Pioneers Find A Home
Spencer Butte Lodge No. 9 has stood as a pillar of the community in Eugene since its chartering on May 1, 1861. One of its earliest missions was the care and education of the children of deceased members ensuring that no one was left behind in hardship. Among its first members was Eugene F. Skinner, the very namesake of The City of Eugene. Fittingly, he was also one of the first Trustees of the lodge ensuring a legacy deeply rooted in the city’s origins.
The International Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.) played a significant role in Eugene's history, exemplified by our first Lodge building, located for many years at the corner of East Broadway Avenue and Oak Street. Serving as the largest commercial structure in downtown Eugene, this building stood as a landmark representing the Odd Fellows' presence and community involvement. While the original lodge no longer stands at this location (it was most recently the home to a Wells Fargo Bank branch), its legacy as a key part of the Odd Fellows' history in Eugene remains. The current Odd Fellows lodge in Eugene, Spencer Butte Lodge #9, is located at 1233 Charnelton Street.
The Odd Fellows' Resting Place
In 1872, the Spencer Butte Odd Fellows established Pioneer Cemetery, an enduring landmark adjacent to the University of Oregon—but independent from the college. As one of Eugene’s three oldest cemeteries, it spans 16 acres and holds approximately 5,000 burials, making it the largest in both size and interments. In 1997, it earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places, further cementing its historical significance.
Among the many souls laid to rest here is Louis Renninger, a Medal of Honor recipient from the American Civil War. He is one of 145 Civil War veterans buried at the site, alongside those who served in the Spanish–American War, World War I, and World War II.
This is just the beginning—we’re uncovering more with each step, and the history of Spencer Butte Lodge is unfolding before us in remarkable ways.
