When I was in college at the University of Texas at Austin in the 1980s, for my foreign language class I took Latin. Instead of continuing to build upon the Spanish I took in high school (which would have been much more practical), I chose to study a “dead” language. One not spoken to my knowledge outside of a few rituals in the Catholic Church.
But, as a little girl who was fascinated by archaeology and mythology, I couldn’t let an important, ancient language just die from neglect. In fact, I found that Latin was foundational to many other languages, and being somewhat knowledgeable of the Latin roots of other languages, I can sometimes piece together meanings of unfamiliar words. Even though the language is archaic, it continues to guide me to new understandings.
Such is the way with Odd Fellowship. My initial attraction - besides it being a cool kids’ club to which I was mysteriously invited - was in its ancient rituals. I was intrigued by the secrecy and the pomp and circumstance. But, also because of the secrecy, I could not predict what meaning it would have in my life besides allowing me the opportunity to know people outside of my social circle who may or not be like-minded.
Honestly, my sponsor did such a great job of keeping up the mystery that I wondered what exactly I was getting myself into. A Satanic cult? A multi-level marketing scheme? I did not know before initiation whether the lessons I would learn would apply to my modern life, but I was intrigued enough to continue.
Initiation was a blur. An impression of the importance of our short lives and the principles that give meaning to it. I think it took me a good couple of years before I began to understand what the words in the Charge Book might mean and then another couple of years to realize that they are not (in the words of Elton John) just pretty words to say - they are principles to live by.
Five years into Odd Fellows membership, I am still learning. I am realizing that the foundations of Odd Fellowship are really ideas that are foundational to our civil society. Thinking of the public good (The Good of the Order), putting differences aside in order to achieve common goals (the tenets of Odd Fellowship) and elevate the character of mankind and diffuse the principles of benevolence and charity.
I think we can all agree that we could use more benevolence and charity in this day and age.
Odd Fellows is a volunteer organization and relies on a shared commitment of members to contribute to the health and survival of the Lodge as well as to serve the community. I can work side-by-side with other members on planting trees, picking up trash from a park, stuffing blessing bags for the homeless or simply cleaning the Lodge and there is dignity and meaning in all of those activities. We are there to serve in whatever capacity we are able to contribute.
Odd Fellows have survived world wars and depressions and all manner of calamities. The membership waxes and wanes in size and enthusiasm. But one thing that never wavers is the honor and dignity of living by example "the principles of benevolence and charity that tend to make us social and humane."
Odd Fellows like President Franklin D. Roosevelt (yes) introduced the world to ideas that inspired programs like Social Security because, collectively, we can help each other and make life better for every member if we work together.
One of the best things about Lodge, to me, is that it is a non-political, non-sectarian refuge from the turmoil and antagonism of the outside world. It is a rare organization in which it doesn’t matter what Supreme Being you believe in, what political party you belong to, how much money you make or what you do for a living. Inside the sacred space of an Odd Fellows Lodge, we are one, united by ideals that are bigger than ourselves.
Join me when you can.
Laura Neitzel
2022 Noble Grand
Dallas IOOF Lodge #44
noblegrand@oddfellowsdallas.org
Comments