09/16/2026
🕊️ A HISTORIC DAY FOR ODD FELLOWSHIP IN INDIANA 🕊️
Monday, September 14, 2026, will forever be remembered as a significant day in the history of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Indiana.
On this historic evening, Theoria Lodge No. 250 officially received its charter from the Grand Lodge of Indiana, IOOF, marking the establishment of a new Odd Fellows lodge in Indiana — something that had not happened since 1993.
After more than three decades without a newly instituted lodge, Lodge 250 has returned to the active family of Indiana Odd Fellowship.
🏛️ REVIVING A HISTORIC NUMBER
The number 250 carries a remarkable history.
Lodge 250 was originally assigned to Azur Lodge No. 250 of Campbellsburg, Indiana, in Washington County. Azur Lodge was founded on January 25, 1866, beginning a legacy that would span more than 130 years.
Sadly, Azur Lodge eventually closed its doors in October 1998.
For years, the number 250 remained part of Indiana Odd Fellows history.
Now, in 2026, Grand Master Louis D. Ketchum chose to give Lodge 250 another chance to serve Indiana communities.
And the timing could not be more meaningful.
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, the historic number 250 has been brought back to life through the formation of Theoria Lodge No. 250.
This is more than the creation of a lodge.
It is the continuation of a legacy.
🔗 THEORIA LODGE NO. 250
The chartering of Theoria Lodge 250 represents something bigger than a ceremony or a new name on a charter.
It represents renewal.
It represents growth.
It represents the willingness of Odd Fellows to carry the principles of Friendship, Love, and Truth into a new generation.
A lodge that once existed in Indiana’s past has been given new life in Indiana’s future.
⭐ A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO SCOTTSBURG LODGE 555
A very special thank-you goes to the members of Scottsburg Lodge No. 555 in Scottsburg, Indiana.
The members of Scottsburg Lodge 555 played an instrumental role behind the scenes in helping the new lodge, its members, and its organization get established and prepared for this historic moment.
From helping new members understand Odd Fellowship to assisting with the many details involved in establishing a new lodge, Scottsburg Lodge 555 helped lay the groundwork for Theoria Lodge 250.
Their contribution may not always be visible from the outside, but it is an important part of this story.
This is what Odd Fellowship is about — one lodge helping another, members helping members, and generations of Odd Fellows building something that will outlast us all.
👑 HONORING GRAND MASTER LOUIS D. KETCHUM
And a special word of appreciation must go to Grand Master Louis D. Ketchum.
Grand Master Ketchum invested tremendous effort into making this historic moment possible. His decision to give the number 250 another opportunity created a unique connection between Indiana Odd Fellows history, the future of the Order, and America’s 250th anniversary.
With Grand Master Ketchum’s term nearing its conclusion, the establishment of Theoria Lodge 250 also serves as a meaningful tribute to his service to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
What better way to honor a Grand Master who worked so hard for the future of the Order than to help create something that will continue long after his term in office has ended?
Theoria Lodge 250 will stand as part of his legacy — not simply as a number on a charter, but as a living lodge filled with members who will carry Odd Fellowship forward.
📜 A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS
From Azur Lodge 250, founded in 1866…
To its closing in 1998…
To the remarkable decision to resurrect the number…
To the chartering of Theoria Lodge No. 250 on September 14, 2026…
The story has come full circle.
More than three decades after Indiana last saw a newly instituted lodge, a new chapter of Odd Fellowship has begun.
And history will remember that chapter as:
THEORIA LODGE NO. 250
🔗 Friendship • Love • Truth 🔗
👑 THEORIA LODGE NO. 250 OFFICERS
Noble Grand: Shawn Patrick Fields
Vice Grand: Kevin Keith
Warden: Matt Shrader
Treasurer: Robert Hendrix
Secretary: William Piper
Inside Guardian: Caitlin Keith
Congratulations to the charter members and officers of Theoria Lodge 250.
Thank you to Scottsburg Lodge 555 for your instrumental support.
Thank you to the Grand Lodge of Indiana, IOOF, and all of the Grand Lodge members who helped make this ceremony possible.
And most importantly, thank you to Grand Master Louis D. Ketchum for believing that Lodge 250 deserved another chance.
