Odd Fellows Sovereign Grand Master Acceptance Speech (2013-2014 Term)

Brother Robert "Bob" Smith, Sovereign Grand Master of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (2013-2014 term). He is PhD holder, retired pastor, part-time magician and clown.
The Odd Fellows and Rebekahs are one of the oldest and largest ethical and humanitarian fraternal organization in the world dedicated to improving and elevating the character of mankind and helping make the world a better place to live by practicing the principles of genuine friendship, unfettered love and the pursuit of truth, organizing charitable activities and aiding the community, the less fortunate, the youth, the elderly and the environment in every way possible. The fraternity first emerged in England sometime in the year 1700s and was organized in the United States on April 26, 1819. The Rebekehs was founded on September 20, 1851.
The fraternity believes that we have important obligations to promote: Good will among people, states, and nations under the guide of a Supreme Being as the catalyst for friendship, love, truth, faith, hope, charity and universal justice for all. These are the basic guides, which will create peace and harmony among all peoples, kindred and tongues. It is only through serving others that we truly embrace and understand the principles of Odd Fellowship.
Currently, our fraternity have over 12,000 lodges and some 600,000 members in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Belize, Canada, Chile, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Poland, Puerto Rico, Philippines, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
Around the world, the Odd Fellows undertake various community and charitable projects. Internationally:
The Odd Fellows and Rebekahs spend over US$775 million in relief projects annually
The Educational Foundation provides substantial loans and grants to students
SOS Children's Village provides a caring home for orphaned children in 132 countries around the world
Odd Fellow and Rebekah Homes provide a caring environment for the elderly
Living Legacy focuses on planting trees and enhancing the environment
The Arthritis Foundation
Visual Research Foundation supports vision care and research through the Wilmer Eye Institute
United Nations Pilgrimage for Youth sponsors a group of students for an educational trip to the United Nations
Annual pilgrimages to the "Tomb of the Unknowns" (Arlington National Cemetery, USA), and other Tombs of the Unknown Soldier.
Odd Fellow and Rebekah Homes provides a caring environment for the elderly and orphans
Odd Fellow and Rebekah camps and parks provide recreation for the youth and for families
www.ioof.org

[@jasoncastlebury3430]

In not an odd fellow! I am an Elk and we Elks have big respect for your Odd Fellow lodges across the world! Keep up your progress of self improvement and good works. We can always admire each others fraternal group from a far distant hill!!!

[@IOOF1819]

thanks a lot. We are re-building. In this busy world where people rather face the computer than go to a lodge or club meeting, we have to unite to promote back that sense of community. In Friendship, Love and Truth

[@TravisTarrant]

Great to find videos from the Odd Fellows. I just joined here in Raleigh, North Carolina last month and was made Left Scene Support two weeks ago. I look forward to each and every meeting :-)

[@IOOF1819]

congratulations brother! in FLT. - Brother L.B.S.

[@TravisTarrant]

Odd Fellows Worldwide Thanks. I am proud to be a part of the lodge. They are a wonderful bunch of guys.

[@nancybethweaver9606]

Jefferson NC Lodge# 38 .. welcome !

[@TravisTarrant]

Thanks. One year later and I'm the chaplain :-)

[@phillyboxer4752]

FLT Brothers From Mystic Lodge #270

[@randinonsense7360]

Is or was this man a judge?

[@brincam124]

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