Resolutions & Proposals

Resolutions & Proposals Proposed Resolutions for upcoming Grand Conclave Permanent Life Membership Resolution No. 2024-01 PERMANENT LIFE MEMBERSHIP Whereas Section 7(C) of the Constitution and Statutes states, “The Life Membership fee shall be equal to twenty (20) times the amount of the annual Dues and Assessments (Grand Commandery & Grand Encampment) at the time of purchase for a living member, and dues paid for the current year.” and Whereas Section 7(G) states that the trustees shall make payments from the fund “… after the funds shall have been deposited for a minimum of 12 months, …” and Whereas a member must pay dues to his Commandery not later than 31 December of the current year to remain in good standing, and Whereas while the Permanent Life Membership fund will not pay any amount to the applicant’s Commandery for that member until January of the year following 12 months of maturity of the LMIP payment in the fund, and Whereas the applicant’s Commandery will receive no income from the Sir Knight during the maturity year of the LMIP Payment (the year following LMIP payment) and Whereas the Commandery must pay the member’s Per Capita fees to Grand Commandery and Grand Encampment as well as the regular expenses of the Commandery during the maturity year, Therefore, be it resolved that Section 7 (C) of the Grand Commandery of Virginia’s Constitution and Statutes be amended to add the words “and subsequent year” after the words “and dues paid for the current” as shown below: (C) AMOUNT. The Life Membership fee shall be equal to twenty (20) times the amount of the annual Dues and Assessments (Grand Commandery & Grand Encampment) at the time of purchase for a living member, and dues paid for the current and subsequent year. The Life Membership fee for a deceased member shall be equal to twenty (20) times the amount of the annual Dues and Grand Commandery Assessment. In accordance with IRS Regulations, Commandery funds shall not be used to purchase PLM memberships for individual Sir Knights. Purchasers of a PLM membership must have a Life Membership in the Knights Templar Eye Foundation. And further let it be resolved that Section 7 (G) be amended to read: (G) PAYMENTS BY COMMITTEE. During the month of January of the year after which the funds shall have been deposited for a minimum of twelve months, the Trustees shall pay from the Plan Funds the following amounts for each Named Member in the Plan: Reason: During the year of maturity of the LMIP Payment, the member’s Commandery receives no income from either the member or the Permanent Life Membership fund to pay the member’s contribution to the Commandery or the requisite Per Capita fees to Grand Commandery and Grand Encampment. James B. Bartley, PDDGCPast CommanderPiedmont Commandery No. 26 Definition of a Sir Knight in Good Standing Resolution No. 2024-02 DEFINITION OF A SIR KNIGHT IN GOOD STANDING Whereas the Constitution and Statutes of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the USA (C&S) refers to a Sir Knight “in good standing” 34 times in the C&S, and Whereas neither the Constitution and Statutes of the Grand Encampment of the USA nor the Constitutions and Statutes of the Grand Commandery of Virginia define the term: “Sir Knight in good standing” yet partially state what a Knight Templar in good standing is entitled to. Therefore, be it resolved that the Constitutions and Statutes of the Grand Commandery of Virginia be amended as follows: Add to Section 29, a new Paragraph (A) A KNIGHT TEMPLAR IN GOOD STANDING (A) A Knight Templar in good standing: Is not in financial arrears to any constituent Commandery of which he is a member and is in possession of a current dues card issued by the Grand Encampment. Is entitled to attend stated conclaves of subordinate or constituent Commanderies, conclaves of Grand Commanderies or Triennial Conclaves of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the USA, provided he is permitted by the Commander, Grand Commander, or Grand Master, respectively, and that he present a current dues card to the Recorder or Grand Recorder, respectively or to their authorized representative. Is entitled to ballot or vote in Commanderies and Grand Commanderies of which he is a member, or of the Grand Encampment if he be a member, thereof. May petition for affiliation in any Commandery under the jurisdiction of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the USA. Is entitled to all other rights or benefits as delineated in the Constitution and Statutes of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the USA (e.g., Templar Funeral, Knight Templar Magazine, etc.). And that the current Sections 29 (A) to 29 (J) be renumbered 29 (B) to 29 (K). REASON: Over the years there has been much confusion about what determines “GOOD STANDING” for a Knight Templar, and this resolution will clarify that status. Respectively submitted:James B. Bartley, Past CommanderPiedmont Commandery No. 26 Remission of Dues for 50-Year Members Resolution No. 2024-03 REMISSION OF DUES FOR 50-YEAR MEMBERS Whereas Section 84 of the Constitution of the Grand Encampment states: ASSESSMENTS Section 84. A Commandery has the right to levy and collect such annual dues and per capita assessments as it may deem necessary to defray its expenses. Dues and assessments have the same standing and authority but apply only to members, other than honorary members, of that Commandery. The Commandery may choose to include or exclude Life members from an assessment subject to the requirements set forth by the Grand Commandery. Otherwise, dues and assessment must apply equally to all members and may not discriminate relative to Lodge or Chapter membership, profession, honors or past offices, age or years of membership, and Whereas Section 29 of the Constitutions and Statutes of the Grand Commandery of Virginia provides for the presentation of a 50-year Veteran’s emblem to any Sir Knight so qualified to receive such, and Whereas Section 29 does not specify the remission of dues for a 50-year member as

Knights Templar Holy Land Pilgrimage

Knights Templar Holy Land Pilgrimage An update from the Chairman: “I just spoke with Rt. Em. Emmett Mills,  Representative for the Grand Encampment Holy land Pilgrimage committee.  All funds are secure, the Pilgrimage for the coming year has been placed on hold.All ministers chosen will be going the following year, and have been notified of the same. All is good!” The KNIGHTS TEMPLAR HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE is a program related to the Grand Encampment Knights Templar of the United States of America. Mission Statement:To send credentialed Christian Ministers on a Biblical study and historical / cultural immersion experience who would not have the opportunity otherwise.  In this program, the various State Grand Commanderies of Knights Templar sponsor Christian Ministers on an expenses paid study pilgrimage in Israel for 11 days. Purpose and Programs Purpose:To strengthen Christian ministry by providing an intensive travel and study program for credentialed ministers in the form of a study pilgrimage to the Holy Land.  Our experience tells us how much the opportunity to ‘walk where Jesus walked’ can positively affect the preaching, teaching, and spirituality of Christian ministers.  It is our plan to immerse the Pilgrim ministers in the land, the sights, the sounds, the history, and the cultures of the Holy Land, past and present. Programs Available: KNIGHTS TEMPLAR HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE for Christian Ministers.  In this program, the various State Grand Commanderies of Knights Templar sponsor Christian Ministers on an expenses paid study pilgrimage in Israel for 11 days.  We do not solicit applications.  Local ministers are invited by individual Commanderies of Knights Templar to consider the possibility and a nomination form is submitted.  Each state has its own process for selection.  Selection of sponsored ministers from each state must be registered by September 30.  This is a fully packed itinerary and a physically aggressive program that involves 5 -7 miles of walking many days, often uphill or up steps and on uneven surfaces. *Scheduled for February of each year. IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE for Sir Knights, their Ladies, friends, and guests is open to anyone.  Each person is responsible for their own fees and expenses related to the pilgrimage.  This pilgrimage is an 11 day program that covers as much ground as possible in the touring days (we average 5 – 7 miles of walking many days, often uphill or up steps and on uneven surfaces). *Scheduled for mid-November. An Investment in Christian Ministry. Purpose:To strengthen Christian ministry by providing an intensive travel and study program for credentialed ministers in the form of a study pilgrimage to the Holy Land.  Our experience tells us how much the opportunity to ‘walk where Jesus walked’ can positively affect the preaching, teaching, and spirituality of Christian ministers.  It is our plan to immerse the Pilgrim ministers in the land, the sights, the sounds, the history, and the cultures of the Holy Land, past and present. Programs Available: KNIGHTS TEMPLAR HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE for Christian Ministers.  In this program, the various State Grand Commanderies of Knights Templar sponsor Christian Ministers on an expenses paid study pilgrimage in Israel for 11 days.  We do not solicit applications.  Local ministers are invited by individual Commanderies of Knights Templar to consider the possibility and a nomination form is submitted.  Each state has its own process for selection.  Selection of sponsored ministers from each state must be registered by September 30.  This is a fully packed itinerary and a physically aggressive program that involves 5 -7 miles of walking many days, often uphill or up steps and on uneven surfaces. *Scheduled for February of each year. IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE for Sir Knights, their Ladies, friends, and guests is open to anyone.  Each person is responsible for their own fees and expenses related to the pilgrimage.  This pilgrimage is an 11 day program that covers as much ground as possible in the touring days (we average 5 – 7 miles of walking many days, often uphill or up steps and on uneven surfaces). *Scheduled for mid-November. An Investment in Christian Ministry.

Knights Templar Eye Foundation

Knights Templar Eye Foundation State Coordinator:Peter Terrill Email: ktef@vatemplars.org Mission Statement:TO IMPROVE VISION THROUGH RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND SUPPORTING ACCESS TO CARE. History 100% Life Sponsor The Knights Templar Eye Foundation, incorporated in 1956, is a charity sponsored by the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar. The Foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of the six elected officers of the Grand Encampment, all Past Grand Masters of the Grand Encampment, and six trustees-at-large elected from and by the membership for a term of nine years. It is exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501 (c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code and contributions made to the Foundation are deductible by donors. The original mission of the Foundation was “to provide assistance to those who face loss of sight due to the need for surgical treatment without regard to race, color, creed, age, sex or national origin provided they are unable to pay or receive adequate assistance from current government agencies or similar sources and to provide funds for research in curing diseases of the eye.” On December 31, 2010, the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc., by direction of the board, shifted the Foundation’s focus and adopted a new mission statement “to improve vision through research, education, and supporting access to care.” The Foundation now only participates in direct patient care through the Seniors Eye Care Program in partnership with EyeCare America and the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. With this change, the Foundation is benefitting untold millions in generations to come through grants that support research and education. Our research dollars have helped develop new, nonsurgical, treatments for strabismus (crossed eyes) and ophthalmologists have told us that our efforts in funding pediatric ophthalmology research have been the primary reason that there are fewer and fewer surgeries for strabismus. The Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc., annually announces its call for research grant applications. The Foundation invites eligible investigators to submit applications for pediatric ophthalmology research grants for the award period which normally runs from July 1 to June 30. From the applications received, the Scientific Advisory Committee recommends to the Trustees which requests should be funded. Since its inception, the Foundation has expended over $168 million on research, patient care, and education. Research grants totaling in excess of $34 million have been awarded to researchers working in the fields of pediatric ophthalmology and ophthalmic genetics. The State of Virginia is at 100% full life sponsorship for the Knight Templar Eye Foundation. This means that every Sir Knight in the state has participated in the Knight Templar Eye Foundation voluntary program.  Well done, Sir Knights! There is one Commandery that has gone above and beyond that 100% and was the first in the State to achieve 200% Life Sponsorship.  Not resting on their laurels, they are now sitting at 300% participation: Lynn Commandery No.9 Congratulations and a job very well done to you, Sir Knights. The Knights Templar Eye Foundation, incorporated in 1956, is a charity sponsored by the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar. The Foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of the six elected officers of the Grand Encampment, all Past Grand Masters of the Grand Encampment, and six trustees-at-large elected from and by the membership for a term of nine years. It is exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501 (c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code and contributions made to the Foundation are deductible by donors. The original mission of the Foundation was “to provide assistance to those who face loss of sight due to the need for surgical treatment without regard to race, color, creed, age, sex or national origin provided they are unable to pay or receive adequate assistance from current government agencies or similar sources and to provide funds for research in curing diseases of the eye.” On December 31, 2010, the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc., by direction of the board, shifted the Foundation’s focus and adopted a new mission statement “to improve vision through research, education, and supporting access to care.” The Foundation now only participates in direct patient care through the Seniors Eye Care Program in partnership with EyeCare America and the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. With this change, the Foundation is benefitting untold millions in generations to come through grants that support research and education. Our research dollars have helped develop new, nonsurgical, treatments for strabismus (crossed eyes) and ophthalmologists have told us that our efforts in funding pediatric ophthalmology research have been the primary reason that there are fewer and fewer surgeries for strabismus. The Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc., annually announces its call for research grant applications. The Foundation invites eligible investigators to submit applications for pediatric ophthalmology research grants for the award period which normally runs from July 1 to June 30. From the applications received, the Scientific Advisory Committee recommends to the Trustees which requests should be funded. Since its inception, the Foundation has expended over $168 million on research, patient care, and education. Research grants totaling in excess of $34 million have been awarded to researchers working in the fields of pediatric ophthalmology and ophthalmic genetics. The State of Virginia is at 100% full life sponsorship for the Knight Templar Eye Foundation. This means that every Sir Knight in the state has participated in the Knight Templar Eye Foundation voluntary program.  Well done, Sir Knights! There is one Commandery that has gone above and beyond that 100% and was the first in the State to achieve 200% Life Sponsorship.  Not resting on their laurels, they are now sitting at 300% participation: Lynn Commandery No.9 Congratulations and a job very well done to you, Sir Knights.

Knights Templar Educational Foundation

Knights Templar Educational Foundation The Knights Templar Educational Foundation Supports Higher Education Through Grants and Scholarships Investment in Education is an investment in the Future. Mission Statement:The Knights Templar Educational foundation Committee considers all applications for scholarships, without regard to age, race, religion, National origin, gender, of Masonic ties or affiliations. These scholarships are not “grants in aid”, but are open to all students regardless of their financial circumstances. Purpose and History Application Brochure Purpose and History Purpose:Provide financial assistance to students who meet the required qualifications, which may vary from state to state. History and transition of the Knights Templar Educational Foundation:In 1922, the Grand Encampment launched the Knights Templar Educational Foundation with the words: “We feel that the Grand Encampment can build no greater monument nor inaugurate a more worthwhile movement than to establish a plan which will put into effect a plan which will provide educational advantages for the youth of our beloved country, thereby enabling them to become more useful members of society and better Citizens of the United States of America. The Foundation was sustained and perpetuated by each Sir Knight paying annually the sum of $1.00 for a period of nine years beginning July 1, 1924. This Fund became available for student loans.Through the years the fund has grown and Grants and Scholarships are available in several states. However, some states still continue to use the Loan program where the student is expected to repay the loan at a low interest rate. States have either Grants or Scholarships or Loans but not both. The need for Education Education beyond high school is essential in a technological age. It may be obtained today in –1. A vocational school, which trains artisans and craftsman.2. A technical school, which prepares technicians for various specializations.3. A professional school, which offers preparation, in medicine, law, theology, engineering, business, agriculture and others.4. Colleges and university, which give a firm foundation for business, trade or profession. The Record Since its founding the Knights Templar Educational Foundation has assisted more than 80,000 students for an aggregate monetary value of over 38 million dollars through Loans and Scholarships to deserving youth thereby exemplifying the purpose and principles for which it was created. Who are the Knights Templar?The Knights Templar is a Christian oriented fraternal organization and is the culmination of the York Rite of Freemasonry. this fraternal organization does not claim to be a direct descendent of the ancient order founded in the 11th century but their service in these times reflects the virtues of the Valiant Knights and serves those in need today through charities and support of higher education. Application How to apply for a grant:Application forms are available below and must be filled out in it’s entirety to be processed.  If you have any questions, please reach out to the Committee by emailing: kteducation@vatemplars.com Brochure Knight Templar Educational Foundation Brochure:Print out the brochure below for some quick reference material relating to the Knights Templar Educational Foundation. Purpose:Provide financial assistance to students who meet the required qualifications, which may vary from state to state. History and transition of the Knights Templar Educational Foundation:In 1922, the Grand Encampment launched the Knights Templar Educational Foundation with the words: “We feel that the Grand Encampment can build no greater monument nor inaugurate a more worthwhile movement than to establish a plan which will put into effect a plan which will provide educational advantages for the youth of our beloved country, thereby enabling them to become more useful members of society and better Citizens of the United States of America. The Foundation was sustained and perpetuated by each Sir Knight paying annually the sum of $1.00 for a period of nine years beginning July 1, 1924. This Fund became available for student loans.Through the years the fund has grown and Grants and Scholarships are available in several states. However, some states still continue to use the Loan program where the student is expected to repay the loan at a low interest rate. States have either Grants or Scholarships or Loans but not both. The need for Education Education beyond high school is essential in a technological age. It may be obtained today in –1. A vocational school, which trains artisans and craftsman.2. A technical school, which prepares technicians for various specializations.3. A professional school, which offers preparation, in medicine, law, theology, engineering, business, agriculture and others.4. Colleges and university, which give a firm foundation for business, trade or profession. The Record Since its founding the Knights Templar Educational Foundation has assisted more than 80,000 students for an aggregate monetary value of over 38 million dollars through Loans and Scholarships to deserving youth thereby exemplifying the purpose and principles for which it was created. Who are the Knights Templar?The Knights Templar is a Christian oriented fraternal organization and is the culmination of the York Rite of Freemasonry. this fraternal organization does not claim to be a direct descendent of the ancient order founded in the 11th century but their service in these times reflects the virtues of the Valiant Knights and serves those in need today through charities and support of higher education. How to apply for a grant:Application forms are available below and must be filled out in it’s entirety to be processed.  If you have any questions, please reach out to the Committee by emailing: kteducation@vatemplars.com Knight Templar Educational Foundation Brochure:Print out the brochure below for some quick reference material relating to the Knights Templar Educational Foundation.

Knight Templar Magazine

Knight Templar Magazine View Knight Templar Magazine Online To view the Grand Encampment Knight Templar Magazine online, simply click here. View Knight Templar Magazine on Mobile App

Instructor Resources

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Regalia

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Grand Line Officer Resources

Grand Line Officer Resources Grand Encampment Honors and Awards View here Membership Jewel View Here Webmail Login – .com Emails Instructions on how to access your Grand Commandery .com email address via webmail, click here. To access Webmail click here. Windows Outlook Setup – .com Emails How to setup access to your Grand Commandery .com email address via Windows Outlook. Click Here MacOS Outlook Setup – .com Emails How to setup access to your Grand Commandery .com email address via MacOS Outlook. Click Here Microsoft 365 Online Login- .org Emails How to access your Grand Commandery .org email address via online tools. Click Here Microsoft 365 Manual Outlook Configuration – .org Emails How to setup access to your Grand Commandery .org email address via Outlook. Click Here

Templar Education

Templar Education Knight Templar Magazine Articles View Articles Now Approved Templar Talks A Cause To Live For A Few Good Men A House Made Not With Hands A Pilgrimage Through the Morals and Dogma Back to Basics in Templar Masonry Clothes Make the Man and the Mason Embracing Templar Ethos Gifts of the Magi House of the Lord If I Had a Hammer Impostors Among the Workers Jacob’s Ladder Knights, Knighthood, Chivalry Masonic Enlightenment Masonic Stones Reflection on Senior Deacon Lecture Symbolism Remembrance and Renewal Search for Masonic Light That Which Was Lost The Broken Pillar of Freemasonry The Centenarian Arch The Double Headed Eagle The Great Pillars of Freemasonry The Necessity of the Royal Arch to the Master Mason The Rose and the Cross The Solomonic Theme in Freemasonry The Square The Sword and the Trowel The Triple Tau and Triangle within a Circle Untempered Mortar What Leaders Say and Do Who was Zerubbabel Worthy the Name of Sir Knight Legacy of the Knights Templar Approved Religious Talks Knight Templar Christian Ministry What a Chaplain Should Perform Home Visitation Knight Templar Motto & Psalm 115 Composing Prayers Ministering in and beyond the Asylum The Human Skull Suicide Prevention and Intervention A Chaplain’s Job Description A Prelate’s Installation Charge York Rite Unity The Meaning Behind the 13 Folds of Old Glory

Grand Encampment

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