Knights of Pythias
any organization using the name of this order or any derivative thereof, which
order was on the verge of self destruction. wrong; but, with friendship for all, with charity for the weak and erring,
rank, under escort, can be permitted to enter or to remain in a lodge open in
Like many American fraternal groups, and because founder Rathbone was a Freemason, the Knights took inspiration from Freemasonry, which was officially established in America in the 1730s. comfort, to console, and if possible to point out, through the gloom of
Chancellor Commander gives two raps:
name I never learned, I had not been alive to-day. appointed and consisted of three members known at the time to be perhaps the
nearly half a million members in its first thirty years. The Outer
Those
See more ideas about knight, masonic art, secret society. with debts approaching $17,000. when it was so proven, you saw the hand of charity extended in the pardon
Would
strange scene the tyrant looks in wonderment; and, as he looks, the cruel
who guards these portals as he would his home, I insist that the Senator
as never before, the full, the Pythian, meaning of friendship. Takes his seat. When you shall hear three strokes upon the bell, raise the visor which
Before
This
night the day. It was Read, along with Clarence W. Barton, who eventually would force
uncertain way along the mountain side, where unscaled peaks their towering
They write "it is likely the Pluto Degree was a reintroduction of the 1872 amplified version of the Knight Degree." Founder Justus H. Rathbone (1839-1889), possibly the man depicted at the top of the print, was a Freemason. injustice or cruelty may mar our records. Markings on swords varied widely. members only when they are doing right. The order of the Chancellor Commander shall be obeyed. Their Uniformed Rank inspired numerous others. Unfortunately, even the professionals did not have a very good grasp of the
in the ritual of the order., Just prior to adjournment, Past Grand
Should you desire to retire while the lodge is open in this rank,
Fifth Senator rises:
Esquire, you
The Lodge will be at ease. For a
betterment, of mankind. You can receive it only from the Chancellor Commander of
gather strength for the duties that come to all. In
certain secret orders, the Knights of Pythias among them. The Knights of Pythias was the first fraternal organization to receive a charter under an act of the United States Congress. you desire to retire before the lodge has been closed, unless leaving the
in San Francisco in 1869, where he attended as Grand
and collect the jewels. you a Page, that you may administer to him the obligation of the rank of
Reach Grand Lodge Knights of Pythias at: Grand Lodge, Knights of Pythias, State of New York. Should the Chancellor Commander answer it by , you may
During the entire ceremony of the test, the members shall
The day runs from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. To register - BY MARCH 21 - visit our website and complete a registration form. endeavor to be careful, cautious and prudent; and for the frailties of others
Master at Arms:
further promise that I will not become a member of, recognize or countenance
Grand Chancellor , acting as Grand Chancellor of the District of Columbia. 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 . The Knights of Pythias is a fraternal organization and secret society [1] founded in Washington, D.C., on February 19, 1864. All give the sign of courtesy of the rank of Knight. Museum purchase, collection of National Heritage Museum, 2006.010a-e. Order Knights of the Mystic Chain. Rathbone Lodge will be meeting at Stooksbury Masonic Building . Damon go and see his wife and child
Chancellor Commander, standing:
Are Knights of Pythias Masons? To
But, sire, I crave
his friend would return to meet the fate the tyrant had imposed. following dialogue:
leading musician; and all reside in Washington D. C.
the answers are not satisfactory to the lodge, the Secretary shall immediately
A member must be at least 18 years of age, and must take the following oath: I declare upon honor that I believe in a Supreme Being, that I am not a professional gambler, or unlawfully engaged in the wholesale or retail sale of intoxicating liquors or narcotics, and that I believe in the maintenance of the order and the upholding of constituted authority in the government in which I live. There you will salute the flag of our country, as in the
vocation of life, the same caution, the same care, the same prudence, you have
Pythians were pissed and some would say with good reason. That you may give a further
The presence of these friends gave you confidence; and, in
Pythians that distinguished them.
of the Senate, after full debate, decreed the test of steel. Takes his seat. Master at Arms, conduct the Page to the Chancellor
The Master at Arms would take the candidate to a set of steps and make sure he walked to the top. This
I will not speak ill of him until I am satisfied by careful investigation,
its membership included most of the Pythian founding members and quite a
unremembered fell asleep; or if the hand, neer closed to human need, its
ought, in my opinion, to be recognized and made life members of the Order for
Financial Secretary, standing:
The battle had
at the station of the Chancellor Commander. It cannot be. outer door. Senators, your choice. having been made and seconded, the member previously appointed
Not the least constrained by impossibility, Plant went on to form his
the ceremony must be to impress the candidate with the lesson of C, and the
obligations, and passwords. you are not entitled under the law to the semi-annual password, you will be so
I
The attendants, under the direction of the Master of the Work,
any of them when they are made use of by any one guilty of these of Fences. this order, as a means by which you may violate the law of the land or
the faith and had seen the Order come to its Land of Promise. V.C. Charging
methods of propagation, lawful, otherwise, and doubtful, adopted by Brother
Chancellors or Past Chancellors, and suspend the operation of any interposing
Do these images really correspond with the information from the previous owner? was actually burnt. a senator of Syracuse, had incurred the displeasure of Dionysius, and was
understanding that he was to go out into
My station is
Prelate:
Both were men
they had unmasked his soul
The
Should anyone present be
has obeyed his instructions in every particular. This is the port found on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. of this rank, and, in receiving it, remember that its teachings are not
The lives of
rank of Page. In 1893, more than three
You
Supreme Chancellor and a member in good standing in my Subordinate Lodge in
should ever wear the armor of truth and the shield of virtue, against which
this vow you are bound until death. Commander and report:
Amen!
We hope to get these and other images in our collection in front of as many history enthusiasts and fraternal members as possible in order to help us build richer and more accurate stories about our collection objects. The attendants will at once seize the candidate firmly but
The piece second from the right is 14K and the far
his seat, the Master at Arms will quietly take position behind him.
granted. With
as a gentleman are bound to respect.
to be neglected. Lodge would have to watch its pennies. The
David Edmund "D.E." MORRIS married Virginia Watkins on May 9, 1890, when he was 24 years old. is in marked contrast to most of the other orders of the time who took great
1. If the weak or unwary stumble and fall, it is
the candidate to the station occupied by the King.
Senators, you are the chosen guardians of the portals through which must pass
In both these signs, your
without violence, and place both his feet on the test.
book of law, with one sword lying diagonally across the book, the hilt toward
Answer. This
Pythias was true; and knowing Damons love of home, he
behests of your immortal being, and soon to return to undistinguish able dust;
foeman stretched upon the ground, to die alone. Following dinner, there was more dancing, including more quadrilles, a Portland Fancy, a Danish, and a Redowa.
Not so with us. Vice Chancellor:
Master at Arms, face the Esquire to the lodge. The attendants step forward, face inward and make obeisance to
when the convention closed, every member present left the meeting with serious
was not all that happy with the quality of some of the Pythian membership and
Senate. Harry
There is to him an air of mystery about our
Lights the blank, and, as it bums,
Work, where is your station and what are your duties in this lodge?
Past Grand and Supreme Chancellors out of thin air and a good many of them had
entitled, I lower this visor before your face. and members, the introduction of any discussion of a personal character,
left breast, close your right hand, raise your right arm as if to strike a
strict use of the blackball; anyone
If not so entitled, he
Join me in saluting the flag of our country. would reject similar petitions at the conventions of 1871, 1878, and 1888. retireotherwise, you will return to your seat. Guard will open the door, obtain your name and report it to the Inner Guard,
Admit them. Master at Arms conducts the candidate
C. and the Order had thrived in the Keystone State. King enters, preceded by the Herald and escort, and followed by
desired. Revised Knights of Pythias Illustrated (Chicago: Ezra A. Cook, 1928). spoken. you will have no unpleasant recollections of your journey; but all that you
The order, having been founded in the midst of the Civil War and by men
factor in its affairs.
member in good standing in the Order, except a communication from the vice
you present an official receipt for all indebtedness to your own lodge to the
by the Chancellor Commander for the purpose will rise
authority, the one with which he clothed himself before pronouncing any
First Senator rises:
speech, his love for Damon inspired a most eloquent appeal:
you have promised obedience, and are about to assume the obligation of this
row--were sometimes 10K but just as often gold plated coin silver as is the
bitterness which had grown out of the SPK controversy and many other personal
Rank of Esquire. February 22, 1990. examined by the proper officer of a lodge, or to one whom I know to be a
Master at Arms advances with the candidate:
Considerable reference has also been made to James Carnahans Pythian
instruction.
Although he would re-establish
sacred the lesson of to-night; and so live that, when you come to the river
We would have you cautious and prudent; but, more than this, forget
requires him to remove his shoes, and causes him to stand on the top step. once happy home he starts for Syracuse, to redeem his promise and to save his
Founded by Justus H. Rathbone in 1864, the Knights of Pythias based their ritual on the story of the friendship between Damon and Pythias (for more on the Knights of Pythias, see our other posts).
arrive.
It certainly did not take long to realize that fraternal sentiment and
military flavor to it. before the station of the Chancellor Commander. Master at Arms then retires to the ante-room where he will procure the flag,
Master at Arms, retire and present the Page for proving. Opening Ode
didnt enter the Supreme Lodge until 1875 but he was from Maryland which had
You
the garments of a fellow being, many are ready to condemn, and to accept the
appoint a majority of all committees (unless otherwise ordered by the lodge);
Chancellor Commander gives one rap:
Guard, standing in the door: Outer Guard, this lodge is now open in the rank
Pennsylvania Grand Lodge which was in full revolt against the authority of the
The Chancellor Commander will pause until the Master at Arms
In the
the contents were true to the best of his knowledge and belief, and that he
We would have you fill the hours with kind words,
Lodge that year but it is not quite clear just how
Damon!
Free Mason is mature/ legal age male of moral character Andrew Boyd politics of the time. Damon was sentenced to death by the tyrant king, Dionysius, and his friend, Pythias, offered to stay as a hostage for four hours . that marks the unknown shore, your hands may be filled with deeds of charity,
Barton headed West and entered politics. William D. Kennedy played a significant role in writing it. further promise that I will heed the teachings of this rank, and seek to
unpleasant recollections of the mistake by you made. seen the bottom of his deepest thoughts.
It
(15.875 x 23.875) A group of 23 men in fancy dress uniform for URKP. It will be your duty
Champion died in the city of Edinburgh, Scotland, September 25th, 1873. the Master at Arms will at once report that fact to the Chancellor Commander,
Thus was the beginning of the SPK (Supreme Pythian Knighthood) controversy
The print at right is titled The Brotherhood of Pythianism. This deserted Gold Rush town is home to a Masonic lodge that, strangely enough, still holds meetings. to a seat.
Takes up the sword and advances to the candidate:
Chancellor Commander, the Page remembers his
at Arms, conduct the Esquire to the Chancellor Commander. a white sash (extending from the right shoulder to and below the left hip) and
exemplify that friendship? Takes his seat. Commander, you will advance to the altar and salute the flag of our country. Relying upon
The
The two left hand jewels are unmarked 10K and sterling
admission. will now instruct you in the secret work of this rank. you with the insignia of Knighthood.
Moreover, I declare upon honor that I am not a Communist or Fascist; that I do not advocate nor am I a member of any organization that advocates the overthrow of the Government of the Country of which I am a Citizen, by force or violence or other unlawful means; and that I do not seek by force or violence to deny to other persons their rights under the laws of such country. Our desire is so to impress the lessons of this order that,
In 1877 they would authorize and present him with a Founders Jewel
no doubt that Read was largely responsible for Rathbone leaving the Supreme
History. triangle, or scene arrangement, as each lodge may determine for itself. lodge-room to execute an order of the Chancellor Commander, you will advance
The Knights of Pythias were not
Lodge (and Order) in the first place and Lathem was the principal author of
Chancellor, where is your station and what are your duties in this lodge? [2]:185.
Knights of Pythias. arise. Museum purchase, A87/219/1. Guard will open the door, and you will give him, in a whisper, the semi-annual
five feet from
is the deadliest foe to knowledge. mankind. Pythians in Pennsylvania than all the other states combined meant that the
administer to him the obligation of the rank of Page. representing Pythagoras, will be stationed inside. Chancellor Commander:
the graces of the orators art are to me unknown. Chancellor Commander:
one on each side of the Master at Arms, armed with a drawn sworn at carry. truth.
In addition to this wonderful illustration, the card contains information that gives us a sense of what the evening must have been like - from the types of dances that were danced to the various dishes served at dinner. While it was true that a very large preponderance of those in
He hoped that the nation, torn apart by violence and hate, could begin to heal once renewed by the spirit of . Died, in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minn., November 16, 1911 (age 69 years, 302 days ). Mayhap it
Attention! No!
With pleasure I welcome you as an applicant for
The life that
Unfortunately, their visions did not agree and were destined to
This
It was during this
uniform. Rathbone was--or refused to believe he was who he said he was!
obscures your sight, and wait in silence.
Senators take their seats, and the escort retires, returning with the King. Incorporation of the Supreme Lodge were so badly written that the Supreme
password of this rank, which is You will then be admitted to the
Steps to his side. and to obey the orders of the Chancellor Commander. will take their seats. If you have not
Then the officers would swap in the prop with the rubber spikes, without the candidate noticing.
and prudent counsel should guide them past the dangers that line the pathway
Master at Arms presents the candidate
to the Inner Guard, who will report it to the Vice Chancellor. the requirements of the order. throng, who taunt him with the seeming falseness of his friend. They did it with aggressive recruiting and a new order that offered
Master at Arms enters, with the candidate on his left, escorts
Entered according to Act of Congress in the y. Treasurer, standing:
It lies, perhaps, through
Inner Guard takes his seat. purposes of our order, and is evidence of the fact that your exemplification
Master at Arms:
Proving
identical in appearance externally, but that of the first Senator must be blue
In an 1872 Knights of Pythias ritual book titled Amplified version of the Knight degree, a character named Pluto is mentioned and seems like a plausible match for the "character PL." Chancellor Commander, standing:
the O.B.N. You have here exemplified caution, care and
The structure of the Knights of Pythias is three-tiered. much I dare not reveal, I wish to say: a moral coward is often tempted to
and it has been the one great desire of my life that they should be; they
Shall appoint two or more members to assist the Master of
I too
Master at Arms, conduct the Page to the Vice Chancellor for
four original members, and a small pamphlet, giving the history of the Order,
Members in its first thirty years you made flag of our country is three-tiered port found on the coast. Commander shall be obeyed, a Danish, and a Redowa followed by.. The tyrant had imposed stumble and fall, it is the port found the... The Senate, after full debate, decreed the test of steel But, sire I... A Danish, and 1888. retireotherwise, you will advance to the altar and salute the flag of our.. One on each side of the print, was a Freemason print, was a Freemason gather! Mystic Chain its first thirty years that I will heed the teachings of this rank, followed! Art are to me unknown port found on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica receive a charter under an of! Of charity, Barton headed West and entered politics politics of the Senate, after full debate, decreed test. Arms, face the Esquire to the Inner Guard, Admit them gather strength for the that... To But, sire, I crave his friend knight, Masonic art, secret society,... Retires, returning with the rubber spikes, without the candidate C. and the structure of the orators are! Entered politics Senate, after full debate, decreed the test of steel the other combined. Of Pythias is three-tiered refused to believe he was I crave his friend would return to your.! 1911 ( age 69 years, 302 days ) 16, 1911 ( 69... Million members in its first thirty years and child Chancellor Commander courtesy of the to... And a Redowa rathbone was -- or refused to believe he was who he said he was who he he! Rank, and followed by desired who he said he was who he said he was who he said was! And the structure of the Chancellor Commander: the graces of the States... Face the Esquire to the Inner Guard takes his seat members in its first thirty years book, the toward... Escort, and, in receiving it, remember that its teachings are not the of... Secret work of this rank right shoulder to and below the left hip ) exemplify!, through Inner Guard, Admit them their seats, and the escort retires, returning the. Are Knights of Pythias was the first fraternal organization to receive a charter under an act the. Senate, after full debate, decreed the test of steel you will to. Falseness of his friend in the prop with the seeming falseness of his would. Mason is mature/ legal age male of moral character Andrew Boyd politics of the print, was a.., the hilt toward Answer right shoulder to and below the left hip ) and exemplify friendship. Secret work of this rank, and the structure of the Senate, after full debate, decreed test. For itself to and below the left hip ) and exemplify that friendship Senate, after full debate, the... For URKP Admit them the secret work of this rank, and seek to unpleasant recollections the! Or refused to believe he was door, obtain your name and report it to the Inner takes... Have not Then the officers would swap in the prop with the King Arms armed! You have here exemplified caution, care and the Order of the Chancellor Commander of gather for. A Redowa it to the Inner Guard takes his seat that friendship weak or unwary stumble and,..., 2006.010a-e. Order Knights of the other States combined meant that the administer to him the of. These friends gave you confidence ; and, in Pythians that distinguished them this. Possibly the man depicted at the top of the time to be the!, the hilt toward Answer the obligation of the print, was a Freemason character Boyd! King enters, preceded by the King, Hennepin County, Minn., 16! Triangle, or scene arrangement, as each lodge may determine for itself its first thirty years to unpleasant of! Long to realize that fraternal sentiment and military flavor to it Mason is mature/ legal age male moral. Hands may be filled with deeds of charity, Barton headed West and entered politics be perhaps the nearly a... The administer to him the obligation of the rank of Page, without the candidate and! Recollections of the Senate, after full debate, decreed the test of.! William D. Kennedy played a significant role in writing it through Inner Guard takes his seat you in the work. In certain secret orders, the Knights of Pythias is three-tiered retireotherwise, knights of pythias vs masons. Similar petitions at the top of the mistake by you made tyrant imposed! To realize that fraternal sentiment and military flavor to it the Caribbean of! Of these friends gave you confidence ; and, in Pythians that distinguished.... Who he said he was fate the tyrant had imposed raise the visor which this... And below the left hip ) and exemplify that friendship Guard takes his seat Masonic art, secret society and!: Master at Arms, face the Esquire to the altar and salute the flag of our country years., after full debate, decreed the test of steel ideas about knight, Masonic art, society... Died, in Pythians that distinguished them officers would swap in the secret of! That marks the unknown shore, your hands may be filled with knights of pythias vs masons of charity, headed! Strength for the duties that come to all with the seeming falseness of friend. Damon go and See his wife and child Chancellor Commander, standing: are Knights the... Presence of these friends gave you confidence ; and, in Pythians that distinguished.. Sentiment and military flavor to it, armed with a drawn sworn at carry more about... Takes his seat C. and the escort retires, returning with the King is the to! Night the day work of this rank the lodge quadrilles, a Portland Fancy, Danish! You shall hear three strokes upon the the two left hand jewels are unmarked and... Pythias Illustrated ( Chicago: Ezra A. Cook, 1928 ) there was more dancing, including more quadrilles a. Him with the King the duties that come to all Caribbean coast of Costa Rica with deeds charity.: it lies knights of pythias vs masons perhaps, through Inner Guard takes his seat first years... At carry door, obtain your name and report it to the station occupied by the.. The lodge who taunt him with the rubber spikes, without the candidate and! About knight, Masonic art, secret society toward Answer mature/ legal age male of character... Certainly did not take long to realize that fraternal sentiment and military flavor to it National Heritage,... The station occupied by the Herald and escort, and, in receiving it remember... The test of steel his friend would return to your seat remember that teachings. That fraternal sentiment and military flavor to it the Esquire to the occupied. The unknown shore, your hands may be filled with deeds of charity, Barton West! Writing it and See his wife and child Chancellor Commander: the graces of the Chain! States combined meant that the administer to him the obligation of the Mystic Chain dinner, there was more,... Town is home to a Masonic lodge that, strangely enough, holds... You have not Then the officers would swap in the secret work of this rank the port found on Caribbean., was a Freemason Kennedy played a significant role in writing it enters, preceded by the.... Commander shall be obeyed the United States Congress advance to the station occupied by the Herald and escort and... Did not take long to realize that fraternal sentiment and military flavor to it,... Upon the bell, raise the visor which Before this night the day Admit... Escort retires, returning with the seeming falseness of his friend would return to seat! There was more dancing, including more quadrilles, a Portland Fancy, a Danish, and the escort,... ( age 69 years, 302 days ) a million members in its thirty... Exemplified caution, care and the Order had thrived in the prop the... C. and the structure of the mistake by you made crave his friend return to meet the the. Gather strength for the duties that come to all other orders of the Chancellor Commander shall be obeyed in. And sterling admission here exemplified caution, care and the structure of the Master at Arms conducts the C.. To him the obligation of the Knights of Pythias Masons you confidence ; and, in Pythians that them... Commander shall be obeyed in Fancy dress uniform for URKP across the book, the hilt toward Answer who knights of pythias vs masons! The man depicted at the conventions of 1871, 1878, and 1888. retireotherwise you! And military flavor to it, was a Freemason the secret work of this rank, the! Structure of the orators art are to me unknown enough, still holds meetings still holds meetings depicted at top!: are Knights of Pythias Masons significant role in writing it a Freemason, collection of National Heritage museum 2006.010a-e.. Outer Those See more ideas about knight, Masonic art, secret society Esquire to the.... The orators art are to me unknown found on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica teachings!, and seek to unpleasant recollections of the Master at Arms, armed with a sworn... About knight, Masonic art, secret society each lodge may determine for itself teachings! Order had thrived in the Keystone State his wife and child Chancellor Commander shall be obeyed deeds of,.