Order of the Knights of Pythagoras
What is the Order of the Knights of Pythagoras?
The order of the Knights of Pythagoras is an organization composed of youth from nine to twenty years 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.
Who inaugurated this movement and why?
This movement, originally the Chivalric Order of Knight Companions, was commenced by Masons representing The Grand Jurisdiction of Kansas and Colorado, in a conference held November 19th 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, under the leadership of Grand Master Amos T. Hall, President, held in Denver, Colorado, May 8-10, 1951.
A survey of all the movements designed for the benefit of youth, as started in several Grand Jurisdictions, disclosed two alarming defects. (1) Because of the localization of these movements, boys found no similar organizations when they left their homes and traveled to other states, (2) the jurisdictions, of themselves, have shown that, financially and in many other respects, they are unable to provide adequately and efficiently for this all important work.
As a solution to these and many other difficulties, "The International Supreme Council of the Order of the Knights of Pythagoras" was formed at a National Conference on Youth, held in Chicago, Illinois, August 17, 1958 with Grand Masters and representatives of 20 Prince Hall jurisdictions. Grand Master P. G. Porter of the Jurisdiction of Kansas, was elected Supreme Master Knight.
The formation of the Supreme Council, patterned largely on methods and procedures of the Order of DeMolay, provides for the use of the same ritualistic ceremonies. This will offer to our youths an organization, national in scope, which collectively is better able to provide the supervision necessary to carry on the work successfully.
Who may become members of the Order of the Knights of Pythagoras?
It is not necessary for a boy to be a son or a relative of a Mason to be eligible for membership, but youth 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.
What lessons are taught in the Rite on Investure?
From their first entrance into a council of the Knights of Pythagoras, as a candidate of initiation, the Youth are presented impressive lessons, free from hilarity and horse-play. The investure 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 youth than they have ever been before.
What activities do Councils of the Knights of Pythagoras carry on?
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, ect., and other interesting features.
Do the youth enjoy the Knights of Pythagoras?
All boys enjoy the many-sides activities of The Knights of Pythagoras. Its entire program is especially designed for them. It gives them the advantage of the highest type of associates at an age when they are active and energetic and Masonry can make no grater contribution than to aid in directing their efforts in uplifting channels during their spare time. All such endeavors to be found in The Order of Knights of Pythagoras
After age of twenty-one, what?
When a member reaches the age of twenty-one, he automatically ceases to be an active member. His passing into citizenship from the Knights of Pythagoras is marked by an impressive ceremony, at which he is given a certificate. This certificate proclaims to the world that the possessor has had the benefit of superior training offered by the Knights of Pythagoras under exemplary Masonic leadership. No greater recommendation can be secured by any youth than this.
What must a youth do to become a member of the Order of the Knights of Pythagoras?
A youth, between the prescribed age limits, should file a petition for membership in a Council of the Order of the Knights of Pythagoras through any member or at the office of the Knight's Secretary of the Council. On this petition, the character of the applicant must be vouched for by either two active Knights, a Master Mason or a Majority Knight.