Knights of Pythagoras
The Order of the Knights of Pythagoras is an organization
composed of youths
ranging from seven to twenty years (may vary in some
states) of age
inclusive, working under the sponsorship and personal
supervision of Prince Hall
Masons, to provide beneficial use of their spare time,
worthwhile companions,
wholesome, educational environment, and a program aiming to
interest and aid
youths, in their all-round development.
The order, originally the Chivalric Order of Knight Companions,
was commenced
by Masons representing The Grand Jurisdiction of Kansas and
Colorado, in a
conference held in November 1938. It was adopted for universal
use in the Grand
Jurisdiction of Prince Hall Masons dispersed throughout the
United States under
the name "The Order of the Knights of Pythagoras," at the
National
Conference of Grand Masters of Prince Hall Masons, held in 1951.
It is not necessary for a boy to be a son or a relative of a
Mason to be
eligible for membership but youths, who have passed their ninth
birthday and who
are of good character may petition a Council of the Knights of
Pythagoras for
membership. It should be borne in mind that this organization is
not a Junior
Masonic Order but is merely under Masonic Supervision.
Special Ceremonial Days are fixed and their observance is made
obligatory on
all members of the Order. They are Devotional Day, Sunday in
June; Patriot's
Day, July 4th; Parents' Day, Sunday in November.
Such social activities are conducted by the Councils as are
advisable
under local conditions. All of these affairs are given under the
supervision of
the Adult advisor and the members of the Board of Regents of the
Council. Athletic contests and tournaments are conducted by
councils.
In jurisdictions having three or more councils, annual state
conclaves are held
with attendant oratorical contests, exemplification of the Rite
of Investure,
competitive drills, etc., and other interesting features.
From their first entrance into a council of the Knights of
Pythagoras, as a
candidate of initiation, the Youths are presented impressive
lessons, free from
hilarity and horseplay. The investiture is built around the nine
Cardinal
virtues of the Order: Adoration and Reverence for God, Love of
Parents,
Righteous Thinking, Purity, Patriotism, Toleration, Courtesy,
Friendship and
Constancy.
The order embraces no particular creed but teaches faith in the
one living
and true God.
While the Order of the Knights of Pythagoras has its ritual with
its secret
signs, words, etc., it has no secrets to withhold from the world
regarding its
aims in making its members better sons and better youths than
they have ever
been before.
The order is active in several states in the U.S. and in the
Bahama’s,
Caribbean, Philippines, Korea and Germany.
Investiture
Ritual