The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1894-02-27

Inc thlrtleth anniversary OF the
founding of the order of the Knights of
Pythias was most fttingly observed in
Roanoke last night under the auspices
of Osceola Lodge, No. AZ, the largest
lodge in the city and the banner lodge
OF the State. 1t was an epoch in secret
society celebrations and red-letter day
in Pythianism. For days the membe
OF Osceo]a Lodge and the committee Of
arrangements have been laboring al
most increasingly, and the triumphs of
last night testified to their splendid
management and won for them laurels
The exercises were hold in the
Academy Of Music, and seldom before
have so many people gathered within the
walls of that building. The audience
comprised at least 1000 people, repre-
senting tho wealth and culture of the
Magic City. Long before the hour Of
the beginning every seat in the large
auditorium, including the balconies,
was filled except space in the .rquet
that WAS reserved for the students of
Virginia College and the members Of
Roanoke Light Infantry
At o'clock the Roanoke Machine
Works Rand, which has no superior in
tho State, struck up lively air and the
curtain went up, revealing to the ex-
pectant audience tho mem bers of the
Uniform Rank, X. of P, and the officers
of Osceola Lodge seated in graceful
circle on the stage surrounding tho
speaker, Col. John III. Alexander, of
Loudon county, supreme representative
from Virginia; Hon. Horny S. Trout,
mayor OF the city; Rev. q Il. D. Collins,
Row. j. Cleveland Hall and Ii. Nj. Oar
nail, master of ceremonies
Then amid the applause of the vast
audience and marching to tho soul stir
ring strains of music over 100 young
lady student OF Virginia College fled
into their seats. Soon after the Roa-
noke Light Infantry and their drum
foot lights
Mayor Trout made short opening
address in which he said:
1T gives me great pleasure to well
come you to this entertainment given
in honor of the thirtieth anniversary OF
the organization of Pythianism. 1t has
been often said by many that there Is
no good in secret organizations. This
may be true In regard to some but it Is
not when spoken of the knights of
Pythias, the friendship of whose mem.
bers is strong and loving like that of
Damon and Pythias Upon the touching
this noble order. In the vocabulary of
all the languages there is no sweeter
word than friendship. Live ur to your
motto, Sir knights, it will make you
better citizens, it will make you better
neighbors, and better husbands and
fathers. / cannot make Pythian
speech for l am not Pythian but
hope to be one in the near future"
Mr.. Trout's remarks were followed
by an eloquent prayer from Rev. G. Il.
ID. Collins, pastor of st. James Metho-
dist Church.
History of Osceola Lodge.
Master of ceremonies, Harry M. Oar
nall, then occupied few minutes in
giving brief history OF Osceola Lodge,
which was founded August 10, 1888,
with nineteen members and with the
following officers Past chancellor, w.
K. Andrews; chancellor commander,
George L. Stevens and vice-chanLellor,
VIM. G. Evans. They had flourished
during these eleven years and now
formed the largest body of it's kind in
Virginia.
Every single mem ber," he said. ION
its rolls Is an active member, "a Of
whom had had tho honor of being made
past chancellor. The sum Of SO, 5S5 had
been paid out in sick benefits, and the
grand total during the history of the
lodge of moneys disbursed was 50, 500.
The revenues were derived from two
sources, initiation fees and annual dues,
the former being SIS and the latter S4
per annum. When member dies $3.50
in cash is Immediately paid to the rela-
t1ves or family OF the deceased knight.
Sick members are always allowed 81 per
week during their inability
ELEVEN years ago." he continued.
1.-THE lodge numbered nineteen mem
bers, now 325 brothers answered to the
roll call, all in good standing, repre-
senting every profession and every
trade. The uniformed division under
tho leadership Of Capt. Hugh w. Fry
had gained a power in the military
rank second to none in the State and
had received many honors. furnishing
now two staff officers, Major J.. Ii.
Featherstone and Capt. II. w Fry.
The present officers of Osceola Lodge
are: Chancellor commander, James Z.
Terry; vice chancellor, G. Ed win
Michaels; prelate, DR.. r. w. Fry; mas
ter of the work, s. e. Crap"
Colonel Ale1ander's Address.
Mr.. Darnall concluded his address by
introducing the speaker of the evening,
Col John Ii. Alexander, who for an
hour highly entertained the large audi
ence with a speech Astounding in elo-
quence on the teachings and beauties Of
Pythianism
The speaker began by saying: ~ have
been presented 80 gracefully and re-
beginning divulge secret; the compli-
mentary things said by Brother Darnall
are all from pythian standpoint.
While he q i'd not hone tn tyraat1y adifu