Grand Commander's Messages 2010-2011 FOSTERING TEMPLAR TRADITIONS FOR 2010-2011 THEME: The Grand Masters Theme for this Crusade is “Audentes Fortunae Iuvat” FORTUNE FAVORS THE BRAVE.  It should remind us of the courage and focus of those legendary Knights of old who faced adversity head on with honor and purpose.  So should we as modern Knights face the challenges and opportunities of today to build and strengthen the traditions of Templary in California. My Motto for my term of service is “Serving God by Serving Others”.  I am encouraging our Department Commanders, Ritual Staff and Committeemen to develop effective “Servant-Leadership Models” for our Fraters to adopt and build upon. It is vitally important for all Christians to actively serve their brethren, for in so doing, they serve the Lord. MEMBERSHIP: As our membership continues to decline for many different reasons, we must focus on not only recruitment of new members but, possibly more importantly, retaining our current members. I encourage each Sir Knight to examine your Commandery’s Membership Program and make suggestions to your Dias Officers.  Remember, BE BOLD; Fortune Favors the Brave. CODE OF CONDUCT: We as Knights Templar, corporately and collectively are to set the example that other hopefully wish to follow.  In all that we do, we must recall that we are but servants to HIM, who served us all.  Promote the theme of “SERVANT-LEADERSHIP” in your travels and visits.  Also be mindful that we as Templars are the showmen of the York Rite.  EVERYONE looks at the Templars, including our own Sir Knights.  Be sharp in your appearance and your actions and you will bring credit upon yourself, your Commandery and our fraternity. ENCOURAGEMENTS AND RECOGNITIONS: Please also encourage your commanderies to recognize their members for service and success by recommending the Knights Templar Meritorious Service Award, Knight Commander of the Temple or Knight Templar Cross of Honor. Encourage participation in Drill Team or Ritual Team competitions, and please continue to promote the Crown and Cross Program, for it has shown itself to be an effective tool for the prosperity of any commandery. Another wonderful way to promote Templary within your communities is to help in the forming of, or the supporting of an existing Assembly of the Social Order of the Beauceant.  This prestigious Organization is a vital adjunct to our Order.  These ladies of our Sir Knights devote themselves to supporting our Commanderies in many ways.  They are truly a Blessing From God. EASTER 2011:  For many years now, during my rise within these ranks, I have pondered the dream of having a large Knights Templar Easter Sunrise Celebration here in California.  I believed it would fill a void in those of our members who could not physically or financially travel to the East Coast for the Grand Encampment Easter Celebration. During my travels, I had occasions to share my dream with several different Sir Knights, and a seed was planted. Sir Knights, I am proud to announce that our Lord is faithful.  My dream will come true. There is an EASTER SUNRISE CELEBRATION planned for April, 24, 2011. This event will be supported by the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America. It will be held at the World Famous Los Angeles Shrine Auditorium.  It will be a three day event, filled with fun and fellowship.  I encourage all Sir Knights and their families to attend this historic event. PARTNERSHIPS: To effectively manage the Grand Commandery of California requires us all to form successful partnerships.  I believe in an open  line of communication the better to be able support and serve each other. I encourage each and every Sir Knight to pause each day and pray for the wisdom and guidance to continue to effectively serve this Grand Commandery and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Grand Commandery Knights Templar of California Copyright © 2001- 2000 All rights reserved. Last Updated: 05/26/2000 For further information concerning the Grand Commandery web pages please email the Webmaster.