Knights of Pythias files

1914-1974

In 1869, the Knights of Pythias Supreme Lodge held a meeting in Richmond, Virginia, to discuss instituting a charter for an African-American lodge. Although the charter was denied, it prompted black men to create their own fraternal lodge. Dr. Thomas W. Stringer, was the founder of the black Order known as the "Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias of North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa" (KPNSAEAA). Around 1880, the first black Orders were established in Mississippi: Lightfoot Lodge No. 1, Meridian Lodge No. 2 and Damon Lodge No. 3. KPNSAEAA's membership grew steadily. By 1897, 40,000 men had been initiated, including those in the West Indies and Central America; however, the majority of members were in the United States. The collection is primarily comprised of ledgers containing financial records, minutes and annual reports for the various lodges. The ledgers are organized by lodge, except for several oversized ledgers from different lodges that are housed together due to their size. Consult the finding aid for further details about specific lodges.