History Manual Of The Grand United Order Of Odd Fellows In America

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The aim is to create a 21st century reference book of the basic essentials of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. This book hopes to acquaint the candidates and members with its origin and history, philosophy and purposes, degrees, teachings, symbols, regalia, jewels of office and organizational structure. But this does not aim to teach the rituals itself or any of its signs and passwords. This does not also aim to supplant the Code of General Laws but only to highlight some of the generally accepted rules within the IOOF. Evolving from the traditions of the English craft guilds and journeymen associations nearly 300 years ago, the name Odd Fellows refers to a number of fraternal orders , friendly societies and service organizations existing in more than 30 countries today. Our branch, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF), was established by Thomas Wildey and four members from England on April 26, 1819 in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. The IOOF received its charter from its parent organization, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Manchester Unity. The IOOF is also known as the "Three Link Fraternity", referring to its "Triple Link Chain" symbol which represents its motto: "Friendship, Love and Truth." Irrefutably, membership education is an important prerequisite for a successful and growing non-profit organization. But a survey study conducted in 2012 and participated by exactly 2,120 members from all over North America, Latin America, Europe and Southeast Asia showed that Odd Fellowship lacked the needed modern literature to educate and mentor its members. The last manual and guide about the IOOF was published more than 100 years ago. With modern technology, access to historical documents has also become easier. A lot of new evidence is coming to light, which calls for a need to re-visit and re-write the origins and history of Odd Fellowship. This means that most of the manuals published many years ago have become outdated. This book is an attempt to fill that gap.

The Odd Fellows was once the largest fraternal organization in the world. When new lands were still being explored and new nations were forming, as governmental policies were being formulated, and pioneers began to conquer new lands, the Odd Fellows were an important part of that evolution. In fact, Odd Fellowship contributed greatly in the development of many towns, cities, states, provinces and countries.Moving westward with their pioneer wagons, the early Odd Fellows built the largest buildings in new communities which soon became social centers where people met to relax and to exchange the latest news and ideas. Lodges also provided help to members during those times when governments provided little social and welfare assistance. On the other hand, lodge rituals taught the important lessons of civic responsibility and equality before laws existed to help maintain social order. Many of the early members were the pioneer leaders of several towns, cities, states, provinces and nations. Eventually, membership included Presidents, Prime Ministers, Senators, Congressmen, Governors, mayors and notable people in their respective fields. They were there to speak out on issues of international, national and local interest. They were forerunners in building homes for the aged and establishing the first orphanage homes. The Odd Fellows is also the predecessor of the Social Security System and National Health Insurance when it literally touched the lives of millions of people through its tenets "to visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead, and educate the orphan". The organization survived many wars and major world challenges. It existed during the time of the first railroad, the first automobile, the first movie, the first radio and television broadcasts, the first submarine, the first guided missile, the first miracle drug, the first airplane, the first space ship, the first computer, and the introduction of the internet. It served communities, long before the proliferation of other service clubs and modern charitable foundations. Odd Fellowship rose to its most glorious time when members were active in the growth of communities and nations.