A Commandery of Knights Templar is traditionally the final York Rite body that a member joins. A Candidate receives Degrees in both Chapter and Council but in the Commandery, he receives Orders. Constituent Commanderies operate under the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Arizona, which in turn operates under The Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America.
While the other three bodies of the York Rite (including “blue lodge”) require their candidates to believe in a Supreme Being, the Commandery requires that a Sir Knight be ready to defend the Christian faith. During the regular Masonic year, in addition to Stated Conclaves, Knights Templar also convene special Observances at Easter and Christmas.
The York Rite Commandery Orders consist of:
- The Illustrious Order of the Red Cross
- The Mediterranean Pass
- The Order of Malta
- The Order of the Temple
Upon completion of the Orders, the Candidate is dubbed a Knight and created a member of the Knights Templar. He is hereafter addressed as “Sir Knight”.