Although they’ve moved to smaller quarters, the Powell branch of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) is looking to grow its membership.

Between the Odd Fellows and an associated group, the Rebekahs, membership in the fraternal order and service organization in Powell is down to roughly eight to 10 members, said Larry Yonts, a leader of the local group.

“We’re still going, but we’re still short of members,” Yonts said.

For decades, the Powell IOOF owned a lodge on North Clark Street, next to the Powell Police Department. They ran weekly bingo nights — distributing some of the proceeds to local organizations like the Boy and Girl Scouts — and held an annual steak fry to raise funds. However, for various reasons, bingo attendance dropped and the event became unprofitable, Yonts said, while a steak fry is no longer feasible for the Odd Fellows.

“We just don’t have the number of members to handle it and do it,” he said.

The Powell IOOF downsized this year. The group sold its building on Clark Street in April — it’s being remodeled into an Anytime Fitness location — and they’re moving to the former Dan’s Boot & Saddle Repair store on South Douglas Street. Pending renovations will eventually create a new meeting space, along with a kitchenette and other features, Yonts said.

He’s hoping that more people will consider joining the IOOF, suggesting retirees might want to become a part of the service organization.

“We do need members,” Yonts said.

He joined the organization in 1957 — more than 60 years ago — while a student at Northwest College. At the IOOF’s Grand Lodge of the State of Wyoming event this summer, Yonts was chosen as grand master for 2019-2020. He said his duties will include officiating the grand lodge meeting in 2020 and visiting various lodges around the state throughout the year.

In Powell, the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs generally meet the third Friday of each month.

The IOOF is a “secret society” with a mission to “improve and elevate the character of mankind.” The organization provides a framework for personal and social development.

“For members, the Degrees in Odd Fellowship emphasize a leaving of the old life and the start of a better one and of helping those in need,” says the IOOF website. The group’s emblem features three links with the letters, F, L & T, representing the “friendship, love and truth” that binds the members of the fraternity together.

Anyone interested in joining the organization can contact Yonts at 307-754-4357.