Past Eminent Grand Commander Pins
The concept for my lapel pin for 2025-2026 was conceived and designed by Past Most Illustrious Grand Master and Sir Knight John Bridegroom of the Masters Craft. I talked to John and explained to him that I wanted to display Templary along with our freemason roots. We figured the best way to capture this is the Square and Compass with the Cross and Crown in the center. We also added the American Flag background to show our love and patriotism for our Country. The gold wreath is a traditional emblem of honor. We added the Latin phrase Magna Est Veritas Et Praevalebit which translates to: Great is Truth and it Shall Prevail. Truth and integrity are important lessons taught to us many times throughout Freemasonry and Templary.
The concept for my lapel pin for 2024-2025 was conceived and designed by Past Most Illustrious Grand Master and Sir Knight John Bridegroom of the Masters Craft. I talked to John and explained to him that I wanted my year to be about serving the Sir Knights of Indiana. I gave John a few ideas that I had such as the Malta Cross and the American Flag. I picked the Malta Cross for the eight beatitudes that Jesus preached about on the Sermon on the Mound (Matthew 5 verses 3-10). The American Flag to show the Love and Pride that we have for our great Nation. John took the ideas I had and used his own creativity for the design of my pin.
I also asked John Bridegroom to create a Veterans pin, dedicated to the Sir Knights of Indiana for their Service to God, their Country and Templary.
The Symbolism and Meaning Behind the Design
My pin and coin have both a Templar Reference, Masonic Youth References and Family References.
The Design of the Pin comes from the 1895 Indiana Triennial Pin that was held in Boston, but with a few changes. It was designed by myself and Sir Knight and Companion, Greg Raque, MEGHP of Kentucky who also helped design the coins, thank you MEGHP Roque for the help you gave me in designing these coins and my pin. (Read more...)
The Symbolism and Meaning Behind the Design
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)
Jesus prayed these words knowing what was about to happen on Calvary. It had to be difficult to not just ask God to stop the crucifixion, but instead told his Father “Not my will, but yours”. Often, we want God to stop whatever may be happening in our lives, our loved ones’ lives, or the world. As difficult as it is, let us always remember that we need to trust and follow God’s will – not ours.
The Symbolism and Meaning Behind the Design
I have often found it necessary in this journey of life to stand firmly in my faith. I have come to find though, that sometimes standing was not the correct position. In order to stand tall and strong, I needed to be kneeling.
This pin represents a kneeling knight clothed in the Armor of God. As warriors, we must put on the full Armor of God. We put on the belt of Truth to stand firmly in the Word. We put on the breastplate of Righteousness to guard our hearts, remaining pure and holy. We put on the shoes of the Gospel to stand firmly on the good news, bringing peace and light to all. We take up the shield of Faith to extinguish doubt, denial and deceit. We put on the helmet of Salvation to keep our minds focused on the tasks we are given to do and we take up the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God to guide and direct our lives.
Ed Fodrea KCT, GC
The Symbolism and Meaning Behind the Design
I have often found it necessary in this journey of life to stand firmly in my faith. I have come to find though, that sometimes standing was not the correct position. In order to stand tall and strong, I needed to be kneeling.
This pin represents a kneeling knight clothed in the Armor of God. As warriors, we must put on the full Armor of God. We put on the belt of Truth to stand firmly in the Word. We put on the breastplate of Righteousness to guard our hearts, remaining pure and holy. We put on the shoes of the Gospel to stand firmly on the good news, bringing peace and light to all. We take up the shield of Faith to extinguish doubt, denial and deceit. We put on the helmet of Salvation to keep our minds focused on the tasks we are given to do and we take up the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God to guide and direct our lives.
Ed Fodrea KCT, GC
The Symbolism and Meaning Behind the Design
The concept for my lapel pin for 2019-2020 was conceived and designed by Past Most Illustrious Grand Master and Sir Knight John Bridegroom. I informed John that my vision for this year was for our Sir Knights to be more aggressive in both spreading our Message and recruiting Membership, using the tools of our Order, but most importantly the sword and buckler, when we were told as Pilgrim Warriors to pick up that sword and buckler and to go forth and defend the Christian Religion. The inner part of my pin represents the humble beginnings of our ancient brother, surrounded by the Latin SIGILLVVM MILITVM XPISTI, translated as Seal of the Soldiers of Christ. The shield reminds us that the path to salvation is not easy one and is littered with temptations and obstacles along the way. The black and white within the shield reminds us of the Beauceant, or the battle flag of the ancient Templars, wherein we learn that the Templars were fair and favorable to the friends of Christ, but dark and terrible to his enemies. We bear this banner in memory of our ancient companions and as an incentive to emulate their self-sacrifice and devotion. The crossed swords should remind all of us of our solemn obligation at the Altar as Knights Templar, and that we have all Sealed our Faith at the point of the sword to protect and defend destitute widows, helpless orphans, and the Christian Religion.
Mike Robbins KCT, GC
The Symbolism and Meaning Behind the Design
My pin design contains the major elements of the Cross, Crown, the State and our Country. When I look at the Crown, I am reminded of the Crown of Jesus, the Blessed Emanuel, the Prince of Peace, The Great Captain of our Salvation and the King of Kings. When I look at the Cross I am reminded of the love, forgiveness and sacrifice that God gave to us in and through His Son Jesus Christ, who died on the Cross for our sins. In this sign we will conquer (IN HOC SIGNO VINCES). When I look at the State of Indiana I am reminded of the great State in which we live and the freedoms that we enjoy living in this great United States of America. When I look at the Wreath around the Cross, Crown and State I am reminded of the faith that we place in God and all of the things that he has given us. God Bless America.
Terry L. Kehrer KCT, GC
The Symbolism and Meaning Behind the Design
The inspiration for my pin design comes from an old Knight’s Templar belt buckle that was gifted to me from the widow of a deceased member of my home Commandery. As the Knight’s helmet, at the top of the pin, is looking forward, so should we always be looking forward in every aspect of our lives. Always remember, to keep your faith in the center of your lives and that,
“In this sign, you will conquer”.
The Symbolism and Meaning Behind the Design
The words In Hoc Signo Vinces means In This Sign You Will Conquer. The cross is also the sign of Christianity and the teaching of Christ. If we believe in Christianity and the teaching of Christ we will always have hope. If we have hope any and all things are possible. I hope you will wear this pin and believe anything is possible.
No Description
The Symbolism and Meaning Behind the Design
The pin reflects the Christian character of our Order on a shield. It is under His banner that we are enlisted. The sword symbolizes our duty as Soldiers of the Cross, Christian Soldiers, and as Christian Masons who defend the Christian religion.
1998 - Robert J. Frazer
The Symbolism and Meaning Behind the Design
Sheild of Jerusalem, known as "Jerusalem cross of Jerusalem crosses"
As the arms of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, the design is traditionally attributed to Godfrey of Bouillon himself.
The Symbolism and Meaning Behind the Design
The pin reflects the Christian character of our Order on a shield. It is under His banner that we are enlisted. The swords symbolize our duty as Soldiers of the Cross, Christian Soldiers, and as Christian Masons who defend the Christian religion. The black and white background denotes the Beauceant and alludes to the prosperity of the Commandery and to the prosperity of this Valiant and Magnanimous Order.
The Symbolism and Meaning Behind the Design
The Cross in the middle of the pin is a constant reminder of the sacrifice our Lord and Savior made for all of us. As Knights Templar we are sworn to protect the Christian religion and this will serve as a daily reminder of that obligation.
The shape is intended to reminded us of the dedication and loyalty of the men and women in the armed services as well as all first responders, law enforcement, fire fighters and emergency personnel who serve and protect our freedoms and way of life.
The pin also contains the logos of the Blue Lodge and the three York Rite bodies. Hopefully this will serve as a reminder that as Masons we should strive to promote unity and mutual support within these, and all, Masonic organizations.
The Symbolism and Meaning Behind the Design
The pin reflects the unity of Chapter, Council and Commandery into one whole York Rite of Free Masonry. Together we are strong and able to carry out all appointed divine and worldly tasks.
