Richmond planet., 1895-06-08
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS
THE GRAND LODGE
AND IT'S OFFICERS.
Interesting Sketches--In-
ducements Offered.
WHAT 1T COSTS To BECOME A SIR
KNIGHT.
The Ben, fits Derived.

Colored men are turning their atten-
tion to that fraternal and Sc
cret organization, the Knights OF Py-
thias.
Never in the history of the Grand
Lodge OF Virginia has it enjoyed such
signal success. A few years ago it was
put on foot by Sir Stringer, now de-
ceased.
1t would be well to say here that the
securing of the rank work and the ritu-
ais has been a source of much annoy
ance to the white Sir Knights, who bv
various means have endeavored to bar
the American citizen of African de-
scent from participating in the mystic
ries and enjoying the beauties of this
grand organization.
ITS GREAT PRINCIPLES.
Friendship, Charity and Benevolence
are exemplified in all the work. and
the response to calls of distress from
brother Sir Knights is as readily heed
ed as it has even been in Masonry.
The organization is now working in
accordance with the new rituals.
THE VOTE AT NEWPORT NEWS.
At the meeting of the Grand Lodge
Of Virginia, under the Jurisdiction of
the Supreme Lodge of North America,
South America, Europe, Asia and
Africa, upon motion of Grand Master
at-Arms Jesse Scruggs, it was unani-
mously voted that the Grand Chancel-
lor, John Mitchell, Jr. who had his out
mt there should photograph the officers
OF the Grand Lodge and that "cut"
should be made and published in the
PLANET.
THE ABSENCE OF THE GRAND CHANCELLOR
The head of this organization is the
GRAND Chancellor. All appeals are de-
cided by him, subject to review and
approval by the Grand Lodge. As he
was taking the photograph, his place
was filled by his deputy, Sir Jesse
Scruggs, c.. NJ. at A.
To the extreme left of the photo
graph is the Past Grand Chancellor w
r. Green. This position is usually
held by the retiring Grand Chancellor
Sir Green served loI3g and well and is
generally liked by the rank and file of
the organization. He has a PAM
phlet Al his hand. he is a member Of
Richmond Lodge, No 1.
To the rear of him is Sir w. w
Manns. Grand Vice. Chancellor. He is
now entering upon his second term.
Should for any reason the Grand Chan
cellor be incapacitAted he would act
in his stead.
ONE OF THE LEA DING OFFICIALS.
The next is Sir William Troy. M. p
He is the Grand Keeper of Records
and Seal. He has held this position
for many years. His handsome mill
tary figure is well known at all of the
sessions of the Grand Lodge. He is
attired in the uniform rank costume
of the order. He has been the Su-
preme Representative, was at one
time Supreme Medical Register. and
is thoroughly posted with reference to
all work pertaining to the order He
resides at Portsmouth. Va, and is a
member of Rescue Lodge, No. 4.
In the rear, next to the tree is Sir
Fillmore Scott, First Attendant. He
has held the position for many wears
He is a member of Samson Lodge. No
l0. He is also a member of the uni
form rank, as his cap shows.
HE PRAYs FOR THEM.
In front of Sir Scott and to the rear
of Sir Scruggs is the jovial Grand Pre-
late, Sir Casper Rowlett, of Damon
Lodge, No. y of Newport News. Va.
He is entering upon his second term
as an officer of the Grand Lodge.
Sir Jesse Scruggs, the Grand Mas
ter-at-Arms has held Office for many
years.
He is entering upon his second term
as G. M, A. He is a member OF Rich
mond Lodge, No 1, of Richmond.
To the rear is Sir William Ellis, Jr.