of Minnesota
Chartered 1865
"In Hoc Signo Vinces" — In This Sign, You Will Conquer
Upholding the ancient order of Christian chivalry in the Masonic tradition. Serving the brethren of Minnesota with honor, faith, and brotherhood since our founding as part of the York Rite.
The Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Minnesota is the sovereign body governing all Commanderies of Knights Templar within the state, under the authority of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America.
As the third and final body of the York Rite of Freemasonry, the Commandery confers three Orders upon its members: the Order of the Red Cross, the Order of Malta, and the Order of the Temple — all steeped in Christian allegory and chivalric tradition.
Our members, known as Sir Knights, affirm their belief in the Christian faith and pledge themselves to the defense of that faith and the care of their fellow man. The Commandery brings together Master Masons who have received the degrees of the Chapter and Council in a fellowship of shared values, solemn ceremony, and genuine brotherhood.
Learn Our HistoryCompleting the journey from the Masonic Lodge through three distinct branches of Masonic knowledge
The Royal Arch degree is regarded by many as the most important degree in Freemasonry. The Chapter preserves and transmits the lost secrets of the Master Mason through degrees of great antiquity and beauty.
The Cryptic degrees preserve and expand upon the mysteries of the Royal Arch, revealing the hidden vaults and the ancient wisdom deposited therein for ages to come.
The Templar Orders are the final rites of the York Rite. Open exclusively to Christian Masons, it confers the chivalric Orders of the Red Cross, Malta, and the Temple.
The Order of the Temple — as practiced in Freemasonry — draws inspiration from the medieval Knights Templar, founded circa 1119 AD by Hugues de Payens and a small band of knights in Jerusalem. These warrior monks dedicated themselves to protecting Christian pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land, combining the ideals of monasticism and military service.
The Masonic Knights Templar embody the spirit of this noble heritage, applying its virtues of faith, courage, and charity to the modern era. While the Masonic Order is not a direct descendant of the original Knights Templar, it preserves and celebrates those timeless principles.
The Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Minnesota has roots in the mid-19th century, during a period of great Masonic growth throughout the American Midwest. As the Territory of Minnesota gave way to statehood in 1858, Masonic institutions — including the York Rite bodies — organized and flourished across the land.
By 1865, the foundations were laid for what would become a robust network of Commanderies stretching from the Twin Cities metropolitan area to the Iron Range, the Red River Valley, and beyond. Each Commandery has served as a center of Christian fellowship and charitable endeavor in its community.
The Grand Commandery meets annually at its Grand Conclave, where it conducts business, elects new Grand Officers, and renews its commitment to the principles of Faith, Hope, and Charity.
Order of the Red Cross — Founded upon the story of Zerubbabel before the court of King Darius, this Order teaches the victory of truth over all things.
Order of Malta (Knights of Malta) — This Order traces its descent from the Knights Hospitaller, guardians of Christian pilgrims and the sick. It emphasizes works of mercy and the Christian virtues of hope and charity.
Order of the Temple — The principal and most solemn Order of the Commandery. It re-enacts the pilgrimage to the Holy Land and the vows of the ancient Crusading knights, calling upon Sir Knights to defend the Christian faith.
2026–2027
PGC = Past Grand Commander · KTCH = Knight Templar Cross of Honor Recipient · KCT = Knight Commander of the Temple Recipient · GPE = Grand Prelate Emeritus
Gatherings of Sir Knights across Minnesota throughout the year
Mpls. Scottish Rite Masonic Center
DegreesZoom
Special ConclaveMpls. Scottish Rite Masonic Center
DegreesMpls. Scottish Rite Masonic Center
DegreesMpls. Scottish Rite Masonic Center
OrdersAcacia Park Cemetery, Mendota Heights, MN
CeremonySt. Cloud, MN
Annual ConvocationSt. Cloud, MN
Annual AssemblySt. Cloud, MN
Annual MeetingBurbank, CA
Triennial Conclave
The Knights Templar Eye Foundation funds treatment and education for eye diseases, supporting clinics and research across the United States.
Learn More →
The Holy Land Pilgrimage Program sends worthy veterans on an all-expenses-paid trip to the Holy Land annually — a signature charitable effort of the Knights Templar.
Learn More →Answer the call of chivalry and join your brethren in the Order of the Temple
The Commandery of Knights Templar is open to Master Masons in good standing who have received the degrees of the Royal Arch Chapter and the degrees of the Cryptic Council. Most importantly, the Commandery requires a sincere belief in the Christian faith.
Not yet a Mason? Contact your local Masonic Lodge to begin your Masonic journey. Visit mn-masons.org to find a lodge near you.
Constituent Commanderies serving Sir Knights across the state
If you are planning to visit a commandery, please contact the Commandery recorder to inform him of your visit.
| Commandery | No. | Address | Meeting Date/Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damascus Commandery | 1 | 200 E. Plato Blvd., St. Paul, MN | 2nd Tuesday 7:00 PM (dark July & Aug.) |
| Zion Commandery | 2 | 2011 Dupont Ave., S., Minneapolis, MN | 4th Monday 7:00 PM |
| Coeur De Lion Commandery | 3 | N/A (Holding Commandery) | N/A |
| Home Commandery | 5 | 2002 S.W. 2nd St., Rochester, MN | 3rd Monday 7:00 PM (March, June, Sept., & Dec.) |
| Faribault Commandery | 8 | 326 3rd St., Farmington, MN | 4th Monday 7:30 PM (dark May-Aug.) |
| Cyrene Commandery | 9 | 311 S. Oak St., Owatonna, MN | 3rd Wednesday |
| St. Bernard Commandery | 13 | 303A N. Main St., Austin, MN | Contact for conclave date & time |
| Palestine Commandery | 14 | 308 W Frontage, Underwood, MN | 2nd Thursday 7:00 PM (dark June–Aug.) |
| Duluth Commandery | 18 | 4 W. Second St., Duluth, MN | 1st Tuesday 7:00 PM |
| Minneapolis Mounted | 23 | 5149 Bloomington Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN | 2nd Wednesday 7:00 PM (Feb., May, Aug., & Nov.) |
| Nazarene Commandery | 24 | 518 1/2 St. Germain St., St. Cloud, MN | 3rd Monday 7:00 PM (March, May, Sept. & Dec.) |
| Ivanhoe Commandery | 31 | 316 1/2 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter, MN | 3rd Thursday |
Reach the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Minnesota
For official correspondence, administrative matters, and general questions.
gcommandery@gmail.comWant to invite the Grand Commander or the Officers of the Grand Commandery to an event?
grandcommandermn@gmail.comYour inquiry has been received. We'll be in touch soon.
