What is a Knight Templar Priest?
The Knight Templar Priest is a member of the Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests (HRAKTP), which is an honorary and invitational organization within the York Rite of Freemasonry. This order recognizes Past Commanders of Commanderies of Knights Templar who have made significant contributions to Masonic Templary, their country, and their community.
The HRAKTP has its origins in England, tracing back to 1786, and emphasizes a commitment to Jesus Christ and the preservation of the Christian religion. Members are selected based on their outstanding performance as Commanders and are invited to join, as membership cannot be applied for.
The order is structured into Tabernacles, each consisting of a limited number of members, and confers a single degree known as the 29th degree of Knight Priest of the Tabernacle. The principles of the order focus on Christian dedication and the ministering within Freemasonry, particularly in Templary.