Inside the Odd Fellows Fraternity

[LouieBlakeSarmiento]

Freemasonry and Odd Fellows both originated from England in the 1700's. While freemasonry originated from guilds of stone masons, the Odd Fellows originated from Trade Guilds/unions of fellows from an "Odd" or assorted trades. Hence, Guilds of Odd Fellows. These guilds were set up to protect and care for their members and their families at a time when there was no welfare state, trade unions or National Health Service.

[Tipledan]

The IOOF is NOT the free masons, the unfree masons, the dedicated masons, the scottish rite or any other thing associated with the masons at any level whatsoever. The IOOF is the IOOF, often called the "Three Rings" as in Friendship, Love and Truth. We promote no particular churches, synagogues or prostelizing groups tied to a particular faith. We do promote the three rings of fidelity and loyalty...FLT. We aren't considered a "secret society" by any faith whatsoever, unlike the masons.

[MrJBanana]

How do they differ? I'm just curious, since I respect both organizations, and sense a big difference, but can't put my finger on it. It's as if IOOF are warmer people.

PS. What do you mean with the "unfree masons, dedicated masons" etc?