Lodges of Kentucky
Our Past and Present
Our Past and Present
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List of Current Lodges in Kentucky
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows maintains active lodges across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
For the most accurate and up‑to‑date listing of all Odd Fellows, Rebekah, Encampment, and Canton
bodies in Kentucky, please visit the official IOOF Lodge Directory.
History of Chosen Friends Lodge No. 2 (Louisville, Kentucky)
Founded March 16, 1835
Chosen Friends Lodge No. 2 stands as one of the earliest and most historically significant
Odd Fellows lodges in Kentucky. Its founding in March 1835 marks a major milestone
in the spread of Odd Fellowship across the American frontier.
The lodge was officially organized on March 16, 1835, when a petition for a charter
arrived from the Grand Lodge of the United States, delivered by Brother P. L. Miller.
The founding petitioners — A.W.R. Harris, Jason Lyman, Harry Barker, Charles Wolford,
and G.S. Lyon — met for the first time under the authority granted by the national body.
“Having been sent to us by the Grand Lodge of the United States… being now for the first time met…”
From the beginning, Chosen Friends Lodge received strong support from Boone Lodge No. 1,
Kentucky’s first Odd Fellows lodge. Boone Lodge generously offered the use of their hall at no charge:
“Be allowed the use of the hall of Boone Lodge free of expense for the present quarter…”
First Officers and Early Governance
At the first meeting, the lodge elected its inaugural officers:
- Noble Grand: Harry Barker
- Vice Grand: Cedric Wolford
- Secretary: Sidney S. Lyon
- Treasurer: A.W.R. Harris
“On ballot the following brothers were duly elected Harry Barker Noble Grand… Cedric Wolford Vice Grand…”
The lodge adopted Boone Lodge’s bylaws temporarily, ensuring continuity and proper ritual practice
during its formative months.
Membership Growth in 1835
The lodge grew rapidly, receiving dozens of petitions from Louisville residents of every
trade and profession.
- Hiram McGehee, clerk, age 25
- William P. Sale, bricklayer, age 28
- Robert Veitch, merchant tailor, age 39
- Thomas Owens, house joiner
- Michael Ziegler, plasterer, age 32
“Petition for Hiram McGehee… residence 2nd St between Green and Walnut…”
“William P Sale aged 28 years old occupation bricklayer…”
Initiations were frequent. On April 21, 1835, four candidates were initiated in a single evening:
“Mrs Robert Veitch, Thomas Carroll, William Merriweather and Michael Ziegler… were introduced and initiated in due form.”
Quarterly Elections and Officer Installations
Chosen Friends Lodge held regular quarterly elections. On June 7, 1835, the officers elected were:
- Noble Grand: Charles Wolford
- Vice Grand: Sidney Lyon
- Secretary: W. Wolford
- Treasurer: Jason Lyman
“On ballot Charles Wolford was elected Noble Grand… Sidney Lyon Vice Grand…”
Installation occurred on June 16, 1835, with full appointments of guards, warden, conductor, and supporters.
Visiting Brothers and Interstate Fraternal Ties
The lodge frequently welcomed visiting Odd Fellows from across the country, including:
- New Orleans Lodge No. 2
- Star Lodge No. 24 (Petersburg)
- Franklin Lodge No. 4 (Cincinnati)
- Montgomery Lodge No. 5 (Dayton)
“Resolved the rule regarding cards from visitors be dispensed with in the case of brother George D. Gallow…”
Notable Events of 1835
- A ballot was reconsidered after new information surfaced about a candidate.
- A petitioner died before his application could be processed; his fee was returned.
- The lodge voted to discontinue repeating officer charges at closing.
“Resolved that this lodge will for the future dispense with the ceremony… of repeating the officers’ charges…”
Legacy
Chosen Friends Lodge No. 2 represents the earliest generation of Odd Fellowship in Kentucky — a time when
lodges were built by hand, meetings were lit by oil lamps, and membership was a serious commitment to
moral character and mutual aid.
The 1835 records show a lodge full of life, purpose, and fraternity — a legacy that continues to inspire
Odd Fellows today.