American Freemasonry and it's Odd Cousin

I was blasted a bit earlier for not being "original" in my opening blog. Suffice it to say that I am a "people pleaser" so here goes.

When looking at the Atient mainstream system as practiced in the United States, we have a few absolutes. Freemasonry, in this system is divided into a series of bodies. I am sure most of you already know this and there are books and blogs as well as plenty of other materials that can explain this to you, should you be new to the subject. All of those books are better written than what I would do so it is better to leave that course to the chef's. Me, I am the "Rachel Ray" of Masonic blogging. I just through together what is running around in my head and I hope that someone finds reason to read it on the other side.

With the International Order Of Oddfellows (another fraternal organization with it's roots in 18th century England) one can spot the very strong resemblance to mainstream Masonry. In fact, they can be two different arms on the same body.

In Mainstream Masonry we have three core degrees in what is called the "blue lodge." The core foundation.

The Entered Apprentice
The Fellowcraft
The Master Mason

In Oddfellowship, there is a four degree system.

Initiatory
Friendship
Love
Truth

In mainstream Freemasonry you have two accepted appendent bodies that confer degrees. The York Rite ( consisting of the Holy Royal Arch, Cryptic Council and The Commandery) and the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite. A Mason must be a Master Mason in order to be a member of an appendent body.

In Oddfellowship you have the Encampment. An Oddfellow must have attained the fourth degree to be in an encampment. The Encampment offers three additional degrees.

Patriarchal
Golden Rule
Royal Purple

In the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry there is one honorary degree, the 33rd.

In an Oddfellow Encampment there is one honorary degree.
Grand Decoration of Chivalry

The symbolism of both organizations is largely shared. Skull and crossbones, all seeing eye, scythe, scales, hourglass, coffin, and more. Many other Masonic symbols are also used, such as the all-seeing eye, the three links, and so forth. One can argue that the rituals of Freemasonry is rooted in Deism, but the Oddfellows actually promote this. In both systems a belief in a "Supreme Being" is required.

In most of the United States there are largely considered two main branches of "regular" Freemasonry. The state Grand Lodge system Prince Hall Grand Lodge system. The Prince Hall system is comprised of majority African American and the Grand Lodge system is not. Prince hall is not recognized by every USA Grand Lodge.

In Oddfellowship the same system is in place. The Independent Order Of Oddfellows and the and the Grand United Order Of Oddfellows. In Oddfellowship both organizations practice nationwide mutual recognition.

In Freemasonry, the ladies auxiliary is called the Order Of The Eastern Star. They are mainly a female group but a Master Mason is required in attendance at Eastern Star lodge meetings and functions.

In Oddfellowship they have the Rebekahs. The same rules apply. There is also a chivalry inspired higher degree system for women called the Ladies Militant.

Both groups have various youth groups and side branches that deal in charity, social functions etc. Both groups also have a sort of built in "social security" for senior members. The Freemason version is called the Masonic Homes. In Oddfellowship they are called Fellowship Homes.

Both groups have cemeteries and funeral rites. Both offer educational scholarships for youth.

The "Three Pillars" in other words the foundation of Freemasonry are:
Brotherly Love
Relief
Truth

Oddfellows follows the same path:
Friendship
Love
Truth


It would seem that they are pretty much the same. IMHO the main difference is that the Masonic Square and Compass looks better than the Oddfellows tri colored chain and it sounds a lot better to be a Master Mason than a Truth.

BC 2006