The completion of the York Rite Bodies is the Commandery of Knights Templar—the degrees of which comprise what is known as Chivalric Masonry because they are based upon the chivalric orders of knighthood that fought to protect Christian pilgrims in the Holy Land during the Middle Ages. Unlike other Masonic bodies which only require a belief in a Supreme Being regardless of religion, membership in Knights Templar is open only to Royal Arch Masons who promise to defend the Christian faith. Despite the name, the Masonic Knights Templar is not considered to be any kind of lineal descendant from those historical orders of knighthood.

The Commandery contains three Orders which elucidate a Christian interpretation of Freemasonry:

  • The Illustrious Order of the Red Cross illustrates the preparations for building the Second Temple and serves as preparatory to the Orders that follow.
  • The Order of the Knights of Malta (or simply, Order of Malta) explains the history of the Knights of Malta. It relates the story of Paul’s arrival on the island of Malta. It is a Christian Order that seeks to perpetuate ideals of love and mercy.
  • The Order of the Temple is the most sublime and personal of all Masonic ceremonies. 

The Order of the Temple is based upon the practice of the Christian virtues, moral values and spiritual lessons. Members are urged to live their lives as Christian Knights.

The rich history of York Rite Masonry is undeniable. The York Rite is historically the oldest and purest of the appendant Rites. Every Master Mason should be fascinated by the lessons and mysteries of Freemasonry provided by the Blue Lodge. Hopefully, all Master Masons will consider those lessons and mysteries available in the York Rite of Freemasonry — in order to complete their Masonic knowledge and the teachings that are mentioned as landmarks of the Master Mason. All Brother Masons should be advised to continue their historical and educational view of Masonry.

Every Master Mason should be a member of the Royal Arch and Cryptic Council, and every Christian Mason should be a Knight Templar.