The Fraternal Spectrum – by Seth Anthony

“We all have the same problems you know” he said. “Whether Odd Fellows, Masons, Pythians, or Rotarians – it’s the same issues, they just have different names.” I pondered on that statement and realized how true it was. Later, I spoke to my Pastor who lamented the issues facing the church and membership. Then I heard it again from a client at work, who was saddened by the lack of interest in their charitable mission.

Telling the Story of Odd Fellowship

This year, on Halloween, I had the pleasure of going to a live performance of the Lore Podcast given by its creator, Aaron Mahnke, at the historic Trocadero Theatre in Philadelphia. If you’ve not checked out Lore, I strongly encourage you do. During each episode, Mahnke tells a series of strange, historically accurate stories relating to a common theme. His show has over 97 million downloads and was recently made into an Amazon Prime television series.

CRAFTS GUILDS AND JOURNEYMEN ASSOCIATIONS: EARLY ROOTS OF ENGLISH FRATERNAL ORDERS

The origin of fraternity, as a principle, is as old as humankind. Humans always have that natural desire to associate with each other for a common purpose – either for social, philosophical, political, religious, charitable, mutual-benefit, or business purposes. Fraternities or so-called brotherhoods existed since the early civilizations – first among sworn kinsmen, Roman collegias, Orders of Knighthood, craft guilds, box clubs and fraternal lodges.

Are You Part of the Problem?

If you think this post is about you, then it probably is.

Do you truly carry the lessons of Odd Fellowship in your heart and through your actions? Or are you an Odd Fellow only during Lodge and once you get in your car and return to your regular life you forget about it all until the next meeting?

There are many ways we can discuss incorporating the teachings of the Degrees into our daily lives, but I want to focus one one area today. Social Media.

Why am I an Odd Fellow? Part 1

By Ainslie Heilich, PG Tuscola #316 ArtofVintageKarma.com Why am I an Odd Fellow? This is a question that people either ask me that we as members should look deep inside and ask ourselves from time to time so that we can honestly answer why we are so invested in fighting for our beloved Order. I […]

More than a Social Club

We are reminded every time we begin a formal meeting that we should regard our lodge as our family and hail each other as brothers and sisters. Perhaps we hear this statement so frequently that we simply take it for granted and don’t stop to think about what it means. In truth, however, it speaks to a notion which is fundamental to Odd Fellowship and which renders us distinct from a mere social club.

Wearing the Pride of the Order- by Seth Anthony

Submitted by Seth Anthony Triune Lodge #307 Middletown, PA As I toured some new members around our Lodge room, I pointed to an old Encampment apron and collar on the wall. It was beautifully mounted and displayed. The bullion thread showed nary a bit of tarnish. It looked as if the regalia had been boxed […]

10 Webpages To Aid Your “Odd” Life!

I agree: the featured image of the “man-chickens” is pretty odd. One of the things we’re supposed to do as Odd Fellows is take care of one another so here are 10 webpages that can help you lead a better Odd life! The first two you may have to copy and paste in your address […]

Odd Fellows Mural in Corvallis, Oregon

The Corvallis Odd Fellows just sponsored an Odd Fellows themed mural that was painted by artist Alice J Marshall. It is part of a larger downtown project called the Corvallis Mural Project which “seeks to establish a comprehensive network of mural activity and engagement by artists, property owners, and the community.” Creative projects like this are […]

Comments on the Vision of the Future by Billy Sanderson

As current members, we should be aware of skepticism by some “youth”
about all things old or traditional or fading away (like many see the
Order). It was not until I turned 50 that I sought out what I thought I was
missing. I asked many questions. The members I asked were patient
with me. Eventually, I found what my lodge and I could give each other.

As Above, So Below: Andy Don Emmons!

Highlight video for interview with Andy Don Emmons for the Tropic Pictures documentary about fraternal society art titled “As Above, So Below.” Enlarge the video to enjoy!

Music in the Lodge by Michael Greenzeiger

Michael Greenzeiger http://www.siliconvalleyoddfellows.org/ Music has historically played a major role in human culture. We use it to help set the mood for all sorts of occasions, be they happy, sad, solemn, or joyous. Music has also played a major role in the history of Odd Fellowship to the point where we even have provisions for […]