The Commandery of Knights Templar confers three Orders which, when seen as a whole, may be summarized by CONTINUATION. The continuation of the teachings of Ancient Craft Masonry into those of Christianity. The Order of the Temple is a logical final step in the Masonic education of every Christian Mason.

The Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, the first of the Commandery Orders, is founded upon Truth, which is a divine attribute and the foundation of all virtue. It takes place just prior to the Royal Arch and dramatizes the freeing of the Jews after seventy years of slavery in Babylon by Darius, who also returned all the Holy Vessels taken to Babylon after the fall of Jerusalem.

The Order of Malta is the first of the Masonic degrees to apply Masonic precepts to Christianity. The degree traces the Knights Hospitaller, founded in 1099, through it's turbulent history. The Order has also been know as the Knights of St. John, of Rhodes, and of Cyprus.

The Order of the Temple is often referred to as "crowning glory of the York Rite." It is said to be the most solemn and impressive experience in Masonry, brining the aspirant the way trod by Jesus of Nazareth through His Life, His Death, and His Resurrection.

Compiled by the Education Committees of Grand York Rite Bodies in Iowa - August, 2006 http://www.yorkrite.com/ia/