About Knight Templars
Various mediaeval orders of Knighthood were formed and developed in the Holy Land during the times of the Crusades. There is no direct connection between Masonic Knights Templar and Knights of Malta, and the mediaeval orders of Knighthood.
Freemasons started developing chivalric degrees from the late 1730s.
Today, the Order is a peaceful branch of modern Freemasonry. Masonic Knights Templar and Knights of Malta find satisfaction in endeavouring to uphold the standards of chivalry and Christian morality in an increasingly uncaring world.
Our ceremonies are, basically, performed as theatres in the round. They are historic, quite impressive and can be strikingly dramatic, drawing their themes and dignity from the Crusader Knights of mediaeval times - even to simulated pilgrimages and battles.
Knight Templary is not a higher Masonic Order (there being none higher than those of Craft Freemasonry) but a different and interesting extension of Freemasonry. Craft Masons join in order to extend their Masonic knowledge and education. Brother Knights are members of a dedicated Christian Order of Freemasonry.
Great Priory of South Australia
The Great Priory of South Australia was constituted on 25th August 1982. Great Priory meets on the Saturday following the third Friday in June, and on the first Saturday in November. The degrees of Knight of St Paul and Knight of Malta are conferred during the November meeting of Great Priory.
The degree of Knight Templar is conferred in Preceptories.
This Great Priory has 5 Preceptories working in the State of South Australia. Great Priory administers two Orders as the United Religious, Military and Masonic Orders of the Temple (Knights Templar) and of St John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes and Malta (Knights of Malta). It conducts these chivalric and Knightly Orders on behalf of the 5 Preceptories.
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