The Knights of Pythias is a fraternal organization founded at Washington, DC on 19 February 1864. // International General Civitan Junior Chamber International (Jaycees or Junior Chamber of Commerce) Kiwanis Lions Clubs International Optimist International Red Cross Rotary International Ruritan Samaritans Woodsmen of the World Zonta International Masonry Freemasonry Scottish Rite York Rite Shriners Masonic Youth Organizations Fraternal Forestry Ancient Order of Foresters Ancient Order of United... Aerial photo (looking NW) of the Washington Monument and the White House in Washington, DC. Washington, D.C., officially the District of Columbia (also known as D.C.; Washington; the Nations Capital; the District; and, historically, the Federal City) is the capital city and administrative district of the United... February 19 is the 50th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1864 was a leap year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ...

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. John Banim (April 3, 1798 ? August 30, 1842), Irish novelist, sometimes called the Scott of Ireland, was born at Kilkenny. ... In Greek mythology, the legend of Damon and Pythias (or Phintias) symbolizes trust and loyalty in a true friendship. ...

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

The order's membership was originally 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) The Supreme Court Building, Washington, D.C. The Supreme Court Building, Washington, D.C., (large image) The Supreme Court of the United States, located in Washington, D.C., is the highest court (see supreme court) in the United States; that is, it has ultimate judicial authority within the United States...

The racial requirement for membership was dropped in the 1950's. Although belief in a Supreme Being is a major element of the Pythian creed, the organization is completely non-sectarian and has never restricted membership on the basis of religion so long as one follows this belief in some form or other. In fact, in some parts of the U.S. (such as in the metro New York area), membership is predominantly (in some lodges almost entirely) Jewish. State nickname: The Empire State Official languages English Capital Albany Largest city New York City Governor George Pataki (R) Senators Charles Schumer (D) Hillary Clinton (D) Area  - Total  - % water Ranked 27th 141,205 km² 13. ...

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

The Knights of Pythias sponsors two youth organizations: the Pythian Sunshine Girls and the Junior Order, Knights of Pythias for boys. A youth organization is a formal organization aimed at children and adolescents for education and socialization. ...

External link

• Official Knight of Pythias page
• History of the Knights of Pythias and the KofP's Affiliated Orders
• Benjamin N. Cardozo Lodge #163, Fair Lawn NJ