Commandery Awards and Past Recipients

Knight Templar Cross of Honor

The Knight Templar Cross of Honor Award was created at the 49th Triennial Conclave of the Grand Encampment held in 1946 at Philadelphia. We quote, in part, from the General Order No. 5 of the Grand Encampment: “The Knight Templar Cross of Honor shall be awarded only for exceptional and meritorious service rendered to the Order of Knights Templar far beyond the service usually expected of an Officer or member.” In Oklahoma, the Grand Commander can select only one nomination from the Sir Knights of his Grand Commandery during any one Templar year.

Recipients of the Knight Templar Cross of Honor are presented with a golden circular medal which contains a purple Patriarchal Cross in the center and bearing the words “KNIGHTS TEMPLAR CROSS OF HONOR” on the outside. This medal is suspended from a red neck ribbon. They also receive a lapel pin and a certificate signed by the Grand Master and Grand Recorder of the Grand Encampment. This award may be worn with the Commandery uniform during all occasions.

Knight Commander of the Temple

The second highest decoration awarded by the Grand Encampment is the Knight Commander of the Temple (or KCT). The recipient also receives a lapel pin and a certificate. The KCT is often awarded at a KCT Dinner held by the Deputies in charge of Grand Encampment Honors for that jurisdiction, and the time and location usually correspond to the Annual Conclave of the Grand Commandery.