Odd Fellowship is Progressive by Michael Greenzeiger

We have established a set of requirements to earn each of the three degrees which are intended to help the candidates deepen their involvement with the Lodge and the District as well as to further their internalizing of the lessons of those degrees: Friendship, Love and Truth respectively. The requirements we are currently utilizing are as follows.

Traditional Odd Fellowship, by Michael Greenzeiger

I have often been asked if I consider myself to be more of a traditionalist or a reformer when it comes to Odd Fellowship. I actually don’t consider those to be a contradiction, however. Odd Fellowship itself has evolved considerably over the years, from the “convivial society” of the 1700’s through the height of ritual and symbolism during the 1800’s and the charitable and service focus of the 1900’s. I do not yet know what this century will bring, but I do know that there is much of value in our past.

Is It Time For Your GL to Call It Quits? A Historical View.

The number we keep seeing is 200. We see this number from research conducted by Dedicated Members for Change (God bless ye!), and also mentioned by others on various Facebook posts and direct messages some of us receive. What’s the number 200? The consensus seems to be, that if your jurisdiction has fewer than 200 […]

THE LONELINESS EPIDEMIC: Make Odd Fellows Your Tribe.

A terrific video about why we, in the 21st century, are considered by some to be the loneliest people in world history. This video interview has adult language.

Should Your Lodge Have A Pledge Period for Candidates?

To answer the title question, I’m not sure. Just tossing this idea out there, so I may change my mind. I first became aware of the notion of an Odd Fellows pledge period through the reading of the Davis Lodge #169 of California website. Davis Lodge #169 has new candidates go through a pledge period, […]

Nine Odd Fellow Scholarships and Loans for Education

Below are 9 ways Odd Fellows can help you go to school to better yourself. Check these out! THE LOAN PROGRAM: Who Is Eligible to Receive a Loan? It is required that applicants must be, or have a relative who is an active member of an Odd Fellow or Rebekah Lodge. A student desiring a […]

Odd Fellowship, Religion, and Compromise

The issue of religion in Odd Fellowship pops up often these days. And for those who aren’t Odd Fellows, nearly all members understand The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is NOT a church. In fact we have less religion in our Order than many other fraternal orders. It’s just that many U.S. Odd Fellows want […]

Advice For Initiates

A Mystic Master once said, “To visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead, and educate the orphan is the command of our laws, and a duty which we require.“ There’s not a better statement than the one above for a new Odd Fellow to hear. The statement is both a warning and an […]

SIX SUPER AWESOME THINGS THAT WILL AFFECT THE ORDER!

It’s an exciting time to be an Odd Fellow! One more time for the people sitting way down by the VICE GRAND: “ITS A SUPER AWESOME AMAZING EXCITING TIME TO BE AN ODD FELLOW!” As it is now, we have SIX AWESOME THINGS coming together at nearly the same time that I think can really help boost […]

Odd Fellowship, Humanitarianism, PREACH IT!!

Can you do without human sympathy? Humanitarianism is the view that all human beings deserve respect and dignity. Humanitarians work towards advancing the well-being of humanity as a whole. It is the antithesis of the “us vs. them” mentality that characterizes tribalism. Humanitarianism drives people to save lives, alleviate suffering, and promote human dignity. Humanitarianism […]

YOU GOTTA WORK IT

Have you left the Order? Are you frustrated enough to think about leaving? Every week we have people come into this Order who are looking for something in their lives. Something that will transform their thinking, beliefs, outlooks on life, personal paradigms, friendships, and family lives. Some join to learn the secrets of the Illuminati […]

THE ENLIGHTENMENT, NATURE, AND REASON

The universe uses emblems or symbols to reveal itself to humanity. In ancient days, groups of philosophers and mystics used the symbols of the natural world to teach deep philosophical ideas to their initiates. The Rosicrucians, also originally known as Brothers of the Rose Cross, are an ancient Order supposedly connected to the Templars. The […]