The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1892-10-20
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIas.
Development and Growth of tho Order.
Helmet GIints,


The order eater, the tN..nty-ci..l,tii yenr
OF its existence with II splendid ar,..v of
nearly '.Jc,LLC invn marching >,,uu.lv for
ward under the tricolored banner %: i,,th-
iahisih. NO fraternal organization in the
tWcht y-Seventh year of it's existence has
ever been able to obtnin such percentage
OF increase. The development OF the uni
formed rank is Il marvel. The record shows
an increase of 1873 new divisions dur;nu
the past Year, with n total member
ship exceeding $1,000, being an increase
during the year of 6,00O members, or over
one-iitth The endowment rank is in a
good condition and is entering Il year of un-
paralicled prosperity. When the Pythian
congress was last in session in July. 1870
the numerical strength of the order, MS
shown by the official reports for the wear
ending Dee. 81, 1889, was as follows: Mum
Der OF grand lodges, IL; number of subor,li-
nate lodges, 3.i2i; membership of the order.
-"5,oil. Ohicial reports July l, 1882. show
number OF grand lodges, 81; number Of
subordinate lodges, $3.50; membership OF
the order, SB,1 l0, or an increase in the two
years ending Jaly l, 1892, of ll0,il1, being
at the rate Of 30 per cent
The number OF active lodges i'm New
York state at tho close of 1870 was, PIP.
During the calendar YEAR IL new
lodges were instituted and l charter was
restored. Two lodges forfeited their char
ter, leaving IL net gain of 10, with II total
CT active lodges Dec. 81, 1851, of go Since
Jan. last ~ lodges were instituted, but
there have been 3 consultations and
surrender of charter, making an addition
OF III to the former number and giving mt
the time Of this report 240 active lodges
The new ritual prepared by the special
committee, of which Walter B. Richie, the
new supreme yicp t.hn 1vnc
man. was eXemplilcd and adopted with.
out change. An important change was
made i'll the management of the endow-
ment fund, which separates it from the
supreme lodge and vests the controlling
power in board of control.
The appropriation of $50 each per month
to he paid to the two daughters of Justus
Ii. Rathhone, the founder of the order,
was passed by the unanimous vote of the
supreme lodge.
The Office Of supreme secretary of the
endowment rank was abolished and in its
stead was created the Office of endowment
commissioners. w. b. Kennedy, the for
mcr supreme secretary, was elected en-
dowmcnt commissioner, in which Office he
will net rs auditor between the supreme
lodge and the board of control
The returns show that in New York state
'hNie az Af'"'o NiliSHlS, VI cSQulrcS ana W
paSes--G total of Ii, 125.
The so jewel offered by II. S. White, SUI
prcmc Keeper of the records and seal. for
the Oldest Knight who participated in the
parade, review and competitive drill, was
awarded to u. j. McGinnis, OF Indiana di-
vision, No. ., indianapolis. Mr.. McGinns
is something over flfty-fivc years OF age.
The lodges in New York state expended
last year for constitutions and digests
SiJ0.15.
The receipts FOR jewels and jewel cases
last year by G. X. of II. md S. Bro. Achur
were 81 ,303.90.
Colonel S. o. Mcdowell, of the Second
Kansas regiment carried off the handsome
colonel's cup offered for the commander of
the best regiment in line during the grand
parade.
The total membership of the X. of p. is
close to 100000.
There are 4,247 lodges in the order.
Past Supreme Chancellor George r
Shaw is 10 be congratulated upon his Won
derful record. The supreme chancellor
on taking his seat said, Il want to come to
the next session of the supreme lodge with
an increase OF 100000 members" He came
with 49, COO.
The battalion prize of $500 has been
awarded to the First Indiana, Colonel NJ.
l.. Haskell commander, who was given the
$50 sword for the best commander