Grand United Odd Fellows Clean Up Local Historic Cemetery

The Brothers of Knox enterprises 9499 of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows participated in the cleanup of a historic cemetery in the Old South neighborhood of Baton Rouge Louisiana. The cemetery is called the Lutheran Cemetery. Lutheran Cemetery was first formed in 1872 when the Lutheran Benevolent Burial Society bought a 6-acre plot of land along the roadway for a burial plot, said Lillie Petit Gallagher, chairwoman of Friends of City Park and a lead organizer of the cleanup event. The land was a site for former slaves and freed slaves burial sites prior to being purchased. Although the Lutheran Society no longer exists, community members have been charged with keeping up the sites. Many prominent African American figure form Baton Rouge area are buried there including leaders from Southern University. Brothers that volunteered were Noble Grand James Hart, Brother Byron Washington, and Brother Ronnie Jackson.

The Grand United Order of Odd Fellows have continued to be involved in the community both seen and unseen. We were able to help in clearing trees, weeds, removing debris and touching up grave sites. Knox enterprise 9499 will continue to part of the greater Baton Rouge community to assist wherever the need is. In Friendship Love and Truth.

Yours in the Fellowship

Byron Washington Knox Enterprises #9499