The Grand United Order of Odd Fellows was created in Europe in the mid-1700s and is a fraternal brotherhood organization that provides mutual benefits to its members.

Lodges modeled after their European counterparts spread throughout white communities in the United States during the early nineteenth century. Although these lodges were not officially incorporated into the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, African Americans who wished to establish their own branch sought affiliation through discussions with members of these unincorporated lodges. While those efforts were unsuccessful, they ultimately secured incorporation through a lodge in England.

The organization officially began its activities in the United States in 1843. Its earliest membership was drawn from two established Black organizations that did not offer mutual benefit programs:

• The Philomethean Literary Society
• The Philadelphia Company and Debating Society

In 1845, the first general meeting of the Annual Moveable Committee (A.M.C.) included six lodges that had been established in the United States.

By the time founder Peter Ogden passed away in 1852, membership had grown to 1,470 members across 25 lodges located throughout the Eastern Seaboard, extending as far as Bermuda.

The practical benefits of membership helped members and their families by assisting with expenses related to:

• Burial
• Illness
• Disability
• Widowhood

Although specific benefit amounts were not guaranteed, the continued success of the Order demonstrated its ability to provide meaningful support during times of need.

The Grand United Order of Odd Fellows incorporated Biblical teachings into its rituals and ceremonies for establishing lodges. Historians recognize the organization as one of the most significant Black mutual aid societies of the 1840s.

During the 1880s, the Order experienced remarkable expansion, growing well beyond the localized membership of its early years. This growth occurred during a period of increasing racial consciousness and a strong movement toward organized self-help within Black communities.

Between 1868 and 1886, both the number of lodges and membership increased nearly tenfold.

During the following decade:

• The number of lodges grew from approximately 1,000 to more than 2,000.
• Membership increased from 36,853 in 1886 to 155,537.

This impressive growth continued into the early years of the twentieth century.