Indian Lodge

When the knights came marching in, you couldn’t miss them. That was certainly the case in 1883 and 1904, when the Knights Templar held their massive, triennial national conclaves in San Francisco—complete with enormous parades, banquets, military drill demonstrations, and equestrian competitions. Unfortunately, these have reduced today.

Below: Thousands of “sir knights” descended on San Francisco for the 29th Knights Templar Triennial Conclave in 1904, turning Market Street into a virtual colour guard.

Below Right: KT uniform featured a black wool coat and pants, red leather sword belt, buckle, and triangular apron with metal skull-and-crossed-bones insignia. The baldric consisted of a fabric sash worn across the shoulder and adorned with medals.

Above: The California Commandery No. 1 Drill Corps poses during the 29th Knights Templar Triennial Conclave in San Francisco of 1904.