Grand Lodge of Iowa
To improve and elevate the character of man.
Requirements for Membership
A man or woman of good character, who is loyal to his or her country and believes in a Supreme Being, the creator and preserver of the Universe, is eligible for membership. Odd Fellowship strictly forbids any interference with one's religious beliefs or political opinions. Candidates for the adult lodges must be 18 years old or older. Junior Lodges and Theta Rho clubs accept members 8 to 18 years old.Lodges charge an initiation fee and annual dues. The amount of dues is set by each lodge.
A candidate must be sponsored by a current member, so the first step towards joining is to find someone who is a current member.
1. Ask people you know if they know anyone who is an Odd Fellow or a Rebekah.
2. Check the Lodge Locations page on this web site for a lodge near you, and call, write, or e-mail the contact person. Introduce yourself and express an interest in joining.
3. Find the local lodge, and drop in on the day of a meeting about 30 minutes before the scheduled time, and introduce yourself. Lodges are eager to find new members and will be glad to meet you.
4. Keep your eyes open for a building labeled with IOOF or the three links emblem, especially in the oldest part of Downtown.
5. If you cannot find a current member among your acquaintances, or a local lodge, or anyone living close to you in the listings, please contact the Grand Lodge or Rebekah Assembly of Iowa by mail, phone or e-mail and ask for assistance. If there is no lodge near you, we can provide assistance in starting a new lodge.
After You Have Applied for Membership
When the lodge has received your application, they will appoint an interviewing committee of three
members. These members will call on you, both to ask questions and to answer any questions you may have concerning the lodge. One purpose of the interviewing committee is to give a candidate at least
three familiar faces in the lodge. At the next meeting, the interviewing committee will report back to the lodge. The lodge will ballot to accept you as a member. The lodge will then send you a letter announcing your election to membership and the date and time for initiation.
