Today we’d like to introduce you to Tory Keit.

Our founder Past Noble Grand Tory Keit researched the Odd Fellows. Then met with Daniel Varney to discuss. Together, they decided that the principles of the Odd Fellows aligned with their beliefs and decided to seek out joining the organization. Excited about the thought, Tory and Daniel reached out to their network to see if there were others that would be interested, and there were!

In the meantime, PNG Tory Keit was able to reach Jimmy Humphrey, (unaware that they were in talks with the Past Sovereign Grand Master of Georgia, whom at one time ran the entire I.O.O.F internationally) and they set up a meeting to learn more. Jimmy drove up from Savannah, GA and met Tory Keit and Daniel Varney at Marietta Pizza Kitchen, located in the heart of Marietta Square, in Marietta, GA. At this meeting, Tory Keit, along with Daniel Varney, applied for membership after learning more, and being granted a question/answer session concerning Laws, Rites, and Charter, of which they proposed to apply!

PNG Tory Keit was the first to be initiated into the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He, his wife Christan and son Tristen traveled down to Oglethorpe Lodge No. 1 in Savannah, GA. and was given the Initiatory Degree by Past Sovereign Grand Master Jimmy Humphrey, on February 9, 2019. Oglethorpe Lodge welcomed him and his family with open arms.

PNG Keit, upon his return, immediately reached out to Daniel Varney to discuss the experience of being initiated and followed by reaching out to others who also expressed an interest in joining. After a few conversations, Dave Negusse, RM Bailey III (The great-grandson of RM Bailey of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows in the Bahamas), Milton Warden, and David Johnson all decided they would like to join as well.

On March 2, 2019, the following brothers met at 2001 MLK JR DR, Atlanta, GA. 30310: PNG Tory Keit, Daniel Varney, Dave Negusse, RM Bailey III, Milton Warden, David Johnson, Steven Lee, Jamie Hayes, Brandon Black, Ike Nduka, Michael Grant, and Ta-Carr Freeman. Each was initiated into the order as newly initiated members of Oglethorpe Lodge No. 1. In Savannah, GA.

Steven Lee, Jamie Hayes, Brandon Black, Ike Nduka, Michael Grant, and Ta-Carr Freeman, collectively discussed starting a lodge in Atlanta, Ga. Henceforth, they remained in Oglethorpe Lodge No. 1.

​PNG Tory Keit, having had his application for a Dispensation to start a lodge in Marietta, Georgia, granted. On March 2, 2019, Iron Links Lodge No. 5 of Marietta, GA was chartered. The chartering members are Tory Keit, Daniel Varney, Dave Negusse, RM Bailey III, Milton Warden, and David Johnson. Elections were held, and the following officers installed: Noble Grand Tory Keit, Vice Grand Daniel Varney, Treasurer Dave Negusse, and Secretary RM Bailey III. Noble Grand appointed Milton Warden as the Warden and David Johnson as the Conductor.

At the end of the installation, all brothers met on the principles of Friendship, Love and Truth. It was a great sight to see for all those present. Exchanging phone numbers and enjoying the new Fellowship, the Brothers and Sisters, all went their respective ways as several had traveled from Savannah, Woodstock, Macon, and Gainesville Georgia.

With a new lodge in Marietta, GA the charter members began their journey into spreading Friendship, Love and Truth. With the mindset of taking care of its members, each charter member took charge and set out to grow the lodge and make an impact. With an enthusiastic attitude, they began laying the foundation to do just that.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?

We faced the challenges of growing with a good bit of support from the Order. Anything we needed we were assisted by the membership and community.

We’d love to hear more about your organization.

As an organization, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows aims to provide a framework that promotes personal and social development. Lodge degrees and activities aim to improve and elevate every person to a higher, nobler plane; to extend sympathy and aid to those in need, making their burdens lighter, relieving the darkness of despair; to war against vice in every form, and to be a great moral power and influence for the good of humanity.

​The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is one of the oldest and largest fraternities in the world. We are non-political and non-sectarian. Membership is open to all regardless of sex, race, religion, political affiliation and social status -all bound by the desire to improve ourselves and the calling to live and promote the principles of Friendship, Love, and Truth which transcends labels. We believe that by developing close friendships among each other and by working together in our communities, we can make a difference in the world and among ourselves!

So, what’s next? Any big plans?

We have exceeded our own goals and now we welcome new members to join. Our current goal is to get an Odd Fellows building in Cobb County to hold the membership.

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