The Order of DeMolay isn't the only Masonic Youth Group for young men operating in Pennsylvania. Another fraternal group, the Knights of Pythagoras, also have a long history of serving the young people of our great State, and this year the group is 50 years old.

On Saturday, June 19, 2010, Bro. Matt Blaisdell, State Junior Councilor for Pennsylvania DeMolay, attended the annual grand session of the Knights of Pythagoras of Pennsylvania. He was warmly greeted by the Knights, and was received along with young men representing the Knights of Pythagoras in Washington, D.C., and West Virginia.

For many of you this article may be your first exposure to the Knights of Pythagoras, so how about a little history lesson? From the PA Knights website:

Grand Master A. William Hill, Jr. #14, (of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania, Prince Hall Affiliation) successfully started the Order of the Knights of Pythagoras in Pennsylvania in 1960. The next three years found twelve youth councils around the state organized and the state body w as organized the Keystone Grand Council. Eleven of the twelve council became inactive by 1968. State officers were elected and later presented silver metal collars with jewels of their of office. The local councils' officers have jewels of their office. Knights have a lapel pin, a 3" and 4" patch, and improved ritual, T-shirts and baseball caps are next on the agenda for paraphernalia. The Grand Council officers have a patch, marching banner and gold chain collars on green velvet.

The principles behind the Knights of Pythagoras are very close to those of the Order of DeMolay. This may be in part because Frank S. Land, the founder of DeMolay, was also involved in the founding of the Knights of Pythagoras. The Cardinal Virtues of a Knight are Adoration and Reverence for God, Love of Parents, Righteous Thinking, Purity, Patriotism, Toleration, Courtesy, Friendship and Constancy.

DeMolay and the Knights of Pythagoras have been working together for decades, and 2010 marks another successful year of partnership.