14/09/2026
Edward James Belgrave and the Introduction of Odd Fellowship to the Gold Coast
1. Background and Early Life
Full Name: Worshipful Brother Edward James Belgrave
Fraternal Background: Prior to his arrival in West Africa, Belgrave was an active member of Aurora Lodge No. 810 in Nassau, Bahamas, chartered under the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows (GUOOF).
Profession & Military Connection: He served as a Master Tailor attached to the British West India Regiment.
During the 1870s, the British colonial administration stationed detachments of the West India Regiment at Cape Coast—then the administrative capital of the Gold Coast—in response to regional conflicts between the Ashanti Kingdom and coastal settlements.
2. Introducing Odd Fellowship to Cape Coast (1879)
While stationed at Cape Coast, Edward Belgrave sought to establish a fraternal branch of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows. In 1879, he introduced the concepts, rites, and principles of Odd Fellowship to two key associates:
Mr. Snyper Jones: A local watch repairer and respected town figure.
Mr. Edward Riggs Steward: A West Indian emigrant who had traveled from Jamaica with the West India Regiment and settled near Cape Coast Castle.
Together, this group formed the founding core of the society in West Africa.
3. Founding of Belgravean Lodge No. 1977
On July 8, 1879, the pioneers officially instituted the first Odd Fellows lodge in West Africa. In recognition of Belgrave’s role as founder and leader, the lodge was named Belgravean Lodge No. 1977.
First Officers & Key Members
W/Bro. Edwards James Belgrave
W/Bro. James E. Catline
W/Bro. Isaac Graves
Bro. James Morgue
Bro. James S. Walts
Bro. James Smith
Bro. A. B. Josiah
Bro. J. D. Odoom
Bro. William S. Jones
Bro. G. S. Musgrove
Bro. James B. Hagan
Bro. Charles W. Mensah
Bro. Charles F. McCarthy
4. Legacy and Historic Impact
Belgrave Day
Due to a lack of precise records regarding Belgrave's exact date of birth, the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows in Ghana established "Belgrave Day", celebrated annually on July 8 (or the second Saturday of July). The observance serves to commemorate the establishment of Belgravean Lodge No. 1977 and honor the memory of Brother Belgrave and departed brethren.
Architectural Landmark
In Cape Coast, the Belgrave Memorial Hall stands as an enduring symbol of this history. Built by the society, the historic building features the inscription "Belgrave Memorial Hall" along with the date "1879" embossed on its facade.
Expansion Across West Africa
From Belgravean Lodge No. 1977 in Cape Coast, Odd Fellowship expanded rapidly across Ghana and neighboring West African countries:
Elmina: Dawning Sun Lodge No. 2552 (1884)
Accra: Star of the East Lodge No. 2553 (1884)
Saltpond: Land of the Living Lodge No. 3324 (1891)
Sekondi: Province Lodge No. 6453 (1906)
Nigeria: Delegation from Belgravean Lodge consecrated Faith Lodge No. 4198 in Lagos, introducing Odd Fellowship to Nigeria.
