West Liberty History 1838-1938

Source: One Hundred Years of History
* Commemorating a Century of Progress in the West Liberty Community * WEST LIBERTY, IOWA
PYTHIAN SISTER TEMPLE No. 189

The Pythian Sisters were first organized under the name of Rathbone Sisters and was named after the founder of the order but were later changed to Pythian Sisters. The Temple was organized in December 1904 and was issued its charter on August 9th, 1905, with the 31 Sisters and two Knights as charter members.

Mrs. Florence Heck was the first Most Excellent Chief and served for two years. Other officers were : Ex. Sr. Lilla Hardin, Ex. Jr. Maud Tharp, Mgr. Minnie Smiley, M. of R. C. Ella Nichols, M. of F. Martha Addy, Protector Libby Milnes, Guard Mary Whitacre, Past Chief, Margaret Nichols.

The Temple met in what was then known as the opera house and in 1911 moved to the present hall which was just finished.

At the present time there is a membership of 115 Sisters and 73 Knights.

In 1935 the Pythian Sisters of Iowa took upon themselves a project of purchasing a state for Iowa Pythian Sisters which is located in our District at Clinton.

Several years ago the Temple selected Mrs. Lillian Whitacre as the first Pythian Mother and after the loss of her selected Mrs. Mary Ditmars who died this past year. The present Pythian Mother is Mrs. Bertha Mosher, a charter member of the order.

The Temple sends greetings to all past members as well as all present members.

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