Let’s Put Pride and “WOW” Back in Our Degree Ceremonies – by Scott Robinson

Scott Robinson Lewisburg, PA, No. 96 When I joined the Odd Fellows, I looked forward to my Initiation night! I was excited, and nervous. I looked forward to taking part in the same mysterious ceremony that my ancestors were in many years ago. I was thrilled to be a part of that tradition, mystery, and […]

There is More than One Way to Be an Odd Fellow

We need members that have certain strengths that may get overlooked when simply trying to “fill the chairs”. We don’t all want to work at the Grand Lodge level and attend formal events or even hold leadership positions in the lodge that require a member to do a lot of speaking in front of groups. While it is nice to have a lot of people show up for the business meetings, I have learned from many of my Lodge family that they feel uncomfortable reading the roles out loud and it gives them a lot of anxiety, even though they know no one would judge them for messing up. Instead of twisting the arms of members like these to only participate in the traditional method of belonging to a Lodge, there are alternative ways that they can be active members and contribute to the Order in effective and valuable ways.

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 […]

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.

Is This Your Lodge? A Poem

Don’t be like Sister Brown or Sister Grey! As appeared in the October, 1913 issue of “Odd Fellows Talisman”. The words are still true today. In FL&T Ainslie Heilich Tuscola 316

Carry the Light of Friendship, Love, and Truth- by Ainslie Heilich

Here is a new motivational/inspirational image I made. Please feel free to share it in anyway you like! In FL&T Ainslie Heilich Tuscola #316

The Odd Fellows and Freemasons: Different Paths to the Same Goal

That’s what I wanted to introduce into our meetings at Homer Lodge—some deeper discussion into the self-improvement aspects of Freemasonry, the history, the esoteric teachings, and the symbolism found in our ritual traditions.

It occurred to me while I was scheduling speakers and topics for discussion, that there might be lessons the Odd Fellows and the Freemasons could learn from each other.

Being Cheap vs Being Frugal – by Seth Anthony

Submitted by Seth Anthony Triune Lodge #307 Middletown, PA When I first joined Odd Fellowship, a wise veteran member let me in on a secret. “The F in FLT doesn’t stand for friendship. It stands for frugal.” Oh, how right he was. When I returned to Odd Fellowship after a several year hiatus, I was […]

Part II Odd Fellows, Stoics, and Marcus Aurelius

Read Part I Stoicism was a popular philosophy of personal ethics in ancient Greece and Rome. It was popular until around the third century AD. It has been defined as “a moral philosophy that emphasizes the discipline and mastery of the emotions in order to reach a wiser, rational, and peaceful mindset.” There is an overlap with […]

Friendship Time!

On Finding our Value and Potential Place in Contemporary American Society – by Michael Greenzeiger

Dear Brothers and Sisters, I have recently read a book entitled Secret Ritual and Manhood in Victorian America by Mark C. Carnes. This book is an academic treatment of the role our Order along with several others played in the United States during the 19th century. Although I do not agree with every conclusion that […]

Odd Fellows, Stoics, and Marcus Aurelius Part I

Stoicism was a popular philosophy of personal ethics in ancient Greece and Rome. It was popular until around the third century AD. It has been defined as “a moral philosophy that emphasizes the discipline and mastery of the emotions in order to reach a wiser, rational, and peaceful mindset.” Recently, Stoicism has seen a sort of […]