the Three Links. They all have their merits and perhaps one of them is the truth. I also try to delve into the more esoteric symbolism behind the image and the lessons it has to teach us as we contemplate it. Much of this piece is up for interpretation and I welcome any dialogue on this subject.

The Inclusive Order of Odd Fellows by David Scheer

Regardless of what the “I” in I.O.O.F. officially stands for, in our hearts as Odd Fellows, it should stand for Inclusiveness. Inclusiveness is the actual historic meaning of Odd Fellows. When our Order was born from the trade guilds in England, ODD meant DIVERSE, (as in odd jobs.) A fellow was a member of a trade. Other trade guilds were exclusive. The Masons only allowed masons. The Foresters only allowed foresters. The Odd Fellows were inclusive, they encouraged diversity and allowed members of any trade to join their fraternal guild.

Can’t We All Just Get Along? By Bro. Page of the GUOOF

I say that to say this, are we both so caught up in the past that we cannot evolve? I might be considered outta pocket to elders from both sides but….Am I crazy for wanting our Orders to come together? I’m aware that this is a daunting task that would take lots and lots of planning, debating, discussions, but aren’t we worth it ???