Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1836-06-02
HlISCkLI.ANY.
NEW SECT IN FRANCE.

Sunce the decline OF st. Simpnism in France
anew polItico-religious sect, called the Knights
Templars, has arisen. 10 crafty the appetite
OF the Fr-nch people for novelty and show
We take the following account Of their frs,
meeting, from Galisnani's Messenger:
THE knights Templars held their
first meeting on Sunday evening, in
the Court Damiette. when n religious
service, according to their rites, was
performed for the conservation of the
place destined for their assemblies
The approaches were lined by munich
pal guards, and the interior was deco
rated with tri-colored flags. AT the
bottom of the hall was displayed the
standard of Templars, called IL Beau-
SsGnf, with two other standards
white, with large blue stripes, and the
other adorned with red cross. The
portrait of Jaques Morlay, and some
ancient arnor, were hung upon the
pillars. A throne, and some red velvet
arm-chairs, were placed on an elevated
platform. AT half past seven o'clock,
the orchestra, which occupied part OF
the gallery, played a march, and the
Grand Prior Of the order, NJ. Besuchet,
preceded by three Levites, escorted by
twelve Knights. Masters Of the Cere.
monies, Sc. assembled the PLATFORM
The knights wore their historical cos
tune, such as may be seen at the The
atre Francois, in the tragedy OF RE
nowned." II consists of large white
tunic, embroidered with a red cross on
the breast. A white mantel, adorned
with another red cross, is thrown over
their shoulders. Their head dress is a
toque Of white silk. with plumes of va
nous colors. They also wear spurs
and Gothic sabres. The Grand Prior,
IN the name of the Knights Templars,
who all brandlshed their bright sw ords,
declared that he took possession of the
place for the purpose of performing in
1t the worship Of the primitive church,
aid praying for Louis PHILIPPE, and the
representatives Of the nation. A Lee
vite approached the altar placed before
the estrada, on which was reading
desk with prayer book, a vase, con
tanning the holy-water, laurel branch,
and tripod, over which he poured
out incense. The Grand Master, Mr..
Bernard RAYMOND, was next introduc-
ed. After having replied to a speech
addressed 10 him by the Grand Prior.
and stated the moral, philanthropic.
and religious views by which he was
animated, mass was performed by the
first Levite, assisted bv two other Le-
vites, who placed on the altar a cross,
some bread, and wine. Mass was re-
cited in French, except the choruses
Kyeie eLeiSOn and .MSerere, which, be-
ing accompanied by the orchestra, were
chanted by male and female voices
After the Gospel had been read, a
knight, NJ. Barginet, of Grenoble, as
cended a tribune, and delivered an
Grafton, which was merely the history
of the order OF Templars. a collection
was made by six female hospitalers.
who are called canonesses. Long wells
OF PLAIN muslin covered their figures.
but left their faces visible. The Off =
eating Levite consecrated the ordinary
bread and vine deposited on the altar,
and having broken the bread into
great many fragments. and poured
few drops Of wine over ihera, he took
the sacrament in both kinds. The
Grand Master, knights. Hospitalers,
and Squires. then received the com
munion in the same manner. The
ceremony was concluded by bene-
dicton' pronounced on the assembly
by the officiating minister. The knight.
again unsheathed their swords and
the eorfeRe Withdrew in the same order
IN which 1t arrived"