The local IODE had its roots in the Lake Cowichan Knitting Club which was formed in 1940 at the beginning of World War II. A group of women wished to knit articles for use overseas. They applied for a Red Cross branch but were refused, hence the Knitting Club was formed under the War Charities Act. In 1941 the club had 41 members and met in a building donated by Stanley Gordon. Mrs. F. Reed was President. The Secretary was Mrs. Witt followed by Mrs. Saywell. Treasurer was Mrs. JH Boyd and Wool Convenor was Mrs. HJ Parsley. They gave money to the Air Supremacy Fund, soldiers Gift Fund, Lord Major's Fund, and sent blankets to the Red Cross. they made money by selling chocolates and lemonade at the roller skating rink. Mrs. Sayles supervised the making of 17 quilts. Because of their work the members of the group each received a Red Cross pin when the war ended in 1945. In 1946 Ivy Dreany, an IODE member, moved to Lake Cowichan and told the women about the IODE. She contacted the Provincial Organizer and a chapter was granted and a standard, the Union Jack was presented. The name Stanley Gordon Chapter was chosen in memory of Stanley Gordon who first worked at Empire Lumber Co. in Youbou and then formed Gordon's Stores and was a respected member of the community. He died suddenly in 1945 and his widow, Elizabeth, was the Honorary First Vice Regent. The inaugural meeting was held in October 1946. Their motto would be "Service, Loyalty, Sacrifice". The charter members of the 1st executive were: Regent: Mrs. Evelyn McElray; 1st Vice President: Mrs. Vera Saywell; 2nd Vice President: Mrs. Ivy Dreany; Secretary: Mrs. Anne Loney; Treasurer: Mrs. Elizabeth Boyd; Standard Bearer: Mrs. Gladys Howe;Educational Secretary: Miss Bertha Fowler; Echoes: Mrs. Grace Smith; Ward of Honour: Mrs. Marguerite Reed, Mrs. Catherine Madill. Their first public activity was to provide a lunch room at the Community Hall for the 1946 Labour Day Sports celebration. In 1951 the Chapter began the annual Flower Shows. They took part in Tag Days for the CNIB and the Cancer Fund. Church Parade was held annually and bursaries and scholarships were given. Miss Robin Maunsell was the first recipient of a bursary. The final meeting was held on June 14, 1982. Membership was low and they could not continue. The United Church was presented with their standard on June 27, 1982 by Regent Patricia Smith.