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Knights of Pythias

KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS -  The Knights of Pythias is a fraternal organization and secret society founded in Washington, DC, on Febuary19,1864.  

The Knights of Pythias was the first fraternal organization to receive a charter under an act of the United States Congress. It was founded by Justus H. Rathbone, who had been inspired by a play by the Irish poet John Banim about the legend of Damon and Pythias. This legend illustrates the ideals of loyalty, honor and friendship that are central to the order.

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Father Time and the Weeping Virgin

FATHER TIME AND THE WEEPING VIRGIN - There are several versions of this sculpture containing different components which have been related to mythology, Judaism and Christianity; yet it is ultimately a Masonic carving. It symbolizes that time, patience and perseverance will accomplish all things. The most common symbols are Father Time, a Virgin, a broken column, an urn, a sprig of acacia, and a book, all of which rest on the top level of three steps.

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Cross, Egyptian (Ankh)

EGYPTIAN CROSS (ANKH) - The Ankh is also known as key of life, the key of the Nile or crux ansata (Latin meaning "cross with a handle"), was the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic character that read "eternal life". Egyptian gods are often portrayed carrying it by its loop, or bearing one in each hand, arms crossed over their chest.

Medal, Bronze Star

BRONZE STAR MEDAL - The Bronze Star Medal, unofficially the Bronze Star, is a United States decoration awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces for either heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service in a combat zone.

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Cross, Methodist

CROSS AND FLAME (METHODIST CHURCH CROSS) - The Cross and flame is the official symbol of the United Methodist Church since 1968.

The Methodist revival began with a group of men, including John Wesley (1703–1791) and his younger brother Charles (1707–1788), as a movement within the Church of England in the 18th century.  The United Methodist Church was created on April 23, 1968, when The Evangelical United Brethren Church and The Methodist Church united to form a new denomination.

The basic beliefs of The United Methodist Church include:

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Pythian Sisters (PLEF)

PYTHIAN SISTERS (PLEF) - The Order of Pythian Sisters, the independent auxiliary of the Knights of Pythias was organized at Warsaw, Indiana on October 22-23, 1888 by a dedicated Knight, Joseph Addison Hill, of Greencastle, Indiana. 

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Daughters of the Nile

DAUGHTERS OF THE NILE - While there are plenty of activities for Shriners and their wives, there are two organizations tied to the Shrine that are for women only: The Ladies' Oriental Shrine and the Daughters of the Nile. They both support the Shriners Hospitals and promote sociability, and membership in either organization is open to any woman 18 years of age and older who is related to a Shriner or Master Mason by birth, marriage, or adoption.

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Tree or Branch, Broken

BROKEN TREE (BROKEN TREE BRANCH) - Since a tree represents Life, a broken tree, or a broken branch, symbolizes death, or more specifically a life cut short. This symbolism is usually used on Gravestones, to signify a break in the family tree, someone who died an untimely or premature death. Usually seen on a younger person's gravestone, an alternate symbol is a Broken Flower Bud, or rose stem.  A broken tree at the trunk usually represents loss of a family patriarch.

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Daughters of the Confederacy

DAUGHTERS OF THE CONFEDERACY -  The General Organization of the United Daughters of the Confederacy was founded in Nashville, Tennessee, on September 10, 1894, by Mrs. Caroline Meriwether Goodlett of Tennessee as Founder and Mrs. Lucian H. (Anna Davenport) Raines of Georgia as Co- Founder. The UDC is the outgrowth of numerous ladies’ hospital associations, sewing societies and knitting circles that worked throughout the South during the War Between the States to supply the needs of the soldiers.

Degree of Rebekah (Daughters of Rebekah)

DEGREE OF REBEKAH (DAUGHTERS OF REBEKAH) - The Daughters of Rebekah, also known as the Rebekahs and the International Association of Rebekah Assemblies, is an international service-oriented organization and a branch of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

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