The oldest benevolent organization in the world, the Order of Odd Fellows, has its origins in the trade guilds of early English and Scottish towns and villages.
With its roots back to the Industrial Revolution and before the prosperity and tradesmen's guilds, it was customary for British aristocracy to form philanthropic societies. As one theory goes, its curious name was derived from the "common man" organizing themselves and promoting personal and social development. It was unheard of, or "odd," for working men to have a role in caring for the underprivileged and less fortunate.
The first recorded meeting of an "Odd Fellows Lodge" was in an English tavern in 1745. In its modern form, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows promotes a wholesome fraternal experience, aiding others in a time of need, organizing charitable projects benefiting the youth, the elderly, the environment and the community.
The British parent organization, in granting a charter to a North American chapter in 1819, added the word "Independent" to its title. It was the first fraternal organization in the U.S. in 1851 to admit women as "Rebekahs" based on teachings in the Holy Bible.
In 1843, the American Grand Lodge of the I.O.O.F. granted charter status to the first Canadian lodge in Montreal. The golden age of fraternalism in North America existed from the 1860s until the late 1920s.
On July 6, 1892, the Grand Lodge of B.C. in Victoria granted lodge status to Ladners Landing. Local luminaries Paul Ladner, John Ellis and police Chief Joe Jordan, among others, were granted charter status. These pioneers were inducted into the order by teachings, guiding principles and ceremony on leaving the old life and starting a better one.
Within a few years the lodge membership swelled and by 1960 there were 140 members plus Rebekahs. Many of the early lodges owned their own facilities as did the Delta lodge. In the early 1900s, they sold their building to the Royal Bank in Ladner and the lodge leased back the second floor for meetings and social gatherings.
The building was then sold in 1965 and reopened as a law office. It continues to offer legal services in the village. The Delta lodge then purchased the Delta Manor Co-Op building on Trunk Road and renovated the premises.
Long-time members Jim Morrison and Ken Taylor recall with pride the lodge's role in hosting and organizing Ladner's successful annual harvest festival and street dance for many years.
Monies generated from various events and hall rentals provided summer camp activity for children and scholarship funds for a worthy Delta high graduate student. Now much reduced in membership, the lodge carries on its mandate and scholarship funding.
With lodges in more than 130 countries, the I.O.O.F. contributes close to $1 billion annually for relief and charitable projects around the world. Now the largest fraternal organization in the world, "Odd Fellows" are linked locally and internationally by their FLT (Friendship, Love and Truth) logo.
Membership anyone? And a good night to you, Jim and Ken.
