To Grand Lodge Of Texas

A bit of history; by George Fox

The Grand Lodge Of Texas was chartered on April 6, 1874 in Houston. At that time there were eight lodges. The high point in Texas Pythian membership was in 1922, when there were 238 lodges and 30,500 members. At one time or another there have been Pythian Lodges in virtually every city or town in the state. Many governors, and an untold number of  congressmen, have attained Pythian Knighthood,  including former Speaker Of The House Jim Wright, a 48 year member of the Weatherford, Texas lodge.

    Three early events marked our history. In 1881 the first building ever built specifically for use as a Pythian lodge hall, (Now a Texas ,as well as a national historical site), was started at Ft.Worth. It was a three story affair, a rarity at the time, costing a magnificent fifteen thousand dollars to construct. The cornerstone ceremony was presided over by Justus H. Rathbone, who, in 1864, founded the Order Of The Knights Of Pythias.

    Second, on September 8, 1900, the great flood hit Galveston, wiping out most of the city. The hurricane took the lives of 27 Pythian members and their families. Some who survived lost wives and children. Most lost homes and property. Within twenty four hours a relief fund was established and Pythian benevolence resulted in many thousands of dollars from Pythians all over the nation.

    Another event was the opening of the Texas Pythian Home in 1909. Originally a home for the widows and orphans of lodge members, the home is still in operation on the east side of Weatherford, Texas. In addition there are two homes for aged citizens in Greenville, Texas.

    We still survive, 134 years later, working to support our three Pythian Homes, and the programs of the Supreme Lodge. Each lodge tries to support it's community in every way.

Tidbit;

The word Texas was derived from an indian word, tejas, or friend. The Pythian Order, based on the friendship of Damon and Pythias, is very fitting here.*