Explains 8 historical secret societies whose existence itself is almost unknown



There are many 'secret societies' around the world that are largely unknown to the world because they keep the purpose and content of their activities, or even the very existence of the societies, a secret. The most famous secret society,

Freemasonry , is often mentioned in conspiracy theories because of its many mysteries, but it is actually a worldwide fraternity. Regarding secret societies that exist other than Freemasonry, media operated by the Smithsonian Academic SocietySmithsonian MagazineIntroduces 8 groups.

Eight Secret Societies You Might Not Know | History | Smithsonian Magazine
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/secret-societies-you-might-not-know-180958294/

◆ 1: Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World (IBPOEW)
IBPOEW is a secret society founded by two black men in 1899 after being refused admission to the organization 'Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World'. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World, which was the catalyst, was founded in 1892 as a social club in New York. ``Believing in the Supreme Being (God)'' was a condition for membership, but until the 1970s, membership was limited to ``American citizens, white men over the age of 21, healthy mind and body, and not a communist''. It was done. Initially, the activity was to provide a place to enjoy entertainment, alcohol, and food at an appropriate price, but later it also began to engage in charity activities such as youth development and donations.

The July 12, 1907 issue of The Seattle Republican, a Seattle local newspaper, reported that 'IBPOEW is one of the most prosperous secret societies among African Americans.' It is said that this IBPOEW was one of the few places in those days where black men and women could socialize. This IBPOEW also conducts educational scholarship programs, summer camps, and community service activities.

2: Grand Orange Lodge
The Grand Orange Lodge, also known as the 'Orange Cult', was founded in a small village in Northern Ireland after King William III of England, who was a Dutch governor. Although the purpose of the activity was to protect Protestantism, in Ireland where more than 80% of the population is Catholic, the purpose of the Grand Orange Lodge was politically hostile. The support of the Grand Orange Lodge by George William Frederick Villiers, 4th Earl of Clarendon in 1849 led to a local newspaper reporting that 'Lord Clarendon had long ago been in contact with illicit associations in Dublin. Grand Orange Lodge.' has been scheming with Lord Clarendon all along, with secret signs and passwords.Strange as it may seem, this is the truth...' In addition, it seems that there is also a record that Grand Orange Lodge was expelled from Ireland as 'acting hostile to Irish political organizations'.



Grand Orange Lodge has branches all over the world, not just in Ireland. You don't need to submit a pledge to join, just accept Protestant principles and pledge allegiance to your country. There is no obligation to be anti-Catholic, and the official website states that 'Grand Orange Lodge is not a negative, but rather a positive force.'

◆ 3: Independent Order of Odd Fellows
Known in Japanese as the 'Independent Knights of Oddfellows', the origins of this group are unclear, but old records say it was associated with King George IV of England in 1812. It seems that George IV was a member of Freemasonry, but when he tried to enroll his relatives without following the regular admission procedure, he was refused by Freemasonry Headquarters. Therefore, he declared that he would establish an organization that would oppose Freemasonry and left Freemasonry. However, the official website of the Independent Order of Oddfellows traces its origins back to 1066.

The purpose of the Independent Order of Oddfellows is to 'provide a framework for promoting personal and social development' and to 'promote the principles of friendship, love, truth, faith, hope, charity and universal justice; To improve and enhance the individuality of mankind.' Winston Churchill and Stanley Baldwin were also members in the past.



◆ 4: Knights of Pythias
The Knights of Pythias was founded in 1864 by Justus H. Rathbone, an employee of Washington, DC. At that time, the United States was in the midst of the Civil War, and Rathbone said that he thought that 'an organization that practices brotherhood is morally necessary.' The name comes from the Greek mythology Damon and Phishas . All of its founding members work for the government in one way or another, and the Order of Pisias claims to be the first fraternity established under law.

The symbol of the Knights of Pisias is a combination of blue, yellow and red triangles. Blue means friendship, yellow means charity, and red means benevolence.



◆ 5: Ancient Order of the Foresters
The Ancient Order of the Foresters, also known as the 'Foresters Friendly Society', was founded in 1834, before the National Health Service began in England, to provide sick pay to its working-class members. known for

In 1874 the American and Canadian chapters withdrew from the headquarters and established independent Ancient Order of the Foresters. In order to join this club, it is stipulated that 'you must pass an examination made by a competent doctor who is a member of the club'. It seems that this club provides insurance contracts to members and conducts community service activities.

◆ 6: Ancient Order of United Workmen
The Ancient Order of United Workmen is an organization founded in 1868 by 13 people, including John Jordan Upchurch of Pennsylvania, for the purpose of improving the treatment of the working class. Initially, the Ancient Order of United Workmen functioned primarily as an organization to provide members-only insurance, and if a member died, other members would donate $1 each to the deceased member's family. had become Now, in addition to member-only insurance services, he also conducts charity work.

◆ 7: Patriotic Order Sons of America
The Patriotic Order Sons of America originated from an organization called 'Junior Suns of America' established in 1847. The initial purpose of the activity was to be anti-Catholic and anti-immigrant, as the name 'Patriotic' suggests, but after that the group collapsed once. When it was revived in 1868, it aimed to provide free public education to immigrants and functioned as a support organization for immigrants.

Also, initially there was a restriction that membership qualifications were 'to be white', but in 1891 there was also a proposal to delete the wording limited to whites from the rules. At that time, after a discussion, it seems that the bill to admit black people was rejected, but at the time of writing the article, the membership qualification was ``believe in your country and its system, perpetuate a free government, and be a brother among Americans. All genuine American men over the age of 16 who want to nurture love and elevate their country,' and it seems that racial restrictions have been lifted.

◆ 8: Molly Maguires
In the 1870s, 24 foremen and managers were assassinated at a coal mine in Pennsylvania. The suspected culprit was a member of the secret society 'Molly Maguires' by Irish immigrants. The origin of the name Molly Maguires is said to be because the members dressed as women and set fires and threatened to kill them.



Molly Maguires' origin and purpose are unknown, but it evolved from a working-class self-help organization into a kind of violent organization through religious and political conflicts such as Protestants and Catholics, American natives and immigrants, Democrats and Republicans. It is said that it is not. As a result, Molly Maguires is disintegrated by a spy sent by the Pinkerton Detective Agency commissioned by a mining company. Twenty former members were hanged, and it seems that the secret society 'The Order of the Sons of St. George', which was a counter-organization of Molly Maguires, has also disappeared.

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