| President Abraham Lincoln was so impressed by the principles of the
Order that he suggested asking the U.S. Congress for a charter and backed its passage. It was the first such charter for an American fraternal order.
He stated, "The purposes of the Pythian Order are most wonderful. If
we could bring its spirit to all of our citizenry, what a wonderful thing
it would be. It breathes the spirit of Friendship, Charity and
Benevolence. It is one of the best agencies conceived for the upholding of
the government and the honoring of our Flag." "If it had to be my choice, I would rather be a Knight of Pythias than President." -- President William McKinley "Friendship, as taught by the Knights of Pythias is the only cement that will hold the world together" -- President Woodrow Wilson "If fraternalism, as taught by the Knights of Pythias, could be made the guiding principles of Nations, wars would cease to distress the world and attending suffering and misery would end." -- President Warren Harding President Franklin D. Roosevelt joined the Knights of Pythias while in office. The initiation ceremony was held in the White House on the 72nd anniversary of the institution of the Order. He stated "I now belong to fourteen organizations and I am fairly familiar with the work of all of them. I am more deeply impressed with the beautiful lessons and the high and lofty ideals of the Pythian Order than any to which I belong." |