Purpose and Activities of the Knights Templar Organization
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 travelling 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 1,300 Commanderies in communities across the United States, Germany, Italy and Mexico, with over 145,000 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 ktefofc@ix.netcom.com.
Concern For Others
Since its inception, the Knights Templar Eye Foundation has spent more than $95 million dollars to help provide medical treatment for those unable to afford it. Today, over 78,000 people have directly benefitted from this financial assistance. And as always, treatments are provided regardless of race, color, creed, age, or national origin.
Research grants, totalling over $8.7 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
K.T. Education Foundation Brochure www.knightstemplar.org/KTEdF.pdf
The Knights Templar Educational Foundation, the first program of its kind, was organized in 1922. Since then, more than $38 million dollars has been loaned to 80,000 students to complete their last two years of college. This financial assistance is given without regard to race, color, creed, age or Masonic affiliation.
The Knights Templar Educational Foundation Committee considers all applications for scholarship without regard to age, race, religion, National origin, gender, of Masonic ties or affiliations. These scholarships are not "grants in aid", but are open to all students regardless of their financial circumstances as long as they meet the requirements established by the committee. Financial aid to students who meet the required qualification may vary from state to state. An application form may be found on this website.
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.
INFORMATION on 2009 Pilgrimage.
The Knights Templar Drill Team Competition
Bruce "D" Basil, KCT ,PGC
Chairman of GE Drill Committee
Grand Recorder of Ohio
Phone/Fax 419-299-3084
gcktoh@earthlink.net
All information above is current as of January 2008
Drill Team Manuals added April 15, 2008
States of America
