What Pythians Do?

 The members of the Fraternal Order Knights of Pythias are deeply involved in their communities throughout the United States and Canada.

Their social and charitable activities are directed towards enhancing the great principles of the Order - FRIENDSHIP, CHARITY, and BENEVOLENCE. These principles are adhered to very strongly through contributions of money, time, efforts and supplies to Pythians and non-Pythians alike. The eventual aim and goal is the betterment of mankind.

For several years the United Cerebral Palsy Association and the Cystic Fibrosis Association were the primary charity of the Pythian Order - both nationally and locally. Several hundreds of thousands of dollars were raised for the cause, and many Pythians still devote much time and energy on behalf of Cerebral Palsy and Cystic Fibrosis.

Very recently the Knights of Pythias became affiliated with Special Olympics, and will be devoting their efforts in assisting that fine organization, both financially and by taking an active role in conducting the local competitions that are held each year.

In 2012-2022 our National Charity is The Cancer Society. Pythians are joining together, hand in hand, across this great country to unify our effort to help stamp out this dreaded disease!

Nationally, the Pythian lodges own, support, or endorse a myriad of charitable endeavors, such as homes for the elderly, camps for handicapped children, Little League teams, Boy and Girl Scout troops, scholarship programs, rehabilitation wings at hospitals, Ronald McDonald Homes, the Seeing Eye dog programs, etc. The strength of the Pythian Order is its ability to meet the needs of the local community as seen and accepted by the local members.

There is still time to fraternize and socialize as individuals and as groups, and friendships that started years ago have managed to remain strong.

The Pythian Order provides opportunity for personal growth and the development of individual talents and skills. There is a place on all levels for persons with leadership capabilities and aspirations. Local lodges are encouraged to hold officer training sessions, and the Supreme Lodge conducts Leadership Seminars to enhance the quality of leadership and to urge others to partake where they might have once been fearful of such involvement.

Locally, we sponsor the annual Knights of Pythias Holiday Festival, which in 2022 will be in it's 32nd year of existence! It features the Chili cook-off, A Giant Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show at Memorial Park the 2nd Sunday in October. The Knights of Pythias All American Christmas Parade, marches down the street the third Saturday in November . We have been honored many times to have many of the Grand Lodge and Grand Temple Officers lead the parade! New Castle's Carrie Barrett served as Grand Marshal. We also hold the annual Kris Kringle 4 mile Run and 3 Mile Walk at Memorial Park the first Sunday in December.. We will also stage the annual Christmas Lighting contest for homes and businesses in Henry County. In 2021 over $7,000 was donated to charity by Crescens Lodge #33!

The Pythian Order is justifiably proud of its altruistic activity. Inquiries about any of these topics are invited and may be directed to the Supreme Lodge office or use our feedback form. OR you can contact us locally in New Castle at our Lodge Secretary, Richard Neal, PO Box 365, New Castle, IN 47362. Contact us at indianaglkop@att.net. Make sure you title your e-mail with a Pythian catch phrase! OR you can call Denny Adams, Grand Secretary for Indiana at his office at 765-529-7712 or E-mail at indianaglkop@att,net.