The OSMTH / SMOTJ is an order of chivalry. Its members are selected based on their qualifications as worthy people who are members of any denomination that professes the Christian faith. Applicants join as Postulants and then may be given the Accolade of Knighthood. All ceremonies are public and women are full members. It is this chivalry that this Scottish Templar site relates to.
2. Masonic
At the pinacle of the York Rite is a degree called the Knights Templar. The York Rite is one of two Rites (the other the Scottish Rite, that also shares some Templar symbolism) that Freemasons who have completed the Master Mason degree may join. To become a Masonic Templar, a Freemason must have completed the Royal Arch degree. Once a Freemason has completed the Knights Templar degree it is clear why this is necessary; the Masonic Knights Templar degree is a culmination of the Masonic system from a Christian perspective. Like all Masonic degrees, ceremonies are private and women are not accepted as members. This Scottish Templar site does not reflect the Masonic organisation. Regular Freemasonry is considerably stable, totally integrated throughout the world, and void of schisms.
Common Features
These two Templar groups share the following features: