26/04/2026
Beloved Brothers and Sisters,
Today, we celebrate 207 years of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a long journey built on Friendship, Love, and Truth. But more than celebrating, this is a moment to reflect. It is a chance to ask ourselves if we are still living the values that have kept our Order strong through the years.
Our strength has never been in titles or numbers. It has always been in how we treat one another, how we lead, and how we choose to stand for what is right. Leadership in our Order is not about position, it is about service. It is about guiding with humility, correcting with kindness, and making decisions that are fair, even when they are not easy.
At the same time, we are reminded that being good is not always about being agreeable. Sometimes, doing what is right means speaking up, even when it is uncomfortable. True kindness is not about avoiding conflict, but about helping one another grow, protecting the dignity of the Order, and staying true to our principles.
But as we stand firm in what is right, we must also learn to understand one another. Not everything we see is the full story. There are moments when we feel hurt, when we disagree, or when we question decisions. In those times, let us pause. Let us choose patience over reaction, and understanding over assumption. Let us give each other the respect we all deserve.
Our Order moves forward not only through rules or decisions, but through cooperation. We may not always agree, but we can always choose to listen, to understand, and to stand together.
Brothers and Sisters, 207 years is not just a number, it is a responsibility. Let us continue to strengthen our fellowship by living our values every day. Let us be firm in principle, kind in action, and patient with one another.
If we do this, no challenge can divide us, and no difficulty can weaken what we have built together.
Happy 207th Anniversary to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
In Friendship, Love, and Truth,
Brother Ian Irving Bacungan
Grand Sire