About the Grand Commandery

The Commandery began in 1790 when Maryland Encampment (now Maryland Commandery, No. 1) was chartered by our Pennsylvanian brethren. Maryland Commandery, No. 1 is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, Commandery for Knights Templar in the United States.

Our Grand Commandery was constituted on May 1871 when three Commanderies, Maryland No1., Baltimore No. 2, and Monumental No. 3, petitioned the Grand Encampment for a Grand Commandery in Maryland.

Membership in the Knights Templar is open to men who are Master Masons, as well as members of a Royal Arch Chapter and a Royal & Select Masters Council.  Knights Templar is a Christian order, and members vow that if called upon, they will wield their swords in the defense of the Christian religion. The Order of the Temple is one of the most poignant and meaningful degrees in all of Freemasonry.