The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1923-12-20
zLAN CONDUCTS PRICE FUNERAL

Eciipsing in attendance any funera
service in the history OF Charleston was
that conducted yesterday afternoon BY
Charleston Knights of the Ku Klu1
klan for the late Hiram c. Price.
member of the Organization who me,
death Friday night Mr.. Price and his
companion Rev r. L NcRinnon. were
killed when the automobile in which
they were returning from chapel meat
ING at the Rebecca Llttlepage mission
coLlGed with Il New York Central train
II the Watts street crossing.
Although the local Klansmen have
OBLIGATED at burial ceremonies for de
parted members OF the order yester-
days service was the first in the city
ii which the members have actual
charge of the funeral Incidently. il
marked the initial appearance of the
h!ansmer- IN their full reaglia of robes.
hoods and masks, 1T any demonstration
held during the day. IN the past, par
ticaIly all OF the Khan ceremonies have
Jeen conducted after dark.
The Brcam Memorial Church. where
the services Tor the dead klansmau
were held, was far too small 10 accom-
MEDIATE the host Of persons who wished
10 witness the last rites and hundreds
lad 10 wait outside on Charleston
street, unable TO get beyond the grey
sSOne walls OF the building.
The klansmen, Of whom there vert
hr,V, I
100 members of affiliated women's or
ganization, filed the entire main Hoo.
of the church and presented al
impressive picture CARRIED as
hey were in their white robes and
Goods which masked their faces. Upon
he rUstum were the family of the de
eused and some of his closest friends,
while above some 500 persons damned
heir way into the small balcony over
ooIlins the chancery Every corridor
Ind door of the church was taxed to
apacity by persons, many of whom
we're able 10 get no more than re-
stricted glance at the scene inside.
The church was crowded long before
he hour for the services and many
he building. where they stood quietly
Turing the hour or more that the las,
ties We're being performed Before the
jody was removed from the church a.
opportunity was given those who had
cen unable to get inside TO file through
nd several hundred ayialed themselves
md look upon the body for the last time
Il the privilege.
DR.. Ernest Thompson, pastor of the
first Presbyterian church. conducted
he beautiful funeral service. He tolc
II the upright and inspiring life o.
Hiram Price and OF his gentle and kind
: nature. He mentioned the deplor
able accident which had taken his life
dong with that OF the Rev. r. L. Nc
Ainnon. missionary pastor OF the Brean.
Memorial church. and of the shock
which had followed their deaths anona
heir many friends ard fellow members
II the congregation of the church.
held aloft, aud gave the Khan greeting
The assembled knights of the Ku
hlux Kan presented an inspiring sight
1t the services as they stood. right hanG
The Fiery Cross. composed by mem
jer Of the Klan ard sung by one OF tho
women members dressed IN the uniform
Of the organization.
Following the church services the
.llansmen filed out of the building in
Jingle file and made their way to their
automobiles, in which they followed the
Jody to the Spring Hill cemetery. over
he grave Reverend F. c. Mann. pastor
Of the Bream Memorial church. read
j short burial service, and the klansmei
lifted their voices in prayer as the body
Tas being lowered to it's last resting
place.
The klansmen carried a red cross OF
lovers which was laid tenderly upon
the grave Of their departed member.