Story Time: The Virginia Odd Fellows!
The Odd Fellows began their journey in Virginia on May 4th, 1833 with the establishment of Virginia Lodge #1 in Harpers Ferry, Virginia. At that time there was not a Grand Lodge of Virginia yet, so this lodge was under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the United States (now referred to as the Sovereign Grand Lodge) for the first few years.On May 17th, 1837, the Grand Lodge of Virginia was formally established and took jurisdiction over all lodges within Virginia. In 1863, when West Virginia became the 35th state, Virginia Lodge #1 and some others fell under the jurisdiction of the new Grand Lodge of West Virginia. The Lodge voted to keep its name and is still active today!
Over the course of the 188 years of Odd Fellowship in Virginia, there have been over 425 Odd Fellow Lodges instituted. As of May 2022, there are 29 Odd Fellows lodges, 9 Rebekah lodges, 7 Encampments, and 5 Cantons in Virginia.
Over the course of the 188 years of Odd Fellowship in Virginia, there have been over 425 Odd Fellow Lodges instituted. As of May 2022, there are 29 Odd Fellows lodges, 9 Rebekah lodges, 7 Encampments, and 5 Cantons in Virginia.
VIRGINIA ODD FELLOWS
Grand Lodge of Virginia, Independent Order of Odd Fellows
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Congratulations to our new Officers for the 2023-2024 term! Head on over to our Leadership page and see who is who!
Thank you to Brother Jack Roberts for his service to our jurisdiction as Grand Master, and Sister Susie Willard for her service as President of the Rebekah Assembly!