Story Time: The Virginia Odd Fellows!
The Odd Fellows began their journey in Virginia on May 4th, 1833 with the establishment of Virginia Lodge #1 in Harpers Ferry, Virginia. At that time there was not a Grand Lodge of Virginia yet, so this lodge was under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the United States (now referred to as the Sovereign Grand Lodge) for the first few years.On May 17th, 1837, the Grand Lodge of Virginia was formally established and took jurisdiction over all lodges within Virginia. In 1863, when West Virginia became the 35th state, Virginia Lodge #1 and some others fell under the jurisdiction of the new Grand Lodge of West Virginia. The Lodge voted to keep its name and is still active today!
Over the course of the 188 years of Odd Fellowship in Virginia, there have been over 425 Odd Fellow Lodges instituted. As of May 2022, there are 29 Odd Fellows lodges, 9 Rebekah lodges, 7 Encampments, and 5 Cantons in Virginia.
Over the course of the 188 years of Odd Fellowship in Virginia, there have been over 425 Odd Fellow Lodges instituted. As of May 2022, there are 29 Odd Fellows lodges, 9 Rebekah lodges, 7 Encampments, and 5 Cantons in Virginia.
VIRGINIA ODD FELLOWS
Grand Lodge of Virginia, Independent Order of Odd Fellows
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Our annual state convention sessions were recently held in Madison Heights, Virginia May 20th-22nd at the Grand Lodge Activities Center.
We thank Brother Steve Taylor, PGM, for his service to our jurisdiction and welcome Brother Jack Roberts into the role of Grand Master and all of the other Officers for the 2022-2023 term!