Integrity, Obedience, Courage
The Knights Templar is a Christian-oriented fraternal organization that was founded in the 11th century. Originally, the Knights Templar were laymen who protected and defended Christians travelling to Jerusalem. These men took vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, and were renowned for their fierceness and courage in battle.
Today, the Knights Templar display their courage and goodwill in other ways. They organize fund-raising activities such as breakfasts, dinners, dances, and flea markets. They support Masonic-related youth groups and they raise millions of dollars for medical research and educational assistance.
Currently, Templar membership consists of people from all walks of life, including doctors, lawyers, clergy, businessmen and entertainment personalities, all of whom profess a belief in the Christian Religion.
Masonic Connection
All Knights Templar are members of the world's oldest fraternal organization known as "The Ancient Free And Accepted Masons" or more commonly known as "Masons". However, not all Masons are Templars. Templary is but a part of the Masonic structure known as the "York Rite Of Freemasonry".
There are almost 1,600 Commanderies in communities across the United States, Germany, Italy and Mexico, with over 260,000 members. Similar bodies exist in other countries as well
Three Degrees Of The Knights Templar
Here we revert to the period of the Royal Arch Degree when the Jews were returning from Babylon to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple. One of their number prevails upon King Darius to restore the Holy Vessels to the new Temple. They had been carried away by the Babylonian armies when the first Temple was destroyed. In presenting his plea before the King, The Companion gives a powerful testimony to the almighty force of Truth.
Shifting to the time of the Crusades, admission to the
Mediterranean Pass is sought so that a safe pilgrimage to the Holy Sepulchre might be
undertaken. This is a sublime and sacred Order, which culminates in the enrollment of the
supplicant as a Knight of Malta
No Degree or Order in Masonry is more solemn,
impressive or soul-searching than the Order Of The Temple. It is a fitting climax to the
labors of the humble penitent, who has faithfully performed the seven symbolic years of
preparation for this consummation of his endeavors. He is knighted a Christian warrior.
Knights Templar were so named because of their close association with the site of the
Temple during the years they occupied Jerusalem. The Ancient Order Of The Temple has
been dispersed and its warlike spirit has passed away. There remains, however, a spirit of
refined and moral Chivalry, which prompts its members to be ever ready to defend the weak,
the innocent, the helpless and the Oppressed.
The Order Of The Temple is often called the most beautiful of all Orders and Degrees of Masonry. No Mason, who is a believer in the Christian religion, should be satisfied until he has received this -- the capstone of the York Rite.
How to become a member
of a Commandery of Knights Templar You must minimally be a Member of a Chapter of Royal
Arch Masons in good standing and must petition a Commandery of Knights Templar. It is
strongly encouraged that you also be a member of a Council of Royal and Select Masons, but
this is not a prerequisite.
To petition a Commandery of Knights Templar for membership, you must first be a member of a Masonic Lodge and other pre-requisite bodies, and must profess a belief In the Christian Religion. Commanderies organize many social activities, including Ladies Auxiliaries, Drill Competitions, Public Divine Services, Family Picnics, Organized Trips, Dinner Parties and Entertainment, Christmas Observances, Easter Sunrise Services, and Memorial Services.
The Knights Templar Eye Foundation
As a Knight Templar, one has many opportunities to help others who are less fortunate. One way is through the Knights Templar Eye Foundation. The Eye Foundation is a Great Humanitarian Charity whose purpose is to provide research, surgical treatment and hospitalization to those who suffer from diseases or injury to the eyes. Cross-eyes, which occurs in children under 16, is one affliction that can lead to blindness if not treated properly.
Concern For Others
Since its inception, the Knights Templar Eye Foundation has spent more than $35 million dollars to help provide medical treatment for those unable to afford it. Today, over 44,000 people have directly benefited from this financial assistance. And as always, treatments are provided regardless of race, color, creed, age, or national origin.
Research grants, totaling over $2.5 million dollars, have been made to institutions working in the field of Eye Research. Informative films are also available through local Commanderies for presentation to churches, PTA meetings and other interested organizations. To its end, the Knights Templar, through the efforts of all its members, is committed to "Helping Others To See."
The Knights Templar Educational Foundation
The Knights Templar Educational Foundation, the first program of its kind, was organized in 1922. Since then, more than $32 million dollars has been loaned to students to complete their last two years of college. This financial assistance is given without regard to race, color, creed, age or Masonic affiliation.
In recent years, some Grand Commanderies have also been offering Scholarship Grants to students who are members of Masonic-related Youth Groups.
The Knights Templar Holy Land Pilgrimage
In addition to the many religious observances throughout the year, The Grand Encampment of Knights Templar sponsors an annual "Holy Land Pilgrimage". The purpose of the pilgrimage is to send a Christian Minister to The Holy Land. Masonic membership is not required and the Minister can be male or female.
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