The Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon (Latin: Pauperes commilitones Christi Templique Solomonici), commonly known as the Knights Templar or the Order of the Temple (French: Ordre du Temple or Templiers), were among the most famous of the Western Christian military orders. The organization existed for approximately two centuries in the Middle Ages.

Officially endorsed by the Roman Catholic Church around 1129, the Order became a favored charity throughout Christendom, and grew rapidly in membership and power. Templar knights, in their distinctive white mantles with a red cross, were among the most skilled fighting units of the Crusades. Non-combatant members of the Order managed a large economic infrastructure throughout Christendom, innovating financial techniques that were an early form of banking, and building many fortifications across Europe and the Holy Land.

The Templars’ existence was tied closely to the Crusades; when the Holy Land was lost, support for the Order faded. Rumors about the Templars’ secret initiation ceremony created mistrust, and King Philip IV of France, deeply in debt to the Order, took advantage of the situation. In 1307, many of the Order’s members in France were arrested, tortured into giving false confessions, and then burned at the stake. Under pressure from King Philip, Pope Clement V disbanded the Order in 1312. The abrupt disappearance of a major part of the European infrastructure gave rise to speculation and legends, which have kept the “Templar” name alive into the modern day.

Our March meeting will feature a talk on the history of the Knights Templar.  This talk will be facilitated by Sister Victoria Waks.

Location: Sunset Lodge, 1720 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica CA
Date: Friday, March 13th 2009
Time: 7:30 PM
This lecture is open to the public

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The regular monthly meeting of Solvitur Ambulando was held on Friday, February 13th 2009.  The meeting was well attended.

There was no old business to discuss.

New business – A motion was made that the society create a donation box to help off-set the cost of refreshments at our meeting.  Up until now, the person hosting the talk has traditionally provided refreshments.  The motion was passed.  This means that the person hosting the talk will continue to provide light refreshments, but a fund will help to reimburse them for out of pocket costs.  In the event that the fund builds a surplus, the group will vote on how best to spend the money.

Bro. Michael Wamback offered to search out a suitable container to use as a donation box.

Bro. Craig Kamp offered to provide a guest lecturer from the Rosicrucian Fellowship at our first open meeting.  Discussion took place as to the desire to have a guest lecturer.  A motion was made and passed that we book the speaker from the Rosicrucian Fellowship.  Michael will coordinate with Craig to arrange a date.

Bro. Michael then reviewed the calendar for upcoming speakers.  Our dates for the remainder of the year are filling up.

Bro. Michael also asked members to consider a destination for our annual field-trip in August.  Last year, the society visited the Griffith Observatory and had a very enjoyable time.

There being no other business, the meeting was turned over to Sister Krista Schwimmer and Brother Guy Churchouse III for their talk on the Virute of Truth.

Sister Krista gave a wonderful talk on the Eastern Buddhistic beliefs concerning truth.  Her talk was followed by a question and answer session that was very entertaining.  Brother Guy then took the floor and presented the views on truth from the Western Philosophical schools of thought.  Another round of discussion took place following Guy’s entertaining and insightful presentation.

There being now other business, the meeting adjourned and fellowship followed.

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