The Common Good: Mad Max and Little Lord Fauntleroy

The Common Good. “It is possible that people should combine for the common good; hence we have societies…united by a compact, which protects their members.” There are several things in the above quote that an Odd Fellow can observe. However, I’ll focus specifically upon the idea, put forth in the quote, of a social contract. […]

Music: Odd Fellows

Release date: August 16th, 2011 MIRROR MIRROR, the New York based duo of David Riley and Ryan Lucero, bring their avant-pop explorations to RVNG Intl. with the release of Interiors, the ten-song follow up to their debut album, The Society for the Advancement of Inflammatory Consciousness. Recorded in two parts, Interiors features the production work of Chris Coady (Beach House, Gang Gang […]

Odd Fellows Hall, Digital Painting, Young Poets

In the video below we learn that our buildings continue to help communities express themselves, even though the lodge membership is long gone. The 99Angles Project is a multimedia artistic proposal that links digital writings to intervention’s methods in the public space. These 3 buildings, selected together with local artists, represent the past and […]

On the Edge of Revival

My theory is that the Gen X and Millennial generations are looking for something outside of formal religion that is fun, mysterious, and meaningful to help make sense of the chaotic world we live in today. People like me got intrigued by the history and the mystery of all of the symbols and rituals and it drew me to the order. I needed to feel like I was a part of something larger than myself. Something that was serious but didn’t take itself too seriously. Something that helps the community. Something that gives me a purpose and reminds me to do the right thing. Odd Fellows is all of those things and more.

The Heads of Giants

The Heads of Giants Human myth is full of giants. From the giant in “Jack and the Bean Stalk” to “David and Goliath” to the modern mythical giant “Godzilla.” But what do giants represent to ancient humanity and modern sensibilities? One of the ways we can begin to interpret the idea of “giant” is thinking […]

Odd Fellows Art Show!

I have seen the rose. I have seen the leaves.

Check this out through an Odd Fellow’s eyes.

Working With “Truth,” the Imperial Virtue

Working With Truth Our third degree, as everyone knows, is the Degree of Truth. Odd Fellows are told that “truth IS the imperial virtue.” But how do we know what truth is? How do we arrive at “truth?” Is there anything that can be called “THE truth?” Your Conductor’s goal here is to simply raise […]

Odd Fellows by Tomahawk

Lyrics: Pit Vipers Golden Dawn Old straw nerves Burning Strong They call us oddfellows We’re dancing on the gallows Who will judge you tomorrow? From the hills, Here they come Cold magic Please behold We only know the odd way

Stick Cluster

Chains of Bigotry

Lessons and Charges From the Odd Fellows Companion, 1867, page 78-83 Updated language and syntax. Edited. Odd Fellow…go forth as a leader in the cause of the oppressed. Under such a cause, you may attack– with power and effect– the high, thick walls of Prejudice which shuts us away from our fellow humans; you may […]

Artwork: Reworking Old Images. Vol I.

Several years ago, I acquired this cast iron trivet/plaque. Despite the damage to the dove and the rough appearance I had fallen in love with this depiction of the heart in hand. It gave the appearance that the hand was giving the heart over, while still protecting it in its gentle embrace, like cradling a small bird. It is a simple yet powerful image. The bearer is both thoughtful and generous, careful yet ready to aid others. As Odd Fellows, we cannot just help anyone who comes to altar of aid.