What Is Required

At the heart of everything we stand for is one simple, unshakable belief: that there is something greater than ourselves. We don’t define it for you, we don’t confine it to a single name, and we don’t require it to fit within any specific doctrine. Whether you call it God, a higher power, or simply a guiding force in the universe, what matters is the recognition that we are part of something bigger, something that calls us to live with purpose, humility, and integrity.

From that belief flows everything else. It reminds us to look beyond our own interests, to serve others with compassion, and to carry ourselves with a sense of responsibility to the world around us. You are free to walk your own path, to believe in your own way, and to define that higher power in terms that are meaningful to you. What unites us is not the label, but the shared understanding that life has deeper meaning ... and that we are at our best when we strive to honor it.

At our core is a shared commitment to lift others up. It’s not just something we believe, it’s something we do. We stand beside our Brothers and Sisters, offering support, encouragement, and a steady hand when it’s needed most. Because real strength isn’t measured by what we achieve alone, but by how we show up for one another, especially in moments that matter.

From there, our purpose extends outward into the communities we call home. We believe a better world is built one person at a time, by investing in those who need it most and helping them find their footing again. When we strengthen individuals, we strengthen families. When we strengthen families, we strengthen communities. And when communities grow stronger, we all move forward together.

There are countless people who believe in something greater and feel the pull to make a difference, but aren’t sure where to begin. That’s exactly why we exist. This is the place to take that first step. Here, who you are on the surface ... your race, gender, ethnicity, or politics ... doesn’t define you and isn’t what we focus on. What matters is your desire to grow, to serve, and to be part of something meaningful. If that speaks to you, we invite you to take the next step and apply for membership at your local Lodge. Your path forward could be just one click away. Simply select “Join” from our menu and discover where it begins.

The Benefits

Being an Odd Fellow means finding a place where you truly belong. It’s more than membership, it’s family. It’s walking into a room and knowing you’re among people who have your back, who will celebrate your wins, and stand with you when life gets difficult. In a world where genuine connection can feel rare, this is a brotherhood and sisterhood built on trust, respect, and shared purpose.

It also means choosing to be part of the solution. It’s easy to point out what’s wrong in the world. It’s easy to say people need help. But being an Odd Fellow means stepping forward and doing something about it. It’s about rolling up your sleeves, giving your time, and turning good intentions into real impact where it matters most.

Service is at the heart of everything we do. We serve each other, making sure no one stands alone. We serve our communities, offering support, compassion, and resources to those who need it most. And we serve a higher purpose, recognizing that our actions are part of something greater than ourselves, something that calls us to live with integrity and intention.

Through that service comes growth. You don’t just help others, you become better yourself. You develop stronger character, deeper empathy, and a clearer sense of who you are and what you stand for. The work you do shapes not only the lives around you, but your own path as well.

And in the end, being an Odd Fellow is about leaving things better than you found them. It’s about knowing that your time, your effort, and your commitment made a difference. Not in some abstract way, but in real lives, real communities, and real moments that matter. It’s purpose in action, and it’s a legacy you help build every single day.

The History

Let’s start with our name: Odd Fellows. The word “odd” simply means different from what is usual or expected, while “fellows” refers to people united by a shared purpose or common bond. Together, the name reflects a group of individuals who come together across lines that would normally separate them. You may have heard the story that our name originated because it was once considered “odd” to help others, but that isn’t accurate. At the time, there were many organizations and churches dedicated to charitable work. Our name speaks less to rarity of kindness, and more to the idea of finding fellowship among a far more diverse group of people than one would typically expect.

Continuing to look at our name, we are the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Odd Fellows is two words, not one. This is extrememly important as "Oddfellows" refers to different organizations. The original Order of Odd Fellows started in 1730 in England. Since that time, there have been a number of splinter organizations that have formed. One of the main offshoots was the Independent Order of Oddfellows Manchester Unity. It was this group that chartered Thomas Wildey and his associates to create the American Odd Fellows ... now the Independent Order of Odd Fellows ... in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1819. Our Order has since grown into an international fraternal organization that is now considered the largest organization of its type under one head: The Sovereign Grand Lodge.

For over 200 years, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows has been the proverbial tip of the spear. Spending the vast majority of that time acting in the shadows, Odd Fellows have worked tirelessly in upholding their motto to "Visit the Sick, Relieve the Distressed, Bury the Dead, and Educate the Orphan." We do this by adhering to our core principles of Friendship, Love, and Truth.

A prime example of this is H. G. Blake, charter member of Morning Star Lodge #26 in Medina, Ohio. He served his community as Mayor of Medina, his state in the Ohio State Senate, his country in Congress and the Union Army, and those in need ... including being a stop on the Underground Railroad, his 1860 Congressional speech about Equality of Rights in the Territories, and the 1862 Blake Resolution which acted as a forerunner to the Emancipation Proclamation.

Our Symbols

The three-link logo of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows represents their core tenets ... Friendship, Love, and Truth ... and signifies that members are bound together by these virtues.

The bundle of sticks predates Odd Fellowship by over 2,000 years. It is derived from a Greek slave and storyteller, named Aesop, who told of an old man and his sons. The story emphasizes that while you may be able to do some things on your own, you can do anything when you work together. Strength in unity. For us, it also includes the understanding that the group is stronger when each individual within the group is stronger ... stressing the importance of taking care of each other.

The all-seeing eye reminds us that all we do is achieved under the watchful eye of a Supreme Being ... not just when we're within our Lodge's walls, but in every part of our lives ... and that we should always act in a manner befitting an Odd Fellow.

The Heart in Hand symbol represents charity, benevolence, and sincerity, signifying that a member's actions are guided by sincere love and compassion. It reminds us that the heart and the hand are connected ... where our hearts lead us, we must be ready to act, and when we act, it must done with heart.

These are just a few of the symbols we have, reminding us how to do what we do and why we do it.