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  A Comprehensive (yet condensed) History of Odd Fellowship in Colorado

 Origins: Odd Fellowship Moves West (1819–1860)

Odd Fellowship began in the United States in 1819 with the founding of Washington Lodge No. 1 in Baltimore. As the nation expanded westward, the Order followed, carried by miners, merchants, and settlers who relied on mutual aid and ritual fellowship to survive the uncertainties of frontier life.

By the late 1850s, Odd Fellowship was already taking root in the Rocky Mountain region.

The First Colorado Lodge: Peak Lodge No. 12 (1860)

Colorado’s first lodge—Peak Lodge No. 12—was instituted in Denver on December 24, 1860.  This marked the formal beginning of Odd Fellowship in the territory and set the stage for rapid growth as new communities formed along mining routes, river corridors, and emerging towns.  The years that followed were marked by the American Civil War. Denver held a few unofficial Odd Fellows gatherings during this time until the institution of Union Lodge No. 1 on August 18, 1864. The dispensation for this lodge was given by the Grand Sire James B. Nicholson to “the five founders of Colorado Odd Fellowship”: Luther R. Boxley, Birks Cornforth, Herman H. Heiser, Jabez H. Vanderverter, and John Voght.

Rocky Mountain #2 Established

On March 23, 1865, Grand Sire Isaac W. Veitch signed a dispensation authorizing the institution of Rocky Mountain Lodge No. 2 in Central City, Colorado Territory. However, the actual institution was delayed on account of how difficult travel was during this era. On June 13th that same year, the District Deputy Grand Sire Jabez H. Vanderverter showed up in the city with his officers to officially institute the lodge.

Pueblo’s Early Odd Fellows Presence (1865)

Odd Fellowship reached Pueblo remarkably early.  Historical accounts show the Order active in Pueblo as early as 1865, only five years after the first lodge opened in Denver. This makes Pueblo one of the oldest Odd Fellows communities in Colorado, predating many mining‑camp lodges and establishing a long tradition of civic involvement that would later be embodied in Pueblo Lodge No. 8.

The Grand Lodge of Colorado

Following the institution of Rocky Mountain Lodge No. 2 was Colorado Lodge No. 3 in Black Hawk (instituted May 16, 1866), and Denver Lodge No. 4 in Denver (instituted September 29, 1866). In 1867, representatives from these three lodges, plus Union Lodge No. 1, petitioned to form the Grand Lodge of Colorado, which was instituted on November 30, 1867. By the time it held its first regular annual session the following year on October 21, 1868 in Central City, the total number of lodges in Colorado had grown from four to seven, with a total membership body of 281. 
 

The Grand Lodge of Colorado was formally established, providing:

• ritual consistency

• statewide coordination

• support for new lodges

• a central authority for relief and charity

This milestone solidified Odd Fellowship as a permanent institution in Colorado’s civic and social landscape.

Expansion Across the Territory (1860s–1900s)

Following the creation of the Grand Lodge, Odd Fellowship spread rapidly. Mining towns, railroad hubs, agricultural settlements, and emerging cities all established lodges. By the time Colorado achieved statehood in 1876, Odd Fellowship was one of the region’s most influential fraternal networks.

During this era, several lodges emerged as long‑standing pillars of Colorado Odd Fellowship:

Four Historic Lodges That Shaped Colorado Odd Fellowship

Rocky Mountain Lodge No. 2 

One of the earliest lodges chartered after Peak No. 12, Rocky Mountain No. 2 became a central hub of early Colorado Odd Fellowship.

It played a major role in:

• organizing territorial lodges

• supporting the formation of the Grand Lodge

• preserving early records and continuity

Its presence in Central City and Arvada made it a stabilizing force during the state’s formative years.

Canon City Lodge No. 7

Canon City No. 7 grew alongside the Arkansas River corridor and became a steady, reliable lodge during the boom‑and‑bust cycles of mining, railroads, and early settlement.

It was known for:

• consistent charitable work

• strong community involvement

• long‑term membership stability

Canon City No. 7 helped anchor Odd Fellowship in southern Colorado during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Pueblo Lodge No. 8

With Odd Fellowship active in Pueblo by 1865, Pueblo No. 8 stands as one of the oldest and most historically significant lodges in the state.

It became a major force in:

• civic leadership

• charitable relief

• community events

• fraternal cooperation across southern Colorado

Its longevity and resilience make it a cornerstone of Colorado Odd Fellowship.

Boulder Lodge No. 9

Chartered soon after the Grand Lodge was established, Boulder No. 9 developed a strong membership base tied to the city’s growth from mining town to university center.

It is known for:

• steady, diverse membership

• long‑standing community presence

• adapting successfully to modern expectations of service and fellowship

Today, Boulder Lodge No. 9 is the largest lodge in Colorado, reflecting its continued vitality and relevance.

Odd Fellowship in the 20th Century

Throughout the 1900s, Colorado lodges built halls, cemeteries, orphanages, and community programs. Many became anchors of civic life—supporting families, hosting events, and providing stability during times of hardship.  Population shifts and economic changes led to consolidation in some areas, but the Order remained active and resilient.

The Modern Era: Renewal and Preservation

Today, Colorado Odd Fellowship continues to evolve. Lodges such as Rocky Mountain No. 2, Canon City No. 7, Pueblo No. 8, and Boulder No. 9 maintain the traditions of the Three Links while embracing modernization, community outreach, and public‑facing service.

Digitization and historical preservation efforts are helping ensure that Colorado’s Odd Fellows legacy remains accessible for future generations.  The Grand Lodge of Colorado continues to uphold the founding mission:  To improve and elevate the character of humankind through friendship, love, truth, and service.

Contact IOOF Pueblo by Calling Dr. John Jones at 580-222-9503