Masonic Knight Templar

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 other community events. 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.

All Knights Templar are members of the world's oldest fraternal organization, Freemasonry. However, not all masons are Templars. Templary is but a part of the Masonic structure known as the York Rite.

The Commandery Orders represent a different direction of Masonic thought and experience, than they may have received in Ancient Craft Masonry. The Orders introduce the ideals and practices of chivalry and Christianity.

The first Commandery Order, the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, presents the story of the Jewish Prince, Zerubbabel, and his efforts to secure permission of the Persian King Darius to rebuild the second temple at Jerusalem. 

The next Order, Knight of Malta, is a departure from Craft Masonry based on the Old Testament themes  and is the first Christian Order. Here, the candidate represents a knightly warrior of the Crusades prior to his departure for the Holy Land.

The last Order is that of Knight Templar, the crowning glory of the York Rite system. In this Christian Order, the candidate represents a knightly postulant who desires to unite with a Commandery of Knights Templar during the era of the Crusades. After several trials to test his faith, courage, and humility, he is rewarded by achieving his desire.