Did you know that J.F. Rutherford was part of the Knights of Pythias?

[Jack Ryan]

Someone just sent me a scan of the Boonville Advertiser newspaper in which it mentions J.F. Rutherford as a member, and not only just a member but the toastmaster for the inauguration of the Golden Gate Lodge No.91, Knights of Pythias.

Also, he was a member of the Woodmen of the World.

Although not a "Masonic" organization, it was included in Russell's condemnation of such organizations:

the Free Masons, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, etc., perform certain rites and ceremonies of a religious kind... We place upon one level all of those who have any religious ceremonies, teachings, etc., and consider them all as parts of Babylon ... We admonish the New Creation to have nothing whatever to do with any of these semi-religious societies, clubs, orders, churches; but to "Come out from amongst them, and be ye separate, and touch not the unclean thing." (`2 Cor. 6:17`)" —1904; "The New Creation", pp. 580-581

Of course, this was in 1899, about 7 years before Rutherford became a Bible Student (JW). But still, this is something about his life that I haven't seen anywhere else on the internet or on the WT history books I have read.

Here is the evidence:

Boonville Advertiser, Feb. 17, 1899, pg. 1, col. 5.pdf

Boonville Advertiser, Jan. 13, 1899, pg. 1, col. 3.pdf

Boonville Advertiser, Jan. 20, 1899, pg. 1, col. 2-5.pdf

What do you think of this?

 

Here's some info:

"A member must be at least 18 years of age, not be a professional gambler or involved with illegal drugs or alcohol, and he must have a belief in a Supreme Being. The oath taken by members:

Quote

I declare upon honor that I believe in a Supreme Being, that I am not a professional gambler, or unlawfully engaged in the wholesale or retail sale of intoxicating liquors or narcotics, and that I believe in the maintenance of the order and the upholding of constituted authority in the government in which I live. Moreover, I declare upon honor that I am not a Communist or Fascist; that I do not advocate nor am I a member of any organization that advocates the overthrow of the Government of the Country of which I am a Citizen, by force or violence or other unlawful means; and that I do not seek by force or violence to deny to other persons their rights under the laws of such country.

[JW Insider]

22 minutes ago, Jay Witness said:

What do you think of this?

Interesting. His political work for the campaign of William Jennings Bryan is another part of his past around this same time is of interest too, especially when we consider Rutherford's later politics approved for publication in the Golden Age, Watchtowers, various booklets and convention talks. (William Jennings Bryan himself is also of renewed interest to those who see current parallels with Donald Trump.)

[Jack Ryan]

[TrueTomHarley]

I DID NOT KNOW THAT!!!!!!!!