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Since the early days of
Rome
, the Odd Fellows, known at that time as the 'Three Links Order', have been engaged in the good works of benevolent philanthropy. Due to the fact that their efforts were not limited to their membership, but available to those outside the Order, an unheard of practice in those days, and that the membership consisted of a miscellany of 'Odds & Ends' artisans, the members were frequently referred to as 'Odd'. Eventually, the name of 'odd Fellows' was officially adopted.
As the organization grew, Odd Fellowship came to
America
and on to twenty-seven countries around the world. Today, vast revenues are offered worldwide by the Order in support of worthy endeavors such as, Arthritis, Eye Research, World Hunger, Homes for the Elderly, and Homes and Communities for Orphaned Children to name a flew.
On the local scene, the Odd Fellows of Newburyport, Quascacunquen Lodge #39, have been involved in the great works of charity and benevolence since the lodge was instituted on
March 7, 1844
. For many years, they have offered their support to the United Nations Pilgrimage for Youth, the Arthritis Foundation, Camp NEOFA (an Odd Fellows owned summer camp for the youth of the area), and numerous other State and National level programs.
More recently, the lodge has been very active in assisting in the needs of
Newburyport
, and the surrounding communities. With programs like the four one-thousand-dollar scholarships to students of Newburyport High School, support of the NHS football team game program, financial assistance to students attending Congress as a National Scholar, sponsorship of a Pioneer League team, assistance to the Community Service Dental Program, donations to the Newburyport Police Department's Project Lifesaver Program, the Andrews Library, the YWCA Pool Project, the Salvation Army, the Newburyport Educational Foundation, the Masonic Angel Fund, the People's United Methodist Church Heating Fund, the Central Church Organ Fund, the Assisted Living Center of Salisbury, the Courtyard at the Nock, the Firehouse Center for the Arts, the Waterfront Park, and this year the lodge joined the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce. A donation was made to the Georgetown Police Department for their new Police Motorcycle, and a TMAX Thermal Imaging System presented to the Newburyport Fire Department. The lodge also assisted with the twenty-four families of the Woodman Way
fire in the norm end of the City and sizable donations were forwarded to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
The local lodge is relatively small, and with limited funds, so addressing such a heavy workload as the charitable endeavors listed above takes manpower. We have some very dedicated people as members and our accomplishments have been notable, but we can always use more help. We can use your help. Read the enclosed Odd Fellows information and, if you think you can make a difference, if you are willing to help others the way we do, if you are ready to 'feel good' about improving and protecting the lives of your family, Fiends, and neighbors, maybe it's time to join the 'Feel Good Order'. Maybe it's time to consider becoming an Odd Fellow. Contact us for further information.
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IT'S A GOOD TIME TO JOIN THE LODGE |
