Encyclopedia Masonica

The Statutes of the Grand Priory of the Temple of Scotland prescribe for the Order of Knights Templar in that kingdom an organization very different from that which prevails in other countries. 'The Religious and Military Order of the Temple" in Scotland consists of two classes: 1. Novice and Esquire. 2. Knight Templar.The Knights are again divided into four classes: 1. Knights created by Priories. 2. Knights elected from the companions on memorial to the Grand Master and Council, supported by the recommendation of the Priories to which they belong . 3. Knights Commanders. 4. Knights Grand Crosses, to be nominated by the Grand Master.

The supreme legislative authority of the Order is the Chapter General, which consists of the Grand Officers, the Knights Grand Crosses, and the Knights Commanders. One Chapter is held annually, at which the Grand Master, if present, acts as President. The anniversary of the death of James de Molay, March 11, is Selected as the time of this meeting, at which the Grand Officers are elected. During all intervals of the meetings of the Chapter General, the affairs of the Order, with the exception of altering any Statutes, is entrusted to the Grand Master's Council, which consists of the Grand Officers, the Grand Priors of Foreign Langues (or Districts), and the Knights Grand Crosses.

The Grand Officers, with the exception of the Past Grand Masters, who remain so for life, the Grand Master, who is elected triennially and the Grand Aides-de-Camp, who are appointed by him and removed at his pleasure, are elected annually. They are as follows: Grand Master Past Grand Masters, Grand Seneschal Preceptor and Grand Prior of Scotland, Grand Constable and Marshal Grand Admiral Grand Almoner or Hospitaler, Grand Chancellor Grand Treasurer, Grand Registrar, Primate or Grand Prelate Grand Provost or Governor-General, Grand Standard Bearer or Beaucennifer Grand Bearer of the Vexillum Belli, War Flag. Grand Camberlain, Grand Steward. Two Grand Aides-de-Camp.

A Grand Priory may be instituted by the Chapter General in any nation, colony, or langue, to be placed under the authority of a Grand Prior, who is elected for life, unless superseded by the Chapter General. A Priory, which is equivalent to an American Commandery, consists of the following officers: Prior Superior, Mareschal or Master of Ceremonies, Hospitaler or Almoner, Chancellor, Treasurer, Secretary, Chaplain panel Instructor, Beaucennifer, or bearer of the Beauseant Bearer of the Red Cross Banner, or Vexillum Belli, Chamberlain, Two Aides -de Camp.

The Chapter General or Grand Priory may unite two or more Priories into a Commandery, to be governed by a Provincial Commander, who is elected by the Chapter General.

The costume of the Knights, with the exception of a few slight variations to designate difference of rank, is the same as the ancient costume.

The Encyclopedia Masonica exists to preserve the wealth of information that has been generated over the centuries by numerous Masonic authors. As Freemasonry is now Speculative and not Operative, the work of a Mason is now conducted in the quarries of symbolism, literature, history and scholasticism. Freemasonry encourages intellectual exploration and academic achievement in its members and many Masons over the years have taken up this calling. The result has been that an incredible amount of philosophy, symbolic speculation and academic insights have been created. However, as Freemasonry teaches, human knowledge is frail and fragile. It is easily lost in the turnings of the ages and unforeseen catastrophes can result in great setbacks to human knowledge.

For too long these great works have sat on forgotten shelves, gathering dust and concealing the light that could be shed on the darkness of our ignorance. The Encyclopedia Masonica has been created to act as an ark, sailing through time, to ensure that future generations of Freemasons have access to the same knowledge that inspired the Brethren that came before them. It will contain the works of such Masonic Luminaries as Albert G. Mackey, Manly Palmer Hall, G.S.M. Ward, Albert Pike and many others. The Encyclopedia Masonica is a living work and the volunteers of Universal Co-Masonry will continue to labor until the most comprehensive Masonic reference work the world has ever seen has been created. The Encyclopedia Masonica is open to any who wish to use it and will remain open so that the treasures contained within may increase the wealth of all those who seek its wisdom.