The Knights of Pythias is a fraternal organization founded in Washington, D.C., on February 19, 1864. The organization was founded by Justus H. Rathbone, who was inspired by a play by Irish poet John Banim about the legend of Damon and Pythias. The story tells of Damon, a loyal friend of Pythias, who offers to take Pythias’ punishment and death sentence when Pythias is condemned to death by Dionysius, the tyrant of Syracuse.

The fraternity’s purpose is to promote friendship, charity, and benevolence. It also encourages the practice of the Golden Rule, the teachings of Pythagoras, and the promotion of education. The Knights of Pythias is the first fraternal organization to receive a charter under an act of the United States Congress.

Justus H. Rathbone was a clerk in the U.S. Treasury when he founded the Knights of Pythias. He hoped that the nation, torn apart by violence and hate, could begin to heal once renewed by the spirit of brotherhood. President Lincoln, upon learning of the group, expressed his approval of its mission. Rathbone was also a music composer and actor. He graduated from Colgate University and attended Carlisle Seminary. One of his compositions, a Mazurka, was played at President Garfield’s inaugural ball.

The organization has a hierarchical structure, with the Supreme Lodge at the top, known as subordinate lodges, beneath it. Members must be at least 18 years of age and believe in a Supreme Being. The organization also has a youth group, known as the Pythian Sisters, for young women, and the Knights of Pythagoras, for young men.

The organization’s symbols include the Pythagorean Tetractys, a triangle with four dots arranged in a pyramid shape, which symbolizes the four cardinal virtues of the Pythagorean philosophy: wisdom, courage, self-control, and justice. The organization also uses the image of two clasped hands, symbolizing the bond of friendship, and a sword, symbolizing the defense of honor.

The Knights of Pythias has a strong emphasis on charity and community service. They have been involved in various charitable activities such as blood drives, disaster relief, and supporting local schools. The first African American Pythian lodge was organized in Vicksburg, Mississippi, in April 1880, by Dr. T.W. Stringer, and is known as Lightfoot Lodge No. 1.

Overall, The Knights of Pythias is a fraternal organization that was founded in 1864 by Justus H Rathbone in Washington D.C. It was the first fraternal organization to receive a charter under an act of the United States Congress. Its purpose is to promote friendship, charity, and benevolence. It is based on the teachings of Pythagoras, structured as a hierarchical organization with lodges at different levels, and has a youth group for young men and women. The organization has a strong emphasis on charity and community service and was open to people of all races.

Sources:
https://www.pythias.org/supreme/history
https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_324730
https://occult-world.com/knights-of-pythias/
https://knightsofpythiasfl.com/history/

The organization is divided into different degrees, which members progress through as they become more involved in the organization and its activities.
The degrees in the Knights of Pythias order are:

1. The Page Degree is the first degree in the order and is the basic initiation degree.
2. The Esquire Degree, which is the second degree, and is the degree of service.
3. The Knight Degree, which is the third degree, is the degree of chivalry.
4. The Past Chancellor Degree, which is the fourth degree, is the degree of leadership.
5. Chancellor Degree, which is the fifth degree, and is the highest degree in the order.

The specific entry requirements for individuals who wish to join the Knights of Pythias order include being a man of good moral character, believing in a Supreme Being, and being of legal age. Additionally, it is necessary to be proposed by a current member and then to be elected by the members of the lodge to which one is applying for membership.

In order to join the Knights of Pythias, candidates must be men of good moral character who believe in a Supreme Being, and who are of legal age. It appears that the Knights of Pythias is a fraternal organization that is similar in structure and principles to Freemasonry and awards degrees through rituals. It is not clear whether the Knights of Pythias is considered to be a Masonic Order or whether it is considered to be regular or not.

It is also important to note that The Fraternal Order of Knights of Pythias promotes cooperation and friendship between people of goodwill. According to, Pythians know one way to happiness is through service to mankind. Pythians believe that friendship is an essential ingredient in life. Pythians make Benevolence, Kindness, Generosity, and Tolerance a reality in their lives.

For more information or if you would like to join, please visit the following URLs:
– https://www.pythias.org/
– https://nationalheritagemuseum.typepad.com/library_and_archives/knights_of_pythias/

Or, go to the MASONIC LODGE LIST and select the appropriate lodge in your jurisdiction.