History of the Order

The Order of Knights of Pythias is a great international fraternity  which was founded in Washington, DC, February 19, 1864, by Justus H.  Rathbone, and embraces more than two thousand subordinate lodges in the  United States and Canada, with occasional lodges having been formed  elsewhere. The primary object of fraternal organizations is to promote  friendship among men and to relieve suffering. Each organization adopts  some outstanding principle as its objective. The individuality of an  order is determined by its ideal sentiment. The distinguishing  principles of the Order of Knights of Pythias are “FRIENDSHIP, CHARITY and BENEVOLENCE”.

Pythian Principles

1. The Fraternal Order of Knights of Pythias promotes cooperation and friendship between people of good will. 

2. Pythians know one way to happiness is through service to mankind.

3. Pythians believe that friendship is an essential ingredient in life.

4. Pythians make Benevolence, Kindness, Generosity and Tolerance a reality in their lives.

5. Pythians place home ties at the top of their priority list.

6. Pythians are interested in public affairs on the local, state or province, national and international levels.

7. Pythians are eager to enhance the communities in which they live.

8. Pythians respect and honor the law of the land in which they live. 

9. Pythians seek to expand their circle of influence by association with people of like interests and energy

 What do Pythians Do

The members of the Fraternal Order Knights of Pythias are deeply involved in their communities throughout the United States and Canada.

Their social and charitable activities are directed towards enhancing the great principles of the Order – FRIENDSHIP, CHARITY, and BENEVOLENCE. These principles are adhered to very strongly through contributions of money, time, efforts and supplies to Pythians and non-Pythians alike. The eventual aim and goal is the betterment of mankind.

For several years the United Cerebral Palsy Association and the Cystic Fibrosis Association were the primary charity of the Pythian Order – both nationally and locally. Several hundreds of thousands of dollars were raised for the cause, and many Pythians still devote much time and energy on behalf of Cerebral Palsy and Cystic Fibrosis.

Very recently the Knights of Pythias became affiliated with Special Olympics, and will be devoting their efforts in assisting that fine organization, both financially and by taking an active role in conducting the local competitions that are held each year.

From 2012-2014 our National Charity was The Cancer Society. Pythians are joining together, hand in hand, across this great country to unify our effort to help stamp out this dreaded disease!

Nationally, the Pythian lodges own, support, or endorse a myriad of charitable endeavors, such as homes for the elderly, camps for handicapped children, Little League teams, Boy and Girl Scout troops, scholarship programs, rehabilitation wings at hospitals, Ronald McDonald Homes, the Seeing Eye dog programs, etc. The strength of the Pythian Order is its ability to meet the needs of the local community as seen and accepted by the local members.

There is still time to fraternize and socialize as individuals and as groups, and friendships that started years ago have managed to remain strong.

The Pythian Order provides opportunity for personal growth and the development of individual talents and skills. There is a place on all levels for persons with leadership capabilities and aspirations. Local lodges are encouraged to hold officer training sessions, and the Supreme Lodge conducts Leadership Seminars to enhance the quality of leadership and to urge others to partake where they might have once been fearful of such involvement.