"A life of honor begins, is and ends in service." Sir Michael Black

The Knightly Order of the Fiat Lux is a fraternal non-profit (501(c) 3) organization dedicated to serving the special needs children community of the greater piedmont region through interactive education, living history demonstration, fundraising and volunteering.

Since our inception in the spring of 2005, we have been able to serve such worthy causes as TEACCH classrooms, the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC), Special Needs Scouting, the Special Olympics, At-Risk Youth Outreach Programs and Equestrian Occupational Therapy for Children with Disabilities. We are a Quality Charter Unit for the BSA's Venture Crew 1066 as well as their Learning for Life program.

We have committed to hold our brothers and ourselves to a higher standard of personal behavior. The Code, the Measure and the Mission are the tenets by which we live our lives. They are the guiding principles of chivalry that light the way on our quest. The principles that guide us are reflected in symbolism of the Heraldry of the Order. These principles are often difficult to live up to but even the smallest of victories can be immeasurable.

Although we are not a religious order we are all pious men of faith. The religious background of our members is varied but all have a common belief: It is only in the service of others that we truly serve ourselves and that it is through this selfless service that we become part of something greater than ourselves.

Bottom Row: Sir David Lazenby, Sir Franklin Fite, Sir Marshal Mason, Sir Jason Heilpern, Sir Michael Black, Sir Karl Strohminger, Sir Paul Satenstein, Sir Barton Jones, Sir Ed Pettus, Sir Scott Reithmiller
Top Row: Front Page James Reithmiller, Sir James Morrasso, Sir Victor Gray Bear, Sir Stuart Nicholson, Sir Ed Pekerak, Sir Buck Holmes, Sir Terry Washam, Sir Preston Absher

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: How much does it cost?

A: Annual dues are only $35. A squire, before being knighted, is asked to either donate an oblige of, or lead a fundraiser earning at least, $300. Most raise the funds.

Q: How often do you meet?

A: The Fiat Lux meets weekly for a social business meeting. Members are asked to attend at least two meetings per month. You can contact your local chapter to find out when and where thier meetings are.

Q: What are the membership standards?

A: A prospective knight or squire must be a U.S. Citizen who has reached his 21st birthday or be an honorably discharged or active U.S. serviceman. Additionally certain character tests, such as criminal felony or morally corrupt convictions may bar membership. They must make a public profession to live by the code and the measure. Finally, all prospective members must be voted on by the Knighthood.

Q: Are you a 501(c) (3) organization?

A: Yes. The Fiat Lux operates under the 501(c) (3) guidelines as a private operating foundation. All contributions are tax deductible. Annually we make a number of grants to other charities as well as befitting our Mission Statement such as Autism Society of NC, terminally ill children, The Boy Scouts of America, and special needs classrooms.

Q: Are you a real Knighthood?

A: Yes we are. The Fiat Lux is a secular order decended from an ancient ecclesiastical order of knights. Our genuine knighthoods entitle dubbed members the honorific of “Sir”. Our heraldry, called The Achievement, is full of meaning & honor.

Q: Do you really use swords and armor and all that stuff?

A: Yes we sure do! Unlike other modern knighthoods the Fiat Lux chooses to maintain our historical trappings. All Knights learn a variety of martial styles and weapons to include live steel swords, safe foam padded weapons, rattan rod weapons, shields, and armor. A member is not required to participate beyond the foam padded forms if he does not wish. All martial combat in the Order is governed by the Rules of the Lyst for safety. More importantly, the excitement of the swords and shields brings attention to our mission.