The Rebekah's are traditionally the ladies of the Odd Fellows. However, Odd Fellow members are welcome to join as well. The Rebekahs have a very proud heritage and traditions dating back almost as long as the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The qualifications for becoming a Rebekah are virtually identical to those of the Odd Fellows. A man or woman of good character, who is loyal to his or her country and believes in a Supreme Being, the creator and preserver of the Universe, is eligible for membership. Odd Fellowship strictly forbids any interference with one's religious beliefs or political opinions. Most jurisdictions require candidates for the adult lodges to be 16 years old. The Rebekah's have a very rich history.
Schuyler Colfax, whom we revere as the author of the Rebekah Degree, was a lecturer, editor, Statesman, Vice President of the United States and most of all a true Odd Fellow. The Rebekah Degree was authorized on September 20, 1851. The degree was originally written for Odd Fellow brothers to confer on their wives and daughters and was considered an “Honorary Degree”. The degree could only be conferred at a special meeting and brothers could also receive the degree, much the same as today.
Later, the Rebekah sisters were allowed to confer the degree on other sisters, a ritual was adopted with the sisters taking the parts. Rebekah Lodges were instituted and have continued to flourish. This ritual has changed very little since 1851.
Schuyler Colfax, whom we revere as the author of the Rebekah Degree, was a lecturer, editor, Statesman, Vice President of the United States and most of all a true Odd Fellow. The Rebekah Degree was authorized on September 20, 1851. The degree was originally written for Odd Fellow brothers to confer on their wives and daughters and was considered an “Honorary Degree”. The degree could only be conferred at a special meeting and brothers could also receive the degree, much the same as today.
Later, the Rebekah sisters were allowed to confer the degree on other sisters, a ritual was adopted with the sisters taking the parts. Rebekah Lodges were instituted and have continued to flourish. This ritual has changed very little since 1851.