The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) and Rebekah lodges are a service to their communities. Lone Star Rebekah Lodge No. 141 and Fall City IOOF No. 59 are located at 4217 337th Place S.E. in Fall City, and the Gilman Rebekah also meets at the same hall. Many people who are not members of a IOOF or Rebekah lodge may wonder what a lodge does.

A fraternal organization’s meetings generally are closed to the public, except on special occasions. A ritual is used to open meetings, which usually consists of a formal opening ceremony that includes an opening prayer and honors to the flag of our country.

Although a password is often used to indicate membership, there are really no secrets, and most of the work of a lodge is aimed at community service work and helping those in need. There are also various social events during the year.

The Rebekah Lodge slogan is “Friendship, Love and Truth.” Lodges have distinct purposes and members visit the sick and provide comfort and assistance to families of deceased members and those in need. There are a number of charities to which Lone Star Lodge contributes, including a statewide project called Visual Aids Program. Recently they were able to help a young boy from the Snoqualmie Valley area in financing a portion of his much-needed eye treatments. Old eyeglasses are also collected for the needy.

Our assistance is available for both children and adults. For help, contact either the IOOF Lodge or the Rebekah Lodge in your community.

There is also an ongoing project of contributions to the Arthritis Foundation. At Christmas and Thanksgiving time, assistance is given for gift baskets and to the local senior centers. Each year donations are given to food banks, as well as to the State Rebekah Assembly President’s Project for the IOOF home in Walla Walla.

Last year a needy family in the area received donations from the lodge and donations were given to Helping Hands in North Bend, Hopelink in Carnation and the Redmond food bank. Donations were also given to the local fire departments and aid-car units in Fall City, Carnation, Redmond and Snoqualmie.

The Rebekah Lodge assists the IOOF Lodge in sponsoring a Little League team at Fall City and has participated in Fall City, Carnation and Snoqualmie parades in years past. Although the lodge is a small group of people, they are doing great things for their community.

Now the Lone Star Rebekah members are looking ahead to raise money to continue their work. A rummage sale will be held at the IOOF Hall in Fall City from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 23. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Snoqualmie Valley Hospital.

There are a number of fraternal lodges in our local area that are community service groups and are in need of new members to help with their many worthwhile programs. They are small, but mighty.

Contact the lodge in your community if you are interested in becoming a member.

Loraine Mills

Lone Star Rebekah Lodge

Fall City