The Modern Order Of "Knights Templar" In The British Dominions.

attributing a desire ou my part to advocate a total separation from Freemasonry , to admit of its assuming a more exclusive character , in accordance with its presumed chivalric origin ancl constitution . This is entirely a mistake , for to sever the connection to which it owes its present existence woidd take away its claim to be considered as legally perpetuating the old Order of the Crusades . The attempt was made some years back by the Scottish branch , but utterly failed , ancl they were obliged to resume the

Masonic qualification . My whole object has been to endeavour to point out the anomalies of the present system , ancl , if possible , prevent the further perpetuation of errors palpable to the historic student . Even supposing that the modern or Masonic Templar Order is but au imitation of the old Knightly fraternity , still , as it professes to be chivalric , there surely can be no question that it should be historically correct ancl as nearly as possible follow the original in preference to mere fancy ceremonial inventions .

A re-organization of the Order in England , changing the names and title to that of the original nomenclature of the ancient Templars , with a careful revision of the statutes , took place in 1873 , the object being to unite and place all the different sections in the British dominions under the Grand Mastership of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , adopting a common code of laws and ceremonies , dividing the Order into Nationalities , or Great Priories , each being governed by a Great Prior , these Great Priories making

their own laws ; the affairs of the whole Order being managed ancl regulated by a body termed the " Convent General , " composed of the Great Priories sitting iu common , presided over by the Grand Master , who has also a Council especially constituted under statutes , so that he may be advised by a body in which all the nationalities are equallyrepresented . This scheme of organization , following the practice of the early Order , originated with the learned ancl zealous ( then Grand Chancellor ) Sir Patrick Coiquhoun , formerl

Q . C ., LL . D ., y Chief Justice of the Ionian Islands , ably supported in skilfully carrying it into effect by the highly esteemed and well-lmowii Masonic authority , the Hon . Judge Fitz-Henry Townshencl , LL . D ., of the High Court of Admiralty , Dublin , GT . Com . Sup . Gr . Council 33 ° for Ireland , etc ., based on the original and existing principle that the Order , having a chivalric origin , was not in itself Masonic , but had a Masonic basis and qualificationrequiring that its members could onlbe taken from

, y the Masonic Fraternity . The intention was also to form a cosmopolitan chivalric body , regulated by the customs and usages of the present century , having but one Grand Master , as of old , under whom different nationalities , divided into Langues or Tongues , could assemble without any interference with then individual political allegiance .

It was confidently hoped and looked forward to , that this admirable organization , clearing away much of the unsatisfactory and incorrect practices of the modern system , would raise the Order to a more consjricuons and independent sphere of usefulness , uniting the different branches into one powerful ancl influential Christian confraternity ; but this desirable result does not seem likely to be attained , and the time and labour bestowed by the erudite trainers of the system are thus thrown away .

A majority of the English nationality being dissatisfied with the federation , ancl ignoring the articles of convention , are endeavouring to set it aside ancl resume their former anomalous position , without reference to the wishes or opinions of the sister Great Priories , or to the advantages held out by a uniform system , and have also objected to adopt one of the most important changes contemplated , viz ., the revisal of the ritual in use . For this end a Ritual Commission had been appointed who , after

some years' careful consideration of the subject , submitted their Report to Convent General in October , 187 G ( published in the proceedings of the Great Priory of Canada ptlast year ) , which commends itself , being a full exposition of the views taken by the Commissioners . The ritual recommended by them appears to me all that can be desired , and should be adopted intact ; even if it is in parts objectionable , or imperfect , it would oe unwise for the Order to have ritual for land and Ireland ancl another for

one Eng Canada . It has also the strong recommendation of assimilating with the Scottish ceremony , many years in use , and ( although Scotland has not joined the Union ) it woidd ensure uniformity in all the branches under British ride . The necessity for a revision of the ceremony of a reception may not have been