Grand Lodge
of North Carolina
Knights of Pythias
Process to Become a Pythian
Wisdom and leadership of a Pythian member will assist you in your decision to become a Pythian. Prior to your petition for membership, questions such as:
Do you believe in a Supreme being?
Are you a Felon?
Have you applied previously to the “Knights of Pythias”?
You will pledge your solemn obligation to obey the obligations of this Order.
You will be invited to a lodge function by your sponsor such as a family dinner, lodge dinner or dessert night to get acquainted with the membership prior to your application being approved. Each lodge will form an investigating committee of three pythians once your initiation fee and petition has been completed. This committee will either give an approval or disapproval on results of its findings. Once recommended for acceptance the lodge will vote to accept or reject your petition. Your acceptance will begin your pythian experience of which you will be qualified to receive the three ranks of the Order.
THREE RANKS OF KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS
INITIATORY OR PAGE RANK
This is the first step in your education of the most basic principles of our Order-FRIENDSHIP. We instill in the candidate a strong bond of union between man and man in mutual confidence. Damon and Pythias exemplified in the life test of true friendship. Practice of fraternity and benevolence toward your brother is the key in this rank.
ESQUIRE RANK
This is our second step in the Pythian education to teach the principles of caution in your dealing with mankind. Esquire in the days of chivalry was the shield bearer to the Knight. The Esquire is a gentlemen and his honor which he bears with caution towards others.
KNIGHT
This is our third and final rank in becoming a Pythian Knight. Lessons in Friendship and Charity towards your fellow man, obedience to authority, while on guard lest you do that which you will regret. The test of moral courage based on all demands you have learned in previous ranks will stand you in good standing to be rewarded with this lesson of your true courage. Once you have acquired the rank of Knight you are welcomed into the mystic circle as a full member of the Knights of Pythias with all the rights and privileges that are bestowed to you by our Noble Order.
