Steps To Membership - A Simple Guide
 Membership
is granted to the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar at Cadet (under 18's)
class and Preceptor classes through an
application process. Progression onto further ranks is then
assessed through a member's acts of chivalry, charitable
deed, time within the Order and recommendation from a senior
rank within the Order.
Membership applications will be considered
from all who have attained the age of eighteen (fifteen for
cadet class) irrespective of race, religion, colour, creed, nationality, gender, sexual
orientation, educational and professional qualifications, or the
lack thereof.
The Order also has an Associate class
for individuals who wish to show support for the Order but do
not wish to become full members.
For online applicants aged fifteen to
seventeen (Cadets)
Following initial enquiry, the
applicant is requested to provide a brief resume and
confirmation that he/she is able to provide a
character reference from an adult of professional standing
alongside confirmation of parental or carer consent permitting
application to join the Order.
At this juncture, it must be
clearly understood that the completion and return of this
document, which is strictly private, confidential and
privileged, does not bind or commit the enquirer nor The
Order in any way, but is intended to guide The Order in such
matters as the anticipated compatibility or otherwise with the
rules and regulations of The Order, and of course with The
Membership as a whole.
Following this stage, the applicant will be sent
the appropriate Cadet Application Form of the Grand Commandery
of Knights Templar, which must be completed and returned to the
office of The Grand Master accompanied by the signed parental/carer
consent form.
After due consideration, and subject to
approval, the applicant may be admitted as an "Cadet"
of the Order.
There is no allegiance fee requirements at Cadet grade.
Once a cadet reaches the age of eighteen, they will be eligible
to apply for advancement to the rank of Preceptor provided their
conduct has been in keeping with the Order's core principles.
For online applicants aged eighteen upwards
(Standard Membership)
Following initial enquiry, submission of application fee and
method of payment in respect of allegiance fees, the applicant is requested to provide a brief
resume and confirmation that he/she is able to provide
references as to his personal, professional, social and
community standing. Although formal interview is not required
for Preceptor class membership, entry will only granted to
applicants who can demonstrate a personal commitment to the core
principles of the Order. Therefore, references must be sought.
At this
juncture, it must be clearly understood that the completion of
this initial enquiry and resume, which is strictly private,
confidential and privileged, does not bind or commit the
enquirer nor The Order in any way, but is intended to guide The
Order in such matters as the anticipated compatibility or
otherwise with the rules and regulations of The Order, and of
course with The Membership as a whole.
Following
this stage, if the initial enquiry is approved, the applicant
will be invited to complete the second stage online application
form and provide details of a referee of professional standing
to enable us to obtain a character reference.
After due
consideration, and subject to approval, the applicant may be
admitted as a Preceptor (Standard Member) of the Order.
After one year's
membership as a Preceptor, an individual will be eligible
to apply for
advancement to the rank of Sergeant if endorsed by a
District Commander. Applications can only be endorsed by a
District Commander if an applicant has demonstrated acts of
chivalry and charity throughout a proceeding twelve-month period
at Preceptor rank.
Within three months, individuals applying for rank of Sergeant
will be invited to meet an interview committee consisting of
senior members of the Order. The committee may decide at this
stage to approve the candidate’s application and grant promotion
to the rank of Sergeant
or
recommend a further period of probation of up to twelve months.
This probationary period will allow the candidate to be assessed
before progression is granted. It is unlikely that a candidate
who is unable to attend an interview committee in person will be
able to progress to the rank of Sergeant before 12 months. In
these circumstances, further references will be required
regarding the preceptor's conduct and character throughout the
probationary period before progression is possible.
After a further year's
membership, exceptionally two years, during which time the
member has had the opportunity to prove his/her mettle, he/she
can submit a sponsored application for progression to Titled
Membership. Arrangements are made for the Templar candidate to
meet an interview committee consisting of senior members of The
Order prior to any final decisions being made by either the
candidate or the Order. The reason behind this policy stands as
academic, and in effect supports the principal of quality as
opposed to quantity.
Following the interview, a full report will be
submitted to the Grand Master. Thereafter the
applicant will be notified of the success or otherwise of his/her
application. In the event that the application is refused, the
decision of the Grand Master is final. If accepted, the applicant
will receive a letter of invitation into full Membership at
"Sir Knight/Dame Templar" level.
|
