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TEN MOST OFTEN ASKED QUESTIONS
1) What is the PURPOSE of the Knights Templar? In very broad terms, the Order today exists to protect Christians in peril, just as it did over 800 years ago. In more practical terms, Templars today engage in numerous charitable activities that result in assistance to other Christians in financial or physical need. Each Priory is allowed to select it own charitable activities. The Priory of St. Louis the Crusader, with its base in Missouri, has chosen to work with Ronald McDonald Houses because they are located in each community where Templars reside. Through the efforts of one of our Knights, MAJ Chev. Curtis King, we have also supported the Holy Ground Mission near Sarajevo, Bosnia. 2) Are there "hereditary restrictions" to membership? No. As mentioned in the invitation to make application, we seek men and women who are willing and have helped others in need. No prospective member is ever excluded because of race, gender, or nationality. Again, it is a Christian organization. We do not believe being a Christian is hereditary. The order has Christian members of all races and nationalities, and both genders. 3) Is it exclusively a "military" organization? No. While the name perpetuates the historical military aspect of the Order, service in the military is not required for membership. It is true, however, that many Knights and Dames have served or are serving in the military. Each Priory is allowed to establish its own rules regarding military service. A few have established such a local requirement, but the Priory of St. Louis the Crusader does not make such a requirement. The Order is organized along military lines, however. 4)Is it related in some manner to Freemasonry? No. It is our understanding that a segment of Freemasonry has adopted some Templar symbols and precepts. However, The Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem is a separate and unrelated organization. All ceremonies and other organizational activities are open to the public, and family and friends are encouraged to attend. Our ceremonies have a distinct and intentional religious basis, and are never conducted behind closed doors. 5) Is it necessary to adhere to any particular Christian belief or organization? No. Christian unity is encouraged, and focus is on helping others, not defining or discussing religious differences of members. Shared Christian virtues are emphasized. 6) What are the "costs" of membership? This question brings up an interesting point worth restating. The cost of membership, as for any Christian, is a life of service. Typically, Knights and Dames are successful in their life's work, their families, and in their spiritual life. They understand they have been richly blessed, and recognize that "to whom much is given, much is expected". We believe this question is actually raised in another context, however. The initial fee for Investiture includes the insignia and mantle, and the exact amount is provided in advance to those interested at the time an invitation is extended. The cost of the formal banquet following the Investiture is not included in the initial fee, and you may also have the expense of purchase or rental of appropriate dress. *The insignia is an enameled Red Patriarchal Cross surmounted by a Golden Crown, suspended from a black and red ribbon. The mantle is a white robe, red satin lined, with a Red Patriarchal Cross on the left front. 7) When and where are meetings held? The Priory of St. Louis the Crusader plans its annual Investiture in the Spring of each year, usually in St. Louis. Another formal dinner and business meeting is planned in the fall each year. In addition, the Priory plans other social meetings and charitable events each year. The two or three meetings in addition to the Investiture are often in different locations, to include resort areas, as the membership desires. The Priory of St. Norbert also holds several functions each year in the Chicago area, and our members receive invitations to these as we began as a part of that Priory. The Grand Priory also holds functions in various locations during the year, to include Washington, D.C., New Orleans, and the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. Priory members are welcomed at these meetings. 8) What is the correct attire for Templar functions? Invitations to each function state the proper attire. Formal functions often require full formal evening attire (white tie and tails) for Knights and Dames. For military, this means "full dress mess." Highland evening dress is also appropriate and encouraged. Wearing of medals for valor, achievement, and service is encouraged. Guests typically dress a little less formally, with dark suit with tie for men and equivalent for ladies. It is always appropriate to ask your sponsor if you are unclear about an event. 9) What do I do next? Contact COL Chev. David N. Appleby at applebylaw@aol.com to request specific information on the application process. Please remember, membership is by invitation only. 10) If accepted and Invested, what is expected of me? In an effort to meet the purposes of the Order, individually and collectively the Knights and Dames seek to abide by the "Modern Rule." The original rule of the Order was drawn by St. Bernard of Clairvaux and was a modification of the monastic rule of St. Benedict. This Regula Moderna or modern rule reads as follows: THE DISCIPLINE The Principles of Life of St. Bernard of Clairvaux are still good in our day. These are the care of body, soul and spirit. Work with joy, but do not believe that activity by itself is a virtue. Material success can weaken you greatly and it is established that the goal of this terrestrial life is not material enrichment or one of unlimited pleasure and amusement. Establish a fixed time each day for meditation, thou art responsible to thyself for thyself. Do not emulate unenlightened people who never have time for their spiritual education. THE CHIVALROUS FIGHT The white cape decorated with the cross of the order is to remind you that you are capable of making sacrifices. The customs of modern life do not excuse us for abandoning the fight against ourselves, against temptation, against the animal spirit and excessive pursuit of money and power. The fight against intolerance, hypocrisy, false prophets, and ignorance is the role that has fallen upon us. The day will arrive when you will render your accounts and on that day, excuses will not be accepted by the Supreme Power: God. BROTHERHOOD Each day you must assist your brother or sister who supports the same objectives and fights to obtain them. It is necessary that you feel responsible for such service to prepare against the day when God will ask you, "Where is thy brother?" or "Where is thy sister?" In order that you may live a truly chivalrous life, follow the quest, working without expected recompense, thou shalt be a lesson and an example to all by becoming a pillar of the temple which thou must not leave for even an instant. THE TEMPLE AND THE SERVICE OF THE TEMPLE Remember my sons and daughters, that thou art a Templar, a descendant of the poor knights of the Temple whose first seat was found in the environs of the Temple of Jerusalem. It was their custom to meditate upon the Word and the meaning of the Temple. We must not forget that we are rough stones and that we must continually construct and work to build our own proper temple, of our own selves. Each day, we must meditate and pray. THE LOVE OF MEDITATION Recognize with joy that we are never strangers to God, but his very own creatures. Within our Temple, you will meet brothers of all nationalities and denominations. Rejecting all rigid dogmatism, and, at the same time rejecting atheism, you will not be brought to a point of confusion in your search for God. Never forget while meditating that the Temple of God is your own person.
"Not unto us, O Lord, Not unto us, But to Thy Name Be Glory Given" Psalm 115
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