Kanawha Lodge #25


Independent Order of Odd Fellows


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Grand Master with the 2026-2027 Appointive Officers



From left to right: Grand Marshal Brandon Clark, Grand Conductor Victor Farmer, Grand Guardian Carl Smith, Grand Master Michael Duminiak, Grand Herald Jack Daft, Grand WV Color Bearer Ed Loudin, Grand US Color Bearer Sam Hudson, (Not pictured: Grand Chaplain Jerry Workman)



Path of Fellowship Program



Program Form





This year's Grand Master Program seeks to build connections within our lodges, our communities and across the Order. The Path of Fellowship is an opportunity for Odd Fellows and Rebekahs to put the principles of our Order into action. Built around four watchwords for this year: Compassion, Courage, Connection, and Hope, the program offers 40 quests designed to encourage kindness, service, friendship, personal growth, and stronger fraternal bonds. Members choose the quests that best fit their interests and abilities. Complete 20 quests, with at least two from each category, to earn the Path of Fellowship Certificate. Go further by completing 37 quests, with at least seven from each category, to earn the Path of Fellowship Medal. There is no single path everyone must follow and no individual quest is required. What matters is making a genuine effort to strengthen our Order and make a difference in the lives of others. The path is yours to choose. The commitment is yours to demonstrate. No One Stands Alone!



Actions of the Grand Master





Dispensations Granted



  1. Boone Lodge 170 Degrees
  2. Membership Applications


Decisions Rendered



  1. None​


Proclamations Issued



  1. Veterans Day​
  2. Thanksgiving


Grand Master's Program





GRand Master Pin



The 2026–2027 Grand Master's pin embodies the theme “No One Stands Alone.” Featuring the outline of West Virginia in navy blue and gold, the design incorporates the Bundle of Sticks, symbolizing the strength we find in unity, and the Three Links, representing Friendship, Love, and Truth. Together, these symbols remind us that we are stronger when we stand together and that our greatest strength comes from lifting one another.



Theme: No one stands alone



No One Stands Alone is more than the theme of the 2026–2027 Grand Master's year it is a promise at the very heart of Odd Fellowship. It reminds us that no Brother or Sister should face life's hardships, challenges, or uncertainties without the support of fellowship. Whether through a kind word, a helping hand, a welcoming lodge, or a community united in service, we have the power to make a difference in one another's lives. Together, let us strengthen our lodges, renew our bonds of fellowship, and demonstrate through our actions that no one among us is forgotten, no one is left behind, and no one stands alone.


Motto: We Rise by lifting others



“We rise by lifting others.” — Robert Ingersoll

This motto captures the very essence of Odd Fellowship and the responsibility we share toward one another. True success is not measured solely by our own accomplishments, but by the lives we touch, the burdens we help carry, and the people we encourage along the way. When we extend a helping hand, strengthen a struggling Brother or Sister, or give someone the confidence to rise again, we strengthen not only that individual but our entire fraternity. This year, let us remember that our greatest achievements are not found in how high we climb alone, but in how many others we help rise alongside us.



Watchwords: Compassion, Courage, Connection, Hope



The four watchwords of the 2026–2027 Grand Master's year: Compassion, Courage, Connection, and Hope, represent the values that will guide our journey together. Compassion calls us to recognize the needs and burdens of others and respond with kindness. Courage challenges us to take action, extend a hand, and stand beside those who need us. Connection reminds us that fellowship is built through relationships, shared experiences, and a genuine sense of belonging. Hope inspires us to believe in the possibility of a stronger future for our members, our lodges, our communities, and our Order. Together, these four principles provide more than words to guide a program they offer a practical path for living our commitment to Odd Fellowship and ensuring that No One Stands Alone.


Guides: The Holy Bible, The Ritual, The Odd Fellows Pocket Companion



The guides for the 2026–2027 Grand Master's year are The Holy Bible, the Odd Fellows Ritual, and the Odd Fellows' Pocket Companion: A Correct Guide in All Matters Relating to Odd Fellowship. Together, these works provide spiritual inspiration, preserve the teachings and traditions of our Order, and offer guidance in the principles and practices of Odd Fellowship. They remind us that our fraternity is built upon more than ceremony and tradition it is founded upon enduring principles that call us to live lives of friendship, service, integrity, and mutual support. As we travel the path of fellowship this year, these guides will serve as reminders of the values we inherit, the responsibilities we accept, and the example we must set for those who follow.​


Flower: Gladiolus



The flower selected for the 2026–2027 Grand Master's year is the Gladiolus, a flower traditionally associated with strength, integrity, faithfulness, and moral character. Its tall, upright growth symbolizes the strength to remain steadfast in our convictions and the courage to stand by one another through life's challenges. The Gladiolus serves as a reminder that true strength is not found in standing alone, but in remaining faithful to our principles and supporting those who walk beside us. May it inspire us to stand with dignity, serve with integrity, and remain steadfast in our commitment to Friendship, Love, and Truth.​



Emblem: Bundle of Sticks



The emblem of the 2026–2027 Grand Master's year is the Bundle of Sticks, an enduring symbol of unity, mutual support, and collective strength. Its lesson is simple but powerful: one stick may be easily broken, but a bundle bound together is far stronger. It reminds us that our strength as Odd Fellows comes not from standing independently, but from standing together. Every member has value, every lodge has a place, and every connection strengthens the whole. The Bundle of Sticks represents our commitment to support one another, share one another's burdens, and build a fraternity in which no Brother or Sister is left to face life's challenges alone.​



Song: Lean on Me



The song selected for the 2026–2027 Grand Master's year is “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers, a timeless reminder of the importance of friendship, compassion, and mutual support. Its message speaks directly to the heart of Odd Fellowship: none of us should have to face life's difficulties alone, and each of us has both the opportunity and the responsibility to be there for others. Sometimes the greatest gift we can offer is simply a willingness to listen, lend a hand, or stand beside someone when the road becomes difficult. As we share this song throughout the year, may it remind us that fellowship is more than belonging to an organization it is being someone others can lean on, knowing that we, too, can depend upon the strength and kindness of those around us.​


Scripture: Galatians 6:2



The scripture selected for the 2026–2027 Grand Master's year is Galatians 6:2: “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” These words express a timeless call to compassion, service, and shared responsibility. They remind us that we are not meant to walk through life's difficulties alone, nor should we turn away when others need our help. To bear another's burden is to recognize their struggles, offer support without judgment, and demonstrate through our actions that their well-being matters. This message lies at the very heart of Odd Fellowship and speaks directly to our commitment to Friendship, Love, and Truth. May this verse guide our words, shape our decisions, and inspire us to become a source of strength and encouragement to every Brother, Sister, and neighbor in need.​



Charity: Emergency & Disaster Fund



The designated charity of the 2026–2027 Grand Master's year is the Emergency & Disaster Fund, which provides assistance to Odd Fellows and their families when they are affected by emergencies, natural disasters, and other unforeseen hardships. Through this fund, we have an opportunity to put our principles into action when they are needed most, helping our Brothers and Sisters begin the difficult process of recovery and rebuilding. Whether facing the aftermath of a fire, flood, storm, or other unexpected tragedy, no member should have to face such circumstances without the support of our fraternity. Supporting the Emergency & Disaster Fund is one meaningful way we can live the promise of this year's theme.



Prayer



Loving Creator,

Fill our hearts with Compassion,

Strengthen our spirits with Courage,

Knit our fellowship in Connection,

and kindle within us a living Hope.

Help us to lift each other

so that no one stands alone.



Colors: Navy Blue & Gold



The colors selected for the 2026–2027 Grand Master's year are Navy Blue and Gold. Navy Blue reflects loyalty, steadfastness, trust, and the depth of our commitment to one another. Gold represents the value of every member, the warmth of friendship, and the light of hope that we can bring into the lives of others. Together, these colors symbolize a fellowship grounded in enduring principles and strengthened by the bonds we share. May they serve as a visible reminder that our greatest strength is found in standing together, lifting one another, and ensuring that No One Stands Alone.





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Kanawha Lodge #25



Odd fellows building
corner of capitol and lee streets
717 lee st, e Box 1, Charleston, wv 25301