Knights of Pythias

The Knights of Pythias is a fraternal organization founded at Washington, DC on 19 February, 1864.

Related Topics:
Fraternal organization - Washington, DC - 19 February - 1864

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The Knights of Pythias was the first fraternal organization to receive a charter under an act of the United States Congress (approved May 5, 1870 [16 Stat. at L. 98, chap. 80]). It was founded by Justus H. Rathbone, who had been inspired by a play by the Irish poet John Banim about the legend of Damon and Pythias. This legend illustrates the ideals of loyality, honor and friendship that are central to the order.

Related Topics:
Justus H. Rathbone - John Banim - Damon and Pythias

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The order has over two thousand lodges in the United States and Canada, with a total membership of over 50,000 in 2003.

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By charter, the order's membership is restricted to white males. In 1880, an organization called "The Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias, North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa" was founded; it reserved its membership to Blacks and Asians. The original order sued, alleging that the new order used the name without authorization. The case reached the U.S. Supreme Court which ruled that the new order was allowed to use the name. CRESWILL v. GRAND LODGE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS OF GEORGIA, 225 U.S. 246 (1912)

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The organization no longer has a racial requirement for membership.

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The order's ladies' auxiliary is the Pythian Sisters. An associated organization is the less-serious Dramatic Order Knights of Khorassan.

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The Knights of Pythias sponsors two youth organizations: the Pythian Sunshine Girls and the Junior Order, Knights of Pythias for boys.

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