General Information
Date and Time of Regular Convocations: Fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 P.M. Dinner generally precedes convocation at 6:00 P.M.
Eminent Commander: Sir Knight Edward J. Newton III
Generalisimo: Sir Richard G. Bernheart
Capital General: Sir Ronald P. Haley Jr.
Treasurer: Sir Knight Terenzio A. Volpicelli
Recorder: Sir Knight Edward J. Newton Jr.
What is a Knight Templar?
The members of Milford Commandery No. 11 are Knights Templar, a Christian-oriented fraternal organization that was founded in the 11th century. All Knights Templar are members of the world’s oldest fraternal organization known as “The Ancient Free and Accepted Masons,” or more commonly known as “Freemasons.” However, not all Freemasons are Knights Templar.
Originally, the Knights Templar were laymen who protected and defended Christians travelling to Jerusalem during the time of the Crusades. These men took vows of poverty, chastity and obedience and were renowned for their fierceness and courage in battle. Today, the Knights Templar display their courage and goodwill in other ways. They organize fundraising activities such as breakfasts, dinners, dances and flea markets. They support Masonic-related youth groups and they raise millions of dollars for medical research and educational assistance.
Currently, Templar membership consists of people from all walks of life, including doctors, lawyers, clergy, businessmen and entertainment personalities, all of whom profess to support the Christian Religion.
Hollywood has long made use of the legend of the Knights Templar. Some of the more recent examples include works like The Da Vinci Code, National Treasure, The Last Templar, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and the Curse of Oak Island. In real life, Knights Templar are Freemasons in search of bettering themselves and society.
About Milford Commandery No. 11
Milford Commandery was chartered on October 28, 1859 by the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of Massachusetts and Rhode Island (now referred to as the Grand Commandery) under Winslow Lewis, Most Eminent Grand Master (now referred to as the Right Eminent Grand Commander). The original designation was as an Encampment of Knights Templar and Councils of the Appendant Orders.
Since 1859, Milford Commandery has produced four Grand Commanders and one Northeast Department Commander. Several of its current members also serve the Grand Commandery in various officer or committee positions.
Milford Commandery’s current membership consists of nearly 100 members, most of whom live in central Massachusetts. Milford Commandery’s members have been staunch supporters of the Knights Templar Eye Foundation. In fact, over the past five years (2014 to 2018), Milford Commandery has donated over $51,000 to this charity.
As an active and vibrant Commandery, Milford Commandery performs all of the Orders in full and complete form, including costumes when appropriate. Unlike Freemasonry, Commanderies confer Orders, not Degrees. The Orders represent a new line of Masonic thought and experience, in that they no longer refer to the ancient craft of Masonry, but to ideals and practices of ancient chivalry and Christianity. The first Commandery Order is The Order of The Red Cross, which presents the story of the Jewish Prince Zerubbabel and his efforts to secure permission of the Persian King Darius to rebuild King Soloman’s Temple. The next order is the Knight of Malta, which is a departure from Masonry based on the Old Testament and is the first Christian Order. Here, the candidate represents a knightly warrior of the Crusades and is preparing for a trip to the Holy Land. The last order is that of Order of The Temple, which is the crowning glory of York Rite Masonry. Again, in this totally Christian Order, the candidate represents a knightly warrior who desires to unite with a Commandery of Knights Templar during the era of the Crusades. After several trials to test his faith, courage and humility, he is rewarded by achieving his desire … becoming a Knight Templar!
A Special Thanks
Sir Knight Mark Rossi passed to the celestial lodge above in 2018. Rossi was Milford Commandery’s webmaster for many years and took pride in its appearance and upkeep. You will be missed!