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.

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 […]

Recutting the Gem that is Odd Fellowship

Odd Fellowship is a unique gem cut from the sacred cave of wisdom. When you take a rough gem you then have to carefully cut the shape and facets using years of experience. We achieved our beautiful form of our philosophy in the 1800s and in it we set this jewel in the shining setting […]

What the Odd Fellows of Tomorrow Could Look Like

So many feel powerless in their daily lives, from dead end jobs and corporate slavery to societal expectations and financial limitations, people are craving empowerment over their chaotic lives. Odd Fellows can do all that and more. We just have to look inward to see the built in value that we have to offer our members that is currently being ignored.

Why Can’t We Have Nice Things? By Michael Greenzeiger

Quality takes on many forms. In addition to our lodge halls themselves, we must also think about the lodge furnishings, regalia, and grounds. When we put on an event, the event needs to be well-planned. If food is served, it should be nicely presented in addition to tasting good. There should be options to fit the requirements and tastes of all those present so far as possible. When we perform ritual, it needs to be done competently and with feeling even if we don’t have the time or ability to do memorization work. If we can memorize and recite fluently, all the better!

Odd Fellows Makeover

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.

Origins and Meanings of the Three Links

In this evolving research piece, I explore the many possible origins of the Three Links. They all have their merits and perhaps one of them is the truth. I also try to delve into the more esoteric symbolism behind the image and the lessons it has to teach us as we contemplate it. Much of this piece is up for interpretation and I welcome any dialogue on this subject.

Pondering the Three-Fold Mystic Chain

This poem appears on page 35-6 in the 1846 edition of “The Odd Fellows’ Offering”, a book published annually from 1843-1854 of collected literary submissions by members. It has poems, stories, speeches, and more, all relating to Odd Fellowship in some way. Be it highlighting a profound experience or analyzing the smallest thread of […]

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.