Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 41, Number 45, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 February 1909 — K. of P. Order Forty Years Old. [ARTICLE]

K. of P. Order Forty Years Old.

The Knights of Pythias throughout Indiana are preparing to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the. organization of the grand lodge of Indiana. It was founded by Justus H. Rathbone in the city of Washing-* ton, on February 19, 1864. For years the order had a severe struggle for existence, but, as it was founded on enduring principles, it was destined to live. This right to live has been fully demonstrated by its remarkable growth and its wonderful influence in promoting friendship, charity and brotherly love. Over 1,000,000 men in the United States have been instructed in the principles of the order in less than half a century. And today there are over 700,000 active members of the order. The great part that Indiana has taken in this development Is worthy of celebration. At the time the grand lodge of Indiana was organized Indiana bad only six subordinate lodges with 142 members. There are now 491 subordinate lodges, with over 63,000 members. In this time the subordinate lodges .of Indiana have paid to its members in benefits almost 13,000,000. The assets of the lodges in Indiana in 1869 were $2,049.17. They are now valued at $2,866,269.28. In the supreme domain Indiana holds second place as to membership, Ohio holding first place with over 80,000 members and Illinois third place with over 68,0000 members.