THEORIES OF TEMPLAR ORIGINS

The Templars and the Knights of Malta

In addition to the above lines of suggested investigation, one other lead, which must not be overlooked, is the influence which the Templars could have exerted upon the Knights of St. John of the Hospital and which would have been most important after the knights took up their residence at Malta. Some have contended that the Knights of St. John did not admit the fugitive Knights Templar to the Order, supporting their contention by pointing out the enmity which had existed between the two Orders during their sojourn in the Holy Land. This contention not only lacks historical proof but also the elements of logical investigation. The Knights of St. John of the Hospital were as severely depleted in ranks after the retreat from Acre in 1291 as were the Templars. After the retreat both orders took up temporary quarters at Cyprus which was owned by the Templars. The Knights of St. John captured the Island of Rhodes on August 5, 1310, and established their headquarters there. It does not seem possible that the Knights of St. John would refuse membership in their Order to the Templars as individuals when they were anxious not only to hold Rhodes but also to rebuild their Order. Some have contended that the papal decree of excommunication would have prevented the Knights of St. John from admitting the Templars but it must be remembered that many Templars were freed of this ban and, as individuals, could have joined the Knights of St. John. One of the points in favor of this theory is, that it is definitely known that many of the Knights of St. John were Freemasons during the early decades of the eighteenth century. Thory says in this connection: The Inquisition persecuted the Freemasons at Malta. The Grand Master proscribed the assemblies of Freemasons under severe penalties, and six of the knights were sent into perpetual exile or having attended a lodge.

Highlights of Templar History (1944) William Mosely Brown

Grand Encampment Committee on Templar History

HUNTSVILLE SUPER EXCELLENT MASTER DEGREE

Eureka Council No. 5, R&SM of Huntsville conferred the degree of Super Excellent Master on a class of 11 candidates on January 14. The candidates came from all across the state, from Dothan to Huntsville. The first picture below shows the First Section cast members and candidates, and then below that, the entire cast. Following the degree, state Grand York Rite officers present were introduced.

he Highes

alabama supplement 19 18 march 2012

MASONIC ROSICRUCIANS INITIATE TWO, ADVANCE TWO

Alabama College, Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis, held its winter meeting on 21 January at Solar Lodge No. 914 in Huntsville. The meeting was opened in the First Order at 0900 by Frater Jerry Burfitt, Celebrant of the College. Sir Knights Johnny Strickland and Ray Sheely were introduced and received the First Grade of Zelator and the Fourth Grade of Philosophus in full form. The Grades of Theoricus (Second Grade) and Practicus (Third Grade) were communicated. Following routine business of the College, Frater George Lewis presented a paper on Imperialism and Freemasonry. Following a brief discussion of the paper, Frater Dean Lilja delivered his paper on Masonic ritual and presentation. The College was then closed in the First Order and Chief Adept George Marshall opened the College in the Second Order. The two papers were approved and both Fraters were subsequently advanced to the Second Order, receiving the Fifth Grade of Adeptus Minor in full form and the Sixth Grade of Adeptus Major and the Seventh Grade of Adeptus Exemptus by communication. Following comments by many of the Fraters, the College was closed by Chief Adept Marshall.

Cast members of Alabama College with new members and MW Sterling Hughes

THE JEWISH HALF SHEKEL

When the Temple was standing in Jerusalem, there was an annual Mitzvah to give a half-shekel coin, in order to support the Temple work over the coming year. While people were free to give larger amounts in other ways, in this particular donation everyone was identical. The emphasis was upon joining with all the other members of the Congregation of Israel, rather than upon acknowledging God's unique gift of financial wealth to an individual. On the Eve of Purim, the custom still exists to give a donation to charity in memory of the half-shekel.

From “Project Genesis”