Requirements for Membership
A man or woman of good character, of any race, nationality and social status, who is loyal to his or her country and believes in a Supreme Being, the creator and preserver of the Universe, is eligible for membership. Odd Fellowship strictly forbids any interference with one's religious beliefs or political opinions.
HOW TO JOIN
To become a member of an Odd Fellows lodge in Maryland call the Grand Lodge of Maryland at 410-477-1101 or email the Grand Secretary at GSOFMD@HOTMAIL.COM for more information. Use the Odd Fellow and Rebekah Lodge tab to find a lodge near you.
A candidate must be sponsored by a current member, so the first step towards joining is to find someone who is a current member. Ask people you know if they know anyone who is an Odd Fellow or a Rebekah. If you don’t personally know someone in the Order and wish to join simply visit your local lodge and make your interest known. A sponsor will be appointed for you.
Lodges charge an initiation fee and annual dues. The amount of dues is set by each lodge.
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. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows will make reasonable modifications in policies, practices, or procedures when such modifications are necessary to afford its services and facilities to individuals with disabilities, unless the modifications would fundamentally alter the nature of its services. The I.O.O.F. will not exclude any individual based on disability, age ( other than that of minimum to join the Order) , ethnicity, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion or other social identity from the full and equal enjoyment of its services and facilities, unless the individual poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others, or him/herself, that cannot be eliminated by a modification of policies, practices, or procedures or by the provision of auxiliary aids or services. The I.O.O.F. will not exclude any individual from the full and equal enjoyment of its services and facilities because of the individual’s association with a person of disability, age, ethnicity, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion or other social identity.
Forming a New Lodge
If there is no lodge near you, you can petition to form a lodge by gathering at least 5 third degree members or a minimum of 15 new applicants for membership. The Grand Lodge of Maryland will assist you with the process.