Marmont Lodge, 231 Knights of Pythias  

National

Knights of Pythias is a fraternal organization and secret society founded in Washington, D.C., on 19 February 1864. The Knights of Pythias is the first fraternal organization to receive a charter under an act of the United States Congress. It was founded by Justus H. Rathbone

State

1869 - Knights of Pythias formed in Indiana

County

1916 - Mar 23 - 2nd meeting of the newly organized county association of the Knights of Pythias was held with the Culver lodge

Local

The Marmont K of P Lodge was formed in 1889 - an accounting is;

Marmont Lodge No, 231,, Knights of Pythias. This lodge was organized November 29, 1889, with twenty-two charter members.

The first officers were as follows:
0. A. Rea, chancellor commander;
F. L. Carl, vice-chancellor;
Ed Morris, prelate;
W. H. Porter, master of exchequer;
M. F. Masher, master of finance;
J. H. Koontz, keeper of records and seal; G. A. Williams, master at arms;
A. J. Kimball, inner guard;
William Swigart, outer guard;
trustees, L. C. Dillon, H. M. Speyer and D. G. Walter.



The lodge has a present membership of fifty-eight.

The lodge some years ago erected a two-story brick and stone building in the center of the town for its own use, the lower story being used for commercial purposes.

The money was raised by a stock company composed of members of the lodge, the lodge itself subscribing for a large share of the stock. -

The K of P decided to build a suitable lodge for themselves. They organized a stock company to do so, the members buying some shares, and the lodge itself the rest, and they ended up with a substaintial two story brick building, the first floor of which could be rented out to commercial interests. - Marshall County History, 1908

Just where there first meetings were held is unknown one could assume the location could be 202 N. Main as the 1924 map indicates usage to include Lodge Halls but the 1906 map indicated it was printing and 1914 kindergarden school, The 1906 and 1914 Sanborn maps gives not clues to the any of the downtown buildings being used as lodge halls. Also possibly over what was the Stine store at 102 S Main

1889 - Nov 21 - A K. of P. Lodge will be organized at Marmount the 29th Plymoth lodge will do the work Argos lodge will be in attendance - Argos Reflector

1889 - Nov 28 - Marmont Lodge, 231 Organized with the assistance of the Argos and Kewanna Lodges Inscibing their names on the charter were:

O A Rea Fred Carl M. E. Garn Edward Morris J. F. Koontz M. F. Mosher W. H. Porter G. A. Williams H. M. Speyer D. G. Walter L. C. Dillion J. R. Walter

Henry Haag F. E. Thompson L. C. Wiseman B. F. Medbourn Urias Menser Moses Menser F. E. Huntsinger A. J. Kimball A. L. Porter Wm. Swigart Edwin Hawk

1895 - The K.P. Building Town board minutes:

July 1, Be it remembered that the town board of the town of Marmont, met in regular session, at T. B. Harris's office, on the first day of Jul 1895.

Present, T. B. Harris, J.H. Castleman, E. W. Geiselman.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.

Be it further remembered that the following petition was read:
Marmont, Ind. July 1, 1895 To the honorable Town Board of Marmont} We the undersigned citizens Respectfully solicit your honorable Body to grant uns the privilege of the use of (20) Twenty feet of the street along lot No. 28 on Main Street for the purpose of placing building material for a period of not to exceed (90) days.
Frank Cromley
J. T. Cromey
A motion was then made which was also duly seconded, that the named above privilege be granted and also granting the same privilege to the K.P's for the erection of their building. J. H. Cartleman and E. W. Geiselman voting in the affirmative. The president T. B. Harris declared said motion carried... pg. 108-9

1896 - Built a new hall at 108 N. Main St

1903 - Oct 1 - Al Keen will attend the grand lodge of the Kights of Pythias of Indiana, to be held at Indianapolis next week. He will go as the representative of the local K of P lodge.

1903 - Oct 15 - At a meeting of the K Of P Building Association last Tuesday night it was decided to have the flooring in the K of P Building remover and cement put in in place of it. After this is done Porter and Co. will put in a compelete heating plant.

1904 Jun 30 - K of P elect officers

The K of P's elected the following officers for the ensuing term
George Garn - C. C .
Tim Wolf - V. C.
F. C .Baker - K. of R. & S.
Same Jones - Prelate
Wm Grubb - M. of W.
Monton Foss - M. at A.
Urians Menser - I .G.
L. C. Wisman - O. G.

1904 - Dec 1 - Oyster Supper - The Knights of Pythias will give an oyster supper in the basement of the M. E. Church, Wednesday evening, Dec. 7th. Supper frpm 5 tp 8 o'clock. The entire proceeds will be given to the sick and needy of Culver and vicinity.

1905 - Jan 12 - Marmont Lodge No 521 (SIC) K of P installed the follwoing officers at a special meeting Thursday night

C. C. - Levi Osborn
V. C .- E. W. Koontz
K. of R. & S .- Frank Baker
M. F. - Arthur Morris
M. E. - A. A. Keen
M. W. - George Garn
P. - Tim Wolf
M. A. - Samuel Jones
I. G. - Wm. Grubb
O. G. - Ezra Hawkins
Trustee - J. H. Koontz
Installing office - U. Menser

1905 - Jul 13 - New K of P Officers

Marmont Lodge No 231 K of P elected the following officers for the ensueing semi-annual term
C. C. - E. W. Koontz
V. C. - M. A. Foss
Prel .- Dr. O. A. Rea
M. W. - L. A. Osborn
M. A. - Wm. - Grubb
I. G. - Ezra Hawkins
O. G. - Urias Menser
Instailling Officer - Arthur Morris
F. C. Baker - K. of R. & S.

1906 - Jun 28 - Knights of Pythias

The following officers of the Knights of Pythias were elected on Tuesday evening for the ensuing term
C. C. - William Grubb
V. C. Ezra Hawkins
Prelate - Harry Dillon
M. of W. - Urias Menser
M. A. - Jesse Rhodes
I. G. - Charles Burch
O. G. - Monton Foss
Installing Officer - J. H. Koontz
The third rank was conferred on Lloyd Hawkins.

1907 - Jan 3 K P elect officers

On account of Christmas, the regular meeting of the Knights of Pythias was held on Wednesday evening. The following officers were eleced for the ensuing term:
C. C. - Ezra Hawkins
V. V. - D. Smith
Prelate - U. Menser
M. F. - M. H. Foss
M. E. - Athur Morris K. of R. & S. - Frank Baker
M. A. - A. A. Keen
I. G. - Lloyd Hawkins
O. G. Wm Grubb
Trustee - A. A. Keen
Installing Officer - H. M. Speyer

1908 - Jan 9 - Knights of Phythias

Following are the 1908 Officers of Marmont lodge 231, Knights of Pythias:
C. C. - O. A. Rea
V. C. - J. H. Koontz
P. - S. C. Shilling
M. W. - D. G. Walter
K. of R. & S. - F. C .Baker
M. F. - W. H. Porter
M. E. - Arthur Morris
M. A. - A. A. Keen
I .G .- C. Burch
Trustee - H. M. Speyer
Installing Officer - D. Wiseman

1908 - May 21 - The Rathbone Sisters Auxiliary of the Knights of Pythias is being organized here.

1909 -Jan 7 - Addition to Cemetery

The Knights of Pythias are considering a propostition to purchase the Ezra Blanchard property adhoining the cemetery on the north for the purpose of meeting an imperative need for more ground.

Every lot in the cemetery has been sold, and it has been for twp years past a serious question how to provide further room.

The Blanchard propery consists of an acre of land and a house. Mr. Blanchard has made a proposition to the special committee appointed by the lodge, and the matter was submited at the Tuesday night meeting and laid over for one week.

1909 - Jan 14 - Knights of Pythias -

J. H. Koontz was elected trustee of a term of three years on Tuesday night

No action was taken on the proposed purchase of the Blanchard property, and the special committee was continued

A number of the Knights will attend the district meeting on Han. 19 at South Bend.

1909 - Mar 4 - The Knights of Pythias have bought new $100 Brussels carpet for their lodge room.

1909 - Nov 18 - Marmont Lodge, Knights of Pythias will celebrate its 20th anniversary on the 29th with an invitation reception -

1909 - Dec 30 - Knights of Pythias Election

C.. C. - Jesse Rhoads
V. C. - H. J. Meredith
Prel. - L. C. Wiseman
M. of W. - Chas. Burch
K. of R. & S. - Arthur Morris
M. of F. - George Garn
M. of E. -W H Porter
M. of A. -Tim Wolf
I. G. - Moses Menser
O. G. - Monton Foss
Trustee - A. A. Keen
Ins. Of. - H. M. Speyer

1910 - Dec 29 - Knights of Pythias Ellection

The following officers of Marmont lodge were elected Tuesday
C. C. - S. C. Shilling
V. C. - H. Overman
Prel. - L. C. Wiseman
M. of W. - U. Menser
K. of R. & S. - H. J. Meredith
M. of F. - Monton Foss
M. of E. - W. H. Porter
M. of A. - Charles Burch
I. G. - Lloyd Hakwins
O. F. - Tim Wolf

Trustee - S. C. Shilling

1911 - Feb 23 - New Knights - Isadore Hessel and Will Houghton have taken their initiation degree in the Kinghts of Pythias.

1911 - Dec 28 - Knights of Pythias

C. C. - Earl Zechiel
V. C. - John Hawk
P. - William Houghton
K. of R. & S. - H. J. Meredith
M. A. - Samuel Williamson
M. of E. - W. H. Porter
M. of F. - Harry Menser
M. W. - Henry Overman
I. G. - Arthur Castleman
O. G. - Robert McFarland

1914 - Jan 1 - Officers of the K of P

C. C. - Harry Menser
V. C. - William Houghton
P. - L. C. Wiseman
M. at A. - John Hawk
M. of E. - W. H. Porter
M. of F. - H. J. Meredith
M. of W. Charles Burch
K. of R. & S. - S. Williamson
I. G. - W. M. Snyder
O. G. - Moses Menser

1915 - Jun 24 - The Knights of Pythias have made a good improvement by painting the property occupied by Speyer Bros. and replacing the old stone walk with cement. The open space between the old walk and the curb has been filled with cement on this frontage and also that owned by W. H. and A L Porter. The street looks better for these changes. Keep up the good work.

1917 - Dec 5 - A Noble Anniversary

1919 Jan 1 - Knights of Pythias

The following officers have been elected
C. C. - Fred Cook
V. C. - Clural Krieger
Prel. - Roy Swigart
M. of W. - Earl Working
K. R. & S. - H. Meredith
M. of F. - Timothy Wolf
M. of E. - W. H. Porter
M. of A. - M. H. Foss
I. G. - John Hawk
O. G. - Charles Medbourn

1919 Dec 31 - Knights of Pythias

Culver lodge K of p has elected the following officers for the ensuing six months
C. C. - Russell Gardner
V. C. - Perchis Blanchard
M. of W. - Ed Hawk
K. of R. & S. - Earl Working
M. of A. - M. V. Robinson
O. G. - Clural Kreger

1922 - new final K of P Building

1923 - Apr 4 - Dedication of the New K of P Hall

Mechanical and time limitation restrict our report of the dedication exercises of the new Knights of Pythias hall last evening. It can be stated, however, that it was one of the most enjoyable treats of the season, as every one of the 225 guests will testify.

Six tables filled the hall floor. The menu included roast chicken, escalloped potatoes, baked beans, ice cream, cake and coffee, prepared by the Pythian SIsters and serced by the male members of the order.

The addresses of the evening were made by Ralph W. Gaylor, grand chancelor, of Mishawaka, and Edward N. Webber deputy grand chancellor, also of Mishawaka. Rev. Chivington made a short talk.

Miss Allie Wiseman sang a selecion, and other songs were furnished by a male quarter composed of S. J. Lenon, Fletcher Stran, Russell FIsher and Sam Strang.

1923- May 23 - Knights of Pythias Initate Large Class of Candidates

1923 - Dec 5 - K of P Elects Officers

The following were the officers elected for the ensuing year for the local Knights of Pythias lodge
RalpH Burch - C. C.
N. Reed - V. C.
Chas. Bolin - Prelate
Walter Medbourn - M.of W.
J. M. Meredith - K. of R. & S.
E. P. Blanchard - M. of F. W. H. Porter - M. of E.
J. Butin - M. of A.
Samuel Buswell - I. of G.
Zeno Miller - O. G.

1924 - Dec 10 - Local K of P Lodge Elects Yearly Officers

At the meeting of the local Knights of Pythias last Tuesday night, officers for the coming year were elected. The election returns showed the following results
c. c. - Harold Bolen
V .C. - H. L. Sanders
Prel. - Sam Buswell Jr.
K. of R. & .S - H. H. Meredith
M. of A. - C. C. Mikesell
T. G. - H. R. Speyer
O. F. - Byron Cook
Turstee - Ed Hawk

1927 - Jan 5 - The Knights of Pythias elected the following for theri next year's officers

Clurel Miksell - Chacellor commander
Ambrose Martin - vice chancellor
Charles White - Prelate
Chas. Asper - Prelate
John Baker - Inner Guard
Alfred Cromley - Outer Guard
Lee Beehler - Keeper of records & Seal
E. P. Blancahrd - master of finance
H. H. Tallman - master of exchequer
Ed Hawk - master of work
A. A. Keen - trustee
Carl Adams - Auditing committee

1927 - Sep 28 - History Purpose of Knights of Pythias

1928 - Jul 25 - Marmont Lodge No 231 Knights of Pythias istalled the following officers on last Tuesday night

D. B. Young - C. C . W. H. Porter - V. C.<
br> Harvey Norris - Prel.
F. L. Carl - M. of A.
O. R. Porter - M. of the W.
Urias Menser - I .G.
J. F .Koontz Installing Officer

1929 - Jan 23 - Officer Named by K. of P. Lodhe -

The following offiers have been elected to head the Marmont Lodge No. 231, Knights of Pythias during the ensuing year.
C. C. - C. Burch
V. C. - M. Foss
Prel. - Chas. White
K. R. S. - Dee Beehler
M. F. - N. E. Reed
M. E. - H. H. Tallman
M. A. - A. A. Keen
I. G . - E. P. Blanchard
O. G. - John Milner
Trustee - Ora Byrd
Trustee - Claude Mikesell
Aud. Com. - E. P. Blanchard

1930 - Aug 6 - The front of the second story of the K of P Building has been remodeled turniing the clubrooms into an office suite which is now occupied by Dr. C. G. Mackey

1938 - Jan 19 - Arthur Fishburn Elected Knights of Pythiias Head

Arthur Fishburn has been elected C. C. of the Local Knights of Pythias lodge ' ther officers nameded are
J. C .- Edwin Hawk
Prelate - Charles Asper
K. of R. & S. - N. E.Reed
M. of F. - Harold Robinson
M. of Ex. - E. P. Blanchard
M. at A. - John Milner
I. G. - C. H. Long
O. G. - Cleo Ringle

Installation ceremonies were held last week for these newly elected officers.

K. of P. Buildings