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.
| Order of Calanthe | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Founded | 1883 Louisiana, US |
| Type | Fraternal benefit society |
| Affiliation | Knights of Pythias of North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia |
| Status | Active |
| Emphasis | African American women |
| Scope | National |
| Motto | "Fidelity, Harmony, and Love" |
| Headquarters | United States |
History
editThe 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
editThe 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 Houston, 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
editThe organization was named for Calanthe, the wife of Pythias in the Greek legend Damon and Pythias.[11]The organization's motto is "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
editThe organization provided life insurance, sick, and death benefits.[13]Members provide community service, support charities, and advocate for social justice and civil rights.[1]
Membership
editMembership in the Order of Calanthe was 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
edit- Fannie Emanuel, educator, businesswoman, and clubwoman
- Mame Stewart Josenberger, educator, businesswoman, and clubwoman
- Vivian Osborne Marsh, activist and clubs' woman
- Carrie A. Tuggle, educator, philanthropist, and social activist
References
edit- ^ a b c d "Order Of Calanthe Regalia". Bricks Masons. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
- ^ "Calanthe Sisters". knightsofpythiasfl.com. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
- ^ a b "Grand Court Order of Calanthe of Texas Historical Marker". www.hmdb.org. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
- ^ "Grand Court Order of Calanthe of Texas Historical Marker". www.hmdb.org.
- ^ Society, Calanthe Historical. "Calanthe Historical Society". Calanthe Historical Society. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
- ^ a b c Association, Texas State Historical. "Grand Court Order of Calanthe of Texas, Inc". Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
- ^ "Parade of Grand Court, Order of Calanthe". digital.utsa.edu.
- ^ "Grand Court Order of Calanthe v. Welch, 250 S.W. 457 | Casetext Search + Citator". casetext.com.
- ^ Society, Calanthe Historical. "Calanthe Historical Society". Calanthe Historical Society. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
- ^ "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 February 16, 2024.
- ^ "GCOC" (PDF). img1.wsimg.com. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
- ^ "Order Of Calanthe Regalia". Bricks Masons. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
- ^ "Life Insurance" (PDF). tdi.Texas.Gov. Retrieved December 20, 2022.