Templar Forms

Shibboleth: A Templar Monitor, by George Cooper Connor, [1894], at sacred-texts.com

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TEMPLAR FORMS.

I have transcribed each 'blank' in the forms below with exactly one em-dash; some blanks are represented by several contiguous em-dashes for legibility.—JBH.

Although the Grand Encampment has not adopted permanent "Templar Forms," the author of Shibboleth suggests the following, to be used until supplanted by Forms adopted by the supreme governing body:

FORM OF PETITION FOR DISPENSATION.

To the Right Eminent Sir —

Grand Commander of Knights Templar of —

The undersigned petitioners respectfully represent that they are Knights Templar in good and regular standing, that they have the prosperity of the Order at heart, and that they desire to promote its influence. In order that a greater opportunity may be afforded them for the same, they are desirous of forming a new Commandery, to be located at —, and to be known as Commandery, No. —. They have nominated and do hereby recommend Sir — to be the first Commander, Sir — to be the first Generalissimo, and Sir — to be the first Captain General of said new Commandery; and they pray for a dispensation empowering them to meet as a regular Commandery at —, in the county of —, there to discharge the duties of Knights Templar in a constitutional manner.

Should the prayer of the petitioners be granted, they promise a strict obedience to the commands of the R. E. Grand Commander, to the statutes and regulations of the Grand Commandery of —, the Constitution and laws of the Grand Encampment, as well as to the usages of the Order.

Dated, — 18—

The petition must be signed by at least Nine Knights of the Order, and must be recommended by the Commandery nearest to the place where the new Commandery is to be located.

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RECOMMENDATION OF NEAREST COMMANDERY.

Asylum of — Commandery, No. —,

—, 18—

At a stated meeting of — Commandery, No. —, held at its Asylum in —, on the — day of —, 18—, the foregoing petition for the formation of a new Commandery at —, in — County, was presented and considered; whereupon it was

Resolved, That in the opinion of this Commandery good reasons exist for the organization of a Commandery at this time at that place, and the same is hereby recommended by this Commandery. It is hereby certified that said petitioners are Knights Templar of good moral character, and the Sir Knights recommended as officers of said Commandery are capable of conferring correctly the orders of Knighthood.

By order of — Commandery, No. —,

[seal.], — Eminent Commander.

Attest:

—, Recorder.

CERTIFICATE OF A PAST COMMANDER.

I, —, Past Commander of — Commandery, No. —, do hereby certify that I have examined Sir Knights A B, C D, and E F, the officers recommended in the foregoing petition, in the Rituals of the Orders of the Red Cross, Temple, and Malta, and I find that they are fully capable to confer these Orders correctly.

—, Past Commander.

[seal.]

Attest:

—, Recorder.

DISPENSATION FOR NEW COMMANDERY.

IN HOC SIGNO VINCES.

To all whom it may concern:

Know ye, that I, —, Right Eminent Grand Commander of Knights Templar of the State of —, having received a petition from a constitutional number of Fratres, who have

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been properly vouched for as Knights Templar in good standing, setting forth that, having the prosperity of the Order at heart, they are desirous of establishing a new Commandery at —, under our jurisdiction, and requesting a Dispensation for the same; and,

Whereas, the consent of the nearest Commandery has been granted, and there appears good and sufficient cause for granting the prayer of the said petition, I do, therefore, by virtue of the power in me vested by the Constitution and Laws of the Order, grant this Dispensation, empowering Sir to act as Eminent Commander, Sir — to act as Generalissimo, and Sir — to act as Captain General of a Commandery to be held under our jurisdiction, at —, in the County of —, by the name — of Commandery, No. —.

And the said Fratres and their associates are authorized to confer the Orders of Knighthood according to the Constitution of the Order, its customs and usages, and the Rules and Regulations of the Right Eminent Grand Commandery of —, and not otherwise.

This Dispensation shall continue of force until the next Annual Conclave of the Grand Commandery, unless revoked by the Grand Commander.

Given under my hand, and the seal of the Grand Commandery, at —, this — day of — , A. D. 18—, A. O. 7—.

[seal.]

—, Grand Commander.

Attest:

—, Grand Recorder.

CHARTER.

IN HOC SIGNO VINCES

The Right Eminent Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of the State of —,

The Right Eminent —, Grand Commander,

The Very Eminent —, Deputy Grand Commander,

The Eminent —, Grand Generalissimo,

The Eminent —, Grand Captain General,

do, by these presents, appoint, authorize and empower our Frater, Sir —, to be the Eminent Commander; our Frater, Sir —, to be the Generalissimo; and our Frater, Sir —, to be the Captain General, of a Commandery of Knights Templar, to

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be, by virtue hereof, constituted, formed, and held in —, County of —, which Commandery shall be distinguished by the name and style of — Commandery, No. —.; and the said Eminent Fratres, and their successors in office, are hereby respectively authorized and directed, by and with the consent and assistance of a quorum of the members of the said Commandery, duly summoned and present upon such occasion, to elect and install the officers of the said Commandery, as vacancies happen, in manner and form as is or may be prescribed by the Constitution and Regulations of this Grand Commandery.

And further, the said Commandery is hereby invested with full power and authority to assemble upon proper and lawful occasions, to make Knights Templar and to admit members, as also to do and perform all and every such acts and things appertaining to the Order as ought to be done, for the honor and advantage thereof, conforming in all their proceedings to the Constitution and Regulations of this Grand Commandery and the Grand Encampment of the United States; otherwise, this Warrant or Charter, and the powers thereby granted, to cease and be of no further effect.

Given under our hands, and the seal of the Grand Commandery, in the city of —, this — day of —, A. D. 18—, A. O. 7—.

[seal.]

—, Grand Commander,

—, Deputy Grand Commander,

—, Grand Generalissimo,

—, Grand Captain General.

Attest:

—, Grand Recorder.

POWER TO CONSTITUTE A COMMANDERY.

To all whom it may concern:

Whereas, the Right Eminent Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of the State of —, at its last Annual Conclave, empowered by Charter, duly and regularly issued, Sir Knights —, Commander; —, Generalissimo, and —, Captain General, and their successors, to assemble as a regular Commandery, by the name of — Commandery, No. —., and the Constitution of the Order requiring that the same should be duly constituted;

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Now, therefore, I, —, Grand Commander of Knights Templar of the State of —, reposing especial trust and confidence in the skill and ability of our Eminent Frater, Sir —, Past Commander of Commandery, No. —, do authorize and empower him, being unable to attend in person, to constitute in form the Sir Knights named in said Charter into a regular Commandery, to be known and hailed by the name aforesaid, and to install the officers elect, agreeably to the Constitution and customs of the Order.

Given under my hand, this — day of —, A. O. 7—.

—, Grand Commander.

FORM OF PETITION FOR THE ORDERS.

To the Eminent Commander, Officers and Members of — Commandery, No. —., Knights Templar, stationed at —, State of —:

I hereby declare that I am a Royal Arch Mason in good standing; that I received the degree of Master Mason in — Lodge, No. —., of —, and the degree of R. A. Mason in — Chapter, No. —, of —, and that I am desirous of receiving the Orders conferred in your Commandery.

I further declare that I am a firm believer in the Christian religion.

Should my petition be favorably considered, I promise a cheerful conformity to the rules and usages of the Order and of your Commandery.

This is my — application for the Orders of Knighthood.

If the petitioner has applied previously, he must name the Commandery to which he applied, after this statement.

My age is — Residence — Occupation — Dated at —, —, A. D. 18—.

——————

We recommend Companion — to the favorable consideration of the Commandery as a worthy Royal Arch Mason.

——————

——————

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REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON ABOVE PETITION.

The undersigned, a committee appointed to report upon the foregoing petition, respectfully state that they have discharged the trust confided to them, and report —.

——————

——————

——————

—, this — day of —, A. D. 18—.

FORM OF PETITION FOR MEMBERSHIP.

To the Eminent Commander, Officers and Members of — Commandery, No. —., Knights Templar, stationed at —:

I hereby declare that I am a Knight Templar in good standing, and late a member of — Commandery, No. —., stationed at —, as appears by my dimit, herewith presented; and that I am desirous of becoming a member of your Commandery.

My age is — Residence — Occupation —

—, —, A. D. 18—.

——————

We recommend Sir — to the favorable consideration of the Commandery as a worthy Knight Templar.

——————

——————

A committee must report on this petition.

FORM OF DIMIT.

To all whom it may concern:

— Commandery, No. —., Knights Templar, stationed at —, acknowledging the jurisdiction of the Grand Commandery of —, Knights Templar.

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Ne Varietur......

This certifies that Sir —, whose name appears in the margin hereof, is a member of this Commandery in good and regular standing, and having expressed a desire to withdraw his membership, and having paid all his dues to date, is hereby dismissed from the membership of — Commandery, and granted this certificate of the same.

Done at a Stated Conclave of — Commandery, No. —, on the day of —, 18—, A. O. —.

In testimony whereof we have subscribed our names, and affixed the seal of the Commandery.

[seal.]

—, Eminent Commander.

—, Recorder.

FORMS FOR TEMPLAR TRIALS.

The important requisites of a Complaint against a Knight Templar are comprehensiveness and clearness. The nature of the offense charged must be clearly defined, and the time, place and circumstances accurately stated, together with the names of the persons who witnessed the commission of the offense. The form of the specification, is important so that there may be no ambiguity. The following is suggested:

COMPLAINT.

To the Eminent Commander, Officers and Members of — Commandery, No. —., K. T:

Sir Knight is hereby charged with immoral and unknightly conduct:

First Specification.—That the said Sir —, on the day of — —, 18—, at —, in the county of —, , State of —, did ——————.

[Carefully and accurately describe the offense committed.]

in violation of his duty as a Knight Templar, and to the scandal and disgrace of the Order of the Temple.

There should be a Specification for each distinct offense charged, and all should conclude as above. When all the Specifications are set up, then the Complaint may conclude with these words:

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It is therefore demanded, that the said Sir — be dealt with according to the law and usages of Templar Knighthood.

——————

— this — day of —, 18—.

The Complaint thus drawn will be presented in open Commandery, and if the Commandery receives the same the Eminent Commander will appoint a committee to take testimony, unless the Commandery decides by vote to hear the testimony in open Commandery. These facts must be recorded in the minutes. The full Complaint need not be entered upon the minutes, unless the Commandery so directs, but the nature of the charges should be entered.

The next step is for the Recorder to furnish the accused a complete copy of the Complaint, and its Specifications, and a transcript of the action taken by the Commandery thereon. This form is suggested as the official

NOTICE TO THE ACCUSED.

Sir —:

Take notice that the foregoing (or the within) charges were preferred against you at a Stated Conclave of — Commandery, No. —, on the — day of, 18—, and that the Commandery decided to hear the testimony in open Commandery (or appointed Sir Knights —, —, —, a committee to take testimony). It (or they) will meet for that purpose on the — day of, 18—, at —, and at — o'clock, — M., at or before which time you are to answer the said charges.

Witness our hand, and the seal of the Commandery, this — day of —, 18—.

[seal.]

—, Recorder.

These papers may be delivered to the accused in person, or may be mailed to his known address. Great care should be taken to serve these papers in a proper manner. The case should not proceed until service is made, if possible. But if the accused absents himself and purposely avoids service, the delivery of the papers at his home, place of business, or a known place that he resorts, either by personal delivery or through the United States mail, is sufficient.

The papers having been served, the accused will answer, and he may first object to any or all members of the Commission. The Commandery, or Commander, as the procedure maybe, hears his objection, and if the grounds are valid, may select other Fratres to serve as Commissioners.

The accused will answer in his own way, no particular form being of any importance. He may admit and plead extenuating circumstances, or he may deny in part or the whole.

At the time appointed to talk the testimony the accused, if he desires to do so, should appear and first file his answer to the charge, and then proceed to the

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taking of the testimony. The accused, either by himself or counsel (the latter must be a Knight Templar), has the right to cross-examine witnesses introduced by the opposite party, and also, when the accuser is through with the testimony in support of the charges, to introduce witnesses in leis defense, the opposite party having the right to cross-examine. The accused may, if he prefer, file the answer with the Recorder before the time fixed for taking testimony.

ANSWER OF ACCUSED.

A. B., in person, denies the charges made against him, and every matter and thing contained in the several specifications of the same, and demands trial thereon.

——————

The answer will vary, of course, according to the facts. One specification may be admitted and another denied, or all of them may be admitted, and matters set up in extenuation or excuse. Assuming that the answer is a denial, the next step, unless the witnesses are in attendance at the request of the parties, is to issue, at the request of both parties, process to secure the attendance of the witnesses. The Commandery, or the Committee, should fix the times of meetings, and meet at such times as will secure a prompt investigation of the matter, and at the same time not require such haste as may do injustice to any.

SUMMONS FOR WITNESS.

Sir Knight —:

You are hereby summoned and required to attend as a witness before — Commandery, No. —, at a meeting to be held at its Asylum, on the — day of —, 18—. (or before a Special Committee of — Commandery, No. —, appointed to take testimony, at a meeting to be held by said Committee, at —, on the — day of —, 18—.), then and there to testify as to charges preferred against Sir Knight —, and this you will in no wise omit.

—, Eminent Commander.

— this — day of, 18—.

This may be made to answer for several witnesses by inserting their names, and adding the words "and each of you" after the words "you." This summons can be used, of course, for Knights Templar only. Others attend, if at all, before a Committee, and at their option.

At each meeting of the Commandery (or the Committee) the Recorder of the Commandery, or the Secretary of the Committee, and at its first meeting it should select a Chairman and Secretary, should keep accurate and full minutes of all that transpires on the trial. All motions, exceptions to the competency of testimony, or to the ruling of the Commander or the Committee, should he fully and accurately stated, and the testimony reduced to writing in the exact language of the witness as nearly as may be.

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When the testimony is closed on both sides, if taken before a Committee, a report should be made to the Commandery by the Committee. This report should be filed with the Recorder a sufficient time in advance of a Stated Conclave, to enable him to cause to be summoned all the resident members of the Commandery to attend at the next Stated Conclave. The trial may take place at a Special Conclave called by the Commander for that purpose, but the resident members must be notified of the time and place, and summoned to attend.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE.

To the Eminent Commander, Officers and Members of — Commandery, No. —, K. T.:

The Committee appointed to take testimony upon the charges preferred against Sir Knight A. B. by Sir Knight C. D. has attended to the duty assigned, and submits herewith, as a part of this report, full minutes of the action of the Committee, as well as the testimony taken.

— this — day of, 19—.

Committee:

——————

——————

——————

Should the accused admit the charges when served upon him, proof of such admission or confession will be all that the Committee is required to have made, and they will make up their minutes and report accordingly.

If the accused fails to appear and answer the charges, after personal service, the Committee may proceed, after taking proof of such service, to take proof of the charges.

When this report is submitted to the Commandery, or the testimony is closed, when taken before the Commandery, the parties concerned may comment thereon. This, of course, is optional. Before proceeding to vote the accused should retire.

The Commandery then proceeds to consider the matter in the following manner:

FIXING PUNISHMENT.

"Are the charges sustained?" is the first question, and if decided in the affirmative, the Commandery then proceeds, by vote, to fix the punishment. This is done by putting the question:

1st. "Shall the accused be expelled?" If this is decided in the negative;

2d. "Shall the accused be indefinitely suspended?" If this is decided in the negative;

3d. "Shall the accused be definitely suspended?" If this is decided in the affirmative, then, on motion, the time should be fixed by vote; but if decided in the negative;

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4th. "Shall the accused be reprimanded?" Which, of course, the other questions having been negatived, will be decided in the affirmative, the charges having been sustained, and this being the lightest punishment which can be inflicted. It would be error for a Commandery to sustain the charges, and then refuse to inflict any punishment.

When the matter is disposed of by the Commandery, the Recorder should at once give notice thereof to the accused.

NOTICE OF JUDGMENT.

To Sir Knight —

Take notice that the foregoing (or the within) is a copy of the action of — Commandery, No. —., upon the charges preferred against you by —, as the same appears of record on the minutes of the Lodge.

—, Recorder.

Either party may, within — months from the date of the action of the Commandery, appeal to the Grand Commandery. Notice of the appeal should be given within that time, and the appeal, giving the grounds relied upon, must be filed with the Recorder of the Commandery within — days after notice of appeal, and a copy of the notice and appeal must be forwarded to the Grand Recorder.

NOTICE ON APPEAL.

To, —, Recorder of — Commandery, No. —., Knights Templar:

Take notice, that I shall bring an appeal from the action of said Commandery, on the — day of —, 18—, in passing sentence of — on me, to the R. E. Grand Commandery of the State of —, on the grounds to be stated in my appeal.

A— B—

— this — day of—, 18—.

APPEAL.

To the R. E. Grand Commandery Knights Templar of the State of —:

The undersigned hereby appeals to you from the decision of — Commandery, No. —., made on the — day of —, 18—, in passing sentence of — on him, and he specifies the following as the ground of his appeal:

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1st. That — —————.

[State the grounds clearly and truthfully.]

A— B—

this — day of —, 18—.

When the appeal is filed with the Recorder, the Commandery should cause an answer thereto to be prepared, and must furnish the transcript of the proceedings to the Grand Recorder.

ANSWER TO APPEAL.

— Commandery, No. —., answers the appeal of Sir —, and says:

That ———————.

—, Eminent Commander.

— this — day of —, 18—.

[seal]

Attest:

—, Recorder.

The Recorder of the Commandery, in the preparation of a transcript, should be very careful to give fully and exactly all that transpired on the trial, never giving copies unless ordered by the Commandery as to some particular document used, always sending up original papers. The transcript should be made in a plain, legible handwriting, and fastened at top of the paper, and the Recorder should, under the seal of the Commandery, certify to the correctness of the transcript in words like unto the following:

CERTIFICATE TO TRANSCRIPT.

I —, Recorder of — Commandery, No—, Knights Templar, do certify that the foregoing is a full, true, and perfect transcript of all the records and proceedings had by and before said Commandery upon the charges preferred by — against —, as the same appear upon the minutes of said Commandery, and on file in the archives thereof.

In testimony whereof, I hereto subscribe my name and affix the seal of said Commandery this — day of —, A. D. 18—, A. O. 7—.

[seal]

—, Recorder.

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Recorders should examine with great care the Edicts and Regulations of the Grand Commandery and Grand Encampment upon the subject of trials and appeals, and should strictly conform thereto, varying the foregoing forms as circumstances may require, in order to comply with the requirements of said governing bodies.

APPEAL TO THE GRAND ENCAMPMENT.

In case of a proper appeal to the Grand Encampment, the following form may be substantially adopted:

To the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States:

The undersigned, your petitioner, respectfully represents that on or about the — day of —, 18—, charges for immoral and unknightly conduct (stating the general nature of the charges) were preferred against him by Sir Knight, in — Commandery, No.—, under the jurisdiction of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of the State of, and such proceedings were thereupon had in the said — — Commandery; that your petitioner was adjudged by the same Commandery guilty of the offense so charged against him, and was therefore adjudged to (state the penalty imposed). That from such determination and sentence or judgment, your petitioner appealed to the said Grand Commandery, and thereupon such proceedings were had in and by said Grand Commandery; that afterward, and on or about the day — of —, 18—, the said determination and sentence, or judgment, were in all things affirmed (state the decision in fact given on the appeal) by the said Grand Commandery; and now your petitioner, feeling himself aggrieved by the action and determination of the said Grand Commandery, in the premises, and being advised that the same is erroneous, appeals therefrom to the Grand Encampment of the United States, and specifies, among other grounds of error therein, the following:

[State the several errors in, and objections to, the proceedings and determination of the Grand Commandery relied upon separately, and numbering them distinctly.]

Your petitioner, therefore, prays that the said Grand Commandery may be required to answer this petition; and that the testimony, proceedings, determination and judgment aforesaid, as well of the said — Commandery, as of said Grand Commandery, may, upon this appeal, be reviewed, and that such sentence and determination,

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or judgment, may be reversed, modified or amended, as may be agreeable to knightly usage, justice or equity.

——————

— this — day of —, 18—.

This appeal should be delivered to the Grand Recorder of the Grand Commandery, and a duplicate thereof delivered to the Grand Recorder of the Grand Encampment. As soon thereafter as practicable, and before the next Triennial Conclave of the Grand Encampment, the Grand Recorder of the Grand Commandery should transmit to the Grand Recorder of the Grand Encampment a transcript of all the testimony, papers, and proceedings in the case which were before the Grand Commandery, together with its action and final determination therein, all duly authenticated under the seal of the Grand Commandery.

PETITION FOR RESTORATION.

To the Eminent Commander, Officers and Members of — Commandery, No. —.:

The undersigned respectfully represents that, on the — day of —, 18—, he was, by the judgment and sentence of said Commandery, expelled (or indefinitely suspended) front the rights and privileges of Knight Templary, and from membership in said Commandery.

For the following reasons (here state them) he prays to be restored to the rights and privileges of which he was thus deprived, and promises, if his prayer shall be granted, to conform to the legal conditions of his restoration.

——————

— this — day of —, 18—.