2 definitions by Oldest fraternities

In 17th century England, it was odd to find people organized for the purpose of giving aid to those in need and pursuing projects for the benefit of all humankind.  Those were called "Odd Fellows".

Today, the Odd Fellows is a worldwide fraternal Order having lodges in 28 countries.  They are actively involved in a variety of civic and philanthropic efforts on a local, national, and international level.
Odd Fellows highlights of the organization's works:
1. The Odd Fellows and Rebekahs spend over $775 million in relief projects annually.
2. The Educational Foundation provides substantial loans and grants to students
3. SOS Children’s Village provides a caring home for orphaned children in Cambodia.
4. Living Legacy focuses on planting trees and enhancing our environment

5. The Arthritis Foundation

6. Visual Research Foundation supports vision care and research through the Wilmer Eye Institute.

7. United Nations Pilgrimage for Youth

8. Annually sponsor a float in the Rose Parade
by Oldest fraternities September 16, 2009
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Started in England around 1748 and established in the United States on April 26, 1819, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows is now a worldwide altruistic and benevolent fraternity and sorority dedicated to improving and elevating the character of humankind by imparting the principles of friendship, love, and truth.

Today, the I.O.O.F spread throughout the USA and most of the rest of the world, establishing lodges in:Canada, Australia, Netherlands, Cuba, New Zealand, Austria, Finland, Dominican Republic, Belgium, Germany, Mexico, Denmark, Iceland, Germany, Puerto Rico, Chile, Czechia, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, and Philippines.

Since 1819, the I.O.O.F has claimed more than 10 million members from all walks of life.
Notable members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F) are: Schuyler Colfax, U.S. Vice President (1869 – 1873, Ulysses S. Grant, 18th U.S. President (1869 – 1877), General-in-Chief of the Union’s forces in the American Civil War, Rutherford B. Hayes, 19th U.S. President (1877 – 1881), William Jennings Bryan, the “Great Commoner”, Secretary of State (1913 – 1915), William McKinley, 25th U.S. President (1897 – 1901)
Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd U.S. President (1933 – 1945)
Warren G. Harding, 29th U.S. President (1921 – 1923)
Earl Warren, U.S. Chief Justice (1953 – 1969), Governor of California (1943 – 1953), Head of the Warren Commission, Charlie Chaplin, famous comedian and actor, William Marsh Rice, founder of Rice University and
Jesse James, the "Robin Hood of America", a legendary figure of the wild west.
by Oldest fraternities September 16, 2009
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