In early 2013, an Order of Knights of St. Andrew was formed in the Valley of New York City. The Knights of St. Andrew is a special group of 32° Scottish Rite Freemasons dedicated to provide service on behalf of the Scottish Rtie.  There are a number of Knights of St. Andrew chapters throughout the country.  Our Chapter exists to provide service to the AASR Valley of New York City in the State of New York.

Their flexibility and enthusiasm make the Knights of St. Andrew one of the Valley’s most active and desirable organizations. It is an excellent way to nurture and develop future leaders as they learn their organizational and leadership skills, explore the inner structures of their Scottish Rite Centers, and thus gain a deeper admiration for our Order and Brethren who work in Freemasonry as a whole.

History of the Knights of St. Andrew

The origins of the Order date back to the period of 1220-1232 A.D., when a Confraternity was established in the City of Acre, of the then Crusader Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem (occupying the same territory as the modern state of Israel) to protect pilgrims and merchants. 

This Confraternity, consisting of burgesses and knights of largely French heritage, met in the City's Castle - and chose the Holy Apostle St. Andrew as their Patron. They constituted themselves as a Crusading Order of Knights with the object of resisting tyranny and protecting public safety. 

During the turmoil of the Sixth Crusade, these worthies of the Order defended the poor, the sick and the weak from adversaries. In the best tradition of the Military and Religious Orders of the time, they founded their lives on prayer, charity, service and protection. 

About this time, procession of Acre was being contested by the Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick II operating from his base in Sicily. Through his marriage to Yolande, daughter of John of Brienne, a leading Crusader, the Emperor had become embroiled in the affairs of the Crusader States. The Emperor sent a fleet of ships against Acre in 1227, whereupon the Knights and Officers of the Order of St. Andrew of Jerusalem appealed to Pope Gregory IX, who excommunicated the Emperor for this action. During the subsequent negotiations with the Muslims by the Emperor Frederick, the Knights of St. Andrew remained aloof. Though some progress for the Crusaders appeared at first to have seen made, their adherence to treaty commitments made at that time eventually enabled an army of Turks in pay of the Sultan of Egypt, to crush the remaining Crusader enclaves by about 1244. 

It was at about this juncture that the existing historical records of the Knights of St. Andrew were lost. It is speculated that the records may have been transported to Byzantium in hope of safekeeping, only to be lost yet again when the city feel to the Turks in 1453. 

The tradition of service by Knights wearing the Cross of St. Andrew has continued. The Castle of Edinburgh was protected by such Knights for nearly 900 years, maintaining the tradition of service and protection.

In line with these historical beginnings, the modern Knights of St. Andrew also focuses on outstanding service. In early 1993 the late, Ill. Weldon Good 33° of the Tulsa Valley in Oklahoma had a need for assistance during reunions. When he noticed that many brothers were joining the Scottish Rite but not returning to assist and participate, he developed the organization now known as the Knights of St. Andrew as a service organization for the valley.

Membership

Membership in the Knights of St. Andrew for the Valley is limited to 32nd degree Sublime Princes. The Knights of St. Andrew are identified by their flamboyant uniform and regalia; often entering special events accompanied by bagpipes and drums, becoming the elite unit of all Scottish Rite Masons.

Membership is by invitation only.