Independent Order of Odd Fellows

North Point Lodge #4 Links

Marine Mail Project

Below is a copy of a letter drafted to accompany the LARGE mailing to the soldiers. The pictures along the way illustrate how it all came together.

GREETINGS !!! Fellow American

In Friendship, Love and Truth the guiding principles of “Odd Fellowship” I bid you GREETINGS.

As a small gesture on our part we are sending you some items donated by your fellow American’s who support you and pray for your safe return to family and country. The support for this program has been tremendous to say the least. The following page lists many who have donated monies for shipping and the items in this package. All these people have but one message for you and your brothers and sisters in arms “We Support You”.

Our lodge began this program in support of HQBN Small Craft Company, DSU USMC in which one of our “Brothers” was a Lance Corporal who served two tours and now is home. We would like to continue our support of you gallant Men and Women in arms. Please if you can share with us some fellow soldiers who we can send more packages too.

A brief history for you about us the Odd Fellows:

What is an Odd Fellow? Arguably, the single most asked question from the curious. An Odd Fellow endeavors to Improve and Elevate the Character of Man. In 17th century England, it was odd to find people organized for giving aid to those in need and of pursuing projects for the benefit of all humankind. Those who belonged to such an organization were called "Odd Fellows". Odd Fellows are also known as "The Three Link Fraternity", which stands for Friendship, Love, and Truth. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows was founded on the North American Continent in Baltimore, Maryland, on April 26, 1819 when Thomas Wildey and four members of the Order from England instituted Washington Lodge No.1.

Many of our members are veterans of W.W. II, Korea, and Vietnam and their continued dedication to serve our country is the inspiration behind this program. We hope this package brings some of the U.S.A. to you and the knowledge your efforts are not forgotten or ignored and are truly appreciated. Contact us at the above address or if you have computer access e-mail me bro5ad@msn.com or the lodge secretary at frank_981@msn.com or Ed Hook at semperfi73@comcast.net.

You and your fellow soldiers are in our prayers always! Be Safe and may God watch over you.

They are the Brothers and Sisters of North Point Lodge #4, Fort Carroll Lodge #11 and Salem Encampment # 13 of Baltimore, Maryland.

The Telephone Pioneers of America (Point Breeze Life Member Club).

Our Lady of Fatima Members Club.

A special acknowledgement to Carolyn & French Ray & Rose Dougherty for their generous donations that helped send these items.

Extra special thanks to the firefighters of Baltimore County Station # 5 in Halethorpe, Maryland and Captain Ed Sipes (USMC) and the “B” shift for placing an ad in the Arbutus Times and being the collection point of all the donations from the Arbutus/Halethorpe, Maryland area. Not to mention the cash donations from these firefighters to pay the shipping cost.

St. John’s Lutheran Church

Curves of Edgemere

The Brothers and Sisters of Helena Lodge # 171

The sisters of Crown Rebekah Lodge #12

Chairman of the County Council for Baltimore, Maryland John Olszewski and his son Delegate John Olszewski.

The people of Arbutus, Halethorpe, and surrounding communities who continue to donate items to send.

Finally the people of Fort Howard, Edgemere, and Dundalk Maryland for the continued support.

In Friendship, Love and Truth

Dennis M Brown, Ed Hook (USMC) John Molter, Harry Wilkins, Dave Brown, Chairman Co-Chairman Co-Chairman Noble Grand Vice Grand

Marine Mail Marine Mail Marine Mail Nth Pt. #4 Nth Pt. #4