Local Temple History

We are the latest Temple instituted in Maryland in 2014 with 11 members. We proudly work to expand the Pythian Sisters and serve our community. We meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 7:30 PM. Use the Contact Us page for location information and to join our Pythian Sisters Temple.

Order History

The Order of Pythian Sisters, the independent auxiliary of the Knights of Pythias, was organized in Warsaw, Indiana, on October 22-23, 1888, by a dedicated Knight, Joseph Addison Hill, of Greencastle, Indiana. Mr. Hill was a well-educated man. He was a man of ideas and thought a student of books, and an observer of life who loved his fellow man.

Mr. Hill prepared our Order's ritualistic forms, ceremonies, and emblems. The color combinations are arranged according to the strict law of optics, making a complete prism around the room. He conceived the idea and inspiration for our Order's colors when a raindrop fell upon the window ledge. Looking up from the raindrop, Mr. Hill beheld the beautiful rainbow, and in it, he saw our colors:

  • White representing Purity

  • Red, for Love

  • Yellow representing Equality

  • Blue for Fidelity

These principles are the foundation on which the Pythian Sisters have built their Temples.

  • Purity is the stage reached through honorable motive, action, and thought and should be a goal we seek to attain.

  • Love represents service, guidance, trust, and tolerance. Through Love, we are bound together as a band of Sisters.

  • Equality requires sharing with each Sister all rights and responsibilities. As Pythian Sisters, we work together for the good of all.

  • Fidelity means being faithful, steadfast, and loyal to God and to each other.

These principles provide a pattern for a good and meaningful way of life, the aim and object of all Pythian Sisters.

“We serve our communities.”