Early History of the Knights of Pythias This history appears in Chapter XCI of "History of South Dakota" by Doane Robinson, Vol. I (1904), pages 526-533 and was scanned, OCRed and edited by Joy Fisher, sdgenweb@yahoo.com. This file may be freely copied by individuals and non-profit organizations for their private use. Any other use, including publication, storage in a retrieval system, or transmission by electronic, mechanical, or other means requires the written approval of the file's author. This file is part of the SDGENWEB Archives. If you arrived here inside a frame or from a link from somewhere else, our front door is at http://www.usgwarchives.net/sd/sdfiles.htm CHAPTER XCI PYTHIANISM IN SOUTH DAKOTA. BY CHARLES N. HERREID, P. G. C. The order of Knights of Pythias was organized in Washington, D. C., on the 19th day of February, 1864, by some eight or ten gentlemen who met by previous agreement. A ritual, previously prepared, largely by J. H. Rathbone, who is recognized as the founder of the order, was reported and adopted and Mr. Rathbone was duly elected worthy chancellor, the first chancellor of the order in the world. More than twenty centuries ago, in ancient Syracuse, were enacted the thrilling historical incidents which form the basis of the magnificent and impressive ritualistic ceremonies which once seen can never be forgotten. The sublime exemplification of true friendship on the plains of Sicily by Damon and Pythias,-two illustrious disciples of Pythagoras,-is the cornerstone of the splendid and colossal temple of Pythianism. The lofty principles, tenets and usages of this great organization tend to make men better, more friendly, charitable, benevolent and patriotic and promote the highest and best interest of mankind. "While the operations of the Pythian pioneers in the territory of Dakota," says William D. Kennedy, the distinguished Pythian and historian of the order, "extended to both the northern and southern portions, yet the initial sod was turned in what is now South Dakota. First official mention is made by Supreme Chancellor Davis in 1875, when he intimates that members of the order that had strayed into that then comparatively unknown country we re pressing the appointment of a deputy, and that he had made none, but, Diogenes-like, awaiting the finding, as he says, 'of some worthy member' whom he could appoint." In 1876 Jervis W. Carter, of Nebraska Lodge, No. 1, of Omaha, was appointed deputy supreme chancellor for Dakota. Under date of July 14, 1876, Mr. Carter reported, writing from Canton, Dakota territory, that he instituted a lodge at Yankton "about February 20, 1876, with sixteen members." It appears several of the members migrated to the Black Hills, weakening the lodge, and a second meeting of this lodge was never held. All efforts to revive this lodge having proved futile, the remnants of the lodge properties were secured by Arthur C. Phillips, grand keeper of records and seal, and on October 30, 1889, he instituted Phoenix Lodge, No.34, turning over to it the relics of the first Pythian lodge in Dakota territory. Yankton's loss appears to have been Deadwood's gain. On April 13 1879, the second lodge of the Order of Knights of Pythias in Dakota territory was instituted in Deadwood by L. B. Schoenfield and named Marco Bozzaris, No.3, with a membership of sixty. On September 26, 1879, the lodge room, with all records and property, was destroyed by fire, but meetings were resumed on November 24, 1879. A member of this lodge, writing to W. D. Kennedy, under date of November 5, 1897, thus describes these pioneer days: "The deputy lived many hundred miles away and we were a hundred miles from the railroad. For several years the only way we received the password was by getting it while I was in the east on business." Commenting on this situation, Brother Kennedy says : "Such was its isolation-but it fought the good fight and is one of the best in the domain." During the following years seven other lodges were instituted in that portion of the territory which now constitutes the grand domain of South Dakota, before the organization of the grand lodge of Dakota territory, to-wit: General Custer Lodge, No. 4, Central City, instituted by Deputy Supreme Chancellor A. S. Stewart, of Deadwood, July 2, 1880, with fourteen members. This lodge had the misfortune to lose all its records by fire on April 25, 1888. Dakota Lodge, No. 6, of Lead, instituted October 22, 1880, by Deputy Supreme Chancellor Stewart, of Deadwood, with nineteen members. Gate City Lodge, No. 8, of Rapid City, was instituted by Hon. John R. Brennan, deputy supreme chancellor, on January 10, 1883, with thirteen members. On December 4, 1883. Ivanhoe Lodge. No. 9, of Huron, was also instituted by Deputy Supreme Chancellor Brennan, with twenty- four members. This lodge was, on April 14, 1886, declared defunct, and the name Ivanhoe given to Lodge No.41, at Dell Rapids. Castle Lodge. No. 10, of Chamberlain, was instituted December 28, 1883. This lodge also became defunct, but in January, 1886, a new lodge was instituted by Deputy Supreme Chancellor A. H. Daniels, who reported as follows: "It was really a new lodge, as I declared the lodge defunct, and proceeded to institute the new one." Damascus Lodge. No. 11, of Mitchell, was instituted March 31, 1884, by Deputy Supreme Chancellor A. H. Daniels, with twelve members. Dauntless Lodge, No. 13, of Brookings, was instituted February 6, 1885, but on record of its membership is available. The only relic among the archives is an old ledger, and on the fly-leaf, in the handwriting of Arthur C. Phillips, then grand keeper of records and seal, is the following legend: "This lodge was declared defunct by Grand Chancellor J. F. Edmonds, on July 26, 1889." On May 22, 1894, an effort was made to organize as a successor to Dauntless Lodge. Peerless Lodge, No. 61, but, like its predecessor, it soon became defunct, and was so declared on December 24, 1900. These were the lodges.-nine in number,-together with four lodges existing in that portion of Dakota territory which now constitutes the state of North Dakota, which through their representatives, in the city of Huron, on April 30, 1885, met and organized the grand lodge Order of Knights of Pythias for the domain of Dakota territory. While Dakota was under the direct supervision of the supreme lodge the deputy supreme chancellors in charge of that territory were as follows, in the order named Jervis W. Carter, a past grand chancellor from Nebraska Lodge, No. 1, of Omaha; D. J. Tallant, a member of Grand Forks Lodge, No. 2 John R. Brenman, who by historian W. D. Kennedy is described as follows : "John R. Brenman, who came from Colorado, was a faithful, earnest and efficient officer. To him was due the salvation of the order in Dakota at that time." Continuing, Mr. Kennedy says : "Brother John Westdahl, of Huron, was the last deputy, and he also did good service. The convention was called to order in Castle Hall of Ivanhoe Lodge in Huron, at three o'clock P. M., by Deputy Supreme Chancellor John Westdahl, who introduced Hon. John Van Valkenberg, of Iowa, supreme chancellor of the world, to preside. (Souvenir History of the Knights of Pythias, by Arthur C. Phillips, grand keeper of records and seal.) The organization was completed by the appointment of the following officers of the Lodge of Emergency: J. E. Elson, past supreme chancellor; John Van Valkenberg, supreme chancellor; John Westdahl, supreme vice-chancellor ; W. T. Collins, supreme prelate; C. B. Ambrose, supreme master of exchequer; D. H. Metcalf, supreme keeper of records and seal; J. W. McDonald, supreme master-at-arms; R. Sturgeon, supreme inner guard; R. W. Cutts, supreme outer guard. The committee on credentials reported the following representatives entitled to seats in the grand lodge: Grand Forks Lodge, No.2, W. T. Collins, R. W. Cutts; Marco Bozzaris, No. 3, J. F. Edmonds, L. Council ; General Custer, No. 4, J. W. McDonald, C. H. Kamman; Dakota, No.6, P. Cohen, L. May (by proxy) ; Gate City, No.8, J. S. Gantz, W. T. Coad; Ivanhoe, No. 9, George J. Love, A. W. Wilmarth; Castle, No. 10, K. Sturgeon, A. Ingliss; Damascus, No. 11, A. H. Daniels, C. W. Emerson; Myrtle, No. 12, A. G. Clark, J. W. Carroll; Dauntless, No. 13, H. P. Finigan, George W. Hopp; St. Elmo, No. 15, W. L. Black. They also reported the past chancellor certificates of C. L. Davis and George A. Mathews, of No. 13, as being correct. After conferring the grand lodge rank, the following officers were elected and duly installed : Past grand chancellor, Russell W. Cutts, of Grand Forks; grand chancellor, George J. Love, Huron; grand vice-chancellor, J. F. Fdmonds, of Deadwood; grand prelate, W. T. Collins, of Grand Forks; grand master of exchequer, A. H. Daniels, of Mitchell ; grand keeper records and seal, C. L. Davis, of Brookings; grand master-at-arms, W. Laird Black, of Bismarck ; grand inside guard, R. Sturgeon, of Chamberlain ; grand outside guard, J. S. Gantz, of Rapid City; supreme representatives, John Westdahl, of Huron; Albert G. Clark, of Steele. Constitutions for the grand and subordinate lodges were adopted at this meeting. The secret work of the order was exemplified by the supreme chancellor, after which the first grand lodge, Knights of Pythias, of Dakota territory, duly adjourned. The second grand lodge convened June 15, 1886, in Rapid City. Six new lodges had been instituted during the year, viz : Kimball, No. 14, at Kimball (charter surrendered February 10, 1892); Tristocotyn, No. 17, Watertown; Granite, No. 18, Sioux Falls; Wahpeton, No. 20, Wahpeton; Fidelity, No. 21, Woonsocket; Calanthe, No. 22, Miller. During the year the lodges at Casselton, Fargo and Huron became defunct. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: Grand chancellor, Lawrence Connell, Deadwood; grand vice- chancellor, A. H. Daniels, Mitchell; grand prelate, Frank E. Ketchum, Huron; grand keeper of records and seal. C. L. Davis, Brookings; grand master of exchequer, Jay Wellman, Chamberlain; grand master-at-arms, W. R. Arnold, Watertown; grand inner guard, J. A. Ebel, Wahpeton; grand outer guard, J. S. Gantz, Rapid City. The third meeting of the grand lodge was held in Watertown, commencing Juhe 21, 1887. The grand chancellor reported continuing interest and activity within the order and four new lodges: Ivy, No. 23, Redfield; Cyprus, No. 24, Alexandria; Armour, No. 25, Armour; and Malta, No. 26, Faulkton. The officers elected at this session were: Grand chancellor, H. E. Gates, Kimball; grand vice-chancellor, W. R. Arnold, Watertown; grand prelate, E. W. Murray, Redfield; grand keeper records and seal, J. B. Wineman, Grand Forks; grand master of exchequer, Arthur C. Phillips, Sioux Falls; grand master-at-arms, W. S. Arnold, Alexandria : grand inner guard, J. P. Cutting, Miller grand outer guard, J. H. Bottum, Faulkton. The fourth grand lodge, being an adjourned meeting, was held at Wahpeton (now North Dakota), August 21, 1888. During the year Damon Lodge, No. 5, at Fargo, had been reorganized and two new lodges instituted, Gettysburg, No. 27, at Gettysburg, and Harmony, No. 28, at Plankinton. The election of officers resulted as follows: Grand chancellor, W. R. Arnold, Watertown; grand vice- chancellor, George D. Swaine, Wahpeton; grand prelate, R. D. Martin, Mitchell; grand keeper of records and seal, Arthur C. Phillips, Sioux Falls; grand master of exchequer, Frank H. Bean, Huron; grand master-at-arms, M. P. Springer, Faulkton; grand inner guard, George A. Knight, Grand Forks; grand outer guard, D. O. Root, Woonsocket. The fifth convention of the grand lodge was held in Sioux Falls July 16, 1889. The grand chancellor reported having instituted two lodges, viz: Crystal, No. 29, at Valley Springs, March 27, 1889, and Minot, No.30, at Minot (N. D.), June 7, 1889. With approaching statehood for South and North Dakota, preliminary steps were taken towards the organization of separate grand lodges for the new states. The grand officers elected and installed were: Grand chancellor, J. F. Edmonds, Deadwood; grand vice-chancellor, F. R. Bangs, Grand Forks; grand prelate, Alexander Jacobson, Huron; grand keeper of records and seal, Arthur C. Phillips, Sioux Falls; grand master of exchequer, F. H. Bean, Huron ; grand master-at-arms, D. O. Root, Woonsocket; grand inner guard, W. E. Tipton, Armour grand outer guard, W. J. Hall, Alexandria. The sixth and last convention of the grand lodge of Dakota was held in Mitchell June 17, 1890. Grand Chancellor Edmonds reported an era of unusual activity during the past year, having traveled over seven thousand miles on Pythian work," having personally "conferred over five hundred ranks." In this work he was ably supported by Grand Keeper Records and Seal A. C. Phillips. Eleven new lodges had been instituted during the year, being "about seventy per cent." increase in the membership of the order. In this brief account it is neither necessary nor proper to dwell upon the controversy relating to the legality of the dissolution of the grand lodge of Dakota and the formation of the two new grand lodges. On June 18th, "after a progressive career of five years, one month and twelve days, the grand lodge of Dakota was formally declared dissolved by the grand chancellor." At 4 :30 o'clock P. M., on June 18, 1890, "in accordance with the directions and by the authority of the supreme chancellor, Knights of Pythias of the World," a provisional supreme lodge was called to order by A. C. Phillips, past grand keeper records and seal, and Past Grand Chancellor John R. Brenman was requested to preside. The following lodges in South Dakota were represented by past chancellors: Marco Fozzaris, No.3, Deadwood; General Custer; No. 4, Central City; Dakota, No.6, Lead City; Gate City, No.8, Rapid City; Castle, No. 10, Chamberlain ; Damascus, No. 11, Mitchell ; Syracuse, No. 16, Huron; Trishocotyn, No. 17, Watertown; Granite, No. 18, Sioux Falls ; Fidelity, No. 21, Woonsocket; Calanthe, No. 22, Miller;, Armour, No. 25, Armour; Harmony, No. 28, Plankinton; Crystal, No. 29, Valley Springs; Minnekahta, No. 32, Hot Springs; Vermillion, No. 33, Vermillion; Phoenix, No. 34, Yankton; Mystic, No.40, Madison; Ivanhoe, No.41, Dell Rapids; Hesperian, No. 42, Elk Point. On June i9th the following officers, having been duly elected, were installed by acting Supreme Chancellor Brenman : Grand past chancellor, W. C. Graybill ; grand chancellor, Arthur C. Phillips ; grand vice-chancellor, Frank Abt; grand prelate, C. A. Maxon ; grand keeper of records and seal, W. E. Tipton; grand master of exchequer, F. H. West ; grand master-arms, A. D. Keller; grand inner guard, W. H. Munroe ; grand outer guard, George A. Silsby; supreme representatives, John R. Brenman and B. R. Howell; grand trustees, C. M. Runkle, Julian Bennett and D. O. Root. Whereupon the grand lodge of South Dakota was declared legally instituted. According to the official reports for the term ending December 31, 1889, the membership of the order was : South Dakota, 783; North Dakota, 213; total, 996. The second annual convention was held at Madison, commencing June 2, 1891. During the year a vast amount of work for the good of the order had been performed by the grand chancellor. Two new lodges were instituted: Myrtle Lodge, No.43, at Clark, with a charter list of twenty, and Tin Center, No. 44, with twenty charter members. The Uniform Rank of the order was reported in a flourishing condition. During the preceding thirteen months, six divisions were organized, while preliminary steps were taken for many others. The number of lodges in good standing at this time was thirty-one. The following officers were installed for the ensuing term: Grand chancellor, W. E. Tipton; grand vice- chancellor, A. D. Kellar; grand prelate, C. A. Maxon; grand keeper of records and seal, U. S. G. Cherry; grand master of exchequer, J. A. Trow; grand master- at-arms, W. H. Timerhoff; grand inner guard, J. C. Calder; grand outer guard, A. E. Witting. The third annual convention opened in Pierre June 7, 1892, at the capitol building, in the hall of representatives. Like his predecessor, Grand Chancellor Tipton had been called upon to render a large number of decisions on points raised under the new constitution. The order was fortunate in having during the early days of its existence, in the most prominent positions, men who were so pre-eminently qualified to discharge their duties with enthusiasm, fidelity and great ability. During the year lodges had been established as follows : Danion, No. 45, Bryant; Apollo, No. 46, Springfield; Tyndall, No. 47, Tyndall; Security. No. 48, Scotland; Triangle, No. 49, Howard; Monte Christo, No. 50, Beresford; Malta, No. 26, Faulkton; Ivy, No. 23, Redfield, - the last two named being reorganization of lodges that had practically become defunct. For the ensuing year the following officers were elected and installed: Grand chancellor, U. S. G. Cherry; grand vice-chancellor, W. H. Timmerhoff; grand prelate, J. C. Calder; grand master of the exchequer, J. A. Trow; grand keeper of records and seal, A. E. Witting grand master-at-arms, D. P. Cree; grand inner guard, J. W. McDonald; grand outer guard, C. E. Warner. The fourth aunual convention was held in Chamberlain June 6, 1893. Grand Chancellor Cherry reported the following additions to the roster during the year: Fanner, No. 51 ; Canton, No. 52: Menno, No. 53; Centerville, No. 54; Aberdeen, No. 55; Gettysburg, No. 27 reinstated; Columbia, No. 56; Monitor, No. 57; Fureka, No. 58. Never had the grand lodge of this state, or its predecessor, the grand lodge of Dakota, met under such favorable financial conditions. The receipts of the past year were reported largely in excess of the receipts of any previous year in the history of the order. The total membership of the order, December 31, 1892, was 1,763, and a gain of 411 during the year. For the ensuing year the following officers were elected and installed: Grand chancellor, A. E. Witting; grand vice-chancellor, F. C. Walton; grand prelate, J. W. Riley; grand master of exchequer, J. A. Trow; grand keeper of records and seal, J. C. Calder, grand master-at-arms, J. W. McDonald; grand inner guard, F. E. Davol, grand outer guard, S. Winter. In the city of Aberdeen, on June 21, 1894, the officers and representatives of the order convened for the fifth annual session of the grand lodge. The postponement from June 5th, the day fixed by the constitution, was for the purpose of enabling Supreme Chancellor Blackwell to attend the grand lodge in this domain. Since the last meeting of the grand lodge the following lodges had been organized: Star Lodge, No. 59, Wakonda; Pythias, No. 60, at Salem; Peerless, No. 6i, at Brookings (reorganized). For the ensuing term the following officers were installed: Grand chancellor, Charles T. Howard; grand vice-chancellor, William M. Lyon; grand prelate. Rev. Henry Wilson; grand keeper of records and seal, C. E. Warner; grand master of exchequer. J. A. Trow; grand master-at-arms, F. E. Davol; grand inner guard, F. L. Jackson; grand outer guard, William S. Mitchell. The sixth annual session convened in Chamberlain June 4, 1895. The grand chancellor, among other things. reported as follows : "At the commencement of my term the discouraging financial conditions of the state were such that it seemed almost impossible to add to the roster of lodges in this domain. * * * Much time and labor has been expended." The grand keeper of records and seal says: "The year just closed has been a remarkable one. The general financial depression of the country, together with the almost total failure of crops throughout our state, has been a clog upon the wheels of Pythian enthusiasm that has much retarded the rapid pace we have been making for the past few years." However, two new lodges bad been instituted, Hudson Lodge, No. 62, at Hudson, and Edgemont, No. 63, at Edgemont. The condition of the Endowment Rank of the domain was reported as follows : Number of sections, 20; number of members, 144; amount of endowment, $240,000, being an increase during the year of 84 members. Shortly after the close of the grand lodge session of 1894, Major General James R. Caruahan, of Indianapolis, Indiana, visited the state and organized the First Regiment, Uniform Rank, Knights of Pythias. The increase in membership was reported "very fair during the year, hut we have lost heavily from suspensions from non-payment of dues. This is but natural in a year like this." The following officers were installed: Grand chancellor, A. D. Keller; grand vice-chancellor, F. E. Davol: grand prelate, J. Carl Southwick; grand keeper of records and seal, C. E. Warner; grand master of exchequer, J. E. Platt; grand master-at-arms, William Mitchell grand inner guard, E. H. Benedict; grand outer guard, G. B. Enos. The seventh annual session was held in Yankton, commencing June 3, 1896. During the year Cotean Lodge, No. 64, at Wilmot, was instituted. Speaking of the prevailing conditions throughout the country, the grand chancellor said : "The state of the order in this domain is as good as it could possibly be expected. The past year has been one of the hardest years financially that this county has ever experienced, or as it probably will ever experience again. It seemed that it was all many of us could do to keep soul and body together, and that every dollar that could he secured in any manner was necessary for our families. * * The order has at least held its own. That is to say, we have gained as many, if not more, in membership than we have lost." The report of the grand keeper of records and seal for the year ending December 31, 1895, showed total number of members 1,898: loss during the year 95. During the year the following lodges surrendered their charters: Star, No.59, at Wakonda; Menno, No. 53. at Menno; Apollo, No. 46. at Springfield; Tyndall, No. 47, at Tyndall. For the ensuing year the following officers were elected and installed by Past Grand Chancellor C. T. Howard: Grand chancellor, Charles N. Herreid; grand vice- chancellor, F. E. Davol; grand prelate, E. H. Benedict; grand keeper of records and seal, C. E. Warner; grand master of exchequer, J. E. Platt; grand master- at-arms, William S. Mitchell; grand inner guard, G. B. Enos; grand outer guard, Charles M. Caton. The eighth annual session convened in Sioux Falls June 2, 1897. The official record notes the fact that before the formal opening of the grand lodge "prayer was offered by Rev. W. H. Jordan, pastor of the First Methodist church of Sioux Falls,"-the first instance of the kind of which a record had been made in the history of the order in this domain. The report of the committee on credentials showed an unusually large attendance. The grand chancellor, among other things. reported : "In view of the terrible financial depression the growth of the order in new membership during the year has been remarkable. There are several places ripe for the institution of new lodges.'' During the session the grand chancellor presented to Malta Lodge, No. 26, at Faulkton, a beautiful large silk banner in token of excellence manifested by this lodge during his term. The new grand lodge officers were installed by Past Grand Chancellor Keller: Grand chancellor, F. E. Davol; grand vice-chaucellor, E. H. Benedict; grand prelate, C. H. Cassill ; grand keeper of records and seal, C. E. Warner; grand master of exchequer, J. E. Platt ; grand master-at-arms, Charles M. Caton ; grand inner guard, G. B. Enos; grand outer guard, F. S. Emerson. On the first day of June, 1898, the ninth annual session convened in Watertown. During the year two new lodges had been organized: Webster, No. 65. at Webster, and Reservation, No.66, at Sisseton. The grand keeper of records and seal reported : "We have sustained a net loss during the year of ninety members, but included in this loss is the membership of Rathbone Lodge, No. 39, whose charter was suspended." Past Grand Chancellor Herreid presented the following resolution : "Whereas, the Order of Knights of Pythias is of all orders the most thoroughly American ; it represents 'one country, one language, one flag' ; its principles are most thoroughly in touch with the spirit of our free institutions ; it is most appropriate that as an order we should conspicuously honor the flag of our country. Therefore, resolved, that every subordinate lodge in this grand domain is hereby directed to display the American flag at every regular meeting of the lodge." The resolution was unanimously adopted. The following officers were installed by Past Supreme Representative W. E. Tipton: Grand chancellor, F. S. Emerson; grand vice- chancellor, E. H. Benedict; grand prelate, C. M. Caton; grand keeper of records and seal, C. E. Warner; grand master of exchequer, J. E. Platt; grand master-at-arms, H. C. Burch; grand inner guard, G. B. Enos; grand outer guard, H. F. Cutting. The tenth annual session of the grand lodge was held at Sioux Falls, commencing June 7, 1899. The grand chancellor reported: "As a rule the lodges under your jurisdiction are in a healthy condition. I have had correspondence in relation to organizing new lodges, but in each case, the failure to organize could be attributed to hard times." The grand chancellor reported the following new lodges: General Terry, No. 67, at Terry; Gold Center, No.68, at Keystone; Spearfish Lodge, No. 69, at Spearfish, and that a warrant had been issued for the institution of a lodge at Hazel. During the year ending December 31, 1898. there was a net gain of 169 members. During the year considerable interest had been manifested in the Uniform Rank. The following officers were installed : Grand chancellor, J. E. Platt; grand vice-chancellor, C. M. Caton; grand prelate, H. C. Burch; grand keeper of records and seal, J. Carl Southwick; grand master of exchequer, C. H. Cassill; grand master-at-arms, J. A. Beck; grand inner guard, W. J. Markham; grand outer guard, J. E. Patten. The eleventh annual session was held in Huron, commencing June 6, 1900. The grand chancellor reported an increase to January 1, 1900, of about sixteen per cent. Also the following new lodges: De Morris Lodge, No. 71, Belle Fourche; White Rock, No. 72, at White Rock; Bowdle, No.73, at Bowdle; Century, No. 74, at Vienna. "Their membership," says the grand chancellor, "is composed of the best citizens of the towns in which they are located," - a statement which applies to every lodge of the Order of Knights of Pythias in this domain. During the year Cypress Lodge, No. 24, at Alexandria, experienced a revival. Edgemont, No. 63, voluntarily surrendered its charter. This lodge, in 1898, lost all of its property by fire and it never revived from the shock. The followiug is a list of the officers for the ensuing year: Grand chancellor, Charles M. Caton; grand vice-chancellor, H. C. Burch; grand prelate, J. C. Kuney; grand keeper of records and seal, J. Carl Southwick; grand master of exchequer, C. H. Cassill; grand master-at-arms, W. J. Markham; grand inner guard. J. E. Patten; grand outer guard, C. C. Bras. The twelfth annual session was held at Lead, commencing June 5, 1901. The grand chancellor reported that he had found it necessarv "to suspend the charters of six lodges who had not met for from three to five years, viz: Fidelity, No. 21, Woonsocket; Calanthe, No.22, Miller; Gettysburg, No. 27, Gettysburg; Security, No. 48, Scotland; Peerless, No. 61, Brookings and Edgemont, No. 63. Edgemont." The number of members in good standing December 31, 1900, was 2,305, being a net gain during the year 1900 of eighty-five members. The following officers were installed for the next year : Grand chancellor, H. C. Burch; grand vice-chancellor, C. E. Warner; grand prelate, W. J. Markham; grand keeper of records and seal, J. Carl. Southwick; grand master of exchequer, C. H. Cassill; grand master-at-arms, W. H. Disney; grand inner guard, George D. Adamson; grand outer guard, J. F. Barry. The thirteenth convention of the grand lodge convened in Canton June 4, 1902. The grand chancellor reported that while there had been "no gains in lodges and no great gains in membership, on the whole the subordinate lodges had made a good healthy growth." In strong contrast with the reports of the former officers, the grand keeper of records and seal, J. Carl Southwick, in his report for this year. makes the following cheerful statement: "It is a matter for congratulation that our members are enjoying material prosperity to an almost unprecedented extent." The officers for the ensuing year are as follows: Grand chancellor, C. H. Cassill; grand vice-chancellor, W. J. Markham; grand prelate, W. H. Disney; grand keeper of records and seal, J. Carl Southwick: grand master of exchequer, C. A. Fountain; grand master-at-arms, George D. Adamson ; grand inner guard, F. S. Randolph; grand outer guard. W. A. Roberts. The fourteenth and last annual convention of the grand lodge convencd in Yankton June 3. 1903. The grand chancellor reported the local lodges as a rule in flourishing condition and Pythianism is looking upward. The plan of holding district meetings has resulted in much good to the order." Two new lodges were added to thc order during the year, Charles Mix Lodge, No. 75, at Geddes, and Blunt, No. 76. at Blunt, while Damon Lodge, No. 45, surrendered its charter. In the Endowment Rank there were, on the 1st of April, 1903, nineteen sections in this domain, with one hundred and one members, and insurance in force, $158,000. For the ensuing year the following officers were duly elected and installed: Grand chancellor, J. Carl Southwick; grand vice-chancellor, Einer Johnson; grand prelate, W. H. Disney; grand keeper of records and seal, F. S. Randolph; grand master of exchequer, C. A. Fountain; grand master-at-arms, A. Ericson; grand inner guard, W. H. Schellinger; grand outer guard, J. J. Urquhart. The following statement from Major General James R. Carnahan shows the following condition in the Uniform Rank in good standing in this domain: Diamond, No. 2, Lead City, Captain H. L. Howard; Deadwood, No. 5, Deadwood, Captain C. L. Chiniquy ; General Custer, No. 6, Central City, Captain Thomas O'Connor; Apollo, No. 13, Terry, Captain F. J. Robinson. These compose the First Battalion, Second Regiment. The following statement shows the number of lodges and their aggregate membership on December 31st of each year in the history of the grand lodge of South Dakota: 1890, 30 lodges, 1,168 members; 1891, 31 lodges, 1,352 members; 1892, 39 lodges, 1,762 members; 1893, 44 lodges, 2,020 members; 1894, 47 lodges, 1,993 members: 1895, 49 lodges, 1,899 members; 1896, 45 lodges, 1,770 members; 1897, 45 lodges, 1,751 members; 1898, 46 lodges, 1,920 members; 1899, 51 lodges, 2,220 members; 1900, 47 lodges, 2,305 members: 1901, 45 lodges, 2,207 members; 1902, 46 lodges, 2,209 members. This, in brief, brings the story of Pythianism in this grand domain down to date. The fifteenth annual convention will be held in Mitchell, commencing June 1, 1904. This order contains among its membership a large number of the most active and influential men in the state. In closing. I will quote the language which I used officially in communications to the subordinate lodges and the grand lodge, while an officer of the order: The Order of Knights of Pythias has a glorious history and a splendid literature. * * * I am profoundly impressed with the idea that the principles of our order should become living realities in the daily life of its membership. * * * The Order of Knights of Pythias is the most distinctively American fraternal organization and as such entitled to our greatest adoration. We admit men upon the broad platform of good morals and right living. It aims to make every Knight a true man, a good citizen. It is one of the great factors tending to the successful perpetuity of our glorious republic. In noble deeds and practical work Pythianism is today helping to make a better history for our nation, for the world, for humanity. As it seeks to instruct the mind in regard to the solemn obligations of life, to develop the moral and social virtues, it is one of the great human institutions of the age, one of the grand forces arrayed against evil, seeking the present and future good of the human race. 'As long as there are tears to wipe away, sufferings to alleviate, orphans to educate, widows to care for, and the weak to protect, our noble order will exist, moving onward and upward in its high and holy mission, with noiseless step. like the rush of an angel's wing. Its foundations are laid in God's eternal truth and love.' "