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The Grand Lodge of Texas was chartered on April 6, 1874 in Houston. At one time or another there have been Pythian Lodges in virtually every city or town in the state. Many Govenors and an untold number of Congressmen have attained Pythian Knighthood, including former Speaker of the House Jim Wright. Speaker Wright is a 52 year member of the Lone Star Lodge in Weatherford, Texas.
Three early events marked our history. In 1881 the first building ever built specifically for use as a Pythian lodge hall was erected in downtown Fort 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 founded the Order Of The Knights of Pythias in 1864. The building is a Texas and National Historical Site.
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 members 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 US and Canada.
Another event was the opening of the Texas Pythian Home in 1909. Originally a home for widows and orphans of lodge members, the home is still in operation in the east side of Weatherford, Texas. In addition there is the Pythian Guesthouse for Senior Citizens in Greenville, Texas.
We still survive, 133 years later, working to support our Pythian Homes and the programs of the Supreme Lodge. Each lodge tries to support it's community in every way possible.
For more information about the Knights of Pythias, visit the following sites.
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For further information about Texas lodges, please contact: Bob Mehalick, Grand Secretary of Texas 817-483-9400 grandsecretary@pythias-tx.org
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