The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1922-10-05
K. OF P. LODGE IN
NEW QUARTERS
Banquet and Exercises
form Dedicatory Service

The new quarters of the SkoWhegan
Lodge Knights of Pythias including the
fine new rooms of the Damon Club.
a lodge auxiliary and a commodious
banquet hall were dedicated Monday
evening, last. The guests were met
on the club room floor by Mrs. Howard
Durrcl and Mrs. II. J. Phillips. Mrs
Durrcll being at the head of the Py-
tian Sisters. The club rooms were
thrown open for the convenience of
those present and at about seven
O'Clock delicious banquet was served
under the direction OF Mrs Durrell,
Mrs. Edgar l.. Ford. Mrs Charles
Griffin and Mrs. Daniel Thompson
The banquet hall was beautifully
decorated with sprays of autumn
foliage the table decorations,
lodge colors were also used in the
decorative scheme. A delegation of
ladies from the Pythian Sisters acted
as mattresses. Baked beans, salad,
pickles, rclishcs, hot rolls, cakes,
doughnuts and coffee were served.
After the banquet half hour was
enjoyed socially in the card room, bill
lizard room and retiring room, after
which the Knights and their ladies
adjourned to the lodge room on the
third floor where the program of the
evening was presented. Harold Priest
presided as the acting Chancellor
Commander in the absence of Frank
Sterrv, and past Chancellor, Harold
J. Phillips extended the welcome ad-
dress He spoke briefly but cordial
ly, stating that the supper spoke
louder than anything else of the well
come to those present Past chief
Mrs Charles Griffin acknowledged
the welcome speaking her apprecia--
ton of the entertainment provided on
this occasion. Col. Fred Mellroy of
Watervillc spoke particularly on the
work of the Uniform Rank and com
mented upon the excellence of the
quarters which reflected great credit
he said, on those behind the movement
and showed that Skowhegan Lodge
is alive. He advocated club rooms
and in speaking of the uniform Rank
regalia said that men liked display as
we'll as women. He explained the
origin of the Uniform Rank. saying
that it was organized through some
of the ex-soldiers of the Civil Wai
who wanted to follow up military
work and that the K. of p. Lodge was
formed soon after the Civil War. He
described the organization at length
and stated that he was trying to in
terest the Knights of Pythias Lodges
in Skowhegan and Norridgewock il
building up uniform rank
Past Chancellor r. c. Priest spoke
on the insurance department of The
X. Of p, which was founded fourteen
years ago. He also spoke at length
on the virtues of the order.
The Grand Keeper of Records anC
Seals, Edgar J. Brown of Waterville
who by the way is postmaster in his
home city, gave a very able address
He advised being ON the women's side
as he realized that the ladies in The
future were to become very i'm
aortant factor He bestowed word!
Df congratulatiOn 10 the lodge anC
rlub members on the convenience o
the now quarters. He spoke parti
cularly upon the duties the members
owed to the fraternity and their du
ties as fraternaists. He urged higl
ideals and spoke particularly upor
friendship, charity and benevolence
the cardinal principles upon which
the order was builded. He gave th'
history of the organization somcwha
Briefly. saying that the lodge was in
stituted in Washington, d. C., in 1854
In ten years the membership hac
grown to about seven thousand mem
bers. The growth has continue
steadily until on occasion Of the six
tieth anniversary which will be oh
served there will be abont one mil
lion members. He closed by saying
Give to the world the best that yol
have and the best will come back t.
you
Victrola music was furnished dur
ing the evening and social hour fol
lowed the speaking. 1t was a genia
social affair and the lodge and its aux
iliary club have splendid quarters en-
tircly adequate to the needs of thei
organization.
Tho p;nUhom Euir