Commandery: How is it masonic?

[knightofdoubt]

I just can't see how commandery can be considered a masonic order. I realize that all of masonry is made up for the sake of allegorical lessons, but commandery is the only body that does not have a connection to the Hiramic legend. Also, the "Christian-only" leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

To me it seems that Knights Templar and commandery were made up by masons for the sole purpose of giving christian masons a place to keep out all other religions that masonry allows.

Someone better informed than me, please enlighten me.

 

[crono782]

Do not forget that it is generally regarded that the hiramic legend itself was an addition at some point and is not mentioned in the ancient 2 degree system. The commandery presents an interesting evolution in my eyes. The Order of the Temple's corresponding degree in the Scottish Rite, Knight Kadosh, has no such mentioning of Christian only. It seems rather, the framers of the Commandery modeled it after the crusades which was by and large a Christian endeavor and, while the framers of the Scottish Rite degrees and subsequently Pike also modeled the Council of Kadosh degrees on the same legend, they interpret the maxims much more broadly. My understanding is that a non-Christian could theoretically be in the Commandery, but is required to obligate to defend the Christian faith, something a non-Christian would have a hard time swearing to, but I reckon possible nonetheless.

 

[JJones]

I really like the idea of Commandry even though I don't see much that's Masonic about it aside that they used to wear some really neat aprons.

 

[Mike Martin]

This is why it is accurately described as an "Appendant Order" not a "Masonic Order".

It's content is not particularly Masonic but it tries to draw parallels between a long extinct Order of monastic warriors and Freemasons. Its Masonic element is because only Masons can join it.

There are several similar Orders that have no link to Freemasonry at all.

 

[Warrior1256]

I just recently joined the Lodge and am now an EA. As soon as I am raised a Master Mason I intend to join the York Rite so this info has been useful.