Sir Knights,
I am deeply honored by the faith you have placed in me by electing me as Commander for this Templar Year of 907 A.O. (2026). I look forward to seeing you at our first stated Conclave of the year on January 26th. Please also remember that we have our Council meeting shortly before that, on January 22nd.
I also want to encourage any Sir Knight who does not currently do so to actively support your local Blue Lodge. While the York Rite offers a premium Masonic experience, we are all Master Masons first. Supporting our foundation is vital.
To assist us in our Order of the Temple, I am pleased to donate a few items to the Commandery: two new posters—one depicting a sepulture scene and one an ascension scene—as well as a new Scrip made of distressed leather. I am excited to see these used in our Orders this year and moving forward. I ask that you please review your ritual parts for opening, closing, and the Order of the Temple so we can hit the ground running. Let’s build on our recent successes and continue to move the needle forward.
Upcoming Events & Degrees
We have several important matters to prepare for:
- Clay Shoot Fundraiser (March 21st): Please reach out to any company or individual you think would be willing to donate or sponsor a team to make this event successful.
- Degree Work: We have candidates waiting to receive the Order of the Red Cross and Order of the Malta, as well as five candidates preparing for their Council Degrees. It is my intention to ensure they do not have to wait long to join our camp. facilitating their journey efficiently will help us grow.
- Grand Commandery (April) Grand Commandery is fast approaching. Should tradition prevail, our very own Very Eminent Deputy Grand Commander, Gary Rock, will be installed as the Right Eminent Grand Commander of Texas. I encourage everyone who is able to attend to be there to support our Sir Knight.
There are also ritual competitions available for the Order of the Red Cross and Order of the Malta. I intend to represent Lubbock in the Commander ritual competition, and I invite anyone interested to join in the other categories.
Looking further ahead, while it is a bit late to organize a large Drill Team for this year, we should look into assembling one for the future. The Grand Commandery will meet in Lubbock in 2027, giving us a prime opportunity to make a strong showing for our Commandery.
Templar History: January
- January 1128: The Council of Troyes convened in France. Under the leadership of Bernard of Clairvaux, our ancient Brothers were given formal rule and legitimacy, creating one of the most powerful military orders of the Middle Ages.
- January 1308: The Templars in England were arrested and their assets seized under the direction of King Edward II. This followed the arrests in France pushed by the Pope. According to Michael Haag in his book The Templars: The History and the Myth, this persecution was driven by the Templar position that salvation required only faith in Jesus (as seen in Romans 10:9-10), challenging the Church’s role in salvation.
- January 1310: The trials of the Templars began, marking the start of executions and the suppression of the Order.
Closing Thoughts
Finally, Companions and Sir Knights, I hope and pray that we remain true to our Masonic vows and keep our passions within due bounds. Ideas are the lifeblood of any organization; those that suppress member feedback often find themselves facing extinction. I know that I will not do everything perfectly, but I intend to work hard for Lubbock Commandery. If you have ideas to strengthen our body or improve our candidate experience, my door is open. I cannot promise every piece of advice will be implemented, but it is important to me to know what you are thinking.
Fraternally,
Johnny D. Davis
Eminent Commander
Lubbock Commandery No. 60