Context 1856 was a year of civic formation in the Santa Clara Valley. The Odd Fellows charter that became today’s True Fellowship Lodge No. 52 dates to January 1856. Telegraph wires had already linked San José to San Francisco, and steamboats connected the city to the Bay through the port at Alviso. Nearby, the New …
On Thursday, November 13th, Barnes Encampment #77 hosted Grand Patriarch, Wendell Watson, and Grand Marshall, Shirley Watson. The evening kicked off with a delightful dinner with a Thanksgiving theme. The beautifully decorated room and table scape put everyone in a festive mood to welcome all of our guests. A chicken-centered potluck dinner was enjoyed before …
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 …
On August 9, the lodge was filled with color and motion for the Jane Austen dance, co-produced by True Fellowship #52 and the Bay Area English Regency Society (BAERS). I, Alan Winston, am a Lodge member and a founder of BAERS, so am the crossover point for the two organizations. BAERS handled the band, caller …
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 …
Read more “A New Season of Fellowship: Introducing True Fellowship 52’s Noble Grand”
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 …
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 …
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 …
Read more “ON STEPPING DOWN: An Interview with True Fellowship 52’s Andrew Crockett”
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 …
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 …
Read more “A Response to the Sovereign Grand Lodge Executive Committee Letter”