Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-06-14

Mr. Kennedy assisted materially by John M.
Kline, ST., Of this city, quite completed and
authentic mass Of material was gotten to-
gether some years ago. Here is what one Of
the charter members, w. H. Van Derveer, had
to say in 1897. regarding the formation Of the
order:
MY brother IN H. Van Derveer) and I be-
came acquainted with Justus H. Rathbone
some time in the year 1863 and we, being
of a musical turn Of mind, were often thrown
in each others company and became upon
very intimate terms with Harry as he was
called Justus II. Rathbone I think some-
where between the first of February, 1854 and
the fifth met Brother Rathbone. Then he
spoke to me about q secret order that he de.
sired to organize, at the same time taking
some papers from his pocket (Which was the
rituaD, and told me that there would be =
meeting Of gentlemen at Mr.. Plants house on
D street giving the number) and wanted me
to be present. He also interviewed by brother,
] think perhaps the day before, and showed him
the ritual which he (my brother) read IN part.
I cannot give the date OF the meeting at Plants
house, but think It was on the evening of the
fifteenth or sixteenth Of February, 1854. No
business Of any importance was transacted.
We who we've present were merely notified TO
be present at the Temperance Hall at 7:30
O'Clock on Friday evening, February 10, 1854.
The time came and the gentlemen who were
invited were ON hand and while general cone
out Lock the door-the order was obeyed-the
door was locked.
Brother Rathbone called the gentlemen to
order and stated in a fitting manner for what
purpose we were called together wish could
recall his words, for they were fun of kindness
and love. will here state that the night was
very cold and the temperature uncomfortable.
having no IRE nor heat Of any kind in the
hall. Some Of the gentlemen were restless,
but as they became interested. they warmed up.
Brother Rathbone then asked Joseph T. K.
Plant to take the chair and D. L. Burnett
was nominated for secretary.
60 A FTER thus organizing, Brother Rathbone
arose and made further statement that
the purpose Of this meeting was for the organi-
xation Of o secret order, having for its object
friendship, benevolence and charity. Then the
necessary oath was read by Brother Rathbone
and administered to them well recollect
this Scene-I almost imagine can see them
now, all in their different positions-Brother
Plant In the chair on q raised platform
Brother Rathbone standing on his left D. 4.
Burnett on his right and the balance of the
gentlemen In o semi-circle In front Of the
platform, all with appraised arms-after the adj
ministering Of the oath, it was resolved to name
the order Knights Of Pythias'
Brother Rathbone Immediately after reported
q ritual for the opening and closing, which
had been prepared by hin some weeks before.
and after being read by Brother Rathbone
was adopted. Then came the election of off
hcers. which resulted as follows: Justus II.
Rathbone worthy chancellor; Joel r. Woodruff
vice chancellor; Joseph T. K Plant, veneer.
able patriarch; David L. Burnett, worthy scribe:
Abraham Deyau Van Derveer, worthy banker
Robert A. Champion. worthy assistant banker:
George r. Covert. worthy assistant scribe, Mat.
thew Henry Van Derveer, worthy guide; Aris-
tide Roderique, inside steward. After adopting
one or two committees, the Choral Knights
rendered some beautiful music and then adj
journed untl the evening Of February %. 1854.
Few, II any Of us present on that memorable
occasion, pictured TO their minds what would
be the result but now, my dear brother, nearly
100000 grateful hearts harken to the story
Of that eventful night
It has been said that the ritual was written
some years prior to 1864, while Mr.. Rathbone
was teaching school in Michigan, but this
seems not to have been the case. On this
point, particularly, Mr.. Kennedy's statement
is worth quoting. He says:
eft Is true that Il has been claimed thas
the ritual was written some time during thu
period between 1857 and 1850, back in the