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<h1 class="entry-title">Grand Patriarchy</h1>
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<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-203 imageSeven" src="http://i0.wp.com/blackthen.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Lt.-Gen.-Paul-Van-Heynegen-Commander-of-the-Grand-Patriarchy-in-America-and-Jurisdiction.jpg?resize=217%2C300" sizes="(max-width: 217px) 100vw, 217px" srcset="http://i0.wp.com/blackthen.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Lt.-Gen.-Paul-Van-Heynegen-Commander-of-the-Grand-Patriarchy-in-America-and-Jurisdiction.jpg?resize=217%2C300 217w, http://i0.wp.com/blackthen.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Lt.-Gen.-Paul-Van-Heynegen-Commander-of-the-Grand-Patriarchy-in-America-and-Jurisdiction.jpg?resize=108%2C150 108w, http://i0.wp.com/blackthen.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Lt.-Gen.-Paul-Van-Heynegen-Commander-of-the-Grand-Patriarchy-in-America-and-Jurisdiction.jpg?w=693 693w" alt="lt-gen-paul-van-heynegen-commander-of-the-grand-patriarchy-in-america-and-jurisdiction" width="217" height="300" />

<strong>Paul Van Henynegen-  Commander , Grand Patriarchy</strong>

The Patriarchy is the Military Branch of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows.  It is the highest Branch and is called the flower of the Order.

It consists of both males (patriarch members) and females (auxiliary members) and their uniform is a military uniform with jewels and shoulder cords showing their rank.

During functions they serve as escorts, aide-de-camps. At funerals they are required to guard the casket of members of the Order.

Brother Joseph C. Bustle of Philadelphia, PA who was Grand Treasurer of the Sub-Committee of management in 1865, was founder and father of the Patriarchy. Philadelphia Patriarchy # 1 organized the first Auxiliary in 1932.

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