Membership in Detroit Commandery No. 1, Knights Templar is a rare privilege. Our Order is rich with enduring traditions characterizing the illustrious record of Templarism since its beginning in 1118 A.D. It is a strong, cohesive, loyal, unselfish force devoted to the welfare of mankind and to Christian service. No civil government or organization among men, other than religion, has shown such enduring qualities as Masonry, of which Templarism is one of the most illustrious exponents. It is significant that Templarism at its inception was quartered on the site of King Solomon's Temple, the traditional birth place of the Ancient Masonic Order.
In the unity evolving from the fellowship, sublime ritualism and impressive ceremonies -- Templary reaches out in service to humanity.
Official York Rite Sites
Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons of Michigan
Grand Council, Royal and Select Masons of Michigan
Grand Commandery, Knights Templar of Michigan
Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America
York Rite Sovereign College of North America
Knights Templar Eye Foundation
General Masonic Sites
Masonic Temple Association of Detroit
Catholic Encyclopedia: The Knights Templar
The Poor Knights of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon
The Masonic Service Association of North America
What is the Order Structure of the Commandery?
Ancient Craft Masonry as portrayed in the Symbolic Lodge and as continued and amplified in the York Rite Chapter and Council, embraces a faith in God, is based upon the Old Testament of the Bible, and largely pertains to events in connection with the building of King Solomon's Temple, which was completed more than a thousand years before the birth of Christ. Templary acknowledges Jesus Christ as the risen and ascended Saviour, revealed in the New Testament of the Holy Bible, hence Templary often is referred to as Christian Masonry.
The present order of Knights Templar is a lineal descendant or outgrowth of the ancient order of Knights Templar organized in the year 1118 A.D. during the Holy Wars, called Crusades, waged by the Latin Christians for possession of the Holy Land. The principle objective of the Order was the protection of pilgrims on their way to and from worship at the Holy Sepulchre at Jerusalem. It was a semi-military and religious order, as, in a sense, is the present order of Knights Templar, the Commandery.
The themes and manner of presentation in the Commandery are entirely different from those in the preceding bodies. The three steps of advancement, termed orders instead of degrees, are the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, the Order of Malta, and the Order of the Temple.
These Orders conferred under the magnificient lighted cross in the finest Commandery asylum in the world are truly inspiring experiences.
I. The Illustrious Order of the Red Cross
The first Order in the Commandery is the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross. This Order continues the story of the Royal Arch and deals with a period in history at the time of the return of the Jews from captivity and the efforts to rebuild the temple of their god in Jerusalem. The Illustrious Order of the Red Cross teaches the lessons of the triumph of Truth.
II. The Order of Malta
The second Order in the Commandery is the Order of Malta with its pass degree of Knight of St. Paul or the Mediterranean Pass. This is the first Christian Order encountered by the candidate, and is based upon the experiences arising out of one of the missionary journeys of St. Paul, the greatest apostle of the Christian religion. The ritual is based historically upon one of the old Orders of the crusades.
III. The Order of the Temple
The third and final Order of the Commandery is the Order of the Temple and is wholly Christian. In this Order the candidate becomes a Knight Templar and dons the Templar uniform. This is probably the most impressive and beautiful Order in Masonry, and develops the great moral lessons of Knighthood.
What are the principle charitable activities of the Commandery?
Christian Youth
Detroit Commandery No. 1 strives to share their commitment, values, and support to young people. Specific youth groups that we are involved with are the DeMolay, Jobs Daughters, and Rainbow Girls. Detroit Commandery No. 1 also provides generous donations to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Oakland County.