Sir Knights: My theme for this Chivalric year is “Wisdom and Understanding.” It has been my experience that there is currently a segment of the public that is hungry for knowledge about Freemasonry in general and the Knights Templar in particular. It is our duty as Knights Templar to exemplify our magnanimous Order through our own words and actions. To do this, we must strive to uphold the Knightly virtues of Templary embodied in ideals such as faith, courage, generosity, humility, loyalty and justice. It is also our duty to “learn so that we may teach others.” To this end, it is important that Sir Knights become skilled in our ritualistic work, but also become knowledgeable in Templar history, philosophy and symbolism.

It is important to let the public know that the Knights Templar is based upon the practice of the Christian virtues, moral values and spiritual lessons. Modern-day Sir Knights are men who by their loyalty and devotion are making Templary the superb Christian Order which has the respect and admiration of the public at large. Templary dwells within the hearts of men who work for the good of an Order which stands for something of supreme value. This is why every Christian Mason Should be a Knights Templar.

Education is my primary focus: I will present various aspects of Templar education in my monthly supplement to the Knights Templar magazine. Additionally, work on a new Training Manual will push ahead.

As Knights, it is our obligation to be defenders of the faith, just as the Knights of old were, but today’s Knights Templar have a wider reach. Today’s Templars are closely connected to the larger community through the charity work we do. Concerning our charity: I would like to ask each Sir Knight to contribute $2.00 to the Knights Templar Eye Foundation this year. This is a small sum of money that will go to a noble cause—the gift of sight. Concerning the Holy Land Pilgrimage Fund: We hope to send a minister to the Holy Land this year. Concerning fellowship: I look forward to working with the District Deputy Grand Commanders, District Instructors and members of our constituent Commanderies at the district meetings and official visitations. I hope to see many of you at these events.

Remember the Knightly Code: Do what is right because it is right. Seek to infuse every aspect of your life with virtue. Should you succeed in even a tiny measure then you will be well remembered for your quality and merits.

Courteously & fraternally,
S.K. Charles C. Cicero, REGC, KTCH

Sir Knights,

I have received an alert from S.K. Richard Foreman, E. Grand Treasurer, who says the Holy Land Pilgrimage checks should be made payable to the “Grand Commandery of Florida” with Holy Land Pilgrimage Fund entered on the “remittance advice (memo)” line.

I want to take this opportunity to add my personal thanks to all of you that have donated to the Holy Land Pilgrimage Fund.

S.K. Ideal Baldoni, R.E.G.C.

WHEREAS, The Chief Executive functions of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Florida reside in the Right Eminent Grand Commander under Chapter 6.01 of the Laws and Regulations of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Florida, I do hereby direct the York Rite Templar University Committee (Templar University) to take action in conjunction with The Knight Templar Education and Leadership Committee and the York Rite Webmaster, and begin the incremental process of uploading the classroom teachings offered by the York Rite Templar University, so that the feasibility of this system which includes on-line teaching and a physical manual, may be compared to the present model which will currently remain unchanged and unaffected, for the purpose of eliminating the time and expense currently required of all students, instructors and participants, in the form of travel, room, board and classroom costs, and thereby take steps to increase the number of students who are willing and able to enhance their leadership skills by attending York Rite Templar University.

This Executive Order issued on this first day of August, 2009.

Ideal Baldoni
Right Eminent Grand Commander