GRAND COMMANDERY, KNIGHTS TEMPLAR

Transcription

1 CONSTITUTION and STATUTES of the GRAND COMMANDERY of KNIGHTS TEMPLAR of SOUTH CAROLINA March 10, 2009 Updated through March 10, 2014

2 CONSTITUTION AND STATUTES of the GRAND COMMANDERY of KNIGHTS TEMPLAR OF SOUTH CAROLNA Information has been accumulated to revise the Constitution and Statutes of the Grand Commandery, Knights Templar of South Carolina. I move that $ to be appropriated, if so much be needed, to proceed with printing thereof. Referred to Finance Committee and later adopted in Annual Conclave March 13, Robert C Hopple Grand Recorder RESOLUTION: A motion was made to give the special committee authority to edit, amend. And revise there-form all conflicts and inconsistencies of the same with this Constitution and Statutes of the Grand Encampment and/or other provisions of this Grand Commanderies Laws be approved. Adopted in Annual Conclave March 13, This is to certify that authority cited above is true and correct. Attest: Jesse C. Branham Grand Commander Robert C. Hopple Grand Recorder The Constitution and Statutes of the Grand Commandery of South Carolina consists of the Constitution and Statutes; the By-Laws; Definitions; Current Standing Resolutions; a list of Past Grand Masters, Past Grand Commanders, and Grand Recorders; Suggested By-Laws for Consistent Commandery; Installation of Grand Officers and an Index were dated, reformatted, amendments and approved 3/10/2009 so that they could be posted on the scgyr.org website. Attest: Johnnie T. Morris Grand Recorder, P.G.C. ~ 2 ~ Johnnie T. Morris Grand Recorder, P.G.C. March 10, 2014 (Last Date: Amended, Approved & Reprinted)

3 CONSTITUTION AND STATUTES GRAND COMMANDERY OF KNIGHTS TEMPLAR OF SOUTH CAROLINA TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Constitution II. Statutes III. Definitions and Suggested Order of Business IV. Ceremonies: Constituting New Commanderies Installation of Officers of a Commandery Installation of Officers of Grand Commandery Blank Page V. Reception of Grand Visitors: Grand Master of Grand Encampment Grand Commander of South Carolina District Representatives VI. List of Grand Masters: Grand Masters - Medieval Knights Templar (1113 to 1300) Grand Masters - French Order du Temple ( ) Grand Masters - Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America ( ) VII List of Grand Commanders of the Grand Commandery, Knights Templar of South Carolina VIII. List of Grand Recorders of the Grand Commandery, Knights Templar of South Carolina IX. Special Forms: Suggested By-Laws for a Commandery Suggested By-Law Changes (Example & Blank Form) Forms of Petition for the Orders Certification of New Officers Commanderies Blank Page IX. Index ~ 3 ~

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5 THE CONSTITUTION of THE GRAND COMMANDERY, KNIGHTS TEMPLAR of SOUTH CAROLINA GRAND COMMANDERY SECTION 1. This body shall be designated and known as the GRAND COMMANDERY of KNIGHTS TEMPLAR OF SOUTH CAROLINA, and shall have a seal bearing suitable devices and inscriptions which shall be affixed to all instruments issued by or under its authority. MEMBERSHIP SECTION 2. Its members are and shall be: (A) All past Grand Commanders, Past Deputy Grand Commanders, Past Grand Generalissimos, and Past Grand Captain-Generals, so long as they shall remain members of its Constituent Commanderies. (B) The Commander, Generalissimo, and Captain-General of each of its Constituent Commanderies. (C) Each Past Commander of its Constituent Commanderies and all such Past Commanders as may have demitted from other Jurisdictions and have been elected to membership by the Grand Commandery so long as they remain members of its Constituent Commanderies. (D) All Knights Templar of other Grand Commanderies who have been elected Honorary Members. Such membership shall not confer the right to vote or hold office. CONCLAVES SECTION 3. The Conclaves of the Grand Commandery shall be: (A) Stated: Which shall be held annually at such time and place as the Grand Commandery may be special resolution designate. Should the Grand Commandery fail to so designate, said power and authority to select place and fix time shall be vested in the Grand Commander. (B) Special: Which may be called by the Grand Commander, and it shall be his duty, upon the request of a majority of the Commanderies, to him directed in writing, to call a Special Conclave. No business shall be transacted at a Special Conclave except that specified in the original notice or summons. QUORUM SECTION 4. A quorum of the Grand Commandery shall consist of nine members entitled to vote therein, including an officer authorized to convene the same, provided three or more Commanderies are represented. ~ 5 ~

6 SECTION 5. Each member present in person or by proxy shall be entitled to one vote, except that the presiding officer shall vote only in case of a tie, when he shall decide the issue. Unless otherwise provided by Grand Encampment law, all questions submitted shall be decided by a majority vote of those present. SECTION 6. During a Conclave an appeal lies to the Grand Commandery from a decision of the Grand Commander save on points of order. At all other times the decisions of the Grand Commander shall have full force and effect, but they must be reviewed by the Grand Commandery, at the next Annual Conclave. If such decisions involve the construction of the Laws of the Grand Encampment or the Laws of the Grand Commandery, an appeal lies to the Grand Commandery. POWERS AND DUTIES SECTION 7. The Grand Commandery shall have the following powers and prerogatives; but the enumeration shall not be construed as a limitation thereof: (A) It shall review at its Annual Conclave all reports of its Officers and may review the proceedings of its Constituent Commanderies. (B) It may adopt such Constitution, Laws, Rules and Regulations as are not inconsistent with the Laws of the Grand Encampment and as it may deem necessary for the good of the Order. (C) It shall, within its Jurisdiction, have exclusive power to form new Commanderies and to fix the fee thereof. The fee shall not be less than One Hundred Dollars and shall be paid in advance. (D) It may prescribe Regulations for the government of its Constituent Commanderies and may revoke any Charter. (E) It may require its several Constituent Commanderies to pay such portion as it may deem proper of the sums received by them for conferring the Orders, and in addition such sum annually from each Member of such Commanderies as it may deem necessary for the support of the Grand Commandery. (F) It shall examine the accounts of the Grand Treasurer and the Grand Recorder, supervise the condition and handling of its finances, and adopt such measure in relation thereto as it may deem necessary to increase, secure, and preserve the same, and to insure the utmost punctuality on the part of every accounting Officer in safekeeping, handling, and disposition of the funds and property of the Grand Commandery. (G) It may fix territorial limits of its Constituent Commanderies and settle all Controversies that may arise among them. (H) It shall, on or before July 1 st of each year, pay to the Grand Recorder of the Grand Encampment such an amount as may be prescribed by the Grand Encampment as dues for each member of its Constituent Commanderies, as shown by the returns of the Grand Commandery at its Annual Conclave next July 1 st. ~ 6 ~

7 (I) It may require each member of its Constituent Commanderies to be provided with Templar Uniform which shall conform to that prescribed by the Grand Encampment for members of a Subordinate Commandery. APPEAL TO THE GRAND ENCAMPMENT SECTION 8. An appeal may be taken to the Grand Encampment from any decision or action of the Grand Commandery, on questions arising as to the Construction or effect of the Constitution, Statutes or Rituals of the Grand Encampment. SECTION 9. OFFICERS The Officers of the Grand Commandery shall be: A Grand Commander, A Deputy Grand Commander, A Generalissimo, A Grand Captain-General, A Grand Senior Warden, A Grand Junior Warden, A Grand Prelate, A Grand Treasurer, A Grand Recorder, A Grand Standard Bearer, A Grand Sword Bearer, A Grand Warder, and A Grand Captain of the Guard The first four of these, together with the Grand Treasurer and Grand Recorder, shall be elected. All others shall be appointed by the Grand Commander, at the time of his installation. TERM OF OFFICE SECTION 10. Grand Officers shall hold office until their successors shall have been duly elected or appointed and installed. ELIGIBILITY TO OFFICE SECTION 11. No Knight Templar shall be eligible to any office in the Grand Commandery, except the Grand Prelate, unless he shall be at the time a member thereof and is currently serving or has served as an Eminent Commander of a Commandery of Knights Templar of South Carolina. Amended 2008 ~ 7 ~

8 VOW OF OFFICE SECTION 12. Each Officer of the Grand Commandery, before entering upon the exercise of the duties of his office, shall take the following vow: I (AB) do promise and vow that I will support and maintain the Constitution, Statutes, and Rituals of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America, and the Constitution, Laws, and Regulations of this Grand Commandery, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office to which I have been chosen to the best of my ability. GENERAL DUTIES OF OFFICERS SECTION 13. The duties of the Officers of the Grand Commandery shall be such as appertain to their respective stations, conforming as nearly as may be to those of the corresponding Officers of the Grand Encampment. The Grand Commandery may require other services, and the Grand Commander may assign to his subordinate Officers duties conformable to Templar Law and Usage. THE GRAND COMMANDER SECTION 14. The Grand Commander shall have the following specific powers and duties but the enumeration shall not be deemed a limitation thereof: (A) To maintain a watchful supervision over all the Commanderies in his Jurisdiction and to see that the Constitution, Statutes, and Rituals of the Grand Encampment, and the Constitution, Laws and Regulations of the Grand Commandery are duly and promptly observed. (B) To appoint all Committees and all Officers not elective, and to fill vacancies, such appointees to serve during his pleasure or until their successors have been elected and installed. (C) To grant during any recess of the Grand Commandery Dispensation for the formation of new Commanderies. No Dispensations shall be issued unless the following requirements are met: 1. A petition by nine or more duly qualified Knights Templar. 2. The consent and recommendation of the nearest Commandery in that Jurisdiction, provided that if the new Commandery is to be located in a city having more than one Commandery, two of such Commanderies must consent and recommend; and provided further, that if the Commanderies in such city have concurrent jurisdiction, then all the Commanderies therein stationed must consent and recommend. A dispensation when issued shall be in force until the next Annual Conclave of the Grand Commandery. (D) During any recess of the Grand Commandery to arrest the Charter or Dispensation of a Constituent Commandery or to suspend from his office any Officer of the Grand or of a Constituent Commandery, but in no case shall such suspension affect the standing in the Order of such Officer or his membership in the Commandery. The Grand Commandery shall report his action in full to the next Conclave of the Grand Commandery for its final action. ~ 8 ~

9 (E) To visit and preside in any Commandery within his Jurisdiction and to give such instructions and directions as the good of the Order may require, always adhering to the Constitution, Statutes, and Rituals of the Grand Encampment and the Constitution, Laws and Regulations of the Grand Commandery. (F) To grant Dispensations to Constituent Commanderies: 1. To hold Special Conclaves for the conferring of the Orders at places within their Jurisdiction other than those named in their Charter and 2. To permit them to receive petitions and ballot thereon at the same Stated Conclave after such notice as he may deem proper. (G) To appoint Past Grand Commanders, Officers of the Grand Commandery, or Past Commanders of Constituent Commanderies to represent the Grand Commandery within sister Jurisdictions, such appointee to be known as Grand Representatives and to serve at the pleasure of the Grand Commander or until a successor is appointed. THE DEPUTY GRAND COMMANDER SECTION 15. The Deputy Grand Commander in the event of the absence of the Grand Commander or his inability to perform the duties of his office, shall act as Grand Commander. In the event of the death, permanent removal from the jurisdiction of the Grand Commandery precluding the performance of the duties of his office, or the permanent disability of the Grand Commander, the Deputy Grand Commander shall succeed to the office and be regularly installed. At other times, he shall perform such duties as may be assigned him by the Grand Commandery or the Grand Commander. THE GRAND GENERALISSIMO AND GRAND CAPTAIN GENERAL SECTION 16. In case of the temporary absence or disability of their respective superiors, the Grand Generalissimo and the Grand Captain-General shall perform the duties of their respective superior. In case of the advancement, death, permanent removal from the jurisdiction precluding the performances of the duties of office, or the permanent disability of their respective superiors, the Grand Generalissimo and the Grand Captain-General shall severally succeed to the office of such superiors and be installed therein. ~ 9 ~

10 THE GRAND TREASURER SECTION 17. The Grand Treasurer shall perform such duties as are prescribed by the Constitution and Statutes of the Grand Encampment and the Laws of the Grand Commandery. He shall execute and file with the Grand Commander, an Official Bond in some regular Bonding Company, in the sum of one thousand dollars, or such larger sum as the Grand Commandery, on advice of its Finance Committee, may direct, for the faithful performance of his duties, which shall be approved by the Grand Commander. As compensation for his services he shall receive such amount as may be recommended by the Finance Committee and approved by the Grand Commandery. THE GRAND RECORDER SECTION 18. It is the duty of the Grand Recorder: (A) To communicate annually to the Grand Master, the Grand Recorder of the Grand Encampment, and to the Grand Recorders of each of the other Grand Commanderies, the roll of Officers of the Grand Commandery and such other matters as may give information on the condition of the Order in this Jurisdiction or may conduce to the general good of the Order. (B) To forward to the Grand Recorder of the Grand Encampment, on or before the First Day of July of each year, the Annual Returns and Dues of the Grand Commandery. (C) To transmit annually to the Grand Master and the Grand Recorder of the Grand Encampment copies of all Printed Proceedings and the Laws adopted by the Grand Commandery. (D) To have charge of the Seal of the Grand Commandery, and attest all papers requiring the same. (E) To send promptly to the Grand Recorder of the Grand Encampment two copies of announcement and Notice of Death of members of the Grand Encampment which may occur within his Jurisdiction, giving the date of birth and of death, together with the character of his official and other service. (F) To perform such other duties as shall be prescribed by the laws of the Grand Commandery. He shall execute and file with the Grand Commander, an Official Bond in some regular Bonding Company, in the sum of one thousand dollars, or such larger sum as the Grand Commandery, on advice of its Finance Committee, may direct, for the faithful performance of his duties, which shall be approved by the Grand Commander. As compensation for his services he shall receive such amount as may be recommended by the Finance Committee and approved by the Grand Commandery. ~ 10 ~

11 THE REMAINING OFFICERS SECTION 19. The duties of the remaining Officers shall be such as are traditionally appropriate to their respective stations, or assigned to them by the Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery, conforming as nearly as may be to those of the corresponding Officers of the Grand Encampment. WHEN A PAST GRAND COMMANDER ASSUMES THE DUTIES OF THE GRAND COMMANDER SECTION 20. In the event of absence, death or disability of the Grand Commander, Deputy Grand Commander, Grand Generalissimo and Grand Captain-General, the ranking Past Grand Commander according to seniority of service if not incapacitated, and if incapacitated the next ranking Past Grand Commander, shall assume the office and discharge the duties of the Grand Commander. TITLES SECTION 21. The honorary title of the Grand Commander is Right Eminent, and his official title is Grand Commander. The honorary title of the Deputy Grand Commander is Very Eminent and his official title is Deputy Grand Commander. The honorary title of the remaining Officers of the Grand Commandery is Eminent. The honorary title shall be used when an Officer is addressed and shall immediately precede the official title thus: Right Eminent Grand Commander, Very Eminent Deputy Grand Commander, and Eminent Grand Senior Warden. When referring to an Officer, the honorary title shall immediately follow the name, thus: Sir Knight John Doe, Right Eminent Grand Commander; Sir Knight James Brown, Very Eminent Deputy Grand Commander; Sir Knight Peter Roe, Eminent Grand Senior Warden. The official title shall be used by an Officer only when necessary to designate his rank or official station, thus: I am Sir Knight John Jones, Grand Commander. PRECEDENCE OF RANK SECTION 22. The precedence of rank shall be as follows: The Grand Commander, The Deputy Grand Commander, The Grand Generalissimo, The Grand Captain-General, The Past Grand Commanders (according to seniority of Service), The Grand Senior Warden, The Grand Junior Warden, The Grand Prelate, The Grand Treasurer, The Grand Recorder, ~ 11 ~

12 The Grand Standard Bearer, The Grand Sword Bearer, The Grand Warder, The Grand Captain of the Guard REPRENSENTATION BY PROXY SECTION 23. The Commander, the Generalissimo, and the Captain-General of each Commandery under the immediate jurisdiction of the Grand Commandery, may be represented and vote by proxy: Provided, That such proxy is a member of the same Commandery: that such proxy does not, by virtue of his delegated authority, become a member of the Grand Commandery; and, that such proxy produce a properly authenticated certificate of his appointment. The first three Officers of each Commandery under the immediate jurisdiction of the Grand Commandery, or as many of them as may be present in person, or by proxy, shall be entitled to one vote each in all the proceedings of the Grand Commandery. COMPENSATION OF REPRESENTATIVES AND GRAND OFFICERS SECTION 24. One representative from each Constituent Commandery shall be entitled to receive the compensation recommended by the Finance Committee and approved by the Grand Commandery for attending the Annual Conclave of the Grand Commandery, which sum shall be paid to the highest officer present (and not to the proxy of a higher officer), provided such compensation shall not exceed the amount paid as dues to the Grand Commandery by the Constituent Commandery from which the representative comes. The Grand Officers and Past Grand Commanders, who attend the Conclave of the Grand Commandery, shall receive the same compensation as the Representatives. COMMITTEES SECTION 25. At each Annual Conclave the incoming Grand Commander shall appoint the following standing committees, to consist of a least three members each, and to serve until their successors are appointed at the next Annual Conclave, viz. : A Committee on Jurisprudence, A Committee on Doings of Grand Officers, A Committee on Appeals and Grievances, A Committee on Credentials and Returns, A Committee on Necrology, A Committee on Finance, A Committee on Audit, A Committee on Membership ~ 12 ~

13 The Grand Commander shall, at least two weeks before the Annual Conclave, refer to the Committees on Jurisprudence, Doings of Grand Officers, Appeals and Grievances, Finance and Necrology, a copy of his address, or such portions thereof as he may deem proper, for their consideration and report. ELECTION OF OFFICERS SECTION 26. Election of Grand Officers must be by ballot and at such time during the Annual Conclave as the Grand Commandery may direct. INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS SECTION 27. The Officers of the Grand Commandery may be installed by either of the first four Officers of the Grand Encampment, by a Past Grand Master, by the Grand Commander, or by a Past Grand Commander. If none such be present, then by the ranking Past Commander, by service, who may be present. EXTINCT COMMANDERY SECTION 28. A member of an extinct Commandery is not liable for dues after the Commandery becomes extinct. The Grand Commander has the right to collect from members of an extinct Commandery all dues chargeable against them at the time it became extinct, and to discipline those who refuse or neglect to pay the same. When a Commandery has ceased to exist, its members may join another Commandery, upon petition, and certificate from the Grand Recorder of the Grand Commandery, that his standing therein was good when said Commandery ceased to exist. The funds and property of an extinct Commandery shall become the property of the Grand Commandery, which may make such deposition thereof as it deems proper. When a Commandery under Dispensation ceases to exist, it cannot be revived and the affiliated petitioners, as well as those Knighted therein, are entitled to a certificate from the Grand Recorder showing that they are nonaffiliated Knights Templar, which shall have the effect of a demit. Whenever a Knight Templar, who had been erased by a Commandery which is now extinct, shall desire to become a member of another Commandery, the Grand Recorder, upon receipt of a sum of money equivalent to two years annual dues, shall issue a certificate to such Knight Templar, which shall entitle him to apply for Membership in any Commandery. DISCIPINARY RULES SECTION 29. In the conduct of all trials and all proceedings incident thereto, the Disciplinary Rules adopted by the Grand Encampment shall be observed. ~ 13 ~

14 QUALIFICATIONS OF PETITIONERS SECTION 30. A Petitioner is eligible to receive the Orders of Knighthood: (A) Who is a Master Mason, A Royal Arch Mason, and A Royal and Select Master, affiliated in a Lodge, a Chapter and a Council; or who is an affiliated Master Mason; and who has affiliated with, or has petitioned a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons for the Capitular Degrees; and who has affiliated with, or has petitioned a Council of Royal and Select Masters for the Cryptic Degrees, provided however, that none of the Orders of Knighthood shall be conferred upon the said petitioner until he shall have received both the Royal Arch Degree and the Select Masters Degree; and (B) (C) Who is a firm believer in the Christian Religion; and Who is physically able to conform to the ceremonies of the Order; and (D) Who, immediately prior to the date of his petition, has resided for at least one year within the Jurisdiction of the Grand Commandery within which is located the Constituent Commandery petitioned, and for at least six months within the Jurisdiction of such Commandery; or who is a sojourner at whom the Commandery having jurisdiction has waived such jurisdiction; or who is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States and has resided within the jurisdiction of the Commandery petitioned for at least six months immediately prior to the date of his petition. SECTON 31. PETITION (A) Every Petition for the Orders of Knighthood shall declare the Lodge in which petitioner received the degrees, the Lodge in which he is affiliated: the Chapter in which he received or is to receive the Capitular degrees, the Chapter of which he is or will be a member; The Council in which he received or is to receive the Cryptic degrees, the Council of which he is or will be a member. It shall also give petitioner s full name, date of birth, residence, and occupation, and shall state whether or not he has been rejected by any Commandery, and such facts as shall show his qualifications under Section 30 of this Constitution. The petitioner shall also declare his firm belief in the Christian Religion, and that he has read and personally signed the petition. At least two members of the Commandery petitioned shall sign the petition, as Vouching for the good character and Masonic standing of the petitioner, and recommending favorable action thereon. (B) Petitions for the Orders or for membership shall be acted upon at a Stated Conclave or by Special Dispensation from the Grand Commander. (C) No Petition maybe balloted on in less than two weeks from presentation to the Commandery. Provided, the Grand Commander may by dispensation authorize the presentation of and ballot upon such petition, at the same Conclave. ~ 14 ~

15 (D) A Petition whether for Orders or Membership shall be referred to a Committee of Three members of the Commandery, who shall report in writing as to whether the prayers of the Petitioner should be granted. No ballot thereon shall be had until a report has been made. Only the fact of the report being made, and not its character, shall be entered on the Minutes of the Commandery. WITHDRAWAL OF PETITION SECTION 32. A petition may be withdrawn by the petitioner at any time before ballot. BALLOT SECTION 33. (A) An unfavorable report from the committee does not dispense with the necessity of a ballot. (B) Every member present when a ballot on a petition is taken is required to vote unless excused by the Commander or the Commandery before the balloting has commenced. (C) The ballot upon a Petition for the Orders or for membership must be secret and unanimous. The reason for casting a blackball cannot be disclosed or inquired into. (D) A Commander may order one re-ballot before the result of a ballot has been announced and before any member of the Commandery has left the Asylum. (E) Membership in a Constituent Commandery cannot be terminated except by a ballot. This subdivision shall not be so construed as to require ballot on the granting of a Demit. (F) A member suspended for non-payment of dues to the Commandery may be restored to membership on written application and a majority vote at a Stated Conclave upon payment of such arrears as the Commandery may require. NON-AFFILIATED IN LODGE, CHAPTER OR COUNCIL SECTION 34. (A) Voluntary non-affiliation in a Lodge, Chapter or Council for six months shall deprive a Knight Templar of his membership in the Commandery after due notice and hearing. (B) When a Knight Templar has been suspended or expelled from his Lodge, Chapter or Council for any reason, he shall after due notice and hearing, with respect to the fact of such suspension or expulsion only, be suspended or expelled, as the case may be, from his Commandery. (C) When a Knight Templar has been suspended, or expelled from his Commandery solely because of his suspension, or expulsion from his Lodge, Chapter or Council, restoration in such Lodge, Chapter or Council shall entitle him to restoration in his Commandery on written application thereof and a majority ~ 15 ~

16 vote at a Stated Conclave. When he has been suspended from his Commandery solely because of non-payment of dues to the Commandery, he may be restored to membership on written application therefore and a majority vote at a Stated Conclave and payment of such part of his dues in arrears as the Commandery may require. CONTINUOUS AFFILIATION SECTION 35. If a member wishes to change his membership and be continuously affiliated, he may file his petition with the Commandery in which he desires membership and with it a certificate of good standing from the Recorder of his Commandery under the seal thereof showing that his dues have been paid three months in advance, and shall file a written application to his Commandery for Demit. If he is elected to membership in the Commandery petitioned, the Recorder thereof shall immediately forward said application for a Demit to the Commandery to which it is addressed, and when the Demit is received, it shall be filed with the petition, and the Sir Knight s name shall be entered as a member of the Commandery petitioned as of even date with the Demit. If the petitioner is rejected the certificate of good standing and application shall be returned to him. DEMIT SECTION 36. A member, upon written request, presented in open Commandery, is entitled to a Demit without a vote of the Commandery; provided he is not indebted to the Commandery and no charges are pending against him. DUES SECTION 37. Each Constituent Commandery may fix the amount of Annual Dues, Ministers of God may be exempt should the Commandery elect so to do. NON-PAYMENT OF DUES SECTION 38. (A) No member shall be suspended for non-payment of dues until after due notice has been given to such member to appear at the time it is proposed to act upon the matter and an opportunity given him to be heard. (B) When a member of a Commandery is summoned to show cause why he should be suspended for non-payment of dues and fails to appear, the Commander cannot declare him suspended until the Commandery has so voted. FEES FOR DEGREES OF THE ORDERS SECTION 39. Each Constituent Commandery may fix the fee for Degrees of the Order, but in no case shall the sum paid for fees be less than Seventy-five Dollars ($75.00). (Ministers of God cannot be exempted.) ~ 16 ~

17 LIFE MEMBERS SECTION 40. (A) A Commandery may provide that members, who are and shall, remain affiliated in the Lodge, Chapter and Council, upon payment of a fixed sum of money, not less than ten times the Annual Dues, may become Life Members and thereafter exempt from the payment of Annual Dues. (B) A member of the Knights Templar Eye Foundation and using the Factors listed below, become Life Members, and thereafter be exempt from the payment of Annual Dues. AGE FACTOR AGE FACTOR AGE FACTOR AGE FACTOR X X X X X X X 65+ 7X X X Multiply the factor by the dues. Should the dollar amount not be a multiple of $25.00, round up to the next multiple. HONORARY MEMBERSHIP SECTION 41. A Commandery by unanimous ballot, after due reference to a committee and ballot had a subsequent Stated Conclave, may elect as an Honorary Member a member of another Commandery but such election does not confer the right to vote, nor does it create any liability for dues. ANNUAL RETURN FOR COMMANDERIES SECTION 42. (A) Each Constituent Commandery shall make an Annual Return to the Grand Commandery, through the Grand Recorder, and shall pay with such return the sum of ($10.00) Ten Dollars for each Knight Templar created in such Commandery and the sum of Seventeen Dollars ($17.00) plus any increases in per capita by the Grand Encampment for each member on its roll on the 31 st day of December, except Ministers of God, if exempt by the Commandery. (Amended 3/14/2011) (B) That, in addition to the above fees, there shall be levied upon each Commandery an Annual Per Capita Tax of $1.00, payable along with the above fees which tax shall be turned over to the Grand Encampment for the use of the: Knight Templar Eye Foundation. (C) The Grand Recorder shall add and collect as part of the fees and dues of Constituent Commanderies ten per centum of the gross amount upon all such returns as are not forwarded to the Grand Recorder s office on or before the first day of February following the close of the calendar year. Returns forwarded must be correct and accompanied by payment in full. ~ 17 ~

18 THE ORDER OF KNIGHTS TEMPLAR IS A UNIFORM ORDER SECTION 43. (A) The Order of Knights Templar is declared to be a UNIFORM ORDER; the uniform to be as prescribed as Grand Commandery or by the Grand Encampment should the Grand Commandery fail to prescribe such uniform. The Knights Templar Uniform is required only in the performance of duties outlined in Sections (B) and (C) below. (B) Each and every Officer of a Commandery in South Carolina shall be required to be in possession of a Dress Uniform prior to his installation. (C) Each Commandery in this Jurisdiction shall maintain a Unit or Units equipped with full Templar Uniforms as prescribed by this Grand Commandery, to be worn at full form openings and in the conferring of the Order of the Temple. In conferring the Order of the Temple the Officers, other than the Prelate, shall wear the Chapeau. ASYLUM SECTION 44. Each Commandery shall be provided with a suitable Asylum properly furnished and may, with the approval of the Grand Commander, remove its asylum from one building to another in the same municipality by a vote of a majority of its members present at a Stated Conclave, after due notice of the proposed change. GRAND STANDARD, BEAUCEANT AND FLAG SECTION 45. The Grand Standard and Beauceant shall be such as are prescribed by the Grand Encampment; All Commanderies shall display a silk regulation flag of the United States of America in their respective asylums to be placed on the dais at the extreme right. RITUAL SECTION 46. The Ritual as promulgated by the Grand Encampment cannot be altered or abridged except by action of the Grand Encampment. HEALING SECTION 47. The Grand Commandery in whose Jurisdiction an irregularly created Knight Templar resides has the power to heal him, and may authorize a Commandery or a Commander to do so. One Knighted in a clandestine manner or in a spurious Commandery cannot be healed. ~ 18 ~

19 FUNERAL SERVICE SECTION 48. Only a Knight Templar in good standing is entitled to Templar Funeral Honors, but a Commandery may grant them to or withhold them from, an unaffiliated Knight Templar. The funeral service adopted by the Grand Encampment shall be followed. BY-LAWS SECTION 49. The Grand Commandery may enact a uniform code of By-Laws for the government of its Constituent Commanderies, but all By-Laws of such Constituent Commanderies must be approved by the Grand Commandery; provided, however, that the Grand Commandery may approve By-Laws or amendments thereof adopted during the recess of the Grand Commandery, which action shall be subject to review at the next Annual Conclave of the Grand Commandery. SPECIAL PROVISION SECTION 50. On all questions on which this Constitution is silent, reference shall be had to the Constitution and Statutes of the Grand Encampment, or the Ahiman Rezon. ADMENDMENTS SECTION 51. This constitution may be revised, amended or altered by a twothirds vote of the members present, provided said changes have been reported upon by the Jurisprudence Committee and are not in conflict with the Constitution of Statutes of the Grand Encampment. ~ 19 ~

20 The STATUES of The GRAND COMMANDERY, KNIGHTS TEMPLAR OF SOUTH CAROLINA ADJOURNMENT SECTION 52. Grand Commandery does not "close it adjourns. Constituent Commanderies do not adjourn, they close. They do not call off but they may close to meet on a date certain, to finish business that is pending. BY-LAWS SECTION 53. The Grand Commandery may provide a uniform code of By- Laws, not in conflict with the Laws of the Grand Encampment, for the government of such Commanderies as may adopt or use it. SECTION 54. By-Laws of a Commandery must be approved by the Grand Commandery; provided, however, That the Grand Commander may approve By-Laws or Amendments thereto adopted during recess, subject to review at the next annual Conclave of Grand Commandery. SECTION When the By-Laws of a Commandery prescribe the mode by which amendments may be made, such provision must be observed. BURIAL SECTION 56. Only a Knight Templar in good standing is entitled to Templar funeral honors, but a Commandery may grant them to, or withhold them from, an unaffiliated Knight Templar. The Grand Encampment funeral service shall be followed. BALLOT SECTION 57. Every member present at the taking of a ballot upon a petition is required to vote, unless excused by the commander before balloting has commenced. SECTION 58. The ballot upon a petition for the Orders or for affiliation must be unanimous, and its secrecy must be strictly guarded, the reason for casting a black ball cannot be disclosed or inquired into. SECTION 59. A Commander may, in the exercise of his judgment and discretion, order a second ballot, before the result of the ballot has been announced and before any member of the Commandery has left the Asylum. SECTION 60. No ballot can be had upon the petition until it has been referred for investigation, nor until the report of the committee has been made thereon. SECTION 61. An unfavorable report from the investigation committee does not dispense with the necessity of a ballot. ~ 20 ~

21 COURTESY SECTION 62. A Commandery may confer the Orders upon a candidate elected to receive them by another Commandery, at the request of such Commandery. FEE SECTION 62a. Each Commandery may fix for itself the fee for the Orders, but in no case shall it be less than Seventy-five ($75.00) Dollars, which shall be paid in full before the Order of the Red Cross is conferred. HEALING SECTION 63. Healing consists in administering the vows of Knighthood to a Knight Templar, and correcting what was done amiss in his creation. SECTION 64. The Grand Commandery or the Grand Commander has the power to heal, in proper cases, Knights Templar who were irregularly created, or may delegate this power to a Commandery or to a Commander. SECTION 65. One who has been Knighted in a clandestine way, or in a spurious Commandery, cannot be healed. JURISDICTION SECTION 66. A petitioner for the Orders of Knighthood must apply to the Commandery within whose territorial Jurisdiction he resides; he can apply elsewhere only by the written permission of the Commandery having jurisdiction. OBJECTIONS SECTION 67. A member in good standing of the Commandery, whether present when the ballot was taken or not, may object to the conferring of the Order of the Red Cross upon an elected candidate, and cannot be required to disclose his reason therefore. When such objection is made, either in open Commandery or privately to the Commander, the Order shall not be conferred. The fact of the objection and not the name of the objector shall be entered on the minutes, and have the same force and effect as a rejection. SECTION 68. An objection after ballot may be withdrawn by the objector before it has been entered upon the minutes. SECTION 69. Any Companion of the Order of the Red Cross, or Knight of Malta, is entitled to receive the remaining Orders, unless found unworthy after trial on charges duly preferred. And no member of a Commandery, whether present when ballot was taken or not, shall prevent or delay the conferring of the remaining Orders by mere objection. ~ 21 ~

22 SECTION 70. Any Sir Knight, to prevent or delay the conferring of the remaining Orders on an elected Candidate, who has been duly constituted a Companion of the Red Cross or made a Knight Malta, shall be required to prefer written charges against him, and file them with the Recorder. The accused is entitled to be furnished with a copy of such charges, and to be heard in person and by counsel, provided, that such council shall be a Knight Templar in good standing. SECTION 71. When charges are presented, the remaining Orders cannot be conferred, unless the charges are withdrawn, or the candidate acquitted. When charges are filed, that fact shall be entered on the minutes, but not the name of the objector, nor the nature of the charges. In case no objection is made, nor any charges presented, the Commander may, in his discretion, delay the conferring of either of the Orders for one Conclave only. SECTION 72. Objections or charges against a candidate who has received one or more of the Orders may be heard from a visiting Knight Templar, but shall not be considered by the Commandery except upon a majority vote to that effect, or where, in consequence thereof, objection shall be made, or charges filed in writing by a member of the Commandery, in the manner herein provided. SECTION 73. Charges against a candidate may be withdrawn by the accuser, with the consent of the Commandery, before the commencement of a hearing thereon. PETITIONS SECTION 74. The report on a petition must be in writing, and the fact of such report, but not its character (whether favorable or otherwise) shall be entered in the minutes. SECTION 75. Every petition for the Orders of Knighthood shall declare in what Lodge, Chapter and Council the petitioner received the prerequisite degrees, and also name the Lodge, Chapter and Council in which he is then affiliated. It shall also give his full name, date of birth, place of residence, and occupation, and shall state in detail whether he has or has not been previously rejected by any Commandery of Knights Templar. The petitioner shall declare in writing his firm belief in the Christian Religion, and that he has fully read the petition, and that he signs it in his own hand. SECTION 76. No petition can be received which is signed by more than one petitioner. SECTION 77. Every petition must be signed by two members of the Commandery to which it is addressed, who shall vouch for the good character and Masonic standing of the applicant, and shall recommend his admission. SECTION 78. Unless an elected candidate shall present himself within twelve months, after receiving notice of his election, his election to receive the Orders becomes void. SECTION 79. A petition may be withdrawn by the petitioner at any time before the ballot. ~ 22 ~

23 QUALIFICATIONS SECTION 80. A Knight Templar dubbed in a foreign Jurisdiction must have received all of the three symbolic degrees, and must have had all of the Capitular Degrees conferred or communicated, as provided by the General Grand Chapter; and must have had all the Cryptic Degrees conferred or communicated, provided by the General Grand Council, and must have received the Orders of the Red Cross and of the Knight of Malta, before he can be admitted into the Asylum. SECTION 81. A petitioner must be physically able to conform to the requirements of the Ceremonies of the Order. REJECTIONS SECTION 82. The petition of one who has been rejected cannot be renewed until the expiration of at least six months after the date of such rejection, if still residing in the territorial Jurisdiction of the petitioned Commandery. If petitioner applies to another Commandery, such petition cannot be acted on at any time within three years after rejection; without the unanimous ballot and consent of the rejecting Commandery. REGULATIONS FOR COMMANDERIES SECTION 83. APPEARANCE IN PUBLIC Except for a funeral occasion, or to attend a religious service, Commanderies shall not make public appearances without the authority of a special dispensation. SECTION 84. The determination of the question as to what is a proper occasion for a Commandery to appear in public is for the Grand Commander. SECTION 85. When a Commandery appears in public, it should be in correct Templar Uniform. If some of the Sir Knights wish to attend, and find it inconvenient to wear the uniform, they should be appropriately clothed in citizens dress, and should be formed in a separate group. SECTION 86. ASYLUM A Commandery may remove its Asylum from one building to another in the same place, by majority vote of its membership at a Stated Conclave, after due notice of the proposed change, unless it s By-Laws may contain some other provision. SECTION 87. CHARTER The Dispensation or Charter of a Commandery should always be present at the opening and throughout the Conclave of a Commandery. SECTION 88. The Commander is the legal custodian of the Charter of his Commandery, and of the official bonds of the Treasurer and the Recorder. SECTION 89. A Commandery cannot be constituted without a Charter. SECTION 90. No Commandery shall surrender its Charter so long as there are nine of its members who are willing and able to work under its Charter. SECTION 91. When the Charter of a Commandery shall have been surrendered, arrested or revoked, the members thereof in good standing shall, upon payment of their dues to the Grand Commandery, be entitled to receive from the Grand Recorder a certificate of good standing which shall have the force and effect of a demit. ~ 23 ~

24 SECTION 92. A Charter surrendered or arrested cannot be used to form a new Commandery, but may be restored to not less than nine of the former members in good standing in Lodge, Chapter, and Council, who are unaffiliated in any Commandery, by the Grand Commandery. In such case it is not necessary or proper to constitute the Commandery again. SECTION 93. Forfeiture or surrender of a Commandery s Charter does not of itself affect the good standing of its individual members. SECTION 94. Should the Charter of a Commandery be mutilated or destroyed, the Grand Commander, upon receipt of satisfactory proofs, shall cause a duly authenticated copy thereof to be issued, under the seal of the Grand Body, and correctly certified by the Grand Recorder. SECTION 95. COMMITTEES - A Commandery may provide for such committees to be appointed as may be needed for the transaction of its business, or for the good of the Order, and may prescribe their duties. SECTION 96. CONCLAVES A Commandery can hold its Conclaves only in the place designated in its Dispensation or Charter. SECTION 97. A Commandery s Stated Conclaves must be held at the time fixed by its By-Laws. SECTION 98. DEMIT - A Knight Templar who is applying to his Commandery for a demit, by written request, presented in open Commandery, is entitled to have the same granted to him without the necessity for a vote, Provided, that all indebtedness to the Commandery shall have been paid, and no charges are pending against him. This Order for demit, announced in open Commandery, severs his membership therein, whether demit shall be issued or not. SECTION 99. DUES A Commandery may enact a By-Law fixing Annual Dues, and providing that members in arrears for one year shall be ineligible to office, and not entitled to vote. In no other way may a member be disfranchised without due notice and trial. SECTION 100. Erasure for non-payment of dues can be inflicted by a Commandery only after due notice to the delinquent to appear at a given time, at which time opportunity will be given him to be heard in his own defense. SECTION 101. When members are summoned to show cause why they should not be erased from the roll for non-payment of dues, and do not appear, they cannot be declared erased until Commandery has so voted. SECTION 102. The Grand Commandery mat by statue fix the time for the payment of the annual dues, prescribe the penalty for non-payment, and fix the terms of restoration, but a Knight Templar shall not be deprived of his right to membership without due notice, and an opportunity to be heard in his own defense. SECTION 103. ENTERING ANOTHER JUSRISDICTION When a Commandery enters the jurisdiction of a Grand Commandery other than its own, it is under the immediate authority of its own Grand Commander. ~ 24 ~

25 SECTION 104. FAILURE TO MEET A Commandery failing to meet for twelve consecutive months forfeits all of its rights as a Commandery, and its Charter may be arrested. SECTION 105. HONORARY MEMBERSHIP A Commandery by unanimous ballot, after due reference to a committee and a ballot had at subsequent Stated Conclave, may elect as an Honorary Member a Knight Templar of another Commandery, but such election does not confer the right to vote or create a liability for dues. SECTION 106. INSTALLATION The Officers of a Commandery may be installed by any permanent member of the Grand Encampment, by either of the first four Officers of the Grand Commandery, by the Commander, or by a Past Commander of Any Commandery. The ceremony used shall be that prescribed by the Grand Encampment. SECTION 107 REQUISITES FOR INSTALLATION - Before the Installing Officer shall administer the vows of office in a Commandery, he shall see that the Constitution and Laws of the Grand Encampment, the Constitution and Statutes of the Grand Commandery, and Rituals of the Order are in possession of the incoming Commander, or properly accounted for. SECTION 108. PUBLIC INSTALLATION A Commandery may hold a public installation in its own Asylum, but not elsewhere without a dispensation from the Grand Commander. SECTION 109. TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION Except as otherwise provided by statute or by special edict, defining the territorial limits of Commanderies, the Jurisdiction of each Commandery, whether chartered or under dispensation, shall extend in all directions half-way in an air line to the next nearest Commandery, Provided, That such territorial jurisdiction shall not extend beyond the limits of the State, unless and until the Grand Commandery by special treaty with adjacent Grand Commanderies shall have provided otherwise. SECTION 110. SAME - It is not lawful for a Commandery to confer the Orders upon anyone residing within the territory of another Commandery until it has obtained the permission of such Commandery. SECTION 111. SOJOURNER - When a Petition for the Orders has been received from a Sojourner who has not attained the residence required within the jurisdiction of the Commandery to which he applies, such Commandery shall notify the Commandery in interest and may seek its consent that jurisdiction be exercised over the person of the petitioner. And it shall be competent in such case for a Commandery to waive jurisdiction in favor of the Commandery to which the petition has been addressed. ~ 25 ~

26 SECTION 112. LIFE MEMBERSHIP A Commandery may adopt a By-Law providing that members who are and remain in affiliation with Lodge, Chapter and Council, may become life members, and thereafter exempt from payment of annual dues, upon the payment of a fixed sum of money in cash, Provided, That such fixed sum shall not be less than ten times the amount of the annual dues. Such Life Membership does not in any way exempt the Commandery from the payment of annual dues for such member to the Grand Commandery, also see SECTION 40. SECTION 113. MEMBERSHIP A Knight Templar may be admitted to membership in any Commandery regardless of his residence within this jurisdiction. He may become a member of other Commanderies in this Grand Jurisdiction by making application for plural membership, but cannot hold an office in more than one Commandery. A petition for such membership must be accompanied by a Dispensation from the Grand Commander and a Certificate of Good Standing issued by a Commandery of which the petitioner is a member. A Knight Templar belonging to a Commandery in this Grand Jurisdiction may affiliate with a Commandery in another Grand Jurisdiction as a plural member, if the Laws of that Grand Jurisdiction so provide. A Knight Templar belonging to a Commandery in another Grand Jurisdiction may affiliate with Commanderies in this Grand Jurisdiction as a plural member, if the Laws of that Grand Jurisdiction so provide. Provided, That said Knight Templar wishing to affiliate with Commanderies in this Grand Jurisdiction conform to the Constitution and Statutes of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of South Carolina and, when a current member from another Grand Jurisdiction, conform to the qualifications as stated in SECTION 80 (Qualifications). Adopted 2007 SECTION 114. DEPENDENT MEMBERSHIP Affiliation in a Lodge, a Chapter and a Council is necessary to qualify a petitioner for membership. Voluntary non- affiliation in a Lodge, Chapter or Council shall deprive a Knight Templar of his membership in the Commandery. SECTION 115. A Knight Templar has the right to apply to any Commandery for affiliation, regardless of his place of residence. SECTION 116. Until an applicant has been dubbed a Knight Templar, he does not possess the qualification for membership, and is not subject to dues. But he is amendable to the Commandery for his conduct, either as a Companion of the Red Cross or as a Knight of Malta. SECTION 117. A member of a Commandery has the right to know all the transactions at the Conclave of his Commandery. SECTION 118. Those to whom a Charter is issued, and those who receive the Orders of Knighthood in the Commandery so chartered, are ipso facto members of such Commandery, whether chartered or under dispensation. This does not include those upon whom the Orders have been conferred as a courtesy to another Commandery. SECTION 119. MINUTES At the close of every Conclave the minutes should be read, corrected and approved; they should be entered on the record before the next Stated Conclave, at which time the record should be read. ~ 26 ~

27 SECTION 120. PRESIDING In the absence of the Commander, the Generalissimo shall preside; in the absence of both, the Captain-General shall assume the chair. If all three of the warrant officers are absent, the ranking Past Commander present shall preside. SECTION 121. SUCCESSION TO OFFICE In case of the temporary absence, disability, removal, or mental, or physical incapacity of the Commander, the Generalissimo shall act as Commander. In case of like disability of both Commander and Generalissimo, the Captain-General shall act. In case of the death, permanent removal from the Jurisdiction precluding the performance of the duties of his offices, or permanent mental or physical disability of the Commander, the Generalissimo shall succeed to the office and be installed. In case of like disability of the Generalissimo, or of his advancement as above provided, the Captain-General shall succeed to the office and be installed. In case of like disability of the Captain-General, or of his advancement as above provided, the Grand Commander may by dispensation authorize the filling of such vacancy, and any other which may result there from, pending which the ranking Past Commander able to serve shall act as Commander. The Grand Commander, for reasons which he deems sufficient, may vary this procedure, and may by dispensation authorize the filling of any vacancy in a Commandery. SECTION 122. No Officer of a Commandery can resign after installation, or demit during his term in office. SECTION 123. The Commandery s presiding Officer has a right to affix the seal to any certificate or document which he can legally issue in the name of the Commandery. SECTION 124. SUMMONS A summons may be issued by the Commander, and attested by the Recorder. SECTION 125. SERVICE OF SUMMON A summon must be served either by personal delivery to the person addressed, by a Knight Templar, or by being left at the residence or at the usua1place of business and deliver there to any person found there, of age of discretion; or by being deposited in the post office, first class mail, directed to the addressee at his usual address, or at his last known address. SEAL IMPRESSED - A summon should be authenticated by the impression of the Commandery s Seal; a notice does not require the seal. VISITORS SECTION 126. In so far as he is not properly vouched for, a visitor must be examined in all necessary preceding degrees, as well as in the Orders of Knighthood. SECTION 127. No visitor can be admitted to the Asylum if one of the members of the Commandery objects, unless such visitor comes in official capacity. The objection may be made openly, or privately to the Commander, in neither case is the objector required to disclose his reason for objecting. ~ 27 ~

28 CORRESPONDENCE SECTION 128. Correspondence between Commanderies located in the Jurisdiction of different Grand Commanderies shall be conducted through the Grand Commanders in interest. SECTION 129. Correspondence between a Constituent Commandery and a Commandery subordinate to Grand Encampment shall be conducted through the Grand Commander and the Grand Master of Knight Templar. SECTION 130. Complaints and correspondence must be addressed, in the first instance, to the Commander, and through him to the Grand Commander, and through him to the Grand Master, if the last named has any jurisdiction in the matter involved. Past Grand Commanders and Grand Officers may communicate directly with the Grand Commander. In case of refusal or neglect to forward communications, as herein provided, the complainant (or correspondent) may communicate directly with the Superior Officer. DECISIONS SECTION 131. The Decisions of the Grand Commander are binding until reversed by the Grand Commandery; the most recent decision on any given point in Templar Law is the controlling precedent. DISCIPLINE SECTION 132. The disciplinary rules following these statutes shall be observed in the conduct of trials, and in all incidents connected therewith. ELECTIONS SECTION 133. Election of Grand Officers must be as follows: (A) Must be by ballot, (B) No nominations shall be made of such elective Grand Officers except by unanimous consent, and (C) Nominations, except for Grand Prelate, shall be of current members who are serving or who have served as an Eminent Commander of a Commandery of Knights Templar of South Carolina. Amended 2008 SECTION 134. Where only one name is in nomination for a given office, the presiding Officer may direct any member of the Grand Commandery to cast the unanimous ballot for such nominee. SECTION 135. A majority of all ballots cast is necessary for election; blank ballots are not votes, and are not to be counted. SECTION 136. Any member in good standing is eligible for election or appointment to any office in a Commandery, except where, as set forth in Section 121, there is a right of succession. EXTINCT COMMANDERY SECTION 137. A Knight Templar is not liable for dues after his Commandery becomes extinct. The Grand Commander has the right to collect unpaid dues from the members of an extinct Commandery up to the date when it becomes extinct, and to discipline those who may fail; or refuse to pay. ~ 28 ~

29 SECTION 138. When a Commandery has ceased to exist, it members may join another Commandery, upon petition, accompanied by a certificate from the Grand Recorder, evidencing his good standing at the time his Commandery ceased to be. SECTION 139. The funds and property of an extinct Commandery become the Property of the Grand Commandery, which may dispose of same in such way as it deems proper. SECTION 140. When a Commandery under dispensation ceases to exist, it cannot be revived, and the unaffiliated petitioners, as well as those Knights Therein, are entitled to a Grand Recorder s certificate showing that they are unaffiliated Knights Templar, which certificate, accompanying petition for affiliation, shall have the force and effort of a demit. THE GRAND COMMANDERY SECTION 141. COMMITTEES - At or before each Annual Conclave the Grand Commander shall appoint the following committees, to consist of three or more members each, who shall serve until their successor be appointed, at or prior to the next Annual Conclave, namely; A Committee on Templar Jurisprudence, A Committee on the Doings of Grand Officers, A Committee on Credentials and Returns, A Committee on Appeals and Grievances, A Committee on Necrology, A Committee on Finance, A Committee on Audit, A Committee on Membership At least two weeks before the Annual Conclave the Grand Commander shall send to each of these committees copies of his annual address or such portions of it as may be referred to them, for consideration and report. The Grand Commander has authority to call into session any of these committees on the day or any day prior to the Annual Conclave, as he may deem for the best interest of the Grand Body. SECTION 142. INSTALLATION - Grand Commandery Officers may be installed by any of the first four officers of Grand Encampment, by a Past Grand Master, or by a Past Grand Commander. If no one of these is present and available, then such installation shall be done by the ranking Past Commander, by service, who may be present. SECTION 143. MEMBERSHIP- The membership of this Grand Commandery consists of the following; (A) All of its Past Grand Commanders, Past Deputy Grand Commanders, Past Grand Generalissimos, and Past Grand Captains-General, so long as they remain members of one of the Constituent Commanderies. (B) The Commander, Generalissimo, and Captain-General of each of its Constituent Commanderies. ~ 29 ~

30 (C) Each Past Commander of the Constituent Commanderies, and all such Past Commanders as may have affiliated with one of our Constituent Commanderies, and may have been elected to membership by the Grand Body only so long as they remain active members of a Constituent Commandery within the Jurisdiction. (D) All Knights Templar of other Grand Commanderies, and who may have been elected to honorary membership in this Grand Body. But such honorary membership shall not confer the right to vote, or hold office. SECTION 144. AFFILIATION REQUISTE - Any member of Grand Commandery forfeits the rights and privileges of membership, so long as he is unaffiliated in a Commandery. SECTION 145. REMOVAL TO ANOTHER STATE - A member of Grand Commandery does not forfeit his rights as a member by moving out of the Jurisdiction, so long as he continues to retain his active membership in one of our Commanderies. SECTION 146. REPRESENTATVES - This Grand Commandery does not exchange Representatives with Templar Organizations outside the Jurisdiction of the Grand Encampment of the United States: such foreign relations are for Grand Encampment only. NEW COMMANDERIES SECTION 147. BEGINNING WORK - A Commandery under Dispensation requires no formal procedure in order to commence work. The members assemble, and proceed as if regularly constituted. SECTION 148. UNDER DISPENSATION - A Commandery under Dispensation cannot be constituted until a Charter is granted by the Grand Body. It cannot enact a code of By-Laws, but may by simple resolution prescribe rules that are needful for its operation. It is under the direct authority and supervision of the Grand Commander, and is not yet a Constituent Commandery, but are not members thereof, and have no voice therein. SECTION 149. OFFICERS OF A NEW COMMANDERY - Officers are not to be named in the Charter, but when a Commandery is to be constituted, it shall elect its own Officers, and present them for installation at the time of Constitution. SECTION 150. CONSTITUTION - A Commandery can be constituted only by the Grand Commander, or by his duly appointed representative, after the Charter has been granted, and when at least nine of its members are present. SECTION 151. BY-LAWS - When a Commandery has been chartered and constituted, it shall enact a code of By-Laws for its government and for the transaction of its affairs, subject, however, to the Laws of Grand Encampment and of Grand Commandery. ~ 30 ~

31 SECTION 152. EFFECT OF CONSTITUTION - A Commandery under Dispensation remains such until it is constituted. Its Warrant Officers do not become representative members of the Grand Commandery after the Charter is awarded, but only after constitution. When a Commandery is constituted by a representative of the Grand Commander, such representative shall make prompt and full report to the Grand Commander. SECTION 153. MEMBERSHIP - When and after Dispensation has been issued to form a new Commandery, the membership of those who petitioned therefore remains in abeyance to the Commanderies of which they had been members. They become active members of the Commandery under Dispensation. When its charter is granted, they continue to be members thereof, and ipso facto, cease to be members of their former Commanderies. SECTION 154. POWERS OF COMMANDERY U. D. - Except as otherwise provided, Commanderies under dispensation have the same rights, powers and privileges as chartered Commanderies. SECTION 155. OFFICERS OF COMMANDERY U. D. - The Officers of Commandery U. D. are not installed, but are appointed by the Grand Commander, and are under his immediate supervision and authority. Any of them may resign with the consent of the Grand Commander, or by his authority any of them may be relieved of duty, and his successor may be appointed. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS SECTION 156. QUORUM - In all Templar Bodies, a quorum consists of nine members entitled to vote therein, including an Officer authorized to open the body; and in a Grand Commandery, three or more Commanderies must be represented SECTION 157. SAME - No business shall be transacted in the absence of a quorum; a quorum being present, the vote of a less number is valid. SECTION 158. RANK - When by installation and a term of service one has filled the office of Commander, or of Grand Commander, he retains the rank appertaining to the office, and also the title of the office, with the word Past prefixed thereto. SECTION 159. THE SAME - Service as Commander of a Commandery under Dispensation does not give the rank of Past Commander. SECTION 160. RITUAL - The Ritual promulgated by the Grand Encampment shall be strictly supported and maintained by this Grand Body, and shall not be changed except by Grand Encampment. SECTION 161. ENDING DEBATE - When the presiding Officer wishes the discussion to end, he rises, and that closes debate. ~ 31 ~

32 STANDARDS SECTION 162. The Grand Standard is of White Woolen or Silk material, five feet in height and three feet in width, made tripartite at the bottom, and fastened at the top to the cross- bar by nine rings; in the center of the field a blood red passion cross, over which is the motto; In Hoc Sign Vinces ; and under: Non Nobis, Domine, Non Nobis, Sed nominee Two Da Gloriam. The Cross shall be three high, and the upright bar six inches wide. On the top of the staff, a gilded globe or ball, four inches in diameter, surmounted by the Cross of Salem, twelve inches in height, the Cross to be crimson, edged with gold. The Beauseant of the Order shall be of silk, in two stripes of equal width running horizontally, the upper stripe black and the lower stripe white; six feet fly and three feet, six inches on the staff; swallow-tailed one-third its length; the edge of the flag shall be plain without fringe. The name of the Commandery shall be placed upon its upper stripe, and its location on the lower stripe, the lettering being in contra colors to the fields. The staff shall be nine feet in length, including the crosshead, which shall be of gold or gilt metal consisting of a ball surmounted by the Cross of Salem. Cords and tassels composed of strands of black and white silk in equal proportions shall be attached to the base of the crosshead. STANDING SECTION163. RESTORATION - A Knight Templar suspended or expelled may be restored to good standing or to membership, upon petition. A majority vote may restore to good standing as an unaffiliated Templar; only unanimous ballot can restore to membership. In all such cases the voting shall be by ballot only. SECTION 164. DEPENDENT MEMBERSHIP - When a Knight Templar is suspended or expelled by his Lodge, Chapter or Council, at the conclusion of such procedure he becomes automatically suspended or expelled by his Commandery. But such automatic suspension or expulsion for such unknightly conduct awaits the final conclusion of the proceedings in Lodge, Chapter or Council, in case of appeal or new trial. If he shall thereafter be restored to membership by Lodge, Chapter or Council, he may apply for restoration in his Commandery, in which case his petition shall peruse the regular course of reference, time and ballot. But where active membership is lost in Lodge, Chapter or Council for non-payment of dues, Templar membership will not be forfeited thereby for a period of six months, therefore restoration in Lodge, Chapter or Council will restore him to membership in his Commandery. SECTION 165. DISCIPLINE BY SUPERIOR BODY - The suspension or expulsion of a Knight Templar by Grand Encampment or by Grand Commandery, or by his Lodge, Chapter or Council, deprives him of membership in his Commandery, and from all the privileges of Knighthood, to which he may only be restored after such judgment is no longer in force, and by petition, investigation, time and unanimous ballot. ~ 32 ~

33 SECTION 166. SAME-ACTION BY GRAND BODY - When suspension or expulsion has been made or affirmed by Grand Lodge, Grand Chapter or Grand Council; the Commandery will not be behind the record or adjudicate the question of jurisdiction, but will take the judgment of such Grand Body at face value. SECTION 167. PREVIOUS TRIAL IN OTHER BODY - Formal conviction or acquittal in Lodge, Chapter or Council is not a bar to trial by the Commandery for the same or other offenses, committed either before or after the trial in Lodge, Chapter or Council. SECTION 168. CERTIFICATE OF CONVICTION - Where a Knight Templar is suspended or expelled by his Lodge, Chapter or Council, the Recorder shall endeavor at once to obtain certificate of such record from Lodge, Chapter or Council. At the final conclusion of the Lodge, Chapter or Council procedure, the certificate shall be entered of record, and if the conviction stands, the offending Knight shall stand, ipso facto, in the same relation to his Commandery. SECTION 169. SECONDARY EVIDENCE - Where such a certificate cannot be obtained, oral testimony may be admitted. THE UNIFORM SECTION 170. (A) The Standard Knight Templar Uniform in this Grand Jurisdiction consists of: 1. The Chapeau with plumes. 2. The short Black two or three-buttoned double breasted coat with identifying initials SC be worn on the left breast with number. (Amended 2002 Proceedings, page ) 3. Black trousers, black shoes, black socks. White shirt with four-in-hand black tie. 4. Sword-belt with three slings. 5. Sword and Scabbard. 6. Tan gloves, either cotton or chamois, White gloves, cotton for Church Services and funerals. (B) Past Eminent Commanders wear Gold Cross in Rosette and gold braid on Chapeau, Red Shoulder Straps with Gold Cross and gold cross on sleeve. Commandery Officers wear plain Chapeau with plumbs, silver cross in Rosette, green shoulder straps with identifying rank and silver cross on sleeve. Knight Templar wears plain Chapeau with plumes. (Amended 2000 Proceedings, page section (C) added authorizing Summer Uniform) ~ 33 ~

34 (C) The Summer Knight Templar Uniform in this Grand Jurisdiction consists of: Note: This uniform may only be used for the period beginning with Memorial Day, and continuing through Labor Day. A Commandery will either make use of this Summer Uniform, the Cap and Mantle, or the Standard Uniform when appearing in public, but may not appear attired as a group using a combination (no mixing of uniform). 1. Pants: Plain Black as prescribed in A Shirt: White shirt, short sleeve, of military style with shoulder epaulets and two flap pockets, one on each breast. 3. Tie: Black tie optional at the discretion of the Senior Officer present. 4. Sword Belt & Sword: As prescribed in A-4 and A-5. No slings to be used. 5. Shoes: As prescribed in A Name Badge: The name badge shall be of metal, gold color, ½- inch wide by 2½ inch long, with the full name of the wearer in black letters to be worn centered above the wearer s right pocket. 7. Malta Jewel: A Malta Pin of current design, available from the Grand Encampment Office, shall be worn centered over the wearer s left pocket. (Option instead of pin: A metal ribbon bar, representing Commandery Jewels, to be worn centered over the wearer s left pocket. The metal bar shall contain three black panels, each surrounded with a silver line, each panel ½-inch high by one-inch wide. On the left panel shall be centered a miniature Red Cross Jewel, on the center panel shall be centered a miniature Malta Jewel, and on the right panel, shall be a Templar Cross with a Cross and Crown in the center.) 8. Shoulder Insignia: For Grand Commandery Officers: A Red Templar Cross surrounded by a gold line, one-inch square, to be worn in the center of each epaulet. For Past Grand Commanders: The same except the color shall be purple. For Past Commanders, Commanders, Generalissimos, and Captains General: A metal bar, ¾-inch by 1 ½-inch of green or red color surrounded by a gold or silver line, as appropriate to the office, with appropriate emblems of their rank as currently prescribed to be worn centered on each epaulet. Essentially these are miniatures of currently prescribed shoulder straps in metal, and of similar configuration. 9. Collar Insignia (optional): For Grand or Past Grand Commandery Officers, shall be ½-inch gold cut out letters with the abbreviation of the State as prescribed by the US Postal Service (no periods) to be worn on the wearer s left collar, and ½-inch gold KT cut out letters (without periods) on the right collar. For Commanders or Past Commanders, ½-inch gold State abbreviations as above on left collar with ½-inch cut out gold Commandery Number on right collar. Sir Knights below the rank of Commander are the same as for Commanders and Past Commanders, except the color shall be silver. These insignia to be worn centered on the collar and parallel with the top edge and set back ¾-inch from the leading edge of the collar. ~ 34 ~

35 10. Cap: For Past Grand Commanders: Military style Naval Garrison Cap with white top, black band, and black visor with one row of gold oak leaves and acorns, metal purple Templar Cross, 2¼-inch square, fixed to the front of the black band and a gold chin strap attached with gold buttons. For Grand Commander: Same as above except metal red Templar Cross. For Grand Commandery Officers: Same as above except plain visor. For Commanders and Past Commanders: Same as above except with a 1⅜-inch by 2-inch red metal Passion Cross trimmed in gold with rays. For all other Sir Knights: Same as above except using a red metal passion cross trimmed in silver and a silver chin strap attached with silver buttons. VOTING SECTION 171. No member can have more than one vote in his own right, in his own Commandery or in the Grand Commandery. The presiding Officer has no vote except in case of a tie, when he shall have the casting vote. AMENDMENTS SECTION 172. These statues may be revised or amended at any Annual Conclave, upon the concurrence of a two-third majority. Provided, however, that such revisal or amendment shall have been reported upon by the committee on Templar Jurisprudence, and are not in conflict with the Constitution, or with the Laws of the Grand Encampment. ~ 35 ~

36 DEFINITIONS ADJOURN -The Grand Encampment and Grand Commanderies do not Close ; they Adjourn. CLOSE - Constituent Commanderies Close ; they do not Call Off or Adjourn ; but they may close to meet on a day certain, to finish business that is pending. CONCLAVE - Commanderies hold Conclaves, not meetings. HEALING - means re-obligating the Knight Templar and correcting what has been done amiss at his creation. INSIGNIA OF RANK means the Emblem prescribed to denote the rank of the Officer or Member using or wearing the same. JEWEL OF OFFICE means the Emblem prescribed to be worn by any Officer, to designate the office held by him. It is to be worn by an Officer only during his incumbency. NOTICE - means a written notice. OPEN - Commanderies Open. Grand Commanderies and the Grand Encampment Convene. SOJOURNER - means one who is eligible to petition for the Orders of Knighthood who presents his petition to a Commandery having no territorial jurisdiction over the Petitioner. SUGGESTED ORDER OF BUSINESS FOR A STATED CONCLAVE The Suggested Order of Business at Stated Conclaves should be as follows: 1. Reading and confirming minutes of last Conclave. (Written copies or Read for confirmation) 2. Receiving and referring Petitions for degrees or membership. 3. Reports of Committees on Petitions. 4. Balloting. 5. Unfinished business. 6. New business. 7. Work 8. Reading preliminary minutes for correction. ~ 36 ~

37 CEREMONY FOR CONSTITUTING A NEW COMMANDERY The Members of the Commandery about to be constituted will assemble in their Asylum. The Triangle should be placed near the center of the Asylum, the tapers unlighted; The Bible and relics on the triangle, but covered. The Officers of the Grand Commandery take charge of the Ceremony. They meet in an adjoining room and under command of the Grand Marshal; march into the Asylum and assume their stations. The Grand Commander, or Officer in Charge, will then cause the service to commence, by the rendering of an appropriate hymn or music. The Grand Prelate then reads a scripture lesson (Micah VI: is suggested for such a lesson.) GRAND COMMANDER: Sir Knights, Attention! Un-Cover! Eminent Grand Prelate, lead our devotions. GRAND PRELATE: (The following prayer may be used): Almighty and ever-blessed God, our Father, with whom is life and from whom cometh every good and perfect gift, unto Thee we bow in reverence and in trust, gratefully acknowledging Thy manifold mercies and the continuing manifestations of Thy exceeding interest in and care for the children of men. As we engage in this solemn Consecration, we implore Thy aid and direction that all things we here shall do many redound to Thy Glory and to the advancement of Templary. Let Thy grace in large measure descend upon these Thy servants about to be constituted into an organization founded upon the Christian Religion and pledged to the practice of the Christian Virtues. Give unto them a large appreciation of the mission to which they are called and inspire them with a divine zeal in the performance of the duties which they are about to assume. May they be true to their Knightly Vows, shining examples of the teachings of the great Captain of our Salvation and having fought a good fight and kept the faith, may they receive Thy blessings and enter into the glories and joys of the life everlasting. All this we ask, Most Merciful Father, through Him who is the resurrection and the life, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen. GRAND COMMANDER: Sir Knights, Re-Cover! Be seated! (The Gloria Patri may be sung.) DEPUTY GRAND COMMANDER: (May be at the base of the Triangle) Right Eminent Grand Commander, there are before you Knights of the Valiant and Magnanimous Order of the Temple, Members of Commandery U.D. They have been duly instructed in the sublime mysteries of our Order and having received from the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of South Carolina a Charter authorizing them to meet and work as a regular Commandery, they are now assembled for legal Constitution and the installation of their Officers. GRAND COMMANDER: Let the Charter be read. ~ 37 ~

38 GRAND RECORDER: (Reads the Charter.) GRAND COMMANDER: Sir Knights, Attention! Draw Swords! Present Swords! By virtue of the high power and authority in me vested, I do now form you, Sir Knights, of Commandery, U.D. into a regular Commandery under the distinctive title of Commandery. No., Henceforth, you are authorized and empowered to form and open a Council of companions of the Red Cross, a Priory of Knights of Malta, and a Commandery of Knights Templar and to perform all such acts as may appertain to the same, conforming in all your doings to the Constitution, Statutes and Rituals of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America, and to the Constitution, Statues, Laws and Regulations of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of South Carolina. May the God of our fathers be with you, guide and direct you in all your undertakings. Sir Knights, Attention! Form a circle about the triangle. Eminent Grand Wardens, you will uncover the relics. (Appropriate music may be rendered or the choir shall chant the Fifteenth Psalm.) Sir Knights, Carry Swords! Return Swords! Be Seated! GRAND PRELATE: (All join with the Prelate in recital of the Apostle s Creed): I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth; And in Jesus Christ, His only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; He descended into Hell; the third day He arose from the dead, He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. GRAND COMMANDER: Eminent Grand Prelate, Pronounce the words of dedication. GRAND PRELATE: To our Most Eminent and Worthy Patron, St John the Almoner, I do solemnly dedicate this Commandery by the name and title of Commandery No. ; and may the God of all grace abundantly bless all its members in their laudable undertakings. May each one of its members so employ his time that he will receive the joyful invitation Enter thou into the joy of the Lord. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men. RESPONSE BY ALL SIR KNIGHTS: As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. GRAND COMMANDER: Sir Knights, Be seated! (Appropriate music may follow.) GRAND COMMANDER: Eminent Grand Marshal, proclaim that this Commandery has been legally constituted. ~ 38 ~

39 GRAND MARSHAL S PROCLAMATION GRAND MARSHAL: Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Valiant Knights of the Temple: I proclaim that this new Commandery of Knights Templar under the name of Commandery, No., has been legally constituted according to the forms and ceremonies of the Knights Templar and that it is now authorized to meet and work as a regular Commandery under the jurisdiction of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of South Carolina. The Proclamation is made to the North (blast of trumpet); to the South (blast); to the East (blast); and to the West (grand flourish on the trumpet). Let all Valiant and Magnanimous Knights of the Temple take due notice thereof and Govern themselves accordingly. The New Commandery will now be opened by the Grand Officers or their appointees and proceed to the election and installation. ~ 39 ~

40 INSTALLATION SERVICE FOR OFFICERS OF A COMMANDERY The following ceremony is primarily intended for installation of the Officers of a newly constituted Commandery but with easily understood alterations it may be used for any installation. If the full ceremony is to be used an altar should be placed in front of the Grand Commander and on it the open Bible, Square, Compasses, Crossed Swords, Jewels, Charter, the Constitution and Statues of the Grand Encampment, the Constitution, Laws, and Regulations of the Grand Commandery, and the By-Laws of the Commandery. If the ceremony is shortened, a table placed conveniently may be substituted for the altar and on it the official jewels placed. If the Commandery has banners they should be displayed in the East. The Grand Officers, or appointees, will fill the stations. The Commandery is opened in regular form and election held. The Officers chosen retire with the Grand Marshal to the anteroom and form in line with the Commander-elect at the head, swords at carry. (Installation may be public in which event a recess should be taken until installation is complete when work should be resumed.) (The Grand Marshal gives an alarm). THE GRAND WARDER: Right Eminent Grand Commander, there is an alarm at the door of the Asylum. GRAND COMMANDER: Eminent Grand Warder, attend to the alarm. (Done.) GRAND WARDER: Right Eminent Grand Commander, the Grand Marshal with the newly chosen Officers desires to enter. GRAND COMMANDER: Admit them. COMMANDERY, ATTENTION! GRAND WARDER: (at door of the Asylum.) Grand Marshal and newly chosen Officers, you will enter. (Done.) (The Grand Marshal escorts the Officers chosen who enter forming a line across the center of the Asylum, facing East, the right resting on the South. Chairs may be provided for the line.) GRAND MARSHAL: Right Eminent Grand Commander, I present to you for installation the duly chosen Officers of this Commandery. OFFICERS-CHOSEN, PRESENT, Swords! GRAND COMMANDER: SIR KNIGHTS, RE-COVER! OFFICERS- CHOSEN, CARRY, Swords! ORDER Swords! Sir Knights, before engaging in this important ceremony, let us invoke the blessing of Deity. Sir Knights UN- COVER! Eminent Grand Prelate, lead our devotions. (The Grand Prelate offers a prayer closing with the Lord s Prayer in which all join.) GRAND COMMANDER: SIR KNIGHTS, RE-COVER! OFFICERS CHOSEN, CARRY, Swords! RETURN, Swords! Sir Knights, you behold before you those who have been chosen as Officers of this Commandery. We believe them to be tried and true, worthy and well qualified, zealous in the service of Templary and true exemplars of the great tenets of the Order, but if any one of you knows of any reason why they or any one of them should not be installed, let him now speak out or forever hold his peace. Hearing no objections, we will proceed with the installation. ~ 40 ~

41 Sir Knights not in line BE SEATED! Officers chosen, before investing you with the honors and responsibilities of your respective stations it becomes my duty to administer to you the vow of office. Do you severally consent to take upon yourselves that vow? (They assent.) Eminent Grand Marshal, place the Officers chosen in proper position to take upon themselves the vow of office. GRAND MARSHAL: Officers chosen, count twos (done). Numbers one, DRAW, Swords! Drop point of sword to the left, grasp hilt with left hand; numbers two, grasp blade with left hand; place your right hand upon your left breast. (Alternative-The following may be used to place the Officers chosen in proper position): GRAND COMMANDER: COMMANDERY, ATTENTION! DRAW, Swords! PRESENT, Swords! Officers chosen, you will say I pronounce your names in full, and repeat after me: I (A.B.) do promise and vow that I will support and maintain the Constitution, Statutes and Rituals of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America; the Constitution, Laws and Regulations of the Grand Commandery of this Jurisdiction, and the By-Laws of this Commandery, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office in which I am about to be installed to the best of my ability. Sir Knights not in line, CARRY Swords! RETURN, Swords! BE SEATED! GRAND MARSHAL: Officers chosen, Drop right hand to side! Number two, Relinquish blade; Number one, gasp hilt with right hand; CARRY Swords! RETURN Swords. BE SEATED! GRAND COMMANDER: Eminent Grand Marshal, present the Commander-elect. GRAND MARSHAL: Right Eminent Grand Commander, I have the honor to present Sir Knight who has been elected to the office of Commander, I find him well skilled in our sublime mysteries and observant of the noble precepts of our forefathers, and have therefore no doubt that he will discharge the important duties of his office with fidelity. GRAND COMMANDER: Sir Knight, as you have been elected to the honorable and important station of Commander of this Commandery, it is with genuine pleasure that I enter upon the duty of installing you in that exalted office. As head of a Christian institution you are charge with important duties and responsibilities. It is confidently anticipated that your fidelity to these trusts will reflect honor upon yourself and credit upon your Commandery. ~ 41 ~

42 It now becomes my duty to propound to you certain questions to which your unequivocal answers are required. I. Do you solemnly promise, upon your honor as a Knight Templar, that you will endeavor to correct the vices, purify the morals, and promote the happiness of those of your Brethren who have attained this magnanimous Order? II. That you will never suffer your Commandery to be opened unless there be present at least nine regular Knights of the Order? III. That you will not confer the Orders upon anyone who has not shown a charitable and humane disposition nor upon anyone who has not attained a reasonable proficiency in Masonry? IV. That you will seriously endeavor to promote the general good of the Order and on all proper occasions be ready to give and receive instruction, particularly from the Grand Officers? V. That to the utmost of your power, you will preserve the solemnities of our ceremonies and behave in open Commandery with the most profound respect and reverence, as an example to your Brethren? VI. That you will not acknowledge or hold communication with any Commandery that does not work under a constitutional Dispensation or Charter? VII. That you will not admit any visitor into your Commandery unless he has been knighted in a lawful Commandery? VIII. That you will pay due respect and obedience to the instructions of the Grand Officers, particularly those relating to the several lectures and charges, and will resign your station to them when any visit your Commandery? IX. That you will support and maintain the Constitution and Statutes of the Grand Encampment, and the Constitution, Laws and Regulations of the Grand Commandery under whose authority you act? X. That you will bind your successor in office to the observance of these rules? Do you confirm all these promises and do you agree to observe them faithfully (assents.) Sir Knight, I now invest you with the jewel of your office; which is a Passion Cross surmounted by rays of light. The rays of light are symbols that suggest to you the humility, love and pure benevolence that emanate like rays from the religion of the blessed Emanuel, and which should ever characterize the members of this Christian Order. I present you the Charter of your Commandery. Receive it as a sacred deposit and never permit it to be used for any other purposes than those expressed in it. It is your duty to safely transmit it to your successor. I also commit to your keeping the Holy Bible, the Great Light of Masonry of every degree. It confirms our belief in the existence of the Eternal Jehovah, the one only living and true God, the Creator and Judge of all things in heaven and earth. ~ 42 ~

43 The Crossed Swords resting upon the Holy Bible reminds us that we should be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, that we should put on the whole armor of God, to be able to wrestle successfully with principalities, powers and spiritual wickedness in high places. I also present to you the Constitution and Statutes of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the U. S. A., the Constitution, Laws and Regulations of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of and the By- Laws of Commandery, No..You should familiarize yourself with them that you may rule your Commandery with justice and moderation. And now, Sir Knight, I induct you into the Chair of your Commandery. (Done) I offer you my sincere congratulation on your accession to this honorable station. It will be your special duty to preserve inviolate the laws of the Order, to dispense justice, reward merit and expound the sublime principles of universal benevolence. You will inculcate the duties of charity and hospitality and govern your Commandery with justice and moderation and finally, my Frater, may the illustrious lives of the heroes of past ages whose matchless valor has shed undying luster over the name of Knights Templar, encourage and animate you to the faithful performance of every duty. GRAND MARSHAL: Commandery, ATTENTION! DRAW, Swords! PRESENT Swords! GRAND COMMANDERY: Sir Knights, behold your Commander. Bear ever in mind that the prosperity of your Commandery will as much depend on your support and obedience as on the assiduity, fidelity and wisdom of your Commander. Be ye, therefore, diligent and faithful in the performance of your respective duties. GRAND MARSHAL: Sir Knights, CARRY Swords! RETURN Swords! BE SEATED1 GRAND COMMANDER: Eminent Marshal, present the officers chose, in order of rank. (The Grand Marshal then presents each Officer according to rank, introducing him by his title and designating the office which he is to fill. The Grand Commander will receive him with fitting words, charging him to be faithful to his trust. He will also invest him with the official jewel and direct the Marshal to conduct him to his station. No particular form is prescribed but the following charges are suggested as appropriate) ~ 43 ~

44 CHARGE TO THE GENERALISSIMO Sir Knight, you have been elected Generalissimo of this Commandery. I now invest you with the jewel of your office which is a Square surmounted by a Paschal Lamb. The Square is to remind you that friendship and love should forever govern Freemasons and particularly Knights Templar. Your station is on the right of your Commander. You are to assist him in the discharge of his various duties and in his absence to preside. I charge you, therefore, to familiarize yourself with the duties of your office that you may adequately discharge them. Be faithful to the Knights with whom you are associated, put them often in remembrance of those things which tend to their everlasting peace. Finally, Preach the word, be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine, ever remembering the promise, Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. CHARGE TO THE CAPTAIN-GENERAL Sir Knight, you have been elected Captain- General of this Commandery. I now invest you with the jewel of your office which is a level surmounted by a Cock. As the undaunted courage and valor of the Cock stimulate him to conquest his enemy and fight to the last extremity so should you be stimulated in the discharge of every duty. Your station is on the left of the Commander. Your duty among other things is to see that due preparation is made for the various Conclaves of the Commandery and that the Asylum is prepared for the dispatch of business. You are also to receive and communicate to the lines all orders issued by the Commander. You are to assist in council and, in the absence of the Commander and Generalissimo, to preside over the Commandery. I exhort you that with fidelity you perform every duty; and Whatsoever ye do, do heartily as to the Lord, and not unto men continue in prayer, ever bearing in mind the promise Be not weary in well doing, for in due season ye shall reap if ye faint not. CHARGE TO THE SENIOR WARDEN Sir Knight, you have been elected Senior Warder of this Commandery. I now invest you with the jewel of your office which is a Hollow Square with a mailed arm and hand grasping the Sword of Justice. It is to remind you that as the Children of Israel marched in a hollow square in their journey through the wilderness in order to guard and protect the Ark of the Covenant, so should you be vigilant in guarding every avenue from innovation and error. Let the Sword of Justice, therefore, be ever drawn to guard the Constitution of the Order. Your station is at the southwest angle of the Triangle and upon the right of the first Division. You will attend pilgrim warriors, comfort and support pilgrim penitents, and after due trial introduce them into the Asylum. Let it be your constant care that the warrior be not deterred from duty nor the penitent be molested on his journey. Finally, Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven. ~ 44 ~

45 CHARGE TO THE JUNIOR WARDEN Sir Knight, you have been elected Junior Warden of this Commandery. I now invest you with the jewel of your office which is an Eagle with wings spread holding in its talons a Flaming Sword. It suggests to you the performance of your duties with justice and valor, having an eagle eye on the prosperity of the Order. Your station is at the northwest angle of the Triangle, and on the left of the third Division. Your duty is to attend weary pilgrims traveling from afar, conduct them on their journey, plead their cause, and in due time recommend them to the Commander. Impress upon them the motto of our Order: Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit and that although the path of life may be thorny, crooked, adverse and forlorn, yet by faith and fidelity, courage and constancy, patience and perseverance, they may gain admission into the Asylum above, there to carry on the high labors begun here below. Finally, Be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord that you may be a shining light in the world. A City that is set on a hill cannot be hid. CHARGE TO THE PRELATE Sir Knight, you have been elected Prelate of this Commandery. I now invest you with the jewel of your Office which is a Triple Triangle with a red Passion Cross in the center of each triangle. It is also the emblem of Deity. Your station is on the right of the Generalissimo. Your duty is to officiate at the altar and offer up prayers to Deity. Your jewel is to remind you of the importance of the trust reposed in you. May He, who is able, abundantly furnish you for every good work, preserve you from falling into error, improve and strengthen, establish and prefect you and finally greet you with Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. CHARGE TO THE TREASURER Sir Knight, you have been elected Treasurer of this Commandery. I now invest you with the jewel of your office, which is the Two Cross Keys. Your station is in front and on right of the Generalissimo. The qualities which recommend a Treasurer are accuracy and fidelity accuracy in keeping a fair and minute account of all receipts and disbursements fidelity in carefully preserving all the property and funds of the Commandery that may be placed in his hands and rendering a just account of the same whenever called upon for that purpose. I am sure that your attachment to the Commandery and your earnest solicitude for a good name which is better than riches will prompt you to the faithful discharge of the duties of your office. ~ 45 ~

46 CHARGE TO THE RECORDER Sir Knight, you have been elected Recorder of this Commandery. I now invest you with the jewel of your office, which is Two Cross Quill Pens. Your station is on the left of the Captain-General. The essential qualities of a Recorder are promptitude in issuing notification and orders of his superior Officers; punctuality in attending the Conclaves of the Commandery; correctness in recording the proceedings; judgment in discriminating between what is proper and what is improper to be committed to writing; integrity in accounting for all moneys that pass through his hands, and fidelity in paying the same over to the Treasurer. The possession of these qualities, I presume, has led to your selection for this important office. I doubt not that you will discharge its duties with the benefit to the Commandery and honor to yourself. CHARGE TO THE STANDARD BEARER Sir Knight, you have been chosen Standard Bearer of this Commandery. I now invest you with the jewel of your office, which is a Masonic Plumb surmounted by the Banner of the Order. Your station is in the West and in the center of the second division. Your duty is to display, support and protect the Banner of our Order, which I now confide to your keeping. You will remember that it is our rallying point in time of danger. When unfurled in a just and virtuous cause, you will defend it as long as life endures. CHARGE TO THE SWORD BEARER Sir Knight, you have been chosen Sword Bearer of this Commandery. I now invest you with the jewel of your office, which is a Triangle with Crossed Swords. Your station is on the right of the Standard Bearer and on the right of the second division. Your duty is to assist in protecting the Banner of our Order. CHARGE TO THE WARDER Sir Knight, you have been chosen Warder of this Commandery. I now invest you with the jewel of your office, which is a Hollow Square with Crossed Swords and a Trumpet thereon. Your station is on the left of the Standard Bearer and upon the left of the second division. Your duty is to sound the Assembly, announce the approach and departure of the Commander, post the sentinel, and see that the Asylum is duly guarded. I charge you to be punctual in your attendance, and tireless in the discharge of your important duties. Though yours is among the lower offices in the Commandery, it is by no means the least important. ~ 46 ~

47 CHARGE TO THE THREE GUARDS Sir Knights, you have been chosen Guards. I now invest you with the jewel of your office, which is a Hollow Square with a Battle-ax thereon. You will, therefore, be vigilant, challenge with spirit, examine with caution, admonish with candor, relieve cheerfully, protect with fidelity, and fight valiantly. CHARGE TO THE SENTINEL Sir Knight, you have been chosen Sentinel of this Commandery. I now invest you with the jewel of your office, which is a Hollow Square with a Sword thereon. I present you this sword, badge of your office. The Sword is placed in the hands of the Sentinel to enable him to effectually guard against the approach of cowans and eavesdroppers and to suffer none to pass or re-pass but such as are qualified. It morally serves as a constant admonition to set a guard at the entrance of our thoughts, to place a watch at the door of our lips, to post a Sentinel at the avenue of our actions, thereby excluding every unworthy thought, word, or deed. As applications of visitors for admission into the Commandery are generally made to the Sentinel, your station will often present you to the observation of strangers. It is therefore essential that he who holds this office should be Frater temperate, affable and discreet, of good morals, steady habits and strict discipline. I am sure that a due regard for the honor and reputation of this institution will ever impel you to perform with fidelity and trust the duties that have been reposed in you. The presiding Officer then delivers the following: CHARGE TO THE COMMANDERY Sir Knights, to manage and conduct the affairs of a Commandery of Knights Templar with that promptitude, integrity and skill which the institution demands, requires the exercise of all the abilities of its Officers and Members. The Officers should remember that the moral and religious duties and precepts which they from time to time should forcibly impress upon the minds of others should by no means be neglected by themselves; that the most effectual way to insure success is to let precept and performance go hand in hand. I urge you to look well to the East, to the West, to the North and to the South, to see that the entrances are strictly guarded, to the end that you allow none to pass the threshold of your Asylum save the worthy, and at the same time that you suffer none to be guilty of disorderly conduct among you without admonition and reproof, to the end that this valiant and magnanimous Order shall forever flourish. And now, Sir Knights, Peace be within thy walls and prosperity within thy palaces. For my Brethren and Companion sake I now say Peace be within thee! Eminent Grand Marshal, proclaim the installation of the Officers of this Commandery. ~ 47 ~

48 GRAND MARSHAL: Commandery, ATTENTION! DRAW Swords! PRESENT Swords! OFFICAL PROCLAMINATION Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Valiant Knights of the Temple! In the name of the Grand Commander of Knights Templar of South Carolina (or, of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America) I proclaim that the Officers of Commandery No. Knights Templar have been duly installed in their respective stations. This proclamation is made to the North (one blast on trumpet); to the South (one blast); to the East (one blast); and to the West (grand flourish on trumpet). Let all valiant and magnanimous Knights of the Temple take due notice thereof and govern themselves accordingly. Sir Knights, CARRY Swords! RETURN Swords! BE SEATED! (The Commander may, if he desires, address the Fraters. The choir may then chant the Te Deum Laudamus or render some other appropriate musical selection. The Grand Officers may then retire with proper escort and the Commandery will proceed to the regular order of business resuming labor if the installation has been public.) ~ 48 ~

49 INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS OF THE GRAND COMMANDERY of SOUTH CAROLINA This installation may be Public, in which event a recess should be taken and labor resumed after the installation is completed. The Grand Commander, or a Frater acting for him as presiding Officer, will appoint an acting Grand Marshal under whose direction the Grand Officers to be installed will retire to an adjoining room. The Jewels of Office will be placed on a table convenient to the Installing Officer. (Marshal returns to Asylum) INSTALLING OFFICER: Eminent Grand Marshall, escort the newly chosen Officers into the Asylum (Under direction of the Grand Marshal the Officers, swords at carry, enter in single file and face the East in the center of the Asylum, the Grand Commander-elect on the right.) GRAND MARSHAL: Right Eminent Grand Commander, I present these Knights who have been chosen as Officers of this Grand Commandery for the ensuring year and are now ready to enter upon the duties of their several stations. Officers chosen, PRESENT Swords! INSTALLING OFFICER: As Masons we are charged never to enter upon any great and important undertaking without first invoking the blessings of Deity, Officers Chosen, CARRY Swords! ORDER Swords! Commandery Attention! Sir Knights, Un-cover! Eminent Grand Prelate lead us in our devotions. GRAND PRELATE: (Offers prayer, ending with the Lord s Prayer.) INSTALLING OFFICER: Sir Knights, re-cover! Officers Chosen, CARRY Swords! RETURN Swords! Sir Knights not in line, Be seated! Officers Chosen, before investing you with the jewels of your respective offices, it becomes my duty to receive from you the vow of office. Are you willing to take such a vow? (All assent.) Eminent Grand Marshal, place the officers in proper position to take upon themselves the vow of office. GRAND MARSHAL: Officers chosen, count two s! (Done) Number one, Draw Swords! Drop point of sword to the left, grasp hilt with left hand; number two, grasp blade with left hand; place your right hand upon your left breast. Right Eminent Grand Commander, the Officers Chosen are in proper position. INSTALLING OFFICER: Commandery, Attention! Draw, Swords! Present, Swords! Officers Chosen, you will say I, Pronounce your name in full, and repeat after me; I, (A.B.) do promise and vow that I will support and maintain the Constitution, Statutes and Rituals of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America, and the Constitution, Laws and Regulations of this Grand Commandery and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the Office to which I have been chosen to the best of my ability. ~ 49 ~ Page 1

50 Sir Knights not in line, Carry, Swords! Return, Swords! Be seated! GRAND MARSHAL: Officers Chosen, Drop right hand to side; Numbers two relinquish sword blade; Numbers one, grasp hilt with right hand; Carry, Swords! Be seated! INSTALLING OFFICER: Eminent Grand Marshal, present the Grand Commander-elect. GRAND MARSHAL: Right Eminent Sir, I present Sir Knight who has been elected to the office of Grand Commander of Knights Templar of this Jurisdiction, and who now declares himself ready for installation. INSTALLING OFFICER: Sir Knight s having been called by the members of this Grand Commandery to fill the highest position in their gift, I congratulate you upon having received this exalted honor. I invest you with the jewel of your office. (Done) These honors are accompanied by weighty responsibilities. Your authority will at all times be respected, and tour orders cheerfully obeyed, but it is expected that you will have a watchful care over the interests of the Order in this Jurisdiction and enforce prompt obedience to its Constitution, Laws and Regulations: that you will yourself exemplify in your daily walk and conversation the excellent tenets of your Order; that your ears will never be closed to the cry of the Widow and Orphan; that you will not turn aside from injured innocence and the wayfaring Frater in distress. Commandery, Attention! Sir Knights, behold your Grand Commander; Grand Commander, behold your Grand Commandery. Sir Knights, Be Seated! (The remaining Grand Officers may then be severally presented and installed and the proclamation made with substantially the same ceremony as it presented for Commandery Officers. The Grand Commander may then address his Fraters.) ~ 50 ~ Page 2

51 ~ 51 ~

52 RECEPTION of the GRAND MASTER of GRAND ENCAMPMENT The following suggestions will aid Constituent Commanderies in receiving Grand Visitors; THE GRAND MASTER The Grand Master is to be received in the Asylum with the highest honors of the Order. The Grand Master is received by a Committee, and escorted to the quarters of the Eminent Commander. The Asylum is put in suitable array, Banners unfurled and the Organist at his post. All Knights in full uniform. The Lines are formed according to the Tactics of the Jurisdiction, ready to form the Arch of Steel at the proper moment; All Officers in their stations. The announcement by the Grand Warder, if present, if not, by one of the committee attending the Grand Master, is made at the door of the Asylum of the desire of the Grand Master to officially visit the Commandery, whereupon the Warder salutes the Eminent Commander, and says; WARDER: Eminent Commander, The Most Eminent Grand Master has arrived, and desires to visit this Commandery officially. EMINENT COMMANDER: Sir Knights Generalissimo and Captain-General (these Officers arise, draw and salute), repair to the quarters of The Most Eminent Grand Master and escort him hither. When the Grand Master and suite reach the open door of the Asylum- WARDER: THE GRAND MASTER OF TEMPLARS! (Immediately the Organist will play Hail to the Chief, the Banners will be drooped, and the Officers will salute.) EMINENT COMMANDER: Form an Arch of Steel. (The Grand Master enters, and passes dome the avenue, the Generalissimo and Captain- General one pace in rear of him, under the Arch of Steel, to the East, where the Eminent Commander receives him, standing on the lowest step of the Dais. He welcomes him in appropriated words, and presents him his sword. The Grand Master ascends to the Commander s Station; the Eminent Commander, the Generalissimo and Captain-General remain standing on the lowest step, and on the floor.) GRAND MASTER: Sir Knights, CARRY SWORDS! (He will then make such remarks as he desires, after which the Captain-General will dismiss the Lines, and all are seated.) The Grand Master and his representatives are the only visitors that are to be received under the Arch of Steel, or that are to be recognized by any descent from the official positions on the Dais. The Deputy Grand Master is received like the Grand Master, except omitting the Arch of Steel, the Hail to the Chief, and the descent from the Dais. The Knights forming the avenue present Swords, the Officers salute, and the organ plays a March. ~ 52 ~

53 RECEPTION OF THE GRAND COMMANDER (NOTE: Please allow each step to be completed before proceeding with the next.) (The Sir Knight Sentinel outside the door will make the following alarm,) SENTINEL: XXX XXX XXX X, (which will be answered by the same number from within.) WARDER: XXX XXX XXX X. (Once the Sir Knight Warder opens the door, the door WILL remain open. The Sentinel outside the door will state the following :) SENTINEL: Sir Knight Warder, inform the Eminent Commander that Sir Knight, Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of South Carolina, is in waiting for an Official Visit and desires to be admitted. (With the door still open, the Sir Knight Warder, inside the door, will state the following to the Eminent Commander :) WARDER: Eminent Commander, Sir Knight, Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of South Carolina is waiting for an Official Visit and desires to be admitted. EMINENT COMMANDER: Sir Knight Captain-General - Form the lines for the reception of the Right Eminent Grand Commander (NOTE: CG draws sword, sword salutes EC and remains at carry swords throughout the entire tactic.) CAPTAIN-GENERAL: Escort - Fall-In, Attention (Escort forms two lines facing each other at a three pace separation.) CAPTAIN-GENERAL: Draw Swords (On word: Draw - Escort s right hand on sword hilt - Left hand holding scabbard at a slight forward tilt On word: Swords - Draw sword straight out to full arm s length and bring to carry sword ) CAPTAIN-GENERAL: Right Dress Front CAPTAIN-GENERAL: (Sword Salute) Eminent Commander, the lines are formed. EMINENT COMMANDER: Commandery, Attention (Eminent Commander descends from the East and stops at the head of the lines.) SENIOR WARDEN: (At the door with the REGC) Sir Knight, Right Eminent Grand Commander of South Carolina. CAPTAIN-GENERAL: Form Arch of Steel - Cross Swords (On word: Cross - Escort comes to present swords, extend right foot forward, on word: Swords - Escort extends sword and right arm at a 45 degree angle, touching the opposite sword) (Hand Salute REGC) Permit me to escort you to the East. CAPTAIN-GENERAL: Carry Swords (On word; Swords - Escort brings swords to carry) ~ 53 ~

54 CAPTAIN-GENERAL: Return Swords (on word: Return - Escort inserts swords into scabbard to within 6 inches of scabbard s mouth, on word: Swords - Escort drops sword into scabbard with a click) CAPTAIN-GENERAL: About Face - To Your Posts, March EMINENT COMMANDER: (Draws sword and presents hilt to REGC) Right Eminent Grand Commander, I welcome you to (Commandery) No. (Number) and tender to you the command of this Commandery. (Eminent Commander remains covered.) (NOTE: The Grand Commander or Past Grand Commander MUST BE in uniform to be received through an Arch of Steel. If the Grand Commander or the Past Grand Commander is not in uniform, they will receive a hearty welcome - clapping of hands only. RECEPTION OF DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE (The correct title of each District Representative is: Sir Knight, Eminent District Representative of the District of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of South Carolina. He is a representative of the Grand Commander and the following will be used for an official visit of the District Representative. The Eminent Commander will direct the Junior Warden to present the District Representative West of the Altar for introduction.) (The Junior Warden will present the District Representative West of the Altar and state the following :) JUNIOR WARDEN: Eminent Commander, I present to you and through you to the Sir Knights present, Sir Knight, Eminent District Representative of the District of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of South Carolina, who is here for an official visit. (The Eminent Commander will then direct the Junior Warden to escort the District Representative to the East. Once in the East the Eminent Commander will welcome him and then he will offer the District Representative his sword and ask him to preside over the Commandery and offer any remarks.) (NOTE: For an Official Visit, the District Representative must be in uniform. If the District Representative is not in uniform, he will then receive a hearty welcome clapping of hands only.) ~ 54 ~

55 GRAND MASTERS OF THE MEDIEVAL KNIGHTS TEMPLAR From organization in 1113 to the Martyrdom of Jacques de Molay In 1313 No Year Name Date of Death Hugh De Payens (Hugh of the Temple) Robert of Burgundy (Lord Robert de Crayon) Everard Des Barres (De Barri) Bernard De Tremelay (Trenellape) Bertrand De Blanquefort (Blanchefort)... June 19, Philip De Naplons (Philip of Nablous) Odo De St. Amand Arnold De Torroge (or Troye) Arnold De Riderfor... Oct. 4, Walter Robert De Sable Gilbert Horal (Erail or Gralins) Philip Duplessies (or Du Plessis) William De Chartres (Carnota) Peter De Montaigu (Thomas De Montagu) Hermann De Perigold (Herman Petragorius) William De Sonnac Reginald De Vichier (Vicherius) Thomas Berard (Beraud) William De Beanjen Theobald Gaudin (De Gaudini) Jacques De Molay (Jacques de Molai) (Burned at the Stake, at Paris, France) ~ 55 ~

56 GRAND MASTERS OF KNIGHTS TEMPLAR FRENCH ORDER DU TEMPLE No. Date Name John Mark Larmenius Thomas Theobald Alexandrinus (Francis Thomas Theobald) Arnold de Braque John de Claremont Bertrand du Guesclin John Arminiacus Bernard Arminiacus John Arminiacus John de Croy Bernard Imbault Robert Lenoncourt Galeatins de Salazar Philip Chabot Gaspard de Galtiaco Tavanensis Henry de Montmorency Charles de Valois James Ruxellius de Granceio James Henry, Duc de Duras Philip, Duke of Orleans Louis Augustus Bourbon Louis Henry Bourbon Conde Louis Francis Bourbon Conty Louis Hercules Timoleon, Duc de Cosse Brissac Claude M. R. Chevillon Bernard Raymund Fabre Palaprat Sir William Sidney Smith ~ 56 ~

57 GRAND MASTERS OF THE GRAND ENCAMPMENT OF KNIGHTS TEMPLAR OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Conclave Year Name Address Date of Death I 1816 DeWitt Clinton, New York, NY II 1819 DeWitt Clinton, New York, NY III 1826 DeWitt Clinton, New York, NY... Feb 11, 1828 IV 1829 Rev. Johnathan Nye, Claremont, NY V 1831 Rev. Johnathan Nye, Claremont, NY... Apr 1, 1843 VI 1835 James Madison Allen, Cayuga, NY VII 1838 James Madison Allen, Cayuga, NY VIII 1841 James Madison Allen, Cayuga, NY IX 1844 Archibald Bull, Troy, NY... Dec 22, 1865 X 1847 William Blackstone Hubbard, Columbus, OH XI 1850 William Blackstone Hubbard, Columbus, OH XII 1853 William Blackstone Hubbard, Columbus, OH XIII 1856 William Blackstone Hubbard, Columbus, OH... Jan 5, 1866 XIV 1859 Benjamin Brown French, Washington, DC XV 1862 Benjamin Brown French, Washington, DC... Aug 12, 1870 XVI 1865 Henry Lynde Palmer, Milwaukee, WI... May 7, 1909 XVII 1868 William Seawell Gardner, Newton, MA...Apr 4, 1888 XVIII 1871 John Quincy Adams Fellows, New Orleans, La... Nov 28, 1897 XIX 1874 James Herron Hopkins, Washington, DC... Jun 18, 1904 XX 1877 Vincent Lombard Hurlbut, Chicago, IL... Jul 24, 1896 XXI 1880 Benjamin Dean, Boston, MA... Apr 9, 1897 XXII 1883 Robert Enoch Wither, Wytheville, VA... Sep 21, 1907 XXIII 1886 Charles Roome, NY... Jun 28, 1890 XXIV 1889 John Peter Shindel Gobin, Lebanon, PA... May 1, 1910 XXV 1892 Hugh McCurdy, Corunna, MI... Jul 16, 1908 XXVI 1895 Warren LaRue Thomas, Danville, KY... Nov 23, 1914 XXVII 1898 Reuben Hedley Lloyd, San Francisco, CA... Mar 10, 1909 XXVIII 1901 Henry Bates Stoddard, Bryan, TX... May 19, 1925 XXIX 1904 George Mayhew Moulton, Chicago, IL... Jul 24, 1927 XXX 1907 Henry Warren Rugg, Providence, RI... Jul 21, 1910 XXXI 1910 William Bromwell Melish, Cincinnati, OH... Oct 21, 1927 XXXII 1913 Arthur MacArthur, Troy, NY... Dec 27, 1914 XXXIII 1916 Leo Stewart Smith, Pittsburgh, PA... Apr 8, 1926 XXXIV 1919 Joseph Kyle Orr, Atlanta, GA... Sep 18, 1938 XXXV 1922 Leoidas Perry Newbby, Knightstown, IN... Oct 25, 1945 XXXVI 1925 George William Vasllery, Denver, CO... Dec 29, 1933 ~ 57 ~

58 GRAND MASTERS OF THE GRAND ENCAMPMENT (Continued) Conclave Year Name Address Date of Death XXXVII 1928 William Leslie Sharp, Chicago, IL... Dec 22, 1950 XXXVIII 1931 Perry Winslow Weidner, Los Angeles, CA... Aug 16, 1932 Harry Clay Walker, Binghamton, NY... Nov 2, 1932 XXXIX 1934 Andrew Davidson Agnew, Milwaukee, WI... Dec 20, 1951 XL 1937 Mark Norris, Grand Rapids, MI... May 31, 1943 XLI 1940 Harry Gilmore Pollard, Lowell, MA... Jun 29, 1968 XKII 1943 Charles Noah Orr, St. Paul, MN... Jan 10, 1949 XLIII 1946 John Temple Rice, El Paso, TX... Nov 5, 1970 XLIV 1949 Robert Brainerd Gaylord, San Francisco, CA... Aug 4, 1953 XLV 1952 William Catron Gordon, Marshall, MO... Jan 10, 1959 XLVI 1955 Walter Allen delameter, Rhinebeck, NY... Aug 25, 1973 XLVII 1958 Louis Henry Wieber, Cleveland, OH... May 30, 1964 XLVIII 1961 Paul Miller Moore, Alquippa, PA... Apr 8, 1966 XLIX 1964 Wilber Marion Brucker, Detroit, MI... Oct 28, 1968 L 1967 John Lawton Crofts, Sr., Red Oak, IA... Feb 28, 2000 LI 1970 George Wilber Bell, Chandlerville, IL... Mar 24, 1989 LII 1973 Roy Wilford Riegle, Emporia, KS... Feb 2, 1988 LIII 1976 William M. Avery, Knightstown, IN... Feb 11, 2012 LIV 1979 Kenneth Culver Johnson, Little Rock, AR... Nov 20, 1987 LV 1982 Ned Eugene Dull, Van Wert, OH LVI 1985 Donald Hinslea Smith, Richmond, KY LVII 1988 Marvin Edward Fowler, Alexandria, VA... Dec 11, 2001 LVIII 1991 William Henry Thornley, Jr., Denver, CO... Dec 21, 1010 LIV 1994 Blair Christy Mayford, St. Peter, MO LV 1997 James Morris Ward, Jackson, MS LVI 2000 William Jackson Jones, Villa Grove, IN LVII 2003 Kenneth Bernard Fischer, Friendswood, TX LVIII 2006 Richard Burditt Baldwin, Burke, VA... Feb 5, 2009 LIX 2009 William H. Koon III, Columbus Grove, OH ~ 58 ~

59 GRAND COMMANDERS OF THE GRAND COMMANDERY OF KNIGHTS TEMPLAR OF SOUTH CAROLINA Conclave Year Name Address Date of Death I 1907 * Jacob T Barron, Columbia II 1908 * Jacob T Barron, Columbia... Sep 16, 1910 III 1909 * Samuel S Buist, Charleston... Aug 13, 1916 IV 1910 * George T Bryan, Greenville... Sep 10, 1935 V 1911 * Newton F Walker, Cedar Springs... Feb 4, 1927 VI 1912 * George S Mower, Newberry... Jul 25, 1921 VII 1913 * Eustace P Miller, Bennettsville... Jun 22, 1940 VIII 1914 * William E Gantt, Charleston... Mar 2, 1923 IX 1915 * Louis A Melchers, Charleston... Apr 17, 1932 X 1916 * Charles K Chreitzberg, Rock Hill... Jan 22, 1956 XI 1917 * Thomas W Dantzler, St Matthews... Jul 19, 1947 XII 1918 * Kenneth Baker, Greenwood... Jan 24, 1943 XIII 1919 * Jennings K Owens, Bennettsville... Feb 16, 1950 XIV 1920 * Bryan E Miot, Columbia... Nov 18, 1934 XV 1921 * J H C Wulbern, Charleston... Dec 1, 1922 XVI 1922 * James L Michie, Darlington... May 16, 1928 XVII 1923 * W Laurens Walker, Cedar Springs... Mar 27, 1931 XVIII 1924 * William R Lowman, Orangeburg... July 15, 1925 XIX 1925 * Robert M Pratt, Bennettsville... May 17, 1945 XX 1926 * Joseph Lindsay, Chester... Dec 11, 1954 XXI 1927 O Frank Hart, Columbia XXII 1928 * O Frank Hart, Columbia... Nov 28, 1950 XXIII 1929 * J Winston Ivey, Florence... Dec 1, 1932 XXIV 1930 * Robert T Goodale, Camden... May 29, 1938 XXV 1931 * Matthew R Clark, Chester... Dec 5, 1938 XXVI 1932 * Samuel T Lanham, Spartanburg... Jul 31, 1953 XXVII 1933 * J Fred Burns, Greenville... May 9, 1949 XXVIII 1934 * Joseph E Hart, York... May 26, 1952 XXIX 1935 * William A Giles, Graniteville... May 14, 1937 XXX 1936 * Paul T McNeel, Union... Aug 21, 1952 XXXI 1937 * W Robin Zemp, Camden... Feb 29, 1964 XXXII 1938 * Marion A Park, Columbia... Feb 14, 1970 XXXIII 1939 * Orion T Finklea, Florence... Feb 7, 1959 ~ 59 ~ Page 1

60 GRAND COMMANDERS OF SOUTH CAROLINA (Continued 2) Conclave Year Name Address Date of Death XXXIV 1940 * Robert Q Glass, Greenville... Dec 6, 1967 XXXV 1941 * Frank E Vantine, Great Falls... May 20, 1971 XXXVI 1942 Fred S McFadden, Rock Hill XXXVII 1943 * Fred S McFadden, Rock Hill... Jul 14, 1977 XXXVIII 1944 Oliver Pennington, Columbia XXIX 1945 * Oliver Pennington, Columbia... Aug 11, 1958 XL 1946 * Gustave J Knobeloch, Charleston XLI 1947 Gustave J Knobeloch, Charleston... Jun 4, 1961 XLII 1948 * Stephen H Moody, Warrenville XLIII 1949 * Stephen H Moody, Warrenville... Aug 12, 1960 XLIV 1950 * A J M Wannamaker, Orangeburg... Dec 4, 1990 XLV 1951 * Jesse T Anderson, Columbia... Aug 29, 1990 XLVI 1952 * James G Stranch, Ninety Six... Jan 17, 1995 XLVII 1953 * William E Simpson, Rock Hill... Mar 10, 1960 XLVIII 1954 * Robert W Coleman, Chester... May 6, 1985 XLIX 1955 * Emild I Johnson, Spartanburg... Oct 17, 1978 L 1956 * F Porter Caughman, Columbia... May 29, 1971 LI 1957 * Horace D Johnson, Greenville... May 19, 1989 LII 1958 * Harry R Stevens, Charleston... Jan 26, 1960 LIII 1959 * Joe M Black, Anderson... Dec 6, 1987 LIV 1960 * George D Bell, Troy... Apr 20, 1980 LV 1961 * Henry Fitzhugh Collins, Columbia... Mar 5, 1978 LVI 1962 * James Blake McGuirt, Camden... Oct 24, 2001 LVII 1963 * William M White, Rock Hill... Aug 20, 1984 LVIII 1964 Thomas B Clark, Marion LIX 1965 * W A Patterson, Spartanburg... Jun 20, 1973 LX 1966 * V P Patterson, Chester... Jul 10, 1985 LXI 1967 * Robert C Thomas, Charleston... Dec 6, 1979 LXII 1968 * T Scott Godfrey, Rock Hill... Apr 6, 1992 LXIII 1969 * James H Mathis, Aiken... Feb 29, 1980 LXIV 1970 * Crayton N Slaughter, Charleston... Oct 12, 1978 LXV 1971 * Andrew C Gramling, Jr, Williston... Nov 3, 1987 LXV 1971 HON * Hugh N Layne, Columbia... Dec 21, 1978 LXVI 1972 * John V Walters, Clemson... Jul 5, 1979 LXVII 1973 * Lowell M Reed, Spartanburg... Jan 6, 1997 ~ 60 ~ Page 2

61 GRAND COMMANDERS OF SOUTH CAROLINA (Continued 3) Conclave Year Name Address Date of Death LXVIII 1974 Sam L Grant, Jr, Chester LXVIII 1974 HON * W Curtis Sheely, Ballentine... Apr 9, 1975 LXIX 1975 Clarence E Turner, Easley LXX 1976 HON * Rev H Dwight McAlister, Columbia... Mar 24, 2005 LXX 1976 * John B Maxey, Columbia... Feb 22, 1990 LXXI 1977 * John A Dixon, Clover... Jun 4, 1990 LXXII 1978 * William A Von Dohlen, Mt Pleasant... Aug 7, 1998 LXXIII 1979 * Charles C Adams, Florence... Feb 4, 2000 LXXIV 1980 * J Maurice Day, Easley... Feb 21, 2002 LXXV 1981 Norman E Wood, Estill LXXVI 1982 * Ford M Thornton, Jr, Aiken... Jun 10, 2011 LXXVII 1983 * Alfred Allsbrook, Sumter... Mar 13, 2006 LXXII 1983 HON * James D Penley, Jr, York... Jul 30, 1986 LXXIII 1984 Glenn R Watts, Lancaster LXXIX 1985 Richard L Harding, Gaffney LXXX 1986 * William E Fuller, Jr, Columbia... May 1, 2000 LXXXI 1987 R Butler Satterfield, Laurens LXXXI 1987 HON * William F Bond, Jr, Aiken... May 25, 2008 LXXXI 1987 HON * George W Romanstine, Gilbert... Jan 20, 1991 LXXXII 1988 Jerry M Owens, Greenville LXXXIII 1989 * James T Berry, Taylors... Sep 10, 2003 LXXXIV 1990 D Samuel Tennyson, Rock Hill LXXXIV 1990 HON * Vernon A Amick, Chapin... Mar 17, 2010 LXXXIV 1990 HON * Marvin N DeYoung, Clinton... Sep 30, 1996 LXXXV 1991 EXP Robert R Holbrooks, Anderson LXXXVI 1992 Leroy J Delionbach, Aiken LXXXVI 1992 HON J C Hubbard, Jr, Clemson LXXXVI 1992 HON G Ray Marsh, Anderson LXXXVII 1993 * H Gregory Hiers, Hampton... Aug 14, 2009 LXXXVIII 1994 * Jesse C Branham, Charleston... Dec 10, 2008 LXXXIX 1995 Johnnie T Morris, Columbia XC 1996 Lee Roy Bruce, Sr, Aiken XCI 1997 Don S Blair, Boiling Springs XCII 1998 James Sam Burton, Walhalla XCIII 1999 Richard Alan Wesner, Myrtle Beach ~ 61 ~ Page 3

62 GRAND COMMANDERS OF SOUTH CAROLINA (Continued 4) Conclave Year Name Address Date of Death XCIV 2000 Harvie Benjamin Bailey, Batesburg XCV 2001 John T Davis, Sr, Sumter XCVI 2002 Mark Ben Cable, Rock Hill XCVII 2003 * Donnie E Richey, Anderson... May 8, 2007 XCVIII 2004 Norman Haskell Brabham, Lexington XCIX 2005 Richard W Sealy, Rock Hill XCIX 2006 Howard Ted Burgess, Belton C 2007 William B Hadwin, Estill CI 2008 William R Hall, Easley CII 2009 Rev H Haywood Fowler, Tabor City, NC CIII 2010 Charles Todd Schofield, Lexington CIV 2011 James Jackson Holmes, Gaffney CV 2012 Douglas Leon Amyx, Greenwood CVI 2013 Zebulon Vance Morgan III, White Rock CVII 2014 Gerald David Burton, LaFrance GRAND RECORDERS - GRAND COMMANDERY, KNIGHTS TEMPLAR OF SOUTH CAROLINA I John M Diven (1), Charleston II 1912 PT Louis A Melchers (1), Charleston... Apr 17, 1932 III James G. Johnston (7), Chester... Jun 5, 1916 IV Joseph Lindsay (7), Chester... Dec 11, 1954 V 1926 Atticus Grandville Thornton (7), Chester... Jun 13, 1944 VI Joseph Lindsay (7), Chester... Dec 11, 1954 VII Oliver Frank Hart (2), Columbia... Nov 28, 1950 VIII Henry Fitzhugh Collins (2), Columbia... Mar 5, 1978 IX Hugh Nettles Layne (2, 3), Spartanburg... Dec 21, 1978 X Robert F Secrest (2), Columbia... Apr 11, 1981 XI George W Romanstine (2), Columbia... Jan 20, 1991 XII Mendel Corbin Jeanes (2), Columbia... Oct 5, 1998 XIII Robert Craig Hopple (2), Columbia... Jan 22, 1997 IX Johnnie T. Morris (2), Columbia * Deceased H Honorary Exp Expelled PT Pro tem ~ 62 ~ Page 4

63 BY-LAWS COMMANDERY NO. KNIGHTS TEMPLAR OF SOUTH CAROLINA ARTICLE I Designation and Conclaves Section 1. This Commandery shall be known and designated as Commandery No., K.T. Section 2. The Stated Conclaves shall be held in the at on the in each month (Name and physical address of meeting place) at o clock p.m.; Provided, However, That it may suspend its Conclaves during the month/s of. The last stated Conclave preceding St. John s Day in of each year shall be the (November or December) Annual Conclave. Section 3. Special Conclaves may be called at the pleasure of the Eminent Commander. ARTICLE II Powers and Duties Section 1. This Commandery shall have and exercise all the powers and duties prescribed and defined by the Constitution and Statutes of the Grand Encampment of the United States; the Constitution and Statutes of the Grand Commandery of South Carolina and such as are usually exercised and devolved upon Constituent Commanderies non repugnant of the aforesaid Constitution and Statutes. ARTICLE III Officers Section 1. The Officers of this Commandery shall consist of a Commander (whose title is Eminent), a Generalissimo, a Captain-General, a Treasurer and a Recorder, who shall be elected annually, at the Annual Conclave, by written ballot, without nominations and must have a majority of all votes cast. The remaining Officers, consisting of Prelate, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Standard Bearer, Sword Bearer, Warder, Sentinel and three Guards, shall be appointed by the Commander. All Officers shall be elected and installed on or before the 27 th day of December, and assume their respective duties on said day. ~ 63 ~ Page 1

64 Section 2. The duties of the Officers shall be such as the Constitution, Statutes, By-Laws and Regulations of the Grand Encampment, and the Customs of the Order have established. Section 3. The Treasurer shall receive from the Recorder, or otherwise, all moneys belonging to the Commandery, depositing the same in a bank, the account standing in the name of Commandery No., by Treasurer, and not in the name of the Treasurer, either officially or individually; and account therefore at such times and in such manner, as by it may be prescribed. For the faithful performance of his duties he annually shall receive the sum of $ dollars per annum and give bond in some standard guaranty company for the sum of $ paying the premium thereon. dollars, the Commandery Section 4. The Recorder shall keep an accurate record of all transactions of the Commandery, which shall be written including a list of Officers, Members and Visitors present, which shall be read, corrected and approved at each Conclave. He shall collect the revenue and pay it over to the Treasurer; shall keep correct accounts of the dues of Members; shall prepare and transmit the annual returns to the Grand Recorder; shall keep the seal of the Commandery, and affix it to all documents emanating there from requiring the seal, and shall perform such other duties as may be required of him by the Commandery, of Commander. For the faithful performance of his duties he annually shall receive $ He shall give bond in some standard guaranty company the sum of $ dollars, the Commandery paying the premium thereon. dollars. Section 5. The Sentinel shall receive as compensation for his services $ dollars for his services. ARTICLE IV Fees, Dues and Membership Section 1. The fees for CONFERRING THE SEVERAL Orders of Knighthood shall be $ dollars, to be paid as follows: Accompanying petition... $ On Receiving the Red Cross... $ On Receiving the Order of the Temple... $ No Commandery shall confer the Orders of Knighthood for a less fee than Seventy-five Dollars. ~ 64 ~ Page 2

65 Section 2. A Sir Knight who shall have demitted from any other Commandery may be admitted into this Commandery by petition and election. The fee for affiliation shall be $ accompany the petition. dollars, which sum shall Section 3. The Commandery may, for good and sufficient reasons, to be shown upon the Minutes, elect Sir Knights of other Commanderies to Honorary Membership. Such election, however, does not confer the right to vote nor any rank or standing herein, but is merely complimentary. Section 4. $ dollars. The Annual Dues, for Members, except honorary, shall be: (NOTE: A Commandery may pass a By-Law remitting the dues of Ministers of the Gospel and others for good and sufficient reason.) Section 5. Any Member of this Commandery in good standing may participate in the Life Membership Fund, as prescribed in SECTION 40 and SECTION 42. No member can receive a Life Membership for any reason whatever, either meritorious service or long continuous service. Section 6. The Commandery has the right to levy and collect such pro rate assessments as may be needed to pay the expenses and promote the prosperity of the body, but no assessment shall be made without due notice to all the members that such action is proposed. Section 7. A Sir Knight being in arrears for more than one year s dues shall be given one month s notice by registered letter addressed to his last known place of residence to show cause the first Stated Conclave after the expiration of one month, why his name should not be stricken from the roll of members. If he attends and gives a satisfactory excuse, of notifies the Commandery to this effect, it may remit, grant further time or urge immediate payment, as it may deem proper. If he fails to obey the notice, or to show sufficient cause, he shall be dealt with as provided by the Statutes of the Grand Encampment of the United States. Section 8. In addition to the above fees, there shall be levied upon each Sir Knight, unless he is a Life Sponsor, Associate Patron, or Patron Member, an annual per capita tax of one ($1.00) dollar payable along with the above fees which shall be turned over the Grand Commandery and by it to the Grand Encampment for the use of the Knight Templar Eye Foundation. Amended 3/14/2011 Section 9. Any increase in per capita to the Grand Commandery, Knights Templar of South Carolina or the Grand Encampment shall be automatically added to the amount of dues paid by each dues paying member. ~ 65 ~ Page 3

66 ARTICLE V Demits Section 1. A Demit shall be granted to any member upon written application, addressed to the Commandery, and presented at a Stated Conclave, provided he is not indebted to the Commandery and no charges are pending against him. ARTICLE VI Petitions Section 1. Every petition for the Orders or for Membership shall be in writing, signed with the full name of the petitioner, and recommended by two members of the Commandery, stating the Lodge, Chapter and Council in which he received the degrees and also the Lodge, Chapter and Council in which he is then affiliated, and shall also state whether he has of has not been previously rejected by any Commandery, and that the petitioner is a firm believer in the Christian Religion. Such Petition must be presented at a Stated Conclave, unless further time is granted, the Character of which report, whether favorable or unfavorable, shall not be recorded; whereupon the ballot shall be spread and a unanimous vote shall be necessary for his admission; but no ballot can be had except at a Stated Conclave, and until the expiration of at least two weeks from the date of presentation, unless by written dispensation of the Grand Commander. Section 2. The Commander may order one re-ballot before the result of the ballot has been recorded, and before any member of the Commandery has left the Asylum; but only when good cause is shown. Section 3. before the ballot. A petition may be withdrawn by the petitioner at any time Section 4. A rejected Petitioner for the Orders, if still residing within the jurisdiction of the Commandery petitioned, may again petition after the expiration of Six Months, but shall not petition any other Commandery until the expiration of Three Years after such rejection unless the consent of the Commandery by which he was rejected is given by unanimous ballot. Section 5. Failure of a candidate to present himself to the Orders within twelve months after receiving his first written notice to appear for the conferring of the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross voids his election. Section 6. Every Officer must appear in his proper uniform at all Conclaves, unless he is excused therefrom for good cause shown, by the Eminent Commander. ~ 66 ~ Page 4

67 Section 7. No Knight Templar shall be entitled to the rights and privileges of membership in the Commandery, or subject to payment of annual dues, until he has been made a Knight Templar which it shall be the duty of the Commander to confer within a reasonable time. ARTICLE VII Committees Section 1. A Finance Committee consisting of three members shall be appointed by the Commander each year, at the Annual Conclave, which shall have a general supervision of the finances of the Commandery, making such reports and recommendations thereon as the Commandery or Commander may require. Additionally, this committee shall propose an annual budget to be brought before the membership to be voted upon for approval and implementation. Amended 3/14/2011 Section 2. An Audit Committee consisting of three members shall be appointed by the Commander each year, at the Annual Conclave, which shall examine and report upon the annual returns and books of the Treasurer and Recorder." ARTICLE VIII Notice of Conclaves Amended 3/14/2011 Section 1. Whenever petitions for the Orders of or membership in are to be balloted on, if notices are sent out for such purpose containing the names of the petitioners, such notices shall be in sealed envelopes. ARTICLE IX Amendments Section 1. Amendments to these By-Laws must be presented in writing at a Stated Conclave and laid over until the next Stated Conclave, when a vote of the Commandery shall be taken thereon, and a vote of two-thirds vote of the members present shall be necessary for their adoption: ~ 67 ~ Page 5

68 Certificate of Adoption This is to certify that the foregoing By-Laws were read at a stated Conclave of the Commandery held, and adopted by a two-thirds vote of the members present at the stated Conclave held on the day of, 20. (Seal) Eminent Commander Approved Attest: Approved Recorder (Seal) Approved Grand Commander Attest: Approved Grand Recorder ~ 68 ~ Page 6

69 Columbia Commandery No. 2, K. T. Johnnie T. Morris P. O. Box 7724 Recorder Phone: (803) Columbia SC Presently reads: Wednesday, November 7, 2008 Section 2. The Stated Conclaves of this Commandery shall be held in the Masonic Temple of Columbia, South Carolina on the First Friday in each month; provided, however, that it might suspend its conclaves during the months of July and August. The last Stated Conclave preceding the 27 th day of December shall be the Annual Conclave. Proposed: Section 2. The Stated Conclaves of this Commandery shall be held at 8:00 p.m. in the Masonic Temple, 1518 Hampton St., Columbia, S. C. on the Second Wednesday in each month: Provided, however, that it may suspend its Conclave during the month of July. The Annual Conclave shall be the second Wednesday in November. Adopted. Certificate of Adoption This is to Certify that the foregoing amendment was read at the Stated Conclave held on November 7, 2008 and December 5, 2008 and duly adopted by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present at the Stated Conclave held December 5, Signed Eminent Commander Approved Date Attest: Johnnie T. Morris, Recorder Approved Date Attest: Grand Recorder Approved Date Signed Grand Commander Approved Date ~ 69 ~

70 Commandery No., K. T. Recorder Phone: Presently reads: Proposed: Adopted. Certificate of Adoption This is to Certify that the foregoing amendment was read at the Stated Conclave held on: and on of the members present at the Stated Conclave held. and duly adopted by a two-thirds (2/3) vote Attest: Signed Approved Eminent Commander Date Approved Attest: Recorder Date Signed Approved Grand Commander Date Approved Grand Recorder Date ~ 70 ~

71 A Petition COMBINATION - ALL PURPOSE FORM To the Chapter, Council and Commandery comprising the York Rite DO NOT WRITE IN SPACES BELOW York Rite Bodies FULL LAST FIRST NAME FOR DEGREES FOR FOR (PRINT) OR ORDERS AFFILIATION REINSTATEMENT RESIDENCE ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP TO NO. OF YRS. PHONE NO. OCCUPATION FIRM BUSINESS ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP TO NO. OF YRS. PHONE NO. ADD. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN REJECTED IF ANSWERED "YES" NAME THE BODY SPOUSE BY ANY YORK RITE BODY NO YES & DATE (USE OTHER SIDE FOR DETAILS) NAME ADD. TOTAL I AM PRESENTLY A MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING OF: LODGE NO. AT I am, presently, a member In good standing of (or have petitioned as indicated) Petition IS HEREBY MADE ON THIS I HAVE A PENDING HOME ADD. BUS. DATE RECEIVED PETITION WITH CHAPTER NO. AT STATE SIGNED I HAVE A PENDING PETITION WITH COUNCIL NO. I HAVE A PENDING AT SIGNED SIGNED favorably on the within petition PETITION WITH COMMANDERY NO. AT STATE DATE READ ELECTED REJECTED TO THE OFFICERS & MEMBERS OF THE BODY (OR BODIES) NAMED BELOW TO R.A.M. AT DUES ARE $ FOR DEGREES AND FOR AFFILIATION FOR REINSTATEMENT MEMBERSHIP (SEE NOTE DUES IN AMOUNT OF WHOSE ANNUAL PETITIONER NOTIFIED WITH A FEE OF $ OF WHICH $ IS ATTACHED* AT RIGHT) ATTACHED OR PAID $ MARK R.M. R.C. RECOMMENDED BY: COMPANION & COMPANION TO R.&S.M. AT DUES ARE $ R.A. FOR DEGREES AND FOR AFFILIATION FOR REINSTATEMENT MEMBERSHIP (SEE NOTE DUES IN AMOUNT OF WITH A FEE OF $ OF WHICH $ IS ATTACHED* AT RIGHT) ATTACHED OR PAID $ RECOMMENDED BY: COMPANION & COMPANION P.M. P.M. MALTA WHOSE M.E.M. S.E.M. O.T. ANNUAL WHOSE ANNUAL I RECEIVED THE CHAPTER TO K.T. AT DUES ARE $ DEGREE OF ROYAL ARCH MASON ON FOR DEGREES AND FOR AFFILIATION FOR REINSTATEMENT MEMBERSHIP (SEE NOTE DUES IN AMOUNT OF IN CHAPTER NO. STATE OF WITH A FEE OF $ OF WHICH $ IS ATTACHED* AT RIGHT) ATTACHED OR PAID $ RECOMMENDED BY: DAY OF CHAPTER NO. COUNCIL NO. COMMANDERY NO. MIDDLE PLACE OF BIRTH DATE OF BIRTH AGE 20 INDICATED BY "X" STATE STATE ( ) - $ ADDRESS ALL MAIL AS $ ( ) - CHAPTER COUNCIL COMMANDERY If any part of the within petition is for affiliation, attach a Demit ( or Certificate of Good Standing ) I RECEIVED THE COUNCIL Referred to COMMITTEE OF INVESTIGATION which, having discharged the duty assigned it, respectfully reports RECORD OF WORK PETITIONER - PLEASE NOTE! and supply such of the following information as applicable $ $ $ Year S.K. & S.K. DEGREE OF SELECT MASTER ON Year THE UNDERSIGNED represents that all of the above statements relating to his current membership status in the body ( or bodies ) named are true and correct. That he is desirous of receiving ( or, if this petition is for Affiliation or Reinstatement only, he has received ) the Degrees and Orders as conferred in the specifically named body ( or bodies ) listed above. Further, that if he becomes a member of that body ( or bodies ) to which this petition is directed, he will cheerfully conform to all the laws, ancient customs and usages of each of such body. THE UNDERSIGNED further confirms, that insofar as his petition relates to his becoming a member of the named Commandery of Knights Templar, he is a firm believer in the CHRISTIAN RELIGION. (SIGNATURE IN FULL) X IN COUNCIL NO. I RECEIVED THE COMMANDERY ORDER OF THE TEMPLE ON IN COMMANDERY NO. STATE OF STATE OF Year * 1/3 of total fee for each body must accompany this Petition. * Plus $1.00 Eye Foundation Assessment.

72 It may be used by a: Chapter, Council or Commandery for: a. Degrees (or Orders) and Membership b. Affilitation (by Demit of Certificate of Good Standing, Attached hereto.) c. Reinstatement to Membership It may be used to Petition any one body, or combination of any two or three bodies, for any combination of purposes as named above. No other Petition Form is required. To the Petitioner 1. Use ink or typewriter and print all requested information except signature. 2. Have your "Recommendor" assist you in the completion of the form and determination of the required fees. 3. It is preferred, that all payments of fees be made by check with a separate check being prepared for each named body. COMBINATION - ALL PURPOSE South Carolina York Rite Bodies PETITION To the Sponsors 1. Be sure that the form is complete as to the Name of each Body, its fees and it dues. 2. Sign in the space provided. ( Two signatures are required for each body. 3. Sign only if YOU are a member of the named Chapter, named Council, or named Commandery. If you are not a member of the named Body, you cannot sign as the Sponsor and should leave the signature space blank. 4. Lacking a signature of recommendation, the Principal Officer or Secretart/Recorder may sign the Petition as the Sponsor for his specific Body named. 5 Secure the necessary fee ( or fees ) from the Petitioner. NOTE: at least 1/3 of the total fee must be obtained for each Body. Entire fee must be paid before the Petitioner can receive the degree. Where the Petition is for Orders or for Reinstatement, The Annual Assesment for the Knights Templar Eye Foundation ( presently $1.00 ) must also be included in the check. This item is not a part of the Commandery's fees or dues. 6. Sponsor is to transmit this Petition ( which check(s) attached to the Secretary/Recorder of the FIRST NAMED BODY to which Petition is directed. To the Secretary/Recorder first receiving the Petition 1. Check information entered on Petition to insuire its completeness and accuracy. Add missing information or correct as necessary. 2. Make ( or have made ) a Photocopy (Xerox or other ) of the face of this Petion for EACH YORK RITE BODY to which this Petition is directed ( Other than your OWN) 3. Keep the ORIGINAL Petition and send the Copy ( with accompanying check ) to the named Body ( or Bodies ). Balance of handling in the normal manner. 4. Complete the information you may require in the Right Hand Section of the form. To the Secretary/Recorder receiving a Photo Copy of this Petition 1. Verify the completeness and accuracy of information provided. 2. Handle in the normal manner. 3. Record information in the space provided at the Right Hand Side as you may require. THIS SPACE MAY BE USED BY THE PETITIONER IF NEEDED. GRAND CHAPTER ROYAL ARCH MASONS of SOUTH CAROLINA GRAND COUNCIL ROYAL and SELECT MASTERS of SOUTH CAROLINA GRAND COMMANDERY KNIGHTS TEMPLAR of SOUTH CAROLINA For more information contact: Johnnie T. Morris, Grand Secretary-Recorder 1518 Hampton St PO Box 7463 Columbia SC Columbia SC (803) (803) scgyr1@gmail.com Web Site: