FRATERNAL
CONTACT
NORTH AMERICAN LODGE ORGANIZATIONS
A hundred years ago, there were over two thousand lodge organizations
active in North America. Some, such as the Freemasons and the Odd Fellows,
had millions of members. Others were local groups that never got beyond
a handful of lodges. Most of these organizations fell by the wayside during
the twentieth century, but some still have fairly widespread networks of
lodges.
The lodge organizations listed here include the largest
of the old fraternal orders still surviving. We've listed them in alphabetical order. If
you know of others that might be included here, please contact us at stormwatchproject@earthlink.net
and give us contact information.
FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS
Far and away the largest of the surviving orders, with roots
dating back to the Middle Ages and lodges in most of the world's nations,
the Freemasons remain the most influential fraternal organization. There
is no single central body of Freemasonry - each American state and Canadian
province has its own independent Grand Lodge, and there are enough associated
bodies and conflicting jurisdictions to make the casual researcher's head
spin. membership is open to men only; women who are related to Masons can
join any of several auxiliaries. Visit the E-m@son
website to get in touch with the Grand Lodge or other body nearest you.
THE GRANGE (PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY)
Founded in 1867, the Grange is centered on agriculture in
terms of symbolism as well as practical activities, and is strongest in
farm country, with Granges located in 37 states. Membership is open to
men and women age 14 and up. Unlike most other lodge organizations, it
has a long tradition of political involvement and a lobbying presence in
Washington DC and many state capitols. The National
Grange website provides access to state and local Granges.
IMPROVED ORDER OF RED MEN
The first fraternal order actually founded in the United
States, the IORM was founded in 1832 but traces its roots back to the Sons
of Liberty of Revolutionary War fame,and defines itself as a patriotic
fraternal and social organization. Membership in Red Men tribes is open
to men, but an allied organization, the Degree of Pocahontas, is open
to women. The IORM has units in about twenty US states. The national organization
can be contacted by way of the Improved
Order of Red Men website.
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS
Once the largest fraternal order in the world, the IOOF came
into being in England sometime before 1700 and was brought to North America
in 1819. It has lodges in every US state and Canadian province, and in
22 other countries. As of 2001, men and women are both eligible to join
Odd Fellows lodges, but the women's auxiliary, the Rebekahs, is still active.
You can find your state or provincial Grand Lodge by way of the Sovereign
Grand Lodge website.
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS
Founded in 1863 by act of Congress, the Knights of Pythias
derive their symbolism from the legendary friendship of Damon and Pythias
and the traditions of medieval knighthood. Membership in the Knights of
Pythias is open to men, while women are welcome in the Pythian Sisters.There
are Pythian lodges of both types in most states of the Union, and they
can be contacted via the Supreme
Lodge Knights of Pythias website.