Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Fraternal order in Baltimore, United States
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is a fraternal organization with approximately 10,000 lodges across 26 countries on every continent. The order operates through local units where members gather, conduct initiation rituals, and organize charitable work.
Thomas Wildey founded the first American lodge at the Seven Stars Tavern in Baltimore on April 26, 1819. The introduction of the Rebekah Degree in 1851 made the order the first national fraternity to admit women as full members.
Three interlocking chain links representing friendship, love, and truth appear on lodge badges, banners, and building facades. Members wear traditional regalia during ceremonies and maintain rituals passed down since the early 19th century.
Local lodges hold regular meetings where new members are initiated and community projects are planned. Visitors interested in membership can contact individual lodges to learn about admission requirements and meeting times.
Franklin D. Roosevelt, Ulysses S. Grant, and Wyatt Earp were members of this fraternity. Charlie Chaplin joined the order in England before moving to Hollywood.
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