Chivalric Masonry
A Commandery of Knights Templar in the United States confers three Orders. The Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, The Order of Malta, and the Order of the Temple. The Masonic Orders of the Temple and Malta are founded upon the traditions of the Chivalric Orders of Knighthood of the middle ages, and the rite has therefore acquired the title of Chivalric Masonry.
The Commandery of Knights Templar is founded upon the Christian Religion and the practice of the Christian virtues. The Orders of Malta and the Temple are entirely based upon the ethical, moral, and spiritual concepts for a well governed life.
In the early history of the Rite, these Orders were classed as “degrees.” While they are conferred as “Orders” today, they are degrees, or steps in Chivalric Masonry.
The Knights Templar provide a path for those who wish to continue the growth of character, morality and brotherly love through Freemasonry. Building on what is taught in Lodge , the modern Knights Templar add the lessons of Christian brotherhood and devotion to duty that so marked the ancient Templars.
The modern Templar is a Knight in every sense, as were his ancient brothers. Steeped in the sprint of chivalry, he is devoted to honor in all things, abhorring cruelty, deceit and cowardice. Devoted to duty to his order and his country, he is a leader in protecting the rights of others especially those who cannot protect themselves.
The Knights Templar like all Masonic bodies, reflects and builds on many fine traditions. The modern Knights Templar trace their origin back to the founding of the original order in Jerusalem near the end of the First Crusade. Today, that spirit lives on.
It is captured in the Commandery by the modern Knights. Nobleness of purpose, commitment to a cause, self sacrifice and honor are not just abstractions, they live in the chivalry of the Knights Templar where pageantry and action combine for the good of the order and the World.
Order of the Red Cross –
The first Order conferred by the Commandery is the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross. The theme upon which this order is based has quasibiblical roots, for it is based upon an account found in the book of II Esdras in the Apocrapha and in the writings of Josephus. It teaches reliance upon the inherent valves of reverence for Diety, Truth, Justice, and Liberty, with emphasis upon the importance of Truth.
A Commandery of Knights Templar will open a “Council of the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross.” and create the candidates “Companions” of that order.
Order of Malta –
The ritual of the Order of Malta is purely Christian and, when conferred in full form, is one of the most striking and impressive of the degrees in the York Rite system. 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 suppliant as a Knight of Malta.
Order of the Temple –
The Third, and last, Order conferred by a Commandery of Knights Templar is “The Order of the Temple.” This is considered to be the most impressive and inspiring degree to be found in any Masonic system. The moral and spiritual lessons of Christianity that are communicated in the work leave a lasting impression upon the candidate. It is very important that every Christian Mason complete his Masonic education with this valiant and magnanimous Order, thereby equipping himself to advance the programs and teachings of Christian Masonry.
We are the spiritual descendents of the Orders of Knights who devoted their lives and fortunes to the Protection and service of pilgrims in the Holy Land. The Order bases its moral and spiritual lessons upon those of medieval chivalry, particularly the Knights Templar of the Temple