Who are the Odd Fellows?

Behind the faded clapboards of the Odd Fellows Hall, quiet goodness has endured for generations.

By Michele Clark

Driving up Short Falls Road from Rte. 28, it’s hard to miss the looming three-story building on your right with the words Odd Fellows Hall spelled out in bold letters across the faded white clapboards. While many Epsom residents pass this historic building every day, they may know little of the history of this local landmark built in 1876, and the quiet goodness that continues to emanate from its walls. 

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) is a fraternal organization dating back to 19th-century England, reaching the United States in 1819. When industrialization left many families vulnerable, a group of citizens formed a network of mutual assistance. They were considered “odd" because it was then uncommon for people to organize assistance for the less fortunate without political or commercial motive. In 1851, the Daughters of Rebekah, now known as the International Association of Rebekah Assemblies, was created as a branch of the IOOF to provide a venue for women’s involvement. Today, men and women participate in both branches. United by their core values of Friendship, Love, and Truth, the Odd Fellows live out their mission “To visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead, and educate the orphan,” through community service and mutual aid.

Today, the spirit of the Odd Fellows thrives through continuous, quiet acts of charity. This dedication reminds us that community support is forged in consistent, everyday kindness. Odd Fellows’ programs include The Educational Foundation which provides loans and scholarships, the SOS Children’s Village in Cambodia, the Arthritis Foundation, the Wilmer Eye Institute, the Educational Pilgrimage for Youth and other projects.

Gary Benner has been a part of the IOOF Evergreen Lodge #53 for over thirty-four years. After hearing that the Lodge was looking for new members and learning about the organization’s mission, he thought joining was the right decision. He has served in most of the offices and was the Lodge’s Secretary for 18 years.  Gary has also gone through the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire serving as Grand Master in 2006-2007. Membership is a family affair in the Benner household; Gary’s wife, Vickie (whose mother was also a Rebekah), is a member of the Ivy Green Lodge #36 of Epsom, NH and the Current President of the Rebekah Assembly of New Hampshire. Their son and daughter are also active members. 

Vickie & Abby Benner and the Director of Concord Hospital’s Volunteer Program  

The Epsom Odd Fellows infuse quiet goodness throughout the community in many ways. Their annual Christmas Pictures with Santa Claus event brings families in the community together for holiday refreshments, fun, and games, raising money for Christmas for local children in need. In the spring, the Annual Fishing Derby provides area youth the chance to experience nature by fishing for trout at a local pond. The local Rebekah’s support the Infant Layette Program at Concord Hospital in Concord, NH, by hosting community baby showers to provide vital supplies to new mothers and their infants.  And of course, for an evening of dinner, music, singing, and lots of fun, there is the “Annual Dinner and a Show” in Epsom. Please consider marking your calendars for one of the many meaningful Odd Fellows activities in our area. If you are interested in learning more about the Odd Fellows, contact Gary Benner at 603-736-47

Community members participating in the Annual Fishing Derby.