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.

First Odd Fellows Funeral

The very first Odd Fellows funeral in the United States took place in Maryland: “Some time during the spring of 1823, Andrew Wark, a member of Franklin Lodge, No. 2, was accidentally knocked from the deck of his vessel into the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, where he was drowned before help could reach him. […]

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

The Culture of the Lodge: Advice on Growing a Strong Lodge

Two years ago when my Lodge was working toward being reinstituted, I was given some of the best advice by Eric Smith PGM while he was serving his term as Grand Master of Illinois. He told me that we had to choose the “Culture of the Lodge”. What does that mean? Shouldn’t joining in arms under the umbrella of Odd Fellowship be enough? If that were so, then fans of sports wouldn’t have a favorite team to rally behind or lovers of the arts have a preferred style. It would be like going to the awkward family reunion where you don’t have anything else in common with your kin than a name or blood and everyone just makes polite small talk.

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.

All Seeing Eye

I won’t go into the meaning of the all seeing eye for Odd Fellows, but I will say that this symbol is everywhere these days: on clothing, as graffiti tags, as art, etc. So how is this symbol perceived by modern culture? Mostly, it seems to be seen as a representation of oppression. It represents […]