Origin of the Knights Templar
The Knights Templar traces its origins to the early 12th century during the Crusades. Around 1119 A.D., a group of Christian knights led by Hugues de Payens formed a military and religious order dedicated to protecting Christian pilgrims traveling to and from Jerusalem. The Order was officially recognized by the Catholic Church in 1129 A.D. at the Council of Troyes and became known as the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon, commonly called the Knights Templar. Over time, the Templars grew into one of the most respected and influential organizations in medieval Christendom, known for their courage, discipline, faith, and commitment to service.
Today, Knights Templar Masonry is a Christian-oriented body of the York Rite of Freemasonry. Within Prince Hall Affiliated Masonry, Knights Templar continue to uphold the principles of faith, honor, charity, loyalty, and Christian knighthood while providing leadership, fellowship, and community service. The Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, Prince Hall Affiliation, was established in 1926 as the national governing body for Prince Hall Knights Templar jurisdictions throughout the United States.
Historical Origins
The original medieval Knights Templar were founded around 1119 in Jerusalem to protect Christian pilgrims during the Crusades. The order became wealthy and influential before being suppressed in the early 14th century.
In Freemasonry, Templar degrees emerged much later, primarily during the 18th century as part of various Masonic systems. While Masonic Knights Templar draw inspiration from the medieval order, historians generally agree there is no proven direct organizational continuity between the medieval Templars and modern Masonic Templar bodies.
Prince Hall Knights Templar
Within Prince Hall Masonry, tradition holds that in 1818, the Duke of Sussex (Grand Master of England) authorized Passey Benjamine, a mariner from the French West Indies, to establish Templar commanderies in the West Indies and North America. According to Prince Hall Templar records, this led to the development of African-American Masonic Templar organizations.
Subsequent developments included:
- The reorganization of the First African Grand Commandery in Pennsylvania in 1832.
- The formation of the First Independent African Grand Encampment of North America in 1844.
- The spread of Prince Hall Templar commanderies throughout the United States.
Relationship to Prince Hall Masonry
Prince Hall Knights Templar are part of the York Rite tradition within Prince Hall Masonry.
Membership generally requires:
- Being a Master Mason.
- Completing the Royal Arch and Royal & Select Mason degrees.
- Professing a belief in Christianity, since the Templar orders are explicitly Christian in
character.