Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 8, Number 41, Decatur, Adams County, 17 February 1910 — Page 2

KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS (Ooatl*n<»4 from oazw 1 ) we appreciate their conquering deter initiation, energy and motive, and love them and the order still the more. This temple, thia home, has long been the ambition of many a loyal hearted Knight, some who have been transferred to the Celestial City and appeared before the Great Chancellor of the Universe, have had visions during life of its existence and hope to see its completion; others, less confident, have said “1 would that we might 'have accomplished this work but lacked faith in their ability to finish the task .and we who survive and engage in the ceremonies of today look upon it as the visible reality of our hopes of many past years. Trustees and members of this lodge, on behalf of the building committee, who have to the best of their ability watched over the construction of this temple to completion, we are to deliver it unto your keeping. Long and earnestly have we strived in this capacity to serve and compensate you well; often and often have we keenly felt the responsibilities of this task. Many times have we been called upon to consider the questions of economy, durability and beauty, many times have we differed in judgments and desires, but with pleasure I can hand you with this structure today no unpleasant, unsettled conditions now existing among us, and with the consciousness that we have done our best we earnestly hope that it may endure to future generations and remain a monument in honor to those who have laid the foundations of this lodge, a delightful recollection to those who built it, and served so faithfully during the pioneer days of her history, for years and years to come. We have laid the foundation stones i of this structure deep in Mother Earth with the faith that it would long endure, we have added to these walls that which would serve us best protection from the wind and chill of winter and upon the roof protection from the heat and the rain; here will assemble in the future men and women from the various walks of life. These walls will echo back the voices of the merrymaking and the glad, here will come the news of brothers departed and be heard the stories of. the unfortunate and distressed and! if permitted to test her endurance ■ with time only she will outlive and! outlast us all. Yet this is certain, much as we have endeared to build for durability and endurance, with time as her only destroyer, like the temples of an ancient day her destiny is fixed and it will crumble in the dust again in a future day. We build our earthly temples upon foundations of quarried stone, and the walls of brick and mortar long enduring but not eternal, but this does not constitute the foundation upon; which our order is builded, or rests, | but the temple only wherein we meet

| A Big Remnant Sale J ■ After taking our Annual Inventory I | we find we have a lot of short ends of 1 I Fine Silks, Wool Dress Goods and Cotton I I Wash Materials I I in good lengths, which we made up into I 1 remnants. We are selling these at about 1 | half price. You will find i | /¥ Good Selection by Galling Early I | New Wash Materials j I We are receiving daily, large shipments I of the newest effects for spring. New silk and Cotton Diagonals, Merserized, Fan- I Icios, Silk Shantings, plain and fancy. I Complete showing-New Ginghams, Red 1 ■ Seal, Bates, Amoskeag Utilities, Everetu I | Classics, Barnalb Zyphrs. Prices from 8, 1 j 10, I Niblick <fc Company. |

TRUSTEES AND MEMBERS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE

—wfc -- - ■ —■yi

E. B. LENHART

and mingle with each other, In thought, word and deed. Masonry of stone and walls c’ brick and mortar do not constitute the foundation of our order. Friendship, the highest type known to man, charity, the golden key that opens the places 6f eternity, benevolence truly exemplified, constituting the perfection of human nature and character; these are the foundation stones, the everlasting principles upon which we are builded. Our order is new in the world’s history of events. Less than a half century has passed since her advent into the world, but her foundation stone, the rock-ribbed trio upon which she is builded, is older than the temples of Solomon, or the mysteries of the Persian Magi, and more enduring than any structure ever reared by human hand. Created with the creation of the world emplanted in the hearts of men from the dawn of creation, kept alive and nurtured by Abraham, practically applied in the life of Moses' from his birth until bis death, and immortalized and exemplified in the life and persop of the lowly Nazarene from the cradle to the cross. Modern architecture and human ingenuity of today have far surpassed any conception of the mind of but yesterday, the lightenings have been controlled, the ocean conquered and the air made navigable, almost instant communication is possible with any part of the inhabited world today, transportation and manufacturing have almost reached a state of perfec- ’ tion, advancement has been so rapid* that the inventions of yesteday may be tossed to the rubbish heap, tomorrow; the barren deserts have been transformed by artificial means into fertile fields; we marvel at the ingenuity of man and what he has been able to accomplish in science, art, invention and government, and the progress he has made but with all this advance- | ment the code, the creed of human, duty, the foundation of principle upon

JAMES HURST

i which we are builded has never changed, improved or been revised, that the good shall live is as true today as it was six thousand years ago. The foundation upon which is builded the destiny of the human race, and upon which is carved the epitaph of the Immortal, this trio, which has for centuries defied time will never decay or perish. This temple may serve future generations, and for centuries resist decay, but some day it will crumble and fall. We who built it will have long since passed away and be forgotten among men, like the temples of the old world and’the massive structures of the ancient City of Baal, noted today for the splendor of her ruins, this will return to dust again. Sisters and Brothers, we turn to you and into your custody and keeping the key that unlocks the entrance to this temple. We earnestly 1 hope her walls may be kept sacred and doors open only to the good and true and that all who enter here may have but one purpose, the elevation, the happiness, the betterment of mankind. May these walls as they shelter you and us in the years to come echo back only the sounds of gladness and good cheer, and all who enter here may live in harmony with her law. Rathbone Sisters and Brother Knights, we commit into your keeping this home, together with all that her foundation of principles imply, the superstition of the outside world no ’longer harass you, the acusation of Satanic practices, and the prejudices against secret societies have long since died out. And we best honor this lodge and would by the care of those who by the ties of nature have claims upon us. Into your keeping with the promise of our hearty cooperation, we commit this trust and may it long endure, and stand a light-house, warning, lighting, and pointing out the

WiJil

O. L. VANCE

way to the future generations who follow us. And may we count life by virtues, These will last when life’s lame, foiled race is o’er. And these when earthly joys are past. Shall cheer us on a brighter shore. Following this eloquent and worthy presentation speech of D. N. Erwin in behalf of the building committee, the Hon. D. E. Smith, in behalf of the lodge accepted the building, in an equally eloquent and happily worded speech as follows: Life has been defined to be "the narrow vale between the cold and barren peaks of two eternities," and if each day were as but the span of an hour, and each precious moment were consumed in framing words, I could not express to the building committee our appreciation of their efforts in our behalf and in behalf of Knighthood in the city of their choice. As I have listened to this splendid presentation; as I have thought of the generous spirit in which it has been given, in fancy I have traveled back through the lapse of years, and have brought to mind the early struggles for the maintenance of this lodge. In imagination I have usurped the right to invite those beloved brothers, who live as sweet flowers in the gardens of our memories, who laid broad and deep and lasting the pathway of principles, for this great and glorious occasion, to meet with us and with our friends and together be our guests tonight. In fancy I have sent these departed brothers this message. "Your brothers of Kekionga lodge, whom you have left behind, through their building committee have wrought great things. They have builded them a home, the like of which was never before seen in Adams county, the like of which you dreamed so fondly in the long ago. As the stars make love to the roses that spread their fragrance and bless the weary rambler o’er the hill and dale, we make love to your memories, we hold them in fast embrace and as weary ramblers are thereby blessed; we bid you hasten and a hearty welcome and pray you share with us the joyous spirit in our hearts today." In fancy, I have assumed the right to felicitate the brothers of this lodge, whose names appear upon our membershlp roll, upon this great achievement On this day has been focussed the desire of years; to this moment have been brought the sacrifices of time and toil, of treasure and of thought. The good ship “Pythian Effort” ever bearing afolt the banner of "Hope,” tossed and rocked upon the billowy seas of thirty-five years’ has found a pleasant landing and is safely anchored on the island of “Success.’ In response to this presentation I have been requested by the brothers of this lodge to convey to you, in our imperfect manner, our appreciation of your efforts in our behalf and for your fidelity to your trust. The entire approval of your brethren is the sweetest story I can tell, the story, like love, that is sweet ever whispered word. You have given us a beautiful structure. Your names appear not alone upon the cornerstone, but viewed from every angle, we see them in every nook and corner of a perfect building. You have given us a home; a place where we may learn each other’s worth and commune with those worth while; a place where we may learn more of the principles of Knighthood and make them a part of our lives; you have given us the pride of Decatur and the sweetheart of more than two hundred faithful Knights. Had your courage not been as true as the steel of Damascus you might well have faltered at the undertaking; had your faith been not as clear as crystal, you might well have faltered; you found chaos and confusion, you brought perfection. By your patience, difficulties, almost Insurmountable, were swept aside by your perseverance, obstacles, like unto Gibraltar were removed, until at last, you have

ONLY ONE Wgtii in Ne„~ Bov’s <md Children's Cloth ng Sale E 26th This sale is strictly a stock reducing sale; and our prices are so uncommonly low that we are surely making things move. Many of our customers wonder why we offer such great values at such umeasouably low prices. We are doing it to reduce our stock and convert it into cash. Here Are Some of Our Moving Prices Boy’s Knee Pants 19c Boys Sweaters . .19c Boy’s Caps . . 19c Mens Woik Coats 89c Men’s Work Pants 98c Men’s Boy’s and Children’s Suits, the last of a lot at Half Price. t Men’s, Boy’s and Children’s Overcoats at 30 per cent off. 50c ties 39c;*25c ties 19c VANCE, HITE & MACKLIN Comer East of Court House - - - Decatur, Indiana

erected a monument unto yourselves, unto us and unto Pythianism, the value of which cannot be measured in worldly goods. And when at last, life’s fitful fever ends for you, wnen from your shoulders shall fall forever, the burdens of life’s weary toil, if there be a fairer land than this, may you safely enter there; if there be a sweeter home than this, may you sit by its hearth-stone, is our earnest prayer. And now, my brothers, on behalf of Kekionga Lodge, No. 65, Knights of Pythias, of Decatur, Indiana, in token of our esteem, as a guaranty of our affection, I accept from you this magniflcant building, and may we be as faithful in upholding the principles of the order as you have been successful in the construction of this home. THE NEW PYTHIAN HOME. Not only is the Home of the local Knights of Pythias the first of its kind in the city, but it is also one of the finest in the state, very few lodges having home buildings so complete as this, the massive structure being built at a cost of >14,000, with the furnishings at >1,500. As one passes down Third street, between Madison and Monroe streets, and within a block of the main business part of town, he is struck by the appearance of an imposing two-story brick and stone structure —the Knights of Pythias Home —with broad steps leading up to the veranda that stretches itself at leisure across the front of the building. Through wide and hospitable doors one passes into the reception room, where the tables, hall tree, and chairs have an inviting air, while to the right leads the wide, open stairway to heights above, and broad double doors to the front and left to rooms of unexplored comfort and beauty. Should one. take the door going straight ahead, he would pass into the ladies’ parlor, a room of great artistic beauty, with rough walls tifited a delicate green, shading into an old rose glow at the top, with rich rugs on the hardwood floor; with curtains of ecru and green at the double windows, and with comfortable leather davenport and chairs, inviting the tired to rest. From this room, leads the cloak and toilet room, complete with lavatory and bath, with both hot'and cold water. The door to the left from the reception room, leads into the gentlemen’s parlor, where the details of furnishing are also harmonious and pleasing, both to the eye and to physical comfort. Opening from this parlor at the rear is the smoker and card room, fitted with tables and

chairs, while at the back of this, opening both from thi sroom and the ladies' parlor, is the large dining room, the dimensions of which are thirtysix by forty feet. Here are nineteen tables of the round style, each of which accommodates four chairs, the furniture being a rich oak, to harmonize with the wood work, all of which is in oak, with floors of hardwood. Running the full width of the building at the end, and adjoining the dining room, with dumb waiters between, is the kitchen, a broad and cheery place, fitted with two gas ranges, hot and cold water supplies, several long tables and spacious cup boards filled with china, glass and silver, the linen closets with their stores of linen, all going to help in the preparing and serving of a dinner, with the best table appointments. From the dining room also opens the men’s bath room. With an entrance from both the kitchen and the yard and alley is the hallway leading to the basement, where the chief thing of interest is the low pressure steam heating plant, from which radiate the pipes that keep the entire building In comfort. One now wanders back again to the stairway leading to the second story, where one is greeted by the hum of the billiard balls and the happy voices of those absorbed in playing pool or billiard in the large, cheerful room at the front of the second story, from the title hall at the top. Eager for a glimpse at the room where centers the vital interest of the lodge, the part that makes the home essentially ’’Pythian," one follows the hall leading into the main lodge room, which is the largest of any in the house. There the furnishings are of the stately dignified kind, characteristic of the order, with desks for each officer, carpets of the order’s emblems,, a piano and other furnishings used in the lodge. In two little rooms at the front of this large lodge room, which is used by both the Knights and the Sisters, are the paraphernalia rooms of both societies, wherein are hidden and locked away from the eye of the profaning public, the goats of the two orders, with all other things used in the work of the secret g gß sions. Between the paraphernalia rooms, a staircase runs to the galler where a large number can be eomfoi ably seated; an don this gallery plat form also stands the -* 5 pat ‘ . Wght L B from

this leads the way to the room, wind I might be called a third story,ala-T I unfinished attic at the upper front of I the building, which, when more rooi I is required in the years to come, co I be fitted up, making a very fi» e olie - I All in all the entire building is one | of great beauty. The walls are to I ished in the rough plaster with hear’ I beam effect, the floors arc of hard- I wood, covered with rugs, the wood- I work is of the dark oak finish, the win- I dows of ground glass, the walls bung I with pictures of prominent worker I in the lodge, and other subjects of interest to all, while over all, falls ths beams from sixty-eight electric lights. The chandeliers, as in fact is all the hardware in the building arc °f . oxidized copper, carrying out and da- , monizing with the artistic air of tb« whole place. The whole building 3 i one of the greatest beaut <. coo for! | ' and convenience, reflecting the ri - e I taste, skill and judgment of the loW i in general, and the building com®-- • tee in particular, in whose hands rest ed the bulk of the actual labor. • Hurst, one of the trustees, the supend i tendent of construction, and a me® : ber of the building committee, is P' Bf ■ ed in charge as the temporary ■ dian and guards with a careful han ! and eye, that which he helped to bn n - into effect. The Home is open f roffl - 8 a. m. to 10 p. m. to all menders. 1 with their friends. . FINAL REALIZATION OF HOPE. 1 As one who has run a good race coua :■ ing all past hardships as naught, or 3 one that stands at last on the m OB i tain top, the goal of his ambition, , the cleftr boundless heavens stretc 1 3 away before him for his expan ßo ’ f thinking naught of the steep 8 - dreary, rough and rocky way by < 1 i he ascended, save as "stepping • to the sky”—so do the Knights o b thias of Kekionga Lodge No. ■’ I '■ s catur, stand today on the prin ' ipe an , a desire gratified after thirty-! 1 -"’ a of struggling and striving. wll ' r ‘ i stretching before them is t'"’

®i $ * e ************ * f * . * 8 * Knights of Pythis ; * Kekionga Lodge No. 65- t * ——• 4 . * Meets: Every Thursday N'9 bt ' * > * Home: Open Ba.m.to 10 P- '■ * Motto: Friendship, Chanty s' l * f * Benevo’ence. f * Colors: Blue, Yellow and P* e*. 4 t ,X i * tj * * *. ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦** t ,