Order of Calanthe

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The Order of Calanthe, originally titled the Independent Order of Calanthe, is a fraternal benefit society for African American women. It was established in Louisiana in 1883 as an auxiliary to the Knights of Pythias of North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. Calanthe was the wife of Pythias in the Greek legend Damon and Pythias.

Contents

History

The Order of Calanthe, originally titled the Independent Order of Calanthe, is a fraternal benefit society for African American women. It was established in Louisiana in 1883 as an auxiliary to the Knights of Pythias of North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. Its purpose was promoting "the social, intellectual, and moral welfare of its members and the community at large". [1]

Courts

The Grand Court of Florida was established in 1887. [2] By 1888, there were thirty-three courts in the United States. [3]

The Grand Court Order of Calanthe of Texas, established on May 30, 1897, was a highly successful branch and is commemorated with a historical marker. [4] [5] Susie H. Norris, who helped organize the Grand Court of Texas, was elected the first Grand Worthy Counsellor of the organization and served from 1898 to 1902. [6] In 1902, America D. Key led the organization until 1925 and dramatically expanded the organization making it one of the largest Grand Courts in the United States. [6] After Key died in 1925, Fannie McPherson led from 1925 to 1934 and P. E. Davis from 1934 to 1944. [6] The University of Texas San Antonio has a photograph of a parade of members. [7] An office building for the group was built at 2411 Dowling Street in Texas. The organization has been sued over benefits. [8] In 2018, the Texas court became the Calanthe Historical Society. [9]

The Grand Court of Calanthe, Jurisdiction of Michigan, was founded in September 1922 in Detroit, Michigan with Anna T. Hyde as the first Grand Worthy Counsellor. [10]

Symbols

The organization was named for Calanthe, the wife of Pythias in the Greek legend Damon and Pythias. [11] The organization's motto was "Fidelity, Harmony, and Love." [3] The Order of Calanthe is known for its distinctive fez hats. [12] Each degree has its unique symbols, teachings, and rituals. [1]

Activities

The organization provided life insurance, sick, and death benefits. [13] Member provide community service, support charities, and advocate for social justice and civil rights. [1]

Membership

Membership in the Order of Calanthewas originally opened to family members of the Knights but was later widened to any woman sponsored by a Knight. The order's members are ranked by several degrees. [1]

Notable members

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Order Of Calanthe Regalia". Bricks Masons. Retrieved 2024-04-08.
  2. ↑ "Calanthe Sisters". knightsofpythiasfl.com. Retrieved 20 Dec 2022.
  3. 1 2 "Grand Court Order of Calanthe of Texas Historical Marker". www.hmdb.org. Retrieved 2024-02-16.
  4. ↑ "Grand Court Order of Calanthe of Texas Historical Marker". www.hmdb.org.
  5. ↑ Society, Calanthe Historical. "Calanthe Historical Society". Calanthe Historical Society. Retrieved 2024-02-16.
  6. 1 2 3 Association, Texas State Historical. "Grand Court Order of Calanthe of Texas, Inc". Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved 2024-02-16.
  7. ↑ "Parade of Grand Court, Order of Calanthe". digital.utsa.edu.
  8. ↑ "Grand Court Order of Calanthe v. Welch, 250 S.W. 457 | Casetext Search + Citator". casetext.com.
  9. ↑ Society, Calanthe Historical. "Calanthe Historical Society". Calanthe Historical Society. Retrieved 2024-02-16.
  10. ↑ "Historical program for the dedication of the Pythian Temple of the Grand Lodge and Court of Michigan, 1952 September 21 · digitalVGW". digitalvgw.omeka.net. Retrieved 2024-02-16.
  11. ↑ "GCOC" (PDF). img1.wsimg.com. Retrieved 20 Dec 2022.
  12. ↑ "Order Of Calanthe Regalia". Bricks Masons. Retrieved 2024-02-22.
  13. ↑ "Life Insurance" (PDF). tdi.Texas.Gov. Retrieved 20 Dec 2022.
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