How to Join the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is an international fraternal organization with Lodges
located around the world. In the United States, Odd Fellow Lodges exist in all 50 states.
Membership in Aaron Lodge #412 and throughout the Order is open to
individuals of good character who seek fellowship, service, and personal growth.
If you are interested in joining, please use our official application request form below.
What Are the Requirements for Membership?
We seek members who are of good moral character, who are loyal to their country,
and who believe in a Supreme Being or a force in the universe greater than themselves.
We welcome individuals who care about others and who are willing to work to improve their communities.
The foundation of Odd Fellowship rests on the timeless principles of
Friendship, Love, and Truth.
What Odd Fellowship Is — and Is Not
Odd Fellowship strictly forbids any interference with a member’s religious or political opinions.
Inside the Lodge, we do not discuss religion, politics, or business.
The Lodge Hall is a place of peace — a respite from the noise of daily life — where members
focus on fellowship, personal growth, and the enjoyment of fraternal life.
We hope members join not only to enjoy the social experience we offer, but also to help
strengthen and uplift the greater community.
You can find the Three‑Links emblem almost everywhere — on cars, shirts, hats,
posters, and community displays. Keep an eye out. When you see the Three Links, there is a good
chance an Odd Fellow is nearby.
If you would like to join the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, or if you are simply interested
in learning more about the Order, you are welcome to reach out. You may contact
Bruce Fortin directly at
bfortin59@gmail.com
or submit a request using our membership application form. We are always glad to help and answer
any questions you may have.
You may be surprised to learn that you already know an Odd Fellow. Many members quietly serve
their communities without recognition, so finding a sponsor is often easier than you might expect.
At Aaron Lodge No. 412, every new member begins with a
Pledge Process — a friendly, informative introduction to Odd Fellowship.
This process typically lasts about three months and helps you learn who we are, what we do,
and how we serve both our members and the community. It is simple, meaningful, and enjoyable.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” — Ancient Chinese Proverb
A journey with Aaron Lodge No. 412 is a rewarding and memorable experience. To take that first step,
complete the form below or reach out to
bfortin59@gmail.com.
Three Legs to Rest On
Odd Fellowship has always been strongest when it stands firmly on
three essential pillars. Think of the Order as a three‑legged stool:
when all three legs are strong, the stool easily supports the weight placed upon it.
When one leg weakens, the stool wobbles. When two legs weaken, collapse is inevitable.
In the past, Odd Fellowship flourished because Lodges upheld all three legs.
Today, many Lodges rely heavily on only one — and the Order suffers for it.
To restore strength, vitality, and growth, we must rebuild all three legs of the stool.
Fraternity
The first leg is our fraternal identity. We possess a rich and distinguished
history, strong traditions, meaningful ritual, and dedicated members. Many Lodge Halls still
stand at the heart of their communities. These are powerful assets that have served us well
for over two centuries. This leg remains strong — but it cannot support the Order alone.
Community
The second leg is community engagement, and it is the one most in need of rebuilding.
There was a time when the Odd Fellows Lodge was the center of town life. It can be again —
but only if Lodges step outside their four walls.
Strengthening this leg means reconnecting with the community by hosting open meetings,
sponsoring charitable events, partnering with local organizations, and making Lodge Halls
available for appropriate community use. Even two or three well‑planned events each year
can transform a Lodge’s reputation and restore its presence in the community.
Fellowship
The third leg is fellowship — the social bond that makes membership meaningful.
Odd Fellowship is more than passwords, signs, and grips. It is a brotherhood and sisterhood
where people enjoy each other’s company and build lifelong friendships.
Strengthening this leg means creating opportunities for members to gather socially:
breakfasts, dinners, hikes, trips, movie nights, game nights, dances, wine tastings,
or any activity that brings members together in joy and camaraderie.
Why People Join Today
If we are honest, very few people join Odd Fellowship in the 21st century because of ritual alone.
People join because:
- Odd Fellows do good work in the community, and
- Odd Fellows offer a social network where members can enjoy each other’s company and have fun.
When all three legs — Fraternity, Community, and Fellowship — are strong, the Order thrives.
When they weaken, the Order declines. Rebuilding these three pillars is the key to a strong and vibrant future
for Odd Fellowship.
How to Find Us
If you have questions about membership, events, or Odd Fellowship in general, please use the form below.
