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Cumberland Lodge # 5 Knights of Pythias was instituted in the Hall of the Fayetteville Hotel on September 9, 1871 giving credit to Brother Lester Calvin Straughn, a carpenter by trade for implanting the order. According to past historian Q.K. Nimocks, "Never, from the first day to the present time has the existence of the Lodge been threatened by adversity, though like other Lodges, it has had its times of trial. In spite of this, however, it has gone on from strength to strength, increasing in members and usefulness, until today we find her the glory and pride of Pythian Knighthood and pre-eminently the banner Lodge of North Carolina." This stated in 1902 and the fact remains the same. Cumberland Lodge # 5 is strong and continues to increase and be useful in the State and Community all aspects of the three principles today as well as it was over 100 years ago. In 1893, Our Lodge built its "Castle Hall" on the corner of Hay and Gillespie Street. This was a fine example of Romanesque Revival style. This three story castle like building was primarily used on the top floor as a Lodge hall and the bottom two stories were used for offices and stores. The cost of this building was $13,000 and it was one of Fayetteville's finest buildings. This building along with others in this area are in the National Register of Historic Places. A vintage drawing will show the grandeur of its place in the skyline of the city.