The Manitoba Independent Order of Odd Fellows & Rebekahs
Welcome to the Manitoba Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Rebekahs website.
WHO ARE WE?
We are a worldwide fraternity/Sorority founded on the Fatherhood of God and the Fellowship of humans. The Odd Fellows was instituted in North America in 1819 and Manitoba in 1873. Membership is open to men and women 16 years and older. We are Non-Sectarian and Non-Political. We operate under the authority of the Grand Lodge of Manitoba and The Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
WHAT DO WE BELIEVE AND DO?
We believe that Friendship, Love and Truth are the basic guides to the destiny of humankind. We meet in Lodges. Each Lodge has their own specific meeting night and most meet twice a month for 10 months of the year. We are dedicated to care for and support our fellow members and our communities at home and abroad, as well as our fraternal projects. Each Lodge has their own local projects which they support. Meetings are followed by a time of fellowship.
THE REBEKAHS
Are the women's branch of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The Rebekahs are open for both ladies and gentlemen.
ODD FELLOWSHIP
We come from all walks of life and different faiths and cultures. We do not and should not take the place of your church, mosque, temple or spiritual tradition. We are united in improving and elevating the character of humankind.
Events
Blog
Grand Lodge of Manitoba
From our Grand Master Bill Stefiuk
"People, not programs, must come first."
"We are conditioned to tell someone of the great programs and activities of the Order before we find out anything about the individual.
To me, one should first build rapport with the individual and find out what he/she is looking for in becoming a better person and valuable member of the community. What are the individual goals, their objectives and interests?
Once you have had dialogue then you can explain how Odd Fellow started and its name.
We are the oldest fraternal group in the world which started prior to the middle ages and maybe as far back as the start of civilization. There weren't any documented records until the early part of the seventeenth century. A group of guild workers (say stone builders) seen that one of their own was in distress and was not able to provide for his family's needs. So they pulled their resources together and helped his family until he could return to work.
Because it was seen as an odd thing to do, so it was called Odd-Fellows and the name stuck until now."
"He who realizes that the true mission of man on earth is to rise above the level of individual influence and recognize the fatherhood of God over all and the brotherhood of man, is natures true nobleman."
- Printed on a modest memorial to honour the founder of Odd Fellowship in America.