Handbook of The Valley of Dallas
Knights of St. Andrew
Origin of the Dallas Knights of St. Andrew
R:.W:. & Ill:. Fred E. Allen, 33° saw the need for the Knights of St. Andrew within the Dallas Valley and
sponsored its implementation in late 2001. The first 32 Knights are recognized as Charter Members. The
Texas Bluebonnet tartan is the official tartan for the Order and is worn as a scarf around the neck of
each Knight or as a tartan fly by our Officers.
Black Cap Organization
The Order of the Knights of St. Andrew is an
organization of 32° Scottish Rite Masons of the Valley
of Dallas, in the Orient of Texas, Ancient and Accepted
Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction.
Within the 29th Degree, we find many lessons,
teaching us reverence and obedience to the Deity, the
service of Truth, the practice of Virtue and Innocence;
and the battle for Truth and Right, Free Speech, and
Free Thought; and in this to defend the people against
tyranny. The Scottish Rite Knight of St. Andrew takes
these lessons to heart and thus the qualities of Charity, Clemency, and Generosity prevail; all of this
brought about by Humility, Patience and Self-Denial.
As Knights of St. Andrew, we find Honor and Chivalry in this position and place these lessons into
action. This Order of 32° Scottish Rite Masons is dedicated to the service of the Valley of Dallas and its
leadership. The Knights are the ambassadors of the Scottish Rite and perform numerous functions,
including flag and honor guard ceremonies, for both the Valley of Dallas and elsewhere upon request.
We also have the honor to act as greeters, escorts and tour guides for activities at the Dallas Scottish
Rite Cathedral.
Requirements to Join
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Be a 32° (Black Hat) Mason
A desire to serve without expectation of reward
Commitment to promoting Masonry, the Scottish Rite and the Valley of Dallas
Submit a petition for membership
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Our Coat of Arms
“Human progress is our cause, liberty of thought our supreme wish, freedom of conscience our mission,
and the guarantee of equal rights to all people everywhere is our ultimate goal.”
The green cross of Saint Andrew with crossed swords represents the two
purposes of the Order itself: Service and Education. The green of the cross
represents renewal and virtue upon the blue cross of Saint George on a red field.
The blue cross of Saint George reminds us that the work we do in Masonry is
founded on the Symbolic Craft of the Blue Lodge and the friendship and
brotherly love upon which we build our Masonic lives.
The field of red represents the Knights zeal and his service to Masonry, Brother Knights and the Ancient
and Accepted Scottish Rite.
The Scottish Rite double eagle is the emblem of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite and reminds us
of our sworn obedience to the Sovereign Grand Inspector General, our Valley and our duty to the Order.
The helmet of the knight signifies the manliness and uprightness of chivalry and reminds us of our duties
in Masonry and to others in our daily lives of virtue, truth and honor.
The rose is a symbol of fidelity, unity of purpose and the triumph of truth.
Early History of the Knights of St. Andrew
When the Order of The Knighthood of the Temple of Solomon or of The Knights of the Temple, the Poor
Fellow-Soldiers of Jesus Christ (known as the “Knights Templar”), which was established in 1118, had
been declared heretical by Pope Clement V at the instance of Philip the Fair of France in 1307; when all
of the Order in France had been arrested and imprisoned, many executed, more tortured and all
impoverished; when, in most of the other European States, the Estates of the Order had been
confiscated and divided between the Sovereign, the Knights Hospitallers, and the Pope; and when
Grand Master Jacques de Molay and Grand Preceptor Guy had been burned alive on 18 March 1314, the
Templars no longer had a common head, nor could anywhere maintain their organization under their
old name which had become so famous. Their possessions confiscated, their leaders incarcerated for life
or put to death, the Brethren persecuted in every way, the survivors were compelled, for the sake of
concealment and to be in safety, to leave their homes, lay aside the garb of the Temple, and mingle
again with the world, or enter other Orders.
In Portugal, where they were pronounced innocent, the name of the Order was changed to that of the
Order of Christ. In England, King Edward II proscribed them, and forbade them to remain in the realm,
unless they entered the Commanderies of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, or of the Hospital. In
Scotland, they found protection, and joined the army with which King Robert Bruce met the invasion of
his country by King Edward II of England.
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The Battle of Bannockburn was fought on 23-24 June 1314. In consequence of the assistance rendered
him on that memorable day by the Templars, Bruce created and received them into the Order of Saint
Andrew du Chardon [of the Thistle] of Scotland. This was afterward annexed to the Degrees of the Rite
of Heredom, Herodom, or Hie rodom, a word coined from the two Greek words ['IeposAouos Hieros
domos], HOLY HOUSE, and said to be the name of a mountain in Scotland (where there is no such
mountain), to conceal the real name of the Order, which was HOLY HousE of the TEMPLE at Jerusalem.”
The meaning hidden in the word “HOLY” you may perhaps, be hereafter fortunate enough to learn. King
Robert reserved to himself and to his successors forever the title of Grand Master of the new Order; and
granted a charter of lands to Walter de Clifton, Grand Preceptor of the Templars for Scotland, for the
assistance they rendered him at Bannockburn.
Prince Charles Edward Stuart was the last Grand Master of the Order of Herodom in Scotland, and
exercised his powers in France, by establishing a Chapter of Rose Croix at Arras, and by other acts.
The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite was organized by those in possession of the Degrees of the Rites
of Herodom and Perfection, and of other Rites and detached Degrees that had been from time to time
established in Scotland, France, Germany, and elsewhere, the Order of Grand Scottish.
Knights of Saint Andrew became the 29th of the new Rite, formed by selecting, from the different Rites
and Observances, seven Degrees, in addition to the twenty-five of Perfection; and creating the 33rd, as
the Supreme and last Degree, to rule the whole.
Scottish Knights of Saint Andrew
Duties
Important Symbols
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 St. Andrew’s Cross
 Castle in Ruin
 Armorless Knight
Reverence
Obey the Deity
Serve the Truth
Protect Virtue and Innocence
Defend the people against tyranny
Lessons
Ideas and institutions wax and wane in the
great cycle of time, which is but change.
For Reflection
Is virtue an armor stronger than the strongest
metal?
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The 29th Degree
In this Degree, the Mason learns that there is no contradiction
between religion and science: religion can be better understood
through science and science can be better understood by religion. He
who denies science is as fanatical as he who denies religion. Our
lifetime is limited in time; thus, we must see God within this limited
period of our time. Yet, God transcends all time; He is an energy over
and beyond time. There is no other energy that creates that energy.
There is no end to that energy. Freemasonry is thus the continual
effort to exalt the divine in man over the human so that we may come
to better understand the nature of God in our time.
The jewel is a gold St. Andrew’s Cross with a large emerald in the center, surmounted by the
helmet of a knight, and with a thistle of gold between the arms at the bottom. It is worn
suspended from the collar. The emerald signifies the manliness and uprightness of chivalry, its
color that of the renewal of virtue, always bright and sparkling. The thistle is the national
emblem of Scotland and recalls a tradition that: “the Danes invaded Scotland and stealthily
surrounded Staines Castle. They took off their shoes to wade the moat, only to find it dry and
filled with thistles. The resultant yells and curses roused the garrison, and the Danes were
soundly defeated.” (Leach, p. 1108)
The banner of the Order is a green St. Andrew’s Cross on a white field fringed with gold. At the
end of each arm of the cross is one of the four Hebrew letters that form the Ineffable Name of
Deity. Above the cross is a circle of five stars with a thistle.
A Knight of St. Andrew wears a green collar edged with crimson, over the neck, and a white silk
scarf, fringed with gold, and worn from left to right.
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Dallas Knights of St. Andrew Regalia
Squires
(Standard Regalia)
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Navy Blue Blazer
Gray Slacks
White Dress Shirt
Texas Bluebonnet Tartan Tie
Squire Name Badge
Black Shoes/Boots
Knights
(In addition to Standard Regalia)
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Texas Bluebonnet Tartan Scarf
KoSA Name Badge
KoSA Coat of Arms Pin
Lion & Crown Pin (Optional)
Officers
(In addition to Knights Regalia)
 Texas Bluebonnet Tartan Fly
 Officer Jewel
 KoSA Brooch
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Organization of Officers
Elected Officers
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Worthy Master
Eminent Prior
Marshal
Appointed Officers
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Secretary
Treasurer
Senior Deacon
Junior Deacon
Chaplain
Master of the Guard
Assistant Master of the Guard
Doorkeeper
Solicitor General
Master of the Flag
Squire Program
Upon submission of a petition and acceptance into the Order as a Squire, there are basic
requirements to fulfill under the guidance and direction of the Marshal before
recommendation for advancement to the title of Knight of St. Andrew.
Our members are educated through the Squire Program, which includes a list of tasks that must
be completed which will acquaint the new Squire with the KoSA culture and familiarize him
with the history of the largest Valley in the Southern Jurisdiction culminating with enough
knowledge to perform a mock tour of the Cathedral.
Upon achieving proficiency in the designated duties and tasks, the Marshal will recommend
that the Squire be elevated to the rank and title of Knight of St. Andrew.
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Duties of a Squire
How long does one remain a Squire? That is entirely up to the individual Squire.
The requirements below detail the requirements to become a Knight.
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Attend three different Reunion days during a calendar year. There are typically seven Reunion days
each calendar year, three in the spring, one in the summer and three in the fall.
Attend three Scottish Rite Stated Meetings. Stated Meetings are held on the third Monday of each
Month. There are 12 opportunities to complete this requirement each calendar year.
Work in three color guards as a sword or flag bearer. There is an opportunity to do this each Stated
Meeting as well as Day 1 and Day 3 of the Spring and Fall Reunions and the one-day Summer
Reunion.
“Shadow” two Knights during Reunions performing Candidate Escort duty to learn the process.
There are 29 Degrees performed during the Spring and Fall Reunions and the terminal Degrees
during the one-day Summer Reunion.
Learn the history of the Cathedral and the location of each of the rooms in the Cathedral in
preparation for a “Mock Tour” presented to the Marshal.
Duties of a Dallas Knight of St. Andrew
Greeter
One of the primary duties of a Knight is that of Greeter during Reunions. The Squires and Knights will
stand at the door, shake hands with the new Candidates, introduce themselves and make sure the
candidate feels welcome. He will then escort the new Candidate(s) to the waiting area and during the
walk from the door, the Brother will give the Candidate a short explanation of the morning’s process
including:
Show the Candidate the kitchen entrance where he will come when called for breakfast. Candidates go
ahead of other brethren in the breakfast and lunch lines and do not pay for their meals.
Show the Candidate the Dillard Room and explain that this is where he will turn in his petition and
register for the Reunion.
Explain that all Candidates should remain on the first floor until escorted to the auditorium.
Instruct the Candidates that should they have any questions during the reunion, they should seek out
KoSA members.
During registration, two Knights are stationed at the stairway leading to the upper floors. Their sole
purpose will be to keep the Candidates on the 1st floor until it is time to be escorted by the Knights to
the Auditorium. Squires are sometimes asked to assist one of the Knights in manning this post and
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answer any questions that may arise from the Candidates while waiting or to relieve the Brother while
he has breakfast or performs other duties.
Knights may be asked to act as official Greeters and Guides during other ceremonies taking place at the
Cathedral at the direction of the Valley leadership. It becomes important that the Squire study and
learn the history of the Cathedral and knowledge and location of the various rooms therein.
Opening Ceremonies
Knights of St. Andrew are responsible for performing the
Opening Ceremonies at monthly Stated Meetings,
Reunions and special events. This typically calls for
presentation of the Colors to all assembled, honor guard
of sword bearers and pipers.
Degree Candidate Escort
During the presentation of the Degrees, one Candidate
from each class is selected to participate in each Degree. The process of the Candidate Escort begins at
the end of each Degree. It is the responsibility of the Knights to perform this duty. The Auditorium
Committee is in charge of escorting the Candidate selected to wardrobe and until the Degree is
completed. DO NOT TAKE CHARGE OF A CANDIDATE UNTIL THE DEGREE IS FINISHED.
After announcement of the Degree and the Candidate’s name by the Reunion Director and prior to
completion of each degree, the Candidate’s card must be obtained from the Reunion Director. Once the
Degree has been completed and the Candidate has left the auditorium with the Degree Team, he will be
escorted by a Knight back to wardrobe. While the Candidate is changing out of his costume, it is the
responsibility of the Knight to have all members of the Degree Team sign the Candidate’s card. Once the
Candidate is dressed, he will be escorted back to the auditorium and to his seat as quickly as possible, as
to not miss the next Degree being presented.
At each Reunion, there will be a sign-up sheet for escort duty in the Heritage Lounge on the first floor.
Knights will sign up for escort duty and Squires will sign-up for shadow duty in order to learn the
process.
Reunion Breaks
During Reunions, the Reunion Director will announce breaks for the Candidates. The Eminent Prior will
assign Knights to assure that the Candidates are back in the auditorium and in their seats before the
allotted time has expired. The designated Knights will keep the time and alert the Candidates five (5)
minutes before they are to return to the auditorium. Knights will also check the smoking areas,
bathrooms, lounge, etc. to assure that all Candidates have returned to the auditorium. Upon returning
to the auditorium, the Sir Knight responsible for the Candidates will perform a count and advise the
Reunion Director of any missing Candidates.
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Lunch Duty During Reunions
Knights will escort the Candidates to the Crystal Ballroom for lunch and go through the lunch line as
quickly as possible in order to make sure that all Candidates make it back to the auditorium on time. At
least one Knight should be seated at each table where Candidates are dining in order to get to know the
Candidates, answer their questions and introduce them to the ways of the Scottish Rite.
The 32nd Degree
Near the conclusion of the 32nd Degree, the Master may call upon the Knights to assist with the
Candidate knighting ceremony. Typically, 3 to 4 Knights will assist with directing the Candidates or
assisting those who need help during the ceremony.
Special Assignments and Events
Throughout the year, the Valley of Dallas and
other organizations may request participation by
the KoSA in special events. The Knights may
perform honor guards and act as greeters and
goodwill ambassadors for the Scottish Rite.
Some noted events are the annual Memorial
Day celebration at Fair Park, Blue Lodge officer
installations, events at the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children and special statewide Scottish Rite
ceremonies such as the Texas Scottish Rite Convocation.
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Knights of St. Andrew Stated Meetings
All Knights and Squires are encouraged to attend KoSA Stated Meetings, held during the Spring
and Fall Scottish Rite Reunions and scheduled by the Worthy Master of the Order. These are
the business meetings of the Order and when Knighting ceremonies are conducted, if
warranted. Squires may attend, but are not entitled to vote. This privilege is reserved for those
who have attained the title of Knight of St. Andrew.
Knighting Ceremony
Knighting ceremonies are conducted during the
Scottish Rite Reunions if there are Squires who have
been recommended for Knighthood into the Order.
At this ceremony, the new Knight of St. Andrew will
receive his scarf, name badge and Dallas KoSA pin by
which he will be recognized as having achieved the title of Knight within the Valley of Dallas and
the Order.
Dallas Knights of St. Andrew Website
To gain access to the Dallas KoSA official website, register online at
http://knightsofstandrew-dallas.org/.
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