Grand Lodge Skip to main content Lodge 412 Home Grand Master About IOOF About Grand Lodge Officers Videos Lodge Directory Resources Contact F L T Grand Lodge of Kentucky Independent Order of Odd Fellows Friendship · Love · Truth Statewide Leadership Since 1839 About the IOOF Home Bruce FortinGrand Master 2026–2027 Bruce Fortin Grand Master, Grand Lodge of Kentucky Term: 2026–2027 The Narrow Shield of Duty Symbol of service shaped through dedication, humility, and continual learning. In assuming the sacred trust of the office of Grand Master, I stand before you mindful of the dignity of this station, the weight of its responsibilities, and the enduring principles upon which our Order is founded. It is through our collective labor that the principles of Friendship, Love, and Truth are made manifest in the world. “Two are better than one… for if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.” Forged to Serve The Forged to Serve Medal represents the shaping of character through dedication, humility, and continual learning. It symbolizes the duty of leadership and the responsibility to serve with integrity. “Let duty be your compass, charity your companion.” Grand Master’s Charge Bruce Fortin Grand Master Grand Lodge of Kentucky · 2026–2027 · In F, L, T I. Uphold the Principles Friendship — kindness, patience, goodwill. Love — charity in judgment, compassion in action. Truth — honesty in decisions and devotion to the Order. II. Maintain Harmony Unity begins with respect. Discord must be addressed early and fairly. Officers must act with humility and balance. III. Strengthen Communication Communication is the lifeblood of a healthy lodge. Officers must respond promptly and respectfully. IV. Preserve Ritual Ritual accuracy preserves teachings correctly. Candidates deserve instruction worthy of our heritage. VI. Conduct Business with Integrity Leadership integrity — honesty and fairness in all actions. Lodges must protect finances with transparency. VII. Work Together as One Jurisdiction Shared strength, mutual support, officer cooperation, and brotherhood ensure no lodge stands alone. Grand Master’s Cookout Join us June 12, 2027 at Freeman Lake, Elizabethtown. Fellowship, food, and brotherhood for all. About the Independent Order of Odd Fellows A fraternal organization dedicated to Friendship, Love, and Truth since 1819. Who Are We? The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is one of the world’s oldest and largest fraternal organizations, founded in the United States in 1819. The IOOF unites men and women of all backgrounds in a common pursuit of friendship, community service, and moral growth. Members are called “Odd Fellows” — a name rooted in the historical oddity of ordinary working people banding together to care for one another when no social safety net existed. Today, the IOOF operates lodges in over 30 countries with hundreds of thousands of members worldwide. Kentucky has been part of this movement since 1835, when the first lodge was chartered in the Commonwealth. What Do We Do? Social Fellowship — Meetings, dinners, ceremonies, and events that build lifelong friendships. Philanthropic Projects — Over $500,000 annually to arthritis research and $500,000+ to vision care. Educational Foundation — Low‑interest student loans and scholarships. Living Legacy Program — Tree planting and environmental stewardship nationwide. Youth Programs — Pilgrimage for Youth, SOS Children’s Villages, and camps like Kentucky’s Nolin Lake Youth Camp. Veterans & Patriots — Annual pilgrimages to the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington. “The mission of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows is to visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead, and educate the orphan.” — IOOF Founding Principle Learn More at ioof.org → What Is the Grand Lodge? The Grand Lodge of Kentucky is the supreme governing body for all Independent Order of Odd Fellows lodges in the Commonwealth. Established in 1839, it has served nearly two centuries as the central authority that unifies, regulates, and supports Odd Fellows lodges across the state. As the statewide jurisdiction, the Grand Lodge sets rules, regulations, and bylaws that every subordinate lodge must follow. It oversees officer installations, ensures proper ritual and degree work, and manages statewide finances including relief funds. Each year, the Grand Lodge convenes an Annual Grand Session — typically in October — where delegates vote on legislation, elect officers, hear reports, and coordinate charitable programs. The Grand Lodge upholds the IOOF’s core principles — Friendship, Love, and Truth — at the state level, connecting Kentucky lodges to the Sovereign Grand Lodge, the international governing body. Through this chain of affiliation, the Grand Lodge ensures every Kentucky Odd Fellow — including members of Aaron Lodge #412 — is part of a global fraternal network dedicated to improving communities. Important Facts Founded 1839 Jurisdiction All Kentucky IOOF Lodges Annual Session October — Kentucky Status Active Governing Body IOOF Grand Lodges Parent Body Sovereign Grand Lodge 2026–2027 Grand Lodge Officers The elected and appointed officers who lead the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, IOOF. Grand MasterBruce Fortin Deputy Grand MasterJohn Redmond Grand WardenDarcy Owens Grand SecretaryArthur Light Grand TreasurerRoss Webb Sovereign Rep. / PGMJames Gibson Grand MarshalGeorge Brady Grand ChaplainKenny Pickrell Grand ParliamentarianEddie Johnson Grand GuardianLuke McLaughlin Grand HeraldThomas Walling Officers serve one-year terms elected at the Annual Grand Session. About the IOOF — Videos Watch these official and educational videos about the Independent Order of Odd Fellows — covering history, hall tours, and the IOOF mission. Click to watch on YouTube Odd Fellows Yesterday and Today A comprehensive history of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. (2015, Stephen Terry) Watch on YouTube Click to watch on YouTube Discover Northern Kentucky — Odd Fellows Hall A tour of the historic Odd Fellows Hall in Northern Kentucky. (2012, TBNK Television) Watch on YouTube More resources at iooflodgedirectory.org Why Every Member Should Attend Grand Sessions Grand Sessions are the heart of statewide Odd Fellowship. Here’s why your participation matters. 1 Your Vote Matters Grand Sessions are where lodge business is decided. Attending ensures Lodge 412’s voice is heard on legislation, elections, and resolutions that affect all Kentucky Odd Fellows. 2 Strengthen Brotherhood & Sisterhood Meet fellow Odd Fellows from across the Commonwealth. These connections build lasting friendships and inter-lodge cooperation that strengthen the entire Order. 3 Receive Degree Work & Honors Grand Sessions feature formal degree conferrals and recognition of outstanding members. Attending gives members the opportunity to advance and be honored for their service. 4 Stay Informed on IOOF News Hear directly from Grand Lodge Officers about the state of the Order, financial updates, relief fund distributions, and upcoming initiatives that shape Kentucky Odd Fellowship. 5 Support Charitable Programs Sessions coordinate statewide relief and charitable efforts. Your presence helps fund and direct programs that benefit communities across Kentucky. 6 Represent Lodge 412 with Pride As delegates and members attend, they carry the reputation and spirit of Aaron Lodge 412. Participation demonstrates commitment to the fraternity’s future. Statewide Resources Official IOOF resources for Kentucky members — including statewide programs, charitable initiatives, youth services, and lodge support materials. Arthritis Foundation The IOOF contributes over $500,000 annually to arthritis research and treatment programs. Visit Website Visual Research Foundation IOOF supports vision care and research with over $500,000 in annual funding. Learn More Educational Foundation Low-interest student loans and scholarships available to IOOF members and families. Learn More Living Legacy Program IOOF environmental stewardship program — tree planting and conservation efforts nationwide. Learn More Youth Programs Pilgrimage for Youth, SOS Children’s Villages, and Kentucky’s Nolin Lake Youth Camp. Learn More Veterans & Patriots Annual IOOF pilgrimage to the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. Learn More All programs are administered through the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Sovereign Grand Lodge. Kentucky Lodge Directory Lodge 412 is one of 49 active IOOF lodges in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Below are selected sister lodges. Lodge Name Location Type Meeting Schedule Map Aeolian Lodge #51 973 Chestnut St, Bowling Green, KY 42101 Odd Fellows 1st & 3rd Tuesday, 6:30 PM 📍 Map Bloomfield Lodge #127 328 Springfield Rd, Bloomfield, KY 40008 Odd Fellows Weekly Tuesday, 7:00 PM 📍 Map Booneville Lodge #132 10 Mulberry St, Booneville, KY 41314 Odd Fellows 1st Thursday, 6:00 PM 📍 Map Browinski Lodge #64 1044 Seminary St, Carrollton, KY 41008 Odd Fellows — 📍 Map Cynthiana Lodge #127 106 S Main St, Cynthiana, KY 41031 Odd Fellows 4th Monday, 7:30 PM 📍 Map Emanuel Lodge #213 130 W Seminary St, Owenton, KY 40359 Odd Fellows 1st & 3rd Thursday, 7:30 PM 📍 Map Howard Lodge #15 1030 Washington St, Shelbyville, KY 40065 Odd Fellows 5th, 4:30 PM 📍 Map Louisville Lodge #4 1700 S 4th St, Louisville, KY 40208 Odd Fellows 1st & 3rd Wednesday, 7:00 PM 📍 Map Louisa Lodge #270 114 Vinson St, Louisa, KY 41230 Odd Fellows 3rd Wednesday, 6:00 PM 📍 Map Pikeville Lodge #294 206 Second St, Pikeville, KY 41502 Odd Fellows 1st & 3rd Friday, 7:00 PM 📍 Map Prestonsburg Lodge #293 128 South Front St Suite 3, Prestonsburg, KY 41653 Odd Fellows 1st & 3rd Thursday, 6:30 PM 📍 Map Somerset Lodge #238 260 Enterprise Dr, Somerset, KY 42503 Odd Fellows 1st & 3rd Tuesday, 6:30 PM EST 📍 Map Watson Lodge #32 321 Windsor Dr, Mt Sterling, KY 40353 Odd Fellows 1st & 3rd Monday, 6:30 PM 📍 Map
Who Are We? The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is one of the world’s oldest and largest fraternal organizations, founded in the United States in 1819. The IOOF unites men and women of all backgrounds in a common pursuit of friendship, community service, and moral growth. Members are called “Odd Fellows” — a name rooted in the historical oddity of ordinary working people banding together to care for one another when no social safety net existed. Today, the IOOF operates lodges in over 30 countries with hundreds of thousands of members worldwide. Kentucky has been part of this movement since 1835, when the first lodge was chartered in the Commonwealth.
What Do We Do? Social Fellowship — Meetings, dinners, ceremonies, and events that build lifelong friendships. Philanthropic Projects — Over $500,000 annually to arthritis research and $500,000+ to vision care. Educational Foundation — Low‑interest student loans and scholarships. Living Legacy Program — Tree planting and environmental stewardship nationwide. Youth Programs — Pilgrimage for Youth, SOS Children’s Villages, and camps like Kentucky’s Nolin Lake Youth Camp. Veterans & Patriots — Annual pilgrimages to the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington.
1 Your Vote Matters Grand Sessions are where lodge business is decided. Attending ensures Lodge 412’s voice is heard on legislation, elections, and resolutions that affect all Kentucky Odd Fellows.
2 Strengthen Brotherhood & Sisterhood Meet fellow Odd Fellows from across the Commonwealth. These connections build lasting friendships and inter-lodge cooperation that strengthen the entire Order.
3 Receive Degree Work & Honors Grand Sessions feature formal degree conferrals and recognition of outstanding members. Attending gives members the opportunity to advance and be honored for their service.
4 Stay Informed on IOOF News Hear directly from Grand Lodge Officers about the state of the Order, financial updates, relief fund distributions, and upcoming initiatives that shape Kentucky Odd Fellowship.
5 Support Charitable Programs Sessions coordinate statewide relief and charitable efforts. Your presence helps fund and direct programs that benefit communities across Kentucky.
6 Represent Lodge 412 with Pride As delegates and members attend, they carry the reputation and spirit of Aaron Lodge 412. Participation demonstrates commitment to the fraternity’s future.
Arthritis Foundation The IOOF contributes over $500,000 annually to arthritis research and treatment programs. Visit Website
Visual Research Foundation IOOF supports vision care and research with over $500,000 in annual funding. Learn More
Educational Foundation Low-interest student loans and scholarships available to IOOF members and families. Learn More
Living Legacy Program IOOF environmental stewardship program — tree planting and conservation efforts nationwide. Learn More
Youth Programs Pilgrimage for Youth, SOS Children’s Villages, and Kentucky’s Nolin Lake Youth Camp. Learn More
Veterans & Patriots Annual IOOF pilgrimage to the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. Learn More
