Morning journal and courier., 1888-06-19
THE A. o. K. M. Q.
Few Words as to the Nature, Objects
 and Worth of fha Order.

Few Words as to the Nature, Objects
 and Worth of she order.
 To the Editor of the JOURNAL AND COURIER:
 The second preliminary meeting of the charter members of the Ancient Order Knights of the Mystic Chain in this city was held at Ford's hall in the Simpson building, corner Chapel and State streets, Saturday evening. D. D. Select Commander Davis of Norwalk was present and enlightened the members in regard to the workings of the order. George H. Rowland was elected second s. K. T. The board of s. K. T. was instructed to engage the hall in which the meeting was held for Tuesday evening in each week. It was decided to have the castle instituted on the evening of July 3d, and after vote of thanks to Brother Davis for his presence and encouragement the meeting adjourned subject to the call of the R. P. c. The next meeting will probably be held Tues day, the 26th, and all who desire to take ad- vantage of the present low charter fees will do well to make arrangements for joining be- fore the right of institution, as the charter will then be closed and the usual fee for in- itiation after closing the charter is $15. Ap- plication may be made to M. $. Wadham, ,95S Grand avenue; H. W. Morton, 72 Martin street; R. S. Duff, 26 Wallace street, or W. G. Towne, GA East Pearl street.
 This order was instituted in Reading, Pa., in 1871, and is modelled upon the ancient order of knighthood which ip the days of chivalry, during the dawn that succeeded the 'dark ages" of history, did 50 much to improve the condition of the worlds inhabi. tants. There are three degrees correspond ing to those of ancient days, Esquires, Knights and Knight Companions of the Round Table, and the organizations are called castles. The ceremonies of initiation are peculiarly impressive and interesting, and it is said by those conyersant with yari- ous orders that the work of this is second to none, with the possible exception of the more ancient order of Masonry. The order is quite strong throughout Pennsylvania, many of the most prominent citizens of that State being enrolled among it's members. In the city of Pittsbure nearly all the officials belong to it. It is also strong in New Jersey, New York State and various States west. In Connecticut there are at at present two cas- ties, one each in Norwalk and South Nor walk, and the New Haven castle will proba- ply be the third, though there are others in process of formation. The objects of the or der are mutual assistance, care of sick or disabled members, burial of the dead and care of widows and orphans, and culti- vation of loyalty, obedience and fidelity to the principles and laws of our country The limit of ages for membership is eighteen to dfty-6ve years. The membership is not restricted as to nationality. but as partisan ship and sectarianism are prohibited no per- son can obtain admittance if belonging to any church that opposes so-called "secret orders." No one can reasonably object to such rule, or accuse the order of hostility to religion because of it, as the only object is to prevent the manifest impropriety of per son belonging to it and at the, same time to a church that condemns it. All worthy citi- inyikad fn AYaUina fha nf this order and judge for themselves.
 M c W