Department Council
Patriarchs Militant or Canton
A regal crown, with crossed crook and sword, and the Three Links, with the left link being filled with scarlet enamel, the center link with white and the right link with purple, is the regulation lapel badge always to be worn by Chevaliers. The Army of the Crown is so termed for the reason that the Crown is the symbol of rank; the Sword, of justice; the Shepherd's Crook, of peace; and the Three Links, the bond of our fraternity. The decoration is to be a constant incentive to chivalric deeds.
Canton
The Canton, also known as the Patriarch Militants, is the highest branch in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Membership is open to an Encampment member who has attained the Royal Purple Degree. The name “Patriarchs Mili¬tant” conveys the two-fold idea of peace and soldierly valor. This branch is semi-military in character and formed solely for the purposes of chivalric display Members are admirably fulfilling its mission through the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” dedication ceremonies held in Washington DC, Canada and other military dedication ceremonies conducted by Odd Fellows in various countries worldwide. There is one degree:
The Degree Of Universal Justice
The Canton is a uniformed branch of the Order with a military rank structure. The final step in Odd Fellowship is to be mustered in as a recruit in the Patriarchs Militant Branch of the Order. The motto of the Patriarchs Militant, justitia universalis (universal justice), and the battle cry of action, pax aut bellum, (peace or war), are very appropriately blended as characteristics of many throughout history, heralded as models of human perfection in upright morals, lofty principles, soldiery behavior and chivalrous bearing. Hence the names Chevalier and Lady (a patent of nobility), applied to individual members of this branch of the Order, conveys in brief, an idea of the honorable military teachings thereof. As the motto indicates, this degree is based upon the principle of universal justice and the doctrine of rights, advocated by peaceful methods, but if necessary, defended with exercise of force. It is purely military in its character, organized for purposes of display, and is admirably fulfilling its mission. One must retain their membership and remain in good standing within both the subordinate lodge and Encampment while a member of the Patriarchs Militant.
DEPARTMENT COMMANDER
Colonel Fred Royer
ADJUTANT
Captain Kenneth D. Higgins
Patriarchs Militant of Missouri
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS
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Sovereign Grand Lodge
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FRIENDSHIP  LOVE AND TRUTH
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS
MISSOURI GRAND LODGE