The Encampment
The Encampment Lodges grew from the desire of members to have something "more." Something beyond what was currently available in their lodge. From this, three additional degrees of Odd Fellowship were developed. The Patriarchal, Golden Rule, and Royal Purple degrees continue to build on the lessons exemplified to members in the Odd Fellows Lodge. Teaching us to be better friends, neighbors, and family members. Where the Three Links of Odd Fellowship are Friendship, Love, & Truth; the Encampment degrees exemplify Faith, Hope, & Charity.
The Sovereign Grand Lodge has allowed for a Subordinate Encampment, known as the Ladies Encampment Auxiliary (LEA). Membership of the LEA is open to members of a Rebekah Lodge, who wish to further their advancement in the Order. The Jurisdiction of Florida does not have any LEA lodges.
In order to join the Encampment and become a Patriarch or Matriarch, you must first be a Scarlet or Third-Degree member of an Odd Fellows Lodge.
Tallahassee No. 11
Lake No. 17
Armondo Perez Blanco No. 11
Luz No. 33
Tallahassee, FL
Miami, FL
Hialea, FL
Leesburg, FL
The first Encampment in Florida was instituted in 1846 in Jacksonville, Florida, with a warrant dated September 23, 1846. However, due to the Civil War the lodge ceased. Some 30 years after its inception, on June 29, 1876, Florida Encampment No. 1 was officially chartered.
The Grand Encampment of Florida was instituted at Waldo, Florida on April 15, 1885. By this time 7 Encampment Lodges were active within the jurisdiction. Florida No. 1, in Jacksonville; Aucilla No. 2, in Monticello; Ridgely No. 3, in Warrington; Excelsior, No. 4, in Pensacola; Key West, No. 5 in Key West; Withlacootchie, No. 6, in Ellaville; and Wildey, No. 7, petitioned the Grand Lodge and were granted the Charter at the annual Session in 1885.
Geroge S. Hallmark was elected the first Grand Patriarch of the new Grand Encampment.
History of the Encampment in Florida
The Grand Lodge of Florida
Floridagrandsecretaryioof@gmail.com
656-800-1851
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The Sovereign Grand Lodge