By 1878, many secret societies flourished in Wooster, including various Masonic sects, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias (both English and German), the Improved Order of Redmen, and the Royal Arcanum.1Douglass 576 – 578. The most prominent of these were the Masonic societies, whose membership totaled 212 across the three different divisions, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, who totaled 232 between the two different lodges.2Douglass 576 and 577.
While other areas saw the Catholic Church discrediting societies like the Free Masons, they were generally met with support within Wooster, where members played an active role in the community.3“Catholicity.” Wooster Daily Republican, November 18th, 1892. The Masons were involved in the creation of the Courthouse in 1878; its members oversaw much of the cornerstone laying celebration, which included a parade of 250 Masons and the burying of a time capsule that was only recently rediscovered in 2016.4Paul Locher, “Time Capsule Uncovered,” The Daily Record, March 5, 2016.The Odd Fellows were also generally supported within Wooster, with newspapers in the city reporting on their banquets and charity work.5“I.O.O.F.” Wayne County Democrat, May 2nd, 1888.
For further reading:
“Religious and Educational.” Dalton Gazette, 1876.
“Odd Fellowship.” Wooster Republican, February 18, 1869.
Douglass, Ben. History of Wayne County, Ohio, From the Days of the Pioneers and First Settlers to the Present Time. Indianapolis, IN: Robert Douglass Publisher, 1878.
Locher, Paul. “Time Capsule Uncovered.” The Daily Record, March 5, 2016. https://www.the-daily-record.com/article/20160305/NEWS/303059604.