ODD FELLOWSHIP: The Basics
The motto of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows is Friendship, Love, and Truth. We are taught the importance of each through our journey as a member.
The emblem of the Order is three interlocking links with the initials of the motto within each. This signfies the importance of one principle's importance to the others.
The mantra, of which we are commanded to, is to "Visit the Sick, Relieve the Distressed, Bury the Dead, and Educate the Orphan"
Making A Difference: Serving Others
Being a member of the Odd Fellows is much like being part of a family, only on a deeper level - and we are all over the world! Much like a family, we hail each other as Brothers and Sisters.
Our degrees are ever so important in their teachings about life, friendship, love, and truth. We have a unique call and responsibility to care for and love another, not only our lodge brothers and sisters, but our community and strangers too.
Odd Fellowship is what this world is aching for and you'll find yourself in awe at the great meaning and role it has played in millions of peoples lives for over 200 years. In the course of it all, we socialize, have fun, and make memories together!
Our degrees are ever so important in their teachings about life, friendship, love, and truth. We have a unique call and responsibility to care for and love another, not only our lodge brothers and sisters, but our community and strangers too.
Odd Fellowship is what this world is aching for and you'll find yourself in awe at the great meaning and role it has played in millions of peoples lives for over 200 years. In the course of it all, we socialize, have fun, and make memories together!
Branches of the Order
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Odd Fellows
The Odd Fellows are the lodges that are the basis of the Order. Members of these lodges are bonded fraternally through the teachings of the degrees of Friendship, Love, and Truth. There are currently 29 lodges in Virginia.![]()
Rebekahs
The Rebekahs were formed in 1851 as the first female auxiliary within a fraternal order ever! The Rebekahs are called to live peaceably, do good unto all, and especially to obey the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you wish done unto you". There are 9 lodges in Virginia.![]()
Encampment
This higher branch aims to further the work of Odd Fellowship and impart the principles of Faith, Hope, and Charity. This branch also confers three degrees upon its members and its degree teachings are filled with meaning. There are currently 7 Encampents in Virginia.![]()
Patriarch's Militant
The Patriarch's Militant is the highest branch in the Order. This semi-military style branch aims to impart the principle of universal justice. Membership is open to Third Degree members in good standing with their Odd Fellows Lodge. There are currently 7 Cantons ("lodges") in Virginia.![]()
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Kids!
There are three units for children within the Order: Junior Lodge (boys 8-21), Theta Rho (girls 8-21) and United Youth Group (all 8-21). There are none of these currently in Virginia. We hope in due time one will form again!
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