Lafayette Lodge No. 18, IOOF

Since 1838, Lafayette Lodge No. 18 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows is the oldest organization in Wappinger, NY. Charter members Jno. A. Kennedy, J. D. S.

Our 1877 Lodge stands in the heart of the village and boasts a proud past built on friendship, love, and truth. Founded in 1838, Lafayette Lodge No. 18 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows is the oldest fraternal organization in the Town of Wappinger. Our 1877 Lodge stands tall in the heart of the Wappingers Falls Downtown Historic District and boasts a proud past built on friendship, love, and

truth. For generations our members have enjoyed social interaction within our Lodge lounges all while continuing our mission of being charitable to our community. Instituted on January 4, 1838, Lafayette Lodge, No. 18 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows has long been a cornerstone of the Wappinger community. Stewart, George Chatillion, Joseph R. Young, William A. Tyler, Jno. Ellison, and Joseph Blackburn met in what was then the Village of Channingville on West Main Street. By 1877, the lodge had grown to over 160 members and our Lodge Hall was constructed on South Avenue on land donated by the Mesier family. Members of Lafayette Lodge constructed the building themselves at a cost of $7,000. It's said that the members dug and constucted the foundation in one afternoon. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows was founded in Baltimore by British immigrant Thomas Wildey on April 25, 1819. As an Englishman, Wildey had found it difficult to establish friendships in a city still smarting from the War of 1812. Placing an ad in the paper, Wildey found four others willing to join; together they established Washington Lodge Number 1. Members of the order are "bound together by the ties of friendship, love, and truth for the purposes of alleviating the sufferings of humanity." This "three-link-fraternity" is based on two Biblical stories; that of Jonathan and David, a parable of friendship and mutual relief; and the story of the Good Samaritan, which illustrates the second principle, love. Truth, the third link, binds the first two together. The all-seeing eye at the top of this image commands its members to "Visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead, and educate the orphan." Female figures of Charity and Faith stand on either side with a cornucopia and anchor, respectively. Fraternal organizations committed to public service became common in the United States, offering members fellowship while strengthening ties within a larger community.

Photos from Lafayette Lodge No. 18, IOOF's post

03/25/2026

With great sadness we report the passing of our brother Bob Relyea after a lengthy illness. Longtime treasurer of Lafayette lodge Bob was also a past noble grand, vice grand and just a grand guy. His dedication to our lodge and his community will be forever remembered, as will his never ending supply of bad puns. Rest easy brother.

03/15/2026

🎉 Today we were honored to proclaim Evelyn Faber Day in the Town of Wappinger in celebration of Evelyn’s 101st birthday!

Evelyn, a resident of South Mesier Avenue, has lived a remarkable life and continues to be a cherished member of our community. It was a pleasure to stop by and wish her a very happy birthday alongside my fellow members of Lafayette Lodge No. 18, IOOF in sharing in this special milestone.

On behalf of the entire Town of Wappinger, we wish Evelyn a very happy 101st birthday!

03/05/2026

lafayette lodge is spreading the word & world of oddfellowship to our community. We had the pleasure of welcoming local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops to visit our lodge, tolearn who we are, what we do and have fun too. A great time was had by the kids and their families and us too!

11/25/2025

The brothers of Lafayette lodge presented Bro. Bob Relyea with the lifetime humanitarian award, well deserved, for his many contributions and his dedication to the oddfellow community. Well done Bob!

10/31/2025

10/18/2025

A beautiful day in Mesier Park for the annual Wappingers Falls Halloween Parade!

Noble Grand Joseph D. Cavaccini, Warden David Barr, and Brother Justin Rodriguez participated in today’s festivities with our Lodge’s haunted Scrooge & Marley home giving out candy to the hundreds of kids who came dressed for the occasion!

09/11/2025

Another day another delivery of backpacks filled with school supplies. This time brother Bill Sawall and John T delivered a load to the city of Newburgh for its school and after school programs!

Photos from Town of Wappinger Parks and Recreation's post

09/09/2025

08/30/2025

Lafayette Lodge-with thanks tothe Odd Fellows benefit fund, and in conjunction with The Teachers Desk, was pleased to be able to donate over a 100 backpacks filled with school supplies to multiple local schools where children are in need. Remembering helping to educate those in need is part of our creed! More to come!

07/03/2025

🎉 Celebrate Wappingers' 150th Anniversary with us at Grinnell Library’s Outdoor Picnic!

📅 Saturday, July 19 | 12–4 PM
☔️ Rain Date: Sunday, July 20 | 12-4 PM

Bring your own lunch — we’ll bring the snacks, sweets, and fun! 🧺🎂🎉

06/29/2025

Happy Birthday Brother Al Hubner!

On Friday morning, we got to celebrate a very special 100th birthday with our friends at the VFW Post 5913 for our mutal brother Al Hubner (WW2 Veteran). Thank you to everyone for taking the time to sign/mail over 170 birthday cards. As part of "the Greatest Generation," Al's life has been a testament to service--both on the battlefield and community. We salute Al and honor his tremendous sacrifice for our nation--and our freedoms. As the lingest member of Lafayette Lodge No. 18, IOOF this will always be a place Brother Hubner can call home. 🇺🇸🇺🇸

VFW Post 5913 Auxiliary Keep the Spirit of '45 ALIVE! Beacon Elks Lodge #1493 Lafayette Lodge No. 18, IOOF Beacon BSA Scouts Troop 41

Claim ownership or report listing

Want your school to be the top-listed School/college in Wappingers Falls?

Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.