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The Order, Knights of Pythias, an international fraternity, was founded in Washington, DC, February 19, 1864, by Justus H. Rathbone. It embraces more than two thousand subordinate lodges in the United States and Canada. The primary object of the Order 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 Knights of Pythias are “FRIENDSHIP, CHARITY and BENEVOLENCE”.

To become a member of the Pythagorean Brotherhood, certain very rigorous tests were demanded and applied, some of which are very similar to the ritualistic work of our order today. The object of the organization was the moral uplifting and purification of society. Strict morality, absolute truthfulness, honor and integrity were thoroughly inculcated in the minds of its membership. It was a maxim of Pythagoras that the two most excellent things for man were “to speak the truth and to render benefits to each other” The outstanding feature of the society, however, was the marvelous friendship and loyalty which bound the brotherhood together, which was so remarkably demonstrated in the incident which forms the historic basis of our order.

Damon and Pythias (4th century BC), philosophers of the Pythagorean
school, were noted for their faithful friendship to each other. They lived
in Syracuse, in Sicily, a city then under the unjust rule of Dionysius the
Younger who condemned Damon to death for speaking out against him.

Damon requested permission to go home to arrange his private affairs
and bid goodbye to his family. Dionysius finally consented when Pythias
offered to remain as a hostage.

Damon was delayed and returned just as Pythias was about to die in his place. Dionysius was so impressed by this example of fidelity that he pardoned Damon and asked to share their friendship. Their loyalty to each other, the adventures that beset them, and the outcome of this noble friendship, form the basis for one of the most beautiful stories of history as exemplified in our ritual

The Order began, of course, during the Civil War, and its founder believed that it might do much to heal the wounds and allay the hatred of civil conflict. President Abraham Lincoln knew of the ritual and principles of the Order in 1864 and stated, “The patriotic and benevolent principles of your society are uplifting and wonderful.” The charter of the Knights of Pythias was signed into law by President Grover Cleveland in 1894.
It is the first, and only, fraternity chartered by the United States Congress.
Amendments to this charter were dated 1890 and 1907, and were signed by
presidents William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt.

In the Order’s ritualistic work, every sentence has a meaning and every
paragraph a beautiful and inspiring lesson. The flag of the country has an
honored place at every meeting and the Holy Bible is the supreme Book
of Law. The Order does not seek to shape any man’s creed, but
Pythianism is the practical application of religious and charitable principles to every day life. We have a heritage of which we are proud and our precepts and teachings lead men to higher ideals of life. We invite like minded men of good character to join us in making these ideals the dominant factor in modern living.

The Fraternal Order, Knights of Pythias and its members are dedicated to the cause of universal peace. Pythians are pledged to the promotion of understanding among men of good will as the surest means of attaining Universal Peace.

We believe that men, meeting in a spirit of goodwill, in an honest effort of understanding, can live together on this earth in peace and harmony. We seek those who agree with this belief, and have a belief in a personal Supreme Being, to join our ranks in an effort to reach "Peace Through Understanding".