VOLUME LV FEBRUARY 2009 NUMBER 2
The Search for the Significance of the Vatican Documents Continues See Page 30 YORWAT-KTM-0209:Layout 1 12/10/08 10:18 AM Page 1
PRESENTING THE OFFICIAL CHAPTER, COUNCIL, COMMANDERY York Rite Masonic Watch FEATURING YOUR PERSONAL BIRTHSTONES AND MONOGRAM A Limited Edition of 5,000 created exclusively for York Rite Masons by Selco of Oklahoma, sellers of fine watches since 1935. Dial design with York Rite Bodies and Masonic Square & Compasses minted in high relief. Watch case and band decorated with genuine gold and customized with your Monogram and four Personal Birthstones. Your full name and unique serial number will be engraved on the case back. Fine quartz movement for accuracy within seconds per month. Reserve your watch today to avoid disappointment and obtain a low serial number valued by collectors. YOU HAVE EARNED THE RIGHT TO WEAR THIS SPECIAL YORK RITE WATCH
Birthstones are simulated for clarity and consistency. Names refer to color. JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
GARNET AMETHYST AQUAMARINE ZIRCON EMERALD PEARL RUBY PERIDOT SAPPHIRE ROSE ZIRCON GOLDEN SAPPHIRE BLUE ZIRCON CALL TOLL-FREE TO ORDER: MON - FRI FROM 9AM - 5PM EST HAVE CREDIT CARD READY WHEN ORDERING. 1-800-437-0804 Mail To: York Rite Masonic Order Center, Credit Card: Visa MC AMEX Discover Two Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 120, Radnor, PA 19087 Card # ______Exp. Date: ___ /___ YES, I wish to order an exclusive York Rite Masonic Watch by Selco, personalized with my Birthstones, Monogram and my Full Name and Signature: ______unique serial number engraved on the case back, as one in a limited edition of just 5,000 watches ever to be issued. Name: ______Monogram Letter:______Address: ______Birthstone Month: ______City: State: ____ Zip: ______Full Name to Engrave: ______Enclosed is my check/money order for $125* as Phone: ______payment in full, OR Charge my Credit Card $125* as payment in full as indicated at right. Email: ______* Plus $12.95 for engraving, shipping and handling. PA residents add 6% ($8.28) sales tax. © ICM 2009 YORWAT-KTM-0209 YORWAT-KTM-0209:Layout 1 12/10/08 10:18 AM Page 1
PRESENTING THE OFFICIAL CHAPTER, COUNCIL, COMMANDERY VOLUME LV FEBRUARY 2009 NUMBER 2 Published monthly as an official publication of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar York Rite Masonic Watch of the United States of America. William H. Koon, II FEATURING YOUR PERSONAL BIRTHSTONES AND MONOGRAM Contents Grand Master A Limited Edition of 5,000 Grand Master’s Message: created exclusively for York Valentine’s Day SID C. DORRIS, III Rite Masons by Selco of Grand Master William H. Koon, II...... 4 G. Generalissimo and Publisher Oklahoma, sellers of fine 2007 Brenthaven Drive Mount Juliet, TN 37122 watches since 1935. Triennial Conclave Announcement...... 7 Dial design with York Rite Bodies The Gospel of Judas Iscariot JOHN L. PALMER and Masonic Square & Compasses Part II of a Two–Part Series Managing Editor minted in high relief. Sir Knight John L. Cooper, III...... 11 Post Office Box 566 Nolensville, TN 37135-0566 Watch case and band decorated with The Temple Church Phone: (615) 283-8477 genuine gold and customized with Fax: (615) 283-8476 London, England your Monogram and four e-mail: [email protected] Sir Knight Robert F. McCabe, Jr...... 21 Personal Birthstones. Magazine materials and correspon- Your full name and unique Personal Integrity dence to the editor should be sent in elec- serial number will be Part III of a Three–Part Series tronic form to the managing editor whose engraved on the case back. Sir Knight Clayton J. Borne, III...... 26 contact information is shown above. Materials and correspondence concern- Fine quartz movement for A Continuing Analysis of the Mystery ing the Grand Commandery state supple- accuracy within seconds per month. of the Trials of the Ancient Templars ments should be sent to the respective supplement editor. Reserve your watch today to avoid Sir Knight John L. Palmer...... 30 disappointment and obtain a low Lawrence E. Tucker serial number valued by collectors. Features Grand Recorder YOU HAVE EARNED THE RIGHT TO Grand Encampment Office WEAR THIS SPECIAL YORK RITE WATCH Grand Encampment News 5909 West Loop South, Suite 495 Grand Recorder Lawrence E. Tucker...... 5 Bellaire, TX 77401-2402 Birthstones are simulated for clarity and consistency. Names refer to color. Phone: (713) 349-8700 JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER Prelate’s Chapel ...... 6 Fax: (713) 349-8710 e-mail: [email protected] GARNET AMETHYST AQUAMARINE ZIRCON EMERALD PEARL RUBY PERIDOT SAPPHIRE ROSE ZIRCON GOLDEN SAPPHIRE BLUE ZIRCON In Memoriam...... 9 CALL TOLL-FREE TO ORDER: Recipients of the Membership Jewel...... 9 Address corrections and MON - FRI FROM 9AM - 5PM EST HAVE CREDIT CARD READY WHEN ORDERING. 1-800-437-0804 A Chat With The Managing Editor...... 10 all membership activity Mail To: York Rite Masonic Order Center, Credit Card: Visa MC AMEX Discover The Knights Templar Eye Foundation including deaths should be Two Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 120, Radnor, PA 19087 General Chairman Duane Lee Vaught...... 15 Card # ______Exp. Date: ___ /___ YES, I wish to order an exclusive York Rite Masonic Watch by Selco, reported to the Recorder Knight Voices...... 17 personalized with my Birthstones, Monogram and my Full Name and Signature: ______of the local Commandery. unique serial number engraved on the case back, as one in a limited Grand Commandery Supplement...... 18 edition of just 5,000 watches ever to be issued. Name: ______The front cover is a photo of one of Templar News...... 28 Monogram Letter:______the synthetic parchment reproduc- Address: ______Birthstone Month: ______Crossword Puzzle...... 32 tions contained in the package of doc- uments recently acquired by the Su- City: ______State: ____ Zip: ______Beauceant News...... 33 Full Name to Engrave: ______preme Council Southern Jurisdiction Enclosed is my check/money order for $125* as Phone: ______Knights at the Bookshelf...... 34 Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. payment in full, OR Grand Encampment Web Site: http://www.knightstemplar.org Charge my Credit Card $125* as payment in full as indicated at right. Email: ______knight templar 3 * Plus $12.95 for engraving, shipping and handling. PA residents add 6% ($8.28) sales tax. © ICM 2009 YORWAT-KTM-0209 Grand Master’s Message
Valentine’s Day t’s the one day of the year when we celebrate the love of our life in a very special way. We are indeed fortunate to have cards, flowers, candy, or jewelry Ito express our feelings for that special person in our lives. Love, marriage, children, grandchildren, and family; isn’t that what Valentine’s Day really commemorates?
But in a larger context, have you ever noticed that each month of the year in some way brings us something for which we should be thankful?
January – New beginnings and a fresh start. February – That special someone in our life. March – The end of winter and the anticipation of spring. April – Easter and the lessons Jesus left for each of us. May – The beauty of spring and renewal of life itself. June – Summer and the joy of vacations and family fun. July – Celebrating our good fortune to live in the United States of America. August – The time of family reunions and the last fling of summer. September – The joys of learning as school begins anew. October – The bountiful harvest and the beautiful fall. November – A time of reflection on the many blessings of the past year. December – Family and the hope and joy the birth of Christ brings.
We as Templars, we as Americans, and we as people of faith are truly blessed. We live better and with more comfort than most of the rest of the world. We have hope, and we have faith. What more could we ask? Perhaps if we focus on what we have and what is good about our lives rather than what our problems are, we can find happiness beyond what we can now imagine.
Fraternally,
William H. Koon, II, GCT Grand Master
4 february 2009 Lawrence E. Tucker, GCT From the Grand Recorder Grand Recorder’s Office... YORK RITE INFORMATION SYSTEM In previous issues, we have introduced you to our new YORK RITE INFORMATION SYSTEM. Many of you have responded by updating your personal contact information. This informa- tion will be available to your local Commandery Recorder, your State Grand Recorder and the Grand Encampment Office. Please be assured that this information is secure and will be available for fraternal use only. To assist you in accomplishing this task, please do the following: (1) Go to http://www.knightstemplar.org. (2) Click on MembershipMembership UpdateUpdate . (3) Enter First Name. Do not enter middle name or initial in this field. (4) Enter Last Name. Do not enter suffix, i.e. Jr., Sr. etc. in this field. (5) Enter Grand Commandery Jurisdiction, (State). (6) Enter Birth Date, (MM/DD/YYYY). (7) Click on Next > . You can now update your information and make any necessary changes in your member re- cord. When you have finished updating your record, click on Submit Submit orCancel Cancel . If you need any assistance, please contact John Elkinton in the Grand Recorder’s Office. He can be reached at (713) 349-8700 or by email at [email protected].
79th EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE April 12, 2009 HOTEL Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria, Virginia 22311 Make your hotel reservations directly with the hotel directly at (703) 845-1010 or call (800) HILTONS $100.00 Room Rate (mention Knights Templar) MEAL TICKETS Meal package, $45 per person includes Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast buffet. Order you meal tickets from the Grand Encampment Office Mail your check, payable to Grand Encampment, 909 West Loop South, Suite 495, Bellaire, TX 77401-2402 Individual tickets may be ordered separately; Saturday dinner, $35; Sunday breakfast buffet, $20 Hotel and meal ticket cutoff date is March 5, 2009 No tickets will be sold at the door Direct questions to: John Elkinton in The Grand Encampment Office at (713) 349-8700 knight templar 5 Prelate’s Chapel
Sir Knight Jacob Beardsley Past Commander of Columbia Commandery # 1 New York City TRUTH
Knights Templar teach the cardinal virtues, Holy Scriptures, and a commitment to exemplify these. We practice integrity and truth. In the time of Jesus Christ, the Roman emperor was Tiberius (14 AD – 137 AD) The Roman praetor (governor) of Judea was Pontius Pilate, born of a family of the Roman republic founding. He was on the social ladder to be important in Roman so- ciety. If he successfully governed Judea, collected higher taxes gathered through tax collectors such as St. Matthew, and kept law and order in Judea, he might eventually acquire a purple toga and become a Roman senator. Jesus of Nazareth was the son of a carpenter a descendant of King David. David, King of the Jews, lived about 1000 years aforetime. This inheritance of Jesus made it dangerous to live under the eyes of Roman rulers. Most Jews expected Jesus to commence a rule of Judea liberating them from the Roman Empire. Jesus Christ taught that his duty to the Jewish people was to teach them how to live devoted to the will of God. The Jewish priests in Jerusalem guarded the Jewish temple as reconstructed af- ter the Persians liberated the Jews from exile in Babylon. The temple guards re- stricted the use of the temple only to Jews and the practice of the Jewish religious commandments. The guarding priests forbade Jesus to teach in the temple, and delivered him to the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, alleging that Jesus threatened to replace Ro- man government in Judea and to establish Himself as king. Gospel of John 18: 37 Governor Pontius Pilate asked Jesus, “So you are the king of the Jews?” Jesus replied “Is that your own question or have others suggested it to you? ... My Kingdom does not belong to this world. If it did, my followers would be fighting to save me from the Jews. My kingdom belongs elsewhere.” “You are a king then?” asked Pilate. “Is this your word?” “My task is to bear witness to the Truth; for this I was born; for this I came into the world, and those who are not deaf to Truth listen to my Voice.” Pilate asked, “What is truth?” Obviously, Governor Pontius Pilate had a different meaning of truth in the Roman Empire than Truth taught by Jesus Christ the Messiah. 6 february 2009 64th TRIENNIAL CONCLAVE ANNOUNCEMENT The Virginia Triennial Conclave Committee is working hard to make this a memorable event honoring Sir Knight Richard Burditt Baldwin, GCT, and his leadership in Templary. The 64th Triennial Conclave will begin with Drill Competition on Saturday, August 15, 2009, followed by a ‘Pass in Review’. Sunday brings the Divine Service at 4:00 PM followed by the Grand Master’s Reception. The Business Sessions will be on Monday & Tuesday, August 17 & 18, with the Grand Master’s Banquet on Tuesday evening. Installation will occur on Wednesday. The Hotel Roanoke (Rate $145) is the Headquarters for the Triennial, but rooms are also available at the Sheraton Roanoke ($119), and Holiday Inn, Tanglewood ($94). Bus transportation will be provided to the Roanoke Civic Center for the Drills, and a loop schedule is being planned to provide transportation to and from the participating hotels. Hotel arrangements are being handled by the 64th Triennial Committee, and you will receive confirmation from the hotel.
64th TRIENNIAL HOTEL REGISTRATION FORM Name ______
Address ______
City ______State _____ Zip ______
E-mail ______
Credit Card No. ______
Expiration Date ______Phone Number ______
Arrival Date ______Departure Date ______
First Choice Hotel ______
Second Choice Hotel ______
(The Housing Committee will do their utmost to honor your request) knight templar 7 64th TRIENNIAL CONCLAVE ADVANCED REGISTRATION FORM
Name ______
Title ______Jurisdiction______
Address ______
City ______State _____ Zip ______
Arrival Date ______Departure Date ______
Phone No. ______
E-mail address ______
VOTING DELEGATE REGISTRATION
(PGC, GC, DGC, GG, GCG of Grand Commanderies, or their Proxies where proxies are approved) (EC, GEN, CG of Subordinate Commanderies outside the USA or their Proxies)
Registration Fee …………………………….... $225.00 ______
After April 30, 2008 ………………………….. $250.00 ______
Voting Delegate Registration includes: 2 Tickets to Grand Master’s Reception, 2 Tick- ets to Grand Master’s Banquet, Badge, Ladies Pin, Program Book and Gift.
NON – VOTING MEMBER REGISTRATION FEE
Registration Fee ……………………………..... $100.00 ______
After April 30, 2008 …………………………... $125.00 ______
Non-Voting Member Registration includes: 2 Tickets to Grand Master’s Reception, Badge, Ladies Pin, Program Book, and Gift.
LADIES LUNCHEON & ADDITIONAL TICKETS
______Ladies luncheon, Monday $40.00 per person ______
______Grand Master’s Reception $30.00 per person ______
______Grand Master’s Banquet $60.00 per person ______
Please complete both registration forms and mail without delay to Dennis L. Wil- helm, 458 E. Cleveland, Delphos, OH 45833.
Make checks for registration & meals payable to: 64th Triennial Conclave 8 february 2009 Paul A. Torgeson North Dakota Grand Commander 1990 Born: July 3, 1919 Died: November 20, 2008 Ernest Almer Forthman Georgia Grand Commander 2005 Born: September 26, 1932 Died: December 9, 2008
Jesse Clyde Branham South Carolina Grand Commander 1994 Born: February 22, 1917 Grand Encampment Died: December 10, 2008
Membership Awards Robert Charles Franklin Nebraska Grand Commander 1987 698 Fred R. Kaylor Born: September 24, 1918 Cyrene Commandery No. 34 Died: December 13, 2008 Elizabethtown, PA 8-Dec-2008 4 bronze clusters Joel Charles “Jerry” Bingner 699 Lawrence V. Kaminsky Oregon Hammond Commandery No. 41 Grand Commander 1985 Highland, IN 1-Dec-2008 Northwest Dept. Commander 1991-1994 Born: May 25, 1926 700 Robert T. Johnson Died: December 14, 2008 Cyrene Commandery No. 48 Dayton, TN 1-Dec-2008 We publish letters and articles from a variety of sources and points of view. 701-702 John D. Pugh, Jr. The opinions expressed in these articles Dickson Commandery No. 41 do not necessarily reflect the opinions Dickson, TN 1-Dec-2008 or policy of the Grand Encampment, the Knight Templar magazine, or the Original & 1 Bronze Cluster Editorial Review Board. knight templar 9 A Chat With The Managing Editor hile engaging in my efforts to balance the information found in the Vatican documents with other sources, I am finding that there is an enormous W body of literature out there about the Knights Templar; so much, in fact, that it is very confusing. Some of it seems to be very factual, some of it was written to be fiction, some of it is very exciting to read but jumps to the strangest unfounded conclusions that you can imagine, and some of it is just plain boring. Assuming that many of you are interested in learning more about the Templars, both ancient and modern, we are launching a new feature this month and calling it “Knights at the Bookshelf.” We will be reviewing books about Templary, both new and old, with the hope that we can save you some money that you might otherwise spend only to find out that a book does not interest you. We will review all sorts of books; long and short, factual and fanciful, new and old. Even the fanciful ones sometimes make for a good read. A lot of folks seem to be interested in us of late, and it would be a good idea if we knew more about ourselves. After the first few months, drop us a note and let us know if we should continue the reviews. There are enough books out there to supply us with reviews for literally years. Also, if you come across an interesting book, send me a review for the magazine. Right off–the–bat, I am going to recommend a two volume set entitled History of the Grand Encampment Knights Templar of the United States of America. This is the official history of the Grand Encampment beginning in 1816, and the second volume was published in 1999. It also includes about seventy pages of commentary about Templary before the Grand Encampment. The accounts of grandiose Templar activi- ties which have occurred since the organization of the Grand Encampment are truly amazing. It is available from the Grand Encampment office for $29.00 and can be ordered on the web site. We are continuing our series on Templar buildings in this issue with an informative article on the Temple Church in London by Sir Knight Robert McCabe. The connection with the legal profession is particularly interesting. Also, please take a look at page 5 and see if you can help our data base administrator by ensuring that your membership record is correct. It only took me two minutes to complete this task; of course, I did it on “company time.” Finally, we are beginning to receive more high quality articles for publication. This is great! Please keep them and your suggestions coming in!
John L. Palmer Managing Editor 10 february 2009 The Gospel of Judas Iscariot A Different View of the “Lost Apostle” Part 2 OF A 2–PART SERIES by Sir Knight John L. Cooper, III, KCT he Gospel of Judas bears little re- sion, the writer has Jesus laughing at the semblance to the four gospels that apostles - a characteristic that is foreign Twe know in the New Testament. It to the canonical gospels. is not the story of the life and ministry of Jesus, but is instead a theological “One day when he was with his disciples discussion cast in the form of a story of in Judea, and he found them seated and Judas’ betrayal of Jesus – a story that re- gathered together practicing their piety. flects the beliefs of a particular commu- When he [approached] his disciples, gath- nity that “gnosis”, or knowledge about ered together and seated and offering God, operates within the framework of a prayer of thanksgiving over the bread, a particular cosmology. Gnosticism, in [he] laughed. [And] the disciples said to addition to believing that an individual him, ‘Master, why are you laughing at can “know” God directly, believed in a [our] prayer of thanksgiving? Or what cosmology that held that the world as did we do? …… He answered and said to we know it was under the control of a them, ‘I am not laughing at you. You are “created” god who was lesser than God not doing this because of your own will Himself, and that the purpose of obtain- but because it is through this that your ing “knowledge” of God was to free one- God [will receive] thanksgiving.’ “. self from the control of this “god of this world” (cf. the use of “god of this world” It must be remembered that the pur- by St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 4:4). In the pose of the writer is to explain aspects Gospel of Judas, Jesus is betrayed by of the struggle of his community with Judas because that is what he was sup- the increasingly powerful orthodox and posed to do in order to bring about the catholic church, rather than recounting advent of the new age in which a more an actual historical occurrence. The writ- perfect knowledge of God would be er is having Jesus deride the “piety” of known through Jesus. orthodox and catholic Christians (in his Judas is also portrayed in this “gos- opinion) who are more interested in cel- pel” as being the apostle closest to Je- ebrating the sacraments than in actually sus – one that he entrusted with “secret” knowing God. Readers in the second cen- knowledge about him and his purpose tury would have easily identified the ref- which the other apostles didn’t truly erence to a “prayer of thanksgiving over understand. The writer has Jesus derid- the bread” as the Eucharist. Some gnostic ing the other apostles because of their communities had sacraments, but many “piety” – a piety which limited their abil- apparently did not - considering them to ity to understand the bigger picture of be “earthly” things which interfered with Jesus’ mission. To illustrate this deri- their more “spiritual” worship. knight templar 11 There is another reflection of this many of them bring sacrifice right struggle in the Gospel of Judas – that of back to the center of Christian[ity] martyrdom. By the second century the - by ….. insisting that Christians that Roman state had decided that Christi- die as martyrs are sacrifices pleas- anity was a dangerous and subversive ing to God. (Pagels and King, page movement which should be suppressed. 59, see Selected References, below) The result of this persecution was that it was increasingly difficult to be a Chris- In other words, Christians refused to tian without running afoul of the author- perform the required sacrifice to the “di- ities and courting death – often death by vine genius of the Emperor” (the usual degrading and painful methods. Some formula) or to other gods, but the church of the church fathers developed a be- was telling them that their deaths as lief that martyrdom was a means martyrs were a “pleasing sacrifice to not only of demonstrating God”. The gnostics, as represented that faithfulness to God in the Gospel of Judas, objected might require the ultimate to this teaching, and – along with personal sacrifice, but that their problem with legitimacy those who experienced mar- and authority being confined to tyrdom were greater “heroes” bishops – felt that the ortho- in the sight of God than those dox and catholic church was who escaped it. And some of on the wrong path. the church fathers actually en- There is much else in the Gos- couraged martyrdom as a way of pel of Judas, but for the purposes of this becoming a “hero of the faith”. article, there are two items which may It was on this point that some of the be of interest to contemporary Chris- gnostic communities disagreed strongly tians - and particularly Christians who with the orthodox and catholic church. are Masons and Knights Templar. First, With their belief in a personal and mys- Christian Freemasonry brings from its tical experience of God, many of them Masonic heritage an open attitude to- thought that martyrdom was foolish and ward the beliefs of others not found unnecessary. While they did not have a in some Christian churches and sects problem with a Christian proclaiming his today. The Order of Knights Templar is faith, and thus exposing himself to mar- a Christian order, but we do not ask a tyrdom, they took strong exception to member to belong to a specific church. the idea of seeking it out. Elaine Pagels The struggle for authority and legitimacy and Karen L. King explain what the writer in the early church was revisited at the was saying: Protestant Reformation, and Templary is clearly on the side of multiple sources of “The author of the Gospel of Ju- authority and legitimacy. Just as Freema- das point[s] out what he feels is a sonry “becomes the center of union, and stunning contradiction: that while the means of conciliating true friendship Christiansrefuse to practice sacrifice among persons that must else have re- [to the Roman gods, as required by mained at a perpetual distance” (Ander- the authorities to avoid martyrdom], son’s Constitutions of 1723), so Templa- 12 february 2009 ry unites Christians of many persuasions and practices. And just as Freemasonry And they approached Judas and “oblige[s] them to that religion in which said to him, ‘What are you doing all men agree, leaving their particular here? You are Jesus’ disciple.” And opinions to themselves, that is, to be [Judas] answered them as they good men and true, or men of honour wished. And Judas received money and honesty, by whatever denomina- and handed him over to them. “ tions or persuasions they may be distin- guished,” so Templary unites Christians from a whole spectrum of beliefs and As Christian Freemasons we know that traditions. God’s plans are often not our plans – or Secondly, there are lessons to be at least not the plans we think that He learned from stories that are not neces- should have for us. Remembering this, sarily true, but which help us understand the “gospel” of Judas Iscariot can cause important issues in life. The Legend of us to think anew about the meaning of Hiram Abiff fulfills this function in Free- God in our lives, and – from the ancient masonry, and in the Gospel of Judas, Ju- struggle with an authoritarian expression das Iscariot fulfills the function of caus- of Christianity – the value of tolerance ing us to take another look at how God and understanding amongst all Chris- can bring good out of evil. The “gospel” tians. doesn’t portray Judas as a “good” man. Selected References It portrays him as someone used by God The original National Geographic article, to achieve a greater purpose. The author with accompanying text of the Gospel of Judas, doesn’t pretend that the Judas in his and the history of the Codex Tchacos, can be story is other than the Judas we know found at http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ from other sources. But he is shown in lostgospel/?fs=www9.nationalgeographic.com this work to be a complex character – Irenaeus, Against Heresies, available online in an English translation at www.gnosis.org/library/ one whom Jesus trusted, and yet one advh.1htm.) whom Jesus knew would ultimately be- Elaine Pagels and Karen L. King, Reading Judas: tray him. Even when the apostles didn’t The Gospel of Judas and the Shaping of Christianity, understand his mission, Jesus did. And ©2008, ISBN 978-0-14-311316-4, page 59 even when Judas Iscariot didn’t under- Rodolphe Kasser, Marvin Meyer, and Gregor stand his role in the sacred drama, Jesus Wurst, The Gospel of Judas, ©2006, 2008, ISBN did. And the writer of the Gospel of Ju- 978-1-4262-0048-9 das knew it too. At the end of the gospel he concluded: Sir Knight John L. Cooper, III, KCT is Past Commander of Golden Gate Com- “[And] their high priests mur- mandery No. 16, in California. He is a mured because [Jesus] had gone KYCH, 33g, Past Grand Secretary of the into the guest room for his prayer Masonic Grand Lodge of California, and a [the Upper Room at the Last Sup- holder of the Meritorious Medal in Silver per?]. For they were afraid of the from the General Grand Chapter of Royal people, since he was regarded by Arch Masons. He can be contacted at [email protected]. all as a prophet. knight templar 13 Sir Knights, Don't Forget That February Fourteenth is Valentine's Day!
14 february 2009 Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc. 1000 East State Parkway, Suite I Schaumburg, IL 60173 Phone (847) 490-3838 Fax (847) 490-3777
A message from Duane Lee Vaught, GCT General Chairman of the 41st Annual Campaign R.E. Grand Captain General Grand Encampment, Knights Templar of the USA
Greetings Sir Knights,
Working together to achieve greater things.
That’s why 12 years ago the Knights Templar Eye Foundation entered into a partnership with Eye Care America to support the Seniors Eye Care Pro- gram. This is a program of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and includes volunteer ophthalmologists who provide services.
The program is open to anyone over the age of 65 who has not seen an ophthalmologist in three years or more. An eligible person can call the toll free number 800-222-EYES and will receive a referral to one of the 7,000 volunteers. These professionals volunteer their efforts to perform an ex- amination and provide up to a year of treatment for any condition found. There is no out–of–pocket cost to the people receiving these services. Any Medicare or insurance available is accepted as full payment. That’s right, no co-payment. Together we have helped approximately a quarter of a mil- lion people through this program.
In addition to our money, our efforts can help as well. A call to the admin- istrative phone number 877-887-6327 can get you more information that can be shared with the people you know who need help.
Thinking of a gift to support our campaign? A visit to the Knights Templar Eye Foundation Web site at http://www.knightstemplar.org/ktef can pro- vide an abundance of information on the history, accomplishments, and methods of support. In particular let me mention the Life Sponsor program for active Knights Templar. Each Knight Templar is billed one dollar a year for the eye foundation unless they have made a onetime gift of only $30. This can save you money over the long term and help our foundation now. knight templar 15 The web site will also explain other gifting programs such as the patron ($100), associate patron ($50), and the Grand Commander’s and Grand Master’s clubs mentioned in previous months. Next month we will high- light special programs and recognitions for larger donors including Chari- table Foundations and Corporations. These larger programs are open to individuals too because it’s when we make a personal commitment that things really get done. Duane Lee Vaught, GCT General Chairman of the Campaign That others may see. 7850 N. Thames Dr. Bloomington, IN 47408-9337 NEW CONTRIBUTORS TO THE KTEF CLUBS Grand Master’s Club No. 5,373 Frank L. Hale (OR) No. 5,374 Lee G. Williams (IL) No. 5,375 Burch E. Zehner (OH) No. 5,376 Joseph M. Causey (TX) No. 5,377 Scott Bosch (WA) No. 5,378 Charles R. Shaw (CA) No. 5,379 Rodney R. Rufe (PA) No. 5,380 Jerry L. Fenimore (CO) No. 5,381 J. Richard Carter (PA) No. 5,382 William K. Shipe (TX) No. 5,383 Irvin L. Gallaspy (LA) No. 5,384 Donald D. Lewis (PA) No. 5,385 Terrence W. Schick (AZ) No. 5,386 Gary W. Sockwell (GA) No. 5,387 James N. Karnegis (NE) Grand Commander’s Club No. 102,806 John B. Cole (LA) No. 102,807 Rodney R. Rufe (PA) No. 102,808 Charles R. Shaw (CA) No. 102,809 Seabie P. Rucker. (FL) No. 102,810 Gentry E. Slone (MO) No. 102,811 Paul A. Weglage (OH) No. 102,812 Lee Kerber (OH) No. 102,813 Robert J. Burns (PA) No. 102,814 Claude Gentry (MO) No. 102,815 Ryland R. Foster (CA) No. 102,816 Russell R. De Venney, Jr. (MO) No. 102,817 Ralph T. Woodrow (VA) No. 102,818 Irvin I. Gallaspy (LA) No. 102,819 Richard A. Dittmann (NY) No. 102,820 Raymond D. Godeke (CA) No. 102,821 Larry Denton (TN) No. 102,822 S. Robert Marziano, Jr. (PA) No. 102,823 William Lee Popham (FL) No. 102,824 Kermit D. Bright (MO) No. 102,825 Charles Jack Boeschel (KY) No. 102,826 Uvalde Stoermer (TX) No. 102,827 William D. Devore (KS) How to Join the Grand Commander’s or the Grand Master’s Clubs
Any individual may send a check in the amount of $100 or more specified for the pur- pose of beginning a Grand Commander’s Club membership and made payable to the Knights Templar Eye Foundation. This initial contribution will begin your Grand Command- er’s Club membership. In addition, members of the Grand Commander’s Club pledge to make annual contributions of $100 or more. Once contributions total $1,000, the indi- vidual is enrolled in the Grand Master’s Club. Membership is open to individuals only, and there is Commandery credit given for participation. Information is available from: Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc.; 1000 E. State Parkway, Suite I, Schaumburg, Illinois 60173- 2460. The phone number is: (847) 490-3838. The fax number is (847) 490-3777. 16 february 2009 Knight Voices Items for this section may be sub- g Wanted: Masonic Chapter pennies by an avid collector. I have been building this collec- mitted by e-mail to: tion for 36 years and still need many pieces as [email protected] I am collecting all varieties. These one day will end up in a Masonic museum. Why not find a home for your mark? I will gladly send you Please visit the classified section a check for one piece or will buy your collec- of our website. These and other listings can be found on the Grand tion. If you collect, I will gladly exchange. I will Encampment web site at: answer all letters. Especially needed are Iowa, Michigan, Hawaii, and Alaska pennies. Mau- www.knightstemplar.org/knightvoices/ rice Storck, Sr., 775 W. Roger Road, No. 214; Tucson, AZ 85705, (520) 888-7585. Summer Uniform Sale Aids Knights Templar Eye Foundation Milford Commandery No. 11, Milford, Massachusetts, is offering a complete summer uniform and accessories (no pants or shoes) for $165.00. (G.C. and P.G.C. add $35.00 for gold decoration on cap visor.) The uniform includes white military style cap with in- signia, short sleeve shirt, shoulder rank insignia, collar insignia, metal ribbon bar, name plate, plain black tie, tie clasp with cross and crown, and shipping and handling. Send us your cap size, shirt size, rank, Commandery name and number, choice of engraving on the tie clasp (plain/Knight Templar/your state/Commandery name and number) to the address below. For further information or to request an order form for your state (include a stamped, self-addressed envelope), send to Milford as indicated below or e-mail: [email protected]. Make checks payable to: Milford Commandery No. 11. Mail to: Milford Commandery No. 11, C/O Robert P. Winterhalter, P.O. Box 321, Ashland, MA 01721-0321. All profits go to the Knights Templar Eye Foundation. Tennessee Commandery Continues Sale of Lapel Pins To Benefit the KTEF Manchester Commandery No. 40, Manchester, Tennessee, is pleased to announce that it is continuing its fund-raiser for the Knights Templar Eye Foundation and has added a new Blue Lodge/Knights Templar pin to its selection of unique lapel pins! In the past five years of pin sales, dona- tions to the Campaign have exceeded the $29,500 mark! Manchester No. 40 would like to thank those who have purchased these pins and encourage you to check out the new Blue Lodge/Knights Templar pin. The entire collec- tion, along with 3 new York Rite pins, can also be viewed in color at www.yorkriteusa.org These pins are available for $6.50 each or any 9 (nine) pins for $45, with free ship- ping, and 100% of all profits go to the Knights Templar Eye Foundation. Make check or money order in American funds payable to: Manchester Commandery No. 40. Send to Garry L. Carter, Recorder; 530 Winchester Hwy., Hills- boro, TN 37342. Thanks again for your continued support. knight templar 17 General Supplement The space on these two pages is provided by the Knight Templar maga- zine to be used by the Grand Commanderies to communicate with the in- dividual Sir Knights in their jurisdictions on a monthly basis. From time to time and for various reasons, we fail to receive any material from the editor of the state supplement for a given month. When this happens, we take the opportunity to offer you the information below. – The Ed.
18 february 2009 The photo below is of carvings in Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland and is copyrighted by Chad Bontrager. See the book review on page 34.
The Photo to the left is of St. John’s Church in Akko formerly called Acre in northern Israel where the Templars made their last stand in the Holy Land and is copyrignted by igor kisselev.
Copyright Russell Shively knight templar 19 Grand Commandery of California Sesquicentennial Coins to Benefit the Knights Templar Eye Foundation The Grand Commandery of California is selling its Sesqui- centennial coins for $15.00, postage paid, and all profits from the sale will be do- nated to the Knights Tem- plar Eye Foundation. Make checks payable to and send to: Charles R. Waterman, Jr., 731 Scottsdale Drive, Vacav- ille, CA 95687.
Sale of California Cookbook to Benefit the Knights Templar Eye Foundation The Grand Commandery of California is selling cookbooks, shown right, to benefit the Knights Templar Eye Foundation. EntitledCalifornia Gold, the book is a compilation of recipes submitted by Sir Knights and ladies of the Commanderies of California. It is bound in a 3-ring loose-leaf format and contains 750 recipes. The books sell for $20.00 each, and the entire amount goes to the KTEF. They are able to do this because the publication cost of the books was covered by private donations. Make out checks to: Knights Templar Eye Foundation. Send to: Dan McDan- iel, Attn: Cookbooks, 1250 Peterson Court, Los Altos, CA 94024.
Sale of Milford Commandery Polo Shirts Benefits KTEF Milford Commandery also offers top quality white polo shirts with pocket. These shirts have your choice of embroidered insignia in full color (nonfading). Select from: Templar Cross, Cross and Crown, Royal Arch Mason, Royal and Select Master Mason, Cryptic Mason, York Rite, KYCH, York Rite College, or Masonic Square and Compasses. We also offer a lady’s shirt with Social Order of the Beauceant or any of the above emblems. Each shirt is $30.00 plus $5.00 S & H. You may add your name or nickname to the right side for $5.00 additional. Royal Arch Mason shirts are also stocked in red, and Masonic Square and Compasses may be had on white or royal blue shirts. There are eleven other colors available by special order. We also offer great 3-season jackets and a light weight flannel-lined jacket. Make checks payable to: Milford Commandery No. 11. Send to: P.O. Box 321, Ashland, MA 01721-0321. For further information, write us at this address or e-mail: [email protected]. All profits go to the Knights Templar Eye Foundation. 20 february 2009 THE TEMPLE church london, england
by Sir Knight Robert F. McCabe, Jr.
he Order of the Knights Templar The order was strongly supported by St. was a very real presence in me- Bernard of Clairvaux, a prominent reli- Tdieval Europe. Jerusalem was the gious leader of the time and sanctioned center of the Christian World, and much by Pope Alexander III, who exempted importance was given to visiting the the order from paying tithes and taxes. “Holy City.” Jerusalem was the center of The order’s direct allegiance was to the medieval maps, and Christians looked Pope, and it was a crime under penalty of at pilgrimages to Jerusalem as a way to excommunication to strike a member of have their sins forgiven. For those who the order. The order was very successful could not make the pilgrimage, contribu- and quickly spread throughout Europe. It tions to the Knights Templar provided an came to England in 1128, when Hugh De- alternate way to achieve absolution and Payne, then Grand Master of the Knights became a funding source for the Knights Templar, made a visit to London. Templar. By the middle of the thirteenth London became the center for the century, the Knights Templar were said Knights Templar in England. The Knights to own as many as 9,000 manors in initially settled in the Holborn area of Christendom. They also received gifts London where the British Museum and of gold and silver which, coupled with the Grand Lodge of Free Masons are lo- the rents from their lands, provided the cated today. The Order outgrew the Hol- finances needed to support the Order’s born location in 1161 and moved to its work in Jerusalem. second location in the Strand. This was The Knights Templar was a religious- due south of its first location, and its land military Order founded in Jerusalem in extended from Fleet Street to the River 1118, after that city had been conquered Thames. It was at this location that the by the Christians in 1099. As part of the Temple Church was built. The church was vows of knighthood, the Knights were begun about 1162 and was consecrated required to take vows of poverty, chas- in 1185 to the Blessed Virgin Mary by tity, and obedience. The order’s purpose Heraclius, the Patriarch of Jerusalem. The was to guard Jerusalem and to protect Church was round, as were all Templar pilgrims going to and from Jerusalem. Churches, to commemorate the Church knight templar 21 of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. In seize the property of the order in England. 1240, there was an addition which now The Knights were arrested, and the order forms the main part of the Church. was suppressed. As you probably know, The area adjacent to the Church was the Vatican has recently released papers used for dormitories for the Knights. It which show that the charges against the also had gardens and orchards to provide Knights Templar were without merit. The food for the Knights. The order contin- last Grand Master, Jacques DeMolay, was ued to grow from gifts of land and money, burned at the stake in Paris by Philip “the and established numerous sites through- Fair” on March 18, 1314. There is a tradi- out England and Ireland. The land was tion that Jacques DeMolay, in his dying farmed or rented for others to farm, and moments, challenged the Pope and the the money was sent to the Knights Tem- King to meet him within the year before plar in Jerusalem to continue to support the judgment seat. Both Clement, V and the mission of the order. Jerusalem was Philip “the Fair” were dead within a year. eventually retaken by the Arabs, and the Thereafter the lands, at least in Eng- order became the prey of those desirous land, were given to the Knights Hospi- of its wealth. On Friday, October 13, 1307, taller who continued to own them un- the Knights Templar and all their prop- til 1540, when Henry, VIII seized all the erty were seized by Order of Pope Clem- Church land in England, proclaimed him- ent, V at the urging of Philip, IV of France, self head of the Church, and made the known as Philip “the Fair” (and yes that is lands crown lands. the origin of Friday the Thirteenth being About 1322, the Templar’s land in Lon- considered unlucky). The King of England, don was rented by the Knights Hospitaller at that time, was Edward, II, the son-in- to two law colleges which came to be law of Philip “the Fair”. He resisted the known as the Middle and the Inner Tem- request to seize the Templars and their ples. In 1608, the Middle and the Inner lands but after he was urged to do so by Temples petitioned King James I to have the Pope, acted on November 22nd to the land given to them, and on August 22 february 2009 13, 1608, King James, I granted a charter to the public having a full schedule of giving the land which formerly belonged church services along with organ recitals to the Knights Templar to the Middle and and lectures and serves as a location for the Inner Temples in perpetuity on the weddings, funerals, and special religious condition that they maintain the Temple services for members of the Middle and Church, which they have done. the Inner Temples. England has a two level legal system. The Church has gone through many The paper work is done by the solicitors, changes since 1185. An organ has been and all cases tried in the High Courts must installed, and it has been remodeled sev- be tried by the barristers. All barristers are eral times. It escaped the great fire of trained in the Inns of Court. There are four London in 1666, but not the air attacks Inns of Court. They are: Grays Inn, Lincolns in World War II. On May 10, 1941, it was Inn, the Middle and the Inner Temples. In bombed and largely destroyed. Some of 2008, the Middle and the Inner Temples the Round Church survived; including the celebrated their four hundredth year as entrance door, but the roof, organ, and owners of the Temple Church with many much of the rest of the Church was de- special events at the Church. stroyed. After the War, the Temple Church The Temple Church is a regular was rebuilt and was rededicated in 1958, Church of England church and is open with Queen Elizabeth, II in attendance.
knight templar 23 During the great fire in London in honor to be buried in the Round Church, 1666, the fire came dangerously close to which represented the Church of the the Church, and there was no water to Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, which was fight the fire. The brave barristers were said to have been built where Christ was forced to use beer as a sub- buried. In the Middle Ages stitute and were success- in Europe, Jerusalem was ful in preventing the fire the center of the Christian from reaching the Temple world. To the Christians Church. They were also aid- of the Middle Ages, Jeru- ed by the Duke of York, later salem truly had great sig- King James, II who sup- nificance, all of which was plied the gun powder used represented by the Temple to destroy some smaller Church. buildings and help save the If you visit London Church. The barristers later and would like to visit the were required to sue the Temple Church, you are City of London to be reim- welcome to do so, but you bursed for the beer and, of should first make sure it course, were successful. will be open when you visit. On the Templar grounds One of the common sym- It is open most afternoons are presently located the bols of the ancient Templars if the Church is not having Middle Temple Hall, The In- was that of two knights rid- a private event, but you ner Temple Hall, and numer- ing the same horse. would be well advised to ous other buildings which check the Church schedule act as chambers for the bar- on the internet. The Tem- risters and for those aspiring to be bar- ple Church is located near Fleet Street risters. Each hall has a large dining room on Inner Temple Lane and is only a short where the barristers and students have walk from the Temple underground sta- meals. There was traditionally a bar that tion. separated the room, with the barristers Between the Church and the Inner sitting on one side and the students on Temple Hall there is a column with a horse the other. When a student was thought with two riders. This was an early Knights to be ready to be a barrister, he was Templar symbol. You will also note that called to the bar and questioned by the the emblem for the Middle Temple is the barristers. If the student was sufficiently “Lamb of God”, a symbol we still use to- qualified, he was admitted to the bar and day. If you visit the Temple Church, you permitted to join the ranks of the barris- should walk around the Temple grounds, ters. and you will be sure to see the symbol on The Temple Church has the effigies of the Middle Temple Hall door. several Knights lying on the floor of the The interior of the Temple Church Round Church. It is not clear whether has an altar designed by Sir Christopher the Knights are actually buried there Wren, the famous architect who de- or in the court yard outside, but in the signed St. Paul’s Church, which was built 12th century, it would have been a great after the great fire of 1666. The altar had 24 february 2009 been removed and placed in storage dur- Lord, Evelyn, The Knights Templar in Brit- ing one of the renovations of the church ain, Pearson Education Limited, 2002. and was therefore available when the church was rebuilt in the 1950’s. Robinson, Rev. Canon Joseph, Tem- The Temple Church is truly remark- ple Church, Jarrold Publishing, 1997. able both for its history and for its beauty. It deserves to be placed high Worley, George, The Church of the on the list of every Knight Templar Knights Templars in London, Mason- who visits London. ic Publishing Company, 2007. Bibliography
Sir Knight McCabe is a practicing at- Hansen, Neil, The Great Fire of Lon- torney and a member of Duquesne don, John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2001. Commandery #72. He also serves on the Board of Governors for the Shri- Hodge, Susie, The Knights Templar, ners Hospital for Children in Erie, Anness Publishing, 2006. PA. He can be contacted at rfmc- [email protected], and his office ad- Griffith-Jones, Robin, (Master of the dress is P.O. Box 175, 534 Broadway, Temple) The Temple Church A History in Pitcairn, Pennsylvania 15140-0175. Pictures, 2008. (No Publisher Listed)
knight templar 25 PERSONAL INTEGRITY Part III of a Three–Part Series by Sir Knight Clayton J. Borne, III
INTEGRITY a lack of purpose, discipline, and moral he world in which we now live commitment. These are the very ideals is dramatically changing. Ideal- that we, as Masons, fight to preserve. Tistic principles are important to A brother whose life evidences quali- fewer and fewer people. We demand of ties of honesty, discipline, and courage our leaders honesty, but we don’t really is proof of a transformed life that has expect them to be honest. Our societies earned respect. His life embodies an in- have become problematic where hones- dividual quest and a determined search ty becomes relative and rationalization of for light. It is a fraternal concept shared all conduct is the norm. We often say that with our brothers of like mind. This our communities are civilized societies of writer submits that the attraction, the law, but too often laws are broken, and spiritual reward, the ultimate objective then attempts are made to justify the ac- of our spiritual brotherhood is the char- tions. That logic is corruptive, destructive acter which is the epitome of all virtue; but most importantly contagious. namely Integrity. In general the quality Prevarication or lying has infected is defined as our ability to naturally em- our culture. The generation of today lies brace a way of life with moral and ethi- without thought. They lie for no appar- cal principles. Its presence in each of our ent reason. Recent surveys state that lives will be the attribute that will con- 90% of society frequently lies in some tinue to draw good men to our Lodges. manner. Truthfulness is no longer a vir- The driving force of our Masonic fra- tue people try to adopt for their lives. ternity is to instill in each of our broth- Conversely, Masonic philosophers and ers a mission to create within each man our Masonic ritual of instruction view who knocks at the door of our lodge a truth as a divine attribute, and as we thirst for integrity. That desire can only have previously stated, truth should be be quenched by a commitment to moral at the heart of each and every virtue. principles and goals in each of our lives. Marriage and family are no longer We must teach that truth, honesty, and sacred institutions. Infidelity is common moral principles are of prime impor- place. The work ethics of our forefathers tance. The newly made brother should are disappearing from society. Procrasti- be instructed to subsequently under- nation at the workplace is common with stand that a man of integrity is unim- no respect or appreciation given to em- peachable; he is steadfast; his word is ployment. Society says that it wants re- his bond. He is never critical of others, spect, but modern man’s life experienc- even of those with whom he is in op- es evidence a serious lack of it. The lack position. He restrains his emotions and of respect in society is the end result of passions. He is reliable, and is one who 26 february 2009 always pays his debts. He should stand ize that the joy in this life’s reality is in upon principle no matter what the con- the journey; the journey with ideals; the sequence whether alone or in a crowd. journey with purpose. CONCLUSION Our Spiritual Brotherhood is commit- To the Entered Apprentice and his ted to the concept that all of mankind is search for light, “Integrity”, and its Ma- entitled to be enlightened, and that pro- sonic ideals are but idealistic concepts al- cess begins with a God centered life. It though often cognitively embraced; it is develops respect of the laws of society, rarely evident in his life. The apprentice, but more importantly to us as Masons, it as he begins his transformation, begins is a self imposed discipline. A discipline to understand that a person of integrity that through its ideal, generates unbe- is a person that thrives for consistency of lievable rewards; freedom of thought, principal and that principle translates to freedom of religion, freedom of speech, living the ideals. In other words, ideals and freedom to hold diverse beliefs to such as truth, honesty, charity and moral name a few. discipline are no longer problematic nor Where the dignity of man, espe- are they mere idealistic principles. They cially within the Brotherhood, is mea- are to become a true way of life. Our sured by the integrity of his life, that young brother is developing a philoso- dignity becomes an ideal of respect; phy of purpose. that ideal can then be freely expected The Mason begins to understand that and freely given. It is basic to the ten- fullness of life is found in that consisten- ant of our fraternity. cy, and he is made aware of the rewards Collectively, we as brothers, have the and blessings of living a life with ideals as opportunity to make the world in which guiding principles. He realizes in a more we live a better place, a place of integrity profound way that his integrity is defined where our Masonic ideals do in fact be- by the choices he repeatedly makes in come a way of life. his daily life. The brother begins to real-
Sir Knight Clayton J. (Chip) Borne, III is Subscriptions to the Knight Tem- a Past Grand Master of Masons in Loui- plar magazine are available from siana and a practicing attorney-at-law the Grand Encampment office at in that state. He is a member of the a rate of $15.00 per year. Indi- Dormer Masonic Study Circle (London, vidual issues in quantities of less England), the Masonic Study Society than 10 can be obtained for $1.50 (London, England), the Louisiana Lodge of Research, and the Scottish Rite Re- each from the office of the man- search Society. He has published a aging editor, if available. Inquire book entitled The Story of Early His- via e-mail to the managing edi- tory in Louisiana including History and tor for quantities in excess of 10. Roster of Perfect Union Lodge (1973 to Some past issues are archived on 2001). Sir Knight Borne and his wife our web site. Nancy reside at 1800 Lakeshore Drive, http://www.knightstemplar.org. Mandeville, LA 70448. knight templar 27 Templar News day at the Buffalo & Erie County Histori- The following article and photo are copy- cal Society. righted by and reprinted with permission The reproduction set of Vatican Tem- from The Buffalo News. plar Trial Transcripts, here for a one-day presentation, are owned by the Chancel- Replica documents of lor Robert R. Livingston Masonic Library of Grand Lodge in Manhattan. The Ma- Knights Templar offer sons’ ownership of the documents is somewhat ironic, because the Catholic glimpse of the past Church historically has opposed Free- masonry and has banned Catholics from Vatican Templar Trial Transcripts dis- joining lodges. played at Historical Society Thomas M. Savini, the library’s direc- tor, acknowledged that the acquisition By Jay Tokasz “will raise some eyebrows” inside and NEWS STAFF REPORTER outside the Masonic fraternity. A popular theory holds that to-day’s During the Middle Ages, the Knights Masons, who number about 53,000 Templar protected Christian pilgrims trav- across New York State, including 3,000 in eling to Jerusalem. But by 1321, members Erie County, evolved out of the Knights of the military-religious order, known for Templar. That is one of the reasons the their role in the Crusades, were tried for Livingston library acquired the trial man- heresy and the group disbanded. uscripts in April. In recent years, the order of monks Legend has it that the Templars went has become a subject of renewed inter- underground in the early 14th century est, and have become more popularly to escape persecution by the inquisi- known as guardians of spiritual treasures, tors of King Philip IV of France, and then in particular the mysterious lost Holy emerged two centuries later in Scot- Grail, the chalice believed to have been land as the Freemasons. One branch of used by Jesus during the Last Supper. modern day Masons that was organized The Templars have been featured sometime around the turn of the 19th as key players in the juicy plot lines of century even calls itself the Knights Tem- blockbuster motion pictures and best- plar. selling novels — fueling keen interest But the connection between the in what became of the secretive group Knights Templar of the Crusades and nearly 700 years ago. Freemasonry is “highly dubious,” Savini Those depictions, in movies like “Na- said. “There is no valid historical docu- tional Treasure” and books such as “The mentation establishing that link.” Da Vinci Code,” are mostly fiction. But Due to the great deal of interest and some Vatican documents giving scholars inquiry into the possibility of a link, the and history buffs deeper insight into the library’s trustees felt a responsibility to Templars’ real past were on display Fri- obtain the trial documents as a resource 28 february 2009 for both Masons and non-Masons. the display of the Templar documents are The library is one of just a few groups further proof of that fact. in the United States, including the Cor- “We’re removing the cloak, so to nell University library in Ithaca that pos- speak,” Gayadeen said. sesses authentic reproductions of the The transcripts, in tiny Latin calligra- “Processus Contra Templarios.” phy, re-create the folds, faded ink and Seven hundred and ninety-nine num- mold stains found on the original. Some bered copies of the trial transcripts be- of the sheets are as long as 6 feet, and came available following the Vatican’s sewn together by thread, as was done in 2007 announcement that the original the 1300s. parchments, misplaced for hundreds of “People who are fascinated or in- years, had been found. The replicas were trigued by history can come up and sold for 5,000 Euros (about $6,300) each. touch something that represents a doc- “It’s almost a question of why wouldn’t ument from 700 years ago,” Savini said. an organization want to have this as part “That tactile experience of history is an of their archives,” said Marlon Gayadeen, important part of education.” who teaches criminal justice at Buffalo Friday, about 100 people in Western State College and helped organize the New York got a glimpse of the manu- Buffalo showing, one of several taking scripts, including the “Chinon Parch- place across upstate New York. ment,” in which Pope Clement V ab- The Masons have long been consid- solved the Templars of heresy charges. ered a secret, ritualistic society, although Leaders of the Templars were none- today’s members say those days are long theless burned at the stake under King past. In the 21st century, Freemasons con- Philip IV, who sought to erase his con- sider their group to be a society with cer- siderable debt to the financially savvy tain private aspects, not a “secret society” warrior monks by banishing them. with its negative connotations. Events like [email protected]
knight templar 29 So Who Were the Players ?
A Continuing Analysis of the Mystery of the Trials of the Ancient Templars
by Sir Knight John L. Palmer, KCT Managing Editor
ince the book I mentioned last utes Of The Trial Published By The Pa- month contains the only Eng- pal Commissioner Cardinals Berengar lish in the package, we will Fredol, Etienne De Suisy, And Landolfo nextS explore its contents. It has several Brancacci Containing The Testimonies sections and a few pages in the form of Of The Grand Master And The Lead- envelopes containing black and white ing Dignitaries Of The Temple And The prints of artwork concerning the trials. Absolution Granted By The Above Men- The most relevant document and the tioned Commissioners To The Same one that created all the stir is titled Min- Templars “Demandato Domini Papae.”
30 february 2009 Chinon, 17-20 August, 1308. There is no has always been portrayed as a villain in English translation of this document in this story, and Dr. Frale does nothing to the book. What purports to be a rough attempt to change this. In fact, from her translation can be found on the web at perspective, he is the number one bad guy. http://www.inrebus.com/chinon.php. Next, you have Pope Clement, V. I There appears to be printed texts have seen him portrayed as an evil des- (again not in English) of four dossiers pot, a weak and helpless puppet, a will- from 1308 and a summary or notebook ing co-conspirator, and a fool, but Dr. used in 1311 at the Council of Vienne. Frale gives us a new opinion to consider; The English portion of the docu- one I have not seen before. ment begins on page 103 with what is Finally, we have not so much the entitled “Historical Notes On The Trial man, Jacques DeMolay but the Order of Against The Templars” by Barbara Frale. the Temple as a whole as our third main Dr. Barbara Frale is an historian on staff character. In the end, it seems to me at the Vatican Secret Archives and a that Dr. Frale portrays them almost as specialist on the Templars, the crusades, you would an innocent bystander. and the papacy. She earned her Ph.D. at Next month, we will begin to take a the University of Venice. She lives in Vit- really close look at King Phillip, where he erbo, Italy, and her photo can be found came from, who he was, what motivat- on the web at http://www.arcadepub. ed him, the events which influenced him, com/author. She is due to publish her and what appeares to have been his own book on the subject of the Tem- objectives. Motives are difficult tode- plars in 2009. As of this writing, it is not termine. A wise man once said that we yet available. We will try to review it tend to judge others by their actions and when it comes available. Dr. Frale is ap- ourselves by our motives. Try to keep an parently the researcher who discovered open mind as we attempt to get into the the misfiled Chinon document in 2001. minds of these players. Since she is on staff at the Secret - Ar chives of the Vatican, we would expect To be continued next month that her commentary would present a relatively favorable perspective of the Church’s involvement. After reading her “Historical Notes”, I am favorably impressed with her ap- parent attempt to remain impartial, her attention to detail, and her methodical approach to drawing conclusions. I have decided to present her conclu- sions in the light of other materials I have read about the subject. Like any good story, the author must first develop his characters. There are three main characters in this story. First you have Philip, IV, king of France. Philip knight templar 31 Correction on Grand Commandery Dates Published in January GRAND CONCLAVE DATE COMMANDERY LOCATION REPRESENTATIVE June 19 -20 Wisconsin Green Bay Franklin C. Boner September 17-18 Kentucky Lexington Sid C. Dorris, III October 10 Mass./ RI Burlington William J. Jones October 23-25 Maryland Aberdeen Robert J. Cave
CRYPTIC (Freemason) PUZZLE by Loki
Solution in Next Month’s Issue
DOWN 1. So.Cal. fop looks ridiculous in hat with bells (5,3) 2. French Brother gives up right to become a Mason (4) 3. Rascal says, “Oh, Gee,” in Paris street (5) The author is a Knight Templar and 32° Scottish Rite Mason who follows Cryptic Crossword tradition by setting puzzles under a cru- 4. Abif’s greeting to father of cinym, choosing Loki, the Norse god of mischief. If you would like detailed instructions on how to solve Cryptic clues, Loki would be apron (5) happy to oblige. Contact him at
Pictured L to R: Mrs. J. Michael Robbins, W.P., Mrs. Charles Long, Mrs. David Alcon, P.S.W.P., Mrs. Jacob Yingling, Mrs. Victor Reale, Mrs. James Morgan, P.P., Miss Anna Craig, and Mrs. Reginald Grose. The Sisters of Westminster Assembly No. 245, MD, have several benevolent and charitable projects. Recently they presented gift wrapping paper, bows, and bags for use at the Hoffman Schools for Youth, a psychiatric residential treatment pro- gram for children located near Gettysburg, PA. In addition to monetary gifts, the assembly also gives the school Campbell Soup labels and Betty Crocker tabs for the Labels for Education program plus used card fronts for activities. Another project, which began in March, is that manufacturer’s coupons are mailed to nine military and DOD families stationed at bases in Germany, Italy, Japan, South Ko- rea, and Turkey. Many dollars are saved by the recipients when they shop at the com- missaries. $200,000 worth will have been mailed by the time of this publication. The Sewing Group was featured in this publication two months ago. The darling stuffed animals and pillows have gone to hospitals in MD, PA, and Russia. For several years, this assembly has given at least $1000 annually to the Knights Templar Eye Foundation. - Reminder: Chartered Beauceant Assemblies can submit their pictures and news articles to Mrs. David E. Alcon, P.S.W.P. for publication in the Knight Templar Magazine at salcon@ comcast.net or obtain mailing address from Recorder.
Correction and Apology Ladies, Even though Mrs. Brown, your Supreme Recorder, sent me the correct information, I man- aged to print the wrong dates for the Supreme Assembly which will be September 20-26, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. Please accept my apology. The Ed. knight templar 33 Knights at the Bookshelf A Review of Robert L. D. Cooper’s ‘The Rosslyn Hoax?’
By Rex R. Hutchens Past Grand Commander of Arizona n the Preface of this fine work, Broth- ple, on page 143 he asserts, “HA [Hiram er Cooper asserts, “However, this Abiff] was not a real person but was in- book should not be seen as a deliber- vented in the eighteenth century by Free- Iate attempt to debunk popular mytholo- masons for allegorical purposes.” Now, gy regarding the Knights Templar….” Hav- the Bible has a very different take on the ing given this disclaimer, he proceeds to matter and explicitly defines Hiram as the do exactly that. For those Masons mean- son of a widow of the tribe of Naphtali dering through the mist of the mythology (1 Kings 7:14) or Dan (2 Chronicles 2:13) of Masonic origins in the Knights Templar, and both sources attribute to him a sig- this book is a valuable correction of his- nificant contribution to the decoration of torical misconceptions. In detailing the the Temple. While it is true that particu- facts rather than idle speculation, Coo- lar details of his relationship to the build- per essentially destroys the arguments ing of the Temple are Masonic inventions, of such works of ersatz Masonic history he is nonetheless assumed to be an his- as Knight and Lomas’ The Hiram Key and torical character. If he is not, then there is John Robinson’s Born In Blood. little reason to believe any of the biblical Cooper minutely examines the interior narrative regarding the Temple. The Ma- decorations of the chapel and presents sonic elaboration of the narrative takes rational alternatives to the whimsical, two paths: nonbiblical and antibiblical. In and occasionally nonsensical, explana- the first case, the narrative is simply -ex tions given in books purporting to use panded with detail not to be found in the Rosslyn Chapel as evidence of a Masonic- scriptures; in the second, the Masonic Templar connection. His description of tradition is actually contradictory to the the interior is buttressed with a wealth scriptural account. Examples of the sec- of detail regarding the history of the St. ond must include his status as architect Clair family and the actual purpose of the of the Temple when the Bible says that construction of the chapel. it was designed by God through David (1 Brother Cooper does occasion- Chronicles 28:11-12). An example of the ally make statements that many conser- nonbiblical character of the Third Degree vative Masons would dispute. For exam- drama includes the details of his death 34 february 2009 and burial. On the same page the author Kilwinning, granted 1st December, 1740; also says, “Hiram had the status of a king.” Ramsay’s Oration of 1737; Funeral Ora- It is hard to understand the point Cooper tion for William St. Clair; Extract of the is making here. Either he is confusing Hi- Lay of the Last Minstrel; The Knights ram, King of Tyre with Hiram Abiff or he Templars of Scotland by Chevalier James is assuming some equivalency from HA’s Burnes (1837). These are primary his- status as a Grand Master along with the torical documents not all of which were two kings Hiram and Solomon. The rank readily available to the general Masonic of Grand Master does not give one the audience until now. status of a king; as a former Grand Mas- In discussing his book, I told Brother ter, I know this to be true. Cooper that the only thing wrong with American Masons should be aware the title was the question mark. This that the English version of the second book belongs on the bookshelf of every section of the 3rd Degree is different serious Mason. from the one commonly used here. In Right Eminent Sir Knight Rex Hutchens is the the English version, Hiram is smote three editor of Heredom: The Transactions of the times upon the head. This is a particularly Scottish Rite Research Society and author of A interesting variation because the oldest Bridge to Light, A Glossary To Morals And Dog- description of the drama is from Prit- ma, and Pillars Of Wisdom - The Writings Of chard’s Masonry Dissected (1730), and it Albert Pike. He transcribed and annotated Al- conforms to the American version. Coo- bert Pike’s Lecture on Masonic Symbolism and per’s comments are uniformly influenced A Second Lecture on Symbolism, The Omkara by the English rendition of the ritual. and Other Ineffable Words and collaborated in the publishing of The Book of the Words Of particular use and interest for Ma- (Sephir H’Debarim). He can be contacted via sonic scholars is his extensive bibliogra- e-mail at [email protected] phy which is conveniently divided into sections: The Theory of History, History, and a part he designates “Speculative History,” which I would call “Utter Non- sense Written by Fools.” Brother Cooper is a kinder man than I am. As well as his penetrating analysis of the Rosslyn Chapel connection Templar- Masonic myth, Brother Cooper has pro- vided a series of appendices, which pres- ent for the reader’s perusal: The Schaw Statutes of 1598 and 1599; the Schaw Tomb translation; the Charter Granted by the Masons of Scotland to William St. Clair of Roslin in 1601; the Charter Granted by the Masons of Scotland to Sir William St. Clair in 1628; the Deed of Resignation of William St. Clair of Ross- line, 1736; the Charter of Lodge Kirkwall knight templar 35 Knight Templar 5909 West Loop South, Suite 495 Bellaire, TX 77401-2402