Letter to the Editor: Glad to see Odd Fellows Lodge still prospering in Quincy

Having family in the Quincy area, I read the news article, “Officers elected for Gem City Lodge 357 Independent Order of Odd Fellows” published on Feb. 8.

I am a 4th generation Odd Fellow Lodge member and a 5th generation Masonic Lodge member. The two fraternal organizations are similar yet different.  Both teach concepts of brotherly love, relief and truth. Each group also stresses good morals and character-building.

I have presided over my IOOF lodge as Noble Grand (president) as did my late father before me.  He was also a past District Deputy Grand Master in Odd Fellows in 1976.

Before the age of phones and internet, fraternal lodges (or “friendship-societies’) served a vital function of communicating news of members who were sick, in distress, had lost a job and helped educate orphans. They saw to it that beloved members were buried with dignity. I really like that.

Lodges then — and now — are a great community service. I am thankful for the ones which still exist.

James A. Marples
Longview, Texas