Senate Resolution No. 2708

BY: Senator THOMAS

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 200th
Anniversary of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
on April 26, 2019

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those fraternal organizations of high purpose and worthy
accomplishment whose endeavors have faithfully served the welfare of the
citizens of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows which will be observed with a myriad of events throughout the
year, beginning with a celebration on Friday, April 26, 2019; and

WHEREAS, In the early 1700s, the original Independent Order of Odd
Fellows (IOOF) was founded in England; in 1819, the American Chapter was
established by Thomas Wildey, an English immigrant; and

WHEREAS, In 1851, the IOOF became the first national fraternity to
accept both men and women, and this effort was led by then United States
Vice President Schuyler Colfax; and

WHEREAS, During the next 10 years, the IOOF continued to thrive and
flourish, and by 1861, the American Chapter consisted of over 200,000
members in 42 states; today, approximately 600,000 members belong to
12,000 lodges in 26 countries, and is located in several New York cities
and towns including Warwick, Syracuse, Penfield, Poestenkill, Warsaw,
and Geneva; and

WHEREAS, Throughout its storied history, this non-sectarian and
non-political organization has always stayed true to its command of
visiting the sick, relieving the distressed, burying the dead and
educating the orphans; and

WHEREAS, The Odd Fellows also seek to promote good will and harmony
amongst peoples and nations through the principle of universal
fraternity, holding the belief that all men and women regardless of
race, nationality, religion, social status, gender, rank and station are
brothers and sisters; and

WHEREAS, Through their respective lodges, the men and women of the
IOOF have learned to become better citizens by providing hundreds of
scholarships, and supporting veterans' programs, the elderly and less
fortunate, and those with visual impairments; and

WHEREAS, Past members such as Presidents Franklin Delano Roosevelt,
Ulysses Grant, Rutherford Hayes, Warren Harding, and William McKinley;
Charles Lindbergh, and former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Earl
Warren helped build this exceptional organization which continues to
diligently work to improve and elevate the character of mankind; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proudly moved to honor and commend
the members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, past and present,
who have labored so conscientiously to secure and improve the quality of
life for the community it serves; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows on April 26, 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the New York Chapters of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows.