|
The Woodmen of the World, a nonprofit, fraternal benefit society, offers a wide range of insurance and annuity products combined with volunteer, patriotic and social activities for the whole family.
Their Mission
To help ensure financial security for our members by providing quality products and exceptional service. To foster fraternalism through family, civic, charitable and patriotic activities. To achieve these results through superior teamwork and dedicated leadership. To be mindful that we exist for the benefit of our members.
Woodmen was one of the first fraternal benefit societies in the United States. Founded in Omaha, Nebraska, on June 6, 1890, by Joseph Cullen Root. The origin of the name "Woodmen" was never documented. However, it has been speculated that the name was chosen because Root grew up in Lyons, Iowa, where lumber was the principal industry. It was also reported that Root's idea for "Woodmen" came from a speech he heard about woodsmen clearing away forests to provide shelter for their families. Others speculated that Root visualized himself as the root that would grow into a shelter, protecting members from financial disaster.
A Fraternal Service Fund, approved early in 1946, was established for the "promotion of plans, objectives and purposes of the Society." The fund was described as "relief, health, recreation, wholesome entertainment, benevolent and cultural activities of its membership and beneficiaries and legitimate advertising." The first Boys of Woodcraft club was organized in 1903. In 1947, however, renewed interest in their youth program led to a name change along with outdoor activities. Groups were called Sportsmen's Clubs, and youth members, now called Rangers, enjoyed camping sponsored by Woodmen.
Mergers with four other fraternal benefit societies played an important part of Woodmen's growth during the 1960s. The Society's first merger was in 1962 with the United Order of the Golden Cross in Knoxville, Tenn. Other mergers were with the Mutual Benefit Department of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers of St. Louis, Mo., in 1964; the Supreme Forest Woodmen Circle, founded in Omaha in 1892 as a ladies' auxiliary of Woodmen, in 1965; and the New England Order of Protection of Boston, Mass., in 1968. Through the merger with the New England Order of Protection, which had earlier merged with lodges of the first fraternal benefit society started in 1868, Woodmen can trace its history to the beginning of fraternalism in America.
Today, Woodmen is one of the largest fraternal benefit societies with 1998 figures totaling more than 845,000 members
Woodmen members and their families, who belong to 2,600 lodges throughout the United States, conduct fraternal projects of benefit to people and their communities. These projects include presenting American flags to civic and community organizations; donating equipment to police, fire and rescue units; providing assistance to senior citizens, the physically impaired and orphans; and assistance through their disaster relief partnership with the American Red Cross
The Order Of The Eastern Star
The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both men and women may belong. Worldwide, there are approximately 1 million members under the General Grand Chapter.
Eastern Star is a social order comprised of persons with spiritual values but it is not a religion. A deep fraternal bond exists between its members. It is the wholesome relationship of sisterly and brotherly love brought about through high principles exemplified in our lives.
While this is an Order composed of people of deep spiritual convictions, it is open to all faiths, except no faith. The personal welfare of our members is vital to all of those in the Eastern Star and it is considered a privilege to help another member whenever we can.
Purposes. The stated purposes of the organization are: Charitable, Educational, Fraternal and Scientific; but there is much more to it than that. Dr. Rob Morris, the Poet Laureate of Masonry, founded the Order using biblical examples of heroic conduct and moral values.
Eastern Star strives to take good people and through uplifting and elevating associations of love and service, and through precept and example, build an Order which is truly dedicated to charity, truth and loving kindness.
Projects. Concrete evidence of the charitable nature of the organization as it affects others is the millions of dollars that have been raised within the membership to support national, jurisdictional, and local charities. Many Grand Jurisdictions have homes for their senior members.
The real origin of the Eastern Star, like Masonry, will always be shrouded in mystery. Many researchers believe it had a French origin as early as 1703. By some, this is claimed to be the first inception of "Female Masonry" or "Androgynous Degrees" -- (degrees for both men and women). As to the real origin of Eastern Star Degrees in its Initiatory form, there is not the least shadow of doubt that the honor belongs to Dr. Rob Morris. Dr. Morris had traveled many years. He had written many books on Masonry that are now valued references in many Masonic Libraries. Never quite satisfied that all the good in Masonry should be confined to men, Dr. Morris felt that Masonry should be for the whole family. But by the laws of that Ancient Order, women are not eligible for its degrees. Knowing he could not change the Ancient Landmarks of Masonry, Dr. Morris sought some method by which women could share with the Masonic Brother the same inspiration that "prompts man to noble deeds”. These teachings of the Order were communicated freely to all Master Masons and their relatives. Dr. Morris and other prominent Master gave many lectures and conferred the degrees on many ladies throughout the nation.
Knights of Pythias
The Fraternal Order of Knights of Pythias and its members are dedicated to the cause of universal peace. Pythians are pledged to the promotion of understanding among men of good will as the surest means of attaining Universal Peace. They believe that men, meeting in a spirit of goodwill, in an honest effort of understanding, can live together on this earth in peace and harmony. The Order does not seek to shape any man's creed, but Pythianism is the practical application of religious and charitable principles to every day life. The Fraternal Order of Knights of Pythias promotes cooperation and friendship between people of good will.
Pythians know one way to happiness is through service to mankind.
Pythians believe that friendship is an essential ingredient in life.
Pythians make Benevolence, Kindness, Generosity and Tolerance a reality in their lives.
Pythians place home ties at the top of their priority list.
Pythians are interested in public affairs on the local, state or province, national and international levels.
Pythians are eager to enhance the communities in which they live.
Pythians respect and honor the law of the land in which they live.
Pythians seek to expand their circle of influence by association with people of like interests and energy.
The Order of Knights of Pythias is a great international fraternity which was founded in Washington, DC, February 19, 1864, by Justus H. Rathbone, and embraces more than two thousand subordinate lodges in the United States and Canada, with occasional lodges having been formed elsewhere. The primary object of fraternal organizations is to promote friendship among men and to relieve suffering. Each organization adopts some outstanding principle as its objective. The individuality of an order is determined by its ideal sentiment. The distinguishing principles of the Order of Knights of Pythias are "friendship, charity and benevolence". It bases its lessons and builds it ritual largely on the familiar story of the friendship of Damon and Pythias, who were historical characters living about four hundred or more years before the beginning of the Christian era. They were members of a school, founded by Pythagoras, who was known as the father of Greek philosophy. Damon had opposed the pretensions of the king of Syracuse, who had gained the throne by fraud, and as a result he was condemned to death. Pythias became a hostage for Damon, while the latter was permitted his liberty to bid his wife and child goodbye. Each was willing to die to save the other's life. Their loyalty to each other, the adventures that beset them, and the outcome of this noble friendship, form the basis for one of the most beautiful stories of history as exemplified in our ritual.
Familiarity with the Irish poet John Banim’s play encouraged Justus H. Rathbone to organize a fraternal order on the basis of such friendship. The Order began during the Civil War, and its founder believed that it might do much to heal the wounds and allay the hatred of civil conflict. The Order of Knights of Pythias was the first American Order ever chartered by an Act of the Congress of the United States under president Lincoln.
Pythian Sisters
The Pythian Sisters are an independent auxiliary of Knights Of Pythias International Order, that was founded by Joseph Addison Hill of Greencastle, Indiana. Its’ ritual and organization was approved by Knights Of Pythias in August 1888. Pythian Sisters believe that Pythianism is the practical application of these teachings, practiced daily to enhance our lives, using as guidelines the beautiful principles of Purity, Love, Equality and Fidelity. Pythian Sisters, like members of their parent order, provide friendship and care to the members, families and non-Pythian alike. Members are involved in many community programs - scholarships, organized sports, day care and more. They provide and support Pythian Homes; children's camps, orphanages and also the Special Olympics.
The Pythian Sunshine Girls is a Junior auxiliary to the Pythian Sisters, for girls between the ages of eight and twenty years who are related or recommended by Knights of Pythias or Pythian Sisters. Instituted August 14, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois, for the purpose of helping lay a foundation for a life of purity, service and usefulness in all things that help to make the lives of those around us happier and the world a better place in which to live.
Masons
Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest secular fraternal societies. Freemasonry is a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values. Its members are taught its precepts by a series of ritual dramas, which follow ancient forms and use stonemasons' customs and tools as allegorical guides. The essential qualification for admission into and continuing membership is a belief in a Supreme Being. Membership is open to men of any race or religion who can fulfill this essential qualification and are of good repute. Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion. Its essential qualification opens it to men of many religions and it expects them to continue to follow their own faith. It does not allow religion to be discussed at its meetings.
The Three Great Principles:
For many years Freemasons have followed three great principles:
- Brotherly Love -- Every true Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the opinions of others and behave with kindness and understanding to his fellow creatures.
- Relief -- Freemasons are taught to practice charity, and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole, both by charitable giving, and by voluntary efforts and works as individuals.
- Truth -- Freemasons strive for truth, requiring high moral standards and aiming to achieve them in their own lives.
From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of orphans, the sick and the aged. This work continues today. In addition, large sums are given to national and local charities.
The use by a Freemason of their membership to promote his own or anyone else's business, professional or personal interests is condemned, and is contrary to the conditions on which he sought admission to Freemasonry. His duty as a citizen must always prevail over any obligation to other Freemasons, and any attempt to shield a Freemason who has acted dishonorably or unlawfully is contrary to this prime duty.
Secrecy:
The secrets of Freemasonry are concerned with its traditional modes of recognition. It is not a secret society, since all members are free to acknowledge their membership and will do so in response to inquiries for respectable reasons. Its constitutions and rules are available to the public. There is no secret about any of its aims and principles. Like many other societies, it regards some of its internal affairs as private matters for its members. Freemasonry is non-political, and the discussion of politics at Masonic meetings is forbidden.
Although the "regular" grand lodges of the world will not recognize "mixed" Co-Masonry or Women's Masonry in a formal way, there is, in some countries, an "accomodation" or acknowledgement that some of these groups are proceeding in a Masonic spirit, according to the same ideals, and sometimes even using the same working lectures and other "ritual"
The HFAF is a Freemason fraternity for women and organized by women. It was founded in 1913 and membership is open to women of any race or religion, who are able to profess a belief in a Supreme Being. Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest secular fraternal societies. It is concerned with moral and spiritual values. Its members are taught its precepts by a series of ceremonies. In common with our fellow Masons in the United Grand Lodge of England, we believe in giving to charity. We are concentrating our efforts on purchasing equipment for the help and assistance of cancer patients, particularly women and children.
I.O.O.F.
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is an ethical organization with approximately 600,000 members worldwide. The members have a bounding with an ethical lifestyle, which has his base written in the Statement of principles. The elements of the device "Friendship, Love and Truth" are unbroken linked together, and symbolized in the logo by three unbroken, chained links.
Together they are searching for deeper experiences about the human nature. What’s the meaning of our life and what’s our destination. They talk about these matters with others, sharing what they have learned from their experiences and they act in their own manner to support those in need.
The English emigrant Thomas Wildey founded the Order in America. Wildey, born in London in 1782, became a member of a London Odd Fellow Lodge, in 1804. In 1817, he immigrated to Baltimore in the United States. Together with a few emigrated English Odd Fellows, he founded the Washington Lodge #1 on April 26th 1819.
From the beginning of the Order, the Commands of Odd Fellowship were:
- Visit the sick,
- Relieve the distressed,
- Bury the dead,
- Educate the orphan.
These Commands, as applicable to today's situation, are still demanded of every Odd Fellow.
Odd Fellowship demands belief in a Supreme Being and is based on the idea; that man as a thinking being is jointly-responsible for what happens in our society in this world, that this responsibility does get its practical shape in giving Friendship, showing Love and searching for Truth.
|
