Growing In The Sunshine

Thirty years ago, in a small town in Washington State, a young twenty-something man stood surrounded by five elderly men in a leaky, damp building doing something that would change the trajectory of his entire life.  In that moment, Kelly Hughes made a commitment that would shape his destiny and give him a new purpose in life.  From that time forward, as an Odd Fellow, Kelly would work tirelessly for the betterment of his community, his lodge, and his jurisdiction.  Through his work, Skookumchuck Lodge No. 129 was able to get their building renovated (no more leaky roof!) and they were able to grow and sustain themselves.  That spirit of hard work and leadership eventually propelled Kelly to the top office in Washington, serving as Grand Master for 2017-18.  His mid-life crisis brought him to Florida where he eventually joined a lodge and became Grand Secretary.  During his time in Florida the jurisdiction has chartered two new lodges with another one scheduled for institution in the coming months.  In this long-ranging interview, Brother Kelly shares his story with us and gives us information about what has been successful in Florida and lays out his vision for the future of Odd Fellowship.  It's a lengthy interview, but definitely worth listening to all the way through as Kelly has an incredible insight into the current state and future of Odd Fellowship.  The Shoutout goes to a lodge which has reclaimed its charter after going dormant for a few years, Richland #338 in Washington State.  In the Odd Podge, Toby recounts his gig at a former Odd Fellows Hall in Bellingham that has been beautifully preserved, Kelly talks about the musical legacy of the lodge in Lynn Haven, Florida, and Ainslie gives a sneak preview of the tattoo gathering that he's planning for Sovereign Grand Lodge this year in Charleston, WV.