The fraternity of Knights Templar takes its identity from the religious military order of the same name that existed in the days of the Christian Crusades. The modern order is a branch of the Masonic fraternity and is comprised wholly of knights who express a preference for the Christian religion. Our order seeks to practice charity and hospitality in all things and is especially supportive of youth programs.

Detroit Commandery boasts a long and proud history in the development of Templary in Michigan. Many names of Sir Knights from the nineteenth century up to the present are instantly recognizable in the annals of the professional, business, and civic communities of Detroit and Michigan.  In fact, the Grand Commandery, Knights Templar of Michigan, was organized in a meeting on January 15, 1857 in our Asylum. Sir Knight John Gilbert, Jr. of Detroit was elected as the first Grand Commander of Michigan.  Since that time, a total of 16 (soon to be 17) of the Grand Commanders have hailed from Detroit Commandery, No. 1.

Our Commandery has included numerous distinguished personalities including men who have earned the Congressional Medal of Honor, served as the United States Secretary of the Army, or who have led as Generals, Governors and Mayors.

Our local Commandery not only supports the annual Knights Templar Holy Land Pilgrimage, but was also the founding organization for this magnificent program.  The purpose of the pilgrimage is to send Christian clergy to the Holy Land free of charge.  Masonic membership is not required, and the clergyperson may be male or female. 

Our Order supports the Knights Templar Educational Foundation.  This is an educational program that considers all applications for scholarships, without regard to age, race, religion, national origin, gender, or Masonic affiliations. These scholarships are not "grants in aid", but are open to all students regardless of their financial circumstances.

Our Commandery created and sponsors Project Freedom Inc., a private, nonprofit foundation that provides funding to install and maintain lift equipment to partially disabled persons at a cost of more than $5,000 each.  The equipment is installed in the patient’s home until it is no longer needed, at which time it is refurbished and made available to another home-bound patient.  For more information, please visit this website: http://www.projectfreedommi.org/   

If you are interested in joining our Illustrious Commandery, see the address and application section of our website. 

Please do not hesitate to email me with questions or for more information on becoming a Knight Templar!

Rev. Sir Knight G. Patrick Thompson

2013 Eminent Commander