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by Peggy Hankey Lumby Temple #25 was instituted on November 5, 1924 with seventeen Sisters and six Sister Knights as Charter members. The Charter members are Nellie Inglis, Mae Pierce, Fanny Finlayson, Evelyn Bloom, Margaret Derby, Myrtle Butters, Elaine Jameson, Mary Derry, Mable Derby (Holmes), F. Warner, D. Christian, E. Inglis, Helen Brimblecombe, Charles Bloom, S. Creech. Of the original seventeen two are still with us. They are Myrtle Butters and Mable Derby. Sadie Major, a long time Lumby resident was initiated in 1925, but is no longer a member. At present Lumby Temple has thirty one members and welcomes new members at any time. The first meetings were held in the old Ormsby Hall, at the corner of Shuswap Avenue and Millar Street until the Legion Hall was built. When the Legion Hall was being renovated the Sisters moved to the United Church Hall, where they continue to hold their meetings. Originally funds were raised by bazaars, teas, card parties and garden parties. The Pythian Sisters have worked with and supported community projects throughout the years, and still take an active part in helping wherever possible. Among the projects they support are the Old Age Pensioners, Cancer Society, Diabetes, Arthritis, Life Lind and Saddle Mountain Place. Out main, and ongoing project is Cerebral Palsy. A scholarship is given annually to a deserving student graduating from Charles Bloom Secondary School. The Pythian Sisters have sponsored a Queen Candidate for Lumby days for many years. Today we raise funds mainly be catering. Ida Willems joined the Sisters in 1938, and received her 50 year service pin in 1988. Recently Kay MacIntyre, Peggy Hankey, Irene Miles and Margaret Derry received their 50 year pins. Among those who have life membership but are less than 50 years in service are Jenny Miller, Jean Adams, Phyllis Mailey and Josie Martin. The Knights of Pythias, called Myrtle Lodge #53 was instituted in November 1921. Records of this Lodge were destroyed in a fire many years ago, so not much remains in written history. The Knights, like the Sisters worked for the good of the Order and of the community. Due to lack of growing membership the Lodge disbanded in 1971. |