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Knights
of Pythias
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Friendship
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Charity
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Benevolence
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(714) 504-4088
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Our purpose is to help preserve the rich and colorful history
of The Order of Knights of Pythias.
To accomplish this, we rely on our brothers, sisters, historians
and Pythian friends to send us
information and web links about past events, former members
and related historical subjects.
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Past
Subordinate Lodge
San
Bernardino: California
- Lodge #27
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Chartered on Sept. 26, 1874.
Surrendered charter Jan. 31, 1933. |
San Bernardino..., Valley Lodge No. 27 Knights of Pythias, at San Bernardino was Chartered on Sept. 26, 1874. Its Castle Hall was this monumental building in the heart of the downtown. In this photo, the building is decorated, and Knights (many in Rank Work costumes) posed for his photograph. Maybe this was the 1916 Grand Lodge Session attended by Frank Lawless and his Lodge Brothers from Sisson (now Mt. Shasta)?
Valley Lodge No. 27, Knights of Pythias, was organized at San Bernardino, September 24, 1874, with a charter membership of twenty-six. For several years it had a struggle to hold its charter and in 1876 the hall was destroyed by fire with all the property belonging to the order. Later it was reorganized and has since had a steady growth both in prosperity and membership. Since its organization it has expended over $40,000 for sick benefits and charity. It has a membership of 370, and its assets are valued at $25,000. Valley Lodge is planning the erection of a modern Pythian Home on the north-east comer of Sixth and F streets. Two of its members. Walter D. Wagner and Benjamin F. Bledsoe, have been Grand Chancellor and Supreme Representative. The session of the Grand Lodge of the State for the year 1916 was held in San Bernardino. The Ladies' Order of Pythian Sisters, an auxiliary body, organized in 1897, has a large and flourishing membership who attend to the social features.
When Memorial Day was observed for the first time at San Bernardino, May 30, 1884, the people of the city and the surrounding country turned out in full force, the Knights of Pythias shared in the cele- bration, the public school children, fraternal bodies and civic organizations joined in the parade, and the occasion was the greatest thus far in the history of the city.
On November 1, 1874, the Presbyterian Church of San Bernardino was organized, being a branch of the Colton Church. Services were held in the Baptist church and Knights of Pythias Hall until December 5, 1882, when the church was reorganized with twelve members. Soon afterward the members began to plan for a building of their own which was completed and dedicated free of debt in 1885, situated on the corner of E and Church streets.
Unfortunately, after nearly 60-years of bringing Friendship, Charity and Benevolence to the community of San Bernardino, Valley Lodge No. 27 surrendered charter Jan. 31, 1933.
Source: Stanley Bransgrove - Berkeley Lodge No. 162, Knights of Pythias, Domain of California |
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