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 traveling 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".
Three Levels Of The Knights Templar
The Knights Templar operate on a local, state and
national level. But their religious activities extend across international
borders as well. Nationally, there is The
Grand Encampment of Knights Templar. This unit defines the 11 rituals and
laws governing state and local level organizations. The state level is called A
Grand Commandery of Knights Templar. This organization represents members
of a state or an area of equivalent size. Finally, the local level unit is
called a Commandery of Knights Templar. 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.
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 Entertainments, 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.
Any questions or comments regarding the Knights
Templar Eye Foundation, Inc. can email ktef@knightstemplar.org.
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.
Meridian Lodge No.
691 
