In 1999, the Most Worshipful Grand Master (MWGM), The Honorable Robert E. Connor, Jr., initiated the Order of the Knights of Pythagoras and named its Grand Council in honor of the late Past Grand Master, Thomas H. Routt (served as the 18th Grand Master of Texas). MWGM Connor appointed Bro. Jamal R.A. Rasheed to serve as the State Director (SD). SD Rasheed reached out to the Supreme Council's Supreme Master Knight, Gilbert "Gil" Tyler (Richmond, VA), who subsequently dispatched the Supreme Knight Treasurer and State Director of Arkansas, Richard Sutton, to conduct the activation ceremonies for the councils.
The initial five councils established in Texas under the new Grand Council were:
1. Grayson, Council No. 1, Sherman, Texas, District 8
2. Arthur L. Banks Council No. 2, Houston, Texas, District 15A
3. S.J. Sutton, Council No. 3, San Antonio, Texas, District 19
4. Marching to Manhood, Council No. 4, Riesel, Texas, District 14
5. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Council No. 5, Austin, Texas, District 24
In May 2001, State Director Rasheed was elected to the Supreme Council as Deputy Supreme Master Knight. Subsequently, PGM Connor appointed Bro. Derrick Jones as the new State Director in June 2001. However, due to SD Jones's demanding work schedule, he could not continue. In November 2001, PGM Connor then appointed Bro. Michael L. Simms, Sr. as the new State Director for Texas KOP. Recognizing that only a few councils remained active in the state, State Director Simms reorganized the leadership structure and developed a theme aimed at providing youth, parents, and master masons with a better understanding of the KOP program's objectives: "Training our Youth in Leadership, Responsibility, and Brotherhood". SD Simms also began educating Master Masons about the significance of this program during Annual Grand Communications, Mid Winter sessions, and district meetings.
As of January 2025, there are 21 active councils in the state. The Texas KOP program now features its website, logo, bylaws, mission statement, and a statewide training program for youth and mentors.
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We believe all of our young men can embrace who they are,
can define their future, and can change the world.
Our Mission
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The Most Venerable Thomas H. Routt Grand Council, Order of the Knights of Pythagoras, is a Youth Organization sponsored by
Prince Hall Masons of Texas.
Our organization takes young men between the ages of nine through twenty and trains them in Leadership, Responsibility, and Brotherhood.
Providing a partnership between Master Masons, our youth, parents, and the community. Our program promotes family values, community service, and
continuously includes training for our youth as they become the future leaders of today as well as tomorrow...
Our Vision
Training youth in the areas of Leadership, Responsibility, and Brotherhood