Speech to the 2017 Delegates to the Pilgrimage Trip by David Scheer

Speech to the 2017 Delegates to the Pilgrimage Trip by David Scheer Peninsula Lodge #128, Portland, Oregon http://www.keepportlandodd.com First off, let be begin by saying thank you to our delegates. All three of you are amazing, and I am so proud that you represented us on the Pilgrimage trip this year. Now, I’ve been asked […]

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 […]

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.

The Inclusive Order of Odd Fellows by David Scheer

Regardless 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.