The first Independent Order of Odd Fellows was founded on the North American Continent in Baltimore, Maryland, on April 26, 1819. We are the Mt Zion Odd Fellows Lodge #300. Our lodge was issued our Charter on October 14, 1862, over 150 years ago. The Mt Zion Odd Fellows were active in the community then and remain so now. We are a family of Oddfellowship. Brothers believing in a supreme being, the creator and preserver of the universe. We have come together in our local communities believing that; Friendship, Love and Truth are the basic guidelines that we need to follow in our daily lives. By working with our local community we have demonstrated that we can make a difference in the lives of people.
Why are we Odd Fellows? From the beginnings of Odd Fellowship the basis for the name was obviously appropriate. “It was odd to find people organized for the purpose of giving aid to those in need and of pursuing projects for the benefit of all mankind. It was believed that they were "an odd bunch of fellows" who would behave in such a selfless and seemingly impractical fashion. Odd Fellows are also known as "The Three Link Fraternity" which stands for Friendship, Love and Truth”. We are Odd Fellows because individually we realize a much more difficult path to pursuing goals and benefiting mankind, but together, as Odd Fellow Brothers, we can pursue even higher goals and better serve our families, friends, neighbors, communities and all mankind.
The Mt Zion Odd Fellows are involved in numerous charitable efforts and humanitarian endeavors. The Odd Fellows Grand Lodge of Illinois, with our support, supports scholarships throughout the state of Illinois. Locally our Lodge annually provides scholarships to two seniors at Mt. Zion High School. We support families in crisis, community projects, other charitable organizations and causes. Yes we are Odd all right. Odd because we want to help elevate the character of man. Odd because we enjoy helping others and helping our community.
We are the Mt Zion ODD Fellows