Manchester Unity is a benevolent, non profit, friendly society that originates in Great Britain. The first Australian lodge was dispensed by the English order in 1840 and the first lodge was built in Sydney. The society acted in a similar fashion to modern insurance firms, levying a regular fee and paying out benefits to injured or sick members. In the case of a fatality, benefits were paid to the members dependents. The Newcastle Union Lodge of Oddfellows was a division of the Manchester Unity Friendly Society. |
