Knights of Pythias

Knights of Pythias
F.C.B.
FoundedFebruary 19, 1864 (1864-02-19)
Washington, D.C.
TypeFraternal order
AffiliationIndependent
StatusActive
ScopeNational
Motto"Friendship, Charity, Benevolence"
Colors  Blue,   Yellow and   Red
SymbolFalcon and Myrtle
Chapters2,000+ lodges (2003)
Members50,000+ (2003) active
1,000,000+ lifetime
FounderJustus H. Rathbone
HeadquartersStoughton, Massachusetts
United States
Websitewww.pythias.org

The Knights of Pythias is a fraternal organization and secret society founded in Washington, D.C., on February 19, 1864. The Knights of Pythias was the first fraternal organization to receive a charter under an act of the United States Congress.