July 2010 - Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, USA

VOLUME LVIJuly 2010NUMBER 7

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ContentsGrand Master’s MessageGrand Master William H. Koon, II..................... 5East Central Department CommanderSir Knight Robert K. Cronk................................. 7St. John’s Co-Cathedral Valletta, MaltaSir Knight Oliver Craughwell........................... 12The United Religious, Military, andMasonic Order of the Temple andof St. John of Jerusalem, Palestine,Rhodes, and Malta of England andWales and its Provinces OverseasSir Knight Stephen W. Gorman........................ 23George Washington MemorialCentennial CelebrationSir Knight George Seghers............................... 28Isn’t Chivalry Dead?!Brian R. Price................................................... 34FeaturesFrom the Grand Recorder’s Office..............................6Crossword Puzzle Solution from June Issue................8In Memoriam..............................................................8Recipients of the Membership Jewel..........................9A Chat With The Managing Editor.............................10Letters to the Editor..................................................11Knight Voices.............................................................17Grand Commandery Supplement.............................18Crossword Puzzle......................................................20The Knights Templar Eye Foundation........................21Knights at the Bookshelf...........................................26Beauceant News.......................................................33VOLUME LVI JULY 2010 NUMBER 7Published monthly as an official publication of theGrand Encampment of Knights Templarof the United States of America.WILLIAM H. KOON, IIGrand MasterSid C. Dorris, IIIGrand Generalissimo and Publisher2007 Brenthaven DriveMount Juliet, TN 37122Address changes or correctionsand all membership activityincluding deaths should be reportedto the Recorder of thelocal Commandery. Please donot report them to the editor.John L. PalmerManaging EditorPost Office Box 566Nolensville, TN 37135-0566Phone: (615) 283-8477Fax: (615) 283-8476E-mail: ktmagazine@comcast.netMagazine materials and correspondenceto the editor should be sent in electronicform to the managing editor whosecontact information is shown above.Materials and correspondence concerningthe Grand Commandery state supplementsshould be sent to the respectivesupplement editor.Lawrence E. TuckerGrand RecorderGrand Encampment Office5909 West Loop South, Suite 495Bellaire, TX 77401-2402Phone: (713) 349-8700Fax: (713) 349-8710E-mail: larry@gektusa.orgCover Photo is copyrighted byThomas M. PerkinsGrand Encampment Web Site: http://www.knightstemplar.org4 july 2010

Grand Master’s MessageAs we come to the “Fourth of July,” I am intriguedby the fact that John Adams andThomas Jefferson, our second and third Presidentswho together with Ben Franklin were the committeethat drafted the Declaration of Independence,died on July 4, 1826, the 50 th anniversary of its signing.Is it coincidence? Or could it be that both Adams andJefferson so loved this great country that they literallywilled themselves to live until its 50 th birthday. Adamswas ninety, and Jefferson was eighty-three at the timeof their deaths.I have never believed much in coincidences. I am of the opinion that God has aplan for each of us and that things generally work out the way they should. WhileTemplary wasn’t born in these United States, ours has certainly become the mostprevalent type of Templary in the world today. During these past ten years of involvementin the Grand Encampment, I have come to learn that our form of Templary iswhat those “would be” Templars in other lands want for themselves.Our national forefathers who fought and planned that we might be free some twohundred thirty-four years ago inspired others around the world to be free. Our Templarforefathers have inspired other interested Freemasons from around the worldwho wanted to be Knights Templar to choose our system. Wherever I have travelled,I have heard the same story; the Order of the Temple sets American Templary apartfrom all others. Today, we are part of a worldwide Templar brotherhood, and the sunliterally never sets on our banners.Coincidence? I don’t think so. During these past three years as I have served asyour Grand Master, I have never ceased to be amazed at the wisdom of our forefatherswho strove to develop the order here in the United States. They were wise andfar sighted men, and I can’t help but believe that they envisioned Templary stretchingacross this land. But expanding around the world? There is much to be said forwell laid plans. I am not sure Adams and Jefferson thought their efforts would animateand encourage others to strive for freedom, but it did. Those who laid thefoundation of the Grand Encampment were men of similar character, and I am surethat they would be amazed at where their efforts have led us.I wish for you and your family a happy 4 th of July and an enjoyable summer.Fraternally,William H. Koon, II, GCTGrand Masterknight templar5

From theGrand Recorder’sOffice...YORK RITE INFORMATION SYSTEM UPDATEThe York Rite Information System (YRIS) was developed to replacethe Grand Encampment and Knights Templar Eye Foundationdatabases and to allow constituent Recorders to better managetheir membership records. Another benefit was the elimination ofthe monthly reports to the Grand Encampment office which werediscontinued as of December 31, 2009.GRAND RECORDERS: At this time, all Grand Recorders have hadthe opportunity to attend YRIS training in online conferences orin person. In some cases, there have been significant changessince the initial training, and additional training may be needed.Grand Commandery profile pages are available and must beupdated prior to the constituent Commandery profiles.RECORDERS: If you need training, contact your Grand Recorder forinformation. Once completing the brief training session, constituentRecorders are able to enter membership changes; i.e., knightings,deaths, suspensions, demits, reinstatements, and address changesfor their Commandery. Constituent Commandery profile pages areavailable for updating once your Grand Commandery profile hasbeen entered by your Grand Recorder.MEMBERS: Members may continue toupdate their contact information by visiting the Grand Encampmentwebsite, www.knightstemplar.org. Please be assured that thisinformation is secure and is available for fraternal use only.If you need any assistance, please contact John Elkinton in theGrand Recorder’s office. He can be reached at (713) 349-8700 orby email at john@gektusa.org.6 july 2010

Meet Our New Department CommandersSIR KNIGHT ROBERT K. CRONKRIGHT EMINENT EAST CENTRAL DEPARTMENT COMMANDER2009 – 2011Robert Keith Cronk was born June 20, 1940 in Earlham,Iowa the eldest son of Robert and Mabel Cronk.Moving to Shirland, Illinois at a young age, he attendedpublic schools graduating from Hononegah High Schoolin Rockton, Illinois. He then joined the United StatesAir Force where he served four years. He then joinedthe Rockford Police Department retiring as a SeniorDetective after thirty years of service. His educationwas completed at Rock Valley College, the Universityof Illinois, and Northwestern University. He is a sixtyyear member of Shirland United Methodist Church inShirland, Illinois. He is married to Karol A. Sornsin andis the father of three children, Barbara, Robert, andJames and two stepchildren Kayelynn and Erica.He began his Masonic career in Star in the EastLodge No. 166 in Rockford, Illinois. He has served twiceas Master. He has served the Grand Lodge of Illinois asDistrict Deputy Grand Master and as an Area DeputyGrand Master. He is a duel member of E.F.W. Ellis LodgeNo. 633, presently serving as Junior Warden.Exalted in Winnebago Chapter No. 24, in Rockford,Illinois, he served the Chapter as High Priest andreceived the Order of High Priesthood. He served the Photo by John WesterveltGrand Chapter of Illinois as District Deputy Grand High Priest.He was greeted in Rockford Council No. 30 in Rockford, Illinois, served the Council as Thrice IllustriousMaster twice, received the Super Excellent Masters Degree in Chicago, Illinois, and has beengreeted by the Council of Past Thrice Illustrious Masters.He was knighted in Crusader Commandery No. 17 in Rockford, Illinois, and is a plural member ofAustin Commandery No. 84 in Glenview, Illinois, Blaney Commandery No. 5 in Tremont, Illinois, and St.George Commandery No. 76 in Lima, Ohio. He was elected to the Grand Commandery line of Illinoisand regularly advanced through the line being installed as Grand Commander in 1996. He presentlyserves the Grand Commandery of Illinois as Grand Recorder. He was made a Knight Commander of theTemple in 1997. He served the Grand Encampment of the United States of America in 2001-2003 as theGrand Banner Bearer for Sir Knight William Jackson Jones, GCT, MEPGM.He was created a Noble of the A.A.O.N.M.S. in Tabala Shrine, Rockford, Illinois, received an Ambassador’sFez in 1998, served as president of the Past Master’s Club, and is presently secretary.He is a member of Holy Trinity Conclave Red Cross of Constantine; Past Sovereign of Illinois Priory No. 11Knights of the York Cross of Honor; a Past Governor of Blackhawk York Rite College No. 88; a holder of the Orderof the Purple Cross; Past Excellent Chief of Tracy O’Galoway Council No. 40 Knight Masons; holder of the HonoraryLegion of Honor from Frank S. Land Council Order of DeMolay; Preceptor of Simon Peter Tabernacle XXIIHoly Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests; holder of the Grand Cross of the College of Rites of the United Statesof America; Chartering Sovereign Master of Ulysess S. Grant Council No. 370 Allied Masonic Degrees; memberof the Red Branch of Erie, the Order of the Secret Monitor, the Order of Cork, the Order of Bath; the GrandCouncil of Illinois College of Societas Rosicruiana Cibitatibus Foederatis as an 8 th Grade; and Past Worthy Patronof Sterling Chapter No. 354, Order of the Eastern Star.He is a member of Walter Graham American Legion Post No. 332 in Rockton, Illinois, the associationof Rockford Retired Police Officers, the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 392 in Rockford, Illinois, andB.P.O. Elks Lodge No. 617, Freeport, Illinois.knight templar7

Solution to Cryptic Puzzle on Page 20of June IssueDOWN2. LEVEN inside THE anagram3. GAVE+L(ight)4. EASTER(ners)5. (cl)AIMS6. CON+JUROR7. PLAQUE double definition9. WILSON double definition11. OIC (oh, I see) following HER14. (c)AB HOR(se)15. COD(-piece)+AACROSS1. (arca)DE GREE(nery)5. (Royal) ARCH (of steel)7. (air)PLAN(e)8. ID in WOW10. A S(mall) H(eap)12. (fro)M INI(tial)13. AVE.+RT.16. RE-BUS17. UNDO double definition18. ROY (Rogers and Acuff)19. ET (tu, d)UDE20. MOON double definition21. WHO+A22. S(outh)+CURRYThe author is a Knight Templar whofollows Cryptic Crossword traditionby setting puzzles under acrucinym, choosing Loki, the Norsegod of mischief. If you would likedetailed instructions on how tosolve Cryptic clues, go to http://cerrillos.org/cryptic.htm.Glenn Arthur SironWashingtonGrand Commander 1995Born: February 14, 1929Died: April 20, 2010Frank Woodliff, Jr.NevadaGrand Commander 1959Born: July 13, 1910Died: April 10, 20108 july 2010

Grand EncampmentMembership Awards782 Charles B. Fowler, Jr.Washington Commandery No. 1East Hartford, CT 9-Apr-20103 rd clusterCORRECTION772 John Buvelot, IMizpah Commandery No. 53Oak Lawn, IL 18-Feb-2010knight templar9

A Chat With The Managing EditorChivalry, Christianity – TemplaryA Way of Life!Did you know that the word chivalry comes from a Latin word concerninghorses? I guess that’s appropriate for the Templars since one of their symbolswas two Knights on a single horse. I understand that the word chivalrywas not really used until the 14 th century, about the time the ancient Templars weredisbanded. The concept though seems to have originated in the 12 th century, aboutthe time the Templars were first organized. In fact, the Templars are credited bysome, along with the Knights of Malta, as being among the earliest orders of chivalry.Maybe it’s appropriate that we revive this term to define what we are today. Let’slook for the next few months into what it really means to be chivalrous.Some of the words and phrases that are thought to be chivalrous in nature arebravery; honor; gallantry; respectful attention toward women; courtesy; heroic;courtly love; politeness; valor; humility; devotion; religious; heraldry; faithful; moral;reverent; respectful of others; champion of the downtrodden, the church, and ofgood against evil; enforcer of justice; loyalty; truth; mercy; courage; fairness; protectorof the weak and poor; duty; selflessness; innocence; gentleness; graciousness;generosity; faith; and hopefulness. I don’t know about you, but I am not braveenough to ask my wife how many of these she thinks describe me.There was also a “Code of Chivalry.” It must have been like the ancient landmarksof Freemasonry; everyone had their own list, but none of them agreed.Maybe we will look at some of these codes in a month or two; at least the partsthat might apply to us.Did you know that some believe that the Templars got some of their ideas aboutchivalry from their enemies in the holy land, the Saracens, who may have been morecivilized than the Europeans at that time? Please don’t write me letters about who isthe most civilized, because I don’t even know how to measure civilization.The ancient Templars took vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience. I wonderhow that might apply to us modern Templars. It seems that some of those guys actuallywere married and left their wives when they joined the Templars. I know, ladies,it sometimes feels like we may have done the same thing. I am down to two lodgemeetings this week and having withdrawal. I think that the concept for us modernTemplars might better be termed “morality.” Ifyou don’t know how morality is defined, maybeyou ought to take another look at the bookon the triangle. A Templar needs to be a patternof fidelity and of irreproachable morals.John L. PalmerOtherwise, we bring dishonor upon the entireManaging Editororder and all 130,000 of our fraters.I can’t wait to get to poverty next month!10 july 2010

Dear Sir Knight Palmer,Letters to the EditorIn response to your thinking of a tripto Templar sites, I would like to informall Sir Knights that in 1998 my blue lodge,Springfield Gardens No. 1057 of the stateof New York, enjoyed a trip of dreamswhen we visited the south of France. Wetoured all old Templar villages that stillhad original Templar markings on thebuildings in the town.To top off the trip, we visited LeVans,a small town, where they played our nationalanthem and raised the Americanflag for the first time since their liberationin WWII.Go for the trip. It will be like westated–a trip of dreams.Cordially and Fraternally,and his tenure on the Supreme Courtcertainly changed the United States inmany ways.Thank you for your service to the craftin editing this publication. I enjoyed theletters to the editor entries in the Februaryissue and know that you must receivea number of comments that proveto be not possible to print.Had some concerns about changes inthe publication when the modificationsbegan but have enjoyed the format changesand the improved variety of articles.Fraternally,Dave MillerSt. Andrew Commandery No 17, AZBethel Commandery No 36, IllinoisJoseph J. SaglimbeneTrinity Commandery No. 68L. I., N. Y.Sir Knight Editor:Another fine issue of the Knight Templarmagazine. I particularly enjoyed SirKnight Tribe’s article about Sir KnightEarl Warren. As a young man growingup in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s,Earl Warren was a man well identifiedwith controversy. I did not know thathe was a Mason at the time and wasnot aware of his long Masonic resumeprior to Sir Knight Tribe’s article. I doknow about Earl Warren’s political past,knight templarSir Knight John,I did some digging, and it appears thecastle photo in question is of HlubokaCastle near Cesky Krumlov in southernBohemia in the Czech Republic. Pleasesee the following link:http://www.prague-entertainment.com/cesky-krumlov---hluboka-castle.htmlI hope this clears up the mystery.Fraternally Thine,SK Timothy KeetonLouisville DeMolay Commandery No. 12,Louisville, KYSir Knight Loren Holm of St. Omer CommanderyNo. 15, Burlington, IA and UnaCardenas of the Grand Encampment staffalso found this castle and responded.Thanks! The Ed.11

St. John’s Co-CathedralValletta, MaltaBySir Knight Oliver CraughwellSituated in the Mediterranean,the small archipelago of Maltais steeped in history, from theNeolithic period, the shipwreck of St.Paul, right up to the blitz of WWII.The Sovereign Military Hospitaler Orderof St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodesand of Malta or the Knights of Malta,as they later became known, arrivedin Malta in 1530 after being gifted theIsland from Charles V of Spain. Fort St.Angelo (Birgu) became the seat of theGrand Master. After the onslaught ofthe Ottoman invasion in 1565 and theirsubsequent demise, plans were laid tofortify the whole island. In fact, Maltais one of the most fortified countriesin the world. Watch towers encompassthe whole of the three islands, all withinsight of the next to relay messagesback to the capital using fires on theroofs of the towers. A true gem for themilitary historian! This brings us to itscrown jewel, St. Johns Co-Cathedral.Construction started on the Cathedral in1572 and was completed in 1577. With12 july 2010

a plain facade and two bell towers, thechurch resembles a fortress instead of aplace of worship. Two Doric columns, eitherside of the door,hold a balcony fromwhich the GrandMaster, who holdsthe rank of Cardinalin the Holy RomanChurch, would addressthe populationon special occasions.The sculpture of Christabove the entrancewas originally placedat the entrance to theharbor. The architectof St. Johns was theMaltese GerolamoCassar, the Knightsown military engineer.On a side note,the term “Co-Cathedral” originates withthe seat of the Bishop of Malta. Since hisseat was in the older capital Mdina, he oftenused St. Johns, being the conventualchurch of the Knights as his second see.On entering the church, one is awedby the magnificent artistry, ornatelycarved walls, beautifully painted barrelceilings, and priceless antiquities. Thebarrel vault ceilingwas paintedby Mattia Preti,who used oilbased paint ratherthan the usualwater colors forhis frescos; thismakes the imagerylook deeper.The ceiling tookhim six years toknight templarcomplete, and tells of many knightlyadventures and of John the Baptist’slife. Extending outward from the entrance,the long rectangularnave drawsyour eye towardthe richly decoratedaltar. The flooris made entirely ofmarble tombstonesdecorated with variousexpressions andachievements. Manyof the order’s illustriousKnights, whocame from some ofEurope’s most powerfulCatholic families,are buried here.Many of the tombsdepict skulls andhourglasses, representingthe end of a life on earth andthe beginning of an eternal one. Nowadaysthese symbols seem, to many, tobear a morbid or arcane impression ascan be seen with the discontinued useof the Knight Templar apron.On either side of the nave are the Chapelsof the various Langues of the Order.Since the order’s members spoke differentlanguages,many fortificationswere dividedamong thevarious nationalitiesor “langues.”Each chapel ishighly decorated,and each altaris adorned by abeautiful paintingdedicated to13

a Saint. The Martyrdom of St. Sebastianfrom the Chapel of Auvergne canbe seen above. One of the nine chapelsrepresented is the Chapel of Our Lady ofPhilermos, which held the religious icon“Madonna Philermos,” one of the mostsacred relics belonging to the Knightswhich they brought from the Holy land.It was taken to Malta from Rhodes byGrand Master L’Isle Adam, hero of thesiege at Rhodes, who along with 5,000soldiers held the Island for six monthsagainst Suleiman’s 200,000 man army.When the Knights were successful inbattle, they would hang the keys of thecaptured fortresses next to the relic.Keys in this chapel include castles inLepanto (from the huge naval battle) andPatras. It is mentioned that the relic wasremoved from the Island after Napoleoninvaded and is housed in Montenegro.However there still remain two copies inthe chapel, which I couldn’t discern fromthe original. Its journey around Europeis fascinating; Tzars, bombings, fires etc.the Chapel of Auvergne; the Chapel ofAragon (which held the relic of the TrueCross); the Chapel of Castile, Leon andPortugal; the Chapel of Germany (previouslyof the English who fell from favorafter they broke with Rome); the Chapelof Italy; the Chapel of France; theChapel of Provence; and the Chapelof the Anglo-Bavarian langue. TheFrench langues were the most senior,thus their chapels are placedclosest to the altar. In turn, eachof the chapels contains the bodiesof Grand Masters that representedthe Langues. They are hugely ornateand maybe not as politically correctin our times as in theirs.It is contested, but many of theFrench Knights were members of theFreemasons, including two Grand Masters,Manuel Pinto de Fonseca fromPortugal and Grand Master de Rohan.This would have been a major tabooat the time! It is even noted that PopePius IX was a member of the fraternity.Allegedly there are minutes about himreceiving the degrees in Monte Video.Further research will determine howtrue this is. Some of our symbolism canbe seen in the floor and in the artworkof the Chapel of the French Langues.Various symbols such as the cornucopia,the scales, and the symbolic pelican aredisplayed which have similar meaningsin Christianity and Freemasonry.Some of the most revered members ofthe order were buried in the vault directlybeneath the altar. This is whereJean de la Valette, hero of the great siegeof 1565, is interred as well as Philippe deL’Isle-Adam, hero of the siege of Rhodesand Alof de Wignacourt who built manyof the towers around Malta includingSt. Mary’s Tower on Comino which wasportrayed in the 2002 film, “The Countof Monte Cristo.”On the outer right side of the church14 july 2010

which has a huge armoryand museum. Each of thehallways is lined with suitsof armor that were donatedwhen the knight passedaway. This is now the seatof the president of Malta. Itis well worth a visit for thehistory buff or the curioustraveler. I also highly recommendvisiting the cathedral’swebsite for pictures of thevarious tombs and chapels.lies the Oratory, whereCaravaggio’s magnificentpainting “The beheadingof John the Baptist” canbe seen. The painting is giganticand covers an entirewall. It is the only knownpainting which Caravaggiosigned. Caravaggio, beinga member of the orderfor a short period, waslater expelled for seriouslywounding a knightin a brawl; he had alreadybeen absolved of murder.Some of the other pricelessand highly regarded items that arecontained here are the fine collection ofchoral books, the Flemish tapestries, anda huge Ciro Ferri Monstrance. This hugebrass urn once held St. John the Baptist’shand that baptized Christ in the riverJordan. This, like many other items wasremoved from Malta by permission ofGrand Master Ferdinand von Hompeschwhen Napoleon invaded in 1798.Valletta itself has many other churcheswhich the Knights built. Behind the cathedrallies the Grand Master’s Palace,knight templarSir Knight Oliver Craughwell is amember of Lynn Commandery No.9 in Marion, Virginia. This materialhe was kind enough to share withus as a result of his recent trip toMalta. He can be contacted atolivercraughwell@hotmail.com.Further reading seeA History of Freemasonry in Malta1730 – 1998 by A.J. AgiusKnights of Malta by H.J.A Sirewww.sglom.eu15

The medieval 3000 year old city ofMdina, Malta by night.Grand Master Vallette’s armor,siege 1565.Fungus Rock – Malta, Dwejra Bay, Gozo.The Knights believed that a plant Old Prison, Citadel, Gozo, Malta.which grew on its surface had medicinalpurposes. It was so prized that it rowdier members of the Knights ofThis was a prison for some of thewas even gifted to visiting dignitaries. St. John. In fact Grand Master ValletteThe tower in the foreground which was imprisoned here for four monthswas installed by Grand Master Pinto for assault. The cells are covered with(who supposedly was a Freemason graffiti from the 16 th century. This oneand friend of Cagliostro) was to protectit from trespassers and to house stern was one month, mast two, andis a tally for their length of stay. I.e. thethe rickety cable car which extended each oar for the remaining months.out to it. It was later discovered thatthe fungus had no medicinal use.16 july 2010

g Wanted To Buy: Daggers, swordsand any other military items–U.S., German,or others. American Flyer, Lionel,or Marx trains or train sets (in anycondition). Civil War articles includingmoney, stamps (Confederate or Union),and pre-1924 US stamps German orGerman (Axis) WW II stamps. RetiredSir Knight Tim Rickheim, 14761 TunnicliffeRoad, Petersburg, MI. 49270-9716/email: vonRueckheim@hotmail.com orcall collect (734)854-3021– I will answerALL inquires–THANK YOU !!g Wanted: Always buying and tradingfor old law enforcement items. Badges,patches, call boxes, sirens, other policeequipment particularly with Masonicmotif. Lawrence Baird P.M. PO BOX 1459MORENO VALLEY CA 92556g Wanted To Buy: Oklahoma Sir Knightis collecting “Lionel Trains”. Please lookin your attic or your storage closet andknight templarcall or write John Alexander, 7617 E. 66thStreet, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74133-1802,Phone 1-918-252-4981. I will answer allinquires-Thank You.g Wanted to buy or trade: Law enforcementpatches with Masonic designs (workingtools, emblems), cities with Masonic“presidential” names (Washington, Jackson,Johnson, Truman, etc.). Thanks for your helpin building my collection. Daniel Patz, PM,8401 Tayside Court, Fort Worth, TX 76179.g Wanted: Masonic Chapter pennies byan avid collector. I have been building thiscollection for 36 years and still need manypieces as I am collecting all varieties. Theseone day will end up in a Masonic museum.Why not find a home for your mark? I willgladly send you a check for one piece orwill buy your collection. If you collect, I willgladly exchange. I will answer all letters.Especially needed are Iowa, Michigan, Hawaii,and Alaska pennies. Maurice Storck,Sr., 775 W. Roger Road, No. 214; Tucson, AZ85705, (520) 888-7585.17

General SupplementThe space on these two pages is provided by the Knight Templar magazineto be used by the Grand Commanderies to communicate with the individualSir Knights in their jurisdictions on a monthly basis. From timeto time and for various reasons, we fail to receive any material from theeditor of the state supplement for a given month. When this happens,we take the opportunity to offer you the information below. – The Ed.Photo of the ruins of a medieval castle is copyrighted by Maciej SobczakPhoto of the ancient buildings of theTemple Mount in Jerusalem wherethe Templars were headquartered iscopyrighted by Avner Richard .18 july 2010

Photo of the caves of Qumran from Israel where the Dead Seascrolls were found is copyrighted by Dejan Gileski.knight templar19

CRYPTIC PUZZLEby LokiSolution in Next Month’s IssueACROSS2. Queen’s guard takes H--- frombee pinion (9)7. Substitute Los Angeles rook forknight (7)11. Plate an olde Mason’s union (4)12. Prick many a knight (8)13. Heraldically scattered monster tailsfor 15-18 weeks (8)15. Bugs with mottled tans (4)16. Refers to all dudes without a leader (7)17. Guys in suit against re-reversedInquisition functionary (9)DOWN1. Brave and loyal Saint Alfred has amole (8)2. Doesn’t care a whit for bad men’sbedlam (2,5)3. Great electronic camera’s result,quickly (4)4. Electronic seabirds sound likenoble birds (6)5. teased the beginner-witted (7)6. Templar symbol for battlefieldvolunteers (3,5)8. Mon. rest disturbed by Grendel orGodzilla (7)9. TV censor was all over bleedingstripper (7)10. The French in back of temporaryMasonic Hall (6)14. Close the south quonset shelter (4)g Wanted To Buy: Charles Snapp,chairman of the Bahia Shrine Museum,would like to buy an old Chapeauand an old Templar apron. Phone(407) 425-7208 . Thanks!g For Sale: Knight Templar tapestrywall hanging 25"x33" 100% U.S. cottonwith black upholstery backing. Featuresan American eagle, two historical U.S.flags, 9 battle shields of the Knights ofMalta, a Templar poem, and Templarscenes. It is woven in German style tobring out the rich colors. Entire saleprice to be donated to the Knight TemplarEye Foundation. $49.99 includesshipping and insurance. S. C. Buz, P. O.Box 702, Whitehall, PA 18052.20 july 2010

Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc.1000 East State Parkway, Suite ISchaumburg, IL 60173Phone (847) 490-3838Fax (847) 490-3777Greetings Sir Knights,Thank you and congratulations. I say congratulations because even with final resultsyet to be totaled, it is clear that we have surpassed our goal of raising $1 millionduring this campaign. Due to publishing deadlines, I am writing this article the lastweek of April, and I am pleased to announce that to date we have raised $1,404,844for our great Templar philanthropy – the Knights Templar Eye Foundation. Whata tremendous achievement, especially in this economic climate. On behalf of theBoard of Trustees and every person who has benefitted or will benefit from the greatwork of our Foundation, I say THANK YOU. Thank you for your monetary contributions,thank you for your fundraising efforts, and thank you for all your hard work.I know that some Commanderies go “dark” during the summer months. However,now is a good time to review this most recent campaign and prepare for this fall’scampaign. It will be here before you know it, and you will want to be prepared fora successful start. Reassess your efforts with a critical eye, and see if there may besome aspect that can be improved. There is always room for improvement, and eachof us should be looking for ways to improve our fundraising efforts.Your Board of Trustees met in Washington, DC during the 2010 Easter Weekend.One exciting topic that the Board is exploring is whether there may be additionalresearch opportunities that, if successful, would obviate the need for certain typesof surgeries or treatments. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if research sponsored by ourFoundation discovered a cure for a condition for which today invasive surgery isthe only option? We will be sure to keep you informed as the Board pursues thesenew opportunities.Sir Knights, it has been a privilege to serve as chairman of the 42 nd Annual VoluntaryCampaign.Thank you.Jeffrey N. Nelson KCT, PDCChairman42 nd Annual Campaignknight templar21

How to Join the Grand Commander’s or the Grand Master’s ClubsAny individual may send a check in the amount of $100 or more specified forthe purpose of beginning a Grand Commander’s Club membership and madepayable to the Knights Templar Eye Foundation. This initial contribution will beginyour Grand Commander’s Club membership. In addition, members of theGrand Commander’s Club pledge to make annual contributions of $100 or more.Once contributions total $1,000, the individual is enrolled in the Grand Master’sClub. Membership is open to individuals only, and Commandery credit is givenfor participation. Information is available from: Knights Templar Eye Foundation,Inc.; 1000 E. State Parkway, Suite I; Schaumburg, Illinois 60173-2460. The phonenumber is: (847) 490-3838. The fax number is (847) 490-3777.g For Sale: Knight Templar Apron LapelPins and Knights Templar/Blue Lodge LapelPins. Entire sale price to be donatedto the Knights Templar Eye Foundation:$5.00 per pin. Shipping: $2.50 per order.Send to Garry L. Carter, Recorder; 530Winchester Hwy.; Hillsboro, TN 37342.We publish letters and articles from avariety of sources and points of view.The opinions expressed in these articlesdo not necessarily reflect theopinions or policy of the Grand Encampment,the Knight Templar magazine,or the Editorial Review Board.The 2011 International Conference on the History of Freemasonry will beheld at the George Washington Masonic Memorial, Alexandria, Virginia onMay 27-29, 2011. This is the first opportunity to attend this conference inthe United States. The first announcement and call for papers has now beenissued and is available at http://bit.ly/cwlknu.Subscriptions to the Knight Templar magazine are available from theGrand Encampment office at a rate of $15.00 per year. Individual issuesin quantities of less than 10 can be obtained for $1.50 each from the officeof the managing editor if available. Inquire via e-mail to the managingeditor for quantities in excess of 10. Some past issues are archived onour web site. http://www.knightstemplar.org.22 july 2010

The United Religious, Military, and MasonicOrder of the Templeand ofSt. John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes, and Maltaof England and Wales and its Provinces OverseasByEminent Knight Stephen W. GormanPast Provincial 2 nd Grand Constable ofthe Provincial Priory of North and East YorkshireThe earliest reference to Masonic Knights Templar in England was in 1777. Atthat time, they worked under the authority of Royal Arch Chapters as appendantdegrees. In 1791, a Grand Conclave which is now known as Great Priorywas formed comprising seven appendant “Encampments” with Thomas Dunkerly asGrand Master. Now we have almost 600 Preceptories (what we call our Commanderies)listed with Great Priory.In England our ceremonies differ from the United States in many ways. The mostobvious difference is that a candidate first becomes a Knight Templar, and only thencan he receive the culmination of the degree, which is to become a Knight of Malta.A candidate for Knighthood must declare a belief in the Holy Trinity and is first receivedin the guardhouse as a Royal Arch Mason where he gives the signs of a RoyalArch Companion. He is then given an address called the “Anterior Address” beforebeing prepared and clothed as a Pilgrim. The Anterior Address is as follows:“Worthy Companion, your zeal for Freemasonry having prompted you to seek anintroduction to this Order, I deem it my duty first to give you some account of thenature of our mysteries.When you were initiated into Masonry, you were taught that its principles werebased on the exercise of brotherly love, relief, and truth, conveyed under thesymbols of the tools and materials used in operative masonry. As a Fellowcraftand as a Master Mason, the history of the building and completion of the Templeat Jerusalem by King Solomon was dilated upon, and the historical traditions ofour Brotherhood were impressed upon you.The temple being completed, the period of your probation you underwentrepresented to you its existence. When in the Royal Arch you were taught thehistory of its destruction by Nebuchadnezzar. During the ceremony of yourexaltation, you figuratively commenced the erection of a new temple, whichknight templar23

y the permission of King Cyrus, the three Principles of the Jewish Sanhedrinwere enabled to complete.This temple was, in its turn, destroyed by Titus, as recorded by Josephus andother ancient writers, but not before the coming of the Blessed Redeemer, whobuilt a new temple more glorious than the preceding one, not made with hands,but eternal in the heavens. The object of this Order is to represent the process bywhich the old virtues of brotherly love, relief, and truth, become consummatedin the Christian virtues of faith, hope, and charity. The Hebrew coloring underwhich the Craft has previously been represented to your view, now gives way tothe clearer light of Christian revelation.This then is what, as a Knight Templar, you will be required to contemplate, viz: -the progress of the religion of the human race from its earliest institution throughthe successive steps of the Craft to the perfect ashlar, the good Christian. Butlet me inform you that as the symbols we use are of a far more sacred characterthan those of the degrees through which you have already passed, so we expecta corresponding degree of respect and reverence for the holy subject we contemplate,and we hope and trust that this order may be esteemed by you, as by others,as an emblem of that religious life which the laws of God and our country renderincumbent upon every man who believes in the great truths of the Christian faith.I now demand of you whether you are willing to undergo the ceremony of beinginstalled as a Knight. Candidate answers ‘I am.’The Marshal will now conduct you to the preparation room where you will beproperly prepared for your pilgrimage.”We have only four meetings of Knights Templar per year, one of which is the installationof the Eminent Preceptor. In January we hold our one and only Malta Degree.All Knights Templar who have been Installed during the year are now Installed asa Knight of Malta in a completely separate and unique ceremony.After a small passing degree known as Knight of St. Paul, or the MediterraneanPass, which is conferred in a room outside the Priory, the Knight is admitted to thePriory and is installed as a Knight of St. John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes, andMalta, a degree of Christian knighthood which recounts the history of the Knights ofMalta and their long struggle against the infidel.This ceremony of installation is in addition to installing the incumbent EminentPrior into the chair. In effect, there are two separate ceremonies of installation, onefor a Knight Templar and one for a Knight of Malta. This is also true for the incumbentPreceptor–Prior of the Preceptory as he is installed into two distinct chairs of office.Below are listed the ranks of officers in the Preceptory and the Priory of Malta:Templar DegreeMalta DegreeEminent PreceptorEminent Prior1st ConstableCaptain General2nd ConstableLieutenant General24 july 2010

ChaplainTreasurerRegistrarMarshalDeputy MarshalAlmoner1st Herald2nd HeraldStandard Bearer BeauceantStandard Bearer Vexilum BeliCaptain of GuardsGuardChaplain1st Lieutenant2nd LieutenantMareschalDeputy MareschalHospitallerAdmiralBaillieTurcopolierChancellorCaptain of OutpostsGuardIn addition, every Preceptory–Priory has an Organist as the singing of hymns to accompanythe candidate during the ceremony is an integral part of the proceedings.Our prayers during any meeting are usually done in Latin in my own province ofNorth & East Yorkshire which also adds to the solemnity of the ritual.At the end of every meeting we are reminded of the precepts of being a KnightTemplar by the Chaplain, which are as follows:The Precepts of a Knight Templar:“Love, honor, and fear God; walk after His commandments. Maintain anddefend the Christian faith and the honour, dignity, and interests of our Order.Be loyal to your Sovereign, dutiful to the Grand Master, and obedient tothose who rule over you. Prefer honor to wealth. Be just and true in wordand deed. Give no willing offence to any; but while opposing wrong and injustice,deport yourself courteously and gently. Eschew all debasing employment,recreation, and company; abhor pride and selfishness, and so raisethe standard of chivalrous honour, striving for the welfare of your Brethren.”As Knights Templar we are also encouraged to remember our Brother Knights onChristmas Day by saying the following prayer when we sit down to our meal:“Preserve O Lord our Brother Knights, by land and sea and air. And as we hold themin our thoughts, so keep them in Thy care.”I hope I have been able to give a small insight in this short article into some of thedifferences between the ceremonies in our two countries. If any Knight has any specificquestions, I would be only too happy to discuss them by e-mail.Eminent Knight Stephen William Gorman has moved to the United States and isnow a member of St. Johns Commandery No. 8 in Oklahoma. He can be contactedat stevegorman07111953@yahoo.com.knight templar25

Knightsat the BookshelfBySir Knight Thomas JacksonA Radical in the East by S. Brent Morris. Published in 2009 by the Iowa Lodge of ResearchNo. 2, P.O. Box 13048, Des Moines, IA 50310.This publication is the second edition of A Radical in the East, the first beingpublished in 1993. It represents a printing of Morris’s accumulated papersthat he had presented at various venues up to 1993 with the addition of twopapers in this second edition.The author, a well-known Masonic scholar and author, was employed by the federalgovernment for many years as a mathematician. He taught at Duke, John Hopkinsand George Washington Universities. He currently serves as managing editorof the Scottish Rite Journal of the Supreme Council, 33°, SJ. Being a mathematician,much of his writing, as one might expect, reflects a commitment to analytical accuracies.The title of the book A Radical in the East reveals his early propensity to speakagainst the general tide of opinion regarding the craft.He points out that Freemasonry as well as other fraternities “have been hurt bytheir very popularity and success” losing their image of prestige and exclusivity bytheir very large membership numbers and that Masonry was less selective than civicclubs. He also emphasizes “whereas an initiation fee at one time may have equaled aweek’s wages at the beginning of this century it now equals a family dinner at a verynice restaurant” that fact also tends to make it less attractive to those searching fora more selective organization.Although the book contains sixteen chapters covering a diversity of subjects suchas, Boom to Bust in the 20 th Century, On Masonic Research, Thomas H. Dyer: An InvisibleHero, and Landmarks and Liabilities. Many of the chapters are indicative of hisprobable “first Masonic love,” a mathematical analysis of Freemasonry and its positionin current world society.The reader should take note that even though most of these papers date prior to1993, his writings are just as applicable today as they were seventeen years ago. Itcauses one to wonder how seriously our leadership considers the works of Masonicscholars who spend their lives studying the craft. His comparable analysis of variousfraternal organizations that either exist or have existed in North America shouldserve as a clarion wakeup call to Masonic leadership.In the chapters Boom to Bust and The Siren Song of Solicitation, Morris com-26 july 2010

pares along with other fraternities, Freemasonry and the Odd Fellows. It is significantthat in 1900, Odd Fellow membership was greater than Masonic membershipbut by 1993 showed an 82% decline in numbers. It is Morris’s contention that thisdramatic decrease in numbers as compared to Freemasonry’s was the result ofFreemasonry being more selective in its composition. The structure of the Odd Fellowswas taken from the “great middle industrial classes” while Freemasonry wascomposed of “all grades of society” and because the Odd Fellow was free to solicitmembers whereas Freemasonry restricted solicitation. “The national debt cannotbe retired by printing more money, nor can our problems be cured by opening thefloodgates of solicitation.”Morris also pointed out, by reviewing the results of a radio call-in show in San Franciscothat was devoted to Masonry, the lack of knowledge of the membership aboutthe craft. The show left the impression that “Masons seem to know only a little morethan anybody else about Freemasonry, and even they can’t agree on much.”The text is supported by graphic illustrations and charts showing comparisons ofFreemasonry and its various components along with other fraternal organizations thatclearly define the direction each is going. They also illustrate the rise in numbers ofmembers of the Scottish Rite and the decline in numbers of members of the York Rite.It is a book well worth reading, especially by those who have been blinded by the supposedneed of numbers to justify success. I would like to see the author continue the graphsand charts up to the present day to show our ongoing movement in the same direction.knight templar27

Knightly NewsGEORGE WASHINGTON MASONICNATIONAL MEMORIAL ASSOCIATIONCentennial CelebrationBySir Knight George SeghersOn February 22, 1910, GeorgeWashington’s 178 th birthday,Masonic leaders from acrossthe nation met in Alexandria, Virginiaand formed an association for the purposeof building a great memorial tohonor America’s foremost Freemason.February 22, 2010, the 100 th anniversaryof the founding of the George WashingtonMasonic National Memorial Association,was a day of great festivities. Inhonor of the occasion, the Conferenceof Grand Masters of North America,hosted by the Grand Lodge of Virginia,was held in nearby Arlington. Delegatesattended the Association’s annual meetingand celebrated the 100 th anniversaryand Washington’s 278 th birthdayat the Memorial. The Memorial’s newlogo to commemorate the occasionwas designed by local artist ChristopherErney. The logo combines the Washing-The Association’s Annual Meeting was held in the Memorial Theater.28 july 2010

ton Family Crest withnumerous Masonicsymbols. Its squareand compasses logois from the Memorial’s1923 cornerstone.At the annual meeting,a new portrait ofGeorge Washingtonas a Freemason wasunveiled. Also paintedby Christopher Erney,the portrait is anew interpretation ofWashington. Complementingthe portraitis a new film, Built onFreedom. It presentsGeorge Washingtonas the inspirationfor the founding ofAmerica and exploresthe founding of theGeorge WashingtonChristopher Erney’s design of thenew logo enhances the Association’sidentity by combining theWashington family crest withnumerous Masonic symbols. Thesquare and compasses emblemis taken from the Memorial’s cornerstonethat was laid in 1923.Masonic NationalMemorial Association.The Film was underwrittenby the MasonicCharity Foundationof Oklahoma. Followingthe annual meeting,the InternationalOrder of DeMolay rededicatedthe colossalbronze statue ofGeorge Washingtonin Memorial Hall. Thestatue was a gift tothe Memorial fromthe Order of DeMolayand 2010 marks the60 th Anniversary ofits unveiling by Presidentand Past GrandMaster Harry S. Truman.On display duringthe celebrationwere the trowel andExecutive Director, George Seghers, unveils the new portrait of George Washington at theannual meeting. Local artist Christopher Erney set the scene in Washington’s study atMount Vernon and patterned his stance after the statue of Washington in the rotunda ofthe Virginia State Capitol by renowned sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon.knight templar29

gavel used at the 1793cornerstone laying of theUnited States Capitol byGeorge Washington andthe 1752 FredericksburgLodge No. 4 Bible uponwhich a young Washingtontook upon himselfhis Masonic obligations.The new White HouseStones exhibit was inauguratedat the celebration.Each stone in theexhibit is marked by oneof the Scots Masons whohelped build the WhiteHouse in the 1790s. Thestones were discoveredduring the restorationof the White House byPresident Harry S. Trumanin 1948. PresidentTruman had the stoneslabeled, and one wassent to each U.S. GrandLodge and to other Masonicorganizations. Theexhibit reunites fortyfiveof these stones.The exhibit also includesthe first minute book ofFederal Lodge No. 1 ofthe District of Columbia.The Lodge was foundedin 1793 by the Scots Masons on theMembers of the International Order of DeMolay rededicatethe statue of Washington in Memorial Hall on the60 th anniversary of it’s unveiling by President and PastGrand Master Harry Truman. The statue was a gift fromthe Order of DeMolay.Memorial President Tony Wordlowwelcomes guests at the openingof the Freemasons’ White HouseStones exhibit featuring forty-fivestones marked by the Scots Masonswho helped to build the WhiteHouse. The stones are on loan fromGrand Lodges around the country.30 july 2010

The General and Lady Washington with MemorialPresident Tony Wordlow and his wife Marilyn.grounds of the White House. The exhibitis supported by the Ancient andAccepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry,Southern Jurisdiction, Valley of Washington,Orient of the District of Columbia,and by the Grand Lodge, F.A.A.M.of the District of Columbia. After theannual meeting, a gala reception washeld in Grand Masonic Hall. Prior tothe reception and during the businessmeeting, ladies and guests enjoyedan entertaining program in the NorthLodge room. A centennial celebrationsouvenir booklet containing a brief historyof the Association including historicand current photographs was dis-On display during the celebration were the trowel and gavel Washington used to lay thecornerstone of the U.S. Capitol in 1793, and the Bible from Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4.upon which he took his Masonic obligations.knight templar 31

tributed, and several commemorativegift items were available and on display.The day’s festivities were topped off bythe appearance of George and MarthaWashington who with the hundreds ofguests, partook of birthday cake andchampagne with the appropriate toast.2010 is a unique celebration year forthe Memorial Association. Together weare celebrating 100 years of dedicationto Freemasonry’s greatest brother andhonoring the countless brothers whobuilt and sustain the Memorial. Equallyimportant, 2010 marks a pledge of rededicatedservice, trusting in God thatthe century ahead will be filled withmany successes and that every challengewill be met. The Association willshine as a bright light of Masonry as itfulfills its mission: “To inspire humanitythrough education to emulate and promotethe virtues, character, and visionof George Washington, the Man, theMason, and Father of our Country.”General Washington makes a toast at the reception in front of the new Memoriallogo cast in bronze.32Sir Knight George Seghers is PastCommander of Commandery No.11 in Alexandria, Virginia and is theExecutive Director of the GeorgeWashington Masonic National Memorialin Alexandria, home of theTemplar Chapel. He can be contactedat gseghers@gwmemorial.org.july 2010

Supreme Worthy PresidentMrs. Duncan Watsonmade her Official Visitto Eugene AssemblyNo. 198 in Oregon onOctober 6, 2009.Mrs. Tom Jones,Worthy President.Indianapolis AssemblyNo. 90 welcomedMrs. Duncan Watsonduring her Official Visiton October 20, 2009.Ms. Tracy Whisner,Worthy President.Elkhart Assembly No. 129welcomed theSupreme Worthy PresidentMrs. Duncan Watsonon October 24, 2009for her Official Visit.Miss Amanda Swain,Worthy President.knight templar 33

Isn’t Chivalry Dead?!ByBrian R. PriceNo indeed, chivalry is not dead!As an idea, chivalry’s rootsare tied to the fundamentalWestern values that bind our civilization,a culture that I am proud to be a partof. Chivalry is an idealization of virtue,a wedding of military excellence withcourtesy, a sense of justice, piety, andhonor. All of this is brought forward tous from a dark time in history, from dayswhen men fought one another, foughtthe harsh world that had broken Romanorder, fought against the plagues visitedupon Europe, a troika of perils nearly destroyingEuropean culture.The idea of chivalry came out of thisdarkness like a phoenix; first in the glorificationof the warrior virtues that Charlemagneused to unify Europe and dispelthe encroachment of foreign religionsand cultures. Men saw heroes as bringingthem from the darkness, heroes likeCharlemagne and Alexander. The idea ofa man’s greatness as seen through theeyes of these people is brought to uswith potent energy in the Song of Roland,where Roland is glorified for his loyalty,prowess, and indomitable courage. Asthe feudal system was founded, the warrior(Latin–milites) became an importantsocial figure, glorified in song and rewardedin land and revenue.These milites were a rowdy bunch,brawling and fighting amongst themselvesas much as fighting for their peasantsor their king. But there was someorder, and this order began to reducethe barbarism that had been so much apart of life after the fall of Rome.During the 12 th century, as society beganto really settle, two important thingshappened to the ideals of what was firstcalled “knighthood.” First, the church,ever dominant in medieval affairs of morality,began to reshape the idea of the socialwarrior to its own ends. Knights werecalled to crusade, to be the “soldiers ofGod.” The crusades were launched, theideal put forward by the church soughtto add new virtues to the potent strengthof the warrior–that with God and righton one’s side, the sword arm itself wasstrengthened. The church added piety,justice, defense of the innocent and theweak, honesty, humility, and purity.Alongside of this new “religious” chivalry,secular influences arose that had anequally strong say in the new reality ofknighthood. The ideas of courtly love,under the patronage of Eleanor of Aquitaineand her daughter Marie, created anew cult of adoration surrounding women.Encapsulated by Andreas Capallanusin The Art of Courtly Love, the centraltenet in this school of thought was thatthrough love, the knight or lover couldbe strengthened by the love of a woman.Not completely different from the idealsof religious chivalry, where the knightwas strengthened by devotion to God.From the courts of love, chivalry acquiredcourtesy, generosity, fidelity, andthe respect and defense of women.Out of the courtly love movement34 july 2010

came tales of romance from which thelegends of Alexander, Charlemagne, andArthur hatched. These legends providedsymbolic life to the ideals of church andcourt, building new heroes, measuring theknight by a new ideal standard. The symbolsthat have grown out of these legendsare familiar to every young Westerner–King Arthur and the round table, Knightsin shining armor, and not least, chivalry. Inthese tales chivalry was the idealizationof each age; in each romance and in eachtreatise on knighthood the authors setdown new standards by which the knightwas to be judged. Chivalric virtues were acrystal clear distillation of what it meant tobe a fine human being, a person in searchof justice and humility. These standardsgrew and changed over time until theknight perished, and the idea of chivalrymetamorphosed into the ideal of a virtuous“officer and gentleman.”But the symbols of chivalry are powerful–powerfulbecause of their deepattachment to the most important virtuesof man. Courtesy, respect, generosity(largesse), honesty, fidelity, humility,justice, excellence (prowess), courage,loyalty, duty; these things are timeless.Attached to the bright symbols ofknighthood, they are still transmitteddown through the generations, strikinga chord of need when times seem dark.Today, morality and ethics are rarecommodities. Schools no longer teachmorality, religion is able to reach only afew, and families are often broken. Wesee the results of this disjunction nightlyon the television news and yearn for abetter world.It is into this vacuum that the symbolsof chivalry bring both memories ofan idealized past and the promise for abetter future. Under the pressures of lifeknight templarman has only morality to defend his soulfrom the ravages of the world.No indeed, chivalry is definitely not dead.Brian R. Price is a teaching fellow anda doctoral candidate at the Universityof North Texas. His field of study is medievaland early renaissance warfare,and American international relationsand military affairs in the 20 th and 21 stcenturies. He believes that his grandfather,William Sylvester Price, mayhave been a Templar in Madisonville,Ohio. He can be contacted at:Brian R. Price3305 Mayfair LaneHighland Village, TX 75077scrimatore@gmail.comEditor’s NoteThis article is excerpted from a slightlylonger essay which can be found athttp://www.chronique.com/.35

Photo copyrighted by Lorenzo Mondo.Knight Templar5909 West Loop South, Suite 495Bellaire, TX 77401-2402And God saw everythingthat He hadmade, and behold, itwas very good. Andthe evening and themorning were thesixth day.Have agreatsummer!