A century of community service was recognized in Erskine as Lodge 58 of the Independent Order of the Odd Fellows (IOOF) celebrated its centennial April 10 as three long-time members were honoured and the premier of Alberta expressed congratulations.
Premier Ed Stelmach and Drumheller-Stettler MLA Jack Hayden presented special pins to long-time members Bob North for 60 years, Bob Stevens for 45 years and Barry Stevens for 35 years.
“We are proud of our little lodge and our little hall,” said Barry Stevens, who served as master of ceremonies when the premier and MLA were present.
Both government officials lauded the lodge for its deep roots that have helped build the community.
“This is another prime example of how rural Alberta has the same values that helped establish the province over 100 years ago and how people and organizations in small communities work together,” said Premier Stelmach.
“The work you folks have done here is so great,” said Hayden, who also serves as minister of agriculture and rural development.
“It’s amazing that the lodge has served the community for 100 years and provided such a great hall for the community.”
Renowned around the world, IOOF serves to visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead and educate the orphans.
For the Stevens brother, IOOF has been a longtime family tradition following in the footsteps of their parents Claire and Mary Stevens, with Scott Kruk and Cheryl Fisher the third generation and Douglas Kruk, Cory Fisher and Colin Fisher the fourth generation.
“It’s a great way to have family and community involved and serve the community,” said Barry Stevens.
“We care for widows, support women’s shelters and 4-H, and other community groups,” said Bob Stevens.
A member for 60 years, North values the community spirit.
“Camaraderie with the lodge is worthy and rewarding,” said North, who follows in the steps of his father Frank North.
“We help widows and orphans and help bury the dead,” he said.
“There have been many times when a family didn’t have enough money to bury a loved one so IOOF is able to help.”
“As a benevolent society, all our projects are worthy causes and help people, from youth to seniors,” said North.
Erskine Lodge 58 of the Independent Order of the Odd Fellows (IOOF) was instituted on March 25, 1910 with 45 men as charter members, states a history compiled by Barry Stevens.
Those men, all early pioneers of this area, saw the need for a fraternal organization so they could gather together, socialize and assist anyone who was considered in need of a helping hand.
Those first members whose names appear on the charter did their best to conform to the humanitarian guidelines set out in the constitution.
During the war years of 1914 to 1918 and 1929 to 1945, membership suffered due to the loss of life following these catastrophic events, but the membership surged.
As attested by the name plates on the north wall of Erskine IOOF Hall, 345 men and one woman have been inducted into the lodge.
Today, the lodge boasts 17 members – small in numbers but mighty indeed.
The original hall was built around 1917, according to Bob North.
After the original IOOF hall was built, it has been a central facility for the wider community.
In 1953, the sister lodge Marvella Rebekah 121 was formed with 14 sisters and seven brothers.
Through the years, sisters’ lodge has been most cooperative and helpful – even helping financially with renovations to the hall, according to the IOOF history.
The hall, which IOOF lodge has managed to keep in good order and available to the public, still serves the lodge, seniors and the community.