The Modern Odd Fellow's Guide
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.
Read More Odd Fellows MakeoverA little bit of “granny does yer dog bite?” at an Odd Fellows Hall in Virginia.
Read More Odd Fellows “Old Time” Music JamsPG rating. May not be suitable for work, or younger family members.
Read More Copenhagen bike messengers – freedom and friendshipRegardless 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.
Read More The Inclusive Order of Odd Fellows by David ScheerI 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 ???
Read More Can’t We All Just Get Along? By Bro. Page of the GUOOFFraternal Art Symposium
Read More Fraternal Art Symposiumby Ainslie Heilich Several months ago I was commissioned by Louie Blake Saile Sarmiento to create an image depicting a specific list of famous American Odd Fellows of the mid-1800s for his upcoming book on the Odd Fellows. This was no simple task and was definitely a labor of love. Thankfully, with the use […]
Read More Famous American Odd Fellows of the Mid-1800s Digital PaintingThe Independent Order of Odd Fellows is steeped in traditions and a rich history. Being one of the oldest surviving Fraternal Orders in the United States, it is a fascinating study of “lost arts.” What do I mean by “lost arts”? One only has to examine our own fine documents to see skills and pride that our modern society has all but forgotten about.
Read More I.O.O.F. Certificates: A Lost Art by Scott RobinsonThanks to our readers! As of 5/18/2017 Heart in Hand, The Modern Odd Fellows Guide has gotten 3,450 views since it began in March. This number is no small accomplishment given the numbers of Odd Fellows that are online and who enjoy reading and interacting with a blog about and for modern Odd Fellowship. We’ve […]
Read More Thanks To Our Readers!I wrote/recorded/made the video all in one day just to force myself to complete something in a small window. I had written the words a few months ago. I wanted to capture the disorientation and mystery that someone goes through during initiation. All sound effects are authentic and come from my Lodge. Even the creaky 17th step!
Read More New Music: Odd Fellows HymnWhile it is true that idle curiosity caused me to join, what I found in the organization is what kept me coming back. It kept me going to meetings, researching, looking for ways to improve myself and my Lodge. My Lodge and the Order it belongs to impressed me in a way that nothing in the world ever has. It has presented me with the privilege to meet some of the greatest people I have ever met. Doing the work of the order and moving through the chairs has been one of the greatest honors I have ever been able to experience outside of fatherhood and my marriage to Jessica who shares in Odd Fellowship with me.
Read More Bro. Mathew Yingling and the “Columbus Factor”
