The Modern Odd Fellow's Guide
On this episode: Brother Billy Sanderson is a member of Columbia #2 in Victoria, BC. He is presenting on the symbolism of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. On Part 2 he discusses the symbolism of the Initiatory Degree. Stay tuned for Part 3! Click Here for Part 1. Click Here for Part 3. No […]
Read More The Ante Room: Ep. 3 (2/3) Odd Fellows Symbolism by Billy SandersonOur forebearers in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows knew that the acts of love and compassion we performed were at the center of our collective identity and were the secret to our growth and success. Somehow, though, we have become increasingly distant from these noble ends and our Order has paid the price, becoming a mere shadow of its former self in terms of size and vibrancy. It didn’t happen all at once, but rather bit by bit until we have found ourselves in a place where many members don’t even know what our aims and principles are, let alone work to carry them out in their communities.
Read More A Remembrance of Mutual Relief – by Michael Greenzeiger, GW CAOn this episode: Brother Darin Lahners gave our Lodge a educational segment during “The Good of the Order” to show how easily it can be incorporated into the meetings to make them a little more interesting and give the members the much needed education we need. No unwritten work is discussed in this video.
Read More The Ante Room: Ep 2. Lodge Education with Darin LahnersWe, and I mean everyone, has to be open to accept a disagreement about a tradition we hold dear. (We should not see this an attack on our person, well… unless it is clearly attack on you, but that would be unbecoming of an Odd Fellow for the attacker to do, right?) We should see the disagreement as a challenge to the value the tradition brings, and possibly only some refinement is needed.
Read More What’s so Important About Tradition? -by Billy SandersonThe best and most complete answer to this situation is found within the walls of our lodges. Odd Fellowship has its roots in the need of for self-preservation for the most vulnerable in society. The only means by
which early working families had of blunting the cruel torrents of life was by contributing to mutual aid groups like the Odd Fellows. In our lodges, they found stability in an unfeeling, unstable world. We provided a measure of comfort when difficult times arrived.
Toby Hanson Junior Past Grand Master Grand Lodge of Washington, IOOF Sovereign Grand Musician Independent Order of Odd Fellows Everything you’ve been reading up to this point has been preparing you for this moment when I reveal the deepest, most special, most closely-guarded secret of Odd Fellowship: how to save failing lodges. This is the […]
Read More How to Save Failing Lodges: Secrets Revealed – by Toby Hanson PGMHow to be an Odd Fellow – Protecting the Rights of Our Neighbors By Vanessa O’Connor Mountain View Lodge #244 The Odd Fellows empower members to support those most in need, providing a source of strength within the community. We have always welcomed and comforted those under duress, as it is part of our oath […]
Read More How to be an Odd Fellow – Protecting the Rights of Our Neighbors -by Vanessa O’Connor