The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1917-05-16
PYTHIANS PLEDGE
WILSON LOYALTY
Forty.Five Years Of Useful Service
Celerated- Members Indorse
Preparedness Parade.

Patriotic indeed was the acton of
the Pythians, women and guests who
ATTENDED the anniversary exercises
of Myrtle lodge last night. The news
of the presidents speech befor:, con-
|gress reached the assembly just be-
fore adjournment and stirred by the
message and great need of the hour,
a resolution offered by Lieut.. Gov.
A. J. Bethea, that the assembly
stand by the president, was enthusi-
astically passed and the American
flag was saluted with the exclama-
ton, "Forever may it wave!"
Myrtle lodge will participate in
the preparedness praade Thursday
night and Gen. Willie Jones, one of
the oldest members of the lodge, will
be asked to lead the organization.
Every member of Myrtle lodge is
requested to notice the papers and
report at the appointed place Thurs-
day evening.
Last night Myrtle lodge, No. 8,
Knights of Pythias, celebrated its
45th anniversary in an appropriate
manner. The programme was varied
and entertaining and the addresses
were forceful and eloquent Past
Chancellor ]. F. Williams presided
over the exercises. Prayer was Offer
ed by the Rev. B. r. Turnipseed, af-
ter which an instrumental selection
was rendered by Misses Miriam and
Erline Coker. Past Chancellor John
A. Elkins, the only surviving charter
member, gave an interesting account
of the organization and growth of
the lodge. It was the principles Of
friendship, charity and benevolence,
the Pythian standard that cemented
the first nine members together and
the lodge grew stronger every year.
Grand Prelate L. ]. Bristow, made
one Of his characteristic addresses,
filled with apt illustrations. He
referred eloquently to forgetfulness
in the sense of forgetting blunders,
errors and imaginary injuries done
by others and then, too, even sor-
rows, troubles and trials should be
forgotten that the best things in
life may triumph. He urged all pres
ent to strive to do noble things for
the uplift of humanity.
At this point the membership roll
of Myrtle lodge was called by Past
Chancellor A. B. Langley. Among
the older members responding to the
roll call were: J. A. Elkins, A. E.
King, A. C. Jackson, L. K. Philpot,
J. H. Eleazer, C. T. Fetner, Robert
Moroman, W. E. Harth, o. E. Thom-
as, J. M. Graham, w. w. McQuat-
ters.
The Rev. B. R. Turnipseed made
an eloquent address on fraternity.
He spoke of selfshness and how fra
ternity of heart had banded men to-
gether to work out the best and
highest in men. His closing remarks
rang clear with patriotism to his
country and fidelity to the Supreme
Ruler of the universe.
Knight A. J. Bethea spoke of the
great momentous questions Of the
hour, and said that as Pythian broth
ers in the lodge room was facing
war, they should be willing to make
sacrifices for the safety and preser-
vation Of America.
Delightful Refreshments ware sery-
ed and after order was restored
Myrtle lodge and guests, stirred by
the news Of the presidents message,
adopted enthusiastically the motion
by Knight A. B. Langley that Myrtle
lodge participate in the prepared
ness parade Thursday night.
The officers Of Myrtle lodge for
the current term are: N. w. Coker,
chancellor commander; W. A. Ri
kard, vice chancellor; L. D. Bowles,
prelate; ]. C. Mccain, master Of
work; c. A. Lynn, master Of finance
w. q. Cobb, master Of exchequer; |;
c. T. Fetner, keeper Of records and
seal; T. S. Berfoot, master at arms;
M. Taylor, inner guard; G. A. Ropp,
lSr.. outer puard. solicitor. A. F..