Lodge 38

Jefferson (NC) Lodge No. 38

Independent Order of Odd Fellows of North Carolina

Who?

Who are the Odd Fellows?

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is one of the oldest and largest fraternities in the world. We are non-political and non-sectarian. Membership is open to all regardless of sex, race, religion, political affiliation and social status -all bound by the desire to improve ourselves and the calling to live and promote the principles of Friendship, Love, and Truth which transcends labels. We believe that by developing close friendships among each other and by working together in our communities, we can make a difference in the world and among ourselves! Discussing political, sectarian or any other debate is forbidden in the Lodge, so it breaks down the social walls and labels used to view others and opens hearts and minds to start seeing people as Brothers and Sisters.

Who are Jefferson Lodge No. 38?

We are a local group doing good in our community, and part of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. We have fundraisers to help local people in need. We are not a long-term charity, but we help when some short-term situation means a family might get their power shut off or can't put food on the table this week. We also sponsor a Cub Scout Pack.

Jefferson Lodge No. 38, founded in 1904, was one of dozens of Odd Fellows lodges in Ashe County during the 1900s. While the Odd Fellows originally allowed only men, we have been open to all since 2001.

Our Officers for 2024

Office	2024	Type	Responsibilities
Noble Grand	Nancy Wilson, PG	Elected	Runs the organization
Vice Grand	Mare Lynn Nations	Elected	Assists and fills in for NG
Past Grand	David Herman, PG	(Earned)	Assists and fills in for NG or VG
Recording Secretary	David Herman, PG	Elected	Records minutes, files paperwork, receives communications
Fninancial Sectretary	Heather Merlet	Elected	Notifies about, collects, and tracks dues payments
Treasurer	Bryna Grig, PG	Elected	Keeps financial records; receives and disburses funds
Warden	Sam Weaver, PG	Appointed	Responsible for candidates, regalia, and installations
Conductor	Joel Weaver, PG	Appointed	Receives candidates on degrees, assists Warden
Chaplain	Karen Thomas	Appointed	Offers non-demoimational prayers
Right Supporter, NG	Molly Mae Porter	Appointed	Supports and covers for NG; ensures proper signs given
Left Supporter, NG	Jeff Caudill	Appointed	Assists NG; ensures members have proper regalia; covers for RSNG
Right Supporter, VG	Molly Mae Porter	Appointed	Supports and covers for VG; ensures proper signs given;
Left Supporter, VG	Jeff Caudill	Appointed	Assists VG; covers for RSVG
Color Bearer	Ricky Dishman	Appointed	Oversees flags
Right Scene Supporter	Molly Mae Porter	Appointed	Assists as required (degre work)
Left Scene Supporter	Jeff Caudill	Appointed	Assists as required (degree work)
Inside Guardian	Nancy Beth Weaver, PG	Appointed	Guards Inner Door
Outside Guardian	Drew Myers	Appointed	Guards Outer Door
Musician	Lori Hoffman	Appointed	Provides musical accompaniment

What?

What is an Odd Fellow?

An Odd Fellow bases his thoughts and actions on healthy philosophical principles.

He believes that life is a commitment to improve and elevate the character of humanity through service and example. He is humble in a way that he never boasts about himself. He knows and accepts his strengths and weaknesses and keeps away from badmouthing people and making unreasonable allegations. He understands that certain things in life are unavoidable. He is aware of the vanity of earthly things, the frailty and inevitable decay of human life and the fact that wealth has no power to stop the sureness of eventual death. He then asks the question, “How am I going to spend my life?”

An Odd Fellow is an advocate of FRIENDSHIP and never looks at people with prejudiced eyes or bases his judgment on outward appearances.

He supports the idea that all people irrespective of creed, race, color, nationality, social status, sex, rank and station are brothers and sisters. He does not take an undue advantage of his power or the weaknesses of those around him. He is gentle in behavior and never inflicts pain. He avoids impurity in thoughts and unchaste conduct. He also knows that he should respect himself by following temperance in his desires and fighting against vice of every form, chastity of person, and purity in heart and mind.

An Odd Fellow is an enactor of LOVE in a way that he feels jointly responsible for his fellowmen and prepared to give attention and help wherever and whenever help is needed.

He is a person who treats others, especially women and children, with dignity and respect. He knows the application of sympathy, sincerity, unselfishness, and generosity. He accepts the fact that nothing is perfect but believes that he has an obligation to contribute in making the world a better place to live.

An Odd Fellow is a pursuer of TRUTH and adheres to equality, justice and righteousness.

He sees searching for truth as searching for clarity in the sense of his life. Every time a small piece of truth is found, he will try to use it only in ways where he will be able to be true to himself and his fellowmen. Oftentimes, he thinks before he acts and speaks. He knows that, as a human being, it is a fact that he can think. He gives account to himself and knows that before he starts doing something, he can make the choice what to do and can think it over and consider whether the choice was the right one. He believes that making good and well-considered choices is called "behaving in a responsible way".

Odd Fellowship Teaches

• Wise and serious truths and opens up before its members opportunities for useful service.
• Belief in a Supreme Being, the Creator and Preserver of the Universe.
• The lesson of fraternity, that all are of one family and therefore brethren.
• The importance of the principle of Friendship, Love and Truth.
• The privilege and duty of individual sympathy, mutual assistance and every-day service to ones fellows.
• That humanity was intended to be one harmonious structure.
• That each individual is a unit in that God-made temple.
• Its members how to stand on their own feet, yet walk in step with their neighbors.
• The difference between right and wrong.
• That it is more blessed to give than to receive.

What can we do for you?

In addition to gaining a worldwide family of Brothers and Sisters and the many philosophical lessons of our Degrees dating back centuries, there are many benefits to being a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Members learn and use many valuable life skills that carry over into life outside the Lodge. These skills are useful to anyone trying to better their career and will be handy on any resumé or for anyone who is an entrepreneur trying to start their own business.

What can you do for us?

We are looking for individuals who have a variety of valuable skills to help us be the best Order we can be. Even though we have been around for 200 years, we are made up of almost entirely of men and women who volunteer their time and talents to make the Independent Order of Odd Fellows one of the oldest charitable organizations in the World. This grassroots approach allows us to spend most of the money we take in on helping others.

When?

Jefferson Lodge No. 38 meets every Thursday (except for holidays).

• 1st Thursday: Ritual Meeting - 7pm at the Lodge (Installations in January, Elections in December, and Degree Conferrals as needed on other months)'
• 2nd Thursday: Potluck Dinner - 6pm at Smethport UMC
• Other Thursdays: General Meetings - 7pm at the Lodge

Where?

Where do we meet?

We meet every Thursday at 228-B E Main St, Jefferson, NC 28640.
* Second Thursdays at Smethport UMC for Covered Dish dinner

Mailing address: POBox 554, Jefferson, NC 28640.

Where do wo do our charity work?

Primarily in Ashe County, NC.

Why?

Many of us already do what we feel is our part to help our community. Some of us prefer to work as a group, pooling our resources and making friends along the way.

Why join?

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.

How?

Just reach out to us and let us know you're interested in learning more!

On Facebook, you can find us here... and, oddly, also here... and we have a page here for alerts about families in need. A post or private message to the admin should reach us shortly.

Or you can email us (don't copy, just type it in - spam prevention): iJeffersonLodgeOddFellowsi@igmail.comi or telephone us at (336) 620-0227.

Who may join?

Members must be at least 16 years of age. Any person of good character, of any race, gender, nationality and social status, who is loyal to their country and believes in a Supreme Being, is eligible for membership. Odd Fellowship strictly forbids any interference with one's religious beliefs or political opinions.]

Non-Discrimination Policy:

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.) will not discriminate against any individual on the basis of disability, age (other than that of minimum to join the Order), ethnicity, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or other social identity.