Peninsula Area Tabernacle
The Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests is an honorary and invitational Masonic order within the York Rite system. It stands as one of the highest distinctions conferred upon Knights Templar in the United States and in jurisdictions under the authority of the Grand College of America.
Membership is by invitation only and cannot be applied for. The Order recognizes Past Commanders of Knights Templar Commanderies who have rendered distinguished service to Templary, Freemasonry, their communities, and society. Its central focus is spiritual growth through the study of Biblical priesthood and a dedicated commitment to Christian principles within the Masonic framework.
Our Purpose & Principles The Order exists to honor outstanding Past Eminent Commanders and to foster among its members a deeper commitment to the priestly ideals of preserving and promoting the Christian faith. Knight Priests view their role as one of service and example—ministering within Freemasonry, especially within Templary, while holding dedication to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord as their guiding principle.
Through fellowship, study, and fraternal bonds, the Order encourages spiritual development and a life of Christian service aligned with the traditions of the Knights Templar.
Our History The roots of the Order reach back to the late 18th century in Ireland, with early references to the “Priestly Order” appearing in Templar ceremonies as early as 1755. It developed through Masonic bodies in Ireland, England, and Scotland, surviving with particular strength in the Newcastle-upon-Tyne region.
In the United States, references appear as early as 1829. The modern Grand College of America was organized in 1931 in North Carolina. Through correspondence and mutual recognition with the English Grand College (established in the 1920s), the American body was regularized while retaining its sovereign character. Today the Order operates under the Grand College of America, with Tabernacles across the United States and in select other jurisdictions.
Governance & Structure The Order is governed by the Grand College of America, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests. Local bodies are called Tabernacles.
Each Tabernacle maintains a limited membership (typically no more than 33 regular members plus a number of Emeritus members) to preserve close fraternal relationships. The number of Tabernacles in a state or jurisdiction is generally related to the number of active Knights Templar Commanderies.
Tabernacles are led by a Preceptor, Deputy Preceptor, Seven Pillars, Chaplain, Registrar/Treasurer, Inner Guard, Outer Guard, and other officers as required. The Grand College holds annual meetings and oversees the Order’s activities and standards.
Membership Membership is strictly invitational and limited. Candidates are selected from Knights Templar who have honorably served a full term as Eminent Commander of a Commandery and who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and contributions to Templary and the broader Masonic community.
Members must be in good standing in their Symbolic Lodge, Royal Arch Chapter, and Commandery (and Cryptic Council where required) and profess the Christian faith in accordance with the requirements of the Knights Templar.
Because of its invitational nature, the Order remains a select assembly of brethren committed to its high ideals of service, faith, and fraternity.
Our Commitment Knight Priests are united by a shared dedication to Christian principles, fraternal service, and the advancement of Templary. The Order provides a setting for like-minded Past Commanders to deepen their understanding of priesthood in the Biblical sense and to support one another in living out those principles within Freemasonry and in daily life.
Official Information For official information about the Grand College of America, please visit: hraktp.org