Palmetto Grand Lodge

In Hoc Signo Vinces

  Grand Eminent Commander

  Message from me:

Greetings,
First, I would like to thank The Almighty for all the blessings that he has bestowed upon this great organization and all of it's members. I am looking forward to a very busy and fruitful year as your Grand Eminent Commander. It is time for this Commandery to join together under the banner of Faith, Charity, and Brotherhood. If we all wield our swords as one, there is no battle that we can not win. I say to all Sir Knights, Attention Be Dressed for Battle, and Be Prepared For all that may come before us.
By the Sign of the Cross,
Sir Knight Jarrod Peay GEC

     

2008 – 2009 Palmetto Grand Commandery Officers:

 

Grand Eminent Commander	Sir Knight Jarrod Peay
Grand Generalissimo	Sir Knight Calvin Jones
Grand Captain General	Sir Knight Tyron Keller.
Grand Recorder	Sir Knight Phil McQueen
Grand Treasurer	Sir Knight Curtis Gadsden
Grand Prelate	Sir Knight Lester Dent
Grand Senior Warden	Sir Knight Anthony Carter
Grand Junior Warden	Sir Knight Kenneth Salley
Grand Sword Bearer	Sir Knight Nathaniel Johnson
Grand Standard Bearer	Sir Knight Norman Artis
Grand Warder	Sir Knight Harold Burns
Grand Assistant Recorder	Sir Knight George Richardson
Grand Prelate to the Crusaders	Sir Knight David Caldwell
Grand Marshall	Sir Knight Stanley Gallman
Grand Inside Sentinel	Sir Knight Harold Burns
Grand Outside Sentinel	Sir Knight Michael Wilson

Brief history of the Knights Templar

The Templar Knights - or Poor Knights of Christ was a monastic order of knights founded in 1112 A.D. to protect the pilgrims along the path from Europe to the Holy Lands ( Jerusalem ). They took a vow of poverty which was rare for knights which had to supply themselves with a horse, armor and weapons.

Their seal became two knights on one horse to show how poor they were. There were also other various interpretations of the seal. They became very powerful and influential in European political circles since Pope Innocent II exempted the Templars from all authority except the Pope.

Because the Knights Templar regularly transmitted money and supplies from Europe to Palestine , they gradually developed an efficient banking system unlike any the world had seen before. Their military might and financial acumen caused them to become both feared and trusted. Because of their unselfish defense of the Holy Lands and their monastic vows, they amassed great wealth through gifts from their grateful benefactors.

They soon had an army and a fleet as well as surplus money. Since the Knights had taken a vow of poverty they re-invested the money and lent.

The Knights Templar was the earliest founders of the military orders, and was the type on which the others are modeled. They are marked in history, by their humble beginning, by their marvelous growth, and by their tragic end.

Last Updated: February 2009