School of the New Knight Being a Knight of the Order of the Temple, and what Commandery is all about Sir Knight John E. Helcl, II Grand Standard Bearer, Grand Commandery of Minnesota, Past Commander, Cyrene Commandery #9, (Revised March2015)

Course Topics ✠ Structure from Constituent Commanderies to the Grand Encampment ✠ Expectations of a Commandery, Officers, Knights; and the Ralph Kirk Award ✠ Uniforms, Regalia, and Procurement ✠ Question and answer session

Uniforms

Standing tall, looking good Quartermastering smartly, efficiently, and correctly

Uniform types Traditional/Class A Cap and Mantle (Canadian Version)

Cap and Mantle in the U.S. (P.S.: Don’t be the guy that wears his jewels on his mantle!)

More common uniforms Summer Uniform Class A Combination Cap Variant

Other uniforms used Prelate robes Frock coat

Just for illustration QUICK! What are the ranks of these four Knights????

1800’s Templary

Quick and Dirty Rule #2 Uniforms: Uniform standards (not counting hats) can be established by each Grand Commandery, who are allowed to draft their own regulations Constituent Commanderies can elect any uniform variant that is provided by their state Grand Commandery’s regulations, but it has to be consistent for all the Knights of that Commandery Hats/Covers: The Grand Encampment establishes the regulations for headgear According to current G.E. regs: Currently, only the white battalion cap and the white- feathered chapeau are allowed with Class-A uniforms Only the battalion cap can be used with the Summer uniforms The pillbox cap is only allowed for use with the Mantle

At Triennial

Not all States Dress the Same : East Coast Easter

Not all States Dress the Same : The Okies

Who makes the call? Each Commandery decides as a group which uniform will be utilized by that Commandery. Seen here are the U.S. Cap & Mantle, Grand Officer’s, Class A, and Class A with battalion cap variant uniforms.

Uniform Regulations Constituent Commandery Recorders should contact the Grand Recorder, RESK Harland Thomeson for copies of the Grand Commandery uniform standards found in the GCKTMN Constitution (or ask your District Commander to you a copy) Quick Rules Right side of uniform is for Grand Encampment ONLY Non-Commandery-related items PROHIBITED U.S. Naval Uniforms o.k.

Uniform procurement

Where to get the goods: Dean & Associates Nayelsis Masonic Supplies Lauterer Masonic Supply True to my Faith Masonic and Templar Supply Red Tower Masonic Regalia Roulet Company Simpsons Jewelers Knight Templar Universal/The Universal Chapeau Online The Salute Uniform Store Los Angeles Fraternal Supply Company Glendale Parade Store Kalamazoo Regalia (pricey) Milford Commandery 1800nametapes The MAAC Masonic & fraternal supply (F&AM/PHA) New London Regalia Hiram Hunter Masonic Supply Lynch Kelly Knights of Columbus supply Lighthouse Fraternal Supply Fratline fraternal supply JP Luther Company And eBay!

What can be found on eBay?

Search smart and often Vary search terms & spelling Look for incorrectly categorized items Eye military surplus providers Other fraternal organizations Looking for a uniform coat? Search for: U.S. Navy/Naval uniform Coast Guard uniform Merchant Marine Uniform “Dress Blues” (non- USMC/Army/Air Force) Canadian/UK Naval uniforms And occasionally an actual Commandery uniform can be found

Save cash, use variants! Chapeau Class A Frock Belts Straps or Barrel Chains Official templar swords Saucer/Battalion Cap or KC Chapeau Cap and Mantle Leather Belts Leather straps or throgs Inexpensive generics Minor tweaks found in the uniform regs can save your Knights a bundle!

Headgear Chapeau KC Chapeau

Simpler can be cheaper. Class A (With Combination Cap) Cap and Mantle

Belts Frock Belt Leather/Piper’s Belt* (*beware width)

Swords Ames & Co. Sword Generic (eBay) Be advised: Quality can be iffy…

When all else fails… Don’t’ be afraid to ask (or beg) your fellow Knights or Commanderies for their surplus or assistance. HELP A BROTHER OUT!!!!!

Q & A and Miscellany Open floor for discussion