Grand United Order of Odd Fellows in America

Since its founding in 1843, its membership has principally included African Americans, due to their being discriminated against in most other fraternal orders in America at the time.

At this point, Peter Ogden, a black sailor who had been initiated into a Grand United Order affiliated lodge in Liverpool, suggested that they try to receive recognition from them.

[7] The four existing Grand United Order-affiliated lodges refused to recognize Ogden as Deputy, admittedly because they did not wish to associate with black people.

This Committee arrived in New York City on Sunday, February 27, 1843, and convened Wednesday, March 1, 1843.

[6] Past Grand Master Joseph Jones, District Secretary of Liverpool, England, and member of Victoria Lodge No.

646 responded most eloquently, and also called upon his staff of officers to express their gratitude to the delegates from England.

As the years rolled on, the illustrious Peter Ogden thought he had found a haven by receiving so much praise.

Due to the attitude and performance of the members, Peter Ogden decided to remain in solitude.

Members of the Order heard of his death from overseas and searched until they found his sister, but she refused to give any information.

Hence, from such desires, the Household of Ruth was formed to extend, strengthen and perpetuate the bonds of Friendship, Love and Truth.

A fixed admission fee, monthly contribution and special sick and death benefit were enacted and had long continued after Households were established.

Patriarchies, composed of Past Grand Masters who have rendered particularly valuable service to the Order, were created during a reorganization in 1873, and are modeled on a similar British adjunct.

During the 1870s the Order spread west and south, establishing lodges in Florida, Texas, Colorado and California.

[10] Membership has always been open to people of any race, though it has remained a predominantly African American Order.

Their female auxiliary known as the Household of Ruth flourished during the golden age of fraternalism with nearly 100,000+ members.