How To Become A Templar: The Modern Path To Chivalric Knighthood

To become a modern Knights Templar, an applicant must secure admission into a recognized chivalric order—such as the ecumenical Ordo Supremus Militaris Templi Hierosolymitani (OSMTH) or the Masonic Knights Templar—by demonstrating a committed Christian faith, passing a rigorous background check, and completing a structured postulant period. Successful candidates must fulfill precise sponsorship, educational, and philanthropic benchmarks to receive the solemn accolade of knighthood during a formal investiture ceremony.

Prerequisites, Chivalric Qualifications, and Modern Order Standards

While the historical medieval Order of the Temple was dissolved in 1312 by Pope Clement V, its legacy persists through highly structured, modern knightly associations. Today, individuals seeking to become Templars generally pursue one of three legitimate pathways: ecumenical non-Masonic orders (such as the United Nations-recognized OSMTH), Masonic Knights Templar (part of the York Rite of Freemasonry), or traditionalist Catholic autonomous orders.

Each of these pathways requires significant dedication, intellectual preparation, and financial commitment. Before initiating the petition process, candidates must review the baseline qualifications, establish their personal alignment with the chivalric code, and acquire the foundational documents necessary to verify their eligibility.

Essential Credentials and Materials Checklist

• Proof of Faith and Baptism: A certified copy of a Christian baptismal certificate or equivalent ecclesiastical record confirming active adherence to the Christian faith.
• Government-Issued Background Check: A clean criminal record check, certified by local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies, to verify personal integrity and moral standing.
• Two Letters of Sponsorship: Written recommendations from active, recognized knights or dames within the specific Grand Priory or Commandery you wish to join.
• Academic and Professional Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed professional resume highlighting charitable work, community leadership, and academic achievements.
• Financial Resources: Capital allocated for initial passage fees, annual oblation (dues), and the purchase of formal investiture regalia (ranging from $400 to $1,500 depending on the jurisdiction).

Prerequisite Knowledge and Historical Competencies

• The Latin Rule (Regula): Comprehension of the original 72 clauses of the Latin Rule drafted by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux at the Council of Troyes (1129).
• Chivalric Ethics: Mastery of the traditional Chivalric Code, focusing on the virtues of humility, charity, justice, and the defense of religious liberty.
• Organizational Structures: Clear understanding of the distinction between the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem (OSMTH), the Masonic Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, and local independent associations.

The Modern Investiture Pipeline: From Postulant to Knight

The journey to receiving the accolade of knighthood is a multi-stage progression designed to test a candidate's sincerity, intellectual depth, and dedication to humanitarian service. The following phases outline the standard administrative and ceremonial steps required by internationally recognized Grand Priories.

Step 1: Jurisdictional Selection and Alignment

The applicant must determine which branch of modern Templarism aligns with their existing affiliations and spiritual views.

For those who are already Master Masons in good standing, the Masonic Knights Templar path is the standard route, requiring advancement through the York Rite degrees (Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master, Royal Arch Mason, and the Cryptic Council) before petitioning the local Commandery.

For men and women of all Christian denominations who are not Freemasons, the ecumenical OSMTH (or its national branches, such as the Grand Priory of the United States or the Grand Priory of Canada) offers a direct, non-Masonic, chivalric pathway focused on international diplomacy, humanitarian aid, and Christian unity.

Step 2: Securing Mentorship and Submitting the Petition

A candidate cannot simply sign up; they must be recommended. You must identify a local Preceptory, Commandery, or Priory and attend their public events, educational seminars, or charitable fundraisers.

Once a relationship is established with active members, the applicant must ask two knights or dames in good standing to act as sponsors. Under their guidance, the applicant completes the formal Petition for Admission, appending their background check, proof of baptism, personal statement of intent, and the non-refundable processing fee.

Step 3: Navigating the Postulant Formation Period

Upon the acceptance of the preliminary petition, the candidate is formally admitted as a "Postulant" or "Novice." This educational and probationary period typically lasts between six and twelve months. During this phase, the postulant is required to:

1. Attend regular meetings (Chapters) of the local Priory to observe administrative protocols.
2. Complete a prescribed reading curriculum covering Templar history from 1118 to the present day, with a specific focus on the preservation of holy sites in the Holy Land.
3. Perform a minimum of 40 documented hours of charitable service under the direction of the Priory’s Almoner.
4. Submit a written thesis or capstone paper demonstrating an understanding of how medieval Templar virtues apply to contemporary societal challenges.

Pro-Tip: Treat the postulant period as an active trial of character. Priory officers evaluate not only your intellectual capacity but also your willingness to perform menial tasks, show deference to senior officers, and work cohesively within a diverse team.

Step 4: The Scrutiny and Background Verification

Prior to investiture, the candidate must pass "The Scrutiny." This is a formal interview conducted by the Priory's Council of Officers, led by the Prior or Chancellor.

The candidate is questioned extensively on their theological views, their understanding of the order’s charitable missions, and their willingness to commit time and financial resources to the order’s operations. Concurrently, the Grand Seneschal reviews the candidate’s final background check and financial status to ensure that joining the order will not cause financial hardship to the candidate's family.

Step 5: The Solemn Ceremony of Investiture

Following a successful Scrutiny, the candidate is invited to the Solemn Liturgy of Investiture. This highly formal, sacred ceremony is usually conducted inside an consecrated church or a dedicated temple.

The postulant is dressed in a simple white tunic, symbolizing purity of intent. During the ceremony, the postulant kneels before the Grand Prior or installing officer to take the solemn Templar Vows. These vows include promises to defend the Christian faith, protect the vulnerable, support the missions of the Order, and remain loyal to its statutes.

Following the vows, the Grand Prior performs the historical accolade:

1. The Grand Prior draws the ceremonial sword of the Order.
2. The sword flat is tapped lightly three times on the candidate's left shoulder, right shoulder, and the crown of the head.
3. The Grand Prior pronounces the ancient formula: "For the glory of God alone, and in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, I create, receive, and constitute you a Knight of the Temple."

The newly created Knight or Dame is then invested with the insignia of the Order: the white mantle adorned with the red patent cross, the neck jewel (insignia), and the ring of the Order.

Warning: Wearers of the Templar mantle are ambassadors of the Order's historical lineage. Any public behavior that violates the moral, ethical, or legal standards of your jurisdiction can result in immediate expulsion, the stripping of your knighthood, and the public revocation of your status.

Comparative Analysis of Major Modern Templar Jurisdictions

Choosing the correct pathway requires a clear understanding of the operational, theological, and fraternal differences among the various organizations claiming Templar lineage. The table below details the technical and structural differences among the three major legitimate branches.

Common Administrative Pitfalls and Petition Remedies

Navigating the entry requirements of a historical chivalric order can be complex. Below are the most frequent operational challenges faced by candidates and the actionable steps required to resolve them.

Pitfall 1: Rejection of Petition due to Lack of Masonic Credentials

• Root Cause: The applicant submitted a petition directly to a York Rite Commandery of Knights Templar without realizing that this specific branch requires active membership in a Masonic Blue Lodge and the completion of all preceding Royal Arch degrees.
• Actionable Fix: The applicant must either first join a local Masonic Lodge, advance to the 3rd Degree (Master Mason), and complete the York Rite degrees, or pivot their search toward non-Masonic organizations like the OSMTH, which accept direct petitions from qualified Christian applicants regardless of Masonic status.

Pitfall 2: Failure to Secure Active Sponsors

• Root Cause: The applicant contacted a Grand Priory via email expecting immediate initiation, without building local relationships or attending the necessary open public events.
• Actionable Fix: Request a meeting with the Priory's Chancellor or Membership Officer. Volunteer to assist with their local public service initiatives as a non-member volunteer. This active service demonstrates commitment and allows active knights to observe your work ethic, leading to organic sponsorship.

Pitfall 3: Falling Prey to Spurious or "Unrecognized" Templar Groups

• Root Cause: The candidate joined an online-only organization that charges a quick fee for a "knighthood certificate" but lacks legitimate historical charters, corporate registration, or recognition from mainstream chivalric bodies.
• Actionable Fix: Before paying any fees, cross-reference the organization with the registry of known, legitimate orders. Verify if the group is registered as a non-profit organization, possesses a physical headquarters, has an established chain of command, and is recognized by major ecclesiastical bodies or international entities like the United Nations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can anyone become a Knights Templar today?

No. Applicants must meet strict criteria, including a verified Christian faith, a clean criminal background check, a history of philanthropic service, and the financial means to support the order's charitable endeavors and dues.

Is there an age limit to join the Templars?

Yes, the standard minimum age for full investiture is 18 to 21 years old depending on the jurisdiction. Some orders offer youth auxiliary programs or "Squire" programs for individuals under the age of majority.

Are modern Templars connected to the medieval military order?

There is no direct, unbroken document-proven historical line between the medieval Knights Templar dissolved in 1312 and modern orders. Modern Templar organizations are "chivalric revivals" or fraternal associations that inherit the traditions, philosophy, and spiritual calling of the historical order rather than its physical assets.

Do modern Knights Templar engage in military operations?

No. Modern Templar orders are strictly humanitarian, fraternal, and ecumenical. Their "warfare" is entirely metaphorical, focusing on combating poverty, defending human rights, promoting religious freedom, and supporting educational initiatives.

Embark on Your Chivalric Journey

If you possess a deep commitment to the Christian faith, a passion for humanitarian service, and a desire to preserve the timeless virtues of medieval chivalry, the modern Knights Templar path offers a unique opportunity for spiritual and personal growth. Take your first step toward knighthood by locating a recognized local Priory or Commandery and offering your service to their noble cause.