Born 1 June 1818 in Bedford and baptised at St. Paul's, Bedford, Bedfordshire, England, the son of John Odell, auctioneer, and his wife Elizabeth, nee Hewett. Sunday school teacher. Entered the Congregational ministry. At East Retford, Nottinghamshire and Castle Donington, Leicestershire c1843-48. He married on the 29 May 1845 at the Meeting House, Little Hardwick, near Shefford, Bedfordshire, England, to Ann Bryant of Little Hardwick. Stationed at Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire, England 1848-49. Arrived at Melbourne on 12 February 1850 per "Clifton" from London, England, in company with the Rev. Dr. John Dunmore Lang. Had planned to proceed to Sydney but was persuaded by Thomas Fulton and the Rev. Alexander Morison to remain in Melbourne. Two months later he took charge of a newly formed congregation which held services in a temporary chapel at Lonsdale Street West, Melbourne. A new Gothic style chapel was opened on this site in July 1851. Rev. Odell remained in this post until his death on 19 March 1867 at the Congregational Parsonage, Lonsdale Street West, Melbourne, Victoria. He was buried on 21 March 1867 at the Melbourne General Cemetery, Carlton, Vic.

[marriage certificate; death certificate; Garryowen Chronicles of Early Melbourne; Dr. Williams's Library]

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