The Wisconsin weekly blade. [volume] (Madison, Wis.) 1916-1925, 1919-03-29
THE PYTHIANS OF MILWAU-
kEE HAVE ANNUAL THANKS
GIVING SERVICES.
Auditorium of the Calvary Baptist
Church Filled to Its Utmost
Capacity
(By A. ]. Long)

Thy A. }. LOng1
The pride Of Milwaukee Lodge No.
] -. of P. assembled its members in
their castle hall ard marched to the
Calvary Baptist church last Sunday
afternoon TO render thanks to the
Supreme Ruler Of the universe for
His manifold blessings during the
past Pythian period and to renew in
public some Of its vows, chief among
which are the virtues Of friendship,
charity and benevolence.
After the lodge was seated in the
church the Chancellor Commander
gave instructions to the Master at
Arms to inform the Inner Guard
that the lodge was about TO convene
in special session and TO admit
friends and brethren without cere-
mony. The following program was
rendered. The Rose OF No Mans
Land was beautifully played by the
Weaver's Trio. A solo The Rosary
BY Mr.. Milard Nolan. A Melody IN
F by the Viewers Trio and solo,
Until We Meet Again by Mr.. Ernest
Smith completed the musical part
Of the program. The Master of Ger
emonies lead the Lords Prayer, re-
peated by the members of the lodge.
A welcome address was rendered the
lodge in behalf Of the church by Rev.
Russell its pastor, who also extend
ed cordial and standing invitation
to the lodge and its many friends.
Prayer by the Prelate of the lodge.
DR.. A. L. Heron, Master Of Ceze-
MONIES, delivered an interesting and
note worthy address on the doings
Of the local lodge and the Pythians
throughout the universe in generi !.
The part they so nobly played in the
recent worlds conflict and the part
that is yet to be played by all Pyth~
ians and other Negro organizations
the world over in this the recon-
struction period. Rev. RusselPs ser
mon was in part the time honored
story of the great love and friend
snip that existed between Damon
and pythias. How Damon, just for
IA mere misdemeanor was condemned
to death by Di0nysius, who then rul-
cd in the Isle of Sicily. Pythias, the
time tried friend of Damon, be-
sought the tyrant TO grant him a
respite that he might bid farewell
to those he loved. The denial Of his
request was followed by the most
striking example Of pure friendship
that has ever illumined the pages Of
/ history. Pythias, who well knew
the honor of his friend, offered him
self as pledge for Damon's return,
agreeing to pay the penalty of his
own life should Damon prove false.
Dionysius accepted the proffered
hostage and placed Pythias in dark
ness and in chains, while his friend
of years FASTENED to the home where
| loved ones dwelt. Syracuse was
leagues away fir Jm his home, yet he
braved the difficulties and delays in
cidenaal to the then crude mode of
| travel, returned to keep his word of
honor, save his friend from the
| death that was intended for himselt
and exemplify the greatest thing in
/ the world, love and true friendship,
! Rev. Russell compared this story
very favorably with chapters in the
book Of Samuel of how David and
Jonathan proved their love and
| friendship for each other at most
/ critical time. He then quoted from
the 18th chapter Of st. John 18th
verse in which he said-"Greater
love hath no man than this, that he
lay down his life for his friends
The Reverend said i conclusion the
Lord did not onl down His life
for His friends for for those who
were friendly toward Him, but for
the entire world and He died that
/ all may live that believe on II m. He
will stick closer than friend. yes
even cloaer than brother.