1878 Confidential Letter Detailing the Specific Words and Actions for the Recognition of Members in the Templar Order of Canada

On offer is a handwritten 1878 Templar note on lined paper with subjects (S.) in light purple ink and response (R.) in black ink regarding modes of recognition in the Templar Order of Canada  Note written for George Otis Tyler Pastor Eminent Commander, Burlington, No. 2, Commander, Burlington, Vermont. “With fraternal regards from The Grand Prior of Canada”

Content includes:

Modes of recognition in the Templar Order of Canada – 

(S.) Entrance word and sign demanded of candidate – (R.) That of the Royal Arch as given in England - "Jehovah"

(S.) … sign – used also at the Prayers - (R.) Place right hand on heart – bend forward the head and with the left hand shade the eyes – 

(S.) Test “Sign and word of a Crusader” K.T. – (R.) Golgotha – clench the right hand with thumb pointing upwards placing it under the chin – there dart the hand up to the forehead – and pass it across backwards and forwards twice as if sawing – after which lower the hand with the arm stretched by the side – If the sword is in the hand it is done in the same manner – first bringing the hilt in front of the chin and moot - the blade perpendicular // there raise hilt to forehead – pass backwards and forward horizontally – then lower the sword to full stretch of the arm pointing to the ground –

(S.) This is the salute – and… sign – alluding to placing the hood upon… and… the skull asunder –  

There are four additional subjects and responses including biblical passages as reference and a skull & crossbone diagram. The acronym INRI (Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum) in a stylized cross appears at the signature, and also in the addressed-to-recipient on the final page, with the date January 1878

Sir Knight George Otis Tyler, Templar, was elected an Honorary Provincial Sub-Prior of the Great Priory of Canada at the third Annual Assembly of the Great Priory of Canada, at Montreal, October 11th 1878.

This item, on 10 x 8 inches lined paper, was initially folded for delivery, now folded once to 5 x 8 inches. The writing spans three pages in two colours of ink, with the addressee on the rear outside page. There is age toning and some discolouration at the fold creases. Condition is Very Good.