MOUNT MORIAH COMMANDERY # 4

                                    2008 OFFICERS

This from Bruce Anderson on Thursday, December 7th, 2006

 > From:> Subject: Passing of Edwin Carter> Date: Wed, 6 Dec 2006 20:19:53 -0600> > Companions and Sir Knights:> > I have been asked to pass along the following death:> > Edwin Carter Passed away Tuesday, December 5th, 2006 at Crete, Nebraska. Ed was a Past Master of Bennett Lodge #94 and presently a member of Liberty Lodge #300. He was a member of Lincoln Council #4, Lincoln Chapter #6 R.A.M., and Mount Moriah Commandery #4. He was Past High Priest of Lincoln Chapter #6, Past Illustrious Master of Lincoln Council #4 and Past Commander of Mount Moriah Commandery #4. Funeral Services are to be held at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home on Friday, December 8th, 2006 at 3:00 p.m. Masonic Funeral Service by Liberty Lodge #300.> >

As an Addition

The Knights Templar of Nebraska are going to be the Pallbearers at the funeral. The Masonic Funeral Service is going to be given by Liberty Lodge 300. The Knights will be in uniform, and anyone who wishes to be there are invited to also be in uniform Class A's or Dress Blues.  Ed was Past Commander of Mount Moriah and always thought well of Knights Templar. 
>

Genesis

A petition of dispensation was presented to the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States to form a Commandery of Knights Templar in Lincoln, Nebraska under the name Mount Moriah Commandery dated Dec. 30, 1870. It was signed by J.M.Hurty, Demolay Com.#28, Hannelsville, N.Y., J.N.Cassell, Clinton Com. #5, Mount Vernon, Ohio, R.H. Oakley, Dunkirk Com. #40, Dunkirk Ohio. and others, with these knights to be Commander, Generallismo, and Captain General respectively. The petition was presented to Mt. Olivet Commandery in Nebraska City on Feb. 2nd, 1871 where it recommended that the petition be granted. The recommendation was signed by William E. Hill, Eminent Commander. Dispensation was granted on February 18, 1871 by the Grand Encampment. The other Officers under dispension were: John Lamb, Prelate, J.M. McClellan, Senior Warden., S.G. Owen, Junior Warden, R.P. Bucher, Recorder, N.C.Brock, Treasurer, N. Rogers, Standard Bearer, G.W. Ballantine, Sword Bearer. & D.H. Freeman (David), Warder. A petition for Charter was applied for on September 4th, 1871, and granted on September, 22nd, 1871 with the following officers in there respective stations: J.M. Hurty,Eminent Commander,  R.H. Oakley, Generalismo, J. Lamb, Prelate, J.M. McClellan, Senior Warden, A.G.Hastings, Junior Warden, N.C. Brock, Treasurer, J.P.Heband,Recorder H.J. Walsh, Standard Bearer, G.W. Ballantine, Sword Bearer, J. McManigal, Warder and Nathan Rogers, Captain of the Guard. Other Sir Knights of the Commandery were: J.H Alford, J.J. Gosper, C.H. Gere, A. Humphrey, G.D. Smith, Amasa Cobb, J.M. Jamison, R.O.Phillips, H.O. Griggs,Thos. H. Benton, R.W. Taylor, J.K. Marley, W. Van Alstyne, F.W. White, A.S. Godfrey, O.N. Humphrey. The 1872 Officers remained the same except for A.G. Hastings as Captain General.

ROLL OF COMMANDERS OF MOUNT MORIAH COMMANDERY # 4

Eminent Commanders 1873 ,1874 - Rolland H. Oakley, 1875 -  Joseph K.Marley, 1878 - Thomas Sewell, 1879 - Edgar S. Dudley 1880 (See Grand Commandery Page)- Samuel G.Owen, 1882- James Tyler, Sr., 1983- David Neuman, 1884 - Alfred C. Cass, 1885 - Charles M. Carter, 1886 - Alfred G. Hastings, 1887 - Charles H. Willard - 1888 - Melchert H. Garten, (Two honorary members in 1888, William B. Carpenter and Carle A. Woodruff). John H. Mocket - 1889, Earl A. Cooley - 1890, Richard P.R. Millar - 1891, John H. McClay - 1892 (Installed by A.G.Hastings), William J. Turner - 1893,  George H. Simmons - 1894, Lorenzo D. Woodruff - 1895, Nathan C. Davis - 1896, DeForest E. Green - 1897, Joseph Hoppock - 1898, (James W. Frow, Sentinel was Captain of theGuard) (R.E. Sir Joseph K. Marlay passed away), Joseph A. Campbell - 1899, (Installed on Ascension Day) (F.E. White took over as Grand Recorder from James Bowen). (Masonic Temple burnt to the ground Sept. 15, 1899).Alexander H. Hutton - 1900, Rolland H. Oakley - 1901, Joseph Hoppock - 1902, Emannuel J. Wilson - 1903, (L. B. Freeman, Prelate for many years died in office, Jan 21, 1904), J. Frank Barr - 1904, (P.G.C. Oakley passed away Feb.2nd, 1904). William C. Shinn - 1905, (Charles H. Gere died Sept. 30th 1904), (Joseph Hoppock & Walter C. Davis passed away Oct.& Nov. 1905), John Moore - 1906, (Charles W. Pierce passed away Feb. 1907), James D. Jones - 1907, Addison S. Tibbets - 1908, Thomas W. Moore - 1909, (Thomas Alfred Creigh Past Grand Recorder passed away), Claude S. Wilson - 1910, (James W. Frow Sentinel for over 20 years passed away), Jan 9th, 1911, Edgar S. Dudley passed away, Fred W. Tyler - 1911, George R. Chatburn - 1912, (P.G.C. Daniel Hotchkiss Wheeler passes away, Jan. 6th 1913), Silas A. Beeman - 1913, William Pieper - 1914, (James.E.R. Millar, recorder for app.20 years retires), John C.F. Mckesson new recorder. Fredrick Ihringer - 1915, George C. Mason - 1916, Joseph L. Kennard - 1917, DeForest E. Green has been serving as Treasurer, Calvin M. Amuan - 1918, Wilber W. Day - 1919, (James Tyler passed away Nov. 1st, 1919 at his home in Lincoln. Served as Captain General for 19 years and died in office). Charles H. Arnold - 1921, Edgar M. Sain - 1922, Ira M. Miller - 1923, Herbert T. Folsom - 1924, Oscar M. Steele - 1925, L. Clark Oberlies - 1926, Henry C. Hiatt - 1927, Delmar Stover - 1928, William T. Albrecht - 1929, Herbert E. Owens - 1930, James Tyler, Jr. - 1931, Allen H. Mann - 1932, Monte E. Lum - 1933, John J. Wilson - 1934, William F. Heller - 1935, Charles E. Reilly - 1936, Theodore C. Diers - 1937, David C. Hilton - 1938, Earl B. Brooks - 1939, George H. Murphy - 1940, George E. Hazen - 1941, Henry A. Meier - 1942, Clarence H. Nelson - 1943, Arthur O. Beckman - 1944, Barton Clough - 1945, Lindon S. Crain - 1946, Donald H. Keys - 1947, Oril A. Barber - 1948, Calvin B. Hall - 1949, Orrin C. Garten - 1950, Jack Watson - 1951, Charles Copeland - 1952, Roscoe Copeland - 1953, Fred H. Meyer - 1954, L. Harold Hamlin - 1955, Wayne W. Reese - 1956, Vaughn V. Yantz - 1957, Leonard G. Owen - 1958, Dean L. Robertson - 1959, Russell F. Richmond - 1960, Elwood Sherrard - 1961, Ralph Applequist - 1962, Ivan Armstrong - 1963, Norval Stewart - 1964, George A. Dvorak - 1965, Louis W. Hurst - 1967, George C. Mann - 1968, C. Harold Lott - 1969, Ervin H. Danekas - 1970, Oliver H. French - 1971, Robert E. Lamb - 1972, Cecil Metzger - 1973, Irvin Donahoo - 1974, Virgil L. Tubach - 1975, LeRoy E. Slade - 1976, Kieth Herbster - 1977, Willard Rachow - 1978, Warren D. Lichty, Jr. 1979, Lowell Olson - 1980, Charles Wenz - 1981, Edward Carter - 1982, William G. Hurst - 1983, H. Don Landis - 1985, Walter L. Knight - 1986, Elmer L. Owen - 1987, Stuart Erickson - 1988, C. Eric Wenz - 1989, Gale D. Cook - 1990, Fred Way - 1991, John Spealman - 1992, Henry S. Greenwalt - 1993, Roger W. Miner - 1994, Robert Wunder - 1995, Marlin Palasek - 1996, Edwin Wilson - 1997, Daniel Brunson  -  1998, Tom Michaelson  -  1999,  Albert Chatfield  -  2000, Ronald Phillips -  2001, Rick Harris  -  2002, James Batten  -  2003 , Richard Harris - 2004, James F. Brown Jr. - 2005, Richard Harris - 2006

              MEETING DATES 2006

SIR KNIGHTS TAKE NOTE

                                                        Commandery Installation 2007

On Monday, January 8th, 2007, Mount Moriah Commandery #4 Knights Templar, is planning an installation of Officers to be held at the Masonic Temple at 1635 L Street in Lincoln, Nebraska to begin at 7:00 P.M. Dress will be Dark Business Suit for men and Sunday Dress for women. .Reception to follow in the Dining Room. This will be an open installation and everyone is invited. (Further Information to follow).

NEBRASKA GRAND YORK RITE ANNUAL SESSION 2007

Nebraska Grand York Rite Annual Session will be held on April 18th, 19th, 20th, & 21st, 2007, at the New World Inn, Columbus, Nebraska. On Wednesday, April 18th, 2007, All Past Grand High Priests plan on attending the Grand High Priests' Dinner at 6:30 P.M. In the evening, a meeting of Sir Galahad Priory K.Y.C.H. will also be held. The Order of High Priesthood and the Order of the Silver Trowel will be given in the afternoon.

On Thursday, April 19th, 2007, the "Nails" Breakfast will begin at 7:00 A.M. and Grand Council will open at 8:00 A.M. Grand Chapter, Grand Council, And Grand Commandery Officers Elect dinner will commence at 6:30 P.M.

On Friday, April 20th, 2007, Grand Chapter will open at 8:00 A.M. and the Formal Grand York Rite Banquet will begin at 6:30 P.M.

On Saturday, April 21st, 2007, the Red Cross of Constantine Breakfast will begin at 7:00 A.M. The Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Nebraska will open at 8:00 A.M. and at 6:30 P.M. the Past Commanders' Banquet will commence at 6:30 P.M.

 Contact the New World Inn in Columbus, Nebraska, (402-564-1492) for reservations.

 YORK RITE DEGREE SPRING CONFERRAL 2007

On Saturday, March 31st, 2007, The York Rite Degrees will be given on a One-Day Conferral at the Masonic Center in  Hastings, Nebraska commencing at 8:00 A.M. Be there at 7:30 for rolls & coffee. 

YORK RITE DEGREE CONFERRAL FALL 2007

On Saturday, October 6th, 2007, The York Rite Degrees will be given on a One-Day Conferral at the Masonic Temple, 1635 L Street in Lincoln, Nebraska commencing at 7:30 A.M. Be there at 7:15 for rolls & coffee. (Further Information to follow).

 An Editorial:

Sir Knights, Friends, and Brethren: It is with deep honor and pleasure that I have read these accounts of our first fifty years of our distinguished Sir Knights and Brothers, written by them to our Grand Recorders of the time. They were so well written that even their personalities came through. I feel that I know these Sir Knights like it was yesterday. I will try to convey to you these thoughts. Our officers under dispensation came from other state commanderies as Nebraska was very young and some of these Sir Knights settled in Nebraska. Some of these Sir Knights of the time had counties named after them: J.J. Gosper, Robert W. Furnas, Daniel H. Wheeler, Alfred C. Cass, Charles W. Pierce, Thomas Sewell. Others were civic citizens of their time: Joseph L. Kennard, (possibly of Kennard House), Carle Woodruff of Woodruff Printing.(I can still remember the sign on the building in Lincoln), C. H. Gere (Gere Library). A. G. Hastings ( See Chapter Page) served around 1880 became Grand Commander  like his friend, James Tyler, Sr., both returned to Mt. Moriah and served in line for many years. William R. Bowen served as Grand Recorder from 1873 to May, 1899. Mt. Moriah Recorders during his service were; F. A. Creigh - 1974, J. P. Heband - 1975 - 1978, James McConnell - 1978 - 1880, Edward Stabl - 1881 - 1884, Thos Benton - 1884 - 1886, J. W. McClay - 1886, F. M. Glenn 1887 - 1894, (with DeForest E. Green serving in 1889), James W. Frow - Acting Recorder in 1895. Frow was Secretary for Lincoln Lodge #19 for many years and served as Sentinel for Mt. Moriah for 20 years. James E. R. Millar - 1896 - 1914. Edgar S. Dudley was past Commander of Mt. Moriah in 1880, and Grand Commander in 1887 (See Grand Commandery Page). He also instituted Sesostris Temple that same year and was its first Potentate. (See Shrine page). He and Bowen were very good friends and Dudley wrote him often, telling him of his latest adventures. In 1889, returned to Johnstown, N.Y. and a law practice (Dudley & Thorne Attorneys) and intends to attend Triennial in Washington, He was a West Point cadet graduated in 1870, writes to Bowen from Fort Warren in Boston, Mass in Aug. 5, 1889, then as 1st Lieutanant, 2nd artillary  from Levenworth, Kansas on Nov. 4, 1889, then Quartermaster Corp Arizona in 1891, then Captain, Department of Texas, 1893, attended funeral of General Sherman in St. Louis, Feb. 25th, 1891, requested and received new ritual as adopted by Triennial in Washington in 1889 from R.E. Sir L.M. Keene of Fremont. July 27th, 1895 writes as Depot Quartermaster from Columbus Barracks, Ohio and on Feb. 5th, 1896, Edgar Swartwout Dudley writes as Deputy of Supreme Council for the Army and Posts of U.S. 33rd Degree Scottish Rite. While there, was Grand Sword Bearer, Grand Encampment of K.T. will move to St. Paul, Minn. Letter dated Feb. 26th, 1900, from the Headquarters Office of the Judge Advocate General, Division of Cuba, received Mar. 3rd, 1900. Was professor of law at West Point from 1901 to 1909. After Francis E. White took over as Grand Recorder in 1899, there was little correspondence. Edgar S. Dudley passed away Jan. 9th, 1911, at his home in Johnstown, N.Y. at 66 years of age. Then began the saga between our longest running Recorder in office to that time, Sir Knight James E.R. Millar, 1896 and and E. Sir Francis White, Grand Recorder 1899. J.E.R. Millar was a very respected Mason of his time by all who knew him. He was very diligent in his work, wanting everything to be proper and asking always for Francis White's opinion. He was at times slow in getting in his required work on time, to White's dismay. Despite these problems they did share respect for each other. J.E.R. Millar was always very courteous and had a good heart. But, as he said, his memory was not the best, and I get the feeling he was probably a blue collar type but there was never a better Mason. From a newspaper clipping celebrating him and his wife, Janet's golden wedding anniversary, on April 16th, 1918, (four years out of office), comes this story. He was born in N.Y. City, Jan 31st, 1834, married Janet McDuff, April 16, 1868, and moved to Weston Mo. in 1842. His father was a prominent mason and merchant. (James E.R. Millar said his father helped start Masonry in Nebraska). J.E.R. Millar opened ticket office for the Atchison and Nebraska Railroad in 1875 and was a member of the Masonic Fraternity for fifty eight years. They both were members of Electa Chapter Order of Eastern Star, Kensington. He was a long time friend of James W. Frow, who was Sentinel of Mt. Moriah for many years and Secretary of Lincoln Lodge #19,  passed away in 1910. He also had much respect and esteem for Right Eminent Sir James Tyler, Past Grand Commander and Captain General for Mt. Moriah for 20 yrs. who died in office in 1919. (See Grand York Rite and Grand Commandery pages). After J.E.R. Millar retired in 1914 then comes John C.F. McKesson serving as Recorder. He was a younger man of course and while Francis White was getting aquainted with the new Recorder he worked with the Commanders. But soon they developed respect for each other as both were quite intellegent. Another person I thought E. Sir Francis White grew to respect very much was E. Commander Wilber W. Day, 1919. They wrote back and forth very much and I got the impression that White respected Day for his integrity. During this time, Mt. Moriah grew to app. 250 members. This was the time of the First World War, and we were the second largest Commandery in the state, with probably Mt. Calvery #1 in Omaha being the first. Of course, this was a different time than what we are living today but these Sir Knights were very dedicated. There were days when all Sir Knights were expected to attend. They were Easter, & Ascension Day. The Annual Conclave was held the first Friday after Good Friday and returns by the recorder must be in after five days. Diplomas were signed and handed out to the new knights. There were annual inspections performed by Grand Officers and each section was graded which included a financial report, record books, written compendum, has charter, Treasurer's and Recorder reports, how many Manual of Ceremonies, Personal, condition of paraphernalia all degrees, and the work of all three degrees. Committees were formed by the Past Commanders to plan on attending the Triennials by the members of the Commandery. An 1885 Ascension Day observence, the Knights formed the lines for a march through the city and always attended Easter services. One of the main differences that I noted was the length of time some of the officers remained in their stations like the Captain Generals Station, The Sentinels Station, the Prelates Station, and the Recorders Station. Some of these Sir Knights served in Grand Lines, in Chapters, Councils, and Blue Lodges, and after all of this service remained in the Commandery's lines. This provided excellence in their parts and continuity to the Commandery.  

The Cross Before the Crown

One of the finest and most meaningful songs you will ever hear comes from our Senator from Utah, United States Senator Orrin Hatch. He wrote the words to this beautiful song and the music was written by Janice Kapp Perry. If you have not previously downloaded RealPlayer 8 Free Basic, visit Senator Hatch's website at www.hatchmusic.com. Please click on the following address cross(1).ra after downloading RealPlayer. Thank you for this fine music Senator Hatch. To return to the theme music go back or ahead of this page.   

The Knights Templar is a Christian oriented fraternal organization that was founded in the 11th century.

Originally, the Knights Templar were laymen who protected and defended Christians traveling to Jerusaleum. These men took a vow of poverty, chastity and obedience, and were renowned for their courage and fierceness in battle.

There are Three Basic Degrees in The Commandery of Knights Templar

Order of the Red Cross

As the first step in Knights Templar, the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross continues the story of the Royal Arch, and portrays a period in Jewish History at the return of the Jews from cativity and the efforts to rebuild the Temple of   their God in Jerusalem. The Illustrious Order of the Red Cross is privy to the United States and teaches the lessons of Truth.

Order of the Knight of Malta

The second Order is the Knight of Malta with its pass degree or the Mediterranean Pass. This is the first Christian Order and is based historically upon one of the old orders in the Crusades.   

Order of the Temple

This is the third and impressive Order of the Commandery and is wholly Christian. The Templar tradition is the same as the name which played so importand a part in the Crusades. Beautiful lessons of death and ascension of our savior are inculcated and the candidate is received into full fellowship, in the most solomn manner.                                          (From the York Rite Soverign College)

Thoughts on Easter and Always

At this time of Easter and always, These are thoughts that we should never forget. As we are Knights Templar and dedicated to our obligations to Christ, may we always remember on what principals our Nation was founded and the History which has come after it. The following article was written by a Noble Shriner, Abel Quinones, from the National Sojourners and I Quote:    

   This is worth remembering, because it is true. It's familiar territory, but those of you that graduated from school after the early 60's were probably never taught this.  Our courts have seen to that!

      Did you know that 52 of the 55 signers of "The Declaration of Independence" were orthodox, deeply committed, Christians?   That they all believed in the Bible as the divine truth, the God of scripture, and His personal intervention.  It is the same Congress that formed the American Bible Society, immediately after creating the Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress voted to purchase and import 20,000 copies of Scripture for the people of this nation.

     Patrick Henry, who is called the firebrand of the American Revolution, is still remembered for his words, "Give me liberty or give me death"; but in current textbooks, the context of these words is omitted.  Here is what he actually said: "An appeal to  arms and the God of hosts is all that is left us. But we shall not fight our battle alone.  There is a just God that presides over the destinies of nations.  The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone.  Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price  of chains and slavery?  Forbid it Almighty God.  I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death."

     These sentences have been erased from our textbooks.  Was Patrick Henry a Christian?  The following year, 1776, he wrote this:  "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great Nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here."

     Consider these words that Thomas Jefferson wrote in the front of his well-worn Bible:  "I am a real Christian, that is to say, a  disciple of the doctrines of Jesus.  I have little doubt that our whole country will soon be rallied to the unity of our creator."  He was also the chairman of the American Bible Society, which he considered his highest and most important role.

     On July 4, 1821, President Adams said, "The highest glory of the American Revolution was this:  "It connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity."

     Calvin Coolidge, our 30th President of the United States reaffirmed this truth when he wrote, "The foundations of our society and our government rest so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings would cease to be practically universal in our country."

     In 1782, the United States Congress voted this resolution:  "The Congress of the United States recommends and approves the Holy Bible for use in all schools."

     William Holmes McGuffey is the author of the McGuffey Reader, which was used for over 100 years in our public schools with over 125 million copies sold until it was stopped in 1963.  President Lincoln called him the "Schoolmaster of the Nation."  Listen to these words of Mr. McGuffey:  "The Christian religion is the religion of our country.  From it are derived our nation, on the character of God, on the great moral Governor of the universe.  On its doctrines are founded the peculiarities of our free Institutions.  From no source has the author drawn more conspicuously than from the sacred Scriptures.  From all these extracts from the Bible, I make no apology."

     Of the first 108 universities founded in America, 106 were distinctly Christian, including the first, Harvard University, chartered in 1636.  In the original Harvard Student Handbook, rule number 1 was that students seeking entrance must know Latin and Greek so that they could study the Scriptures:  "Let every student be plainly instructed and earnestly pressed to consider well, the main end of his life and studies, is, to know God and Jesus Christ, which is eternal life, John 17:3; and   therefore to lay Jesus Christ as the only foundation for our children to follow the moral principles of the Ten Commandments."

     James Madison, the primary author of the Constitution of the United States, said this: "We have staked the whole future of all our political constitutions upon the capacity of each of ourselves to govern ourselves according to the moral principles of the Ten Commandments."

     Today, we are asking God to bless America. But, how can He bless a Nation that has departed so far from Him?  Prior to September 11, He was not welcome in America.  Most of what you read in this article has been erased from our textbooks.  Revisionists have rewritten history to remove the truth about our country's Christian roots.

     You are encouraged to share with others, so that the truth of our nation's history will be told.  John 3:16.  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life!

     This information shared is only a drop of cement to help secure a foundation that is crumbling daily in a losing war that most of the country doesn't even know is raging on, in, and around them...

     Please do your bit and share this with as many as possible and make the ill-informed aware of what they once had.


Abel Quinones
National Sojouners
Monterey Bay Chapter
"As Masonic Brothers of the Armed Forces past and present
We shall stand together protect our American Masonic Colonial Heritage."

 

Right Eminent Sir Knight Norval Stewart awarded the Knight Commander of the Temple 2001

Tonight, May 5th, 2001, was a proud night for Mount Moriah Commandery #4, as one of her own, Right Eminent Sir Knight Norval Stewart was awarded the Knight Commander of the Temple. Assisting in the awarding of the KCT award was also our own Right Eminent Sir Knight Keith Herbster who is also a recipient of the Knight Commander of the Temple Award. Other KCT recipients on hand to wish R.E.Sir Knight Stewart well were these Sir Knights and friends: R.E. Sir Knights Deb Hartman, Fred Wyant, Viron Baxter, Ray Lancaster,  and S.K. Donald Swanson. After the closing, the Officers of Mount Moriah congratulated  the new KCT recipient. Also congratulating R.E. Sir Knight Norval were the Ladies of Lincoln Social Order of the Beauceant who participated in a drawing for a very beautiful quilt made by the order. The recipient of the quilt was Mrs. Gladys Adkins who recently returned home from the hospital after recuperating from an illness.  

Purpose and Activities of the Knights Templar Organization   

Integrity, Obedience, Courage

The Knights Templar is a christian-oriented fraternal organization that was founded in the 11th century. Originally, the Knights Templar were laymen who protected and defended Christians traveling to Jerusalem. These men took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and were renouned for their fierceness and courage in battle.

Today, the Knights Templar display their courage and goodwill in other ways. They organize fund-raising activities such as breakfasts, dinners, dances, and flea markets. They support Masonic-related youth groups, and they raise millions of dollars for medical research and educational assistance.

Templary membership consists of people from all walks of life, including doctors, lawyers, clergy, businessmen and entertainment personalities, all of whom profess a belief in the Christian religion.

(This from the Grand Encampment website.)

Masonic Connection

All Knights Templar are members of the world's oldest fraternal organization known as "The Ancient Free And Accepted Masons" or more commonly known as "masons". However, not all masons are Templars. Templary is but a part of the Masonic structure known as the "York Rite Of Freemasonry".

Three Levels Of The Knights Templar

The Knights Templar operate on a local, state and national level. But their religious activities extend across international borders as well. Nationally, there is The Grand Encampment of Knights Templar. This unit defines the 11 rituals and laws governing state and local level organizations. The state level is called A Grand Commandery of Knights Templar. This organization represents members of a state or an area of equivalent size. Finally, the local level unit is called a Commandery of Knights Templar. There are almost 1,600 Commanderies in communities across the United States, Germany, Italy and Mexico, with over 260,000 members. Similar bodies exist in other countries as well.

To petition a Commandery of Knights Templar for membership, you must first be a member of a Masonic Lodge and other pre-requisite bodies, and must profess a belief In the Christian Religion. Commanderies organize many social activities, including Ladies Auxiliaries, Drill Competitions, Public Divine Services, Family Picnics, Organized Trips, Dinner Parties and Entertainments, Christmas Observances, Easter Sunrise Services, and Memorial Services.

The Knights Templar Eye Foundation

As a Knight Templar, one has many opportunities to help others who are less fortunate. One way is through the Knights Templar Eye Foundation. The Eye Foundation is a Great Humanitarian Charity whose purpose is to provide research, surgical treatment and hospitalization to those who suffer from diseases or injury to the eyes. Cross-eyes, which occurs in children under 16, is one affliction that can lead to blindness if not treated properly.

Concern For Others

Since its inception, the Knights Templar Eye Foundation has spent more than $35 million dollars to help provide medical treatment for those unable to afford it. Today, over 44,000 people have directly benefitted from this financial assistance. And as always, treatments are provided regardless of race, color, creed, age, or national origin.

Research grants, totalling over $2.5 million dollars, have been made to institutions working in the field of Eye Research. Informative films are also available through local commanderies for presentation to churches, PTA meetings and other interested organizations. To its end, the Knights Templar, through the efforts of all its members, is committed to "Helping Others To See."

The Main Mission of the Eye Foundation is"That Others May See." The objectives of the foundation are to provide Research, Surgical Treatment, and Hospitalization for those who suffer from disease, injuries to the eye that if untreated may cause blindness. This also includes cross-eye in children to the age of sixteen years.Persons are provided treatment,surgery, hospitalization in a place of their choosing regardless of Race, creed, color, sex, or origin if they are a resident of the U.S. for one year. Funds are obtained from an assesment from each Knight Templar, from Masonic organizations, fund raising, wills & bequests, donations, and endowment funds.

You can apply for help from any Knight Templar, from the Grand Commandery Office, or the Recorder or Commander, or Webmaster located at the bottom of this page.

The Knights Templar Educational Foundation

The Knights Templar Educational Foundation, the first program of its kind, was organized in 1922. Since then, more than $32 million dollars has been loaned to students to complete their last two years of college. This financial assistance is given without regard to race, color, creed, age or Masonic affiliation.

In recent years, some Grand Commanderies have also been offering Scholarship Grants to students who are members of Masonic-related Youth Groups.You can apply for help from any Knight Templar, from the Grand Commandery Office, or the Recorder or Commander, or Webmaster located at the bottom of this page.

               The Knights Templar Holy Land Pilgrimage

In addition to the many religious observances throughout the year, The Grand Encampment of Knights Templar sponsors an annual "Holy Land Pilgrimage". The purpose of the pilgrimage is to send a Christian Minister to The Holy Land. Masonic membership is not required and the Minister can be male or female.

As always, You can apply for help from any Knight Templar, from the Grand Commandery Office, or the Recorder or Commander, or Webmaster located at the bottom of this page.

General "Black Jack" Pershing became a member of Lincoln Lodge #19 in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he was raised on December, 22nd, 1888. Masonic relationships touched his life from that time on, beginning with a member of his own Lodge, William Jennings Bryan. Sir Knight Pershing, I believe, was also a member of Mount Moriah Commandery #4 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Lincoln Lodge #19 and Mount Moriah Commandery #4 are two of our oldest lodges in Lincoln and Nebraska and are very rich in Masonic and Nebraska History. See the full story on the Lodge of Education Page.          

IMPORTANT DATES:

  EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE 2004

(HOPEFULLY WE CAN DO THIS AGAIN)

On Sunday, April 11th, 2004, S.K. Edward I. Morrow, Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Nebraska, with the assistance of S.K. Ronald Grass, Grand Tactics Officer is planning an Easter Sunrise Service to be held at Tekamah, Nebraska. We will meet at the Masonic Lodge and together go to Masonic Park at 6:30 A.M. If you have never attended a sunrise service this is your chance. Sir Knights; Wear Your Uniform.

         STEAK & EGGS BRUNCH 2006

On Sunday, October 15th, 2006, from 11:oo a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The York Rite Bodies of 16th & L Street are sponsoring a Steak and Eggs Brunch. Tickets are available from any York Rite Member or call Jim Brown for tickets at 483-1727 in the evening or 472-2320 during the day.

 Mount Moriah Commandery # 4 meets on the 1st Monday of the month at the Masonic Temple at 1635 L Street in Lincoln, Nebraska at 7:30 P.M. A pot luck dinner precedes the meeting starting at 6:30 P.M.

Eminent Commander Sir Knight  THOMAS D. MORRISSEY, JR.  

Eminent Sir Knight William G. Hurst  - Recorder - E-Mail -   billanddonna@cs.com

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                                                  Last modified : January 1st, 2007         

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