Thursday, August 31, 2017

Knights of Pythias

The Pythian Temple, West 70th Street, New York City

If fraternal love held all men bound, how beautiful
this world would be” (Justus H. Rathbone)
The Pythian Temple
West 70th Street
New York, September 2008

“The Knights of Pythias is a fraternal organization and secret society founded in Washington, D.C., on 19 February 1864. Knights of Pythias in a parade in Racine, Wisconsin, circa 1910. The Knights of Pythias was the first fraternal organization to receive a charter under an act of the United States Congress. 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 loyalty, honor, and friendship that are the center of the order. The order has over 2,000 lodges in the United States and around the world, with a total membership of over 50,000 in 2003. Some lodges meet in structures referred to as Pythian Castles.” (Knights of Pythias, Wikipedia)

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