Pleasant Grove, Utah, Independent Order of Odd Fellows

08/26/2025

The Degree of Truth - No truth in IOOF

"There are various versions of the degree of Truth within the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The odd fellows in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and the Philippines use a slightly distinctive version from that used in the United States and Canada.
But generally, this degree completes the three links chain of Odd fellowship - friendship, love and truth. This sums up all the lessons of the former degrees and teaches the deeper meanings of the symbols and emblems of Odd fellowship. The candidate is reminded of the many truths they can apply in their daily lives. And that Oddfellows must be committed to those truths. By knowing this, the member is expected to speak the truth and apply honesty in all his or her dealings with his or her church, community, lodge and family. The people of truth are the best and strongest people. They will never defraud the IOOF or any organization but will prevent the unlawful use of its funds and property and, at every occasion, promote its welfare. They will never deceive, gossip and slander other people. Their speech and actions are always just - they win involuntary respect - they bless and purify all around them. Therefore, this degree admonishes every member to practice truth in all actions and not just through words."
- Louis Blake Saile Sarmiento, Odd Fellows Manual, pg. 113

Our page must apologize for our long absence, but having thought on this issue for a long time we have decided to speak the truth without fear. We joined the IOOF years ago in Utah, we were simply given the obligation, and found a group of families using the order for its property and money but refusing to have anything to do with the ritual, regalia, history of Odd Fellowship. We were constantly yelled at, mocked, and even threatened with physical violence by the self-elected Grand Master of Utah, Ron Vockler, who had to be taught the unwritten work by a member of this page, and responded by mocking us with LDS temple unwritten work, offending both Oddfellows and Mormons alike (a huge deal in Utah).
We were very confident that Sovereign would care and would take action - so we contacted the then SGM, Michelle Heckart. She acted appalled and promised action - even said she'd send someone or come out herself (no one ever came) though she did send us personally the unwritten work because the Utah Grant Lodge had thrown away or lost literally every single copy including the cipher, and we even told the Utah Grant Lodge officers of this and they laughed telling us Sovereign does not care. Sadly they were right. We sent in official charges over these issues after having waited a long time for Michelle, at her request, and never heard back, Sovereign themselves eventually kicked us out for sending in the charges. We went through 4 mediators and the last one decided he didn't even need to talk to us. We reached out to podcasters, grand masters, and the authors of every oddfellows book in the last decade we could, some showed sympathy but no one showed action. When push came to shove everyone was either too busy or afraid of retaliation from Sovereign. This is not Oddfellowship, Sovereign will take your money and go on once-in-a-life-time vacations but won't do their jobs and that's just the truth.
We feel we are obligated to go into full and exacting detail with regards to this and will do so in a follow-up post or posts, naming everyone involved, and showing the blatant disregard for the rules and code. We will demonstrate to you the simple and plain fact that Odd fellowship is dead in the United States, not dying, not struggling, it is dead. Some have spoken of zombies we're not even a zombie we're barely a skeleton with a few tendons remaining.
And since Odd fellowship does not exist in the modern age in the United States and we are Americans we will transition this page to a history of odd fellowship dedicated to the beautiful traditions and history of a centuries old guild, lost to history, and never to be seen by our generation.

02/29/2024

10/31/2023

"The Jericho Road" by W. Bion Adkins

10/31/2023

Regalia and symbolic color of the Degree of Love
"The regalia is a white collar with a royal blue lining. Royal blue is the symbolic color for brotherly or sisterly love because it is the color of both the sky and the oceans whose heights and depths know no limits. It is also the color of empathy and dependability. This color further represents equality, since its hue suggests a shade midway between white and black. Blue also symbolically represents the kind-hearted, the helper, the rescuer, the friend in need. Odd Fellows are expected to provide such kindness without distinctions."
"The Odd Fellows Manual" by
Louis Blake Sarmiento

10/31/2023

"The "Serpent" is a symbol of wisdom and placed among our symbols to indicate the necessity of a wise caution, which will protect our mysteries from improper disclosure and guide us in the proper regulation of life and conduct. This symbol also teaches us that without wisdom to control our words and actions, life will have no clear direction and drifts without reaching its goals."
"The Odd Fellows Manual" by
Louis Blake Sarmiento

10/31/2023

"The "Ark of the Covenant" represents the receptacle of the stone tablets on which were inscribed the Ten Commandments. This emblem admonishes us to be good and upright citizens by obeying good and wholesome laws."
"The Odd Fellows Manual" by
Louis Blake Sarmiento

10/31/2023

"The "Globe" reminds members that we are citizens of the world and suggests that we should reach out our helping hands throughout the world whenever and wherever possible. It not only teaches us that we are to move forward in our work until no more misfortunes and sorrows to relieve and no more tears to dry; but also that from whatever nation our brothers and sisters may come, they are not to be sent empty away."
"The Odd Fellows Manual" by
Louis Blake Sarmiento

10/31/2023

"The "Heart and Hand" symbolizes the sincerity and fidelity that we owe to each other as brothers and sisters. It refers to the help which an Odd Fellow should give to those in need, which must come from the heart. The hand of a true Odd Fellow should always be open to the needs of others. The heart should always go with the hand."
"The Odd Fellows Manual" by
Louis Blake Sarmiento

10/31/2023

"The "Axe" is the emblem of progress. In the hand of the pioneer, the ax is used to cut the trees of the forest and make way for progress. This represents the advancement and spread of civilization, with which all Odd Fellows must work hand in hand. This is also emblematic of open-mindedness and a reminder of the progressive nature of Odd Fellowship. Odd Fellowship has evolved and must continue to evolve and adapt to the current needs of society."
"The Odd Fellows Manual" by
Louis Blake Sarmiento

10/31/2023

The Degree of Love

"The principles of this degree carry assistance to the needy and distress of every cast and environment. Every person is a brother or sister. Love is the principle which unites the different factions and classes of people in one or more great parties and organizations. This is the central link in the chain of Odd Fellowship because it is the link of toleration, understanding and charity. This is based on the golden rule: 'do unto others as you would have them do unto you.' The person who serves others, serves himself or herself best. The degree further teaches the candidate that fraternity, unless linked with acts of kindness, is but an empty name."

"The Odd Fellows Manual" by
Louie Blake Sarmiento

09/21/2023

Happy founders day to our sister Rebekahs