Music Once Was a Templar Hallmark; Can It Be Again ? By Sir Knight James A. Marples
A
t one time, spanning several centuries, the Knights Templar, both ancient and modern, were accustomed to physical marching. Our ancient Fratres marched into battle for the sake of defending Christianity in skirmishes with foes. In the United States, especially in the 19th and 20th centuries, Masonic Knights Templar were often organized into quasi-military style drill teams and sometimes marching bands. This characteristic sometimes baffled our British Brethren. Musicians and composers such as Sir Knight John Philip Sousa, K.T., became household names. Sir Knight Sousa composed a march called The Thunderer which was dedicated to Columbia Commandery 2, Knights Templar of Washington, D.C. Its debut also coincided with the 24th Triennial Conclave of Knights Templar of the United States of America. The song has been played by the United States Marine Band, also known as The President’s Own. It is a remarkable march. While some Knights Templar can only associate the hymn Onward Christian Soldiers as an unofficial theme, we must face facts that many younger Sir Knights have never heard the tune. I have discussed the topic with several Sir Knights of various ages, and most never knew that Onward Christian Soldiers was ever an unofficial musical accompaniment. Most Sir Knights are more impressed with Sousa compositions, some of which
knight templar
Sheet Music Cover: The Thunderer by Sir Knight John Philip Sousa 17
