THEY LAUGH BECAUSE I AM DIFFERENT. I LAUGH BECAUSE THEY ARE ALL THE SAME. -By Ian Irving Bacungan, Grand Sire, PHL

For a long time, I carried that line like a banner of defiance — as if being different meant standing in opposition, as if it were about resisting the crowd simply to prove that I could. I wore it like armor. I thought it was rebellion. I thought it was drawing a line between myself and the world and daring anyone to cross it. But the deeper I walked into Odd Fellowship, the more that understanding began to unravel.

When We See Humanity First -By Ian Love-Jones

Is it our fraternal association with one another that makes us realize all are worthy to be cared for? Or, is our agreement that all are worthy to be cared for the reason that we joined together in fellowship, to relieve the distressed, and to celebrate Friendship, Love and Truth. Does our union within Odd Fellowship give rise to us seeing the humanity of others? Or do we see that humanity first, which compels us to unite as Odd Fellows?

On Being Kind and On Being Nice -By Ian Irving Bacungan, Grand Sire, PHL

There are seasons in the life of an Order when reflection becomes necessary — not because we are failing, but because we care deeply about who we are becoming.

This is one of those seasons.

Today, I speak not only as a leader, but as a brother who loves this insitution. A brother who
believes in its mission. A brother who has stood at the altar, felt the weight of the obligation, and understands that what we profess is not ceremonial — it is sacred.

The Nourishment of Good Fellowship -By Ian Love-Jones

I recently chatted with Torbjorn Andersson, my friend and Odd brother abroad. We agreed that reflecting together on some aspect of the Order, regularly and in writing, would be a great way to let iron sharpen iron, and to always keep creative energy close at hand. That agreement fits perfectly with our first chosen topic — the nourishment of good fellowship. Here are my thoughts:

Nourishment through Odd Fellowship -By Torbjörn Andersson

Maybe some of our first memories of the lodge involve meals being served after meetings. Warm food fresh bread and simple desserts created a sense of peace and equality. Around the table rank and title fade and ordinary, sometimes deep, conversations take over. We remember listening to stories from senior members who had served the lodge for decades as well as newly initiated brothers and sisters. Their wisdom arrived without pressure. A small remark about friendship or truth that became food for thought.

Odd Fellowship and Superheroes Part 1 -By Torbjörn Andersson

Every fellowship begins with a single act of courage. Within the Odd Fellow world this courage emerges when an individual chooses service over comfort, compassion over indifference, and dignity over pride. While ancient symbols hold deep meaning, a surprising guide can be found in the heroes of the cartoon universe. Their stories reveal a truth […]

The Story of the Steward -By Ian Love-Jones

I’ve noticed that the stories which Odd Fellows seem to love most are the stories of stewards. This is true whether those stewards are sovereigns, seekers, shepherds or supporters, guides or guards, companions, caretakers, or complete outsiders.

AN OPEN LETTER CONCERNING THE RECENT COMMUNICATION TO ALL IOOF LODGES FROM THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE SGL -by Kurt Roggli, PGCh, CA

The letter’s tone is unmistakable. We are “admonished” that “non-negotiable” obligations are to be followed “without deviation”, “without exception”, responses to be “written in ink”, and so on. Wouldn’t friendship and love dictate that SGL guide its members with benevolent care rather than stern rebukes?

The First 90 Days as an Odd Fellow: Elevating Mankind Through Friendship, Love & Truth -By Jesus Paz

In a world obsessed with self-interest, joining this Order is an act of quiet rebellion. You’ve chosen to walk a different path — one built on the foundation of Friendship, Love, and Truth. But how do you live that out in today’s world?

Degree Work Tips -by Aiden Brink

When I first joined my lodge our degree work had much to be desired, it was always haphazard, no one knew which costumes were which, there was always a last minute scramble putting people into each place as needed. Despite this haphazard nature I still fell in love with doing degree work. I began learning parts, not just reading, but actually memorizing and performing. We acquired some nondescript robes and props which gave us more flexibility.

A Bit of History and Understanding of Historic Regalia -by Kristopher Gratz, VA

While the collar never went away, the rope regalia was seen as a more appropriate option during the depression / WW2 years. This lasted for decades until the multi-colored chain regalia became popular. Still minimalist, with a bit of flash. Fast forward to now, there are very few members who understand the meaning behind the different embroidery patterns, colors or accessories of the collar regalia.

A Resplendent Display: An argument for Regalia and its importance -by Aiden Brink

In those early years regalia looked a little bit different than it did today, in fact Odd Fellows were in the habit of wearing both collars, sashes, and aprons. You can find many examples of beautifully decorated aprons and collars from the early years of our order, which demonstrate in their intricate designs the care and regard with which their owners held OddFellowship.