May 26, 2019
ODD FELLOWSHIP
The Grand United Order of Odd Fellows is a unique fraternal organization that is based on principles that were established so long ago, that its origins continue to remain elusive. One of the main elements of odd fellowship is that its organizational structure Is that it is based on the support of its members, for its members. Odd fellowship is designed to be a support structure for the men and women involved with the organization. Come let’s take this journey and examine what is some key elements of odd fellowship.
ODD
Now let’s take a look at the first part of Odd Fellowship as it is defined on the Dictionary.com website.
adjective
“different from what is usual or expected; strange.
“the neighbors thought him very odd.” Similar words like strange, peculiar, weird, funny, bizarre, eccentric, unusual, abnormal, unconventional, outlandish, offbeat, freakish, quirky, off-center.
The norm is the standard for the way people live from day to day. The microcosm of the construction industry as an example, a skill set that is unique and not prevalent or commonly used would be called Odd. During the completion of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows District Grand Lodge #18 in Atlanta, many Odd Fellows from around the country brought their skill set to the table. These Odd Fellows were made up of people from different lodges districts and jurisdictions. Researching the history of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, from a time once before; Odd Fellows could and would ask for assistance from one another. If one brother owned a printing company or let’s say a newspaper such as the Atlanta Independent (a real paper once operated by the GUOOF). A worthy brother from another state asked to run an add in that paper, he would. The Oddfellows ran an organization that operated for the benefit of its members, so they succeed in the past by working together.
FELLOWSHIP
noun
Let’s move on to the 2nd part of the label known as Odd Fellowship as it is defined on Dictionary.com website:
“friendly association, especially with people who share one’s interests.”
Similar words like “companionship, companionability, sociability, comradeship, fraternization, camaraderie, friendship, mutual support”, etc.
Fellowshiping amongst human beings is a community-based effort. It is seamlessly built in the DNA of us all and is an important social construct used to cement people while bonding them together. Throughout history, fellowshiping has shaped our American multicultural environment from local gatherings, cookouts, college fraternities, house parties, you name it. Fellowshiping has sometimes brought about and nurtured grandiose outcomes with legendary results. Most African American Churches have what is called “fellowship halls” where not only do the members meet to rejoice and dine with each other, they also invite other non-members. They may also invite pastors from other churches that may be local to visit their church and encourage them to do the same. This is a way that they would use to grow their membership. Today there are band new technologies that allow for a bigger and wider reach than the construction of any building could have today for example. So considering this blog is read on multiple Social media, web sites, television, and applications that give the person constructing a reach that can span the globe. The GUOOF in America came about as one of the best places to support the men and women of any time using real-life social interactions. It gave its members that space to fellowship on a platform that any person from any walk of life could be heard.
Demetrius Feaster Sr.
Grand United Order of Odd Fellows
Deputy District Grand Master
District #18 Covington Georgia
Dictionary.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.dictionary.com/
Headquarters DGL#18 [Personal photograph taken in Grand United Order of Odd Fellows]. (2019, April 20).
Skocpol, Theda & Oser, Jennifer. (2004). Organization Despite Adversity. Social Science History. 28. 367-437. 10.1017/S0145553200012803.5
https://www.guoofs.com/history/