Encampment
The Odd Fellows Encampment is a higher branch in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Membership is open to all Third Degree members in good standing. The branch aims to further the work of Odd Fellowship and impart the principles of Faith, Hope and Charity. The Degrees in the Encampment are:
- Patriarchal Degree - Aims to teach the lessons of transparent honesty, domestic purity, genuine hospitality and unfeigned righteousness.
- Golden Rule Degree - Aims to teach good will, tolerance, and true brotherhood. It also teaches that members should unite with the virtuous and good irrespective of country, religion, or politics in the discharge of duties which all agree are paramount to universal peace and cooperation.
- Royal Purple Degree – Aims to teach alertness and determination as basis for a possible success in the journey called life.
Canton
The Patriarchs Militant was founded during the American Civil war, the Patriarchs Militant (PM) is Odd Fellowship's uniformed branch, and is the branch which offers the highest degree of the IOOF. It is purely semi-military in its character, organized for chivalric display and is admirably fulfilling its mission through the annual 'Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers' ceremony held in Washington, DC, Canada and other public ceremonies conducted in several countries such as Cuba.
There is only one degree, the Chevalier degree. Upon completion of this degree, one is entitled to hold office in the Canton. Sometimes the Patriarchs Militant is referred to as "the Canton", due to the Canton being the name used in lieu of "Lodge". The seal of the PM is a gold and jeweled crown, within which is a shepherds crook crossed with a sword and the triple links of Odd Fellowship connecting the two at the bottom. One must retain their membership and remain in good standing within both the subordinate lodge and Encampment while a member of the PM.
There is only one degree, the Chevalier degree. Upon completion of this degree, one is entitled to hold office in the Canton. Sometimes the Patriarchs Militant is referred to as "the Canton", due to the Canton being the name used in lieu of "Lodge". The seal of the PM is a gold and jeweled crown, within which is a shepherds crook crossed with a sword and the triple links of Odd Fellowship connecting the two at the bottom. One must retain their membership and remain in good standing within both the subordinate lodge and Encampment while a member of the PM.
Jr. Odd Fellows
Explanation of the Junior Odd Fellow Shield (see above)
• The Pyramid: Reminds us of the land of Pharaoh, where Joseph, as a young boy, attained great heights.
• The All-Seeing Eye: Reminds us of our belief of the Supreme Intelligent Being, the Creator and Preserver of the Universe.
• The Three Links: Reminds us that through Fidelity, Honor and Loyalty we are to unite and elevate the character of our members.
• The Silver Drinking Cup: Reminds us that through all our trials we are to remain patient, obedient, and tolerant.
• The Six Leaves: divided in halves, reminds us of the twelve tribes of Israel, who from lowly slaves, rose to become a great nation.
The watchwords of the Junior Odd Fellow degree are Honor and Fidelity. The symbolic colors of our degree are Silver and Dark Blue.
The teachings Of the Junior Odd Fellow Lodge Degree are taken from the Holy Bible, and the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors was selected to develop and encourage a generous, helpful and fraternal relationship among members and to promote an understanding of higher purpose of life, true knowledge of government, and genuine patriotic spirit.
• The Pyramid: Reminds us of the land of Pharaoh, where Joseph, as a young boy, attained great heights.
• The All-Seeing Eye: Reminds us of our belief of the Supreme Intelligent Being, the Creator and Preserver of the Universe.
• The Three Links: Reminds us that through Fidelity, Honor and Loyalty we are to unite and elevate the character of our members.
• The Silver Drinking Cup: Reminds us that through all our trials we are to remain patient, obedient, and tolerant.
• The Six Leaves: divided in halves, reminds us of the twelve tribes of Israel, who from lowly slaves, rose to become a great nation.
The watchwords of the Junior Odd Fellow degree are Honor and Fidelity. The symbolic colors of our degree are Silver and Dark Blue.
The teachings Of the Junior Odd Fellow Lodge Degree are taken from the Holy Bible, and the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors was selected to develop and encourage a generous, helpful and fraternal relationship among members and to promote an understanding of higher purpose of life, true knowledge of government, and genuine patriotic spirit.
Theta Rho Girls Club
The Theta Rho's are for girls between the ages of 8 and 18. The Theta Rho motto is "Happiness through Service" The colors of the Theta Rho Girls’ Club are Yale blue and light peach. Blue is symbolic of the bluebird and represents happiness. Light peach represents thoughtfulness and teaches us to render service to others.
Theta" and "Rho" are two Greek Letters, "O" and "P" initials of two Greek words that have been interpreted to mean "Daughter of Rebekah" but it is not for certain that this is a fact.
This organization gives young girls the opportunity for leadership and community service. The girls select their own leaders and annual elections are held to select state level leadership as well.
The Theta Rho Girls Club seeks to teach unselfishness, morality, and patriotism; to encourage mental and physical development; to develop character; to promote sentiment that happiness is obtained only through service to God and man. And that obedience to law is necessary for preservation of government and protection of home and country.
Theta" and "Rho" are two Greek Letters, "O" and "P" initials of two Greek words that have been interpreted to mean "Daughter of Rebekah" but it is not for certain that this is a fact.
This organization gives young girls the opportunity for leadership and community service. The girls select their own leaders and annual elections are held to select state level leadership as well.
The Theta Rho Girls Club seeks to teach unselfishness, morality, and patriotism; to encourage mental and physical development; to develop character; to promote sentiment that happiness is obtained only through service to God and man. And that obedience to law is necessary for preservation of government and protection of home and country.