Louie Blake Saile Sarmiento, author

ODD FELLOWS' QUICK FAQS WHO ARE THE ODD FELLOWS?   Evolving from the traditions of the craft guilds and journeymen associations, the name Odd Fellows (also spelled as Oddfellows) refers to a number of fraternal orders and friendly societies that emerged in England sometime during the late 1600's to early 1700's and existing in more than 30 countries today. Odd Fellowship is one of the oldest worldwide ethical and humanitarian fraternal organizations and friendly societies. At present, there are approximately 600,000 Odd Fellows belonging to the three major Orders: Grand United Order of Oddfellows (GUOOF); Independent Order of Oddfellows Manchester Unity (IOOFMU); and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF).    The Odd Fellows is a worldwide fraternity with lodges in various countries. WHY THE NAME ODD FELLOWS?  The generally accepted explanations: Nearly 300 years ago in England, there were a lot of sickness, orphaned children, widowed mothers and many could not ...

The square and compasses has been used as a symbol by several organizations. The oldest organization to use the symbol is probably the  Worshipful Company of Carpenters , founded in London more than 700 years ago. The first written reference mentions of a " Master Carpenter " in the City of London’s records dated year 1271. It was originally a medieval trade guild, set up to look after the welfare and interests of carpenters living and working in London. The Carpenters received its first Royal Charter in 1477, and in 1515 was ranked 26 in order of precedence out of the 48 City Livery Companies then existing. The Carpenter's motto is " Honour God ".  Founded in 1724, the  Carpenters' Company of the City and County of Philadelphia  was modeled after the Worshipful Company of Carpenters. Both associations have close ties with each other. During the 18 th  and early 19 th  centuries, the Worshipful Company of Carpenter...