Mousam Lodge #26:
The Odd Fellows Lodge of Kennebunk
Mousam Lodge #26 is the Odd Fellows Lodge of Kennebunk, Maine. We’re at 31 Main Street – our lodge is on the third floor of the building with Will’s Copy Center, Hearth and Soul, and Fresh Start.
You may have never noticed us in town, but we built and own this building, and have been here in Kennebunk since 1860!
Our Lodge meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month. We encourage new members, and would love to have you join and be part of a worldwide group and tradition that have been around since the 1700’s!
You don’t have to be odd, or a fellow, to join – we welcome people of all genders who are interested in building local community and doing positive things for this area.
If you would like more information on the lodge, you can email us at mousamlodge@gmail.com, or talk to Will Bradford at Will’s Copy Center during business hours.
So what are the Odd Fellows?
The Odd Fellows were started in London England, in the 1700’s. At that time London was the most powerful city in the world – and there were still people starving and dying in the streets because there was no social safety net.
Some average shopkeepers and working people got together and said – “You know, any one of us is a broken leg away from starvation and death. We ought to do something about this!” They started a mutual aid society and then began to help other people; widows, orphans, the sick, etc. They soon got known as “Those Odd Fellows” who went around helping people for no particular reason! We’re proud to continue that tradition and do our best to help our community and charitable causes.
Mousam Odd Fellows Lodge meets all year, with the exception of July and August. Back in the day it was so people could do farm work, but now of course those months are Tourist Season here on the seacoast!
Who can join?
We’re proud to say that our lodge is open to anyone over 18, so we’re not an Old Boys club. The Odd Fellows have always been socially progressive. We were the first to have a women’s branch – The Rebekahs. We were also the first Fraternal Order to become co-ed to accept women to be members. At the turn of the century the Odd Fellows were the largest fraternal group in the USA – far larger than the Freemasons! Actually, most Masons back in the day were also members of the Odd Fellows, and the two groups often had combined lodges early on.
Since we’re a pretty historical Order, our members do have to go through four Degree ceremonies, which teach our timeless principles of Friendship, Love and Truth.
Mousam Lodge meetings start with a dinner at 6:30 PM, and then the Lodge meeting is at 7:30 PM. Our standard meetings are start with an opening ceremony, then a list of business to do, and a short closing ceremony. Usually they run around an hour.