Scottish Knights Templar

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The Eight Pointed Cross of The **Scottish Knights Templar** from the Scottish Knights Templar website

St Clair — Sinclair speculation

The St Clair, later Sinclair, Earls of Rosslyn or Roslin have also been connected to Templarism in Scotland, but Mark Oxbrow and Ian Robertson in their recent book, 'Rosslyn and the Grail', note that the St Clair of Rosslyn testified against the Templars at their trial in Edinburgh in 1309. Dr. Louise Yeoman points out that the Rosslyn/Knights Templar connection is false, having been invented by 18th century fiction-writers, and that Rosslyn Chapel was built by William Sinclair so that Mass could be said for the souls of his family. It should be noted that William St Clair, 1st Earl of Caithness, is cited as not only having testified against the Knights Templar in 1309 but also founding Rosslyn Chapel in 1446 which are clearly conflicting claims. The Sinclair well documented connections are with Scottish Freemasonry which has a Templar degree. William St Clair, (William Sinclair) 3rd Earl of Orkney, Baron of Roslin and 1st Earl of Caithness built Rosslyn Chapel. A later William Sinclair of Roslin became the first Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. See Knights Templar (Freemasonry) and Clan Sinclair. In Michael T.R.B Turnbull's book Rosslyn Chapel Revealed he states that "Eighteen years after the suppression of the Order, Sir William Sainteclaire, in the role of a Crusader (not Templar), made a brave and honourable bid to fulfil the wishes of his late monarch, King Robert The Bruce". He then explains that he and his wife Lady Margaret Ramsay of Dalhousie produced a son (also Sir William) to succeed him as the 8th Baron of Rosslyn. Turnbull States that "His father could never have been a Knight Templar, as his wealth and marriage would have broken two of the three Templar vows — Poverty and chastity".

Templar survival in Scotland

John Graham of Claverhouse, "Bonnie Dundee", a Tory and Episcopalian, was killed at the Battle of Killiecrankie on 27 July 1689. He is said to have been the Grand Master of a Jacobite "Convent" the Temple in the Montrose area, appointed on the authority of Dom Calvet and was found to be wearing the Grand Cross of the Order under his breast plate. After his death the Mar is said to have held the office, and then Atholl. There no references to Templars continuing to the present day in Scotland known to scholars of the medieval and early modern periods, including the Medieval Hospice & The Preceptory of St Anthony, which suggest that the Order survived. Unfortunately, There is no proof or evidence to suggest that any Modern Order claims descent from the Original Order. No current Order in Scotland can claim true lineage from the Original Order.

Eighteenth Century Revival

Templarism experienced a revival of interest in the eighteenth century through Freemasonry with a Scottish influence. The first record of this is in Ramsay's Oration in Paris in 1737. Andrew Michael Ramsay was tutor to the Young Pretender, Prince Charles Edward Stuart. He claimed that Freemasonry had begun among crusader knights and that they had formed themselves into Lodges of St John. The next development was with Karl Gotheif, Baron Von Hund, and Alten-Grotkau, who had apparently been introduced to the concept by the Jacobite Lord Kilmarnock, and received into a Templar Chapter by a mysterious "Knight of the Red Feather". Baron von Hund established a new Masonic rite called the "Strict Templar Observance". The "Knight of the Red Feather" has been identified subsequently as Alexander Seton better known as Alexander Montgomerie, 10th Earl of Eglinton, a prominent Freemason in the Jacobite movement.

The modern revival

The modern revival of Templarism in Scotland starts with Alexander Deuchar. The records of one of Scottish Freemasonry's most prestigious lodges, the St Mary's Chapel Lodge of Edinburgh, describe the visit of a "...deputation from the Grand Assembly of the High Knights Templar in Edinburgh… headed by their most worshipful Grand Master, Alexander Deuchar...the first time for some hundred years that any Lodge of Freemasonry had been visited by an assembly of Knights Templar, headed by their Grand Master." This implies that there was an Order in existence 100 years earlier. In 1811 with a Charter from the Templar Grand Master in England, the Duke of Kent, Alexander Deuchar established the Grand Conclave of Knights of the Holy Temple and Sepulchre, and of St. John of Jerusalem. Controversially in 1836 "...it was proposed that non-Masons be admitted to the Order, at the same time the ritual was adapted in order to allow this to happen...." Previously only Royal Arch Masons in Good Standing were allowed to join. Only the Royal Grand Conclave was allowed to admit non-Masons and these men were never members of any Encampments, only of Grand Conclave." The modern non Masonic Order Militi Templi Scotia claims descent from Alexander Deuchar who was a Freemason.

Masonic and non-Masonic orders

Main article: Knights Templar (Freemasonry)

Templarism in Scotland has been claimed as the root of both Masonic and non-Masonic Orders. The Masonic Movement is generally referred to as the Knights Templar, but the full Style and Title of this body is "The United, Religious and Military Orders of the Temple and the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes and Malta".

There are today a number of small Groups of non-Masonic Knights Templar in Scotland, though not all claim descent from either the medieval Knights Templar in Scotland or Alexander Deuchar. They include:

The Autonomous Grand Priory of Scotland http://www.skt.org.uk/ this was originally the Commandery of Jacques de Molay 1314 founded and Chartered in 2006 at Rosslyn Chapel witnessed by Patron: Chev Baron St Clair Bonde GOTJ - The Autonomous Grand Priory of Scotland was founded and Chartered at Balgonie Castle in 2009 due to membership rising witnessed by SE. Chev.George Stewart KGCTpl, SE.Chev.Raymond Morris GCTJ, SE.Chev.Stuart Morris GCTJ and thirty Knights of the Order. - It has Commandery's in Germany, Czech Republic and France with members also in England the U.S.A., Canada and Montenegro. The Autonomous Grand Priory of Scotland is a totally Independent and a true Scottish Order based and recognised in Scotland. The aim of the Order is to maintain and upkeep the history of Scotland. It is an ecumenical Order and is a non Masonic. The Order is recognised throughout Europe and Worldwide by other Templar Orders. The Autonomous Grand Priory of Scotland remains active and emphasises its historical connection to the original Order of Templar Knights. We are not a Secret Society and we have expanded membership to include women, however, all members must be professing, Christians or individuals of "high ideals." The word Autonomous means: Self-government; freedom to act or function independently - The Order has the capacity of a system to make decisions about its own actions without the involvement of another Order such as OSMTH - OSMTH International or OSMTJ.

HISTORY

Though there is no documented proof we believe that through the findings of a long serving member of Militi Templi Scotia that his finding could be correct. Due to its roots through the late “ Militi Templi Scotia Order “ The Autonomous Grand Priory of Scotland is the oldest Order of the Temple active in Scotland at the present day, this was carried forward by the seven founder Knights from " Militi Templi Scotia. (Needs to be confirmed, Deuchar's Order was Militia Templi Scotae, not Militi Templi Scotia. This Masonic Order was told to hand back its records to the Masonic Order in the 1800s by the Scottish Court of Session. There is no legitimate heir to Deuchars Organisation unless proof can be offered here? Signed Paul McGowan.) The Order traces its origins to the re-formation of the Templar Order in Scotland in 1789 under Alexander Deuchar, who revitalised it after the death of Prince Charles Edward Stewart, the last Master of the old Order. The Templar Order in Scotland dates back to 1314, and before that to the first gift of land given by King David I of Scotland at Balantrodach ( Now Temple Village, Midlothian) on 22nd June 1128. The Order has gone through many changes and transitions but it remains true to its original statutes and traditions. We are aware of other Templar Orders in Scotland, we are not affiliated to OSMTH International – OSMTH – OSMTJ or the Masonic Knights Templar and we have no connection with ( GPFT ) The Grand Priory of France. Although the Order was officially dissolved by Papal Decree in 1312, the mystique of the Knights Templar still remains strong. There are groups claiming an association with the Templar Order around the world. Some only affirm that they are following the ideals of the Knights Templar. Others state that they can trace a historical connection with the original order. The Autonomous Grand Priory of Scotland Scottish Knights Templar point out that, the papal Order of Suppression issued in 1312 was not enforced in Scotland because the Scots believed the charges against the Knights were unproven, the Order was in fact found not guilty at the trial held in Edinburgh in 1309 and the Knights on trial were set free. Under the excommunicated King, Robert the Bruce, Scotland provided a safe haven for any Knights Templar who were able to flee Europe and reach its shores. According to tradition, the Knights who sought refuge in Scotland fought side by side with Robert the Bruce to win independence from England. In turn, the King protected the Order and Temple lands in Scotland. The word Autonomous means: Self-government; freedom to act or function independently - The Order has the capacity of a system to make decisions about its own actions without the involvement of other Orders such as OSMTH - OSMTH International or OSMTJ.

Would Paul McGowan please stop interfering with the above this type of attitude is not Templar.

The only OSMTH Knights Templar International recognised Order in Scotland can be found at http://www.scottishknightstemplar.org On Saturday the 19th of August 2006, at Rosslyn Chapel, Edinburgh. The Grand Priory of France (GPFT) under their Grand Prior, Chev Marcel de Picciotto GCTJ, did inaugurate the Commandery of St. Clair, No S1, Edinburgh, Scotland upon the specific request of a number of Scottish Knights Templar seeking International recognition. This was witnessed by: SE Grand Prior of France – Chev Lt Col Dr Marcel de Picciotto GCTJ, SE Grand Prior of Mexico - Chev Col Alfred Michaud GCTJ, SE Chev Robert Brydon GCTJ – Honorary Member, The OSMTH Secretary General - Chev Paul McGowan GOTJ and Rev John Thomson – Scotland. As well as over 30 members from France, Greece, Mexico, Portugal, USA, Denmark, Finland and Switzerland. The Founding Members of the Commandery St. Clair, No S1, Edinburgh, Scotland, GPFT included: Worthy Patron: Chev Baron St Clair Bonde GOTJ, Commander: Chev Hugh Brawley KCTJ, Secretary: Chev Paul McGowan GOTJ, Treasurer: Chev David Wallace KCTJ, Chaplain: Rev John Thomson KTJ, Hon Member: SE Chev Robert Brydon GCTJ. The Commandery is the operational part of the OSMTH KTI Scottish Order, it is legally recognised in Scotland under its corporate title of "OSMTH - Grand Priory of the Knights Templar in Scotland, SC314552". The Commandery meets in Hamilton, with Preceptories in the South West, East and the North East of Scotland. The Commandery is continuing to grow with currently 20+ Scottish Resident members and will be applying for Priory Status of OSMTH early in 2013, being forecasted to reach Grand Priory status in 2014. Its current structure follows the international recognised Mentorship program being mentored by the OSMTH legal entity of the Grand Priory of France. The Order's objectives follow those of the international Order with the use of the three pillars: A: UN recognition as a body in special consultative status with ECOSOC. B: Working with partner Advocacy and Charitable Bodies and C: Working with Clergy from all Christian faiths. The Order bases itself on an Ecumenical Christian Order with its objectives of protecting Christians at Risk and bringing the Sons of Abraham together through spiritual work and advocacy. Monies collected within the Order as used primarily for Charitable Purposes, including Medicine Sans Frontiers, Edinburgh City Mission, the Global Poverty Project along with a number of local Charities. The Order is non Masonic, but does allow Freemasons to be members. Unlike a number of self-governed Templar organisations in Scotland, this Order's parentage can be traced back successfully to the 1804 Fabre Palaprat "Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem" Order through the current Charter supplied by OSMTH recognised as a Commandery under Mentorship. It is NOT connected to any other Order in Scotland. This Order is allowed to use the OSMTH KTI Trademarks and Insignia, is accepted as part of the 5000+ members strong OSMTH Knights Templar International, http://www.osmth.org and recognises its Spiritual Protector HE Metropolitan Theodosius and it's Royal Protector Her Highness, Princess Elisabeth zu Ysenburg und Budingen.Paulmagoo (talk) 21:59, 24 September 2012 (UTC)

The Grand Priory of Scotland of OSMTH "Regency", The Magisterial Grand Priory of St Anthony Scotland of the SKT-SMOTJ & IFA-OCMTH, The Confederation of Scottish Knights Templar or the International Federative Alliance, The Ancient Scottish Military Order of Knights Templar and aistory.com/mts.html Militi Templi Scotia. A 2002 press article printed in the "Scotman" to commemerate the Battle of Bannockburn reported that "Yes, we believe that Templar Knights fighting on Robert the Bruce’s side swung the balance," says Paul McGowan, recently retired Grand Chancellor of Militi Templi Scotia. "We think they deserve recognition for that, but we tread a very thin line here...We find Templar history and its influence throughout the ages simply fascinating," says MacGowan. "It crops up in the most unexpected places, like the American Constitution. What we do have problems with is people looking at it from a nationalist point of view, and we don’t associate ourselves with extremist splinter groups who turn up at Bannockburn anniversaries with ulterior motives in mind." He added Militi Templi Scotia was chivalric, as opposed to Masonic but does admit Freemasons into its ranks. Evidence of their continued history can be viewed on their web sites.

European influence

In 2006 the "Commandery of St. Clair" No S1, Edinburgh, was chartered by the OSMTH Grand Priory of France. The Commandery recently received affiliation of OSMTH International at Commandery Status under the Mentorship of the Grand Priory of France. Ordo Supremus Militaris Templi Hierosolymitani - The Grand Priory Of The Knights Templar In Scotland Ltd is registered with Companies House in the UK and is working under the authority of The Commandery of St Clair, Edinburgh, No S1,Grand Priory of France (GPFT), OSMTH International.

In 2009 The Autonomous Grand Priory of Scotland added a Commandery in Germany and in France and in 2012 a Commandery in the Czech Republic was added.

The Scottish Templar Cross

Knights Templar Internationally use the Cross pattée, including The Commandery of St Clair in alignment with the International Order OSMTH, The Grand Priory of the Scots (mainly American Scots) a Cross with two branches, and other Scottish Knights Templar Groups use the Eight Pointed Cross coloured red more commonly but not exclusively known as the Maltese Cross, of the Knights Hospitaller or Order of St. John or Cross of Amalfi. The Scottish Templar use of the Maltese Cross probably dates to the 1960s although the Cross itself is much older.

The Medieval Cross In 1147 Pope Eugenius III ordained the use of the blood-red Cross of the Order. (1) A Bothwell-Gosse in the "Knights Templar"(2) points out that there are few reliable ancient representations, but the Eight Pointed Cross is probably older as the Cross of the Order than the Cross with the square ends, and must have existed before the Templar Cipher. He concludes that it was used before 1250 AD.

The Autonomous Grand Priory of Scotland uses the Blood Red eight pointed Maltese Cross.