The Florence daily tribune., 1899-09-12
THE VISITORS
FORMALLY WELCOMED
Grand Assembly ar NJ. e. Church
10 Hear Addresses.
GRAND LODGE IN SESSION

The first session of the four
days meeting of the X. of P.'s at
this place was held at ten o'clock
this morning at the NJ. E. church.
The meeting was opened by sing
ing the opening ode led by the
Goldfeld band After an invoca-
ton by Rev Robt. ID. Graham,
Mayor Mcclure, in pleasant
manner welcomed the visitors to
the city. "It is not necessary"
said he, "for me to offer you the
keys of the city, for we have no
keys; everything is open to you"
Grand Chancellor Desch re-
sponded somewhat at length. He
expressed his appreciation of the
cordial manner in which the
grand lodge representatives were
received, and eulogized emphati-
cally the Knights of Pythias or
order. Among other good things
he said:
Mr.. Mayor, Brother Knights, Rathbone
Ss;.t,r. 1 aJ,,e a,J
As the executive of this great Ameri-
can order in the Domain of Colorado, |
am here today not to give you sparkling
rhetoric nor do intend to bear to your
ces, but give YOU a brief recital of Pythi-
anism as it exists, not only for the bene
fit of our loyal Knights, but as well also
to the uninitiated. However, before en-
tering upon these fraternal accomplish
ments | must say that the generous vel
come extended by you, sir, in behalf of
the city of Florence to your visitors, the
Grand Lodge, the Uniform Rank, and the
members in general of the oriar of
Knights of Pythias, is tribute of the
high esteem in which our order is held
by your people, and recognition of hon
or to Petroleum Lodge No. 36 and Star
of the West Division No. 4, Uniform
Rank
You have rendered us the freedom of
your city, and am pleased to find that
the liberty is not limited, but that every
obstacle has been removed.
This occasion marks the Twenty fourth
annual convention of the Grand Lodge.
This order appeals and commends it
self to the best Judgment of the highest
type of citizenship; its cardinal princi-
pies are obedience to law, and loyalty to
the governments, under which we live. AS
an American institution it accords to all
men perfect freedom of conscience; it
stands for higher intelligence and Anne i
can progress, aiming to promote moral
and mental growth. Its achievements
during the thirty-dye years of its exist
ence have been characterized by noble
and'charitable deeds.
To the immortalized Justus H. Rath-
bone we are indebted as the founder of
this great editice of American Knight
hood. The young man who desires to
become a member of fraternal order
with the determination to live the princi-
Piles it inculcates, will find hearty wei
come in our ranks and do well for him
self. The principles and purposes of our
order furnish varied and fruitful field
for the Improvement and elevation of
man. The mission of our order is to
help the weak and alleviate distress. 1t
is here where all the purest and noblest
emotions of our hearts are aroused. 1t
combines with the school and church as
a ciyilizlng agent.
Our eternal cornerstone is founded on
that divine trio of Friendship, Charity
and Benevolence. Someone has said:
"Why are we members of this order?"
Our answer; Because as an American
order it encourages, builds up and sup
ports free government free schools, aud
free speech, and it appeals to all lovers
of liberty We would here exemplify
the force and patriotic teachings we seek
to inculcate through our practice of un-
furling Old Glory in our Castle Halls
side by side with Gods truth. This is
the keystone of the arch of love and
sympathy we extend to all mankind who
enter our portals.
AS patriotic fraterity you have but