Friendship • Love • Truth
Welcome to Forest City Lodge #38 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF). A venerable fraternal community in London, Ontario, united in charity, fellowship, and personal integrity.
First instituted in Canada West
London active resurgence
Every month at 7:30 PM
Grand Lodge of Ontario
The Anatomy of the Lodge Medallion
Every inscription, colour, and icon forged onto the official seal of Forest City Lodge #38 carries centuries of fraternal meaning. Hover over each badge to discover the lore.
Click or hover any hotspot pin to explore its fraternal meaning
The Heart in Hand
Central Golden ReliefPositioned at the radiant sunburst heart of our medallion, this iconic Odd Fellows emblem signifies that what the hand does, the heart must endorse: sincere, unfeigned charity and brotherly love without pretense.
The Eye & Three Links
Superior Crest • F • L • TCrown of the seal: The All-Seeing Eye representing watchful integrity, set over the eternal Three Links inscribed with F • L • T (Friendship, Love, and Truth), uniting Odd Fellows across the globe.
The Fourfold Mandate
Outer Azure PerimeterRinged in blue enamel: "Visit the Sick, Relieve the Distressed, Bury the Dead, Educate the Orphan." The fundamental command given to every Odd Fellow since the order's ancient inception.
Trilliums & London 1857
Ontario District 12Twin Ontario Trilliums flank our Forest Green emblem, anchoring our historic charter in London, Ontario ("The Forest City") instituted on February 9, 1857, and vigorously active today.
London's Historic Odd Fellows Lodge
Forest City Lodge #38 is part of the worldwide Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF). We bring together individuals who believe that benevolence, community duty, and moral character make the world a kinder, more resilient home.
"Rooted in mid-19th century tradition, revitalized for modern Londoners striving for fellowship, self-improvement, and mutual aid."
A Living Tradition in the Heart of “The Forest City”
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows traces its heritage back centuries, formed by tradespeople and citizens who united to assist one another in times of need when state safety nets did not exist.
Today, Forest City Lodge #38 upholds that sacred trust right here in London, Ontario. Whether we are conducting regular lodge business, supporting community charity, or forging lifelong friendships, our lodge provides a sanctuary of mutual respect, equality, and service.
Mutual Support
A compassionate network standing by each brother and sister in all seasons.
Community Charity
Local initiatives aiding families, youth, and community wellness in London.
The Three Links of Odd Fellowship
Every member of the IOOF wears the Three Links emblem, representing the foundational virtues that guide our speech, our works, and our brotherhood. Click each link below to inspect its deeper significance.
Friendship: The First Strong Link
Building meaningful, supportive, and lifelong relationships. We recognize in each human being a companion traveling the path of life, worthy of genuine fellowship and loyal regard.
A Legacy Spanning Three Centuries
From the bustling 19th-century boom of London, Ontario to our revitalization in 2024, explore the pivotal milestones of Lodge #38.
First Instituted in London, Canada West
Forest City Lodge #38 was formally instituted under charter, establishing one of the area’s premier fraternal lodges. Dedicated to caring for widows, helping sick brothers, and improving society, the lodge became an anchor of London's civic life.
Generations of Service
Through major historical upheavals, world wars, and societal shifts, Odd Fellows lodges provided relief and brotherhood across Southwestern Ontario, quietly preserving traditions of fellowship and community aid.
Officially Re-Instituted
MilestoneA renewed chapter begins. With deep reverence for our 1857 foundations, Forest City Lodge #38 was proudly re-instituted to continue its timeless mission of friendship, charity, and truth in modern London.
Welcoming New Initiates & Community Partners
Convening bi-monthly at the London Protestant Hall, engaging in local philanthropic endeavors, and opening our lodge doors to those seeking purpose, fellowship, and brotherly goodwill.
Regular Lodge Meetings
We meet regularly to conduct lodge business, welcome candidates, plan community service efforts, and strengthen our bonds. Visitors and prospective members are warmly received by prior arrangement.
Every month throughout the year
Doors open for fraternal gathering
London Protestant Hall
1057 Oxford Street East
London, ON N5Y 3L2
Canada
Oxford St E & Highbury Ave Vicinity
District 12 & Grand Lodge of Ontario
Forest City Lodge #38 operates under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Ontario, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and belongs to Ontario District 12.
Through this affiliation, we stand united with thousands of brothers and sisters across Ontario and around the world, bound by common vows of mutual assistance and benevolence.
Sister Amber
Lodge Secretary • Forest City Lodge #38
Inquire & Connect
Whether you seek membership, want to visit an assembly, or wish to collaborate on community aid in London, we welcome your inquiry.