Serving Illinois since 1838 for over 185 years!
Odd Fellowship has a long and rich history in Illinois. As towns were springing up during the 1800’s with the westward expansion of the railroads, an Odd Fellows lodge was often one of the first organizations in town. They offered a dependable social circle for the new neighbors and mutual relief in those days before insurance plans or government assistance. The Odd Fellows in Illinois championed many great causes, most notably the Children’s Home and the Old Folk’s Home, which still operate today.
What are the Odd Fellows?
As an organization, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows aims to provide a framework that promotes personal and social development. Lodge degrees and activities aim to improve and elevate every person to a higher, nobler plane; to extend sympathy and aid to those in need, making their burdens lighter, relieving the darkness of despair; to war against vice in every form, and to be a great moral power and influence for the good of humanity.
For members, the degrees in Odd Fellowship emphasizes a leaving of the old life and the start of a better one, of welcoming travelers, and of helping those in need.
The Odd Fellow-Rebekah Scholarship Fund
The Illinois Odd Fellow-Rebekah Scholarship Fund offers financial support to U.S. citizens residing in Illinois who demonstrate financial need and aspire to attend postsecondary or vocational institutions.
Since 1985, the Scholarship Committee has awarded $687,000.00 in Scholarships to deserving students throughout the state of Illinois. Which is an average of $17,823.53 per year and 20-30 scholarships per year.
Eligible students from throughout Illinois may make application through the Grand Lodge Office in Lincoln.
Applications available December 1st.
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Stay informed! Our Bulletin Board contains all the latest news about the Odd Fellows, our Grand Lodge, our lodges and our members.
Our monthly newsletter, The Illinois Odd Fellow, (since 1838), is now available online to view and read, and also to download if you like.
Looking for an Odd Fellows lodge near you? The IOOF Lodge Directory contains all Odd Fellows lodges in North America and other locations.
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