Our journal
1 September 01, 2025
1. Alexander C. Cherkas
Anniversaries
2. Natalia A. Shevchenko
Celebrating the 200th Anniversary of Washington Commandery No. 1 (Washington, D.C.)
Recorder. 2025. 1(1): 4-5.
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Recorder. 2025. 1(1): 4-5.
Abstract:
This text presents a concise historical overview of Washington Commandery No. 1, founded on January 14, 1825, in the nation’s capital and destined to become one of the most distinguished Knights Templar bodies in the United States. By 1855, it was the largest Commandery in the country, with 104 swords. Notable figures included Benjamin B. French, the 6th Grand Master of the Grand Encampment, and Recorder William J. Rhees. In 1895, under Eminent Commander Edward Mahl, the Commandery participated in the Boston Triennial Conclave parade. Today, Washington Commandery No. 1 remains active, preserving nearly two centuries of Masonic and Templar tradition.
This text presents a concise historical overview of Washington Commandery No. 1, founded on January 14, 1825, in the nation’s capital and destined to become one of the most distinguished Knights Templar bodies in the United States. By 1855, it was the largest Commandery in the country, with 104 swords. Notable figures included Benjamin B. French, the 6th Grand Master of the Grand Encampment, and Recorder William J. Rhees. In 1895, under Eminent Commander Edward Mahl, the Commandery participated in the Boston Triennial Conclave parade. Today, Washington Commandery No. 1 remains active, preserving nearly two centuries of Masonic and Templar tradition.
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In Memoriam
3. Violetta S. Molchanova
William B. Isaacs (1818–1895) Grand Recorder of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar
Recorder. 2025. 1(1): 6-7.
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Recorder. 2025. 1(1): 6-7.
Abstract:
This article examines the life and service of William B. Isaacs, the ninth Grand Recorder of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar in the United States. Born in Connecticut in 1818 and later residing in Richmond, he became a prominent member of Richmond Commandery No. 2. Elected Grand Recorder in 1886, Isaacs was repeatedly re-elected, reflecting the unique continuity traditionally associated with the offices of Grand Recorder and Grand Treasurer. He served until his death in 1895, after which his son, William B. Isaacs Jr., temporarily assumed the role. The study highlights their contribution to the administrative stability of the American Templar Order.
This article examines the life and service of William B. Isaacs, the ninth Grand Recorder of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar in the United States. Born in Connecticut in 1818 and later residing in Richmond, he became a prominent member of Richmond Commandery No. 2. Elected Grand Recorder in 1886, Isaacs was repeatedly re-elected, reflecting the unique continuity traditionally associated with the offices of Grand Recorder and Grand Treasurer. He served until his death in 1895, after which his son, William B. Isaacs Jr., temporarily assumed the role. The study highlights their contribution to the administrative stability of the American Templar Order.
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Articles
4. Alexander C. Cherkas
Sir Frederick S. Rogers (1847–1908) in the Museum Collection of Cherkas Global University
Recorder. 2025. 1(1): 8-16.
Number of views: 16 Download in PDF
Recorder. 2025. 1(1): 8-16.
Abstract:
This work is focused on the representation of Sir Frederick S. Rogers (1847–1908) in the museum collection of Cherkas Global University. The materials for this study included the items of material culture (a sword and badges) of the Masonic Order of the Knights Templar which are in Cherkas Global University’s collection. Methodologically, use was made of the biographical method, to create a general biographical sketch of the life of F.S. Rogers, and of the historical reconstruction method, to produce a detailed portraiture of the outfit of an officer of Monroe Commandery No. 12 as of 1900. The study’s findings revealed that one of the items of material culture left behind by F.S. Rogers (1847–1908) is the sword (individual No. 007/KT005) currently housed in the museum collection of Cherkas Global University. This sword was manufactured circa the 1880s in his city of residence – Rochester, New York. The study established that the sword’s owner was a member of Monroe Commandery No. 12, Knights Templar, stationed at Rochester, New York, and was a Knight at the time of the sword’s manufacture. In 1899, F.S. Rogers was elected to the post of Eminent Commander of Monroe Commandery No. 12. He was appointed to the post of Past Eminent Commander in 1900.
This work is focused on the representation of Sir Frederick S. Rogers (1847–1908) in the museum collection of Cherkas Global University. The materials for this study included the items of material culture (a sword and badges) of the Masonic Order of the Knights Templar which are in Cherkas Global University’s collection. Methodologically, use was made of the biographical method, to create a general biographical sketch of the life of F.S. Rogers, and of the historical reconstruction method, to produce a detailed portraiture of the outfit of an officer of Monroe Commandery No. 12 as of 1900. The study’s findings revealed that one of the items of material culture left behind by F.S. Rogers (1847–1908) is the sword (individual No. 007/KT005) currently housed in the museum collection of Cherkas Global University. This sword was manufactured circa the 1880s in his city of residence – Rochester, New York. The study established that the sword’s owner was a member of Monroe Commandery No. 12, Knights Templar, stationed at Rochester, New York, and was a Knight at the time of the sword’s manufacture. In 1899, F.S. Rogers was elected to the post of Eminent Commander of Monroe Commandery No. 12. He was appointed to the post of Past Eminent Commander in 1900.
Number of views: 16 Download in PDF
5. Alexander C. Cherkas
A Few Fresh Strokes to the Biographical Portrait of Sir Albert A. Marden (1824–1919): Commemorating the 200th Anniversary of His Birth
Recorder. 2025. 1(1): 17-21.
Number of views: 15 Download in PDF
Recorder. 2025. 1(1): 17-21.
Abstract:
This work was produced to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Albert A. Marden (1824–1919), an esteemed Mason. Use was made of the following three groups of documents: 1) documents from the archive of Cherkas Global University (specifically, Register of De Molay Commandery No. 26); 2) personal documents from commercial databases; 3) periodical press materials. The study relied on a set of methods – most importantly, the biographical method and content analysis. The combined use of these methods helped extract meaningful insights from the vast amount of information and introduce several new biographical details respecting A. A. Marden. The study’s findings revealed the following two noteworthy facts: 1) A. A. Marden was a fairly unique figure among the Masons of the state of Minnesota. At the beginning of the 20th century, his number on the registry of the Grand Commandery of Minnesota was 645, and he is highly likely to have been one of the movement’s oldest members not only in the state of Minnesota, but in all of the United States. 2) A. A. Marden joined Masonry at a mature age, at 40 years old, in 1864. From then on and all the way through to his death in 1919, he remained an active member of the Masonic movement. At different times he held several important posts in the Grand Lodge of Minnesota. He served continuously as Recorder of De Molay Commandery No. 26 from 1901 to 1919.
This work was produced to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Albert A. Marden (1824–1919), an esteemed Mason. Use was made of the following three groups of documents: 1) documents from the archive of Cherkas Global University (specifically, Register of De Molay Commandery No. 26); 2) personal documents from commercial databases; 3) periodical press materials. The study relied on a set of methods – most importantly, the biographical method and content analysis. The combined use of these methods helped extract meaningful insights from the vast amount of information and introduce several new biographical details respecting A. A. Marden. The study’s findings revealed the following two noteworthy facts: 1) A. A. Marden was a fairly unique figure among the Masons of the state of Minnesota. At the beginning of the 20th century, his number on the registry of the Grand Commandery of Minnesota was 645, and he is highly likely to have been one of the movement’s oldest members not only in the state of Minnesota, but in all of the United States. 2) A. A. Marden joined Masonry at a mature age, at 40 years old, in 1864. From then on and all the way through to his death in 1919, he remained an active member of the Masonic movement. At different times he held several important posts in the Grand Lodge of Minnesota. He served continuously as Recorder of De Molay Commandery No. 26 from 1901 to 1919.
Number of views: 15 Download in PDF
6. Konstantine V. Taran
The materials of the General Grand Encampment of Knights Templar serve as a statistical source for the number of Knights Templars in 1856
Recorder. 2025. 1(1): 22-23.
Number of views: 14 Download in PDF
Recorder. 2025. 1(1): 22-23.
Abstract:
This article analyzes the earliest statistical records of the General Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, first published at the 13th Conclave in 1856. Until that time, no official data on membership had been made available, although the organization at its founding in 1816 likely included no more than 300 members. The 1856 report introduced two tables detailing the size of both Grand Encampments and Subordinate Encampments, though several jurisdictions lacked complete numerical information. Using average membership indicators derived from documented Encampments, the study reconstructs missing data and provides corrected estimates. The total number of Knights Templar in 1856 is assessed at approximately 4,826 members. The article highlights inconsistencies in the original statistical summaries and offers a refined understanding of the organizational structure and demographic scale of the American Knights Templar in the mid-nineteenth century.
This article analyzes the earliest statistical records of the General Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, first published at the 13th Conclave in 1856. Until that time, no official data on membership had been made available, although the organization at its founding in 1816 likely included no more than 300 members. The 1856 report introduced two tables detailing the size of both Grand Encampments and Subordinate Encampments, though several jurisdictions lacked complete numerical information. Using average membership indicators derived from documented Encampments, the study reconstructs missing data and provides corrected estimates. The total number of Knights Templar in 1856 is assessed at approximately 4,826 members. The article highlights inconsistencies in the original statistical summaries and offers a refined understanding of the organizational structure and demographic scale of the American Knights Templar in the mid-nineteenth century.
Number of views: 14 Download in PDF
7. Anvar M. Mamadaliev
Periodical Publications on the History of the Masonic Order of Knights Templar
Recorder. 2025. 1(1): 24-26.
Number of views: 14 Download in PDF
Recorder. 2025. 1(1): 24-26.
Abstract:
This article explores the development of the printed heritage of the Masonic Order of Knights Templar in the United States. Beginning shortly after the establishment of the General Grand Encampment in 1816, official publications became central to documenting the Order’s activities. Early reports were brief, but by 1835 the first volume of the Proceedings of the General Grand Encampment initiated a continuous documentary tradition. State-level Grand Encampments also issued annual proceedings, enriching the organizational record. By the late nineteenth century, souvenir photo albums of Triennial Conclaves emerged, providing unique visual insights. Together, these materials form a valuable historical resource on American Templar culture.
This article explores the development of the printed heritage of the Masonic Order of Knights Templar in the United States. Beginning shortly after the establishment of the General Grand Encampment in 1816, official publications became central to documenting the Order’s activities. Early reports were brief, but by 1835 the first volume of the Proceedings of the General Grand Encampment initiated a continuous documentary tradition. State-level Grand Encampments also issued annual proceedings, enriching the organizational record. By the late nineteenth century, souvenir photo albums of Triennial Conclaves emerged, providing unique visual insights. Together, these materials form a valuable historical resource on American Templar culture.
Number of views: 14 Download in PDF
8. Anvar M. Mamadaliev
Knights Templar of Texas, 1901
Recorder. 2025. 1(1): 27-28.
Number of views: 15 Download in PDF
Recorder. 2025. 1(1): 27-28.
Abstract:
This article examines the development and structure of the Masonic Order of Knights Templar in Texas at the beginning of the 20th century. Using statistical data from 1901, it highlights the organization’s steady expansion, which included 32 Commanderies with a combined membership of 2,270. The study outlines the historical origins of the oldest Commanderies—San Felipe de Austin No. 1, Ruthven No. 2, and Palestine No. 3—and identifies the largest Commanderies by membership. Special attention is given to John Carson Kidd, Grand Recorder of Texas in 1901, whose leadership reflects the strong Masonic traditions shaping Templar life in the state.
This article examines the development and structure of the Masonic Order of Knights Templar in Texas at the beginning of the 20th century. Using statistical data from 1901, it highlights the organization’s steady expansion, which included 32 Commanderies with a combined membership of 2,270. The study outlines the historical origins of the oldest Commanderies—San Felipe de Austin No. 1, Ruthven No. 2, and Palestine No. 3—and identifies the largest Commanderies by membership. Special attention is given to John Carson Kidd, Grand Recorder of Texas in 1901, whose leadership reflects the strong Masonic traditions shaping Templar life in the state.
Number of views: 15 Download in PDF
Uniform (Exhibitions)
9. Airin Cherkas
Museum of Cherkas Global University Today
Recorder. 2025. 1(1): 29.
Number of views: 14 Download in PDF
Recorder. 2025. 1(1): 29.
Abstract:
This section highlights several exhibitions organized by The Museum of the History of the American Knights Templar, founded on August 1, 2024. From its inception, the museum began forming four core collections: swords; uniforms such as coats, aprons, belts, and sashes; badges, ribbons, and jewels; and photographic materials, including portraits, group photos, and promotional items produced by Templar commanderies across the United States. These exhibitions showcase rare artifacts and visual sources that reflect the traditions, symbolism, and evolution of the American Knights Templar. As of August 2025, the museum’s holdings had grown to approximately 600 cataloged items.
This section highlights several exhibitions organized by The Museum of the History of the American Knights Templar, founded on August 1, 2024. From its inception, the museum began forming four core collections: swords; uniforms such as coats, aprons, belts, and sashes; badges, ribbons, and jewels; and photographic materials, including portraits, group photos, and promotional items produced by Templar commanderies across the United States. These exhibitions showcase rare artifacts and visual sources that reflect the traditions, symbolism, and evolution of the American Knights Templar. As of August 2025, the museum’s holdings had grown to approximately 600 cataloged items.
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10. Airin Cherkas
Everyday kepis of the Commanderies from the Grand Commandery of New York, KT – Exposition No. 006 (Nov. 18, 2024)
Recorder. 2025. 1(1): 30-31.
Number of views: 13 Download in PDF
Recorder. 2025. 1(1): 30-31.
Abstract:
This section presents a set of early 20th-century everyday kepis worn by members of several Commanderies of the Grand Commandery of New York, Knights Templar. Displayed in Exhibition No. 006, the collection includes five original caps from Genesee Commandery No. 10, Salem Town Commandery No. 16, King Edward Commandery No. 24, Hudson River Commandery No. 35, and Delaware Commandery No. 44. These kepis represent an important element of the organizational and visual culture of the Knights Templar in New York State. Today, such headdresses are considered historical rarities, offering valuable insight into the material heritage of American Templar Masonry.
This section presents a set of early 20th-century everyday kepis worn by members of several Commanderies of the Grand Commandery of New York, Knights Templar. Displayed in Exhibition No. 006, the collection includes five original caps from Genesee Commandery No. 10, Salem Town Commandery No. 16, King Edward Commandery No. 24, Hudson River Commandery No. 35, and Delaware Commandery No. 44. These kepis represent an important element of the organizational and visual culture of the Knights Templar in New York State. Today, such headdresses are considered historical rarities, offering valuable insight into the material heritage of American Templar Masonry.
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11. Airin Cherkas
Knights Templar in Regulation Fatigue Coats – Exposition No. 009 (Jan. 25, 2025)
Recorder. 2025. 1(1): 32-34.
Number of views: 14 Download in PDF
Recorder. 2025. 1(1): 32-34.
Abstract:
Exposition No. 009, presented on January 25, 2025, showcases ceremonial uniforms of the American Knights Templar from the early 20th century. The display features regulation fatigue coats, a style officially approved by the Order during that period. The exhibition includes two fully dressed Sir Knights—one from Genesee Valley Commandery No. 15 (Flint, Michigan) and another from Gogebic Commandery No. 46 (Gogebic, Michigan). Between them is presented the historic flag of the Knights Templar, adopted in the late 19th century. Together, these artifacts illustrate the evolution, symbolism, and visual identity of Templar ceremonial attire in the United States.
Exposition No. 009, presented on January 25, 2025, showcases ceremonial uniforms of the American Knights Templar from the early 20th century. The display features regulation fatigue coats, a style officially approved by the Order during that period. The exhibition includes two fully dressed Sir Knights—one from Genesee Valley Commandery No. 15 (Flint, Michigan) and another from Gogebic Commandery No. 46 (Gogebic, Michigan). Between them is presented the historic flag of the Knights Templar, adopted in the late 19th century. Together, these artifacts illustrate the evolution, symbolism, and visual identity of Templar ceremonial attire in the United States.
Number of views: 14 Download in PDF
12. Airin Cherkas
Uniform of DeMolay Commandery No. 4 – Exposition No. 011 (Feb. 2, 2025)
Recorder. 2025. 1(1): 35-38.
Number of views: 12 Download in PDF
Recorder. 2025. 1(1): 35-38.
Abstract:
Exposition No. 011, presented on February 2, 2025, highlights the rich heritage of DeMolay Commandery No. 4, founded in Lynchburg, Virginia, on November 30, 1826. As the Commandery approaches its 200th anniversary in 2026, the exhibit focuses on its distinctive uniform traditions that emerged during the late 19th century, a period of active development in American Masonry. The showcased uniform includes a knight’s apron and a dress coat marked “4 VA,” identifying the wearer as a member of Commandery No. 4 of Virginia. The exposition emphasizes the continuity, symbolism, and historical significance of Templar regalia within one of the oldest commanderies in the United States
Exposition No. 011, presented on February 2, 2025, highlights the rich heritage of DeMolay Commandery No. 4, founded in Lynchburg, Virginia, on November 30, 1826. As the Commandery approaches its 200th anniversary in 2026, the exhibit focuses on its distinctive uniform traditions that emerged during the late 19th century, a period of active development in American Masonry. The showcased uniform includes a knight’s apron and a dress coat marked “4 VA,” identifying the wearer as a member of Commandery No. 4 of Virginia. The exposition emphasizes the continuity, symbolism, and historical significance of Templar regalia within one of the oldest commanderies in the United States
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13. Airin Cherkas
Uniform of St. Omer Commandery No. 12 – Exposition No. 014 (Feb. 22, 2025)
Recorder. 2025. 1(1): 39-40.
Number of views: 12 Download in PDF
Recorder. 2025. 1(1): 39-40.
Abstract:
Exposition No. 014, presented on February 22, 2025, highlights the heritage of St. Omer Commandery No. 12, founded on May 6, 1874, in Waterville, Maine. As the Masonic movement expanded in the late 19th century, the Commandery introduced distinct uniform regulations that reflected its identity and traditions. The exhibit showcases a ceremonial uniform of a knight of St. Omer Commandery No. 12, complete with a knight’s apron. The dress coat features the inscription “St. Omer 12,” denoting the Commandery’s official designation. This exposition demonstrates the evolution of Templar attire and preserves the visual legacy of Maine’s Masonic history.
Exposition No. 014, presented on February 22, 2025, highlights the heritage of St. Omer Commandery No. 12, founded on May 6, 1874, in Waterville, Maine. As the Masonic movement expanded in the late 19th century, the Commandery introduced distinct uniform regulations that reflected its identity and traditions. The exhibit showcases a ceremonial uniform of a knight of St. Omer Commandery No. 12, complete with a knight’s apron. The dress coat features the inscription “St. Omer 12,” denoting the Commandery’s official designation. This exposition demonstrates the evolution of Templar attire and preserves the visual legacy of Maine’s Masonic history.
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14. Airin Cherkas
A group of Knights Templar – Exposition No. 016 (Feb. 26, 2025)
Recorder. 2025. 1(1): 41-44.
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Recorder. 2025. 1(1): 41-44.
Abstract:
Exposition No. 016 presents a historical photograph depicting Knights Templar from several commanderies assembled in full ceremonial formation. The knights are dressed in characteristic white uniforms, with the upper row composed of knights and the lower row of officers. The American flag is displayed on the left, and the commandery flag on the right, emphasizing both national and organizational identity. Such group photographs were widely circulated throughout the Masonic Order of Knights Templar in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, serving as important visual records of organizational structure, ceremonial practices, and fraternal culture during this period.
Exposition No. 016 presents a historical photograph depicting Knights Templar from several commanderies assembled in full ceremonial formation. The knights are dressed in characteristic white uniforms, with the upper row composed of knights and the lower row of officers. The American flag is displayed on the left, and the commandery flag on the right, emphasizing both national and organizational identity. Such group photographs were widely circulated throughout the Masonic Order of Knights Templar in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, serving as important visual records of organizational structure, ceremonial practices, and fraternal culture during this period.
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Leafing Through Antique Books
15. Natalia A. Shevchenko
Thomas Smith Webb ‘The Freemasons Monitor of Illustration of Masonry’
Recorder. 2025. 1(1): 44-48.
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Recorder. 2025. 1(1): 44-48.
Abstract:
This section presents a rare bibliographic artifact connected to Thomas Smith Webb (1771–1819), one of the most influential figures in American Freemasonry and the Knights Templar. Webb served as the first Deputy Grand Master of the General Grand Encampment from 1816 until his death in 1819. His most significant contribution was The Freemason’s Monitor, or Illustrations of Masonry (1797), a work that profoundly shaped the ritual and structure of the York Rite in the United States. During Webb’s lifetime, the book underwent five revisions, with the 1816 edition now considered a valuable rarity. This section presents selected excerpts from chapters I–V of this historic volume.
This section presents a rare bibliographic artifact connected to Thomas Smith Webb (1771–1819), one of the most influential figures in American Freemasonry and the Knights Templar. Webb served as the first Deputy Grand Master of the General Grand Encampment from 1816 until his death in 1819. His most significant contribution was The Freemason’s Monitor, or Illustrations of Masonry (1797), a work that profoundly shaped the ritual and structure of the York Rite in the United States. During Webb’s lifetime, the book underwent five revisions, with the 1816 edition now considered a valuable rarity. This section presents selected excerpts from chapters I–V of this historic volume.
Number of views: 15 Download in PDF
16.
Full number
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Number of views: 21 Download in PDF
17.
Cover
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Number of views: 18 Download in PDF