Sir Knights,
I cannot believe we are already approaching the end of the first quarter of the year. This year is flying by.
We find ourselves in the middle of the Lenten season, as Easter is slated for April 5th this year. During this time of reflection—much like the reflection we undertake before the Order of the Temple—it is worth contemplating what our Savior has done for us. His decision to take on flesh and come down to suffer and die for us is the reason we have hope of Heaven. It is truly works that gain us entrance into Heaven—but they are not our works; they are the works of Jesus. I encourage each of you to spend some time reading Isaiah 53, the Messianic prophecy written more than 400 years before Jesus was born. I also urge each of you to be safe, as March usually brings strong winds and low visibility.
February was a busy month for us, as we helped Midland’s York Rite hold a festival where we assisted in Exalting and Greeting 13 new Companions, and SK Zak Wyatt Knighted 15 new Knights. While we do not usually hold festivals for ourselves, it is a good thing that so many Lubbock York Rite members loaned their talents to help another York Rite body that is trying to rebuild. We remember what that is like, as we were there only a few years ago.
Due to some issues with our banking situation and other conflicts, I have made the decision to move our Clay Shoot from March 21, 2026, to June 6, 2026. This will allow things to smooth out and will give us an unencumbered opportunity to attract more shooters. Please help spread the word. I am updating the flyer to reflect the new date and will send it out on GroupMe.
We have some Orders coming up. On February 27th, we conferred the Royal and Select Master degree on at least five Companions. I would like to schedule the Order of the Red Cross and the Order of Malta as soon as possible so that we can begin conferring the Order of the Temple and allow these men to join our ranks. We will need everyone’s help, and I thank you in advance for what you will do.
This Month in Templar History is a tragic one in Templary:
- In March 1307, scrutiny of Templar activities increased, just months before the mass arrest of the Knights Templar in October. Many fabricated stories and fearmongering accusations were spread regarding the Order.
- In March 1312, the papal bull Vox in Excelso was issued. King Philip IV placed tremendous pressure on Pope Clement V to promulgate this decree at the Council of Vienne. This decree ended the rights, privileges, and properties of the Order. Templar property was seized and transferred to the Knights Hospitaller. Pope Clement V justified this action as necessary to bring peace to the Church.
- On March 13, 1314, Jacques de Molay was originally scheduled to be executed, but the execution was postponed due to procedural disputes.
- On March 14, 1314, Jacques de Molay and Geoffrey de Charney recanted the confessions they had given under torture, declaring the innocence of the Order before a panel of cardinals. This infuriated King Philip IV, who bypassed ecclesiastical procedure and ordered their immediate execution.
- On March 18, 1314, Jacques de Molay and Geoffrey de Charney were burned at the stake, proclaiming their innocence to their last breath. It is rumored that Jacques de Molay summoned both the King and the Pope to meet God’s judgment within the year. Legend holds that both men died shortly thereafter.
Johnny D. Davis, Eminent Commander