International Order of Odd Fellows - In 17th century England, it was unusual to find people organized for the purpose of giving aid to those in need and projects for the benefit of all mankind. Those who belonged to such an organization were called “Odd Fellows.”

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows was founded on the North American Continent in Baltimore, Maryland, on April 26, 1819, when Washington Lodge No. 1 was instituted. Odd Fellowship became the 1st national fraternity to include both men and women when it adopted the Rebekah Degree on September 20, 1851.  Odd Fellows and Rebekahs were also the first fraternal organization to establish homes for senior citizens and orphaned children.

On January 14, 1867, the I.O.O.F. Nevada Grand Lodge was organized in Virginia City and announced in the Territorial Enterprise Newspaper the same day:

“Heretofore the Lodges of Odd Fellows throughout Nevada have been working under the dispensation of the State of California, but on the 14th of the present month a Grand Lodge will be organized in the city of Virginia for the State of Nevada by Deputy Grand Sire D. Norcross. The Order is in the most flourishing condition imaginable and the requisite number of subordinate Lodges being established here, a Grand Lodge is what our young State is entitled to. 

Odd Fellows: 1 2

Back | Top