Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Florida
Dedicated to Faith, Service, and Chivalry
Brief History of The Grand Commandery of Florida
The Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Florida stands as a proud and storied institution within the greater framework of Freemasonry. As an appendant body of the York Rite, the Knights Templar represents the culminating degrees of the Christian Masonic journey, rooted in chivalric tradition, spiritual dedication, and centuries-old ritual heritage. The history of the Florida jurisdiction reflects both the enduring values of Templary and the unique evolution of Freemasonry in the Sunshine State.
Origins of Templary in the United States
The modern Masonic Knights Templar traces its lineage to the early 18th and 19th centuries in Europe, with formal organization emerging in the United States in the early 1800s. The Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America was established in 1816 to provide unity and structure across state jurisdictions, setting the foundation for local Commanderies and state-level Grand Commanderies nationwide.
Establishment in Florida
Templary was introduced to Florida by early settlers and Freemasons who carried the York Rite traditions southward. The first Templar commanderies in Florida were chartered in the mid-19th century, with Sir Knights establishing local bodies in key regions as Freemasonry expanded alongside the state’s development.
The Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Florida—as it is formally known—was officially constituted in 1897. Its founding marked the beginning of a new era for Florida Templary, providing a governing structure to oversee local commanderies, preserve ritual uniformity, and promote the chivalric and Christian values of the Order.
Growth and Legacy
Over the past century, the Grand Commandery of Florida has grown to include numerous subordinate Commanderies across the state. Each Commandery is home to Sir Knights who dedicate themselves to the teachings of the Orders of the Red Cross, the Order of Malta, and the Order of the Temple.
The Grand Commandery has supported countless philanthropic initiatives, participated in civic and religious ceremonies, and maintained a strong presence within both the York Rite and the wider Masonic family. Florida Knights Templar are known for their pageantry, devotion, and unwavering commitment to faith, honor, and service.
Templary Today in Florida
Today, the Grand Commandery of Florida continues to uphold its sacred mission of defending the Christian faith and promoting the virtues of knighthood through charitable service, spiritual reflection, and fellowship. Annual Grand Conclaves bring together Sir Knights from across the state to conduct business, perform ceremonial work, and renew their commitment to the Order.
Florida Templary stands at the crossroads of tradition and renewal—preserving the ancient customs of medieval knighthood while inspiring new generations of Freemasons to pursue a deeper, faith-based expression of Masonic brotherhood.
The Future
The Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Florida remains a beacon of honor and spiritual purpose within Freemasonry. As it approaches and surpasses milestones in its history, it continues to affirm the noble tenets of chivalry: to serve with courage, lead with integrity, and stand unwavering in defense of truth.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are a Master Mason interested in joining the York Rite, then we suggest you check out the list of Royal Arch Chapters in Florida, and find the Chapter that is located closest to you. Then get the contact information for that Chapter (the Chapter Secretary) and ask them about their local York Rite, when they meet, fees for joining, and when the next Degrees will be held. The Secretary can help you on your way to joining the York Rite, and provide you a petition for membership. Once you complete your petition and pay your fees, your petition will be voted upon, and you will be informed when the first of the York Rite degrees (the Mark Master Mason) will be conferred. If you cannot attend degrees at a local York Rite body, you may want to ask the Secretary about the many degree festivals held across the State, to see if you can receive your work then. If you have any questions, please, do not hesitate to contact our Grand Secretary for more information. If you are not a Master Mason, then we recommend that you contact the Grand Lodge F&AM of Florida for more information about joining the Craft.
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 a part of the Masonic structure known as the “York Rite of Freemasonry.”
Currently, Templar 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.
Commanderies usually meet monthly. At least 9 Knights must be present to open a Commandery.
The Knights Templar operate on a local, state and national level. But their religious activities extend across international borders as well. In addition to the United States there are Commanderies in many countries such as Germany, Italy, Mexico, Japan and South American countries.
Nationally, there is the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar. This unit defines the 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 area. The Local level organization is called a Commandery of Knights Templar. Some communities depending on population have more than one Commandery while there are many populated areas that do not have a commandery.
A Knight Templar Commandery has 12 officers:
Commander
Generalissimo
Captain General
Sr. Warden
Jr. Warden
Prelate
Treasurer
Recorder
Standard Bearer
Sword Bearer
Warder
Sentinel
Some jurisdictions also have a Marshal.
Members are referred to by each other as “Sir Knight.”
The state governing body is the Grand Commandery.
The national body, to which Grand Commanderies must belong, is the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America.
Easter is a hallowed day in the Templar calendar. Marking as it does the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Easter represents the summit of all hopes of our Christian Faith. The Grand Encampment especially encourages every Sir Knight to attend the church of his choice on that great day in celebrating the great victory of Christ over death.
The official Easter Sunrise Service sponsored by the Grand Encampment is held each year on the steps of the George Washington National Masonic Memorial in Alexandria, VA. The public is most welcome. The starting time is 7:00 a.m. when the Sir Knights in full Templar uniform march up the hill to the strains of “Onward Christian Soldiers”. Services have been added in Kansas City and California.
Every Commandery is encouraged to hold a Public Christmas Observance in December. This is a joyous occasion to celebrate the birth of the Savior of Mankind. This service may be held on any day of the week and need not be at the time of meeting of the Commandery.