Book Description

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.