CHAPTER XIX of the CONSTITUTION [ PDF ]

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UNIFORMS - SUBORDINATE COMMANDERIES DRESS UNIFORM
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Section 250. The Templar Dress uniform of an Officer or Member of a Subordinate Commandery shall be as described in Subsection (a1),(b1),(c1), (d1), (e1), or as described in Subsection (a2), (b2), (c2), (d2), (e2).

A subordinate Commandery must use a uniform as prescribed by the Grand Encampment and
has no power to add to or alter such uniform. (1910, p 12 & 246, No. 12, Rugg)
A Commandery U.D. of the Grand Encampment must use the uniform prescribed by the Grand Encampment. A Grand Commandery has some authority to prescribe the uniform in its own Jurisdiction. (1916, p. 286, No. 15, Mac Arthur, G.M.)
The Grand Master has no authority to change the uniform of a Subordinate Commandery.
(1946, p 86 & 242, No. 14, Orr)
The Grand Master shall see that the uniform of members in subordinate Commanderies is that prescribed by the Grand Encampment. Therefore there is no option in Subordinate Commanderies but rather they must own and posses their own Templar uniforms.

There is no exception for members of the armed forces. (1955, p. 110 & 277, No. 30, Gordon)

(a1) For Commanders:

Coat

The Templar Dress coat shall be a double-breasted frock coat of black cloth, skirt to extend from two-thirds to three-fourths the distance from hip joint to the bend of the knee; two row of 26 ligne, black ball, uncut velvet buttons on the breast; nine buttons in each row, equal in distance one from the other; the distance between the rows shall be five and one- half inches at the top, and four inches at the bottom, the line of buttons slightly curved, making a distance of about seven inches between the rows at the breast; six buttons (20 ligne) on the back and skirt of the coat (two at the hip and one at the lower edge of each side and one on each side halfway between top and bottom button.) The sleeves to be finished with stitching to represent cuffs, three and one-half inches deep, with three (20 ligne) buttons on each cuff, and with an appropriate Cross in the center of the front of the cuffs, measured from top to bottom and from side to side, with a standing collar one and one- fourth inches in height; to hook in front at seam; corners square, lined with black velvet; the coat to be lined with black throughout.

Shoulder Straps

As prescribed in Section 244 (a).

Sleeve Crosses

The emblem on the coat sleeve shall be the Passion Cross of bright red silk velvet, embroidered on each edge with one row of either No. 26 gilt or real gold bullion embroidery,
 
three-sixteenths of an inch in width, with open rays between the arms of the Cross alternately in either No. 25 and No. 26 gilt or real gold bullion embroidery. The Cross, including embroidery, to be two inches in height; Cross arm to be one and one-third inches long; center of the Cross between edges of embroidery to be three-sixteenths of an inch wide. (No twisted bullion at the several corners or angles of the Cross.) Gold Mylar may be used as an alternate to gold bullion.

Trousers

The trousers shall be of black broadcloth or doeskin of standard military cut, without ornamentation.

Chapeau

A military chapeau shall be trimmed with black silk velvet binding, and with two black and one white ostrich plume, so arranged that the black plumes shall show at the edges distinctly and the end of the white plume shall not extend beyond the chapeau more than three inches, the length and width to be in proportion to the size of the Sir Knights. Front and rear peaks of chapeau to extend four and one-fourth inches from the head; side of chapeau to be beveled, being an inch smaller at the top than at the head; diagonally across the peaks, both front and back, a band of gold plated wire lace, fifteen lignes wide of vellum pattern (No. 1962); in front a gilt or gold plated tassel, half round in shape with bright bullions and dull head; on the left side a rosette, oval in shape, five inches in height by four inches in width, composed of not less than thirty-three satin points, in single fold, on top of which so as to display said points to the distance of one-half an inch from the edge, is laid one row of pleated satin ribbon, in folds from one-eighth to one-fourth of an inch wide, and on top of this is laid an oval black silk velvet rosette (outlined with gilt jaceron cord), three and one- fourth inches in height by two and five-eighths inches in width, thus displaying the pleated satin ribbon around the edges of said velvet rosette to a distance of from three-eighths to one-half inch. On the velvet oval shall be the Passion Cross, the upright arm three inches and the transverse arm two inches, of bright red silk velvet, bordered by No. 26 gilt or real gold embroidery one-fourth of an inch wide, leaving the velvet exposed in the center to the width of five-sixteenths of an inch. Said Cross to have at the points of intersection alternate rays of No. 26 and No. 27 gilt or real gold bullion embroidery in open pattern. (No twisted bullion at the several corners of angles of the Cross.) Gold Mylar may be used as an alternate to gold bullion.

Sword and Scabbard

The sword shall be thirty-four to forty inches in length, inclusive of scabbard, with helmet head at pommel, straight cross guard, metal scabbard, white grip. The scabbard to have three hard metal mountings, two metal rings at upper and one at lower mount. The white grip to be ornamented in front with monogram of owner, and opposite side with the Passion Cross with rays. All metal to be gold plate.
 

Belt

The belt shall be of black grain leather, one and three-fourths inches wide, mounted with a lace, woven of gold plated wire and black silk, one and five-eighths inches wide with colors in parallel stripes, four of gold and three of black, the black stripes to be of equal width and the gold stripes to be five/thirty-seconds of an inch wide. The belt clasped with gold plated belt plate of pattern hereinafter described, and to have three slings of black grain leather on which to hang the sword, each seven-eighths of an inch wide, two short and one long, upon which shall be mounted a lace of the same material as of the belt, three-fourths of an inch wide, consisting of two stripes of gold, each five thirty-seconds of an inch wide, and one of black. The slings to be suspended by gold plated clasps from a leather strap, fastened to the inside of the belt; each sling to have lengthening buckles and heavy gold plated swivels at the lower ends. On the second sling at the lower edge of the belt to be placed a gold plated rigid sword hook, provided that in Tropical Countries the slings may be of metal of suitable design.

The belt plate shall be rectangular in shape two by three inches in size, of hard metal, with one-eighth inch polished raised beveled edge, without ornamentation whatsoever except the face stippled in vermicelli pattern, dull finish. In the center of the plate shall be the Passion Cross of hard enamel, bright red in color; perpendicular arm of Cross one and one- fourth inches; transverse arm seven-eighths of an inch; said Cross to be with rays between the arms, and over it shall be displayed in semi-circle the words "In Hoc SignoVinces," in black block style letters in relief, with polished face. The plate is to be attached to the belt with a French fastener, and the return end of the belt is to be held in place by a sliding loop of black grain leather, one-half inch in width. The plate shall be devoid of any jeweled ornamentation of any kind whatsoever and no name or inscription shall be placed thereon other than that above described.


Shirt

Plain white.

Shirt Collar

To be of white linen, standing, closed in front and sufficiently high to show one-fourth inch above coat collar.

Gloves Buff colored, of lisle thread or chamoisette.
 
Hose

Black.

Shoes

Black leather.

(b1) For Past Commanders:
The entire full dress uniform for Past Commanders shall be the same as that for Commanders, except that the shoulder straps shall be as pre- scribed by Section 244 (b).

(c1) For Generalissimos during incumbency inoffice:

Coat

The same as for Commanders, except the coat shall be single breasted, with nine buttons in front, equal in distances one from the other, four buttons on the skirt and three on each sleeve, same size and pattern as those above described.

Shoulder Straps

As prescribed in Section 244 (c);

Sleeve Crosses

The emblem on the coat sleeves shall be the Passion Cross of bright red silk velvet, embroidered on each edge with on row of No. 26 silver plated bullion embroidery; the Cross of the same dimensions as for Commanders, except it shall have no rays. (No twisted bullion at the several corners or angles of the Cross.)

Chapeau

The same as for Commanders, except that there shall be no tassel or side lace of any kind whatsoever, and on the rosette shall be a bright red silk velvet Passion Cross, bordered with No. 26 silver plated bullion embroidery (outlined with silver jaceron cord) of the same size and dimensions as for Commanders, except that said Cross shall have no rays.

Sword and Scabbard

Same as for Commanders except all metal trimmings shall be silver plate and grip of sword
 
shall be black, without monogram of owner. On the black grip shall be inlaid the Passion Cross of silver or white metal, without rays. There shall be no chain from pommel to Cross guard.

Belt

The same as for Commanders except that mountings shall be silver-plated and the lace on belt body and slings shall have silver plated wire substituted for gold plated wire.

The belt plate shall be the same as for Commanders, except that the plate shall be of white metal or silver plate and the Passion Cross without rays between the arms of the Cross.

Balance of Full Dress Uniform

Trousers, shirt, shirt collar, gloves, hose and shoes shall be the same as those described for Commanders.

(d1) For Captains General during incumbency in office:
The entire full dress uniform for Captains General shall be the same as for Generalissimos except the shoulder straps, which shall be as prescribed by Section 244 (d).

(e1) For Sir Knights and Officers below the rank of Captain General:
The entire fulldress uniform for Knights and Officers below the rank of Captain General shall be the same as for Generalissimos, except that the shoulder strap shall be omitted and the following described Baldric worn:

Baldric

The Body of the Baldric shall be four inches in width, the center of white moiré antique or watered material bordered on each side with black velvet one inch in width; over the seam where the velvet joins the white center shall be a single strip of silver lace one-fourth inch wide. On the center and front of the baldric a white metal star of nine points; in the center of the star the Passion Cross without rays, the center of which is lined or filled with bright red velvet, surrounded by the motto, "In Hoc SignoVinces"; said star to be three and three- fourths inches in diameter. The ends of the Baldric shall be held in place by metal clasp or fastener, so that the point of intersection shall be six inches from the lower ends of Baldric; on the outer side, at point of intersection, a white metal plate, in the shape of a Templar Cross. Baldric shall be lined with green throughout its entire width and length. The shoulder seam on the outside of the Baldric shall be covered, on the white center only, with a single strip of silver wire lace one-fourth inch wide. The Baldric shall be worn from the right shoulder to the left hip.

(a2) For Commander:
The uniform shall be a three-button, double-breasted sack coat, to close with three buttons,
 
and to be of black clothing material. (A ten to ten and one-half ounce tropical of 45% wool1 and 55%Dacron or 100% wool tropical worsted is recommended.) It shall have no outside pockets, but shall have two lower straight flaps, no openings, stitched on outside edges to give the appearance of pockets, and a left breast pocket welt to provide a space for fastening a Commandery jewel of office and/or other permitted Commandery jewels. It shall have two inside breast pockets, one on each side. At wearer's left side, near the simulated pocket flap and his waist line, a four-inch horizontal slit opening with zipper closing, to allow sword belt chains or slings to be worn on concealed belt or on trouser waist belt (see note below). Coat to be not less than 3/8 lined with plain black lining material, sleeve lining to be of either plain black or white lining material, with a shield in each sleeve, and armholes piped with lining material Edges to be single stitched. Length of coat shall be one inch below wearer's crotch line. Coat to have roll collar with peak lapels, three inches wide at peak. On the points of the collar, one-half inch above lapel seam and one-half inch from outside edge of collar, shall be an appropriate cross. The sleeves to be finished with stitching to represent cuffs, three and one-half inches deep, with three buttons on each cuff and with an appropriate cross in the center of the front of the cuffs, measuring from the top to bottom and from side to side. (NOTE) Neither baldric nor outside belt is to be worn with this uniform. Existing belts worn with the long coat dress uniform may be worn under coat by removing long chain, the scabbard to be suspended from the two short chains extending through slit in coat; or from two short slings of black leather with hook snaps at bottom and a loop at top may be worn over trouser belt and through slit in coat to suspend scabbard.

Shoulder Straps

As prescribed in Section 244(a).

Sleeve and Lapel Crosse!

As prescribed in Section 250 (al).

Trousers

Trousers to be of the same clothing material as coat, of standard military cut, without ornamentation.

Chapeau

As prescribed in Section 250(al).

Sword and Scabbard

As prescribed in Section 250(al).

Belt
 

No belt to be worn with this uniform

Shirt

Plain white with turned down collar

Gloves

As prescribed in Section 250 (a1).

Hose

Black.

Shoes

Black leather.

(b2) For Past Commanders:
The entire Full Uniform for Past Commanders shall be as that for Commanders, except that the shoulder straps shall be prescribed in Section 244 (b).

(c2) For Generalissimos during incumbency in office:

Coat

The same as for Commanders except that the coat shall be single breasted.

Shoulder Straps

As prescribed in Section 244(c).

Balance of FullDress Uniform

Sleeve and lapel crosses, chapeau, sword and scabbard, belt, trousers, shirt, gloves, hose and shoes shall be as prescribed in Section 250 (c1).

(d2) For Captains General during incumbency in office:

Shoulder Straps

As prescribed in Section 244 (d).
 
Balance of Full Dress Uniform

The balance of the Full Dress Uniform for a Captain General during incumbency in office shall be as prescribed for Generalissimos during incumbency in office.
(e2) For Sir Knights and Officers below the rank of Captain General:
The entire full dress uniform for Knights and Officers below the rank of Captain General shall be the same as for Generalissimos except that the shoulder straps shall be omitted.

(2003 pages 86-87) (1976, p. 219 & 341-346)

Section 250 A. A subordinate Commandery may use the cap and mantle uniform as an alternative to the standard dress uniform otherwise described in section 250. The cap and mantle shall be of the design described in section 258 pertaining constituent Commanderies. (2015)

FATIGUE UNIFORM

Section 251. The Templar Fatigue Uniform of an Officer or Member of a Subordinate Commandery shall be as follows:
(a) For Commanders:

Coat

The fatigue coat shall be a military blouse of black cloth or serge of dull finish shaped to the figure, and lined with black, to descend in length to the top of the inseam of the trousers; over each hip at the side seam shall be a slit extending on the right side five inches upward from the bottom of the coat, and on the left side nine inches from the bottom of the coat, or so high as may be necessary to admit of the sword scabbard being hooked up. To be single breasted with a fly front, closed with five plain flat black buttons. A standing collar to hook in front. The collar and edges of the coat, in front, from top to bottom, around the bottom, and around the edges of the slits at the hips (the latter to the height of five inches from the bottom of the coat on both sides) shall be trimmed with lustrous black mohair braid one and one-fourth inches wide, laid on flat. The slits at the hips to be made so as to be held together with buttons, fastened in a fly underneath. The points of collar near the front to be ornamented with the following insignia: a bright red silk Passion Cross, bordered with a single row of gilt or real gold bullion embroidery, Cross with open rays, and to be one inch in height. The emblems on coat sleeves shall be the same as for the Templar dress coat. Gold Mylar may be used as an alternate to gold bullion.

Trousers

The trousers shall be of black broadcloth or doeskin of standard military cut, without
 
ornamentation.

Cap

The cap shall be a bell crown cap of black silk with three welts; the total depth three and three-eighth inches; diameter across the top, eight and three-quarters inches for a cap of size seven, the top to be one-eighth of an inch larger or smaller for every size above or below size seven. The sides to be made in four pieces; to be one and one-half inches between the upper welts and stiffened with haircloth and wire around the crown. Visor to be of black patent leather one and three-fourths inches deep at the center and of green color underneath; to droop at an angle of forty-five degrees. Front strap to be flat and to be of four ligne gold wire lace with two vellums (No. 1962) stitched on leather with two loops of the same pattern of lace; strap attached at the corners of the visor by gold cross and crown Knights Templar buttons. Between the lower welts of the cap, a band of gold wire lace, 18 lignes wide of two vellums (No. 1962) and on front of cap to be a Passion Cross of bright red silk velvet, embroidered on each edge with one row of No. 26 gilt or real gold bullion embroidery, three-sixteenths of an inch in width with open rays between the arms of the Cross alternately in No. 25 and No. 26 gilt or real gold bullion embroidery. The Cross, including embroidery, to be two inches in height; cross arm to be one and one-third inches long; center of the Cross between edges of embroidery to be three-sixteenths of an inch wide. (No twisted bullion at the several corners or angles of the Cross.) Gold Mylar may be used as an alternate to gold bullion.

Shirt White. Shirt Collar
To be of white linen, standing, closed in front and sufficiently high to show one-fourth inch above coat collar.

Necktie Black Gloves
Buff-colored, of lisle thread or chamoisette. Hose
Black.
 
Shoes

Black leather.

(b) For Past Commanders:
The entire Fatigue uniform for Past Commanders shall be the same as for Commanders.

(c) For all other Officers and Member:

Coat

The same as for Commanders, except that the ornamentation of the coat collar shall be bordered with silver embroidery and the Passion Cross shall be without rays. The emblems on the coat sleeve shall be the same as for the Templar dress coat except that the Passion Cross shall be of black silk velvet instead of bright red silk velvet.

Cap

Same as for Commanders except that the band shall be of black silk velour with narrow leather strap. The buttons shall be silver-plated. The Cross shall be of the same size as Commanders, except that the embroidery shall be of silver plated bullion, and the Cross shall have no rays.

Balance of Fatigue Uniform

Trousers, shirt, shirt collar, necktie, gloves, hose and shoes shall be the same as those described for Commanders.

SPECIAL PROVISION

(d) Subordinate Commanderies stationed in tropical countries may substitute a suitable white material for coat, trousers, cap, hose and shoes to be used in lieu of black cloth; in all other requirements the Fatigue Uniform shall conform to the foregoing specifications, with the exception of the following: GENERAL: The coat shall be provided with roll collar and straps or loops on the shoulders similar to those used on the U.S. Army Officers white uniform blouses, these straps or loops to be of the same material as the coat, stitched on for a depth of one-and-a-half inches at the outer ends, and secured at the inner ends by cross and crown Templar buttons of finish appropriate to rank of the wearer; white shirt with standard dress type soft collar and black four-in-hand tie to be worn under the coat.

Details:

1. Shoulder straps, as prescribed in Section 244 (a), (b), (c), and (d) and black leather military
 
Sam Browne belts shall be worn by Commanders, Past Commanders, and by Generalissimos and Captains General while in office.
2. Belt, the black leather military Sam Browne belt will be worn by Sir Knights and Officers below the rank of Captain General: the shoulder strap will be passed under the loop on the right shoulder of the coat, and the belt proper will be provided with three black leather slings, two short and one long, on which to hang the sword;
3. Emblems, the Insignia (Passion Crosses) to be worn by Commanders and Past Commanders on the front of the cap and on the collar and sleeves of the coat, shall be of hard metal and bright red enamel, and shall be secured with safety catch pins, as shall similar emblems for all Officers and Sir Knights. The sleeve emblems of all Officers and Sir Knights shall have the Passion Cross of hard metal and bright red enamel. (1937, p 420)

(e) In tropical countries the White Fatigue Uniform as specified in Section 251 (d) may be worn on all Templar occasions. (1937, p 420, 1946, p 508)

Cape

Section 252. The Cape may be worn in lieu of an overcoat with either Templar Dress or Fatigue Uniform as follows:

(a) For Commanders and Past Commanders of Subordinate Commanderies:
The cape shall be of black beaver, kersey, or melton, cut three-quarters full, and extending to the tips of the fingers in natural position; box collar one and one-fourth inches stand and two inches fall at back of neck, increasing to two and one-half inches at the end of collar; to fasten with a hook and eye at end of collar, and closing over breast with four black prunelle buttons, size 28, covered by a fly; the corners of collar and cape to be cut square, edges to be finished plain or stitched raw. Lining of the cape to be bright red in color. On the left breast will be worn the Passion Cross of bright red silk velvet, with red chenille rays; the top of the Cross to be on a level with the arm pit; the right edge of the Cross four inches from the edge of the cape; Cross to be four inches in height. On the ends of the collar shall be the Passion Cross, with rays, three-fourths of an inch in height, either in gold metal, gilt, or real gold embroidery.
(b) For Sir Knights and officers below the rank of Commander:
The cape shall be the same as above described except that tl1e lining shall be black and the Crosses shall be without rays. The collar Crosses shall be either silver or silver embroidery. (2003 pages 86-87)

CHAPTER XX

PRELATES AND CEREMONIAL ROBES

Prelates' Robes

Section 253. The Regulation Robe of the Prelate of the Grand Encampment, of Grand
 
Commanderies and of Subordinate and Constituent Commanderies, shall consist of underrobe, mantle or overrobe, stole and biretta, as follows:

Underrobe

Shall be made of white material; lined with white; on yoke, with straight standing collar; and to button behind. The sleeves shall be fashioned with a band at the wrist and puffed or fashioned like a bishop's sleeve. It shall have no ornamentation.

Mantle or Overrobe

Shall be made of black material; lined with black; with flowing sleeves; and with a hood at the back, made of black material, lined with white, and trimmed around the edges with a black girdle by means of which the mantle is to fasten in front. The ornamentation, on the left breast, shall be as follows:

(a) For the Prelate of the Grand Encampment:
A Patriarchal Cross seven inches in height, with cross arms in proportion; Cross to be of royal purple material embroidered with gilt bullion; the bullion to be edged on the inside and outsides with gilt jaceron.

(b) For Prelates of Grand Commanderies:
A Templar Cross six inches square; Cross to be of bright red material embroidered with gilt bullion; the bullion to be edged on the inside and outsides with gilt jaceron.
(c) For Prelates of Subordinate and Constituent Commanderies:
A Passion Cross seven inches in height, with cross arm in proportion; Cross to be of bright red material embroidered with silver bullion; the bullion to be edged on the inside and outside with silver jaceron.

Stole

Shall be of white material, lined with white; to be a single pendant shape, forty inches long and four inches wide at the top, where it fastens to a circular collar; the bottom to be nine inches square, then tapered to the top; across the bottom to have bullion fringe, two and one-half inches deep; in the center of the lower square, then tapered to the top; across the bottom to have bullion a three-inch Cross; and, midway, between the upper Cross and the lower Cross, to have a four-inch Cross.

For the Prelate of the Grand Encampment:
The Crosses shall be Patriarchal Crosses of royal purple material and raised, thus standing out from the field of the stole. Each Cross to be embroidered with real gold bullion to be edged on the outside with gilt jaceron. The edges of the stole to be trimmed with gilt lace and the fringe to be of gilt. Gold Mylar may be used as an alternate to gold bullion.
 

For Prelates of Grand Commanderies:
The Crosses shall be Templar Crosses of bright red material with raised edge around the Crosses of gilt bullion; the bullion to be edged on the outside with gilt jaceron. The edges of the stole to be trimmed with gilt lace and the fringe to be of gilt.
For Prelates of Subordinate and Constituent Commanderies:
The Crosses shall be Passion Crosses of bright red material, embroidered with silver bullion and edged on the outside with silver jaceron. Crosses to be without rays. The edges of the stole to be trimmed with silver lace and the fringe to be of silver.

Biretta

Shall be of black material with black tassel; on the front shall be the Prelate's Jewel of Office, a triple triangle, in gilt bullion for the Prelate of the Grand Encampment and of Grand Commanderies, and in silver bullion for Prelates of Subordinate and Constituent Commanderies. (2003 pages 86-87)

The regulation prelate robe applies to all Commanderies, subordinate and constituent. (1922, p 28 & 282, No. 18, Orr)
In tropical countries Prelate's robes may be made of light material to meet the exigencies of
climate. (1940, p. 67 &277, No. 23, Norris)

When Worn

Section 254. The Prelate shall wear his Robes of Office while officiating in the conferring of the Orders and may wear them outside the Asylum when at- tending a Templar funeral or a Templar religious service. At all other times he shall wear the regulation Knight Templar Uniform of his Grand Jurisdiction and the Jewel of his Office.

RED CROSS, KNIGHT OF MALTA AND ORDER OF THE TEMPLE

Section 255. The Ceremonial Robes, dress and equipment of the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross and of the Knight of Malta and Order of the Temple shall be as prescribed in the Ritual. (1955, p 469-470)


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