A group of knights and their families gathered today for lunch to recognize this special Knight, Brother Bryan Schwartz, for a lifetime of achievement to this community and to the nation by awarding him the Golden Spur. This is the highest honor from the Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias.
This is the highest recognition for a lifetime of service to the community. The Golden Spur has only been granted to someone in Arizona a few times in many decades.
Knights can submit nominations to the Grand Chancellor for consideration and review by a special secret committee for review. The committee reviews the information and gathers further information as needed. They then make recommendations to a second committee who reserves the right to consider further names. This committee then selects the best nomination and submits their name and lifetime achievement documentation to the Supreme Lodge of the Knights of Pythias. A knight who receives this nomination is not guaranteed to receive the Golden Spur.
The details of the ceremony will not be recorded on this blog. However, we ask that all of you extend the warmest wishes and congratulations to our Grand Treasurer, Sir Bryan Schwartz!
Knights of Pythias Service
Chairman of the Grand Lodge Trustees - Bryan Schwartz was instrumental in restructuring the Grand Lodge investments leading to both an increase in investment income as well as a decrease in risk to principle investment. Bryan also scheduled the annual audit to take place on the day of the Grand Lodge Annual Picnic to reduce travel expenses by eliminating one trip.
Grand Lodge Officer – Sir Bryan has held each office in the Grand Lodge line including Grand Chancellor. He currently serves in the capacity of Grand Treasurer. He has served in several positions multiple times.
Chancellor Commander of Tucson Lodge # 9 – Our Golden Spur recipient was instrumental in restructuring the cemetery fund investments leading to both an increase in investment income as well as a decrease in risk to the principle. The Cemetery Association maintains the cemetery for the benefit of our members. He also was instrumental in the investment of monies from the sale of our lodge hall so that we will have the finances to perform community service for years to come.
Chairman of the Grand Lodge Convention, Picnic, and Hospitality Room Committee for numerous years.
Subordinate Lodge Membership – Sir Bryan was an instrumental founding member of Rincon Lodge #4 in 1998 & Metro Lodge # 55 in 2015. He has recruited more than 30 new Knights to the Order and received his 50-year pin. Bryan is currently a member of 5 subordinate lodges in the Arizona Domain.
Supreme Lodge Delegate for the Arizona Grand Lodge – Sir Bryan Schwartz has attended the Supreme Convention to vote on legislation that is best for the Order.
Community Service
United States Navy – Sir Bryan Schwartz received the Navy Achievement Medal for outstanding service as well as 26 letters of commendation.
Board Member, State of Arizona Foster Care – Sir Bryan reviewed cases and determinations to protect children from abusive parents and various other situations. The board members advise counselors and the courts of what actions are appropriate. They also advise when a child should be removed from their home environment when called upon by the police.
Pima County Justice Court, Small Claims Division – Sir Bryan Schwartz was appointed to serve as a volunteer at the pleasure of the board of supervisors and the superior court to hear civil cases under $3,500.00 for the Pima County justice court, small claims division.
Past President, Fraternal Order of Police - He helped to serve and promote the Tucson Police Department, Sheriff's Department, and Highway Patrol.
City of Tucson, Sentence Enforcement – Sir Bryan Schwartz volunteered with the city of Tucson courts to assist incarcerated members of the public in clearing their records.
Rehab Institute of Southern Arizona - He helped create the volunteer program which facilitates volunteer activities for university student class projects, young offenders thru court-ordered placement, and members of the public wanting to serve their community.
St. Joseph Hospital – Sir Bryan Schwartz has volunteered in various departments including the emergency room, hospital surgical ward, communications and various other positions.
Mature Workers Program – Sir Bryan Schwartz has assisted citizens over 55 find employment.