Visit the True Fellowship #52 website.
Visit the True Fellowship #52 website.
- A Newcomer to Sovereign Sessions
On August 15th, I boarded a flight from San Jose to Dallas, excited to begin my first trip to our Sovereign Grand Lodge Sessions. I arrived at the hotel too early to check into my room, but one of the first people I saw was none other than Rodney Metoyer. Among other things, Rodney was serving as our Sovereign Grand Chaplain. He was all too happy to let me use his hotel room to store my bags until I could check in at 3. As I soon discovered, Rodney and I were in good company, as … - Brigadier General Deborah Shuler’s 2026 GMC Report
Friday morning began at 5:15, with a trip to Ben Shuler’s dialysis appointment. From there, I returned home to make sure all of the luggage was packed, weighed, and ready to go. I took care of the cats, made sure the house was as ready as it could be for us to leave, and had my breakfast. Jeannette Wright came shortly after 9, took me to pick up Ben, and we headed to the airport. The flight was uneventful, and we arrived in Dallas safe and sound. After a dinner at the Cyprus Lounge, we met …Read more “Brigadier General Deborah Shuler’s 2026 GMC Report”
- Jane Austen Dance Wrap-Up
The Jane Austen ball returned to San Jose on August 8th. This sold out once again; we had a few no-shows, but the hall was still comfortably full. The dining room, where the refreshments are, is sufficiently comfortable that it’s hard to pry people out of there to start dancing again. At 7:00, scheduled start time, we didn’t really have enough people for a fully satisfactory Sicilian circle, so I asked for a waltz, and with five minutes of that, enough people had come in to have a good “Haste to the Wedding” [even if we … - Ghost Hunters Presentation in San Jose
On September 5th, the Victorian Preservation Association (VPA), a club for lovers of old houses, hosted a presentation by Deb Wible of Bay Area Ghost Hunters in the True Fellowship 52 Lodge. The talk featured interesting stories of unexplained phenomena in Victorian-era houses in this area. Imagine a house where cans rolled back and forth in a cupboard for no discernable reason! The event was attended by several members of True Fellowship 52 as well as VPA and Ghost Hunters members and friends. About 40 people attended in all. After the presentation, Mason Wolf gave a … - New Officers in July!True Fellowship #52 is now meeting weekly, and their terms are just six months. So that means that on July 8th, they initiated their Fall term officers in a small ceremony presided by new DDGM, Debbie Wolf. Outgoing Past Grand Zandria Elbert was lovingly celebrated for presiding over such a momentous change. She is followed into the big chair by new Noble Grand Lisa Harrigan. Taking her place as the new Vice Grand is Scott Spence. Secretary Terrance Seddon, Financial Secretary Debbie Shuler, and Treasurer Megan O’Neil all kept their same positions. Assisting in the installation …
- Official District Meeting #24 at Silver Star #336, August 3, 2026
Rebekah Assembly President Linda Hoelscher paid her first Official Visit at Silver Star #336 in Fremont. The evening began with a delicious dinner of tacos with three different choices of meat. The tables at the Irvington Lodge Hall were noisy and cheerful as people ate and caught up with old friends until it was time for the meeting. In addition to Linda, Warden Shirley Watson and 4 of Linda’s appointive officers joined the event (Conductor Sandra Brown, Inside Guardian Terri Lamphere, Colorbearer Karen Lane and Outside Guardian Shari Chapin). Also in attendance were 3 Past Grand …Read more “Official District Meeting #24 at Silver Star #336, August 3, 2026”
- Crafting together for fun and purposeIn the dining room of TF 52, a team of volunteer crafters were gathered on July 5th, marking , cutting, ironing, piecing together and stitching in companionable harmony. The day started with an excursion to a wholesale fabric shop in Berryessa. Our intrepid crafters were so entertained by the plethora of fabrics and accessories that leaving was only possible with the promise of returning. This month’s craft was white, pink, and blue degree collars. The commission was for the RBDL, using a simplified design and keeping the cost to $5 per collar. Our team was Angela Commean, Jane …
- July Degree Work in the District
We had two degrees conferred in District 107 in July. One July 22nd, True Fellowship 52 conferred the third degree. On July 30th, Mountain View 244 conferred the first degree. Both events were conducted with full casts (no doubled speaking parts), costumes and props, and did an excellent job teaching the lessons of the degrees. In Mountain View, most degree team members had their portions memorized, in order to better convey their roles. The space is small and intimate for degree work, but this actually helps, as candidates definitely felt as though they were part of … - Mustering The Chevaliers at Santa Clara Canton 6
On June 30, Canton Santa Clara #6 welcomed two new recruits. Patriarchs Jon Hart and Carol Wahrer were mustered into the Canton according to theshort ceremony, which is the only muster ceremony in the latest Patriarchs Militant ritual. The degree team was Captain Annie Cronin, Chaplain Michael Greenzeiger and Guide Mason Wolf. Both Chevalier Jon and Chevalier Carol left the meeting in nearly complete uniforms, thanks to the stash in the Canton’s closet. - Introduction to Debbie Wolf, DDGM
It is an honor to serve this district as a DDGM (District Deputy Grand Master) this year. We have a lot to look forward to. For those who are newer to the terminology, District 107 includes Bayview Lodge #109, Mountain View Lodge #244, Saratoga Lodge # 428, Volcano Lodge #25, Cupertino Lodge # 70, and True Fellowship Lodge #52. A DDGM serves as an agent of the Grand Master so that the Grand Master is present throughout the whole state of California. The most visible part of the job to most members is the official visit a deputy … - Marching Forth on the Fourth
The Odd Fellows of San Jose joined the Rose, White, and Blue parade for the second time this year, just in time to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the declaration of independence. Last year, we ended up pushing Jane and Andrew’s 1930’s Chevy through the last two thirds of the route, so this year, we decided to just walk it, no vehicles needed. Our group included Andrew Crockett in his finest tri-corner hat, Angela Commean in her magnificent women’s suffrage tribute outfit, Abigail and Nathan Bartlett in their revolutionary era wool coats (which were both fashionable … - Paint ‘n Sip with Clara 34
On Saturday. May 23rd, Clara put on a fun paint n’ sip night. There were about 25 people in attendance, and the night was filled with refreshments, vibrant paintings, and good company! Entry included a personal canvas and easel, paint swatches and brushes, sandwiches and charcuterie board bites, and chilled wines and Italian sodas. $10 from each entry fee went to the Make-A-Wish Foundation to help terminally ill children fulfill the wish they’ve been dreaming of. We had trained artists, Bob Ross enthusiasts (lots of “happy little accidents”), and some who discovered a love and knack … - Invitation to Paint ‘n Sip by Clara 34
On Saturday, May 23rd, you’re invited to join Clara Rebekah 34 for an evening of art and relaxation. For just $30, you’ll get paint materials and canvas, plus snacks and drinks to enjoy throughout the event while you craft your masterpiece. In addition to a fun evening, your purchase helps raise money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. You don’t have to be a professional to enjoy expressing your creativity. Everyone’s an artist, whatever your level, and all artists are welcome! It’s just paint, sip, and nibble with friendly people for a good cause. You can RSVP at … - Third Degree Ritual, True Fellowship 52, Wednesday, April 21st
On Wednesday, April 22nd, True Fellowship Lodge #52 in San Jose once again had the honor and privilege of welcoming candidates into the Third Degree, the Degree of Truth, on behalf of District 107 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. That evening’s candidates were Sister Margaret Brandl and Brother Michael Brandl, both from Redwood City’s Bay View Lodge #109. The Third Degree ritual went smoothly and took advantage of True Fellowship’s large spacious hall and beautiful stained glass windows. The degree team consisted of Sister Debbie Wolf, Noble Grand; Sister Lisa Harrigan, Vice Grand; Brother Scott Spence, Chaplain; Brother Mason Wolf Past Grand/RSNG; …Read more “Third Degree Ritual, True Fellowship 52, Wednesday, April 21st”
- Fred Jones Receives 50-Year JewelFred Jones, 81, joined Morning Light 42 on February 26, 1976. After it closed, he made his way to True Fellowship 52, and has remained a member in good standing ever since. Although he lives in Yountville at the Veterans Home, and no longer gets to participate in lodge activities in person, he still fondly remembers his lodge brothers and sisters, and stays in regular communication with those long-time friends that he can. On March 4th, the lodge voted to award him with the 50-year jewel in honor of his many years of service. Although he …
- Corned Beef and Cabbage Night
The annual corned beef and cabbage dinner was held once again at True Fellowship Lodge. We have always had our dinner on the Wednesday night before St. Patrick’s day to get a jump start on the holiday. This year was no different. Ben and I did all of the shopping on Tuesday, scheduled him for a 5:00 a.m. dialysis on Wednesday, and got to the hall at about 10:30 to start cooking. Brother Ron Myres was already peeling vegetables when we got there (hence the peeled red potatoes ). Brother Scott Spence and sister Kat Powell showed up to … - Barnes Pancake Breakfast
Barnes Encampment 77 hosted their regular Pancake breakfast Saturday, April 4th. Debbie Shuler managed the event with help from Ben Shuler and a kitchen team of Ron Myres, Mason and Debbie Wolf, Annie Cronin and joined later by newer Encampment members Megs O’Neil and Terrence Seddon. 22 guests enjoyed fresh pancakes, fried ham, made-to-order eggs, the Shuler’s famous berry compote, fresh pineapple and melon. The Encampment was joined by Clara Rebekahs hosting a cookie bake sale. With the generous pricing of 3 cookies for $1, many people left with cookies to share. In addition to the guests … - Ceili Night on St. Patrick’s Day
The first Odd Fellows Irish Ceili for St. Patrick’s Day was a resounding success. It brought out 62 dancers on a Tuesday night, wearing every shade of green. For some, this is something they’ve done for 30 years. For others, this was their first chance to try it. We even had live musicians – Dave Price, Shelly Crouse-Monarez, and Firefly – who made it easy to start and stop the music and manage the tempo to meet the needs of everyone on the floor. There were plenty of waltzes and dances for everyone including Walls of Limerick, … - Jane Austen Dance – Retrospective
This was the first of these balls which hasn’t sold out, and there were people who’d been to the previous three who weren’t there. I don’t know if there was something going on in an overlapping community that took them away, whether the Playford workshop tired people out, etc – but I did notice that unlike last time, we had at least one set of Roger de Coverley that couldn’t self-organize and I had to walk through and prompt, so I think there were significantly fewer PEERS/Fezzi’s/Gaskell people. I was told that the recent heavy rains … - New Event! Ceili Night at True Fellowship 52
Irish Ceili (pronounced KAY-lee) is one of three forms of Irish dancing. It is done in groups and at parties (unlike the solo Irish step dancing). Those jigs and reels that have you tapping your foot were made for dancing! Dances are similar to English country dances seen at Regency dance events, but done to the lively music of Ireland. They’re often done in long-ways sets or sets with 4, 6, or 8 dancers. The Irish also love to waltz, so waltzes are done between set dances. Our St. Patrick’s Day night is perfect for beginners … - District Installation at Cupertino 70
On the evening of Monday, January 19th, Cupertino Lodge hosted Mountain View Lodge, True Fellowship Lodge, Saratoga Lodge, Philotesian Rebekah Lodge, and Clara Rebekah Lodge for a Dinner Installation lead by Grand Warden Adam Potolsky, District Deputy President Debra LaVergne, and District Deputy Grand Marshall Izzy Mahon. This was the largest Joint Installation for Odd Fellows District 107 and Rebekah District 3 in recent memory. To maintain some semblance of order, all of the elected officers from each lodge were seated together by office. So there was a secretaries table, treasurers, noble grands, etc. In addition to … - Third Degree in San Jose – Jan 28, 2026
At the end of January, True Fellowship 52 was pleased to welcome 4 new Odd Fellows to the Degree of Truth, in a ceremony that helped convey the deep teachings of our Order through the use of symbols. Receiving the degree were Tatiana Kuvaldina and Victor Gonsalves of Mountain View 244, Joey Bennett of Livermore 219, and Alberto Garcia of Mission Peak 114. The Third Degree is very different from the other degrees. It is a ritual that demands serious attention, and the candidates who receive it have always seemed to understand that. Allegory and hidden … - Odd Fellows Outing to Dickens’ London!
On November 23, 2025 some 30 California Odd Fellows travelled through time and space to arrive in London on December 24, 1856 – the perpetual date frozen in time and sentiment at the charming Great Dickens’ Christmas Fair, located at the Cow Palace in South San Francisco, CA. The yuletide Odd Fellows came dressed in our finest collars – or borrowed one for the day courtesy of True Fellowship Lodge no. 52. And while we turned heads taking high tea, and getting our boots polished: the highlight was when we were received with great fanfare at the Athenaeum Club … - True Fellowship at Christmas in the Park
Members of True Fellowship 52, Sara Bruce, Kat Powell, Scott Spence, and Debbie and Mason Wolf, decorated a tree in the Enchanted Forest at San Jose’s Christmas in the Park. This was our second year participating, and again we decorated out tree with Odd Fellows symbols, a triple-links chain, and a skeletal Santa. Our location this year is #737, on the east-side center aisle. Come and see our tree and experience the magic of this event through December 31. Our tree is located near a Ukrainian women’s organization, and one of the women struck up a … - Wendell’s Visit to BarnesOn Thursday, November 13th, Barnes Encampment #77 hosted Grand Patriarch, Wendell Watson, and Grand Marshall, Shirley Watson. The evening kicked off with a delightful dinner with a Thanksgiving theme. The beautifully decorated room and table scape put everyone in a festive mood to welcome all of our guests. A chicken-centered potluck dinner was enjoyed before the meeting in our beautiful Odd Fellows Hall, and the dessert buffet had tasty treats and even had See’s candy at each plate! The delicious meal was second only to the lively conversation. Following the social dinner, a formal Encampment Meeting …
- A Day in the Life: A San José Merchant in 1856
Context 1856 was a year of civic formation in the Santa Clara Valley. The Odd Fellows charter that became today’s True Fellowship Lodge No. 52 dates to January 1856. Telegraph wires had already linked San José to San Francisco, and steamboats connected the city to the Bay through the port at Alviso. Nearby, the New Almaden quicksilver mines anchored local employment and regional trade. Morning A shopkeeper near the central plaza opens shutters onto unpaved streets. Adobe-era buildings sit beside newer wood-frame storefronts. Farmers arrive with wheat, hides, and produce. Teamsters mention consignments routed through Alviso … - A Cave Degree Weekend
September 5-7, 2025 was only my second time visiting Yreka for the cave degrees. It was interesting being there when some wildfire smoke was afoot, and as COVID rates were continuing to rise. I arrived halfway through the Odd Ball, changed into my dress, and from there the camaraderie and ritual fun continued. Thanks to Degree Master Mason Wolf’s advance warning, a HEPA filter in my hotel room brought from home ensured less inhaled smoke. Over the weekend I helped out wherever it was needed. Initiatory degree needed spare hands to move the Important Fixture that … - Report on the Volcano Fraternal Expedition
September 20, 2025 had an exciting start at the Volcano Historic Lodge, IOOF in the Gold Rush town of Volcano, California! Approximately 60 Odd Fellows from across the Western United States including myself, Sister Jane Beckman, Brother Charlie Sweeny, & Brother Mason Wolf from True Fellowship Lodge no. 52, IOOF in San José came together to celebrate Odd Fellows history at the unique Volcano fraternal lodge building. Like many Gold Rush era fraternity halls, it was jointly constructed by the California Odd Fellows & Masons: though what makes it unique is its second-story lodge room, which … - Grand Master Rita Cooper’s Official Visit to True Fellowship 52
It’s the 16th of September and everything is getting ready. Tomorrow the Grand Master is coming. A delicious dinner of Tri Tip is being prepared, cooked by Ben Shuler and assisting hands. Debbie Shuler is in charge of the dining room with help. Decorations of Sunflowers and cats to please Rita, you know. Can’t wait to introduce her to Margarita, her new mascot, brought all of the way from North Virginia. Cat decorations were furnished by Kat Powell and cat books available for purchase from Sara Bruce. The meeting goes off with no major flaws. There …Read more “Grand Master Rita Cooper’s Official Visit to True Fellowship 52”
- Report of GMC Week at SGLOn Friday, August 15th Debra LaVergne and myself (Debbie Shuler) departed from San Francisco Airport to Chicago O’Hare Airport where we met up with fellow traveler Mel Astrahan. We all then proceeded to the Airport of Charleston West Virginia after a 5 hour layover. Luckily Debra and I had United Club passes available. Upon arriving in Charleston on Saturday, we picked up both rental car and baggage and proceeded to the headquarters of the SGL which was held in the Embassy Suites Hotel this year. We registered for sessions with no problems and spent some time …
- August Jane Austen Ball at True Fellowship 52
On August 9, the lodge was filled with color and motion for the Jane Austen dance, co-produced by True Fellowship #52 and the Bay Area English Regency Society (BAERS). I, Alan Winston, am a Lodge member and a founder of BAERS, so am the crossover point for the two organizations. BAERS handled the band, caller (me) and program; True Fellowship managed the logistics, including providing the beautiful hall, selling advance tickets, providing and organizing very substantial refreshments. One of the previous balls brought the lodge some new members from among the attendees, who may be able … - A New Season of Fellowship: Introducing True Fellowship 52’s Noble GrandGreetings, Brothers and Sisters of the District. It is with a deep sense of honor and excitement that I introduce myself to you as the new Noble Grand of True Fellowship 52 Lodge. My name is Zandria Elbért, and I step into this role following the departure of our beloved brother, Andrew Crockett, who has gracefully transitioned out to focus on his campaign projects—an endeavor we wholeheartedly support and celebrate. Andrew’s leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our lodge have left a legacy of unity and purpose that will continue to guide us. We extend our …
Read more “A New Season of Fellowship: Introducing True Fellowship 52’s Noble Grand”
- Sorting Through Treasures
The Richard Brouse Degree Lodge (aka the cave degree) recently received a donation of degree props from Sierra Park, an HOA located next to the Three Links camp, which used to an Odd Fellows establishment, complete with its own lodge, Sierra Park Lodge no. 376. It did not last especially long. But when it ceased being a lodge, the community that inherited the space didn’t know what to do with all of the property that formerly belonged to it. Fifty years later, thanks largely to the persuasive efforts of Brother Andrew Crockett (whose family owns one … - Third Degree at True Fellowship 52 in San Jose
On July 23rd, at True Fellowship Lodge no.52, IOOF, the Third Degree of Truth was conferred to six worthy candidates: The degree was noteworthy as many members of Richard Brouse Degree Lodge no.190 were participating in conferring the degree in preparation and practice for the upcoming Degree performances at Odd Con in Yreka, CA on September 5th thru 7th. Additionally, unexpected and substantial life commitments for Brother Andrew Crockett have necessitated his departure from the position of Noble Grand of True Fellowship Lodge no.52, marking this Third Degree as his last official lodge meeting as Noble … - ON STEPPING DOWN: An Interview with True Fellowship 52’s Andrew Crockett
At the end of June, Santa Clara County Assessor Larry Stone announced that he would be resigning. This set off a chain of events that resulted in Andrew Crockett, Noble Grand for True Fellowship 52, feeling compelled to resign mid-way through his term. To help us understand this decision, as well as take a review of what Andrew was able to learn and accomplish in his abbreviated term, he agreed to be interviewed for the Triple Links newsletter. This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity. MW: What do you feel most proud of …Read more “ON STEPPING DOWN: An Interview with True Fellowship 52’s Andrew Crockett”
- We finished the puzzle!
On the first Friday of the month, Sister Kat Powell brought a puzzle to the bimonthly gaming night. It was worked on by Sister Kat, her friend Jeff, me, and my son Harold. Brother Andrew Crocket and Sister Bex Clark came in at 9:45 to join us. I kept the lodge open so we could finish the puzzle. Game night happens every 1st and Last Friday of the month from 6 to 10pm at True Fellowship #52 Lodge, 1035 Emory St, San Jose. Come and join us for games, puzzles, snacks and conversation. — By Lisa … - A Response to the Sovereign Grand Lodge Executive Committee LetterIn May, all units of the Order received an unexpected letter from the Sovereign Grand Lodge, with instructions that it be read at their next meeting. It dealt with the matter of belief in a Supreme Being, and that principle’s centrality to the Order. The following is a response composed by Andrew Crockett, and is his own statement, not representative of any lodge or unit he belongs to. — Dear Esteemed Members of Our Friendly Order, The recent letter dated 5 April 2025 from the Executive Committee of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Independent Order …
Read more “A Response to the Sovereign Grand Lodge Executive Committee Letter”
- Hamiltunes!
On Saturday, July 25th, we had over 50 attendees come sing-a-long to the musical Hamilton alongside 15 performers for our Hamiltunes event with Harmony Werks, Inc. Nicole Ennen is on the board of HarmonyWerks, Inc. – a Silicon Valley based nonprofit offering informal training and performance opportunities that help strengthen relationships and build communities by sharing our love of music and the arts. They produce events such as open mic nights, community cabarets, music therapy, and more. Harmony Werks, Inc. is an authorized provider of Hamiltunes – a sing-a-long event featuring the music of the musical Hamilton authorized by the producers of … - Odd Fellows Festival: A first time visit by a first degree member
I came to the Odd Fellows festival to help spread the word of the LARP working with True Fellowship 52. We thought it would be a good opportunity to showcase the LARP, answer some questions, and see if people outside our lodge might be interested in trying it out. When we got there Friday night, it was a beautiful campground and a very relaxed environment. Last minute setups were being finished and people were casually chatting up old friends, and talking about whose fire they were going to hang around at night, or where they were …Read more “Odd Fellows Festival: A first time visit by a first degree member”
- San Jose Rose, White and Blue Parade, Friday July 4th
On the morning of Friday, July 4th , the following call and response could be heard all through San Jose’s Shasta/Hanchett and Rose Garden neighborhoods: “What is the first link? Friendship! What is the second link? Love! What is the third link? Truth! Who are we? Odd Fellows!” Members of True Fellowship 52, including Scott Spence, Andrew Crockett, Debbie Wolf, Martin Stein, Sue Stein, David Tingey, Helmuth Litfin, Kat Powell, Honor Wolf, Jeff Rively, and Mason Wolf gathered behind the “Oddsmobile”, our 1937 Chevy Sedan, driven by Jane Beckman, all to celebrate Independence Day by marching …Read more “San Jose Rose, White and Blue Parade, Friday July 4th”
- Kanikapila – Burger Fry
On June 25th, we held our second Cupertino and True Fellowship Kanikapila – Burger Fry, at the Cupertino Lodge. This event combined the Hawaiian music from Cupertino and the monthly True Fellowship burger bbq. It was great working with the True Fellowship team in running the event. Our attendance wasn’t that great, so we’ll need to tweak it somehow if we are to continue combining them. Special thanks goes to brother Scott Spence for doing food prep, cooking and cleaning, along with the rest of the True Fellowship team. If you’re in the area, we have … - Fashion-Raising FundraisingYee-haw! Bolos were back big time at Western Wear Day at the 2025 Grand Lodge Sessions in Reno, Nevada! And True Fellowship Lodge no. 52, IOOF met this need, raising over $1,000 as it sold dozens of True Fellowship Bolo Ties to Odd Fellows from across the state (and even the nation), selling bolos to several Past Grand Masters, and the Deputy Sovereign Grand Master in addition to the many Grand Lodge Representatives in attendance. This fashion-raising paired well with the members of True Fellowship Lodge no.52’s exuberant style – with Sisters Debbie Wolf, Angela Commean, and Debbie …
- Meritorious Service Jewels in District 107A Meritorious Service Jewel is considered the highest award in Odd Fellowship. By Sovereign Grand Lodge code, they can only be awarded by a Grand Lodge, Grand Encampment, or Department Council. And grand bodies are limited in the number they can award based on their number of members. It is reserved for those who render service above and beyond the scope of ordinary Odd Fellowship, and beyond the scope of their own unit. The Meritorious Service Jewel can be earned once only, in a person’s entire lifetime, and so it is remarkable that, this year, three …
- ELECTED AT SESSIONSThis year, we had several members of our district who took the step of running for one of the elected offices at Grand Lodge. Each of them was invited to share a little about themselves and what they hoped to accomplish. Adam Potolsky, our new Grand Warden, has a separate article. Connie Hall: Rebekah Childrens Services Board Connie Hall was reelected to the Board of Rebekah Children’s Services (RCS) at Grand Sessions for a 4 year term. She is also the current Secretary of Saratoga IOOF Lodge, 428. She is a retired RN and was appointed …
- Making True Fellowship Proud
Even though it goes without saying that Mason Wolf is an exemplar of Odd Fellowship, sometimes it is important to embarrass him just a little bit by pointing out that his home Lodge community at True Fellowship Lodge no. 52 is very proud of his accomplishments. At Grand Lodge Sessions, he not only completed his term as District Deputy Grand Master of District 107 and awarded the Past-DDGM pin from our own Sister Debbie Shuler’s personal pin stash, he was also recognized in front of the combined Grand Lodge Sessions for his extraordinary contributions to California Odd … - An Unexpected Award
On Friday May 16 at Sessions, I was surprised and honored when Grand Master Dave Reed called me up on stage, along with Marcus Marino of Davis Lodge #169. He had 3 Grand Master’s awards to hand out: myself, Marcus, and Jack Cain of Upper Lake #241 (who unfortunately was unable to attend). In his presentation to me, Brother Dave expressed his appreciation for my efforts to help restore the annual cave degree weekend in Yreka and form California’s first degree lodge in over 50 years. But it was a big undertaking, and I certainly didn’t … - A Grand District Museum Gala and Dinner Party
On April 15, after months of planning, weeks of promoting, days of decorating, hours of rehearsing, and frantic minutes setting up final details before people walked in, a party hosted by the District 107 Odd Fellows, and celebrating 175 years of Odd Fellowship in California, brought delight to about 80 guests from around the district and beyond. In addition to members of our district lodges, we had visitors from Davis lodge and Morse lodge (including the Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master, respectively), Ocean View 143, Gilroy 154, Mission Peak 114, and a few others. We … - Corned Beef and Cabbage Night at True Fellowship 52
On Wednesday March 12th, everyone, including Saint Patrick’s ghost, left well fed from True Fellowship’s annual observance of St. Patrick’s Day. Whether it was the corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, onions or carrots that filled you up, or Sis. Debbie Shuler’s amazing green whipped marshmallow dessert: it was a time for feasting and merrymaking for all comers. And due to our intentional leafletting campaign of the neighborhood, our dining hall was not only packed with our regular members, we had well over a dozen neighbors who joined in our revelries. They also received an informative tour of …Read more “Corned Beef and Cabbage Night at True Fellowship 52”
- Golden Rule Degree at Barnes Encampment 77
On March 13th, 6 new members of Barnes 77 traded in their black collars and became the patriarchs to learn the sublime and enduring mysteries of the Golden Rule Degree. Using a modified script provided by Chief Patriarch Debra LaVergne, the Golden Rule Degree reminds us of the virtue of tolerance in our day to day lives, welcoming all who we encounter with the understanding that while peoples and cultures may differ from our own, we are and remain unified as one Universal family. The regalia of the degree is a black collar trimmed with gold. … - We Tried a Hawaiian Burger Fry, And You’ll Never Believe What Happened!
A dream come true often looks like an experiment, where we try something we have never done before in hopes that we get better results than what had been happening before. In the case of Cupertino Lodge no. 70’s Kanikapila and True Fellowship Lodge no.52’s Burger Fry: four times this year we were scheduled to have our respective marquee events on the same night. And we knew exactly what had happened when this occurred before – both of our events would have lower turnout than usual, as Odd Fellows would have to choose which one to …Read more “We Tried a Hawaiian Burger Fry, And You’ll Never Believe What Happened!”
- A Grand District 107 Party: April 15, 2025
As Odd Fellows, we’re heirs to a rich tradition of crafters and artists creating beautiful custom pieces for their lodges, as well as a number of lovely yet mass-produced items that lodges could acquire from the established fraternal supply houses of their time. On April 15, we’ll have a chance to celebrate 175 years of Odd Fellowship in California. As California Odd Fellows, our forebears in the Order saw roughly 700 lodges that were chartered, operated for a period of time, and then consolidated or disbanded as those lodges, for whatever reason, ceased to be independently … - Ready to Try a Hawaiian Hamburger Fry?
True Fellowship no.52 and Cupertino no.70 have been cooking up a plan for music, dance, and juicy hamburgers for the last few months: and it all finally came together at the February Kanikapila hosted by Cupertino Lodge no.70! Noble Grands Jim Kabbage and Andrew Crockett reached agreement that instead of running events in competition with each other this year, they would host four dual events where the Cupertino Odd Fellows 4th Wednesday Kanikapila Hawaiian Music and Dance Nights and True Fellowship Odd Fellows long-running final Wednesday Burger Frys would merge into a shared event on dates … - The Patriarchal Degree LIVE
“Cherish the beautiful teachings of our Order, which, falling upon the heart like rays of light, give color to every affection of our nature, and dictate every act of our lives.” On Thursday, February 13th, my new Brothers and Sisters of Barnes Encampment #77 conducted a Patriarchal Degree and welcomed Jon Hart into our Encampment. Unlike the month before, when I joined using a recording from the degree done last September at the cave, this time we acted out the entire degree ourselves. We were led by Don Lang as Chief Patriarch, Debra LaVergne as High … - Meet the LARPers!
True Fellowship 52 of San Jose recently welcomed 7 new members who all came from Refuge LARP. We asked them to introduce themselves and explain what LARPing is all about. - District 107 Youth Pilgrimage Essay Contest
The District 107 Youth Pilgrimage Scholarship Committee received several essays for its contest. The winning essay was written by Bao Nguyen, a junior at Oak Grove High School in San Jose. He’ll spend 2 weeks in the Eastern US with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Pilgrimage, and is very excited for the upcoming opportunity. With his permission, I am sharing the essay he wrote. The prompt was to write an essay about the importance of citizenship in building a better world. Citizenship: A Key to Bring Humanity Together “We must unite because the world is …