Order of the

Knights of Pythagoras

Contact Us: KOP@friendship20.org

The History of Knights of Pythagoras

Who is Pythagoras?

Pythagoras was a Greek philosopher, or students of knowledge, who lived about 2,500 years ago. He worked in the fields of music and geometry. He formed a religious society and wrote a general account of the world.

What were his beliefs?

Pythagoras believed that the earth was spherical, and the sun, moon, and planets have movements of their own. His successors developed the idea that the earth revolved about a central fire. This belief anticipated the Copernican Theory of the universe. As a philosopher, Pythagoras taught that numbers were the essence of all things. Therefore, he associated numbers with various colors and ideas.

In Crotona, in the Southern part of Italy, Pythagoras formed a religious brotherhood, and the members of this brotherhood lived according to rules that Pythagoras laid down.

What is the Order of the 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..

When did the Order form under Prince Hall?

During the Annual National Conference of Grand Masters of Prince Hall Masons, May 8 - 10, 1951, in the City of Denver, Colorado under the leadership of Grand Master Amos T. Hall.

The original naming was “Chivalric Order of Knight Companions”. Operating under the name of Pythagoras, the name given and adopted by the Masonic and religious thinkers, offers a challenge to both the youth and the Masonic youth leaders who are striving for high attainment.

Grand Master P. G. Porter of Kansas, was elected the Supreme Master Knight of the International Supreme Council of the Order of the Knights of Pythagoras, August 17, 1958, at the National Supreme Councils of the Knights, Chicago, Illinois. Grand Masters and representatives of twenty Prince Hall Masonic Jurisdictions worked untiringly in promoting this Order.

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 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.

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.

What do we teach?

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.

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 Investiture, competitive drills, etc., and other interesting features.

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.

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Welcome to Sam McLurkin Council #75

Here are few important facts about our council:

Sam McLurkin Council #75 was founded in 2008 by Past Master Archie Shepherd, based in Friendship Lodge #20 of Covington, Georgia
Named for Friendship Lodge #20 Past Master, Sam McLurkin.
Aimed at training our youth in "Leadership, Responsibility, and Brotherhood" for over 15 years

"The Knights of Pythagoras offers young men a unique opportunity for personal growth and leadership development. Membership signifies a recognition of good character, opening doors to a national brotherhood within Prince Hall Jurisdictions. This association garners community respect, highlighting a commitment to positive activities and companionship.

The Sam McLurkin Council provides practical life skills, including critical thinking, financial literacy, and communication, alongside valuable trade skills like carpentry and computer technology. This comprehensive approach equips members for future success. The program's core objectives focus on fostering self-development, goal setting, and achievement, while providing consistent support and encouragement.

Through mentorship and structured activities, the Knights of Pythagoras shapes future leaders, instilling values and practical skills. The organization's dedication to monitoring progress and offering guidance ensures that young men are empowered to reach their full potential. Joining the Knights of Pythagoras is an investment in personal and community enrichment."

Sincerely,

Ed Coakley

Senior Councilor/Director '25

Contact Us: KOP@friendship20.org

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What is a Youth Knight?

Youth Knights are young men between the ages of 7 through 20 who will carry on what we have begun. The Knight is going to sit where we are, and when we are gone; he will attend to those things that we think are important. We can adopt all the policies, but how they will be carried out will depend upon the type of training that a Knight will receive today from us.

The Youth Knight will take over our Colleges and Universities, Churches, even our State and Nation Governments. Our work will be judged on how well we, as Prince Hall Masons, have prepared our Youth Knights. The future will be in their hands.

MASTER KNIGHT RESPONSIBILITIES

Be a leader - lead your council.
Know every member of your council.
Welcome all new members of your council (Youth Knights, Sir Knights, and

Parents).

Plan events for your council (fun activities, community service, fundraiser,

ceremonies).

Make sure you have an agenda for your meetings.
Be ready to bring greetings on behalf of your council if you are asked to do so.
Make sure your Youth Knights are receiving training.
Lead a membership drive for your council.
Approach your Sir Knights with any ideas or thoughts you have about your

program.

Check on your membership by email or phone when the need to arises.
Make sure your council is aware of the voting process.
Delegate responsibilities and projects to your Youth Knights.

YOUTH KNIGHTS RESPONSIBILITIES

Attend your meetings.
Let your Master Knights or Advisors know if you are unable to make an event.
Listen and follow the directions of your officers.
Participate in your community service projects.
Participate in your fundraising events.
If you hold an office, serve that office well.
Work as a team (teamwork) with your council.
Invite those who are worthy to become Youth Knights.
Become a leader within your council.
Take your duties seriously.
Be respectful of others.
No profanity.
No fighting allowed at any time.
Understand the voting process when discussing projects or electing officers.

What is a Sir Knight?

Sir Knights are Master Masons who taken on the obligation of being mentors to the young men in their charge, often becoming like a second father to those who look up to him for guidance and support. The Sir Knight is always there to help his young Knights with problems that they want to discuss. He becomes a source of information and wisdom, but more importantly someone who cares.

Although Sir Knights provide their young Knights with support, independent thinking is stressed above all. The Sir Knights may act like a father in many ways, but he gives room for growth and emphasizes that the young Knights must learn to make decisions on his own.

The Sir Knights are always striving together to prepare our Youth Knights to be leaders for tomorrow. The purpose being to teach the principles of good citizenship and be trained in the values of charity and benevolence, the virtues of a wholesome and good life.

SENIOR ADVISOR/COUNCILOR

Oversees the activities of his local council. Responsible for arranging the meetings and events for the council.
Keep parents informed of the activities of the council.
Keeps the State Director or his appointee informed of the activities of his council.
May be required to submit annual reports of the council to the State Director.
Responsible for Youth Knights, Sir Knights and Parents of his council.
Provide training for his council.
Prepares his council for attending their annual conference.
Oversees the opening, closing, and other ceremonies.
Welcomes new Novices, Youth Knights, Sir Knights, and Parents.
Keep the masonic body informed of upcoming events and support needed by the council.
May serve as a life skills coach for the youth.
Shall speak on behalf of the council whenever called upon or train his Master Knight to do so.

SIR KNIGHTS/ADVISORS

- Shall assist the Senior Advisor with their local council.
- Handle responsibilities given to him by the Senior Advisor.
- Assist with training the council.
- Assist with transportation.
- Assist with the council opening, closing & other ceremonies.
- Ready to step in if Senior Advisor is unable to attend a meeting.
- May serve as a life skills coach for the youth.
- Assist with the planning and preparation of the council attending their annual conference.
- In the absence of the Senior Advisor, maybe ask to make and/or develop reports.