Odd Fellows Encampment: Brief History and Introduction to the Degrees, Teachings, Symbols and organization of Patriarchal Odd Fellowship

This illustrated book aims to provide the reader a brief history of the Encampment, along with an introduction to its degrees, symbols, teachings and regalia; also covering the organizational structure and functions of the officers of the Encampment and the Grand Encampment.

The Encampment, also known as Patriarchal Odd Fellowship, is a higher branch of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows that confers three additional degrees to Degree of Truth or Third Degree members in good standing: Patriarchal Degree, Golden Rule Degree and Royal Purple Degree. The degree work in this branch is a result of evolution from additional degrees that were once conferred only to Past Grands (past presiding officers) of an Odd Fellows Lodge and only during sessions of Grand Lodges. In 1827, these three additional degrees were eventually bestowed in a separate branch called an Encampment. The degrees are based on the lessons of Hospitality, Toleration and Fortitude. The motto is Faith, Hope, and Charity.

The author is a Past District Deputy Sovereign Grand Master and the Public Relations Coordinator of the IOOF Sovereign Grand Lodge from 2012-2015. He was based at the International Headquarters for an aggregate period of 3 years where he had full access and was able to read from cover-to-cover all the IOOF journals, history books, rituals, secret workings and artifacts related to the Odd Fellows. With a Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and Juris Doctor Degree, the author uses both quantitative and qualitative research methods in his writings. He does not rely solely on old history books and manuals written by Odd Fellows many years ago but also interviews experts and consults third-party references and modern research studies conducted by academic historians, researchers and other authors holding MA or PhD degrees. But unlike old books, the author attempts to use simple words as possible for easier understanding.