This society started as Ashton Unity, a benevolent society formed in Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire, England on Christmas Day 1826, apparently because they were denied a charter to open an Oddfelllows lodge. Later it was renamed the Loyal Order of Ancient Shepherds. The reference to shepherds comes from its Christmas Day origin, although this may be fanciful. A number of other benevolent societies have amalgamated with it. In England it is now known as Shepherds Friendly Society1 and is a mutual insurance company.
The Ancient Order of Shepherds2 was a separate society which eventually amalgamated with the Loyal Order of Ancient Shepherds. They were originally associated with the Ancient Order of Foresters. In the US the Ancient Order of Shepherds is a degree within the Foresters.
The local unit was called a Sanctuary. There were three Ancient Order Sanctuaries in Toronto in 1895.
The Subsidiary High Sanctuary of the Ancient Order of Shepherds3 was incorporated in
Middlesex Co, Ontario on 1884 May 31 and in the province on 1892 Jun 9, the second registration
needed because the Society had no fixed place to hold its annual meetings.
Click for a list of AOS Sanctuaries in Ontario
References:
(1) www.shepherdsfriendly.co.uk/
(2) Stevens, page 229
(3) Archives of Ontario, RG 55-8, box 2, file 139