Manchester Unity Independent Order of Odd Fellows is a fraternal order founded in Manchester, England in 1810, although some of its lodges claim histories dating back to the 18th century. These organisations were established to protect and care for members when they needed assistance. The first meeting of the Australia Felix Lodge of Manchester Unity IOOF was held in Melbourne in 1840; founding members included printer Thomas Strode and surgeon Augustus Greeves, who became Manchester Unity’s first Grand Master in 1846. In 1870, Manchester Unity was granted Crown land in Carlton to establish homes for aged and disadvantaged members. In 1935, the Order disposed of the property and used proceeds to build a convalescent home in Woodend, Victoria. By the late 1900s, Manchester Unity had an extensive network in Victoria and a key feature of the organisation was its Annual Moveable Conference, where the organisation’s directors for the coming year were elected. In 1932, the twelve-storey Art Deco Manchester Unity Building was constructed at the corner of Collins and Swanston Streets in Melbourne, in response to the need to create jobs for its members during a time of severe unemployment. In 1993, Manchester Unity merged with the Australian Natives’ Association to form Australian Unity.