How To Join The Knights Templar: The Definitive Guide To Modern Chivalric Orders

Entry into the modern Knights Templar requires a sequential progression through Freemasonry, culminating in the Commandery of the York Rite. Candidates must achieve the status of Master Mason in good standing and profess a firm belief in the Christian religion to satisfy the unique jurisdictional requirements of this Chivalric Order.

Eligibility Criteria and Prerequisite Qualifications for Templar Candidates

Joining the Knights Templar in the 21st century is not a matter of finding a medieval recruitment camp, but rather a structured journey through the York Rite of Freemasonry. Unlike the historical Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon, the modern Order is a fraternal organization that emphasizes character building, charity, and the defense of Christian values. Before a candidate can petition a Commandery (the local body of Knights Templar), they must meet rigorous foundational standards established by the Grand Encampment.

Mandatory Prerequisites and Technical Benchmarks

• Master Mason Status: You must be a Master Mason in a "Blue Lodge" recognized by a Grand Lodge that is in amity with the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) or the relevant State Grand Lodge.
• Theological Requirement: Unlike the general Masonic requirement of a belief in a Supreme Being, the Knights Templar specifically requires a firm profession of faith in the Christian religion.
• York Rite Progression: In most jurisdictions, you must have completed the degrees of the Royal Arch Chapter and, frequently, the Council of Cryptic Masons.
• Moral Standing: A clean criminal record and a reputation for high moral character are verified through a background investigation and a committee of inquiry.
• Financial Commitment: Expect initiation fees ranging from $200 to $500, plus annual dues and the cost of the Knight Templar uniform (which can range from $300 to $1,000 depending on the jurisdiction).
• Time Commitment: The path from non-Mason to Knight Templar typically requires 12 to 24 months of active participation and study.

The Sequential Path to Templar Investiture

The process of becoming a Knight Templar is a multi-stage technical progression. Each stage builds upon the philosophy and symbolism of the previous one, ensuring the candidate is prepared for the solemn vows of the Order.

Step 1: Petitioning and Completing Blue Lodge Degrees

The journey begins at the local Masonic Lodge. You must find a lodge in your community, express interest (Masons traditionally do not solicit members), and undergo the three foundational degrees.

1. Entered Apprentice: This first degree focuses on the basic tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. You must demonstrate proficiency in the ritual work before moving forward.
2. Fellowcraft: This degree emphasizes the "Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences" and the importance of intellectual development.
3. Master Mason: The highest degree in a Blue Lodge. Achieving this status makes you a full member of the fraternity and eligible to join "appendant bodies" like the York Rite.

Pro-Tip: Focus on your "proficiency" or "catechism" during these degrees. A strong understanding of Blue Lodge symbolism is essential for the advanced allegories found in the Templar orders.

Step 2: Advancement into the Royal Arch Chapter

Once you are a Master Mason, you must petition a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons. This is the first part of the York Rite. The Chapter degrees complete the story of the Master Mason degree, focusing on the recovery of that which was lost.

• Mark Master: Teaches the value of labor and the importance of integrity in one's work.
• Past Master: A degree that conveys the lessons of leadership and the responsibilities of the Oriental Chair.
• Most Excellent Master: Commemorates the completion and dedication of King Solomon's Temple.
• Royal Arch Mason: Often considered the most beautiful degree in Freemasonry, it reveals the "Lost Word" and provides a philosophical bridge to the Chivalric orders.

Step 3: Entering the Council of Cryptic Masons

While not mandatory in every single jurisdiction, most Grand Commanderies require the Cryptic degrees. These degrees—Select Master and Royal Master—fill the chronological gap between the Master Mason degree and the Royal Arch. They focus on the preservation of sacred knowledge and the preparation for the Temple's eventual destruction.

Step 4: Petitioning the Commandery of Knights Templar

With your York Rite degrees completed, you may finally petition a Commandery of Knights Templar. Your petition will be read at a stated meeting, and a "Committee of Inquiry" will be appointed to interview you. They will specifically ask about your Christian faith and your willingness to defend the Christian religion. If the committee returns a favorable report, a secret ballot (the "ballot box") is held. A single negative vote (a "black cube") can disqualify a candidate, ensuring that only those who are truly compatible with the current membership are admitted.

Step 5: The Illustrious Order of the Red Cross

The first of the three Templar "orders" is not actually a Christian order but a transitional one. It centers on the story of Zerubbabel and his quest to rebuild the Temple. The technical focus here is on the "Force of Truth" and the importance of maintaining one's integrity under pressure from secular authorities.

Step 6: The Order of Malta

This order transitions the candidate into the Christian chivalric tradition. It is based on the historical Knights Hospitaller (the Order of St. John).

1. The Pass Degree: You are first created a "Knight of St. Paul" (the Mediterranean Pass).
2. The Mediterranean Pass: This provides the historical context of the Crusades.
3. The Order of Malta Ceremony: You are formally created a Knight of Malta. This ceremony is highly liturgical and requires the candidate to affirm their commitment to Christian charity and the protection of the weak.

Step 7: The Order of the Temple (Investiture)

The final and most solemn step is the Order of the Temple. This is the degree where you are formally dubbed a "Knight Templar." Unlike previous degrees which may be performed in a group, the Order of the Temple is often a deeply personal experience.

• The Vows: You will take a solemn vow to defend the Christian religion and the helpless (widows and orphans).
• The Accolade: The Commander will perform the "Accolade," dubbing you a Knight in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
• The Regalia: You will be presented with the sword, the baldric, and the apron (or uniform), symbolizing your new status as a soldier of the Cross.

Warning: The Order of the Temple is a significant psychological and spiritual commitment. Do not petition if you are not prepared to align your public and private life with the tenets of Christian chivalry.

Organizational Standards and Degree Hierarchy

To understand the structure of the organizations involved, the following table outlines the technical hierarchy and specific requirements for each body within the York Rite path to Templarism.

Navigating Modern Templar Challenges and Rejections

The path to the Commandery is rigorous, and candidates frequently encounter obstacles that can stall their progress. Understanding the root causes of these failures allows for proactive mitigation.

Failure to Secure Local Recommendation

• Root Cause: Lack of visibility or participation in the local Blue Lodge, leading to a lack of signers for the York Rite petition.
• Actionable Fix: Attend every stated meeting of your Blue Lodge for six months. Volunteer for committees and the "Degree Team" to build rapport with established York Rite members who can vouch for your character.

Jurisdictional Faith Discrepancies

• Root Cause: A candidate identifies as "Spiritual but not Religious" or follows a non-Christian faith, failing the specific Commandery requirement.
• Actionable Fix: Be transparent during the inquiry. If you cannot profess the Christian faith, you should not join the Commandery. Instead, seek the Scottish Rite (32nd Degree), which offers similar philosophical depth without the specific Christian requirement.

Financial and Equipment Overruns

• Root Cause: Underestimating the cost of the Knight Templar uniform, sword, and annual Grand Commandery per-capita taxes.
• Actionable Fix: Inquire about "Class A" vs. "Social" uniforms. Many Commanderies allow a simpler blazer-and-trousers combination for newer members to offset the $800+ cost of a full formal uniform and chapeau.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the modern Knights Templar related to the medieval order?

The modern Masonic Knights Templar claims a spiritual and philosophical heritage rather than a direct, documented organizational lineage to the medieval order suppressed in 1312. While various "lineage" theories exist, the modern organization focuses on the preservation of Chivalric values through the Masonic system.

Can a Catholic join the Knights Templar?

From the perspective of the Knights Templar, Catholics are welcome and many are members. However, the Catholic Church's official stance (Canon 1374) forbids membership in Masonic organizations. Candidates should consult their local parish leadership or conscience before proceeding.

Are the Knights Templar a secret society?

The Knights Templar is a "society with secrets," not a secret society. Their meeting locations are public, members wear identifiable regalia, and their charitable works (such as the Knights Templar Eye Foundation) are widely publicized. The "secrets" are limited to modes of recognition and ritual allegories.

What is the difference between the York Rite and the Scottish Rite?

The York Rite is a series of separate organizations (Chapter, Council, Commandery) that a Mason joins sequentially. The Scottish Rite is a single body that confers degrees from the 4th to the 32nd. Both are "appendant" to the Blue Lodge, but only the York Rite contains the Knights Templar.

Join the Ranks of Modern Chivalry

Becoming a Knight Templar is the culmination of a dedicated Masonic career and a profound commitment to Christian service. Contact your local Masonic Lodge today to begin the journey toward the Commandery and the noble tradition of the Temple.