The Canadian Order of Chosen Friends was a fraternal and benevolent society with councils nation-wide. It was originally incorporated in the Province of Ontario in 1887, with three guiding principles: fraternity, aid, and protection. Members could be eligible for life insurance, health insurance, and benefit policies. Though membership fluctuated over the years, the Order established a sickness department in 1890 and a child insurance department in 1917. In 1943 the Order became the Reliable Life Insurance Society. It was turned into a stock own life insurance company in 1964, with its headquarters in Hamilton, Ontario.
The Woodstock Council was formed in the late 1800s, with meetings held in the C.O.F. Hall.
The 1912 Vernon’s Directory noted that the Council met on the 2nd and 4th Friday of every month over 424 Dundas Street. By 1928, the Council meet on the 4th Friday of every month in 470 Peel St, where the Oxford Harness Shop was located. By 1938, the Council is no longer listed.