Templar Edification

 As we stand here on this sacred day of Independence, let us remember the timeless wisdom that guides our path. For in the pursuit of liberty, we must tread with caution, as Plato once reminded us that the excess of freedom can lead to the chains of slavery. Our forefathers fought valiantly to secure the blessings of liberty for us, and as we bask in the glory of this day, let us heed the call to never falter in our vigilance. Throughout history, the struggle for freedom has been an arduous journey, one that demands unwavering dedication and sacrifice. As Knights Templar, we embody the virtues of courage and conviction, and we stand as beacons of hope in a world yearning for the light of truth. Let us be reminded that the price of apathy is the submission to evil forces, and in the face of tyranny, we must rise with indomitable spirit. Just as our founding fathers proclaimed their resolve to stand united against oppression, we too must unite as brothers and sisters, bound by the un...

Introduction: The 158th Grand Conclave, held on June 24th, 2023, was filled with camaraderie, insightful reports, and recognition of exemplary individuals within the esteemed Order of Knights Templar. Let's delve into some of the notable moments and awards presented during this memorable convocation. Recognition and Remembrance: The conclave commenced with an introduction of the distinguished Grand officers and esteemed visiting dignitaries. Sir Knight William Hubbard  retired as Right Eminent Grand Organist, he was thanked and commended for his many years of service. As a mark of respect, a moment of silence was observed to honor the memory of Right Eminent Past Grand Commander Sir Knight Kenneth Hill and Right Eminent Past Grand Commander Sir Knight Stanley Morrill, whose contributions to the Order will forever be cherished. Commanderies in Attendance: A roll call of the officers was conducted, affirming the presence of the dedicated brethren who faithfully serve their respective...

As far as unsung holidays go, few seem to me more deserving of a modern revival than the Nativity of St John the Baptist, known to Shakespeare as Midsummer’s Day. John’s is one of only three birthdays commemorated on the Christian liturgical calendar—quite a coup, considering that the other two are Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary. John the Baptist is a wonderfully wily, irascible figure, offering a truly unforgettable introduction to the New Testament. He’s famous for preaching brimstone in the badlands, baptizing various and sundry questionable characters, wearing coarse camelhair clothing, and sustaining himself on locusts and wild honey. What’s most important about John, however, is that he serves as Forerunner to the Christ, the prophesied voice crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord!” In other words, everything that Jesus does, John does first. John has a miraculous birth; he proclaims the coming Kingdom of God; he gathers a cadre of disciples; h...

In the grand tapestry of history, the Knights Templar shine as a radiant emblem of honor, valor, and unwavering dedication. Their enduring tale continues to inspire and guide us, stoking the fire within our hearts. As custodians of their legacy in Minnesota, we draw profound motivation and inspiration from the transformative event of Pentecost. This sacred moment, beautifully recounted in Acts 2:1-21, becomes the catalyst that propels us towards our noble purpose. Envision a divine connection where individuals converge in purpose, discovering resolute strength within shared values. The disciples experienced this awe-inspiring communion when the Holy Spirit descended upon them. Their unity, a formidable force, propelled them to astonishing feats. As we tread the path of modern Templars, we embody this profound lesson. We unite as brothers, fostering unwavering support and dedicating ourselves to a shared cause. It is in our unity that our impact resonates and the essence of our strength...

We all know the classical elements of the ancient world: wind, water, earth and flame. And it’s easy enough to see how the first three represent gasses, liquids, and solids, the three common phases of matter. But what about the fourth? Fire represents not a phase or type of matter, but rather the process of transformation. Fire is a reaction, a catalyst, that changes whatsoever it may touch. Fire turns ores into metals, flesh into food. It sterilizes water and cauterizes wounds. In a wonderful paradox, burning a field makes it fertile for planting. We often overlook this transformative aspect of fire because we in the modern world have come to associate flames primarily with destruction, with bombs and burning buildings. We forget that every lightbulb, every engine, is bottled fire. Little wonder, then, that the Bible constantly compares the presence of God to burning flame: think of the pillar of fire in the Exodus, the altar of fire in the Temple, the seven lamps that are the seven s...

Each year on the sixth Sunday of Easter, following the Divine Liturgy, I gather together at the main door of our church with a modest group of congregants bearing both hymnals and brooms. With the Crucifer before us, we perambulate about the borders of the parish property, “beating the bounds” with the brooms and reciting the Litany of the Saints in call-and-response. In recent years I’ve included a child with a smartphone so as to livestream the procession, thus answering the call to “keep Church weird.” The term Rogation derives from the Latin rogare, meaning “to ask.” Rogation Days are traditional times of fasting and prayer for God’s blessing in agriculture, and for divine protection against natural disasters. We want an amicable environment, not an angry one, as a happy harvest is our goal. The Western Church observes several Rogation Days. Major Rogation falls on 25 April, a time when the old pagan Romans used to sacrifice a dog to Rogibus, their deity of agricultural disease. Th...

May to me is without question the most beautiful month of the year. Growing up in Pennsylvania, autumn had always been my favorite season, yet since settling in Minnesota I’ve developed a new appreciation for spring—which doesn’t hit until May. Away recedes the ice and snow after six long months of winter, and up pop the sights and sounds and smells of fresh new life, new growth, new warmth. It is simply lovely. One of the themes to which I have often returned during my year as Grand Prelate has been to debunk the popular notion that Christian holidays are secretly pagan in origin. Halloween, Christmas, and Easter regularly come under fire as the year rolls ‘round, and I find myself pointing out that Christian observances are overwhelmingly Jewish in their origins, as well befits a religion centered upon worshipping a rabbi as our God. Besides all that, “pagan,” as G.K. Chesterton memorably wrote, is really just another word for human. Seasonal celebrations around the world share simil...