The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-11-30
BIG PYTI1IAN CEREMONIAL BROUGHT
TO CLOSE WITH BRILLIANT SPECTACLEI
Rank of Knight Conferred
on Thos. ]. Carling Class.
Remarkable Drills Intro
duced by Degree Team
Nv CHARLES II. MANDY

Splendid as was Pages Night when
500 representative citizens of Jefferson
and adjoining counties were initiated into
the order of knights of Pythias by the
dramatic degree team of lola lodge of
Dayton. O.. yet more magnificent was
the comforting of the third degree or
rank of knight at the Jefferson theatre
last night.
BY virtue of the fact that the occa-
sion was one in which the utmost secrecy
was observed. except to the members or
prospective members of the order, much
of the we'll deserved concentrations of
the participants or members of the de-
gree team is necessarily withheld. But 1t
is neither fusome fiattery nor empty
praise to say that the comforting of the
rank of page by the lola team last night
was among the best and most impressive
ceremonals that has ever been presented
south of the Mason and Dixon line. That
1t was appreciated was evidenced by the
spontaneous applause that came from
every part of the crowded theatre even
during the most solemn parts of the cere-
mony
A distinctive feature was the spectacu-
lar drills introduced during the ceremonies
by the white, blue, yellow and red guards
of the palace of the king, who in turn
executed some of the best military move
ments that have ever been witnessed In
Birmingham. Their splendid discipline
magnificent costumes, remarkable prof.
cheney made the spectacle one long to
be remembered by everyone who wit
messed their wonderful and bewildering
drills.
Although tired out by the journey to
Birmingham and their labors on Friday
night, yesterday morning the members
of the several drill teams, the splendid
orchestra and superb quartet gave an
exhibition drill and musical programme
for the exclusive benefit of the Pythian
Sisters and their lady friends, which was
much appreciated and enjoyed by them
Yesterday afternoon the rank of esquire
was conferred on the class by local mem
bers of the order, Thomas r. Walker
acting as chancellor commander, l.. G.
Waldrop as vice chancellor and E. F.
Hoyt as prelate. Graham Perdue acted
as master at arms and A. C. Patterson
as inner guard. The local men conferred
the degree with much impressiveness and
every detail was fully carried out
The visit of the lola team to Brmin5- |
ham marks an epoch in the Pythan his |
tory, not only of the state but of the |
entire SOUTH 1t was stated that other |
southern cities had taken the matter up |
but the proposition seemed too big for
them and the scheme was abandoned 1t |
remained for the Pythians of the Third |
district of Alabama to bring the team
south and the ceremonies and exhibitions
of the past few days have fully justified |
them in their judgment.
The affair exceeded the anticipations
of those who have borne the burden |
and heat of the day" The magnificent
spectacle of 500 good men being initiated ,
into the order at lone fell swoop was a |
sight that will long be remembered )y |
all who had the privilege and pleasure !
TO witness the scene The presence of |
the supreme and grand officers, including |
the supreme chancellor, Thomas j. Carl
ing, In whose honor the class of 500 |
was named, and who is affectionately |
known by Pythians at home and abroad |
as Uncle Tom,' added much to the
pleasure of the occasion
The recital of the events would be
incomplete if some reference to the
personnel of the men who compose the
membership of Iola's degree team were
not made. AS they dsembarked from
the train at the Terminal station, every
member wearing a gray hat which was
indicative that under every hat was gray
matter, the first expressed impression
was Are they not fine bunch of fell
lows?' and as during their short stay In
Birmingham a closer acquaintance was
made. the further expression was that
they are as fine as they look" In addi-
uon to their proficiency as members of
the team. they proved themselves in every
other particular Pythian knights in every
accepted definition of the term.
They left this morning at 2 clock for
their respective homes in the Buckeve
state, with the best wishes and most
Kndly regards of every member of the
fythan order in the state of Alabama
P||RSF SNATCHFRS