These additional Orders, the so-called ‘Appendant Orders’, comprise the Order of the Holy Sepulchre and the Holy Order of St. John the Evangelist. These degrees are of particular significance to the enlightened Christian Freemason.
    Both the degrees are administered from 86 St. James’s Street, London, by the Patriarchal Council, a body which is synonymous with that of the Grand Imperial Conclave, where the Grand Sovereign assumes the dignity of Patriarch and Grand Commander, while the Grand Eusebius, is acknowledged as the Grand Sub-Patriarch and Deputy Grand Commander.

Knight of the Noble & Invincible Order of the Holy Sepulchre

This, the first of the Appendant Orders, is founded around the legend of the search for the True Cross and the eventual formation of a unique militia designated to guard the holy relic. The ritual in use today is undoubtedly based on degrees found in the Early Grand Rite, i.e. Knight of the Christian Mark, and Knight of the Holy Sepulchre, both of which were published by Avery Allen in his Ritual of Freemasonry, around 1831 in the United States. It appears that Robert Wentworth Little incorporated much of the narrative embodied in these workings to formulate his own degree of the Holy Sepulchre, which was subsequently conferred with full ceremonial in 1868. However, much of the history recounted in these rituals was originally taken from the writings of Geoffrey of Monmouth (c.1100-54) and other doubtful sources, and today are known to be erroneous.
    While St. Helena, mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine, is credited with the discovery of the Cross of Christ and the erection of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (hence her canonisation), official records in the Vatican confirm that the knighthood of that name did not come into existence until after the capture of Jerusalem by the Crusaders in 1099. Godefroy de Bouillon as Advocate (defender) of the Holy Sepulchre, was requested by Daimar, Patriarch of Jerusalem, to form an exclusive troop of guardian knights to protect the holy site from the infidel. After Godefroy’s death in 1100, subsequent novices were required to take their oath of fealty on his tomb situated within the church of the Holy Sepulchre. In due course, a red Jerusalem Cross was adopted as the insignia of the Order and the Pontiff Callixtus II formally approved it in 1122, from which time it has endured to the present day, becoming a Pontifical Equestrian Hospitaller Order with a Cardinal (Prince of the Church) as Grand Master.

The Masonic Degree of the Holy Sepulchre

Admission to this masonic Order is only granted to brethren who are Royal Arch Masons and Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine. The beautiful ceremonial is enacted as two individual points within a Sanctuary of the degree, under the presidency of a ‘Right Reverend Prelate’, who is mitred and robed in a white surplice, and bears a pastoral staff; he is supported by a team of some 20 officers, including a full complement of Sepulchre guards. The narrative pertains to the vital period linking the Crucifixion and the Resurrection, with significant references being made to the scriptural readings of St. Mark. Having given proof of his eligibility, the aspirant, clothed with the purple sash of Constantine, is apprised of the noble qualities inspired by the three Theological Virtues, and is obligated in a manner which mirrors the rite observed by the original chivalric knights in the church on Mount Calvary. An historical oration is then delivered, prior to his enduring the rigours of symbolical warfare and after a successful outcome he is rewarded with formal recognition as a Brother Knight; he is then instructed in the Corporal Works of Mercy and the secrets of the Holy Sepulchre are communicated.

Knight of the Holy Order of Saint John the Evangelist

The second of the Appendant Orders may well have evolved from early workings of the Royal Arch, while there is also evidence of strong links with the Early Grand Rite where Knight of St. John was the 25th in that series of degrees. This ritual appears to have been refined with great care under the skilful pen of Robert Wentworth Little, who expanded it into the imposing ceremony that it is today; it was first performed under the aegis of the Grand Imperial Conclave in 1868.
    It is based upon a tradition recorded by the Christian historian Philostorgius, around 410 AD, which refers to events that reputedly occurred at Jerusalem during the brief reign of the Emperor Julian ‘the Apostate’ (361-363 AD). These episodes have been studiously applied to depict the lessons of the Craft and Royal Arch ceremonies from a purely Christian viewpoint.

The Degree

A Commandery of St. John is formed after the closing of a Sanctuary of the Holy Sepulchre. It is convened by the ‘Most Enlightened Commander’ wearing the personal insignia of his rank and supported by a similar complement of officers. The candidate is admitted and recounts that, on visiting the ruins of the Temple, he has made a discovery, which unbeknown to him is focused upon profound Johanine writings. These prove to be highly consequential and as a reward he is instructed in the legendary origin of Masonic rites as a fitting preparation for the full honours of knighthood. The accolade is then conferred, signifying his reception as a Christian Knight of the Appendant Orders, after which he is duly invested with the appropriate Insignia. He is then entrusted with the secrets of a Knight of St. John, and installed and saluted by the assembled knights, after which, he is invited to unite with them and to ratify his vows to Christian brotherhood. The Commandery is then closed with due veneration.

Insignia of the Orders

While the regalia worn on admission into the Appendant Orders is that of a Knight of the Red Cross of Constantine i.e. purple sash and ribboned jewel, on reaching the status of a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre and of St. John the Evangelist, a new style is adopted, which predominates over all other regalia thereafter. In the case of a Knight Companion of the Orders, it comprises a breast jewel, worn on the left breast secondary to that of Constantine, which depicts a black Eagle (passant regardent to the sinister); supporting a black lozenge bound by a looped gilt cord, and charged with two gilt Crosses Potent, one within the other suspended from a white ribbon. The sash is of white watered silk with black tassels, and bearing the symbols of an Eagle in black (as on the jewel), the circular Emblem of St. John in silver, and a lozenge in black (as on the jewel).
    A Commander or Past Commander wears a jewel on the left breast (as for a Knight Companion) suspended from a white ribbon, but supporting a black Jerusalem Cross surmounted by a black Imperial Crown. The sash worn is that of a Knight Companion, with the addition of a black Imperial Crown above the Eagle.
    A Divisional Officer wears the breast jewel of his rank, while his sash is edged with crimson cord, and bears the name of the Division (in crimson) on an arc between the Eagle and the Emblem of St. John.
    Grand Officers wear a collarette, from which is suspended the jewel, bearing the Eagle (of a Knight Companion) in gilt surmounted by an Imperial Crown in crimson and gold; supporting a Cross Potent with a Cross Flory diagonally across the angles in gold, charged with a black Jerusalem Cross within a circlet, bearing the words ‘Grand Council’ in gold. The sash is that of a Commander, but with gold tassles and differentiated by a border of black braid having two gold stripes; the Imperial Crown of crimson and gold, the Eagle and Emblem of St. John in gold, and the Cross Potent emblem (as on the jewel) in black.

The inter-connection of the Orders

As the knightly degrees of the Holy Sepulchre and St. John the Evangelist are defined as separate Orders, it may be questioned as to why they are appendant to that of Constantine. It should be appreciated however, that all are a pre-requisite step to the grades of Viceroy (Priest), and the ultimate office of Sovereign (Prince), which can lead to recognition at Divisional level, and possible promotion to Grand rank. However, while being administered by Grand Imperial Conclave they are not connected ritualistically, yet are based upon a chronological sequence of events. The three ceremonies of knighthood, con-joined with that of Priests and Princes-Mason form a complete series, and embody some of the most profound and beautiful ceremonial to be found within Freemasonry. As such, they form a noteworthy masonic rite that has achieved international recognition, and one that is eagerly embraced by all those who are drawn to the realms of Christian masonic chivalry. n

Keith Jackson is a member of most of the recognised Orders within Freemasonry, holding high office in many. He has lectured extensively over many years and is author of Beyond the Craft.