The Knights of St. Andrew
The Knights of St. Andrew is a special group of 32° Scottish Rite Freemasons dedicated to provide service on behalf of the Scottish Rtie. There are a number of Knights of St. Andrew (KSA) chapters throughout the country. Our Chapter exists to provide service to the Ancient Free and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Valley of Baltimore, Orient of Maryland.
The types of service performed include, assist in reunions and Scottish Rite degree work, acting as greeters, providing escort services for dignitaries and ladies attending Scottish Rite functions, serving as guides, presenting of colors, and provide aid to any Scottish Rite event.
History of the Knights of St. Andrew
The origins of the Order date back to the period of 1220-1232 A.D., when a Confraternity was established in the City of Acre, of the then Crusader Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem (occupying the same territory as the modern state of Israel) to protect pilgrims and merchants.
This Confraternity, consisting of burgesses and knights of largely French heritage, met in the City’s Castle – and chose the Holy apostle, St. Andrew, as their Patron. They constituted themselves as a Crusading Order of Knights with the object of resisting tyranny and protecting public safety.
During the turmoil of the Sixth Crusade, these worthies of the Order defended the poor, the sick and the weak from adversaries. In the best tradition of the Military and Religious Orders of the time, they founded their lives on prayer, charity, service and protection.
About this time, procession of Acre was being contested by the Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick II. operating from his base in Sicily. Through his marriage to Yolande, daughter of John of Brienne, a leading Crusader, the Emperor had become embroiled in the affairs of the Crusader States. The Emperor sent a fleet of ships against Acre in 1227, whereupon the Knights and Officers of the Order of St. Andrew of Jerusalem appealed to Pope Gregory IX, who excommunicated the Emperor for this action. During the subsequent negotiations with the Muslims by the Emperor Frederick, the Knights of St. Andrew remained aloof. Though some progress for the Crusaders appeared at first to have seen made, their adherence to treaty commitments made at that time eventually enabled an army of Turks in pay of the Sultan of Egypt, to crush the remaining Crusader enclaves by about 1244.
It was at about this juncture that the existing historical records of the Knights of St. Andrew were lost. It is speculated that the records may have been transported to Byzantium in hope of safekeeping, only to be lost yet again when the city feel to the Turks in 1453.
The tradition of service by Knights wearing the Cross of St. Andrew has continued. The Castle of Edinburgh was protected by such Knights for nearly 900 years, maintaining the tradition of service and protection.
A number of independent chapters exist in the United States.
The Knights of St. Andrew, Valley of Baltimore
Full membership in the KSA including the rights to vote and hold office is limited to 32deg Scottish Rite Masons in good standing, who are approved for membership by a vote of the members.
There are two levels of membership, Squire and Knight.
The Squire Level consists of selected members who have pledged to perform services for the Scottish Rite and abide by the Bylaws and Regulations of the Order, and the precepts of Freemasonry.
The Knight Level is for those members who have been selected for this honor based on their demonstrated service to the Scottish Rite, abide by the Bylaws and Regulations of the Order and the Precepts of Freemasonry, and pledge their continued service and fidelity.
The origins of the Order date back to the period of 1220-1232 A.D., when a Confraternity was established in the City of Acre, of the then Crusader Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem (occupying the same territory as the modern state of Israel) to protect pilgrims and merchants.
This Confraternity, consisting of burgesses and knights of largely French heritage, met in the City’s Castle – and chose the Holy apostle, St. Andrew, as their Patron. They constituted themselves as a Crusading Order of Knights with the object of resisting tyranny and protecting public safety.
During the turmoil of the Sixth Crusade, these worthies of the Order defended the poor, the sick and the weak from adversaries. In the best tradition of the Military and Religious Orders of the time, they founded their lives on prayer, charity, service and protection.
About this time, procession of Acre was being contested by the Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick II. operating from his base in Sicily. Through his marriage to Yolande, daughter of John of Brienne, a leading Crusader, the Emperor had become embroiled in the affairs of the Crusader States. The Emperor sent a fleet of ships against Acre in 1227, whereupon the Knights and Officers of the Order of St. Andrew of Jerusalem appealed to Pope Gregory IX, who excommunicated the Emperor for this action. During the subsequent negotiations with the Muslims by the Emperor Frederick, the Knights of St. Andrew remained aloof. Though some progress for the Crusaders appeared at first to have seen made, their adherence to treaty commitments made at that time eventually enabled an army of Turks in pay of the Sultan of Egypt, to crush the remaining Crusader enclaves by about 1244.
It was at about this juncture that the existing historical records of the Knights of St. Andrew were lost. It is speculated that the records may have been transported to Byzantium in hope of safekeeping, only to be lost yet again when the city feel to the Turks in 1453.
The tradition of service by Knights wearing the Cross of St. Andrew has continued. The Castle of Edinburgh was protected by such Knights for nearly 900 years, maintaining the tradition of service and protection.
A number of independent chapters exist in the United States.
The Knights of St. Andrew, Valley of Baltimore
Full membership in the KSA including the rights to vote and hold office is limited to 32deg Scottish Rite Masons in good standing, who are approved for membership by a vote of the members.
There are two levels of membership, Squire and Knight.
The Squire Level consists of selected members who have pledged to perform services for the Scottish Rite and abide by the Bylaws and Regulations of the Order, and the precepts of Freemasonry.
The Knight Level is for those members who have been selected for this honor based on their demonstrated service to the Scottish Rite, abide by the Bylaws and Regulations of the Order and the Precepts of Freemasonry, and pledge their continued service and fidelity.
For more information please contact:
Anthony J. Glass at ksabaltimore@gmail.com