The Green Forest tribune., 1895-08-29
The Knights Templars ConclaYe.


ial conclave of the Knights TempIars
at Boston. This organization is easily
the most potent and splended in the
list of secret orders. 1t had it's modern
origin in America, where the Masonic
degree that it represents was first con-
ferred, in 1856. But it dates back bv
tradition and historical association to
the time when toe chivalric soldiers
of the Temple, inspired by the loftiest
principles, pressed forward to rescue
the Holy Sepulcher from the profana-
ton of the intidels, and to protect the
helpless and promote the interest of
justice, mercy and benevolence The
order is composed of about 900 COM
manderies, with an aggregate member
ship of over 100000, all picked men
from the general Masonic ranks, in
which only capable and worthy men
gain admission. 1t is not too much to
say that the knight Templars as rule
are the leading citizens of their respec-
tive communities, and that they exer-
equal number of men in the country.
This is simply saying that they must
be men of more than ordinary intelli-
gence and virtue In order to become
Knight Templars. The badge of this
tribe is an assurance that the wearer
is man of sound character, whom
society can safely trust and honor;
and thus the organization has acquir-
ed the meaning of a steadying force
in the midst of restless and uncertain
conditions.
1t is well known, of course, that the
knights do not take the world into
their confidence with regard to tho
work of their order. Nevertheless lis
purpose and tendency can be plainly
seen in it's out side effects. There is
no secret about the fact that is based
upon the best of moral trnths and the
highest standards of duty and respon-
sibiity. 1t insists upon the kind Of
man liness that feels a stain as
wound. that maintains integrity at
any cost, that renders service of conf.=
age and devot ION without thought Of
self. The sword of knigh thood is no
longer drawn except as symbol, bat
the symbol had significance which ~
as old as the sense of right and wrong,
and as beautiful as anything in the
scheme of the universe. 1t is not given
to these later sons of chivalry to dstin-
guish themselves in a great military cru.
SADIE for Christianity; but if such an op-
portunitv should come, they would he
found quick to improve, and to show
that they are made of the same etnf
that gave heroism and glory to The
soldiers of the Temple
The mystery attached to their meth
DDS and proceedings is matter Of
much curiosity. but we have no right
to say hat it is either useless or dam
gerous. They know best about that.
and the results certainly justify the
secrets which they so closely guard
have practical value aud are conduciIe
to the development of noble and whole
some sentiments.
After all, however, It'll in their
public displays that the Knights Tenip-
lars gain more attention and MAKE
their strongest ilnppresson Man i. q
professional animal, and nothing ap-
peals to him with SO much force as &
large body of individuals marching. He
likes the measured step, the unifofA4
the swing, futter of flags, the soul-st.
ring m usic and all the suggestions Of
concentrated and irresistible energr.
Such spectaces are the object lessons
/ that remain with him longer than any
other that he learns, They correspond
! III his experience to..the polnp of history
! that puts details in shadow and leaves
only the main facts visible. The pt.
geants and parades of civilization have
far more effect upon the popular mi,ld
than we are aptto think, They are
sources of enlgh tenment that it viii
not do to overlook in estimating the
means and chances of progress. it.s
masses are taught by them in q way
that is beyond the education of books,
and that appeals to the senses witt
conclusive power There are special
advantages pnssessed by the knights
Temolars in this relation. They have
! "a great deal of glitter and picturesque-
ness in their possessions, and to see
them marching in full array is at onee
| both delightful and instructive
Their symbolism hai vital impar aece
and sacreaness, and tile world vnnld
poorly afford tndisp-nse with it ms