In 1851, before he became Vice President of the United States, Schuyler Colfax was tasked with creating a Degree for women (see the video on the left for information about Degrees). This was the first time a fraternal organization opened its ranks to women who were mostly wives and family. However, it wasn’t long and Rebekahs began invited friends and they are who they are today. The Rebekahs today operate the last of many orphanages around the country started by the Odd Fellows. Located in Gilroy, California, Rebekah Children’s Services supports foster care and adoption and a number of other services for the community. The Rebekahs are so-named from a Biblical story which tells how Rebekah passed a test of kindness and generosity; the men of “Odd Fellows” may become Rebekahs and the women may become “Odd Fellows.”