Knights of Pythias?

[Staci (Fargo ND)]

Found this strange thing at an old ghost town...says "FCB" in a triangle, with two axes and what looks like a sword. It seems to be iron, and the design has been pressed into it. The fron has paint or thin pieces of stone on it for color. I was able to find something similar on Google, but wondered what everyone here thought anyone know anything about these Knoght os Pythias and what they would be doing in North Dakota?

First photo is mine, about 2" by 2" and the second is the thing I found online at http://www.mall911.com/cgi-bin/store/commerce.cgi?product=kopfobs

I also posted some pics of these wierd religious things I found near by, not sure if they would be linked but anyone have an idea what they might be? There are two, about 4 feet apart and probably 5 feet high.

 

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[Monty]

Free Masonry although it has many rituals praising God and the Bible is one of it's icons , is religion neutral in that it does not profess one religion over another. There is a religion based higher degree and a regular 32nd degree and a Mason has his choice to be elevated to one or the other or both. I don't know about the Knights of Pythias but the only thing secret about Masonry is that its members are priviledge to rites, rituals, and priviledges not shared with non-members. But to be a Mason, all you need to do is ask one. He will give you a petition that is examined by an appointed member of the lodge. If you are not of immoral character and have a belief in the supreme being, there is no reason why you could not be voted into Masonry. When I petitioned to join I was never asked what religion I practiced and I don't know of anyne who has unless it was in just casual conversation with another member. Hope this helps clarify the questions. There are several Masons here on the forum. Monty

 

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[Bigcypresshunter]

There are several Masons here on the forum. Monty

Absolutely, Monty.

 

[Sgt Rock]

Nice finds...The Knights of Pythias were the Military arm of the Knights of Columbus and are on record as the oldest (I think) fraternal org in the US. They were mostly made up of Civil War vets.

 

[irbaddadjoe]

Where I am from there is one of their orphanages called The Pythian Home and also a Knights of Pythias lodge on 6th Avenue that has bingo every friday night. Thats Texas.

 

[Tubecity]

The Knights of Pythias were the Military arm of the Knights of Columbus and are on record as the oldest (I think) fraternal org in the US.
=================================================
Sorry for the correction, Freemasonry is recorded as being the oldest & largest
fraternal organization in the world. American Freemasonry dates back to approx.
1713 or 1718.

 

[AZ-Mtnman]

This is the problem I have...who is saying that the badge and shrines have to go together? There are plenty of Catholics scattered around the mid-west, and I'm sure the same can be said for the KOP. In the Catholic belief, they erect those type of "Shrines or Grottoes" on the spot that someone in the family has died. At one time there would have been something there to say what the person's name was, but it looks like those in the pics have already been looted. The two shrines could be from different families, as well, so that wouldn't help identify. I'm not disputing the ID on the badge, it all looks creditable to me, I'm only asking that everyone have a broader mind on the big picture.

 

[silverswede]

Just a little more playing around on eBay for pictures of Knights of Pythias medals etc. Found 2 that depict the features of yours, Staci. Skull, battle axes, colors, etc. Already seem to have recieved a real good education on fraternal organizations here. Good replies everybody. These are just a little more confirmation of your original search. On a light note...Maybe the Shrines you found were built by Shriners, you know those guys that ride on little scooters in parades.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

more

 

[Mackaydon]

From 1925 to 1940, the Knights of Pythias lost approximately 550,000 members. Although, as of the year 2000, membership in the Knights of Pythias still exceeded 50,000, the Order (like most fraternal organizations) has experienced a substantial drop in membership over the last 50 years.

http://mill-valley.freemasonry.biz/marin_knights_pythias.htm

 

[NGE]

I don't know the lodge number off hand, But there was a big one in Indian River, Michigan. They used to own the "BIG" wooden hotel on Argonaut Trail on Burt Lake. I know because, My Mother-in-law owns two cabins at the dead end of that trail, and from MD'ing in that area for years, I have found some pretty interesting items, one is a pewter ashtray with emblem in middle, inside.......Not GE

 

[rico chipotle]

staci, i think the large object looks like an abandonned art-student project. or maybe not so abandonned and showing alot of talent..the palette is beautiful and the fields of air above the weapons deftly palette-knived. the jewelry looks like a harmless, fraternity-brotherhood yadayada knight-club member lapel-pin. personaly, i don't find these "knight-clubs" harmless, tho many members may be honourable albeit credulous people. anyone familiar with youtube "conspiracy" videos knows that the "skull-and-bones" order has been linked to aberrent political practices in washington and that many "good" knightclubs, the hospital builders, are or have been hi-jacked by more nefarious groups. since catholic practices are in great part based in older, "pagan" rituals which used niches and grottoes, the niches you photographed were probably used for either black or white magic..or both..lol. i hope your find proves valuable.

 

[Staci (Fargo ND)]

The thing I found is over two inches wide, so I'm thinking it couldn't be worn :P but possibly something that held a ribbon? i've really no other ideas that fit yet

 

[Mackaydon]

Staci:
The face rocks on that altar appear to contain colored stone (or crystals?) of different colors. I also note a design pattern in some of them (stone surrounded by several simliar red stones). Do you have a close up pic of this araea that you can post?
Don.....

 

[Staci (Fargo ND)]

There are colored stones, shells, rocks, wood pieces, marbles, metal, carved designs and more built into the things. the designs with the red stones are of flowers. There are also flowers made of marbles. Someone definitely put a lot of work into making them. There seems to be a concreate huge shallow "bowl" between the two "shrines" as well, but a large tree fell over and almost buried the bowl.

Here's a few crops of the stones close-up. The images are blurry as they're over 100% size, but they do show a bit. Also a cutout of the town map showing the location of them (light red square). The location isn't exact, but it seems as though they were either at the courthouse or were built later at the property when it was turned into a home. I don't believe they were at the side of a store :P who knows though

 

[Mackaydon]

Bottom pic of the altar seems to have a couple of initials in the 'flower' stone surrounded by the red stones (marbles). Are they initials? If so, can you read them?
Don........

 

[Staci (Fargo ND)]

I believe that's just a refraction of the light in the stone. I'll get some better pictures later this week when I go back. I'm bringing a branch cutter and something to clean out some of the weeds in the area (nettles!)

 

[arkhunter]

great pics Staci....keep us posted

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

since catholic practices are in great part based in older, "pagan" rituals which used niches and grottoes, the niches you photographed were probably used for either black or white magic..or both..lol.

Catholic is the oldest Christian religion if this is what you are trying to say. Your statement is almost offensive. Im sure you didnt mean it that way. It could be pagan, or black/white magic, or it could be just Catholic. The Catholic religion is in no way related to pagan rituals.. Catholics, like the other Christian religions, believe in one supreme God but do pray to Saints in heaven also. The grottos are merely a nice way to honor and pray to God, Mary, Joseph or a particular Saint.