Report of GMC Week at SGL

On Friday, August 15th Debra LaVergne and myself (Debbie Shuler) departed from San Francisco Airport to Chicago O’Hare Airport where we met up with fellow traveler Mel Astrahan.  We all then proceeded to the Airport of Charleston West Virginia after a 5 hour layover.  Luckily Debra and I had United Club passes available. Upon arriving …

A New Season of Fellowship: Introducing True Fellowship 52’s Noble Grand

Greetings, Brothers and Sisters of the District. It is with a deep sense of honor and excitement that I introduce myself to you as the new Noble Grand of True Fellowship 52 Lodge. My name is Zandria Elbért, and I step into this role following the departure of our beloved brother, Andrew Crockett, who has …

Sorting Through Treasures

The Richard Brouse Degree Lodge (aka the cave degree) recently received a donation of degree props from Sierra Park, an HOA located next to the Three Links camp, which used to an Odd Fellows establishment, complete with its own lodge, Sierra Park Lodge no. 376. It did not last especially long. But when it ceased …

Third Degree at True Fellowship 52 in San Jose

On July 23rd, at True Fellowship Lodge no.52, IOOF, the Third Degree of Truth was conferred to six worthy candidates: Sister Liana Hildalgo of True Fellowship Lodge no.52 Sister Megs O’Neil of True Fellowship Lodge no.52 Brother Terrance Seddon of True Fellowship Lodge no.52 Sister Pamela Johnson of Cupertino Lodge no.70 Sister Helen Bobias of …

ON STEPPING DOWN: An Interview with True Fellowship 52’s Andrew Crockett

At the end of June, Santa Clara County Assessor Larry Stone announced that he would be resigning. This set off a chain of events that resulted in Andrew Crockett, Noble Grand for True Fellowship 52, feeling compelled to resign mid-way through his term. To help us understand this decision, as well as take a review …

We finished the puzzle!

On the first Friday of the month, Sister Kat Powell brought a puzzle to the bimonthly gaming night.  It was worked on by Sister Kat, her friend Jeff, me, and my son Harold. Brother Andrew Crocket and Sister Bex Clark came in at 9:45 to join us.  I kept the lodge open so we could …

A Response to the Sovereign Grand Lodge Executive Committee Letter

In May, all units of the Order received an unexpected letter from the Sovereign Grand Lodge, with instructions that it be read at their next meeting. It dealt with the matter of belief in a Supreme Being, and that principle’s centrality to the Order. The following is a response composed by Andrew Crockett, and is …

Odd Fellows Festival: A first time visit by a first degree member

I came to the Odd Fellows festival to help spread the word of the LARP working with True Fellowship 52. We thought it would be a good opportunity to showcase the LARP, answer some questions, and see if people outside our lodge might be interested in trying it out. When we got there Friday night, …

San Jose Rose, White and Blue Parade, Friday July 4th

On the morning of Friday, July 4th , the following call and response could be heard all through San Jose’s Shasta/Hanchett and Rose Garden neighborhoods: “What is the first link? Friendship! What is the second link? Love! What is the third link? Truth! Who are we? Odd Fellows!” Members of True Fellowship 52, including Scott …