RECEPTION OF GRAND OFFICERS
The Grand Master of the Grand Encampment, his Representatives, Past Grand Masters, the Grand Commander, his Representatives and Past Grand Commanders are the only Sir Knights to be received under an Arch of Steel.
In all constituent Commanderies, when there is only one Representative of the Grand Commander, and if it is so desired, the Commander may direct the Generalissimo to attend and conduct the Grand Visitor to the foot of the lines. (Primarily for Grand Officers on Annual Visitation.)
Sir Knights who have traveled hundreds of miles, sacrificing valuable personal time, and probably working on various committees are not interested in the pomp, ceremonies and showmanship formerly accorded notables, therefore:
The Right Eminent Grand Commander at the Annual Grand Conclave may utilize the lines for receiving only notables or other Sir Knights whom he desires to honor, accompanied by a Sir Knight whom he appoints to escort each of them to the foot of the lines for introduction.
COMMANDER:
SIR KNIGHT SENIOR WARDEN, (Senior Warden rises, draws sword, faces and salutes Commander who returns hand salute) FORM THE LINES FOR THE RECEPTION OF THE GRAND COMMANDER.
SENIOR WARDEN:
(The forming of the lines for reception of the Right Eminent Grand Commander will be the same as forming lines for the reception of the Commander in the opening of the Commandery. When lines are formed, Senior Warden reports:) EMINENT COMMANDER, (Senior Warden salutes Commander with sword who returns hand salute) THE LINES ARE FORMED.
WARDER:
EMINENT COMMANDER, (Warder salutes Commander with sword who returns hand salute) THERE IS AN ALARM.
COMMANDER:
SIR KNIGHT WARDER, ATTEND TO THE ALARM.
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WARDER:
(Warder opens door, leaves Asylum and closes door.) SIR KNIGHT SENTINEL, (Sword salutes exchanged) WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF THE ALARM?
SENTINEL:
(When the Grand Commander is visiting the Commandery.)
SIR KNIGHT ______, (Giving name of Grand Commander) RIGHT EMINENT GRAND COMMANDER OF THE GRAND COMMANDERY OF KNIGHTS TEMPLAR OF TEXAS (AND HIS STAFF) DESIRES ADMISSION TO THIS COMMANDERY FOR THE PURPOSE OF VISITATION.
(When Grand Officer is Representing Grand Commander for Annual Inspection.)
SIR KNIGHT ______, (Giving name of Grand Officer Representing the Grand Commander and his title) OF THE GRAND COMMANDERY OF KNIGHTS TEMPLAR OF TEXAS (AND HIS STAFF) DESIRES ADMISSION TO THIS COMMANDERY FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE ANNUAL INSPECTION.
WARDER:
(When Grand Commander is visiting Commandery.)
EMINENT COMMANDER, (Warder salutes Commander with sword who returns hand salute) SIR KNIGHT ______, (Giving name of Grand Commander) RIGHT EMINENT GRAND COMMANDER OF THE GRAND COMMANDERY OF KNIGHTS TEMPLAR OF TEXAS (AND HIS STAFF) DESIRES ADMISSION TO THIS COMMANDERY FOR THE PURPOSE OF VISITATION. (Warder remains standing in station.)
(When Grand Officer is Representing Grand Commander for Annual Inspection.)
EMINENT COMMANDER, (Warder salutes Commander with sword who returns hand salute) SIR KNIGHT ______, (Giving name of Grand Officer Representing the Grand Commander and his title), OF THE GRAND COMMANDERY OF KNIGHTS TEMPLAR OF TEXAS (AND HIS STAFF) DESIRES ADMISSION TO THIS COMMANDERY FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE ANNUAL INSPECTION. (Warder remains standing in station.)
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COMMANDER:
SIR KNIGHT GENERALISSIMO, (Generalissimo rises, draws sword and salutes Commander who returns hand salute) RETIRE AND CONDUCT THE GRAND OFFICER TO THE FOOT OF THE LINES. (Warder moves to and opens door for Generalissimo to exit.)
WARDER:
(When Grand Commander is visiting Commandery.)
(When the Generalissimo has retired, the Warder will leave the door open for the Grand Commander to enter, and as the Grand Commander approaches the entrance to the Asylum, the Warder will face the East and without saluting, report:) THE RIGHT EMINENT GRAND COMMANDER APPROACHES. (The Warder then faces the line of march at present swords.)
(When Grand Officer is Representing Grand Commander for Annual Inspection.)
(When the Generalissimo has retired, the Warder will leave the door open for the Grand Officer to enter, and as the Grand Officer approaches the entrance to the Asylum, the Warder will face the East and without saluting, report:) THE ______(Giving Title of Grand Officer representing the Grand Commander) APPROACHES. (The Warder then faces the line of march at present swords.)
COMMANDER:
(The Commander immediately rises and commands:) COMMANDERY, ATTENTION.
GENERALISSIMO:
(When Grand Commander is visiting Commandery.)
(The Grand Commander and Generalissimo halt at the foot of the lines where the Generalissimo reports:) EMINENT COMMANDER, (hand salutes exchanged) I HAVE THE HONOR OF PRESENTING SIR KNIGHT ______(Giving name of Grand Commander) RIGHT EMINENT GRAND COMMANDER OF THE GRAND COMMANDERY OF KNIGHTS TEMPLAR OF TEXAS (AND HIS STAFF.)
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GENERALISSIMO:
(When Grand Officer is Representing Grand Commander at Annual Visitation.)
(The Grand Commander and Generalissimo halt at the foot of the lines where the Generalissimo reports:) EMINENT COMMANDER, (hand salutes exchanged) I HAVE THE HONOR OF PRESENTING SIR KNIGHT ______(Giving name of Grand Officer Representing the Grand Commander and his title), OF THE GRAND COMMANDERY OF KNIGHTS TEMPLAR OF TEXAS (AND HIS STAFF).
COMMANDER:
(The Commander descends down through the lines and greets the Grand Commander or his representative. The Commander then invites the Grand Commander or his representative to the East.)
CAPTAIN GENERAL:
SIR KNIGHTS, FORM ARCH OF STEEL, CROSS, SWORDS. (The Captain General executes Officer's salute, the Wardens remain at present swords. The Captain General remains in his station during entire ceremony. The Commander then conducts the Grand Commander under the Arch of Steel to the East. The Grand Commander or his Representative ONLY will acknowledge salutes by marching at UNCOVER. The Generalissimo returns to his station by passing around North side of lines. The Captain General then commands:) SIR KNIGHTS, CARRY, SWORDS.
(Notables of rank junior to the Right Eminent Grand Commander are received through the lines at PRESENT SWORDS. This does not apply to a Grand Officer Representing the Grand Commander at the Annual Inspection.)
(The Grand Commander takes command in person, or he may return the command to the Commander with such instructions as he sees fit. Upon direction to dismiss the lines, the Captain General commands:) SIR KNIGHTS, RETURN, SWORDS; DISMISSED.
GRAND COMMANDER OR REPRESENTATIVE:
COMMANDERY, BE SEATED.
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