GC Message 2026-2027

BRING IT BACK

Before anything else, thank you for the faith you have placed in me by electing me to the office of Grand Chancellor. I am proud to represent this amazing organization.

I have tried to keep my message short and to the point in consideration of those presenting it as well as to my brothers hearing it.

But what am I talking about with Bring it Back? I joined the Knights of Pythias in 1982, and our premise has not changed but the reality has. We still have the FCB, Friendship, Charity, and Benevolence but something just does not feel right. I would like to bring back those feelings. This might take some effort from all of us. After all, this is not a one-person show. We need cooperation from all our brethren if we are going to be successful in bringing the Knights of Pythias back to our former glory. I know people are going to say it is not going to happen, and it will not happen if we have that attitude. So, let’s change that attitude. Maybe it will work and maybe it will not, but we will never know without trying.

Let us look at the things we can act on. We hear the words, to Avoid Anger and Dissention at every meeting but they fall short. Too often a comment is misinterpreted, and it results in a rift that never gets mended. This can be between individuals as well as lodges as a whole. How do we get new people to come to meetings and stay if all they witness is dissention and negative talk. Do not think I am pointing fingers at anyone as I am guilty of the same as well. I have held a grudge against someone at times even though I knew in my heart that it was wrong but there is another side to this. It is the “F” for Friendship, but it carries so much more weight. I have become friends with many, but it did not stop there. Another word starting with F comes to mind and that is Family. We are Family, please don’t start singing just yet, and I believe that is what the Knights are, a family. I have used the line, brother from another mother and I meant it. Sometimes we are a disjointed family but that is normal in a family. You may not like a brother or a sister at times, but you would give your life to save them. That is family and we need to expand our family. So, let’s Bring It Back and bring back the feeling of family.

Before I move on to the letter C, let’s stay on F for another moment. Where is the FUN? The years of the softball leagues within the lodge passed years ago but that isn’t all. I remember lodge picnics where the members and their families joined in. Sometimes it was one lodge and sometimes it was multiple. What I do remember was it was a lot of fun. Let’s bring back the fun. It can be a picnic, an escape room, hatchet throwing (only at a target) or any other thing we can think of. I have sat at a table with more than twenty playing Left, Right Center where everyone had fun even when they had no chance at all of winning. Fun and family are the important words. So, let’s work to Bring it Back.

Let us now think of the letter “C”, Charity. That has remained a strong point in our order, but it has its limitations. We excel at making donations, but we need to show our support in other ways. Whether it is a walk for an event, a cleanup day in a park or any other live event you can think of. It might get us some name recognition or not. Could it get us new members? Once again maybe, maybe not but I know that when I volunteer for something it is not about getting recognition. It is the feeling I get for doing something good.

Another C word is Coexistence as it is much better than confrontation. As we are all Knights, we must remember that we all need to work together as one lodge even though we may be spread across the state.

On to “B”, Benevolence. Simply put it is the desire to do good to and for others. We have people who are amazing at this. Sometimes it has been visiting people in the hospital or nursing home. Other times have just been providing a lift to and from a meeting or function for someone who could not attend without that ride. Lifts to the airport can save people the costs of an UBER or LYFT. Checking a friend’s mail when they are away. We have heard stories of a Pythian helping when someone has car troubles. Sometimes we forget these things, but it means a lot to those being helped. I have seen where some of these good deeds have led to great friendships that were not there previously. Let us keep that in mind the next time you are asked for a favor.

Before I close, I had a tough choice to make as far as a charity I would like the Grand Lodge to support. There have been a number of things that have affected my family, but I am not choosing from any of them. I would like to support one that helps children. With that I would like to have the Knights of Pythias support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

With the thoughts on children this leads me to another F word, Future. Our actions can lead to the success or failure of the Knights of Pythias. The future of the Knights of Pythias is our challenge.

Let Us Bring Back Friendship, Fun, Comradery, and Cooperation. All the things that made us great.

So, LET’S BRING IT BACK.

Thank you,

Brian Klasewitz

Grand Chancellor, Domain of New York