Knights of Pythias to charter lodge in Sumter

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Kevin N. Brown, the grand chancellor of the Knights of Pythias, announced this older African American fraternal order was restarted in 2015, and the fraternity will be chartering a lodge in Sumter, where the grand vice chancellor resides. The group has also started lodges in Florence, Darlington, Cheraw and Timmonsville. The group is based on friendship, charity and benevolence. For more information, contact Brown at (843) 536-2823 or kb326953@gmail.com.

The Medina Temple No. 360 of The Dramatic Order Knights of Omar and The Grand Lodge of the Knights of Pythias of the Jurisdiction of South Carolina celebrated their first extravaganza in Lake City on Sept. 3-5.

The three-day event started with a meet and greet Friday evening. A parade was held in Lake City on Saturday morning, and a cookout was held for the members and community after the parade.

There was a gala banquet and ball at Kingstree Recreation Center on Sept. 4. The keynote speaker was Sir Knight Elder Damon Thompson, who gave an inspirational message titled "Pressing Towards the Mark." The ball began after the banquet.

On Sept. 5, The Grand Lodge of the Knights of Pythias and Medina Temple No. 360 of the Dramatic Order Knights of Omar attended and worshiped with the Rev. Reginald Elmore and the Mt. Clair Baptist Church family.

"We were thankful for this worship experience and a great sermon by the Rev. Reginald Elmore entitled 'Can You Stand the Rain.' The message was well received, and our visitors and family members and Sirs and Votarys and Sisters of the Court of Calanthe really enjoyed this worship experience. The Dramatic Order Knights of Omar is an auxiliary of the The Knights of Pythias designed for entertainment and lighter moments of the order," Brown said.