The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-07-28
THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAs,
THEIR FIRST PROCESS ION IN NEW YoRK-yES-

THEIR FIRST PROCESS ION IN NEW YoRK-FEs-
TIvIrIEs AT MYRTLE AVENUE PARK
The Knights or Pythias, a comparatively new
benevolent order appeared In public procession
for the first time in this city yesterday. There
were about 500 members in the ranks and their
unliorm-sword baldrlc, belr &c--resembing
that OF the Knights Templars tended to give the
Pythlans very effective and attractive appear
ance. The occasion Of the display was the meet
ing OF the Grand Lodge OF the state OF New YORK
In Brooklyn, and the brothers In that city took an
active part in the proceedings. There were pres
ent also lodges from Poughkeepsie, Rondout, Jer-
sey City and Hoboken, who were received on
their arrival yesterday morning by New YORK
brethren.
The place appointed for the rendezvous OF
lodges was Washington square and the time nine
A. Nj. but II was nearly halrpast ten before the
procession took up the line OF march. II con-
sisted of -FOUR divisions with George W. Peek as
Grand Marshal. The First division, consisting OF
New YORK lodges, Ii. Zimmerman Marshal, rested
on the north side OF waverley place, right on
Fifth avenue; Second division, visiting lodges
escorted by New York lodges, Nelson w. Young
Marshal right resting left OF FIRST division;
Third division, Brooklyn lodges, L. X. Steg-
man Marshal, east side University place;
Fourth division. ununiformed Knights, J.
OF last division. All the high officers
OF the order were In advance, and before the lat
ter was a platoon or policemen. The procession
proceeded through Fourteenth street to Fifth
avenue, thence to Broadway, ana down Broad
way 10 Wall street ferry. Arriving At the ferry
the Brooklyn lodges took charge OF the members
OF the Grand Lodge, and, having received due
honors from the New York brethren, passed across
the river, They were Immediately followed by
the latter, and the march was resumed in the
CITY or Churches. The procession passed
through the principal thoroughiares until 1t
nnally arrived at the corner Of Fulton ana Smith
streets, where IL was dismissed. The neat or the
day interered much with the comfort OF the men.
The ground travelled over was exceedingly long,
ana many had TO i2ll out OF the ranks. keyerthe-
less, the marching was eXcelent and the gen
eral appearance or the procession very pleasing.
Thousands OF spectators, both in New York and
Brooklyn. lined the streets, and appeared much
grauded with the superior music provided and
the snowy uniforms Of the Knights. The New
York lodges In the procession were Allegheny,
Ashland. Andrew Jackson, RaLhbone, stephen A.
Douglas, CGur de Lion, olympic, Press, Robert
Bruce, Manhattan and Knickeroocker. 1t was
expected that at least 1900 uniformed Knights
would nave turned out but the number present
was not much more than one1lth OF that figure.
ORIGIN OF THE ORDER.
The Order Of the Knights OF Pythias was founded
in February, 1864 In Washington, ID. G., by J. II.
Ratnhone. He conceived the IDEA rom studying
the unexampled ana extraordinary ties of atfec-
ton that linked together Damon and Pytmas.
The order is secret, and has many features IN
common with Freemasonry ana Odd Fellowship.
ItS motto Is ''FrlenQsnlp BeneVOlenCe anu Cnar-
ity' Considering the snort time 1t has been IN
existence, the order has made quite rapid strides,
There are 40 lodges IN Inc state OF New YORK.
sylvania there are over 200 lodges, and It's
ramlfcations extend to nearly every state in the
Union. Besides there are lodges In Canada, Eng
land and In the Sandwich Islands. The Supreme
Head Is s. 5. Davis, OF New Hampshire. The an
nual dues are So with $40 imitation fee for each
member. on the death Of brother the sum OF
$1,000 becomes due and payable TO MS family or
heirs, and In addition funeral expenses are PAID
aud $50 allotted to the widow, If deceased leaves
vile surviving But an assessment OF fifteen
sIltution, the Order becomes haoe.
MEETING OF THE GRAND LODGE.
The Grand Lodge OF the state of New York as
semoled at naf-past two O'Clock in the Dean
Building, corner Fulton ana Smith streets. 1t
would be transacted at the first session aud that
1t would be brief, but 1t was Ave O'Clock be ore the
represented and, by courtesy. several brothers
from New Jersey and Connecticut were pres
f fRe as ocers Wao took paT m
the proceedings were J. H. Mech. of
Buffalo, Grand Chancellor; Frank Harder, Castle
ton, Vice Chancellor; 7. 2; Mullins, New YORK,
Grand Chaplain; Frank W. George, City Treas
and seal. and r. l. Carpenter, Grand Exchequer.
Tne Committee on credentials found the docu-
ments presented all right. and the remsinder Of
Lodge degrees on Past Chanceuors and other ad-
vanced officers Of the Order.
THE PICNIC.
After the procession broke up the members
proceeded IN knots with their flends TO Myrtle
Avenue Park, where ample preparations were
made for passing an enjoyable afternoon and
evening In a short time the grounds were hlled
with hundreds or pleasure seekers; excellent mu-
sic dlscoursed IN the dancing pavilion, and
many lads ana lassles wandered away to shady
places TO enjoy Tor season the cooling
breezes the trees and the flowers. To-
ward dusk the attendance increased, and
the spirits or the picnic party grew more
elated The delegates 10 the Grand Lodge ar
rived at the Park and joined In the festivities
waicn were kept up 70 laIe hour. Nothing oc.
Cured TO disturb the harmony OF the OCCASION.
BANQUET.
banquet was given during the evening at
which ali the leading members OF the Order were
present The addresses delivered were received
with applause. The progress and benefcent OBJ
jects OF the order were dwet upon, and the rapid
increase OF prosperous lodges was predicted.
The Grand Lodge meets again to-day in the
Dean Building, corner Fulton ana smith Streets
BROOKLYN.