In Hoc Signo Vinces

 

 

Grand Eminent Commander

 

Message from me:

 

            It is with great pleasure to bid all Sir Knights a hearty welcome into this magnanimous Christian organization. Our membership consists of those who believe in the Great Commander of their Salvation, Jesus Christ our Lord, and of those who profess allegiance in His name. Templarism is one that challenges the highest and best in every man to protect the weak and innocent, to protect the widows and orphans, and to fight oppression in every form. Unfortunately, the warlike spirit of our order has slowly diminished, but it has been replaced by a spirit filled with moral chivalry.

 

            In a Sir Knight’s cause, we are to do all that is requested by the fraternity and mankind. These convictions will become a reality when our charitable deeds benefit those in need. And now I hail you all Sir Knights as well as my Brothers. We must observe the sacred vows we have taken which binds us all to the Order, and teaches us to be comrades in arms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2005 – 2006 Palmetto Grand Commandery Officers:

 

            Grand Eminent Commander                                    Sir Knight Joseph E. Goings

            Grand Generalissimo                                      Sir Knight Donald Franklin

            Grand Captain General                                   Sir Knight James Lee Headd Jr.

            Grand Recorder                                              Sir Knight Phil McQueen

            Grand Treasurer                                              Sir Knight Elandis Mays

            Grand Prelate                                                  Sir Knight Lester Dent

            Grand Senior Warden                                     Sir Knight Curtis Gadsden

            Grand Junior Warden                                     Sir Knight Kenith Salley

            Grand Sword Bearer                                       Sir Knight Derrick B. Smith

            Grand Standard Bearer                                   Sir Knight Kelvin Knox

            Grand Warder                                                 Sir Knight Brian Branch

            Grand Assistant Recorder                              Sir Knight Terrance Jones

            Grand Prelate to the Crusaders                       Sir Knight Larry Piper

            Grand Marshall                                               Sir Knight Shawn Siebels

            Grand Inside Sentinel                                     Sir Knight Harold Burns

            Grand Outside Sentinel                                  Sir Knight Michael Wilson

Brief history of the Knights Templar

The Templar Knights - or Poor Knights of Christ was a monastic order of knights founded in 1112 A.D. to protect the pilgrims along the path from Europe to the Holy Lands (Jerusalem). They took a vow of poverty which was rare for knights which had to supply themselves with a horse, armor and weapons.

Their seal became two knights on one horse to show how poor they were. There were also other various interpretations of the seal. They became very powerful and influential in European political circles since Pope Innocent II exempted the Templars from all authority except the Pope.

Because the Knights Templar regularly transmitted money and supplies from Europe to Palestine, they gradually developed an efficient banking system unlike any the world had seen before. Their military might and financial acumen caused them to become both feared and trusted. Because of their unselfish defense of the Holy Lands and their monastic vows, they amassed great wealth through gifts from their grateful benefactors.

They soon had an army and a fleet as well as surplus money. Since the Knights had taken a vow of poverty they re-invested the money and lent.

The Knights Templar was the earliest founders of the military orders, and was the type on which the others are modeled. They are marked in history, by their humble beginning, by their marvelous growth, and by their tragic end.