The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.) was one of Paterson’s earliest and most influential fraternal organizations. Like the Masons, Elks, and Knights of Pythias, the Odd Fellows combined fellowship with charitable work, providing financial assistance to sick members, widows, orphans, and families before modern insurance and government social programs existed. Their guiding principles are Friendship, Love, and Truth.

Benevolent Lodge No. 2

Paterson was home to Benevolent Lodge No. 2, I.O.O.F., one of the oldest Odd Fellows lodges in New Jersey.

A remarkable historical fact is that:

  • Paterson organized the first Odd Fellows lodge in New Jersey.
  • Due to an administrative misunderstanding when the charter was issued, it became Lodge No. 2 instead of No. 1.
  • Despite its number, Benevolent Lodge No. 2 is actually the oldest Odd Fellows lodge in New Jersey.

Odd Fellows Hall

As membership expanded during the mid-19th century, the lodge constructed its own meeting hall.

Historical records note:

  • Odd Fellows Hall was erected in 1848.
  • Construction cost approximately $10,000, a substantial investment at the time.
  • The building was owned by the Odd Fellows Hall Association, with many shares held by Benevolent Lodge No. 2 itself.

The hall served as:

  • Lodge meeting place
  • Social center
  • Banquet hall
  • Site for public lectures
  • Community charitable events

Like many fraternal halls in Paterson, it became an important civic gathering place.

Membership

Membership included many of Paterson’s:

  • Silk manufacturers
  • Merchants
  • Bankers
  • Skilled craftsmen
  • Civil servants
  • Professional men

During the late nineteenth century, the lodge was among the city’s largest fraternal organizations.

Charitable Activities

Before the existence of Social Security or employer pensions, the Odd Fellows provided:

  • Sick benefits
  • Funeral expenses
  • Support for widows
  • Care of orphans
  • Relief for unemployed members
  • Assistance after fires and disasters

These services made the organization an important part of Paterson’s social safety net.

Rebekah Lodges

The women’s branch of the organization, known as the Rebekahs, was also active in New Jersey and often worked alongside local Odd Fellows lodges in charitable projects and community events.

Decline

Like many American fraternal organizations, Paterson’s Odd Fellows experienced declining membership after World War II as social services expanded and civic participation shifted. Many lodge buildings were eventually sold or repurposed.