The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-03-01

FINE ApPEARANoE-DEDIcAr OF pYrHrAN
HALL, &C., 90.

This has been grand gala.day among the
K. P.'s of Richmond-the occasion being the
dedication of the new Pythian Hall, corner of
Eleventh and Main streets-and will long be
remembered by all who witnessed the grand
display of Knights in full regalia, accompanied
by the officers of the Grand Lodge and headed
by splendid band of music.
The members assembled at their diffsrant
Lodge rooms at one o'clock p. M, and marched
to Covenant Hall, on Capitol street, where
they were formed into line by the Marshals.
and took up the march as follows:
Down Broad to 10th, up 10th to Main, up
Main to 9th, up 9th to Franklin, up Franklin
to 3d, up Sd to Grace, up Grace to I'd. mn I'd
to Broad, and down to the Broad street Meth
odist church, where the .dedcatory address
was delivered by Rev. John L. Edwards.
II was one of the most imposing demonstra-
tions tina. our city has witnessed for long
time. From calculation made as the process
sion passed this office we should Judge there
were one thousand Knights in line.
AS the procession passed our Office, the
knights were marchingin the following order:
Z. U. l.. l.. Bass was the Chief Marshal;
Virginia Lodge No. 2, occupying the first post
of honor on the right, with the Grand Lodge
of Virginia on the left. Then followed de-
tachment of police, commanded BY the Chief.
who is knight of Hines Lodge; Kessnich's
Brass Band Virginia Lodge, No. 2; Old Do
minion Lodge, No. a. Syracuse Lodge. No. s:
Damon Lodge, Not; Marshall Lodge, No. IL;
Richmond Lodge, No. IA; Germania Lodge,
No. 15; Hines Lodge, No. II; Friendship
Lodge, No. 90; last Grand Lodge OF Virginia.
Smiths Brass Band was in the centre of the
line.
The streets were crowded, all along the line
of march.
AT the conclusion Of the services at the
church, the procession was again formed and
m n N fn
Main, and down Main to the Hall, at the corn.
er Of llth street, where the column halted and
formed in open ranks, face inward ThesGrand
Lodge then passed from their position on the
left through the line, into the Hall, followed
by the officers of the various subordinate
Lodges.
The Hall was already filled. The brilliant
assemblage of ladies therein congregated pre-
sented most gorgeous sight. AS soon as con-
venient, the Grand Chancellor, w. Ell. Wade,
called to order with the gavel, and the follow
ing. officers dressed in full regalia, took the
to them: d. W. Bohanon, V. G. P; W. H.
Wade, G. c.; Il. c. G. Hartman, v. G. G.;
j. B. Vaughan, Grand Guide.
The Venerable Grand Patriarch entered the
Hall, clothed in black robe, with mask,
and long white hair and flowing beard, bear
ing IN his hand skull, the emblem of mortal-
ty, which, with sprigs of myrtle, was placed
upon the open bible in the centre of the room.
The dedicatory services were conducted by
the Grand Chancellor. During the proceed
ings an original and beautiful poem was re-
cited by V. &. p. Bohanon, after which some
appropriate remarks were made by the Grand
Chancellor.
The music during the dedication was splen-
did. The proceedings were interpersed with
several beautiful morceaun by the Berger Fams
lily silver cornet band. This was, indeed, a
most attractive feature of the occasion.
The new Pythian H all is superbly fitted up,
the floor covered with a costly carpet, elegant
cushion seats, the dais Handsomely relieved in
the back ground by screens of different colors,
emblcmatic of the several degrees of the
order, the ceiling frescoed, and on the
walls are to be seen life size photo
graphs of deceased brothers Charters, of
Virginia Lodge, and Hines, of Old Dominion,
and the charters of the different Lodges who
are to occupy. the premises.
After the ceremonies, the Hall was thrown
open to the public until 10 o'clock P. M.