Templar Edification

 

I find that life is better with holidays. Wouldn’t you agree? St Paul wrote to the Christians at Rome that holy days are a matter of adiaphora; that is, of something neither commanded nor forbidden. We can take them or leave them. Yet I find that special seasons and celebrations add a certain spice to life, as well as a yearly pattern of festival and fasting, of darkness and light, which brings a magic and a mysticism into our hearth and our home. Blame my mother. She was the one when I was growing up who cooked and baked and decorated for all the holidays: Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Independence Day, the sacred and the secular alike. It made my childhood wondrous; my adulthood too, now that I have children of my own. And it certainly does improve one’s mood to ever have something to which one looks forward. As I’ve aged, my love for the holidays has only deepened. I still prepare for the big festivities a little too early and a little too long, but now I also champion...

 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...