Centre Lodge No. 3 Knights of Pythias

08/09/2026

08/09/2026

Centre Lodge #3
Food collection in support of needy families
8/8/2026

Chancellor Commander Anthony Bonapart, Sir Rich Friedman, and Larry Dwight (LD) Walker were honored to deliver non-perishable food items to the Tri-Area Ministry Food Pantry at 149 E. Holding Avenue in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

We also want to express our sincere gratitude to the residents of Traditions at Wake Forest, NC. Their remarkable efforts in organizing a three-day collection of non-perishable food items greatly enhanced our mission, complementing the generous contributions from Centre Lodge No. 3.

Sir Rich Friedman has been a driving force behind this initiative for many years. Through his efforts in organizing the collection of non-perishable food items, he is truly making a meaningful difference for those struggling with food insecurity in Wake County.

The Tri-Area Ministry Food Pantry has been serving the community since 1988. This nonprofit and nondenominational organization depends entirely on its volunteers. As the largest food pantry in Wake Forest, Youngsville, and Rolesville, it helps over 1,600 families each month. The pantry's mission is to provide essential food and personal hygiene products to those in need.

For more information, visit their website at: https://triareaministry.com/

The onsite manager at the Tri-Area Ministry Food Pantry was genuinely grateful for the donations. He also provided members of the Knights of Pythias, Centre Lodge No. 3, with a tour of the facility.
The members of Centre Lodge No. 3 deeply appreciate the incredible dedication of all the volunteers who brought this event to life. Your hard work truly made a difference, and your kindness and devotion to this project have a profound impact on the lives of those in need.
Together, we are creating positive change, and we deeply appreciate your invaluable support.

07/15/2026

07/15/2026

Centre Lodge No. 3, Knights of Pythias
Raleigh North Carolina
Bike Giveaway
7/14/2026

The second Bike Giveaway of 2026 at the Richard B. Harrison Library in Raleigh, North Carolina, demonstrated strong community support for the program. Participants, along with their friends and family, showed great enthusiasm as Pythian Angel Menendez drew the winning name.
Chancellor Commander Anthony Bonapart and Inner Guard Angel Menendez represented Center Lodge No. 3 at the second drawing. Members of Center Lodge No. 3 volunteer their time to promote the summer reading program at the Richard B. Harrison Library because it directly supports a cause important to the community—education.
Furthermore, the program creates opportunities for neighbors to connect, build relationships, and strengthen the social bonds between Center Lodge No. 3 and the local community. The positive impact of the summer reading program, along with the shared values it fosters among children and families, makes it an essential part of community life.

07/08/2026

Centre Lodge No. 3, Knights of Pythias
Raleigh North Carolina
Bike Giveaway
7/7/2026

The annual Bike Giveaway at the Richard B. Harrison Library in Raleigh, North Carolina, was an incredible success, continuing a beloved tradition that rewards two deserving children with a free bicycle for participating in the summer reading program. Today, the excitement reached a peak as Chancellor Commander Anthony Bonapart drew the winning ticket for the first bicycle.

This Bike Giveaway was not just about the bikes; it was a day brimming with joy and enriching experiences for the children. They delighted in reading and engaged their creativity by making treasure chests, all while enjoying a vibrant lineup of fun activities that fostered both learning and community spirit.

Centre Lodge No. 3 makes yearly bicycle donations to the Richard B. Harrison library in support of their summer reading program. The program encourages reading and aims to keep children turning book pages to increase childhood literacy and a love of books.

07/01/2026

Knights of Pythias Swords are enduring and symbolic artifacts!

I recently had the honor of examining an authentic Knights of Pythias sword owned by Tony Deglow, an IT professional based in Raleigh, North Carolina. This remarkable sword is not just a piece of history; it is a cherished family heirloom passed down from his father. While I may not be a specialist in Knights of Pythias swords, I can confidently attest to its pristine condition, featuring an intact blade, handle, and scabbard.

This ceremonial weapon is beautifully engraved with our Order’s core principles: Friendship, Charity, and Benevolence. Furthermore, the design includes a knight’s head complete with a helmet and a lion atop it, signifying leadership and the noble essence of knighthood. This sword is not merely a relic; it embodies the values we hold dear.

The sword holds deep significance in Tony's family heritage. Upon discovering that I am a Pythian, he generously shared it with me. It was truly an honor to hold and closely examine an original Pythian sword, a remarkable piece of history.

06/06/2026

Centre Lodge No. 3
Sir Rich Friedman shares the history of the Knights of Pythias with candidates.

June 6, 2026

Sir Rich Friedman, a dedicated member of the Knights of Pythias for over 50 years, graciously opened his home and private library to Scott Hammonds and Kevin Russell, two promising candidates for membership in Centre Lodge No. 3. This warm invitation provided a unique opportunity for camaraderie and sharing the values of our organization. Joining them in this enlightening visit were Pythians LD Walker, Master-at-Arms Larry Hudson, and Chancellor Commander Anthony Bonapart, further enriching the experience and fostering a sense of community among our future members.
Sir Rich Friedman captivated the group with an engaging history of the Knights of Pythias, seamlessly transitioning into a tour of his impressive library, which features a collection of early Pythian books and unique artifacts amassed over the years. He concluded the tour and history lesson with an invitation for our candidates to delve into the fascinating history of the Knights of Pythias themselves. He encouraged them to reach out with any questions or topics they would like to explore further, emphasizing his willingness to assist in their journey of discovery.

05/29/2026

Centre Lodge No. 3, Knights of Pythias
Raleigh North Carolina
Bike Donations
5/29/2026
Chancellor Commander Anthony Bonapart and LD Walker are proud to announce the donation of two brand new bicycles and helmets to the Richard B. Harrison Library, bolstering the library's summer reading program. For several years, Centre Lodge No. 3 has partnered with the library to inspire hope and build confidence in children enrolled in this vital summer initiative. By offering bicycles as an engaging incentive, Centre Lodge No. 3 not only motivates participation but also actively supports the library’s mission to enhance literacy and foster a love for reading in our community.
The primary purpose of summer reading programs is to help students maintain and strengthen their literacy skills during the summer break, preventing learning loss while fostering a lifelong love of reading. These programs encourage continued engagement in learning, improve reading comprehension, and support the development of memory and critical thinking skills. Many children who participate not only maintain their academic progress but also discover a genuine enjoyment of reading.
The photos feature Chancellor Commander Anthony Bonapart (in a White polo shirt) and LD Walker standing proudly alongside the dedicated library staff.

04/20/2026

2026 State of North Carolina
Holocaust Remembrance Day Ceremony

On Sunday, April 19, 2026, Chancellor Commander Anthony Bonapart, a proud member of Centre Lodge No 3, attended the 2026 State of North Carolina Holocaust Remembrance Day Ceremony. During the event, he lit a candle to honor the brave World War II soldiers who liberated survivors from the horrors of N**i concentration camps. The ceremony featured powerful keynote speeches, including Alex Kor, son of Holocaust survivors Mickey and Eva Kor, and Governor Josh Stein, emphasizing the importance of remembrance and the lessons learned from this dark chapter in history.

Holocaust Remembrance Day is a solemn occasion devoted to honoring the victims of the Holocaust. This day serves as a crucial reminder for Americans of the dire consequences that can ensue when bigotry, hatred, and indifference go unchecked in a society.