Illinois

Odd Fellowship has a long and rich history in Illinois. As towns were springing up during the 1800’s with the westward expansion of the railroads, an Odd Fellows lodge was often one of the first organizations in town. They offered a dependable social circle for the new neighbors and mutual relief in those days before insurance plans or government assistance. The Odd Fellows in Illinois championed many great causes, most notably the Children’s Home and the Old Folk’s Home, which still operate to ...

The Illinois Rebekah Assembly is the governing body for the Illinois Rebekahs. Established on September 20, 1851, the Rebekahs, also known as the International Association of Rebekah Assemblies (IARA), and originally the Daughters of Rebekah is an international service-oriented organization and a branch of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. It was initially designed as the female auxiliary of the IOOF but now allows both female and male members.

The Grand Encampment is a higher branch in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Membership is open to all Third Degree members in good standing. The branch aims to further the work of Odd Fellowship and impart the principles of Faith, Hope, and Charity. In the United States and Canada, membership in the Encampment is open for men and women holding the third degree in the Odd Fellows Lodge. Traditionally, however, the Ladies Auxiliary Encampment (L.E.A.) was formed for women who are members of a ...

The Patriarchs Militant is the uniformed branch of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, established in 1885. It represents the highest degree within the IOOF, focusing on ceremonial and fraternal activities. Patriarchs Militant lodges are referred to as Cantons. Sometimes the Patriarchs Militant is referred to as “the Canton”, due to the Canton being the name used instead of “Lodge”.