Knights of Pythias -- Founded in 1864 by Justus H Rathbone as a secret society of government clerks. The fraternity was based on the tale of friendship and trust exhibited by Phintias and Damon in the fifth century BC. A tale in which Phintias is sentenced to death by Dionysus, but Damon offers himself as bond so that Phintias can travel and give his goodbyes. When Phintias did not return, Damon offered himself in Phintias' place. At the last minute, Phintias returned, Damon was released and Dionysus, so impressed with the mens' friendship and trust, pardoned Phintias.
"FCB" = Friendship, Charity and Benevolence.
("Stories in Stone: A Field Guide to Cemetery Symbolism and Iconography", Keister, Douglas. Gibbs Smith, publisher. 2004. Pp 184.
"FCB" = Friendship, Charity and Benevolence.
("Stories in Stone: A Field Guide to Cemetery Symbolism and Iconography", Keister, Douglas. Gibbs Smith, publisher. 2004. Pp 184.