Ancient Order of Druids
Loyal Order of Druids
United Ancient Order of Druids
Order of Druids
NOTE: There are Druid organizations that are not fraternal or benevolent but a revival of druidic spirituality. One of these is also named the Ancient Order of Druids.
The Druids were formed in 1781 in London, England as a fraternal society. At some point in the late 1700s or early 1800s, the group split into the Ancients and the Loyals. In 1833 about half the Ancients left, wishing to develop a more benevolent society, forming the United Ancient Order of Druids. Both parts were successful in England although a number of other splinter groups formed. In 1858 part of the Uniteds seceded to form the Order of Druids. It seems that only the Ancients and the Uniteds came to North America.
A Druid lodge (they are called Groves) was established in St Johns, New Brunswick in 1821.
The Ancient Order of Druids established two groves in New York in 1831 while the United Ancient Order of Druids established a grove in New York in 1839 (Stevens says 1834). It was popular in the USA into the 1930s but had disappeared by 1979. Druidism in its various forms spread outside England, particularly in Germany, USA, and Australia. In 1913, these various Druid groups formed the International Grand Lodge of Druidism.
Applicants must be men, aged 18 or more, of sound bodily health, and good moral character.
The Druids have three degrees, those holding the third degree can belong to a Chapter. Druids and related women can belong to a Circle. The Primitive Degree ritual is online.
It appears there are no Druid societies left in Canada.
Order of Druids
1355 - Pioneer Grove, Hamilton existed in 1872
References:
www.aod-uk.org.uk/
Stevens, page 284
Int'l Grand Lodge: http://www.igld.org/index.html
Online ritual: http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/masonicmuseum/fraternalism/druids.htm