The Independent Order of Odd Fellows: A Global Fraternal Legacy of Charity and Reform

Art · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Founded in 1819, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows evolved from 18th-century English roots into a massive international fraternity. Once larger than Freemasonry, this organization pioneered gender inclusion in the 19th century and continues to operate today, blending ancient ritualistic traditions with modern humanitarian efforts across 26 countries.

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) traces its formal American origins to April 26, 1819, when Thomas Wildey established Washington Lodge No. 1 at the Seven Stars Tavern in Baltimore. While unofficial lodges existed in New York City between 1806 and 1818, the Baltimore lodge became the cornerstone of the movement. By 1843, the American organization had severed its administrative ties with the English Manchester Unity to form an independent governing system, eventually becoming the largest fraternal order in the United States by the late 19th century.

The organization is notable for its progressive shifts in membership. In 1851, under the influence of Schuyler Colfax, the IOOF became the first national fraternity to include women through the creation of the Daughters of Rebekah. Although the order initially restricted membership to white men, it formally removed its whites-only clause in 1971. Today, the IOOF emphasizes universal fraternity, welcoming members regardless of race, gender, or religion, and operates through a framework of degrees presented via allegory and drama to teach principles like friendship, love, and truth.

Membership peaked in the early 20th century, with nearly 2.7 million members reported in 1921. While the Great Depression and the rise of commercial insurance led to a significant decline, the order remains active with approximately 600,000 members across 12,000 lodges. Recent expansion includes the 2020 establishment of Brazil Lodge #01 in Peruíbe, which continues the tradition of local charity, such as providing educational support for refugees and renovating community infrastructure. The order remains committed to its core mission: visiting the sick, relieving the distressed, burying the dead, and educating the orphan.

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