In a secluded corner of the wilderness around Mount Shasta in Northern California, a secret rite has been taking place for generations. No, it's not something from the latest thriller novel, it's the Cave Degree! In a natural cave that faces east toward Mount Shasta, Odd Fellows (and before them, Knights of Pythias) have been performing degree work. The Odd Fellows of Yreka Lodge No. 19 bought the cave from the Pythians in 1962 for $10 but had been using the cave for the Second Degree since 1940. The Cave Degree has become one of the most cherished traditions of Odd Fellowship in California and Oregon, with generations of members having made the trek out to the cave for the ceremony. For this episode we are joined by PGP Brian Riehl, RA VP Debra LaVergne, and NG of True Fellowship Lodge #52, Mason Wolf as they discuss the history and tradition of the Cave Degree, and one of its greatest champions and caretakers, Richard Brouse. The story of the Cave Degree has many twists, turns, and stories. We also discuss the current state of the cave and the efforts underway to rehabilitate the facility so it can again be used for the Second Degree of Odd Fellowship. The Lodge Shoutout goes to Friendship Lodge #50 in Northfield, Minnesota which was recently revived by a group of Masons who discovered Odd Fellowship and joined. In the Odd Podge there was definitely a theme of Odd Fellows helping one another out. Toby told about his lodge brother Matt in rehab and all the Odd Fellows of his lodge who had visited him. Debra shared the exciting news about a new baby born to members of Mountain View #244 in California. Mike gave the dates for Gerald Workman's Testimonial in Charleston, West Virginia in 2024. Ainslie mentioned the new article for the Heart In Hand Blog about the Hahn Farm Degrees written by Brother Mason Wolf. Brian also shared a story of visiting members in sickness and distress and also mentioned the Oktoberfest hosted by St. Helena Lodge which sent Toby into a near frenzy of desire to get one of their beer steins. To close the Odd Podge, Mason talked about his experiences going to Portland to render aid to a brother in need.
In a secluded corner of the wilderness around Mount Shasta in Northern California, a secret rite has been taking place for generations. No, it's not something from the latest thriller novel, it's the Cave Degree! In a natural cave that faces east toward Mount Shasta, Odd Fellows (and before them, Knights of Pythias) have been performing degree work. The Odd Fellows of Yreka Lodge No. 19 bought the cave from the Pythians in 1962 for $10 but had been using the cave for the Second Degree since 1940. The Cave Degree has become one of the most cherished traditions of Odd Fellowship in California and Oregon, with generations of members having made the trek out to the cave for the ceremony. For this episode we are joined by PGP Brian Riehl, RA VP Debra LaVergne, and NG of True Fellowship Lodge #52, Mason Wolf as they discuss the history and tradition of the Cave Degree, and one of its greatest champions and caretakers, Richard Brouse. The story of the Cave Degree has many twists, turns, and stories. We also discuss the current state of the cave and the efforts underway to rehabilitate the facility so it can again be used for the Second Degree of Odd Fellowship. The Lodge Shoutout goes to Friendship Lodge #50 in Northfield, Minnesota which was recently revived by a group of Masons who discovered Odd Fellowship and joined. In the Odd Podge there was definitely a theme of Odd Fellows helping one another out. Toby told about his lodge brother Matt in rehab and all the Odd Fellows of his lodge who had visited him. Debra shared the exciting news about a new baby born to members of Mountain View #244 in California. Mike gave the dates for Gerald Workman's Testimonial in Charleston, West Virginia in 2024. Ainslie mentioned the new article for the Heart In Hand Blog about the Hahn Farm Degrees written by Brother Mason Wolf. Brian also shared a story of visiting members in sickness and distress and also mentioned the Oktoberfest hosted by St. Helena Lodge which sent Toby into a near frenzy of desire to get one of their beer steins. To close the Odd Podge, Mason talked about his experiences going to Portland to render aid to a brother in need.