Knights of Pythias and Pythean Sisters LodgeThe following was printed in the Rose History in 1911: "A Luverne fraternal order with a record for noteworthy achievement is Luverne Lodge No. 113, Knights of Pythias, which was organized Nov. 15, 1892, with 22 charter members. The lodge was instituted by Fred E. Wheaton, grand chancellor of Minnesota. Following is the initial membership roll, including the first officers of the order: E.S. Rogers, P.C.; F.H. Helener, V.C.; W.H. Randall, P.; F.E. Johnston, K.R. and S.; W.A. Shawver, M.F.; N.C. Gunderson, M.V.’ J.B. Johnson, M.A.; S.B. Nelson, I.G.; T.J. McDermott, O.G.; F.E. Shafer, C.H. Pumphrey, Harper Shafer, C.W. Orvis, H.W. Rogers, Henry Meyer, E.O. Krook, Mark Swedberg, J.C. Glynn, L.S. Nelson, J.W. Gerber, C.A. Yaeger. The Knights of Pythias possess one of the most finely appointed lodge rooms in the state. The chambers occupy most of the second floor of an elegant business block erected by the lodge in 1908, at a cost of $16,000. The formal dedication of Pythian Castle hall occurred July 22, 1909. A distinguishing feature of the event was the fact that the dedication ceremonies were conducted by Supreme National Chancellor H.P. Brown of Texas. The home of the Luverne Knights is the first one in the Grand Domain of Minnesota to be so signally honored. The Pythian Sisters Lodge (an order until a few years ago known as the Rathbone Sisters) is a flourishing organization. Luverne Temple No. 41 was granted its charter March 17, 1906. The 17 charter members and first officers were as follows: Emma Johnston, M.E.C.; Myra Davis, P.C.; Etta Gerber, E.S.; Irene Cottrell, E.J.; Carrie Jones, manager; Nina Canfield, M.R.C.; Addie Delate, M. of F.; Ada Mae Bell, P.; Libbie Yaeger, G.; Cora Nutting, Alice Birch, Charity Hughes, Georgenia Myhre, Sarah Hafsoons, Belle Davis, Nellie Canfield, Laura Dobell."Donations to the Rock County Historical Endowment Fund can be sent to the Rock County Historical Society, P.O. Box 741, Luverne, MN 56156. Mann welcomes correspondence sent to mannmade@iw.net.
