Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-11-26

awaited the new republic. which was at
that time considered by many an expert
ment. Today we who live In the twen-
aeth century witness the impress of our
government on all the momentous ques-
lions of the day. and there does not exist
In the civilized world nation who would
not be proud of our friendship and the
warm grasp of our hand.
Again the Glorious Day.
"And now again we say. All hail this
glorious day. bright day of realization and
elimination of the Pythian dream. that has
supported the weak, strengthened the fall
tering and given courage and endurance to
those who have labored in the good cause.
"A monument, aye. in brick, stone and
mortar, but not by far the most enduring
that has been erected by this fraternity In
our midst. The past forty years@h has wit
messed more than one record established by
this noble band of chosen ones; the father
light of beneficence; the cold hearthstone
has glowed like the ruby through the
agency of the teachings of Pythianism; the
discouraged and respondent brother, wheth-
er he be OF the domain or the stranger
within our gates, has received substantial
encouragement and a warm grasp of the
hand. These, say are the more endur-
ing monuments that have been reared in
this domain since the origin of our beloved
brotherhood
But today it is this magnificent ediice
that we assemble to dedicate, the fruit of
strenuous uphill fight whose battle-ground
Is the mother domain of Pythianism, where
all true loyal Pythian eyes are turned. And
here we have had constructed noble build
ing, that will serve the home of our
order, not only to the members of our local
lodges, but to all Pythians, 1t matters not
from what state. territory or city they may
hail-they our children, coming home to
the loving arms of an appreciative mother.
Here they will all find hearty, true, chiv-
alric welcome
Rathbone's Conception.
'The building of home for Pythianism
in this, the birthplace of the order was In
the mind of our illnstrious Rathbone many
years ago. This was brought to our at
tention by one of the founders, who. in an
address recently delivered in this city, quot
ed from speech of Justus H. Rathbone
that gave unmistakable evidence of this
hope.
For many years sporadic efforts were
made to obtain Pythian Temple, but
airy Fl, 1889, when a resolution was pre-
serted In the Grand Lodge, Knights of
Pythias, by Grand Representative Naza-
reth Bunch, which had for its object the
creation of a special committee of five for
the purpose of devising a way for the or
ganization and establishment of a Pythian
Temple Association; this was concurred in.
Again on February p, $780, the Grand
LOuSS llSleIleQ 10 d resolution READ Dy Hep-
resentative John M. Kline that suggested
and proposed the erection Of a memorial
to be dedicated to the memory of Justus
III. Rathbone. This resolution also request
ed that the supreme representatives of this
domain present the matter at the session
of the Supreme Lodge in Milwaukee, Wis.
On the following day at a regular session
Of the Grand Lodge the grand chancellor
appointed committee of. fifteen, one men,
Der from each of the subordinate lodges
represented to incorporate the knights of
Pythias Hall Association
"At the meeting of the association held
June 25, 1890 the site upon which this
building is located was recommended for
purchase by Nazareth Bunch and the pur-
chase was authorized During the same
year a temporary structure was erected
here, in which was held the Pythian fair of
1891. On March II, 1892, after perform
ance held earlier in the evening, this tenn
porary building was totally destroyed by
the falling in of its roof Fortunately the
building was empty at the time of col
lapse and no lives were lost.
Committee Of Forty-Five.
"a valuable adjunct and auxiliary to the
Hall Association has been the committee
of forty-five, brought into existence by a
communication sent out by Capital Lodge,
No. "A, of this domain, requesting her sis
ter lodges to appoint a committee of three
to meet at Grand Lodge headquarters on
manent organization was formed. Many
men prominent in PythiaIism have been
members of this body, and the work I'M
dertaken and the results accomplished by
its labors will always rebound to the credit
of those who have made up its personnel.
Many projects for the raising of funds
have been inaugurated by the brethren in
this domain, and each time the public of
Washington has rendered it's aid heartily
and substantially. AS an evidence of the
cn- a n no mint v1-ffn
pride to the fair of 1903, from the success
of which sufficient money was realized to
clear this site of all incumbrance, and made
possible the beginning of this building. On
March II, 1904, the contract having been
signd, the excavation was begun in the
presence of several members of the Hall
Association and a few enthusiastic Pyth-
ians.
Laying of the Corner Stone.
1.-The corner stone of this temple was
laid May 16, 1904, with appropriate Pythian
ceremonies, Grand Chancellor Thomas D.
Bynum assisted by the Grand Lodge Off
GERS, presiding. An invitation was ex-
tended to President Roosevelt to be pres
ent with us on this occasion, but owing to
the press Of other engagements, he was
compelled to decline, sending instead a let
ter Of thanks and congratulations, which
we priced beyond measure a copy of the
letter being deposited in the corner stone.
have in any way assisted in making the
glory of this day possible to the knighthood
of the capital city, whether they be of rank
or of the file, on the rolls of the Rathbone
Sisters or the general public, you have
earned the plaudits of every true knight,
and we heartily thank you for your fidel-
ity. love and support. And as the future
work of the Hall Association progresses
may you be found just as cheerful and will
ing to assist as in the past"
In Charge Of Joint Committee.
The Pythian Temple dedication was in
charge of joint committee of the Grand
Lodge and Franklin Lodge. No. 2 The fol-
lowing officers of Franklin Lodge occupied
the several stations during the sessions of
the lodge before and after the dedication
ceremonies: Chancellor commander Chas.
e. Palmer; vice chancellor, Russell G. Her
rymann; prelate, Claude H. Woodward:
keeper of records and seal, Thomas Adams;
master of the exchequer, w. H. C. Sim
mons; M. of F., Charles H. Fletcher; mas
ter of work, George Ryall; master-at-arms,
Frank r. Smith; inner guard, William Mat
thews; outer guard, Perry P. Patrick
The following are the members of the
Pythian Hall Association, which had charge
Of the erection of the temple: John W.
Hardell, president; Thomas r. Riley, vice
president; H. ]. Gasson, secretary; A. j.
Cunning, treasurer; Harry Coggins. D. E.