The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is an ancient fraternal organization thought to have been established in England in the mid-1700s. The Patriotic Order in England was followed by the Union of United Orders and the Loyal Order. In 1813, various lodges of the Union Order organized the Manchester Unity of Odd Fellows.
American Odd Fellowship was founded as the Washington Lodge #1 in Baltimore in 1819, and the following year affiliated with the Manchester Unity.
Its ladies' auxiliary is known as the Rebekah Degree. Its uniformed degree, the Patriarchs Militant are sometimes seen marching in parades in the United States.
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