Richard Brouse Degree Lodge #190

Since 1940, Odd Fellows have been using the Pythian Cave, an escarpment cave deep in the hinterlands of Northern California, overlooking Mount Shasta, to confer the Second Degree. For most of that time, this tradition was lovingly maintained by the members of Yreka Lodge #19. But during the pandemic, they asked the Grand Lodge of California to take over the management of the cave. Rather than risk the tradition being lost for lack of volunteers, the California Grand Lodge in 2024, under Grand Master Dave Reed, authorized the creation of the first degree lodge in the state in over 50 years. The Richard Brouse Degree Lodge takes its name from the man who helped maintain the annual cave degree tradition for nearly 30 years, and seeks to carry the legacy of live degrees forward, helping Odd Fellows from all around to experience our lessons as they were always intended to be. As a 501(c)(3), our work is on preserving history, rather than providing member benefits, and we can accept donations on a tax-deductible basis. Please contact us for more information.