The Fraternal Order of Knights of Pythias is a great international fraternity which was founded in Washington, DC, February 19, 1864, by Justus H. Rathbone, and embraces more than two thousand subordinate lodges in the United States and Canada, and Italy and a membership of over 50,000.

The Knights of Pythias is the first fraternal organization to receive a charter under an act of the Congress of the United States after careful investigation by then President Abraham Lincoln. He was so impressed that an organization would want to volunteer their time and monies for the betterment of mankind, and, so gave his blessing for the Knights of Pythias to receive this coveted act. It was approved on May 5, 1870.

To this day after 145 years of service to mankind, the motto of the organization has not changed. Friendship, Charity, Benevolence, commitment to family, dedication to improving our communities, and helping those less fortunate than ourselves, the opportunity to make this world just a little bit brighter.