Fonds 1222 - Royal Albert Lodge #16 - Knights of Pythias Fonds

The Royal Albert Lodge #16 is the local Montreal chapter of fraternal organization and secret society The Knights of Pythias. The Knights of Pythias were involved in many charitable activities in Montreal. While their principles and criteria for membership have changed through the years, an example of an initiation statement used at one time (exact date unknown) can be found on a blank membership application form contained in the fonds. It reads: “I solemnly declare that I am a white male; that I am of good moral character; that I am a believer in a Supreme Being; that I am in good health and sound in mind and body; that I am able to read and write; that I am not a professional gambler or unlawfully engaged in the wholesale or retail sale of intoxicating liquor or narcotics; that I believe in the maintenance of order and the upholding of constituted authority in the government in which I live; and that I have not been rejected as an applicant for membership in any lodge of this Order within six months preceding the date of this application. I have been an actual and bona fide resident of this state (territory, district, province), continuously during the past six months.”