Our journal
2 April 09, 2026
1. Alexander C. Cherkas
Editor’s Note
Recorder. 2026. 2(2): 176.
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Recorder. 2026. 2(2): 176.
Abstract:
Dear Reader, The present issue of Recorder once again demonstrates the breadth and vitality of contemporary research devoted to the history of York Rite Masonry and, in particular, the Knights Templar in the United States. The materials brought together in this volume reflect both the diversity of approaches and the growing maturity of the field, which increasingly combines traditional documentary work with modern analytical and interdisciplinary perspectives.
Dear Reader, The present issue of Recorder once again demonstrates the breadth and vitality of contemporary research devoted to the history of York Rite Masonry and, in particular, the Knights Templar in the United States. The materials brought together in this volume reflect both the diversity of approaches and the growing maturity of the field, which increasingly combines traditional documentary work with modern analytical and interdisciplinary perspectives.
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Original Research
2. Alexander C. Cherkas
Humble Lodge No. 979 A.F. & A.M. (Humble, Texas) during the First World War: Selected Pages
Recorder. 2026. 2(2): 177-182
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Recorder. 2026. 2(2): 177-182
Abstract:
This article is devoted to the history of Humble Lodge No. 979, A.F. & A.M., Humble, Texas, in the period preceding and during the First World War. Particular attention is given to individuals and events connecting the lodge with the wartime period. The study is based on the Proceedings of the M.W. Grand Lodge of Texas for the years 1911–1918, which constitute an important source on the membership of lodges within the state of Texas. In addition, materials from American periodicals of the First World War era were used, specifically The Houston Post for 1918. In conclusion, the author notes that Humble Lodge No. 979 during the First World War represented a dynamically developing Masonic organization, whose membership continued to grow even under wartime conditions. The analysis of the membership made it possible to identify a close connection between lodge members and wartime events, including the participation of individual brethren in military service. Particular significance is attached to the case of Phillip O. Davant, connected with the sinking of the transport ship Tuscania, demonstrating the involvement of lodge members in global processes. The results confirm the importance of local studies for understanding the social history of Freemasonry.
This article is devoted to the history of Humble Lodge No. 979, A.F. & A.M., Humble, Texas, in the period preceding and during the First World War. Particular attention is given to individuals and events connecting the lodge with the wartime period. The study is based on the Proceedings of the M.W. Grand Lodge of Texas for the years 1911–1918, which constitute an important source on the membership of lodges within the state of Texas. In addition, materials from American periodicals of the First World War era were used, specifically The Houston Post for 1918. In conclusion, the author notes that Humble Lodge No. 979 during the First World War represented a dynamically developing Masonic organization, whose membership continued to grow even under wartime conditions. The analysis of the membership made it possible to identify a close connection between lodge members and wartime events, including the participation of individual brethren in military service. Particular significance is attached to the case of Phillip O. Davant, connected with the sinking of the transport ship Tuscania, demonstrating the involvement of lodge members in global processes. The results confirm the importance of local studies for understanding the social history of Freemasonry.
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3. Alexander C. Cherkas
Grand Commandery of Pennsylvania of the Knights Templar: Commanderies, Location, and Period of Formation
Recorder. 2026. 2(2): 183-189.
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Recorder. 2026. 2(2): 183-189.
Abstract:
This study examines the history of the formation of commanderies of the Masonic Order of Knights Templar within the Grand Commandery of Pennsylvania, with particular attention given to their names and numbering, geographical locations, and periods of establishment. The research is based on the annual reports of the Grand Commandery of Pennsylvania covering the period from 1860 to 1983, which reflect official documentation on the activities of the Grand Commandery and its subordinate commanderies. The author concludes that the majority of commanderies were established in the second half of the nineteenth century, when the overwhelming number of commanderies were created, and that by 1928 the organization had reached an almost complete structure—99 commanderies (or 99%). A dependence of the rate of commandery formation on broader historical factors has been identified: the Civil War and the First World War led to a temporary suspension in the expansion of the commandery network. A geographical analysis demonstrates a relatively even distribution of commanderies across the state, with a concentration in major cities such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Particular significance is attached to the achievement of 100 commanderies, reflecting a high level of organizational maturity and influence of the Grand Commandery of Pennsylvania. The results confirm the importance of official reports as a key source for studying the institutional history of Masonic structures.
This study examines the history of the formation of commanderies of the Masonic Order of Knights Templar within the Grand Commandery of Pennsylvania, with particular attention given to their names and numbering, geographical locations, and periods of establishment. The research is based on the annual reports of the Grand Commandery of Pennsylvania covering the period from 1860 to 1983, which reflect official documentation on the activities of the Grand Commandery and its subordinate commanderies. The author concludes that the majority of commanderies were established in the second half of the nineteenth century, when the overwhelming number of commanderies were created, and that by 1928 the organization had reached an almost complete structure—99 commanderies (or 99%). A dependence of the rate of commandery formation on broader historical factors has been identified: the Civil War and the First World War led to a temporary suspension in the expansion of the commandery network. A geographical analysis demonstrates a relatively even distribution of commanderies across the state, with a concentration in major cities such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Particular significance is attached to the achievement of 100 commanderies, reflecting a high level of organizational maturity and influence of the Grand Commandery of Pennsylvania. The results confirm the importance of official reports as a key source for studying the institutional history of Masonic structures.
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4. Anvar M. Mamadaliev
Uniform of the American Knights of Malta: The Case of Norman Commandery No. 135, Lehighton, Pennsylvania (Early 20th Century)
Recorder. 2026. 2(2): 190-201.
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Recorder. 2026. 2(2): 190-201.
Abstract:
This article examines the uniform of the American Knights of Malta in the early twentieth century, using Norman Commandery No. 135 (Lehighton, Pennsylvania) as a case study. The research is based on the analysis of museum artifacts from the collections of The Museum of the History of the American Knights Templar (Houston, USA), as well as a visual examination of photographic materials that make it possible to reconstruct the appearance of the commandery. The study demonstrates that the Knights of Malta uniform constituted a coherent and highly standardized system, including headgear, coats, shoulder straps, insignia, belt plates, and ceremonial swords. Particular attention is given to the distinctions between senior (officer) and junior ranks, which were primarily expressed through the symbolism of crosses (patriarchal and passion crosses), as well as through differences in weapon design and certain elements of dress. It is shown that, despite the overall unity of style, the uniform combined elements of hierarchical differentiation with a tendency toward standardization, reflecting the internal organization of the commandery. The analysis also highlights the important role of symbolism (crosses, monograms, colors) as a means of expressing affiliation with the order and its structural units. The study concludes that the Knights of Malta uniform represents an important source for the study of Masonic material culture, offering deeper insight into the corporate identity and visual representation of fraternal organizations in the early twentieth century.
This article examines the uniform of the American Knights of Malta in the early twentieth century, using Norman Commandery No. 135 (Lehighton, Pennsylvania) as a case study. The research is based on the analysis of museum artifacts from the collections of The Museum of the History of the American Knights Templar (Houston, USA), as well as a visual examination of photographic materials that make it possible to reconstruct the appearance of the commandery. The study demonstrates that the Knights of Malta uniform constituted a coherent and highly standardized system, including headgear, coats, shoulder straps, insignia, belt plates, and ceremonial swords. Particular attention is given to the distinctions between senior (officer) and junior ranks, which were primarily expressed through the symbolism of crosses (patriarchal and passion crosses), as well as through differences in weapon design and certain elements of dress. It is shown that, despite the overall unity of style, the uniform combined elements of hierarchical differentiation with a tendency toward standardization, reflecting the internal organization of the commandery. The analysis also highlights the important role of symbolism (crosses, monograms, colors) as a means of expressing affiliation with the order and its structural units. The study concludes that the Knights of Malta uniform represents an important source for the study of Masonic material culture, offering deeper insight into the corporate identity and visual representation of fraternal organizations in the early twentieth century.
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5. Natalia Shevchenko
On the Evolution of the Badges of Commanderies within the Grand Commandery of Illinois of the Masonic Order of Knights Templar (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)
Recorder. 2026. 2(2): 202-216.
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Recorder. 2026. 2(2): 202-216.
Abstract:
This article examines the evolution of the badges of commanderies belonging to the Grand Commandery of Illinois of the Masonic Order of Knights Templar in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The study is based on an analysis of museum artifacts from the collection of The Museum of the History of the American Knights Templar at Cherkas Global University, as well as on a comparison of material sources with the documents of annual conclaves. The research has established that, prior to the 1880s, commandery badges were most likely not used on the uniform, and that their appearance was associated with the formation of a system of visual identification within the Order. The earliest examples are characterized by an elongated black ribbon connecting the elements of the badge. Later, at the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, this ribbon was shortened, while the overall composition remained unchanged. Special attention is paid to the reform of 1913–1914, which resulted in the introduction of a standardized type of badge on a black-and-white ribbon, approved by the Grand Commandery of Illinois. It is shown that the Chicago company R. M. Johnson & Son played a key role in the manufacture of these badges, ensuring the continuity of the visual tradition. It is concluded that the evolution of the badges reflects a combination of the stability of symbolic form and adaptation to institutional changes. The study demonstrates the significance of material culture as a source for the history of Masonic organizations.
This article examines the evolution of the badges of commanderies belonging to the Grand Commandery of Illinois of the Masonic Order of Knights Templar in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The study is based on an analysis of museum artifacts from the collection of The Museum of the History of the American Knights Templar at Cherkas Global University, as well as on a comparison of material sources with the documents of annual conclaves. The research has established that, prior to the 1880s, commandery badges were most likely not used on the uniform, and that their appearance was associated with the formation of a system of visual identification within the Order. The earliest examples are characterized by an elongated black ribbon connecting the elements of the badge. Later, at the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, this ribbon was shortened, while the overall composition remained unchanged. Special attention is paid to the reform of 1913–1914, which resulted in the introduction of a standardized type of badge on a black-and-white ribbon, approved by the Grand Commandery of Illinois. It is shown that the Chicago company R. M. Johnson & Son played a key role in the manufacture of these badges, ensuring the continuity of the visual tradition. It is concluded that the evolution of the badges reflects a combination of the stability of symbolic form and adaptation to institutional changes. The study demonstrates the significance of material culture as a source for the history of Masonic organizations.
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6. Konstantine V. Taran
Historiography of the History of Commanderies of the Masonic Order of Knights Templar
Recorder. 2026. 2(2): 217-224.
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Recorder. 2026. 2(2): 217-224.
Abstract:
This article is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of the historiography of the history of commanderies of the Masonic Order of Knights Templar in the United States. The study covers the period from the mid-nineteenth to the early twenty-first century and is based on a body of regional, commemorative, and modern scholarly publications. The main stages in the development of historiography are identified: the early descriptive-apologetic stage, the commemorative-institutional stage, the systematizing stage, and the modern analytical stage. It is demonstrated that the formation of the historiographical tradition took place predominantly within the Order itself, which determined its specific features—namely, its orientation toward the preservation of corporate memory, the recording of membership, and the legitimation of institutional continuity. Particular attention is given to regional differences (New England, the Midwest, and the South), as well as to the role of commemorative publications as a key genre. Contemporary studies reveal a transition to academic methods, including source criticism, the use of archival materials, and the study of material culture. The article concludes that historiography has evolved from an internal memorial narrative to a scholarly interpretation of Freemasonry as a social institution.
This article is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of the historiography of the history of commanderies of the Masonic Order of Knights Templar in the United States. The study covers the period from the mid-nineteenth to the early twenty-first century and is based on a body of regional, commemorative, and modern scholarly publications. The main stages in the development of historiography are identified: the early descriptive-apologetic stage, the commemorative-institutional stage, the systematizing stage, and the modern analytical stage. It is demonstrated that the formation of the historiographical tradition took place predominantly within the Order itself, which determined its specific features—namely, its orientation toward the preservation of corporate memory, the recording of membership, and the legitimation of institutional continuity. Particular attention is given to regional differences (New England, the Midwest, and the South), as well as to the role of commemorative publications as a key genre. Contemporary studies reveal a transition to academic methods, including source criticism, the use of archival materials, and the study of material culture. The article concludes that historiography has evolved from an internal memorial narrative to a scholarly interpretation of Freemasonry as a social institution.
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Museum News
7. Airin Cherkas
The Museum of the History of the American Knights Templar Today: Spring 2026
Recorder. 2026. 2(2): 225-227.
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Recorder. 2026. 2(2): 225-227.
Abstract:
This section presents selected exhibitions of the Museum of the History of the American Knights Templar (Cherkas Global University), reflecting the formation and development of its collections from 2024 to 2026. Since its establishment on August 1, 2024, the museum has created its core thematic collections: swords, uniforms, badges, and photographic materials. Subsequently, the holdings were significantly expanded through the addition of new collections—personal belongings and souvenirs (2025), as well as artifacts of other Masonic orders (2026). By March 2026, the museum’s holdings had reached approximately 1,000 items, demonstrating the dynamic development of the institution. Special attention is given to the design of the western exhibition space, the central feature of which is a portrait of the first Grand Master of the Knights Templar of the United States, Sir Knight De Witt Clinton (1769–1828). Presented together with a document bearing his personal signature, this ensemble highlights the museum’s role as a space for preserving historical memory, material culture, and the personalized history of American Templar Freemasonry.
This section presents selected exhibitions of the Museum of the History of the American Knights Templar (Cherkas Global University), reflecting the formation and development of its collections from 2024 to 2026. Since its establishment on August 1, 2024, the museum has created its core thematic collections: swords, uniforms, badges, and photographic materials. Subsequently, the holdings were significantly expanded through the addition of new collections—personal belongings and souvenirs (2025), as well as artifacts of other Masonic orders (2026). By March 2026, the museum’s holdings had reached approximately 1,000 items, demonstrating the dynamic development of the institution. Special attention is given to the design of the western exhibition space, the central feature of which is a portrait of the first Grand Master of the Knights Templar of the United States, Sir Knight De Witt Clinton (1769–1828). Presented together with a document bearing his personal signature, this ensemble highlights the museum’s role as a space for preserving historical memory, material culture, and the personalized history of American Templar Freemasonry.
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8. Airin Cherkas
Review of Exhibitions at the Museum of the History of the American Knights Templar (Expositions No. 26–30 Presented between August 21 and October 30, 2025)
Recorder. 2026. 2(2): 228-236.
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Recorder. 2026. 2(2): 228-236.
Abstract:
This section examines a series of exhibitions held at the Museum of the History of the American Knights Templar between August and October 2025, highlighting key aspects of the material culture of the Order in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Four exhibitions (Nos. 026, 027, 029, and 030) are analyzed, each focusing on distinct elements such as uniforms, ceremonial accessories, and antique swords. Particular attention is given to Monroe Commandery No. 12 (New York), whose artifacts—including swords, insignia, and rare photographic materials—illustrate the historical continuity of Templar traditions. The exhibitions also address specific components of uniform culture, such as cuffs differentiated by color according to uniform type, and the evolution of ceremonial swords from mid-nineteenth-century models. Special emphasis is placed on the exhibition dedicated to New Haven Commandery No. 2, centered on the personal belongings of Sir Walter Sherman Garde. These materials provide valuable insight into the distinctive features of certain commanderies, including the use of daggers and unique aprons, thereby contributing to a broader understanding of American Templar material culture.
This section examines a series of exhibitions held at the Museum of the History of the American Knights Templar between August and October 2025, highlighting key aspects of the material culture of the Order in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Four exhibitions (Nos. 026, 027, 029, and 030) are analyzed, each focusing on distinct elements such as uniforms, ceremonial accessories, and antique swords. Particular attention is given to Monroe Commandery No. 12 (New York), whose artifacts—including swords, insignia, and rare photographic materials—illustrate the historical continuity of Templar traditions. The exhibitions also address specific components of uniform culture, such as cuffs differentiated by color according to uniform type, and the evolution of ceremonial swords from mid-nineteenth-century models. Special emphasis is placed on the exhibition dedicated to New Haven Commandery No. 2, centered on the personal belongings of Sir Walter Sherman Garde. These materials provide valuable insight into the distinctive features of certain commanderies, including the use of daggers and unique aprons, thereby contributing to a broader understanding of American Templar material culture.
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Our Publications
9.
A List of Publications Devoted to the History of Freemasonry
Recorder. 2026. 2(2): 237-238.
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Recorder. 2026. 2(2): 237-238.
Abstract:
In 2024–2026, the staff of Cherkas Global University prepared and published the following works on the history of Freemasonry:
In 2024–2026, the staff of Cherkas Global University prepared and published the following works on the history of Freemasonry:
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10.
Full number
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11.
Cover
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