The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is a fraternal and benevolent institution organized for the promotion of Friendship, Love, and Truth, and for the relief of the sick, the support of widows and orphans, and the burial of the dead. The Grand Lodge of Maryland occupies a foundational position in the history of the Order in the United States, as Maryland was the place in which American Odd Fellowship was first permanently established and from which its earliest system of government developed.¹

 

Introduction of Odd Fellowship into the United States (1819)

The recognized establishment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in the United States occurred on April 26, 1819, in the City of Baltimore, Maryland, when Washington Lodge No. 1 was instituted by Thomas Wildey and four associates.² This institution is identified in official histories as the originating lodge of American Odd Fellowship and marks the beginning of continuous Odd Fellow organization on the North American continent.³

Prior to the reception of formal authority from England, Washington Lodge No. 1 and several early lodges operated by the practice of self-institution, a method not uncommon among fraternal societies of the period. Ridgely notes that this practice was adopted out of necessity and in good faith while efforts were underway to obtain proper recognition from the English Order.³

 

Early Authority and the Manchester Unity Charter (1820–1821)

On February 1, 1820, a charter was issued by the Duke of York’s Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Manchester Unity, granting recognition and authority to Washington Lodge No. 1. This charter was received in Baltimore on October 23, 1820, and provided lawful standing for the lodge and for the institution of additional lodges in the United States.⁴

Under this charter, Washington Lodge temporarily exercised both subordinate and grand lodge functions, leading to the designation “Grand Lodge of Maryland and of the United States.” Ridgely records that this arrangement proved impractical, and on February 22, 1821, the lodge surrendered its grand powers so that a more orderly and representative system of governance could be developed.⁵

 

Development of Organized Government (1821–1825)

Following the reorganization of authority in 1821, efforts were made to regularize the government of the Order in America. Past Grands and representatives of the early lodges worked toward the establishment of a governing body consistent with Odd Fellow law and usage.⁶ These developments occurred during a formative period marked by experimentation, consolidation, and increasing uniformity in ritual and administration.

Ridgely emphasizes that these early years were essential in shaping the American character of the Order and preparing the way for permanent Grand Lodge authority.⁶

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Charter of the Grand Lodge of Maryland (1826)

As a result of these efforts, a charter was issued dated May 15, 1826, formally constituting the Grand Lodge of Maryland, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. This charter was received and duly accepted on October 3, 1826, and it is the charter under which the Grand Lodge of Maryland traces its lawful authority.⁷

 

Under the laws of the Order, the Grand Lodge was vested with jurisdiction over subordinate lodges within the State of Maryland, with authority to grant charters, enforce the laws, supervise ritual work, and oversee the benevolent activities of the Order.⁸

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Duties and Benevolent Objects

The Manual of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows defines the duties of a Grand Lodge as including the preservation of the laws and principles of the Order, the supervision of subordinate lodges, and the promotion of benevolence and fraternity among members.⁸ The Grand Lodge of Maryland, in conformity with these provisions, has historically supported charitable efforts directed toward the relief of distressed members and the care of widows, orphans, and aged Odd Fellows.⁹

 

Such charitable work was carried out either directly or through boards and institutions operating under Grand Lodge authority, in accordance with established law and usage.⁹

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Conclusion

The history of the Grand Lodge of Maryland is inseparably connected with the earliest development of American Odd Fellowship. From the institution of Washington Lodge No. 1 in 1819, through the experimental governance of the first decade, and culminating in the charter of 1826, the Grand Lodge emerged as a lawful and permanent governing body within the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Its continued existence reflects the successful establishment of Odd Fellowship in the United States upon principles of fraternity, benevolence, and orderly self-government.¹⁰

 

 

 

Bibliographic Footnotes

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1. Manual of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Grand Lodge of the United States, IOOF, Purpose and Principles section.

2. James L. Ridgely, History of American Odd Fellowship: The First Decade (Baltimore: Published by the Order, 1878), pp. 9–12.

3. Ridgely, First Decade, pp. 13–18.

4. Ridgely, First Decade, pp. 33–38.

5. Ridgely, First Decade, pp. 41–45.

6. Ridgely, First Decade, pp. 52–67.

7. History of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Grand Lodge of the United States, charter records relating to Maryland; see also Manual of Odd Fellowship, historical notes, pp. 214–216 (varies by edition).

8. Manual of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, sections on Grand Lodge jurisdiction and powers.

9. Manual of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Benevolence and Relief provisions.

10. Ridgely, First Decade, concluding reflections, pp. 91–96.