The name Knights Templar immediately brings to mind medieval knights, the Crusades and the distinctive red cross worn upon a white mantle. However, Knights Templar Freemasonry is a modern Christian Masonic Order which uses the history, symbolism and traditions of medieval chivalry to teach moral and spiritual lessons.
Masonic Knights Templar are not a continuation of the medieval military Order. Rather, they are Freemasons who have chosen to continue their Masonic journey through an Order centred upon Christian faith, integrity, friendship, service and personal development.
Is it the same as the medieval Knights Templar?
No. The original Knights Templar was a medieval religious and military Order founded in the early 12th century. Its members protected pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land and became an influential institution throughout medieval Europe.
The medieval Order was suppressed in 1312. There is no reliable historical evidence of an unbroken institutional connection between those medieval knights and the Masonic Knights Templar of today.
Modern Knights Templar Freemasonry developed many centuries later. It draws inspiration from the ideals and imagery associated with the medieval Templars, but it does not claim to be the original Order revived or secretly preserved.
You can explore this subject in more detail in our article, The Difference Between the Medieval Knights Templar and the Masonic Knights Templar.
Where does Knights Templar fit within Freemasonry?
In England and Wales, joining Knights Templar is part of a longer Masonic journey.
A man normally begins by joining a Craft Lodge and becoming a Master Mason. He may then join the Holy Royal Arch and become a Royal Arch Companion. Membership of both Craft Freemasonry and the Royal Arch is required before someone can be considered for membership of the Masonic Knights Templar.
The usual progression is therefore:
- Join a recognised Craft Lodge.
- Become a Master Mason.
- Join a Royal Arch Chapter.
- Become a Royal Arch Companion.
- Seek membership of a Knights Templar Preceptory.
Knights Templar is an explicitly Christian Masonic Order. A candidate must profess the Christian faith before he can be admitted.
Someone interested in joining does not need to understand the entire Masonic structure before making an enquiry. The Province can provide guidance based on where he currently stands, including if he has not yet joined Freemasonry. Our How to Join page explains the different routes available.
What is a Preceptory?
A local unit of Knights Templar Freemasonry is called a Preceptory. This is broadly equivalent to a Lodge in Craft Freemasonry or a Chapter in the Royal Arch.
Each Preceptory holds regular meetings at a Masonic hall or another suitable venue. Its members conduct the business of the Preceptory, welcome visitors, support candidates and perform the ceremonies of the Order.
The Provincial Priory of Lancashire includes Preceptories meeting across Lancashire and the surrounding historic provincial area, including parts of Cumbria, Greater Manchester and Merseyside.
You can use our Preceptories map to find where local Masonic Knights Templar meet.
What do Knights Templar Freemasons do?
A Knights Templar meeting combines Masonic ceremony, fellowship, administration and charitable activity.
The ceremonies use the traditions and symbolism of Christian chivalry to explore principles such as faith, courage, humility, integrity and service. As with other parts of Freemasonry, the ceremonies are intended to encourage reflection and personal development.
Members also:
- support candidates joining the Order
- visit other Preceptories
- attend provincial and national meetings
- take part in church services and ceremonial occasions
- support charitable causes
- preserve the history and traditions of the Order
- enjoy friendship and social activity with other members
Formal meetings are often followed by a meal, giving members and visitors an opportunity to enjoy each other’s company in a less formal setting.
Although ceremonial tradition is an important part of the Order, Knights Templar Freemasonry is not simply about historical dress, titles or symbolism. Its purpose is to encourage members to apply its principles in their everyday lives.
What values does the Order promote?
The Masonic Knights Templar places particular emphasis upon Christian faith and the traditional virtues associated with chivalry.
These include:
Integrity
Members are encouraged to act honestly, keep their commitments and maintain high standards of personal conduct.
Faith
The Order provides Christian Freemasons with an opportunity to explore their faith through Masonic ceremony, symbolism and fellowship.
Friendship
Preceptories bring together men from different backgrounds who share common values. Visiting between Preceptories also allows members to build friendships throughout the Province and beyond.
Service
Members are encouraged to support others, contribute to charitable causes and make a positive difference within their communities.
Personal development
The ceremonies and responsibilities of the Order can help members develop confidence, self-discipline, public speaking and leadership skills.
These values are explored further on our About the Order page.
Is Knights Templar Freemasonry a secret society?
Knights Templar Freemasonry is an organisation with some private ceremonies, but its existence, leadership, meeting places and charitable activities are not secret.
As in other recognised Masonic Orders, certain aspects of the ceremonies are kept private so that candidates can experience them without knowing every detail in advance. This does not mean that the organisation’s aims or principles are hidden.
The Provincial Priory publishes information about its history, Preceptories, public events and membership routes on this website. Questions from existing Freemasons and members of the public are welcomed.
Why do Freemasons join Knights Templar?
People join for different reasons.
Some are attracted by the Christian character of the Order. Others are interested in its ceremonies, chivalric traditions or historical symbolism. Many value the opportunity to meet new people, visit different Masonic halls and develop lasting friendships.
For existing Royal Arch Masons, Knights Templar can provide a distinctive and meaningful continuation of their Masonic journey.
Membership is not simply another qualification or title. It is an opportunity to participate actively in an Order whose ceremonies and values resonate personally with the individual.
Interested in finding out more?
Whether you are already a Royal Arch Mason, a Craft Freemason considering your next step, or someone interested in beginning Freemasonry, we would be pleased to hear from you.
Visit our How to Join page to select the route that best describes you. You can also explore our local Preceptories or learn more about the history and values of the Order.
Making an initial enquiry does not commit you to joining. It simply allows us to answer your questions and help you understand the next appropriate step.