Knights Templar

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This page is intended to give an overview for anyone who is not a York Rite member. Non-Masons will find it easier to start at the Freemasonry and Blue Lodge pages for background information.

It is difficult to trace the beginnings of any of the Masonic groups, and the Templars are no exception. The Ancient Templars did begin during the Crusades, sometime around 1100. Although at this time Jerusalem came into the hands of the Crusaders, the travel routes were left unprotected and many Pilgrims were massacred and left by the side of the road. To remedy this a band of Crusaders took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and adopted the name of Poor Fellow Soldiers of Jesus Christ. At some point they became quartered on the original site of King Solomon's Temple, leading to their new name of Knights of the Temple, or Knights Templar.

Our look back to this Age is often colored with simplicity and popularly ascribed qualities. Chivalry and larger-than-life heroes are the name of the day even though these things only applied to the ruling class and then not equally. Regardless, the Templars were admired and rewarded with much treasure. When this finally came to the attention of Philip the Fair, King of France, who was in financial straits, he arranged the capture of the Order and the leaders. Their wealth was seized, many put to death, and the Templar Order wiped out.

We skip to the 1700's and find an organization called the Knights Templar which tries to emulate many of the qualities and self-discipline of the originals, even though there is no direct connection. Self-sacrifice is mostly done on the allegorical level while the positive traits of charity and morality are emphasized. Today's Knights must be members of the Masonic Fraternity and hold a Christian belief in a Trinitarian God. In Ohio, membership in a Symbolic Blue Lodge as well as in a Royal Arch Chapter is required before petitioning a Commandery.

Nationally, there is Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States. The Ohio Grand Commandery exists beneath this. Within the State are many local Commanderies meeting in designated locations. The connection with the Age of Chivalry and desire to continue these qualities result in the body being known as Chivalric Masonry.

There are three Orders (rather than Degrees) conferred:

The Illustrious Order of the Red Cross tells a story of a time prior to the Templars. Zerubbabel visits the King Darius in order to convince him of his commitment to the Jewish people and in the process is asked to take part in a debate. An excellent argument made on the power of Truth wins the day. The new Order is founded by the Knig.

The Order of Malta is the first Christian Order in the Chivalric system, and tells the story of St. Paul on the island of Malta. Masons are required to profess and practice the Christian faith. Next the history of the Knights of Malta is explained and the history paralleled with the major events in the life of Jesus Christ.

The Order of the Temple of Knights Templar Order is the most beautiful of the three. Lessons of self-sacrifice and reverence are twined in a drama meant to spark the spirit of devotion and self-sacrifice to Christianity.The candidate represents an ancient knight templar supplicant making a pilgrimage for seven years in the direction of the Holy Sepulcher. After having served six years of preparation he is commanded to devote the remaining year of preparation to penance. The ritual teaches beautiful lessons on the death and ascension of our Savior.

This is the only branch of Masonry in the world that is a uniformed body. The American body includes the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, which is not conferred in any other organization.

Easter is a hallowed day in the Templar calendar. Being outshone by perhaps only the Ascension, Easter is the peak of Christian Faith. In celebration, the official Easter Sunrise Service sponsored by the Grand Encampment is held each year on the steps of the George Washington National Masonic Memorial in Alexandria, VA. At 7:00 a.m. Sir Knights in full Templar uniform march up the hill to the strains of "Onward Christian Soldiers".