The 117th Annual Session of the Grand Temple, Pythian Sisters of West Virginia, was held July 7-9, 2022 in the Best Western Plus, Bridgeport, WV
The 156th Grand Lodge, Knights of Pythias, was held at the same time.
Sisters: Two temples-Hope Temple #71, Fairmont, W.V., and Shenandoah #131, Ranson, W.V. comprise Grand Temple, Thursday, July 7, 2022. Events as follows;
1. The Secretaries-Treasurers Association held its annual meeting of officers:
President – Debbie Lanham
Vice-President – Janet Bartlett
Secretary-Treasurer – Ann Nestor
Janet Bartlett, Grand Senior, Grand Temple, presented a School of Instruction
2. District Deputy Presidents Association held its annual meeting.
President – Elizabeth “Pat” Thompson
Vice-President – Shirley Penwell
Secretary-Treasurer – Ann Nestor
Plans were made to hold a District Convention on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Hope Temple #71 Hall, Fairmont, W.V. The district officers will be serving as officers. All Pythian Sisters are welcome.
At 2 p.m. in the afternoon, a Joint Opening was held – Knights and Pythian Sisters. Master of Ceremony, Sir Dr. Patrick Nestor. After the opening, a memorial was held, chaired by Marilene Bibb, honoring the deceased Knights/Pythian Sisters of the past year. Several dedicated members have been called to their heavenly home:
Knights –
Ronald Carpenter
Lonnie Foster
Robert Hanket
Mark A. Kennedy
David Orndorff
James Sigman
Charles Smith
Sterling Wilt
Robert Woodford
Pythian Sisters –
Joan Keller
Ina Woodford
Elaine Bailey
Betty F. Andrews
A joint reception followed these events.
At 5 o’clock, the Past Chiefs Association held its Annual Dinner/Meeting.
President – Marilene Bibb
Vice-President – Janet Bartlett
Secretary – Lisa Knutti
Treasurer – Linda Lanford
Inducted into membership, the Junior Past Grand Chief: Angela Hall
After this meeting. Entertainment was provided for Knights/Sisters, by Tony Kirk for enjoyable listening/dancing.
Friday, July 8, 2022
Grand Temple Session. Presiding-Grand Chief: Shirley Penwell.
Elected officers for the ensuing year:
Sitting Past Grand Chief – Wanda F. Ashcraft
Grand Chief – Shirley Penwell
Grand Senior – Debbie Lanhan
Grand Junior – Elizabeth “Pat” Thompson
Grand Mgr. – Susan Rude
Grand Secy. – Linda Lanford
Grand Treas. – Janice Teets
Grand Protector – Dixie Howell
Grand Guard – Ann Nestor
Representatives to Supreme: Debbie Lanham, Ann Nestor
Alternates: A. June Miller and Linda Lanford
Grand Press Correspondent – Wanda F Ashcraft
Trustee – A June Miller
3rd member – Law Committee – Wanda F. Ashcraft.
The Grand Chief, Shirley Penwell, appointed as District Deputy Presidents:
Janet Bartlett
Reta Mercer
At 5:30 p.m. – The Joint Banquet was held, with W. Larry Ferguson serving as Master of Ceremony.
A Silent Auction was concluded. After, at 8 p.m., the Joint Installation of Officers was held with Richard Stamn as Master of Ceremony and A. June Miller as Mistress of Ceremony.
Installation of Knights – Sir Dr. Patrick Nestor, and Installation of Sisters – Corrine Schneiter, Supreme Guard, Supreme Temple, from the State of Iowa.
This year, a husband and wife will lead the two units:
David Penwell – Grand Chancellor Grand Temple, Knights of Pythias of W.V.
Shirley Penwell – Grand Chief, Grand Temple, Pythian Sisters of W.V.
Saturday, July 9, 2022
Sessions of both units were finished. The next annual sessions will be held July 13-15, 2023 in the same site, Best Western Plus.
It was a wonderful session, greeting old friends, making new friends, as all worked hard to preserve the principles of this great order and support worthy causes.
Sisters in Attendance
Wanda F. Ashcraft
Janet Bartlett
Marilene Bibb
Lydia Dotson
Vickie Gonzales
Jennifer Good
Angela Hall
Christy Hinchman
Dixie Howell
Linda Lanford
Debbie Lanhan
Reta Mercer
A.June Miller
Ann Nestor
Shirley Penwell
Tracey Lanhan Ross
Susan Rude
Janice Teets
Elizabeth “Pat” Thompson
Bobbie Wilt
Guests –
Corrine Schneiter
Colleen Schneiter
