Order of Calanthe

Order of Calanthe
Founded1883 (1883)
Louisiana, US
TypeBenefit society
AffiliationKnights of Pythias of North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia
StatusActive
EmphasisAfrican American women
ScopeNational
Motto"Fidelity, Harmony, and Love"
Chapters33+ courts
Headquarters4718 Wipprecht Street
Houston, Texas 77026
United States

The Order of Calanthe, originally titled the Independent Order of Calanthe, is a fraternal benefit society for African American women. It was established in Louisiana in 1883 as an auxiliary to the Knights of Pythias of North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. Calanthe was the wife of Pythias in the Greek legend Damon and Pythias.