Relationship of the Appendant Orders
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About the Masonic Order of the Knights Templar
Early masonic references to the Order of Knights of Malta date from 1777, but the first formal creation of a “Grand Conclave” to govern this and the Templar Degree came about in 1845.
Now known as the United Religious, Military and Masonic Order of the Temple and of St John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes and Malta in England and Wales and its Provinces Overseas, the Order is led by the Most Eminent and Supreme Grand Master, presently Most Eminent Knight Paul Raymond Clement, GCT.
The Order has no direct historical connection with the medieval Knights Templar and Knights Hospitaller, but our ceremonies echo their history and ethos.
Members of the Order meet in Preceptories, presided over by an Eminent Preceptor, and with an Officer structure similar to that in Craft Lodges. A separate, but intimately linked, Order of the Knights of Malta allows the candidate to further his Knightly journey.
Initially receiving the “passing” Degree of Knight of St Paul, he learns of the travels undertaken by St Paul culminating in his arrival on the island of Malta.
Subsequently admitted into a Priory of Malta, he is instructed by the Eminent Prior in a ceremony that details the prolonged struggle against the infidel by the Order of the Knights Hospitaller, from their origins in the Holy Land, across the Mediterranean, and finally settling and heroically defending the island of Malta.
The closing of the Priory brings to his full attention the importance of a serious consideration of and reflection on the Life, Death and Resurrection of our Saviour.
Most Eminent and Supreme Grand Master, Paul Raymond Clement GCT
Today's Degrees of the Masonic Order
Knight Templar
The candidate is admitted in the character and garb of a pilgrim and is first required symbolically to undertake a period of pilgrimage. After taking an Obligation in the name of the Holy, Blessed and Glorious Trinity, he assumes the garb of a Soldier of the Cross, and symbolically proceeds on a period of warfare. He is instructed how penance and meditation play a vital part in preparation for Knighthood, after which he is received, armed and proclaimed a Knight of the Temple.
The somewhat elaborate Regalia is based on the dress worn by the Crusaders. The Knights Templar (‘K.T.’) wear a white tunic faced with a Red Cross, together with a white mantle and a red cap, each also bearing a cross, and also wear a sash, belt and sword, though not a two-handed one as was in general use among the Crusaders.
Knight of St Paul
This is a short passing Degree conferred in a room adjoining a Priory of Malta in the course of which the Mediterranean Pass is communicated. The Degree is based on Scriptural Readings and must be taken before the Degree of Knight of Malta can be conferred.
Knight of St. John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes and Malta
The subsequent history of the Knights Hospitaller, and their arrival in the Island of Malta, is recounted in this further Degree of Christian Masonic Knighthood.
In the Order of Malta (‘K.M.’) a red tunic, black mantle and a black cap is worn, each bearing an Amalfi Cross, also together with a belt and a sword. A Knight of Malta can use K.T. Regalia generally. In addition, in each of the Orders, various appropriate jewels are worn.
