Knights Templar

Brief History It is one of the most colourful Ceremonies in Freemasonry and the teachings, symbols and ritual are rich in meaning, having many layers, and provide the Candidate with much that he can incorporate into daily life. Knightly courtesy and commitment to one’s faith are hallmarks of this prestigious Order.

Organisation There is the Great Priory of Victoria administering 16 Preceptories located in different locations in Victoria and generally meetings are bi-monthly with one being for the Enthronement and Installation of a new Preceptor by the Great Priory Officers. As with all Masonic Orders, there is a change of Grand Master ~ usually every 3 years and the Grand Officers ~ annually. Qualifications for Membership The degree of Knight Templar is a Christian Order under the umbrella of Freemasonry and requires Candidates to be Royal Arch Masons. Its full title is “The United Religious, Military and Masonic Orders of the Temple, and of St John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes and Malta”. It is open to Companions, who are of the Christian faith and believe in the Holy Trinity.

Degrees The Order does not have a direct connection with Templars of old, but the Ceremony includes elements that go back to the Crusades of the Middle Ages and is based on the Ceremony of Knighthood that was used at that time.

The Ceremony takes the Candidate on a journey and is set out in distinct sections to indicate his advancement of status in the Order. He arrives at the Preceptory as a Pilgrim, takes an Obligation and becomes a Novice or Soldier of the Cross. He undergoes trials and tests, and makes an act of penance. In due course, he is accepted as one who has triumphed over many adversities, is made a Knight of the Order in the traditional manner and vested with the medieval uniform of a Knight.

The degree or Order of St John, known as the Knights of Malta, is conferred at a later

date. It is a colourful presentation of the history of that Order covering many centuries and the teachings relate to the mystery of the Birth, Life, Death, Resurrection and Ascension of our Lord.

Joining For further information contact: The Great Vice Chancellor, V.Em. Kt. Gavin Myers, 640 Buninyong – Mt Mercer Road, Durham Lead Vic 3352 Email: ktvictoria01@gmail.com Mob: 0409 254 049