Grand Encampment of Ohio

The Encampment

In 1827, Thomas Wildly, the founder of Independent Order of Odd Fellows in America, along with some other leaders created an additional branch of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows called the Encampment.

The Encampment is a higher branch of the I.O.O.F. open to any Third Degree member, man or woman, in good standing. The seal of the Encampment is a purple tent with gold trim. Above the entrance of the tent are three links and crossed shepherd hooks. The tent was chosen to represent a humble home and hospitality. The three links represent a triad in eternity while the shepherd’s crook is the emblem of Christ, the Good Shepherd.

Encampment members enhance the Odd Fellowship principles of Friendship, Love and Truth with the principles of Faith, Hope and Charity.

The Three Degrees of the Encampment are:

• Patriarchal Degree- the lessons of honesty, domestic purity, genuine hospitality and righteousness.

• Golden Rule Degree- the lessons of good will, tolerance, and true brotherhood.

• Royal Purple Degree- the lessons of alertness and determination as a foundation for success in life.

In the jurisdiction of Ohio there are currently 12 Encampments divided into six districts across the state.