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KNIGHT TEMPLAR WINTER 2025

LODGE OF THE HOLY GRAIL

MEDIEVAL TRIALS GRAND ENCAMPMENT

LETTER TO PRESIDENT LINCOLN 200 YEARS OF TEMPLARY

IN VERMONT

AND NEW HAVEN CONNECTICUT

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KNIGHT TEMPLAR VOLUME LXXI WINTER 2025

Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America

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The KNIGHT TEMPLAR (USPS 25735) (ISSN 2994-7189 (print); 2994-7170 (online)) is published quarterly in Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter by Laughing Lion LLC, 1100 W Littleton Blvd, Ste 440, Littleton, CO 80120, on behalf of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America. Periodical postage is paid at Denver, CO, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: KNIGHT TEMPLAR MAGAZINE, GRAND ENCAMPMENT OFFICE, 3 SUGAR CREEK CENTER BLVD, STE 410. SUGAR LAND, TX 77478.

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www.kthlp.com ONE well established pilgrimage program with over 40 years of experience. TWO divisions of this program. #1 - KNIGHTS TEMPLAR HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE FOR CHRISTIAN MINISTERS Our Mission: To send credentialed Christian Ministers on a Biblical study and historical / cultural immersion experience who would not have the opportunity otherwise. PURPOSE: To strengthen Christian ministry by providing an intensive travel and study program for credentialed ministers in the form of a study pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Our experience tells us how much the opportunity to ‘walk where Jesus walked’ can positively affect the preaching, teaching, and spirituality of Christian ministers. It is our plan to immerse the Pilgrim ministers in the land, the sights, the sounds, the history, and the cultures of the Holy Land, past and present. Travel groups for February/March of 2026 are already booked and preparing for travel. The registration process is already open for February of 2027. Price will be finalized in the early months of 2027 but registrations can be received by our Registrar based on the anticipated cost. LOOKING AHEAD to 2027 Group A, Monday, February 1 – Thursday, February 11, 2027 Group B, Monday, February 15 – Thursday, February 25, 2027

#2 -

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE for Sir Knights, their Ladies, friends, and guests is open to anyone. Each person is responsible for their own fees and expenses related to the pilgrimage. Each person is responsible for being able to manage their own luggage and follow the itinerary. This pilgrimage is an 11day program that covers as much ground as possible in the touring days (we average 5 – 7 miles of walking many days, often uphill or up steps and on uneven surfaces). This opportunity offers to others the chance to participate in a parallel program and have their faith and depth of belief deepen. We are ready to add to our registrations for this pilgrimage in the fall of 2026. November 9 – 19, 2026. Check it out now. We will accept up to 45 registrations. Use this web address or access the Pilgrimage site from the Grand Encampment site.

www.kthlp.com

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Grand Prelate’s Message Sir Knight Paul Erickson, GCT Grand Prelate of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar

And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2: 7 (ESV)

s I sit here preparing this Christmas article for the Knights Templar Magazine, I am mindful that it is Thanksgiving that is on the horizon. We have all been taught since elementary school what the history of thanksgiving is, so there is no need for me to address that here, but let me share with you what I am thankful for. I'm grateful for my family, my daughters, and the wife who gave them to me. I'm grateful for my parents who gave me life and brought me into this world, and my brothers and sisters who watched me grow and often get in trouble. But since becoming a Freemason, my family has grown so much, much larger. If you have been around me much, you have heard me talk about how important fellowship is. It is that fellowship that causes my family to grow. You see, I consider all of you part of my family and I am grateful for you as well. I am also grateful for our Savior who was willing to come here and sacrifice His life so that we might spend eternity with Him. And so, this leads me to my message. In my Christmas toast to the Grandmaster, I briefly mentioned Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem, to be counted as part of the census. Caesar Augustus required that 6

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all be registered in their own town. It wasn't like today, like going to the DMV where you could simply register in the place where you had moved; you had to go where you were born. This caused Joseph and Mary to go to the city of David, which was called Bethlehem (literally, the “house of bread,” or “house of life”). The journey took them from Galilee to the town of Nazareth, Judea, and on to the city of David where Bethlehem was, and where they were registered: perhaps 70 to 90 miles. I can only imagine how difficult a journey that was for Mary, who was pregnant and near term. They undoubtedly had things to carry with them, but scripture is silent as to whether they were traveling in a camel train of people or simply had to walk alone, just the two of them. We also don't know if it was the difficulty of the journey that caused her to give birth upon their arrival, but we do know that they couldn't find a decent place to stay. Their idea of a decent place is different than ours. We might be worried about whether we had Internet, cable TV, a hot shower, or a bed. But Mary and Joseph only had a manger to lay the Christ child in. Jesus’ journey wasn't any easy one, but I am grateful it was made! I think it’s a good thing that Thanksgiving is just a month before Christmas. It gives us time for reflection on what we are truly grateful for. The first Thanksgiving was in autumn 1621, they were grateful for just having survived. Our Savior’s birthday – though we most likely don't celebrate it on the actual day – is the beginning of his journey to us and our salvation. By the time you read this, Thanksgiving

will have come and gone and hopefully Christmas will only be a few short days away. Braving the elements and the crowds can often be difficult, filled with impatient and angry people. However, it is still a time filled with opportunity to share with one another and be the person who offers a helping hand to someone in need – maybe just help with a bag, or even just a smile. As we approach Christmas, I hope all your days are filled with blessings. And as you gather with your friends and families, my prayer is you are filled with joy and good fellowship. Merry Christmas and blessings to you all,

Paul Paul Erickson, KGC Grand Prelate

40 Miles

Project

https://usagekt.org/40miles/

KNIGHTS of the CAPITAL SK B. Chris Ruli, EPC and Grand Historian of the Grand Commandery of the District of Columbia, presents the official and comprehensive history of the Knights Templar in Washington, D.C. Presented in a beautiful hardcover format with over 70 illustrations, Ruli’s new work is a must-have for any Sir Knight interested in American Templar history.

B. Chris Ruli

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CONTRIBUTORS D. Bruce Beardsley is a member of Weston Lodge No. 22 in Littleton, Colorado. His writing focuses on esoteric currents and ancient mystery traditions woven into the fabric of Freemasonry. He explores hidden symbolism, initiatic patterns, and philosophical lineages that connect the Craft to the wisdom of the Hermetic, Platonic, and Near Eastern mystery schools.

CONTE

NEWS

York Rite conference in Baden Baden Germany . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Rick Johnson is Eminent Commander at Kings of Kings Commandery No. 12 for Scottsdale York Rite Bodies in Arizona. He was constituted a Knight Templar in 2021. He serves as Hight Priest for Goldwater Chapter No. 18. He also serves as a steward for Scottsdale Lodge No. 43 F. & A. Masons. His interests include Templarism, Rosicrucianism, and Spiritual Freemasonry. He is also a member of various appendant bodies within the York Rite. Barry Newell is a member of the Social Media Committee for the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar. He is a Past Grand Commander and current Grand Recorder of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Idaho. He is an Army Veteran and currently works as an IT consultant for the Army National Guard. He holds a Master of Arts and Bachelor of Science in International Relations from Boise State University. Raul A. Pereles, Jr. is the Manager of Learning and Organizational Development at Public Health Solutions in New York City, leading initiatives that strengthen leadership capacity, organizational culture, and workforce effectiveness across mission-driven programs. He is a doctoral candidate in Executive Leadership, with a focus on nonprofit management. He currently serves as Eminent Commander of New Haven Commandery No. 2 in New Haven, Connecticut. B. Chris Ruli is a historian and author of early American Freemasonry with a focus on the history of Freemasonry in Washington, D.C. He is a member of Columbia Commandery 2 and Potomac Commandery 3 in the District of Columbia. This article is based on research from Ruli’s book, The White House & The Freemasons, available from Macoy Publishing. Timothy J. Whipple lives in Des Moines, Iowa. He is a past master of Legacy Lodge No. 678 in Des Moines, Iowa, a member of the Scottish Rite and York Rite, and a member of several invitational bodies. He is currently the master of Iowa Research Lodge No. 2. He is a shareholder at the law firm of Ahlers and Cooney, where he practices utility law. Roland Woodard is presently Most Illustrious Grand Master of Council in Vermont. He was Grand Commander of Vermont in 2023 and 2024 leading the effort to celebrate Vermont’s Grand Commandery 2024 Bicentennial. He is also a past Grand High Priest. He was ably assisted in his article by Kirk C. White, Grand Commander of VT, and William J. Ormerod, Grand Senior Warden. Sir Knight Woodard taught high school Social Studies for forty-five years. He resides in Sheffield, VT.

On the Cover: "SILENT KNIGHT." AI generated image. Chat GPT – 14 DEC 2025 8

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American Academy of Ophthalmology honors Knight Templar Eye Foundation . . . . . . 48

Editor Ben Williams is a Registered Patent Attorney based out of Denver, Colorado. He’s a Past Department Commander for the Northwest Department and has held many Masonic offices in his home state of Colorado. He’s married to his patient and caring wife, Tiffany, a history teacher. They have a daughter, Adelyn, and a beagle, Warwick.

ENTS Two hundred years of Templary in Vermont . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

New Haven Commandery Bicentennial Celebration . . . . . . 19

LODGE OF THE HOLY GRAIL

by Rick Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

GRAND ENCAMPMENT'S LETTER TO PRESIDENT LINCOLN by Chris Ruli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

THE UNSEEN SENTINEL by Bruce Beardsley . . . . 22

SOOB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

ANGLO-SAXON TRIALS by Timothy Whipple . . . . 31 EYE FOUNDATION Grand Masters & Grand Commander’s Clubs . . . . . . . . . . 46 Campaign Chairman's Report . 47

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FROM THE EDITOR

t’s a good problem to have: submissions that don’t comply with our submission guidelines. But there are good reasons we have submission guidelines – it makes our lives easier, for sure, but consistency assists others reading your article and researching your sources. If scholarship is a dialogue, then styles define the dialect. So, when submitting articles, please be aware of our submission guidelines. A frequent problem we encounter is submissions with images inserted into the Word document. This renders the image resolution too low to print. Microsoft Word is not designed for print-ready files. If you embed an image in the text of a .doc file, Word essentially makes a copy of the file to display in the .doc. It does this for two reasons: 1. so that the image loads in the .doc irrespective of where the original file is located (it doesn’t disappear when you move the original to a separate folder or delete the original); and, 2. to save memory in the .doc file. This is not the same as layout software, which loads a linked file into the finished, printready .pdf file and, as a result, creates a file requiring significantly more memory (more than 20 MB). Images must be 300 dpi at size to print. Otherwise they will pixelate. Please, take time to understand what this means. It is frustrating – for me as well as you – when we cannot print the pictures you send because they are only screen resolution. Working with undersized images also makes layout much harder. Rather than being able to resize an image to float the text to a boundary, we have to use the text to accommodate the images. The way to submit images is as separate files, named appropriately. In your .doc submission, be sure to include photo credit and, if you want a caption describing the image contents, include it. Include people’s names. If you are 10

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going to include titles, don’t use the honorific. For example. “John Doe, Grand Commander,” not “John Doe, Right Eminent Grand Commander.” Text submissions should be Times New Roman, single spaced, tabbed between paragraphs. Don’t use other fonts. Don’t try to lay out the article in the .doc file. All that will be replaced when the article is laid out for publication. Keeping to these requirements allows us to assign styles quickly to the text consistently and maintain italics and bold that you may have included. If you use another font, such as Calibri or Arial, say, then our styles will not always attach correctly in the text. Again, please understand this: it’s important. Another frequent problem we seem to have is footnotes or end notes submitted in made up formats. Like most Masonic publications, we use the Quarry Project style – a modified Chicago Style devised for Masonic citations (note, however, we do tend to capitalize Masonic titles unless dealing with the term in the abstract – e.g., “the Worshipful Master addressed the Brethren,” versus “the worshipful masters congregated in the south,” and we include "No." in Lodge and Commandery names, e.g., Telluride Lodge No. 56). If you are unsure about the Quarry Project, you can learn more at https://thequarryproject.com. Every Masonic writer should be familiar with this. Before you submit an article for consideration, read the Quarry Project guide. Review our submission guidelines. We’ve published them in this magazine before. If you would like a copy, you can download one at ktmag.org. Or email me at ben@ ktmag.org. If you’re unsure about a particular citation, default to Chicago Style. There are many resources online, here. Frequent writers should spring for a copy of The Chicago Manual of Style or

subscribe online at chicagomanualofstyle.org. It’s worth it, you will use it a lot. Here are some examples of Chicago Style citations. First, for a book citation: Author, Book Title, [xth ed.] (City: Publisher, date), pg. It should look like this: C. G. Jung, The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious, 2nd ed. (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1969), 29. Subsequent cites to the same reference may be abbreviated, thus: Author, Abbreviated Title, pg. this:

Using the example above, like

Jung, Archetypes, 47. For a periodical (first note): Author, “Article Title.” Journal Name, no. xx (Issue date): pg.

Journal of Masonic Research and Letters, vol. 65, no. 3 (November 2021): 107. Periodical (subsequent note): Author, pg. It should look like this: Eyer, 110. Bear in mind that the Knight Templar is not an academic publication. Citations are not always necessary. But that doesn’t mean your submissions should not have bases in proper research. We require a journalistic standard: you need not cite sources, but you must be able to produce them upon request. If you have questions, feel free to reach out. As always, thank you for your submissions – and keep them coming! Don't forget a head shot and a 150 word bio.

For example: S. Eyer, “Numberless Worlds, Infinite Beings.” Philaelthes: The

Window Pains

Ben Williams Editor

by Boondoggle

"But every Thursday, I'm Thrice Illustrious."

NEWS

Photo by Barry Newell

YORK RITE JOINT CONFERENCE IN BADEN-BADEN, GERMANY by Barry Newell

he spa city of BadenBaden, nestled at the edge of Germany’s Black Forest, hosted a remarkable gathering of Cryptic Masons and Knights Templar from across Europe, Africa, and the United States. The multi-day, joint conference brought together Companions and Sir Knights from a wide range of jurisdictions, united by a shared commitment to strengthening and growing the York Rite of Freemasonry. “We are at a turning point in Europe for the York Rite of Freemasonry,” Sir Knight Monty Glover, Department Commander

for Europe and Africa observed. The events of the weekend proved him right.

Opening Sessions and a German First Degree The joint conference opened Thursday morning with remarks from Companion Jeff Nelson, Right Puissant Deputy General Grand Master for Europe, and Companion Keith Powell, Right Puissant Deputy General Grand Master, who represented Companion Bill Snyder, Most Puissant General Grand Master

of the General Grand Council. They were followed by Sir Knights Monty Glover, KCT, Right Eminent Department Commander for Europe and Africa, and Jeff A. Bolstad, GCT, Right Eminent Deputy Grand Master, who conveyed greetings on behalf of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, and Most Eminent Grand Master, Sir Knight David J. Kussman, GCT. Companion Nelson led an open forum that quickly became one of the most energizing portions of the day. Companions and Sir Knights expressed an enthusiastic desire to expand both

the Cryptic Rite and Templary throughout Germany and the wider European jurisdictions. The questions reflected a spirit of optimism and hope for real, sustainable growth. That afternoon, attendees visited Lodge Badenia for Progress (Freimaurerloge Badenia zum Fortschritt), working under the Grand Lodge of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Germany, within the United Grand Lodges of Germany. The Lodge conferred the Entered Apprentice degree, providing visitors with an opportunity to witness firsthand the KNIGHT TEMPLAR

nuanced differences of German Craft Masonry. It was interesting to note how their Wardens and Master took a notably active role in the floor work, particularly during the opening and the conferral itself; and many aspects of the ritual bore a striking resemblance to the Craft Degrees found in the Scottish Rite. The experience proved both educational and fraternal. The evening concluded with hearty fellowship over dinner at the historic Löwenbräu restaurant, a traditional Bavarian-style restaurant located in the heart of the city.

A Day for the Cryptic Rite Friday was devoted to the Cryptic Masons. The Lady of the

Council’s new officers were then installed, and Harmony Council U.D. of Slovenia was formally instituted by the General Grand Council. The day ended with dinner at the elegant Casino Baden-Baden.

The Department Conference Saturday marked the Templar portion of the weekend. Sir Knight Monty Glover, KCT, Department Commander, presided over the Department Conference for Europe and Africa. The Deputy Grand Master offered an opening prayer; roll call was taken; and, remarkably, every Grand Commander of the Department was present. The central theme of the

The Deputy Grand Master offered an opening prayer; roll call was taken; and, remarkably, every Grand Commander of the Department was present. Council Award was presented to Dr. Vanessa Soneghet, wife of Companion Dr. Rafael “Rafa” Soneghet, Most Illustrious Past Grand Master of the Grand Council of Brazil. Afterward, a message from Companion Bill Snyder, Most Puissant General Grand Master, who was recovering from surgery, was read to the Companions in attendance. Delegates received information about the upcoming 2026 Triennial in Washington, D.C., followed by an open session for questions and concerns. Companion Jeff Nelson then invited Sir Knight Monty Glover to answer Templar-related questions, which ranged across several practical issues unique to non-US jurisdictions. That afternoon, Northern Lights (Nordlicht) Council conferred all three degrees (Royal Master, Select Master, and Super Excellent Master) in German on several worthy candidates. The 12

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session was educational: teaching European leaders what they needed to know about the structure and operations of the Grand Encampment. The Conference culminated in two important milestones: the presentation of a charter to the newly formed Grand Commandery of Serbia, and dispensation to form a new Commandery in Germany called Nordstern (North Star), to be stationed at Gelsenkirchen. While Grand Encampment officers delivered their presentations, the Orders of the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross and the Order of Malta were conferred on fifteen candidates. Before lunch, the Chamber of Reflection was also conducted, after which the candidates reassembled, and Companion (soon-to-be Sir Knight) Alex Dubrowsky was presented with the Companion of the Temple (COT) in recognition of his outstanding service to the Conference and Masonry at large.

Baden-Baden with the collegiate church (Stiftskirche) central and Black Forest surrounding. After lunch, the Order of the Temple was conferred with a full cast. • Sir Knight Jeff A. Bolstad, GCT, REDGM, as Eminent Commander

• Sir Knight David A. Grindle, KCT, REPGC (Idaho) as Senior Warden

• Sir Knight James C. McGee, GCT, REGCG, as Generalissimo

• Sir Knight Monty Glover, KCT, REDC, as Warder.

• Sir Knight Larry E. Tucker, GCT, REGR, as Captain General • Sir Knight Jeff N. Nelson, GCT, MEPGM, as Prelate

• Sir Knight Barry E. Newell, KTCH, KCT, REPGC (Idaho) as Junior Warden

• Sir Knight Sean Gardiner, KCT, REDC (Latin America); Sir Knight Keith Powell, REPGC (Louisiana); and Sir Knight Rafael

Wackenhut, Jürgen – Stock.Adobe.Com

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Soneghet as the Hermits and Guards. The ritual was executed beautifully and was one of the highlights of the entire Conference.

Fellowship on the Mountain On Sunday morning , several attendees enjoyed a hike up Merkur mountain, where we enjoyed a well-earned meal with panoramic views of the Black Forest and Rhine Valley. This mountain is named after the Roman god Mercury, and reflects

the region’s ancient heritage, as Roman settlers once used the surrounding area for its healing springs. The summit and restaurant were accessible to us by the Merkur Funicular Railway (the Merkurbergbahn), a 1,200-meter-long railway that climbs gradients of up to 54%.

International Representation The General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons International and Grand Encampment

of Knights Templar included officers and representatives from Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Idaho, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Alabama, Montana, Texas, Louisiana, North Dakota, Georgia, and Hawaii. International attendees included Companions and Sir Knights from Germany, Portugal, Romania, Togo, Gabon, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Cyprus, Brazil, Austria, France, and Serbia.

A Turning Point The Baden-Baden Joint Conference demonstrated a clear

truth: York Rite Freemasonry in Europe is entering a new era. With renewed enthusiasm, emerging leadership, and expanding jurisdictions, the foundations are being laid for sustained and meaningful growth of our Order. The conversations, ritual exemplifications, and international cooperation of the weekend will undoubtedly influence the future of the Cryptic Rite and Templary across Europe and beyond. BadenBaden may well be remembered as the place where the revival began. KT

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GRAND COMMANDERY OF VERM

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NEWS

MONT CELEBRATES 200 YEARS

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by Roland and Carol Woodard

he Grand Encampment of Vermont (as it was then styled), was formed on June 17, 1824, at the Rutland Masonic Hall, in Rutland, Vermont, by Vermont Encampment No. 1, chartered at Windsor, February 23, 1821; Green Mountain Encampment No. 2, chartered at Rutland, March 12, 1823; and Mt. Calvary Encampment No. 3, chartered at Middlebury, February 20, 1824. There were nine members, three from each encampment, along with Sir Henry Fowle, Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America. Sir John Cotton of Vermont Encampment No. 1 acted as President and Sir Joel Clapp of Mt. Calvary Encampment No. 3 was Secretary for the first meeting. Sir Knight Fowle gave his approval and, with a motion

made by Sir Silas Bowen of Green Mountain Encampment No. 2, the Grand Encampment of Vermont was formed. Sir Jabesh Hunter of Vermont Encampment No. 1 made a motion to establish a committee to form the encampment’s constitution using one member from each encampment: Sir Hannibal Hodges of Green Mountain Encampment No. 2, Sir John Cotton of Vermont Encampment No. 1, and Sir Joel Clapp of Mt. Calvary Encampment No. 3. The first officers of the Grand Encampment of Vermont were : Grand Master John Cotton, Deputy Grand Master Silas Bowen, Grand Generalissimo Joel Clapp, Grand Captain General Hannibal Hodges, Grand Prelate Amos Drury, Grand Treasurer Samual Holly, and Grand Recorder Issac Hubbard. In 2022, Vermont’s Grand

Commander y decided to commemorate its bicentennial year in 2024 but was faced with challenges. With a membership under 250, many of them elderly, and with very little money at their disposal, Grand Commander Roland Woodard set to work. The 2024 Bicentennial year would be led by two Grand Commanders, Sir Knight Roland “Woody” Woodard from January to June and Sir Knight Kirk C. White from June to December. A Bicentennial committee was formed with the Grand Commander as Chair, the Deputy Grand Commander as Deputy Chair and the following committee members were appointed: Sir Knight Joshua Retchless, Sir Knight Ron Leinke, Sir Knight William Ormerod, Sir Knight James Dolan, Sir Knight Jon Hosford, Sir Knight Bruce Howard, and Sir Knight Leon Dion as a Treasurer for the

committee. It was decided that the celebration would take place in conjunction with Vermont’s annual York Rite Sessions in June of 2024. Via edict, each Commandery in Vermont was directed to organize an event during 2024 to celebrate the Bicentennial. Given the small size of Vermont’s Commanderies, they were encouraged to work together. To raise money for the Bicentennial, the committee decided to have a Bicentennial coin minted based on an original seal of Vermont’s Grand Commandery. Sir Knight William Ormerod spearheaded the project while Grand Commander Woody raised money through donations. The fundraising proved successful, raising around $7,000. It was decided that proceeds from coin sales would go to the Templar Eye Foundation.

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