WHAT DOES ODD FELLOWS MEAN?
The name itself
signifies something different or out of the
ordinary. It is ODD, because it endeavors to
enlighten the mind without taking
privileges. It conforms to Law, Religion and
sound Morality without usurping the rights
of the church or that of the courts. It
creates a brotherhood and sisterhood and not
a division among men and women. It presents
life in all its fullness, through degrees,
so linked together that each one receiving
the degrees may broaden his or her mind and
elevate his or her character.
FIRST - It is an
organization, because it is a systematic
union of individuals in a body whose
officers, committees and members work
together for a common goal.
SECOND - It is a philosophy of
life, because we have certain standards of
living, and governing our thoughts and
conduct according to the principles of
practical wisdom; and are advocates of
truth.
THIRD - It is a unified effort
to promote that philosophy, because we are
organized in communities throughout the
world, in Grand Jurisdictions and a
Sovereign Grand Body. This affords an
opportunity for counsel, assimilation of
wisdom, and application and extension to
others.
FOURTH - It is an obligation
everyone owes to others, because we are all
created equal and governed by the laws of
our Creator. The principles and purposes to
which we have all obligated ourselves must
be upheld both within and without the Order
if civilization is to survive the forces of
evil and destruction.
FIFTH - It is the teaching and
application of Friendship, Love and Truth;
of Faith, Hope and Charity of Universal
Justice. Because these are the principles of
our doctrine, the basis for thought and
action which will create peace and harmony
among men and women, thus leading us toward
our ultimate goal.
IS IT JUST FOR MEN?
Odd Fellowship
encompasses the whole family. The men meet
in Odd Fellow Lodges, the women meet in
Rebekah Lodges. For the youth 8 - 12 years
of age - Junior Lodges for the boys and
Theta Rho Girls Clubs for the girls.
Odd Fellowship is truly a family oriented
Fraternity, finding an interest for all
members of the family.
WHAT DOES THE FRATERNITY SUPPORT?
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Endow a $1.2 million research
chair at Johns Hopkins
University School of Medicine
and in Ontario support research
at the University of Toronto Eye
Bank. |
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Provide scholarships and low
interest loans to deserving
college and university students
through a $2.8 million Education
Loan Foundation. |
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Maintain more than 80 facilities
for the aged and youth. |
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Sponsor an educational tour to
the United Nations in New York
and the U.S. and Canadian
Capitols for young adults aged
16 - 17 years. |
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Spend $11 million annually in
relief. |
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Raised more than 2.5 million in
12 years for Arthritis Research. |
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Plant trees and other
vegetation, striving to combat
the effects of Global Warming
and as a gift to future
generations. |
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Proclaimed the only Fraternal
Order privileged and allowed to
place a medal (Grand Decoration
of Chivalry) in the trophy case
among the military medals at
Arlington National Cemetery in
Washington D.C. |
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Participates in annual wreath
laying ceremonies at the
cenotaphs in Ottawa and
Washington D.C. |
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