Fraternal Orders

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A fraternal order is an organized society or association whose members are joined by shared interests, values, traditions, or goals, and who often participate in rituals, ceremonies, or charitable activities.

Typically emphasizing fellowship, mutual support, and community service, membership is usually voluntary, structured around ranks or degrees, and may include social, cultural, or philanthropic functions. The list below includes fraternal orders that have existed for a period of at least ten years.

Their names or internal honors sometimes resemble the terminology traditionally associated with chivalric orders, which can be confusing to the lay reader. These groups are not chivalric in origin or intent, and their titles should not be interpreted as conferring knighthood or equivalent distinctions. 

This list of examples is for reference only, and should not be read as an endorsement or critique of their missions, histories, or members. The goal is to provide clarity for readers who encounter names that may be confused with formal orders of knighthood recognized by established heraldic or honor systems.

• Masonic
  • Knights Templar
  • Knight Masons
  • Royal Order of Scotland
  • Order of DeMolay
• Temperance Orders
  • Independent Order of Rechabites (IOR)
  • Independent Order of Good Templars (IOGT)
  • Tempel Riddare Orden
• Faith-Based Orders
  • Knights of Columbus
  • Loyal Orange Order
• Odd Fellows
  • Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF)
  • Grand United Order of Oddfellows (GUOOFS)
• Other Fraternal Societies
  • Improved Order of Red Men
  • Fraternal Order of Eagles
  • Order of Free Gardeners