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Independent Order of Odd Fellows

⭐ SESSIONS CLOSING HOEDOWN! ⭐We'll be closing out the 2026 SGL Sessions with a good old-fash....

This is *YOUR SIGN* to find your local lodge and join The Odd Fellows...
Visit iooflodgedirectory.org to find a lodge near you!
#IOOF #oddfellows
Photo credit: @jimmyperigoso @oldmotelsigns @bryangrondfeldt @thedistrictcomo
@retroroadsidephoto

⏳ Only 15 days until we gather in Frisco, Texas! ⏳The countdown is on for the 2026 Sovereign....

It is with a heavy heart that we must report that Brother Jimmy Humphrey PSGM has taken his Final Degree and gained admittance into the Eternal Lodge.
We thank Brother Jimmy for their loyal service to the Order and please Read More

the_odd_fellows

Do you have a family connection to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows — whether from recent years or generations past? We’d love to see and hear about it! Post your photos, memories, or stories, and use #OddInTheFamily so we Read More

Thank You for a Memorable SGL 2025 in Charleston, WV!The international sessions of the Sovereign....

the_odd_fellows

Odd Fellows Tattooing at this year's SGL session. An hour of pain for a lifetime of Odd Fellows cred... Only one day left to get yours!
@vintagekarmatattoos #ioof #oddfellows #sgl

the_odd_fellows

Introducing: Affordable, Quality Collar Regalia by Odd Lodge Regalia Co. Perfect for lodge meetings, ceremonies, formal events, or just making the goat jealous.
Get yours now at: olregalia.com
#ioof #oddfellows #regalia #angrygoat #flt #oddlodgeregaliaco

the_odd_fellows

✨ Fezzes for sale! ✨ Proceeds support the 2025 Golden Rule Gala in Dallas, TX.
Get yours here: https://goldenruleencampment.org/fez-orders
#ioof #oddfellows #encampment #fez #fezzesarecool

the_odd_fellows

⭐ SESSIONS CLOSING HOEDOWN! ⭐
We'll be closing out the 2026 SGL Sessions with a good old-fashioned Texas Hoedown! Join us on August 20 for cocktail hour at 5 PM, followed by the party at 6 PM. Get ready for a night of Western-themed fun and a proper Texas send-off at the Embassy Suites Dallas Frisco Hotel & Convention Center. Grab your cowboy hat and boots and join us for an evening of entertainment, dancing, and good company.
At 5PM, enjoy cocktails while watching a performance by Lisa Fletcher and Johnny Rowland!
At 6PM, join us for a hearty Texas dinner and a singin' and dancin' revue, followed by an after-dinner line dancing party! Pre-registration required - $55/per person. EDIT: Looks like we're all sold out, folks!
We hope to see you there!
#sgl2026 #ioof #oddfellows

the_odd_fellows

⏳ Only 15 days until we gather in Frisco, Texas! ⏳
The countdown is on for the 2026 Sovereign Grand Lodge Session! From Youth Days on August 14–15 through Session on August 16–20, we're looking forward to our week of Odd Fellowship in Texas!
If you haven't registered yet, there's still time... but don't wait! Registration closes TODAY, July 31. Visit odd-fellows.org for details and to register.
#sgl26 #ioof #oddfellows

the_odd_fellows

It's hard to believe it's already been a year! #ThrowbackThursday brings us back to Charleston, West Virginia, and all the moments that made the 2025 Sovereign Grand Lodge Session so special.
Now we're looking forward to creating even more memories at the 2026 SGL Session in Frisco, Texas on August 16–20! We hope to see you there!
For more information and to register, visit odd-fellows.org.
#tbt #ioof #oddfellows #sgl26

the_odd_fellows

After a year apart, it's time to reconnect with old friends, meet members from across the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and begin another memorable week together.
📅 Saturday, August 15
🕕 Social Hour – 6:00 PM
🍽️ Dinner – 7:00 PM
We hope you'll join us for an evening of food, fellowship, and conversation as we welcome everyone to this year's Session in Frisco, Texas.
Be sure to RSVP by July 31 and visit odd-fellows.org for registration and event details.
#IOOF #oddfellows #SGL26

the_odd_fellows

Did you know that there's an Odd Fellows connection to one of America's most famous cryptid stories?
In 1952, Rebekah member Kathleen May was among the witnesses who reported seeing the mysterious Flatwoods Monster in Braxton County, West Virginia. Her account helped shape a legend that continues to fascinate people more than 70 years later.
During our visit to the Flatwoods Monster Museum, we learned about this unexpected piece of Rebekahs history and had to share it!
Thank you to @flatwoodsmonstermuseum for being part of this video!
Have you heard the story of the Flatwoods Monster before now? Let us know in the comments! 👽👁️💚
#OddFellows #IOOF #Rebekahs #FlatwoodsMonster #Cryptids

the_odd_fellows

Sovereign Grand Lodge Sessions aren't just business meetings — they're also a week full of opportunities to gather in fellowship, celebrate, and connect with Odd Fellows and Rebekahs from around the world.
⭐ Evening Events Schedule ⭐
• Friday, Aug. 14 – Youth Banquet (6:00 PM)
• Saturday, Aug. 15 – Welcome Dinner (7:00 PM)
• Sunday, Aug. 16 – Opening Ceremony (7:00 PM)
• Monday, Aug. 17 – Officer's Banquet (7:00 PM)
• Tuesday, Aug. 18 – Change of Command (7:00 PM)
• Wednesday, Aug. 19 – Installation Dinner (6:30 PM)
• Thursday, Aug. 20 – End of Session Cocktails (5:00 PM) & A Wild West Hoedown (6:00 PM)
Join us in Frisco, Texas, on August 16–20, 2026 for the 199th Annual Session of The Sovereign Grand Lodge, the 122nd Annual General Military Council, and the 108th Annual Session of the International Association of Rebekah Assemblies (plus Youth Days on the 14th & 15th!) If you haven't registered yet, be sure to do so by July 31 at odd-fellows.org
#ioof #oddfellows

the_odd_fellows

⭐ Have you registered for the 2026 Annual SGL Session yet? ⭐
Registration is now open for the 2026 Annual Session of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of The Independent Order of Odd Fellows, taking place August 16–20, 2026, in Frisco, Texas.
Registration forms and additional information are available on The SGL website at https://odd-fellows.org. The deadline to register is July 31, 2026!
Hope to see you in August!
#IOOF #oddfellows

the_odd_fellows

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.⁩
#ioof #oddfellows #memorialday

the_odd_fellows

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/.
#ioof #oddfellows #encampment

the_odd_fellows

Have you heard about the Odd Fellows Pilgrimage for Youth? Each year, students from across 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/
#ioof #pilgrimageforyouth #oddfellows

the_odd_fellows

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. @corriebethmakes!
"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
#ioof #oddfellows #heartinhand #papercraft #valentinesday

the_odd_fellows

Happy Wildey Day! Today we celebrate the birth of our founder Thomas Wildey and we encourage you to post your favorite Odd photos, stories, and history under the tag #WildeyDay!
Here's one of our favorite little passages from American Odd Fellowship by James L. Ridgely, describing his friend Wildey:
"His worship of mystery made him a fit priest to preside at the decorated altars. No boy was more bewildered and delighted with fancy's story than this man, who was as natural as a boy in his love of the marvelous.
To him the crowns and mitres of the officers were real, and the gavel and title of Noble Grand and Grand Master gave full assurance of splendid rank and veritable history, and thus a kind of supernatural importance was attached to the doctrines and duties they enjoined.
He came to believe in them with the simplicity of a child, but with the will of a giant; and here we may find the secret of that devotion which made him great. Thus he was sincere; he never doubted the enterprise, or that it was worthy to succeed."
#ioof #oddfellows #thomaswildey #birthday

the_odd_fellows

Charter Draping for 30 Days by all Units
In Memory of
Jimmy С. Humphrey
Past Sovereign Grand Master
2014-2015
THE SOVEREIGN GRAND LODGE
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS
MEMORIAL RESOLUTION
To all Units
Independent Order of Odd Fellows Greetings:
Resolution of Respect in memory of-Jimmy C. Humphrey, Past Sovereign Grand Master, 2014-2015, who died Thursday, the 25th day of September 2025.
Once again death hath summoned a Brother Odd Fellow, and the golden gateway to the Eternal City has opened to welcome him to his home. He has completed his work in ministering to the wants of the afflicted, in shedding light into darkened souls, and in bringing joy into places of misery, and his reward has received the plaudit "well done" from the Supreme Master.
Whereas, The-wise and merciful Master of the Universe has called our beloved and respected Brother home, and he having been a true and faithful member of our beloved Order,
Therefore, Be It Resolved, that all Units of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in testimony of our loss, drape their Charters in mourning for thirty days, that we tender to the family our sincere condolence in their deep affliction, and that a copy of these resolutions be sent to the family.
Done this 29th day of September 2025, in the city of Winston-Salem, North Carolina and the 206th year of Odd-Fellowship on the North American Continent.
ATTEST:
In Friendship, Love & Truth,
s/ Thomas J. Calabrese
Sovereign Grand Master
s/ Terry L. Barrett
Sovereign Grand Secretary

the_odd_fellows

Thank You for a Memorable SGL 2025 in Charleston, WV!
The international sessions of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows were a great success, thanks to the dedication and support of so many.
A heartfelt thank-you to Kanawha Lodge No. 25 for hosting us so warmly in Charleston, West Virginia, and to everyone who attended, organized, and contributed to making this gathering truly special.
We also celebrate the institution of the 2025–2026 officers, including IOOF Sovereign Grand Master Thomas J. Calabrese, IARA President Pamelia M. Isenhower, and General Commanding of GMC Marion Owens Jr. Their leadership will help guide our Order in the year ahead.
To all the members, volunteers, and friends who made SGL 2025 possible—thank you. Your efforts keep the spirit of Odd Fellowship thriving across the world.
Here’s to the year ahead and all we will accomplish together!

the_odd_fellows

📖 Available now on Amazon and IngramSpark: 📖
The Odd Fellows Chaplain History and Manual is a first-of-its-kind guide for chaplains at every level of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Complete with historical knowledge, philosophy, practical advice, and ceremonies, this volume is not simply a bastion of clarity for anyone seeking to deepen their service to the Order by serving as Chaplain; It is also an invaluable resource for any Odd Fellow looking to balance the needs of our diverse membership with an adherence to the traditional requirement of belief in a Supreme Being.
Written by Rev. Michael H. Duminiak, a Sovereign Grand Chaplain and ordained minister, this book provides grounded advice for navigating Odd Fellows law and tradition without compromising our personal faiths. The Odd Fellows Chaplain History and Manual is also an attractive addition to any Odd Fellow’s library, and is destined to be a favorite among collectors for years to come.
Get yours at heartinhandinstitute.com.
#ioof #oddfellows #flt #heartinhand

the_odd_fellows

Odd Fellows Tattooing at this year's SGL session. An hour of pain for a lifetime of Odd Fellows cred... Only one day left to get yours!
@vintagekarmatattoos #ioof #oddfellows #sgl

the_odd_fellows

✨ Fezzes for sale! ✨ Proceeds support the 2025 Golden Rule Gala in Dallas, TX.
Get yours here: https://goldenruleencampment.org/fez-orders
#ioof #oddfellows #encampment #fez #fezzesarecool

Fun Facts:
U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd, who served from 1959 to 2010, was an Odd Fellow. His long tenure in Congress reflected the order’s emphasis on civic responsibility.

Kudos:
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