Our History

England (18th Century)

• Initially formed in northern and central England
• Emerged from craft journeymen's societies serving workers who lacked traditional guild protection
• Spread throughout England with approximately 50 lodges by 1798

United States (Official American Foundation)

• Founded in Baltimore, Maryland on April 26, 1819
• Established at the Seven Stars Tavern by Thomas Wildey, a British expatriate and blacksmith, along with four other English Odd Fellows
• Washington Lodge No. 1 became the first official American lodge, chartered by Manchester Unity of England

The Odd Fellows were created during the era of industrialization when working men needed mutual support and protection. Guilds traditionally served specific trades, but "odd" workers in various trades or in smaller towns lacked guild representation. These "odd men out" formed their own fraternal organization for mutual aid and social unity.

Baltimore's 1819 founding occurred during a yellow fever epidemic and mass unemployment, reinforcing the mission to help those in need. In 1842, American lodges declared independence from English authority; in 1843, they officially adopted the name "Independent Order of Odd Fellows."

We became the first national fraternity to accept women (September 20, 1851) through the Daughters of Rebekah degree, demonstrating our progressive commitment to equality.

Theory 1: Peculiar Purpose

Common laborers associating for social unity and mutual help was a "marked violation of the trends of the times" in 1700s England. They were derided as "odd" or "peculiar" for their selfless, seemingly impractical mission to help others. The name was adopted because it was "odd to find people organized for the purpose of giving aid to those in need and pursuing projects for the benefit of all mankind."

Theory 2: Odd Trades

Workers engaged in various "odd trades" that lacked sufficient numbers to form traditional trade guilds. These workers of "odd jobs" banded together, meeting in the back rooms of pubs. The term "Fellow" was a standard English designation for guild members of journeyman rank.

Theory 3: Social Exception

At a time when class severance was extreme, people pursuing fraternal values of benevolence and charity were exceptional — literally "odd." Only "an odd bunch of fellows" would behave in such a selfless fashion during that era.

Europe

The first continental European lodge was established in Württemberg, Germany (December 1, 1870) by Dr. John F. Morse. From Germany, the fraternity spread throughout Europe to Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Pacific Region

Excelsior Lodge No. 1 in Honolulu (December 18, 1846) was the first lodge on the Pacific. Expansion followed to Australia and New Zealand, establishing a strong presence throughout the Pacific region.

Latin America

Lodges were established in Belize, Chile, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, and Venezuela, bringing the principles of Friendship, Love, and Truth to communities across Latin America.

Africa

The fraternity established a presence in Nigeria, extending our reach to the African continent.

Canada

Expansion throughout Canada included Manchester Unity lodges in eastern provinces, creating a strong North American network.

Modern Presence

Currently, the fraternity operates in approximately 26-30 countries worldwide. We maintain inter-fraternal relationships with Manchester Unity and Grand United Order of Oddfellows, ensuring cooperation and mutual support across different branches of the Odd Fellows family.

Early History (1872-1941)

• First introduced to the Philippines in 1872 during Spanish colonial period
• Attracted Filipinos seeking reform and justice; associated with the 1873 petty insurrection
• By 1898, an Odd Fellows Association existed in Manila, with lodges in Manila, Cebu, Bohol, and Zamboanga City
• Membership consisted primarily of American military servicemen and government officials

Official Establishment (1903-1941)

• Manila Lodge No. 1 officially established in 1903 by District Deputy Grand Sire Charles H. Burritt
• First meetings held at 210 Cabildo Street, Intramuros, Manila
• Relocated to Plaza Goiti (now Plaza Lacson), Santa Cruz in 1903
• Built dedicated Odd Fellows Hall at California (now Escoda) and San Marcelino Streets, Ermita in 1913
• Organization remained active until World War II broke out in 1941
• Fell dormant during the Japanese occupation

Modern Revival (2009-Present)

• November 21, 2009: First modern lodge, Watchdog Lodge No. 1, instituted in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
• Revival aimed to reform fraternity culture in the Philippines: no hazing, no violence, no elitism, no discrimination
• 2015: With eight established lodges, members petitioned for and were granted the Grand Lodge of the Philippines
• By 2019: 25 active Odd Fellows lodges, 1 Rebekah Lodge, 3 Encampments, and 2 Cantons of Patriarchs Militant
• Current jurisdiction experiencing exponential growth, becoming one of the fastest-growing IOOF jurisdictions globally
• Members are diverse: includes military personnel, police, professionals, students, and community members
• Known for disaster response, community recognition programs, and manufacturing Odd Fellows regalia for international sale

The revival of the Odd Fellows in the Philippines represents a remarkable chapter in our history. By emphasizing our core values while rejecting the negative aspects of some fraternal organizations, the Grand Lodge of the Philippines has created a model for modern fraternal practice that honors tradition while embracing progressive values.

From our humble beginnings in the taverns of 18th century England to our global presence today, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows has remained true to our founding principles. As we move forward into the 21st century, we continue to adapt and grow while maintaining our commitment to Friendship, Love, and Truth.

Our history teaches us that ordinary people, united by shared values and a commitment to helping others, can make an extraordinary difference in the world. This lesson guides us as we face the challenges and opportunities of the modern era.