Odd Fellows in North America
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows as we know it today began in Baltimore, Maryland, where five members of the Order from England founded Washington Lodge No. 1 on April 26,1819, by self-institution. One of these Brothers was Thomas Wildey, the first Noble Grand and the man revered as the founder of Odd Fellowship in North America. A charter was received from Duke of York Lodge in Preston, England, in 1820, a year and a half after its self-institution.
A second lodge was formed in Baltimore in 1819, but these two lodges and those in New York were unaware of each others' existence for some time, communications being slow in those days, and there being no reason such information would travel from one city to another except by pure chance.
In 1821, the "Grand Lodge of Maryland and of the United States of America, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows," was founded. Brother Wildey also served as the first Grand Master/Grand Sire of the first Grand Lodge, for a period of 12 years. Several more lodges were established, and in 1824, the "Grand Lodge of the United States" now termed "The Sovereign Grand Lodge," was separated from the Grand Lodge of Maryland. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows in North America (United States and Canada) became independent from the Order in England in 1834.
A second lodge was formed in Baltimore in 1819, but these two lodges and those in New York were unaware of each others' existence for some time, communications being slow in those days, and there being no reason such information would travel from one city to another except by pure chance.
In 1821, the "Grand Lodge of Maryland and of the United States of America, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows," was founded. Brother Wildey also served as the first Grand Master/Grand Sire of the first Grand Lodge, for a period of 12 years. Several more lodges were established, and in 1824, the "Grand Lodge of the United States" now termed "The Sovereign Grand Lodge," was separated from the Grand Lodge of Maryland. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows in North America (United States and Canada) became independent from the Order in England in 1834.
Odd Fellows in Texas
Jacob DeCordova
The first lodge of Odd Fellows in Texas was instituted in Houston, as Lone Star Odd Fellow Lodge Number One on July 25, 1838, by Jacob DeCordova, Grand Master of Louisiana. A Children’s Home was established in 1885 on 200 acres of land in Corsicana, Texas. It reached a peak population of over 400 children during the Depression years of the 1930's when the home had its own school district, football team, baseball team, and band. The number of children steadily declined until 1990 when the Home was closed. We are proud of the work we did in providing homes for children and in converting orphans into leaders of our communities and state. A large portion of the land was donated to the City of Corsicana for a public park and soccer field. In 2011 the old Children's Home Administrative building was completely remodeled and is now used as our Texas Grand Lodge headquarters building. We are very proud of this new facility. We also have a newly built Event Center directly behind this building, that is rented out for all types of civic activities in Corsicana, Texas. (pictured below)
Springtown Lodge
Springtown's Lodge #75 was instituted in 2005. The lodge moved their meeting place to the Springtown Chamber of Commerce at the square on Main Street. The members of this lodge are dedicated members of their community working together with others to build a better community through Friendship, Love, and Truth.
Springtown's Lodge #75 was instituted in 2005. The lodge moved their meeting place to the Springtown Chamber of Commerce at the square on Main Street. The members of this lodge are dedicated members of their community working together with others to build a better community through Friendship, Love, and Truth.
Picture above shows PGM James Curtis presenting the Lodge Charter to the first
Springtown Lodge #75 Noble Grand, Jerry McGee (now PGM). James instituted
Springtown Lodge #75 while he served as the I.O.O.F. Grand Master of Texas during 2005.
Springtown Lodge #75 Noble Grand, Jerry McGee (now PGM). James instituted
Springtown Lodge #75 while he served as the I.O.O.F. Grand Master of Texas during 2005.