Knights of Saint Andrew

The Knights of St. Andrew is a fraternal service organization within the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. Originating as a support group for Scottish Rite reunions, it has evolved into a vital component of many Scottish Rite Valleys. Membership is typically open to 32nd degree Masons who are dedicated to serving their local Masonic community. Known for their distinctive uniforms and regalia, these Knights provide essential support during Valley events, including ceremonial duties, guest relations, and general assistance. While operating independently without a central governing body, the Knights of St. Andrew share a common bond of fraternal commitment and a passion for enhancing the Scottish Rite experience.

Origins of the Scottish Knights of Saint Andrew

The Order of the Knights of the Poor Fellow Soldiers of Christ and the Temple of Solomon, or the Knights of the Temple was established in 1119. The Templars were the first priestly order of the armed knights. The Order was created to provide safe transit for Christian Pilgrims visiting the Holy Land from Europe. Knights swore allegiance to the Pope and took vows of poverty, loyalty, and chasity. The order grew in numbers and popularty as they fought to keep the Holy Land open. Their business acumen made them the most of the gifts granted them by their grateful patrons in Europe.

One of the true supporters of the Templars was Bernard de Clairvaux (later cannonized as Saint Bernard) who described them in 1135 as, “a Templar Knight is a truly fearless knight, and secure on every side, for his soul is protected by the armour of steel, He is thus doubly armed, and need fear neither demons of men.” Despite the sacrifice and devotion of the Templars, in 1307 the order was declared heretical by Pope Clement V acting on the isnsistence of Phillip the Fair of France. On Friday, October 13 th , 1307, members of the order in France were arrested, imprisioned, many were executed, more tortured, and all impoverished. In most of Europe, the estates of the order were confiscated and divided between the sovereign, the Knights Hospitalers(Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem or the Knights of Malta) and the Pope.

When the Grand Master, Jaques de Molay, and the Preceptor of Normandy, Geoffrey de Charney were burned alive, on March 18 th , 1314, the Templars no longer had a common head, nor could anyone maintain their organization under their old name, which had become so famous.

Their possessions stolen, their leaders incarcerated for life or put to death, the brethren were persecuted in every way. The survivors were compelled to leave their homes to save their lives. They laid aside the garb of the Temple and mingled in the world. Many former Templars joined other orders.

In Portugal, they were announced as innocent and the name of the order was changed to the Order of Christ. In England, King Edward proscribed them and fobade them to remain in the realm, unless they entered the Commanderies of the Kights of Saint John of Jerusaem. In Scotland, they found protection and joined the army with which King Robert Bruce met te invasion of his country led by Edward II of England. The battle of Bannockburn was being fought on the 24 th day of June, 1314 when a group of exiled Templars rode into the fray and turned the tide of the battle. This intervention may well have tipped the scales in favor of Scottish independence. In gratitude for their assistance, Robert the Bruce created the Order of Saint Andrew du Charon (of the Thistle) of Scotland. King Robert reserved the title of Grand Master for himself and his successors forever.

He granted a charter of land to the members of his new order. Prince Charles Edward Stuart was the last Grand Master of the Scottish Order and exercised his powers by establishing a Chapter of the Rose Croix at Arres, France.

When the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite was organized in the early 1730s, explanatory degrees were added to those of the Blue Lodge. The Degress of the rite of Heredom and perfection along with other degrees and rites of Scotland, France, and Germany were added. The 29 th Degree became the “Scottish Knights of Saint Andrew.” Exemplifying the qualities of the Knights Templar and those of the Order of Saint Andrew du Chardon, this degree remains with us today.