Independent Order of Odd Fellows

06/09/2026

Sovereign Grand Master Tom Calabrese said this at the National War Memorial in Ottawa:

Brothers and Sisters, esteemed members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,

Today we gather in sacred solidarity at this War Memorial, a place of valor, and sacrifice. Here, we honor those gallant souls who gave their all yet many remain identified only by the valor of their actions
and the depth of their sacrifice.

As your Sovereign Grand Master, it is my privilege and profound honor to stand alongside you in this pilgrimage—a journey that symbolizes not just our commitment to the principles upon which our
Order was founded, but also our dedication to honoring those who have served, those who have fought, and those who have fallen in the defense of our freedoms.

Each wreath we lay today is a token of our respect, a symbol of our gratitude, and a reminder that, while some may remain nameless, none will ever be forgotten. They embody the spirit of solidarity,
selflessness, and love for humanity—values we hold dear within our Brotherhood.

This site challenges us to reflect on the true cost of freedom. It unites us, reminding us that behind every name, every face, there is a story—a story of dreams, hopes, and aspirations cut short by war.

When they fell, countless families felt the weight of their absence: mothers whose gray hairs came too soon, widows who learned loss in the hardest way, children who grew up clutching a faded photograph. Their sacrifice echoes in our own bonds of friendship,
love, and truth. Let us honor these heroes not only in remembrance but in our actions every day. Let their legacy inspire us to cultivate peace, understanding, and goodwill in our communities.

As we go through our lives, let us carry forward the lessons of compassion and service that these brave individuals taught us. Each of us is called to be a beacon of hope and light in an often-dark world.
Through our charitable works and commitment to uplifting those around us, we honor the Unknowns. We embody their spirit, extending the principles of our Order beyond this site into the heart of society.

As we stand at this Memorial of War, let us reaffirm our commitment to uniting as a force for good. Let us take inspiration from those who served with unconditional courage. May we strive to serve our
communities with that same spirit, ensuring that we are not just members of a fraternal organization but true brothers and sisters in service to humanity.

In closing, I ask you to reflect on the sacrifices of those we honor today. Let your hearts swell with gratitude and determination, and may the values of our Order guide you. Together, let us continue to make a difference in this world, fulfilling our mission to promote friendship, love, and truth.

Thank you, and may peace be with you all.

05/25/2026

The May/June 2026 issue of IOOF News is now available online!

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IOOF News shares member stories, events, and fraternal updates. Stay connected with our community!

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows honors and remembers all those who gave their lives in service.

Pictured here: Members joined the Sovereign Grand Master near his home Lodge in NJ. We visited local cemeteries, placed flags, and paid tribute to the departed brothers and sisters of our Order. May we never forget the generations before us. May we continue to live out the values of Friendship, Love, and Truth in their memory.⁩

05/02/2026

Today a group of 7 dedicated chevaliers of the Patriarchs Militant marched in the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Parade representing the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

The question is, Are You Odd Enough?

04/27/2026

Are you going to The Tomb of The Unknown Soldier?

Are you a Chevalier?

Do you like Parades?

THEN WE NEED YOU!

This year on May 2nd, a group Chevaliers will be attending the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Parade. If you are interested in marching with us or you would like more information, please shoot us a message!

It’s time to get back to work! Let’s show them the best of the best of the IOOF!

03/31/2026

Recently, Odd Fellows from across New England joined members of Pennsylvania’s Encampment at Friendship Lodge #20 in Massachusetts for a special Degree Rally. Eight candidates received their degrees — a milestone made possible by a lot of dedication and collaboration across states.

It was a weekend filled with new friends, strengthened connections, and the kind of fellowship that reminds us why this organization is so meaningful to so many. Members traveled long distances, volunteered their time, and worked together to make sure more people could continue their journey in the Order. ✋❤️

Curious about the Encampment Degree? Find your nearest Encampment and learn more at https://odd-fellows.org/.

03/31/2026

Have you heard about the Odd Fellows Pilgrimage for Youth? Each year, students from across Canada and the U.S. are given the opportunity to travel to New York City to learn about leadership, service, history, and what it means to build a more caring and compassionate world. It’s an incredible experience that brings young people together, encourages them to grow as leaders, and helps connect them to the values of Odd Fellowship.

One of the highlights of the program is the speech contest, where students share what Odd Fellowship means to them. 2025 winner Lily Carter put it beautifully:

“Allow me to pause here to define what ODD truly means: Ordinary. Devoting. Duty.
Members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows & Rebekahs are ordinary people devoting their time and hearts to those around, regardless of their religion, gender, or race. Friendship, love, and truth become your creed and duty to share.”

You can learn more about Pilgrimage for Youth here: https://ioofpilgrimageforyouth.com/

03/18/2026

The April 1st deadline for registration for the Pilgrimage to the Tomb of the Unknowns is fast approaching!

Greetings to all members, families and friends of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. You are cordially invited to attend the Ninety Second Annual Independent Order of Odd Fellows Pilgrimage to the Tomb of the Unknowns. Members of all units of the Order are encouraged to participate. The Pilgrimag...

03/13/2026

The March April IOOF News is now available online!

IOOF News shares member stories, events, and fraternal updates. Stay connected with our community!

02/16/2026

We know we're a little late for Valentine's Day, but you can still make (and learn the history of) these precious heart in hand paper crafts via. Corrie Beth Makes!

"Heart in Hand love tokens were especially popular among the Pennsylvania Dutch and the Amish communities, and later among the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. They were often made from two types of paper (often repurposed envelopes), using a simple but clever bit of paper weaving."

Read the full post on her Substack: https://corriebethmakes.substack.com/p/the-heart-in-the-hand