Journey to the Center of Tacoma: Pythian Temple
by Electric Elliot
Nestled quietly on Broadway street, a temple belonging to the Knights of Pythias sits and waits, it’s doors closed to only members, until now… well actually not exactly (you can rent out their facilities now).
Tacoma is home to a plethora of historic buildings and landmarks, and the wondrous Pythian Temple is definitely one of them. Restored by members in 2006, the temple building was initially built in 1882 before being demolished and then rebuilt sometime after 1906 by Frederick Heath. It is now home to a far more lax organization than its lively 20th century past, though many events are still held within its walls.
The Pythians offered The Melon a tour of its facilities courtesy of Pythian brother and friend of The Melon, Dave L which we graciously accepted. Here is a brief photo tour of the beautiful insides of a once prolific organization.
BEGIN PHOTO EXPLORATION:
What’s that in the pixelated darkness?
Enter the Temple.
Crest on the floor.
You are now an official virtual Pythias member.
The temple has had some big name members.
Did you know the Pythians had a standing army? They’d march around the stadium bowl with their swords and pose for photos. Intimidating? Hell yes.
The Pythian sisters business room.
We journey to the main Pythian room of “worship”
HOLY SHIZ!
Honest Abe watches over. He was going to be a member and work with the Pythians before he was assassinated.
What do the Pythians have in their closet?
…there’s a treasure map.
Pythian fun facts:
- It was founded in Washington DC by Justus Henry Rathbone and six other men on Feb 19th, 1864.
- The Order “seeks to take hold of the hearts of men in a never ending quest for International Brotherhood.” (from membership pamphlet.)
- In order to be a member you must have a belief in a supreme being (this is apparently flexible.)
November 22nd, 2008 at 10:10 am
This place is an incredible resource located in the heart of downtown Tacoma. It would be great if more groups used the area. Historic Tacoma has made some inroads.
The Pythians rule!
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Erik Reply:
November 22nd, 2008 at 10:12 am
BTW, councilmember Stenger’s name was on the membership list as well.
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November 22nd, 2008 at 10:49 am
amazing.
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November 22nd, 2008 at 11:15 am
Great work guys!
Wow, those are some tough women: Competitive Bannering?!
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November 22nd, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Great work here Electric Elliot–remember you too could be a member right along with all those “famous” folks!! Nice shots.
Cheerfully, Roger Kuhrt
Chancellor Commander,
Knights of Pythias
Commencement Lodge #7
Tacoma, WA 98402
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Electric Elliot Reply:
November 23rd, 2008 at 8:16 pm
@Roger Kuhrt, many thanks, Roger.
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November 22nd, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Elliot, it was a real pleasure showing the building and sharing its history with someone as eagerly interested as you. It’s getting harder and harder finding people who have never been in the building, and first-time guests are always blown away. Historic preservation and our love for Tacoma and this building are common threads that bind us current lodge members. Commencement Lodge #7 managed to scrape by during the low membership of the 80′s and 90′s (it is believed a few paid members were longer breathing) just enough to hang on and retain use of what is arguably the nicest Pythian Temple on the West Coast. Today there are about 50 members (living and breathing) of Commencement Lodge #7, and for the last decade or two we have slowly been able to have the capability to open up more and more to the public for occasional tours and select events. With our small number of active members we have still managed to host occasional tours (including a city-sponsored photo-tour), co-sponsored events with Historic Tacoma, and last week hosted a concert with an audience of 150. And look for us again on First Night this year as a music venue. The Lodge was once a center of downtown cultural activity, and as time and energy allow, we are working to return to those roots. We welcome interested visitors who would like to learn more. It’s about Tacoma.
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Electric Elliot Reply:
November 23rd, 2008 at 8:16 pm
@Dave L., much appreciated, Dave
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November 25th, 2008 at 10:09 am
So what do the Pythians do here in Tacoma? This post spawned so many questions, but answered none or few of them!
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Jen Drake Reply:
November 25th, 2008 at 10:09 am
@Jen Drake:
still a very interesting post, as can be seen by my curious questions!
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Electric Elliot Reply:
November 25th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
@Jen Drake, Take a look at Dave L.’s comment above yours. It explains a bunch.
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November 26th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
Great coverage
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January 16th, 2011 at 12:11 pm
I have one of their swords just like the one in the photo
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