                     COMMUNION IN COMMANDERY
            Sir Knight David L. Trimbur, B.A., M/Div.
     Only a year old as a Knight Templar and Prelate during this
first year.  I experienced both shock and privilege.  Some of you
"old Prelates" may chuckle at the things they failed to tell me
when investing me with the office I was honored with.  Thus I
discovered the administration of the oath and the Prelates address
in the Order of the Temple led to some long sessions before the
practice mirror.  Then I was to plan, coordinate and direct Easter,
Ascension and Christmas worship for open meetings!  With thanksgiv-
ing I was proffered much encouragement and help from my new friends
in Commandery.  Of course, there also came the "we never did it
that way before" counsel.  What wonderful, forgiving and patient
Knights I found!
     In the course of the year I was requested in both Chapter and
Commandery to lead a Christian Communion serve as worship experi-
ences.  May I please relate to you why I have declined these well-
meaning and sincere requests.  My purpose in writing is to
stimulate discussion among the York bodies and perhaps through
feedback to learn from my brothers and be better equipped to be a
better Prelate and Knight of the Order.
     There are three reasons why I presently feel Communion is
inappropriate in any York body.  (Ministers are devoted to thinking
and speaking in three points.)  I am open to suggestions and always
remain resolute to be flexible in my opinions when further
enlightened by reason and truth.  I recognize that some members
will agree and others disagree with my position and I am willing to
change.  I do know that in the Order of the Temple of the Command-
ery there is a similarity to Communion in one aspect of the ritual. 
I see it as a beautiful likeness, but not equating Communion, as I
understand it.
     First, we are not a Church, though we are religious men and in
Commandery must give allegiance to Christ as Savior.  There are
those who believe that by whatever name you give it; Communion,
Lord's Supper, Mass, or Eucharist; it is a rite that belongs
exclusively to the Church.  I try to be considerate of Christians
who may hold to that conviction.
     Secondly, we are a varied body of men with widely divergent
theological understandings of Communion.  Centuries of interpreta-
tion and tradition has shaped very contrasting  beliefs as to what
Communion is, what transpire during Communion and how it should be
administered.  We must respect those differences and not impose our
convictions on others.  I will readily admit that this one worship
rite of Christianity should be the most unifying event and yet is
the very one that has so divided us into various denominations
throughout Church history.  That may be sad, but it is reality. 
Some view Communion as an actual transformation of bread and wine
into the Body of Christ, conveying grace.  Others believe that
there is no change in the elements, but a transformation in the
heart of the participant by faith. Then many see no transformation
at all, but only symbolic remembrance of His sacrifice.  You can
see the difficulty of observing Communion in a divergent body such
as ours.
   Lastly, if the service is conducted as open meetings, we may
be misunderstood by non-members as to our purpose as a fraternal
brotherhood.  One of the harshest criticism of York Rite and even
Masonry by the uninformed is that members may substitute our
fraternity for the Church and even seek spiritual salvation by
means of membership in it.  We know that is not true and is never
taught or even implied, but the error may be projected if public or
private Communion Service being observed.  This can only serve to
aggravate further confusion and opposition regarding our fellow-
ship.
     This writer is wanting to serve his new friends well as
Prelate and yet not divisive or offensive to the members who come
from other persuasions.  Others can help me with counsel and I
welcome any response that may illuminate me on this subject. 
Especially would I like to know if other Prelates have had
experience with requests such as this.  As the Apostle Paul summed
up his dissertation regarding divisiveness in the Corinthian church
over class distinction, abuse of the Lord's Supper and gifts of the
Spirit, ". . . but all things should be done decently and in
order."  1 Corinthians 14:40, NRSV.

     Sir Knight David L. Trimbur, B.A., M/Div is a member of
     Trinity Commandery No. 8, Alexandria, Louisiana and
     resides at 2504 1/2 Marye St., Alexandria, LA 71301.
