Hi Susan, The "Knights of Pythias" lodge was discussed on a List a few years ago. I don't remember which List but it could have been the MAEssex List. I think someone was looking to see if someone was a member of it. I remember being curious and I think I found out that the lodge is still around. I think it exists in Lynn, MA, and possibly in another city in that area. I've driven through the city and seen the sign on a building. http://www.pythias.org/ This page lists the lodges which still exist, and Lowell and Lynn are mentioned. Also, I wonder if the "William North Lodge" was the name of one of those lodges which existed in 1800's but not now. http://www.webnow.com/masskofp Regarding the Masons, I looked on-line and found this site. I'm not sure it tells too much but it might help a little: http://www.knightstemplar.org/index.html http://knightstemplar.org/gckt/mari/ Here is a page which might help a little, and there might be books about the history of the Masons. Check your local library's catalog. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Lodge_of_Massachusetts Oops. I guessed wrong. I just looked on-line and the "William North Lodge" is part of the Masons and it still exists in Lowell. But the history says it didn't start until 1920. http://wamesitlodge.org/index.php?view=venueevents&id=11%3AWilliam+North+Lodge&option=com_eventlist&Itemid=63 I think there are at least 2 web sites which list all the "fraternal lodges." This is one of them: http://www.cyndislist.com/soc-frat.htm Betty (near Lowell, MA) P.S. My parents met because of the existence of the "United Order of the Golden Cross." My father's sister belonged and she asked both of them to attend a meeting and that's where they met ~1940. They were in the "George A. Johnson Chapter" for the next 40 yrs. which met in Somerville. Maybe 20 yrs. ago this lodge was taken over by the "Woodmen of the World." ** Here is a page which might help someone; abbreviations for lodges: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~njmorris/acronyms.htm ----- Original Message ----- From: "SR" <russell2855@bellsouth.net> To: <mamiddle@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, December 28, 2009 6:43 PM Subject: [MAMiddle] Knights of Pythias; Wm North Lodge, Mr. Horeb Arch Chptr His obit lists him as being a member of Lowell Lodge, Knights of Pythias. He was also a member of William North Lodge, Mr. Horeb Arch Chapter, and the Pilgrim Commandery of Masons. With best regards, Susan in Georgia