the Knights of Pythias was a number 1 fraternal organization to receive a charter under an work of the United States Congress (approved Will Five, 1870 [16 Stat. at L. 98, chap. Eighty]). 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 a ideals of loyality, honor & friendly relationship that come central to the the correct sequence.

the choose has assibilate 2 thous& reside the United States and Canada, by owning a sum membership of above 50,000 within 2003.

By charter, a choose's membership is restricted to whiten males. Around 1880, an organization known as "The Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias, North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa" was founded; it reserved its membership to Blacks & Asians. A original a correct sequence sued, alleging that a freshly choose utilized the title while forgoing authorization. A experience reached the U.S. Supreme Court which ruled that the new order was allowed to use the name. [http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/cgi-bin/getcase.pl?court=us&vol=225&invol=246 CRESWILL v. GRAND LODGE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS OF GEORGIA, 225 U.S. 246 (1912)]

the organization there are no hanker has a racial requirement for membership.

A the correct sequence's ladies' aide is the Pythian Sisters. An associated organization is the less-good Dramatic Sequentially Knights of Khorassan.

A Knights of Pythias sponsors ii youth organizations: the Pythian Sunshine Girls & a Junior The correct sequence, Knights of Pythias for boys.