KNIGHTS TEMPLAR
Brief History It is one of the most colourful Ceremonies in
Qualifications for Membership
Freemasonry and the teachings, symbols
The degree of Knight Templar is a Christian
and ritual are rich in meaning, having many
Order under the umbrella of Freemasonry
layers, and provide the Candidate with
and requires Candidates to be Royal Arch
much that he can incorporate into daily life.
Masons. Its full title is “The United Religious,
Knightly courtesy and commitment to one’s
Military and Masonic Orders of the Temple,
faith are hallmarks of this prestigious Order.
and of St John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes and Malta”. It is open to Compan-
Organisation
ions, who are of the Christian faith and be-
There is the Great Priory of Victoria admin-
lieve in the Holy Trinity.
istering 16 Preceptories located in different locations in Victoria and generally meetings
Degrees
are bi-monthly with one being for the En-
The Order does not have a direct connection
thronement and Installation of a new Precep-
with Templars of old, but the Ceremony in-
tor by the Great Priory Officers. As with all
cludes elements that go back to the Cru-
Masonic Orders, there is a change of Grand
sades of the Middle Ages and is based on
Master ~ usually every 3 years and the
the Ceremony of Knighthood that was used
Grand Officers ~ annually.
at that time.
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