History of Little Prince Lodge #79
Little Prince Lodge #79 has served Moundsville for more than 130 years, continuing a proud tradition of fellowship, leadership, and community service.
Chartered October 12, 1892
On May 12, 1892, nineteen men met at 7th Street and Lafayette Avenue in Moundsville to form a new Knights of Pythias lodge. The official charter for Little Prince Lodge #79 is dated October 12, 1892.
Our Story
Little Prince Lodge #79 was organized in Moundsville in 1892 and quickly grew into a lasting pillar of fraternal life in the community. From the earliest meetings, the lodge supported members through benevolent work and charitable acts—helping set a standard of service that continues today.
For more than a century, the lodge has remained true to the mission of the Knights of Pythias: bringing people together through friendship, serving others through charity, and strengthening the community through benevolence.
Timeline
- May 12, 1892: 19 men meet at 7th & Lafayette to organize the lodge
- Oct 12, 1892: Lodge charter dated
- 1939: Bonds issued for new furnace system
- 1954: Bonds issued for building repairs
- 1960s–1971: Morris Medical Clinic lease and renovations
- 1980: Clubroom remodeled
- 1988: Lodge room remodeled
- Sept 1, 2020: Purchased Castle Hall (119½ Jefferson Ave)
- Aug 1, 2025: Paid in full; deed received
Legacy of Leadership
Little Prince Lodge #79 has been a leader within the Knights of Pythias in West Virginia and has produced multiple Grand Chancellors. Recent lodge leadership includes:
Castle Hall Today
In 2020, the lodge purchased its Castle Hall at 119½ Jefferson Avenue, Moundsville. The property was paid in full and the deed received on August 1, 2025. Lodge members have completed extensive renovations to the building. Walt Muklewiecz is completing a full remodel of the upstairs apartment to provide future rental income.
Service to the Community
For over 130 years, Little Prince Lodge #79 has supported families in need and community causes including Special Olympics, Relay for Life, Wreaths Across America, and disaster relief efforts. Through the Dramatic Order Knights of Khorassan, the lodge also helps provide mobility devices—such as wheelchairs and walkers—at no cost to those who need them.
Historic Photos & Records
Click a photo to open a larger version.
Interested in joining?
If you’re looking for fellowship, service, and a place to belong, we’d be honored to welcome you. Visit our Join page or contact us anytime.