The Washington times., 1902-06-15
THE KNIGHTS OF KHORASSAN

Back in the seventies there was or
ganized an Institution styled the Grand
Order of the Orient. The putative au-
thor brought into existence several
temples, whose members were also
members of the Knights of Pythias
These bodies hourished for time. but
the evident intention OF the organizer
was to make a good thing out OF
them. and after a precarious existence
for few years. II became evident that
something must be done to save the
institution. II was agreed by the better
element of the membership that there
was much in the order that could be
used for the benefit of the Knights Of
Pythias, and they got together and re-
organized under the name of the Dra-
matte Order of the Knights CT kho-
rassan.
l have been so often asked by those
not members as to the name of the or
der. that perhaps it may be well to give
an explanation of it. We are not, as
some suppose. company OF actors. nor
a school for such as wish 70 make the
stage their profession. The word '.D-a-
matte" is used in the title because the
initiation ceremonies are given by dra-
matte characters and in dramatic parts
In fact. it is necessary to the successful
conduct of the initiation to have it
done by those who can act well their
parts.
The objects of the order are to bring
together the members of the Knights of
Pythias in closer social relations. Other
societies had founded similar institu-
tions. and it was seen that much good
rnGrtltad frnr1 If II iG that
meet as members of the great Pythian
fraternity in our lodge rooms weekly
and transacted business peculiar to that
order. but there was lack of something
and a desire to create more interest in
the order. While the Knights OF Kho-
rassan is not higher branch. or side
rank, OF the Order of Knights of Pyth-
las, it requires membership in that or
der as a prerequisite.
The first formal record we have of the
order is that of the first session held in
Chicago, in September, 1895. The rec
ords are necessarily silent on much that
at this meeting. 1t was an
interesting one and the foun-
iation of the structure that was to be
built was laid carefully and with much
wisdom. The bone of contention seems
10 have been the ownership of the
to the rituals of the order,
which were claimed by John B. Powell.
he author. The matter was finally ad-
usted by the Imperial Palace decidiny
% purchase these copyrights, and an
agreement was adopted and provision
made for bylaws and statutes.
The second session of the Imperial
Palace was held at indianapolis in 1898,
he third at Detroit, in 1900, and the
ourth will take place in San Fran
iscO this year, at the same time as the
Meeting of the Supreme Lodge. K. of p.
The Knights of Khorassan have done
more good to the order of Knights of
'ythias than any other agency since the
'ounder VI that glorious institution. 1t
brings out the full social side of a mans
nature in such a forcible way that the
effect Is productive of good results
sixty-four temples are now in active ex-
stence, and located in twenty-five
States and the District of Columbia.
Later reports received from different
emples show that the work during the
winter has been pushed In all of them
md never before since the organization
4 the d. o. X X. has so much interes.
'een shown as at the present time.
l cannot close without extending to
Ill Knights of Pythias wherever they
nay be, a cordial and fraternal invita-
ion to present their petitions to tn.
earest temple.
H. W. BELDING.
imperial Secretary. Dramatic order.
Knights of Khorassan.