The Commandery, or more formally a Commandery of Knights Templar, is the pinnacle of York Rite Freemasonry.  Upon becoming a Knight Templar, a Mason has reached the top of the York Rite.  However Masonry is a journey, not a destination, and there are many voluntary and invitational bodies through which the Mason can continue his journey to knowledge and light.

The Commandery has two requirements for membership:

1.  A man must be a Royal Arch Mason, and

2.  A man must accept the Christian religion (no specific denomination).

Unlike the other York Rite bodies which generally look to Jewish history found in the Old Testament for their ritual and legend, the Commandery is a non-denominational Christian Order that applies the traditions and legends of the warrior–monk Poor Knights of the Temple of Solomon (more commonly known as the “Knights Templar”).  Nevertheless, while much our ritual and many of our symbols are based on these crusader knights, our Order does not claim a direct descent.

Our conclaves follow military tradition and discipline, but actual military service is not required to become a Templar Knight.  Elected and appointed officers dress in uniform and carry a ceremonial sword.  Members also wear the uniform and sword or are permitted to attend our monthly conclaves unarmed, in business attire.  Some Thursday evening, you may see our Knights arriving wearing their black uniforms and feather plumed military chapeau.

Doylestown has an active Commandery of Knights Templar - Mizpah No. 96.  Two of our conclaves each year are open to the public:  The first, in April when our officers are installed with trumpet fanfare, and the second in December when we conduct a candle light Christmas observance.  Our Christmas observance is the highlight of our Templar year and is very well attended by Masonic dignitaries and civilians.

This Templar year (2008 – 2009), Mizpah Commandery will host a series of speakers who will present lectures on the many and varied views of Christianity.  The lectures will be open to the public, and we encourage all Sir Knights and civilians to attend what we hope will prove to be an informative series.

This message can offer only the briefest overview of our Order. The Commandery’s history, legends and goals require far more detailed study before one even begins to understand the true nature of this magnanimous Order.

As current Eminent Commander of Mizpah Commandery No. 96, and on behalf of our officers and Sir Knights, I encourage all Royal Arch Masons to consider enlisting in our Commandery. Further information, about our magnanimous Order is available online.

Jonathan H. Lander

Eminent Commander (2008 – 2009)
Mizpah Commandery No. 96

Doylestown, Pennsylvania
June 1, 2008