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There are several degrees
within our Order, which you will be required to receive. As soon as the
Lodge accepts your application, you will be advised of the date and time
for your Initiatory Degree. It will be necessary for you to receive this
degree before you can sit in on a regular meeting of the lodge.
A member of the lodge,
generally the member who proposed your name, will arrange to pick you up
at your home and bring you to the degree. He will also be there to answer
your questions after you receive each of your degrees, and as you begin
the learning process on the operation of our lodge. Do not be afraid to
ask him any questions, as be was a new member once, and is sure to
understand the feeling of being a new member.
The degrees of our Order
today have been in existence for more than 150 years. Although our degrees
were recently revised to update the language, there is still a great deal
of historical value to them. We are sure that there has never been, nor
likely ever will be anyone who has come to his initiatory degree without a
certain fear of the unknown. This is to be expected, as with your first
day of school, or your first day on a new job. It is basic human nature to
be nervous when you face something new and unknown.
Unfortunately, there is
not much detail that we can provide to you at this time, as the only way
to learn of our degrees is to become a member. However, we wish to assure
you that our degrees are meaningful, beautiful and timeless. Our Order
strictly forbids any embarrassing, improper actions within our ceremonies.
In taking any of your degrees, you can find relaxation in knowing that
every member of our Order has at one time taken the degrees. As you
progress in our Order, you will see the degrees conferred many times, and
will then be able to appreciate more fully their meaning and significance.
After you receive your
initiatory degree you will be required to take your first, second and
third degrees before you can hold any office in the lodge. Each of these
degrees is based upon the ideals of our Order. Again, you will be guided
and counselled as you proceed through these degrees. You should never feel
embarrassed to ask any question. We want to help you fully understand and
appreciate all aspects of Odd Fellowship. It is only through being fully
educated on our Order that you will become an effective member.
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