Supreme Constitution of Knights If St. John Internaltional

CONSTITUTION
of the
KNIGHTS OF ST. JOHN

INTERNATIONAL
First Amended, Adopted and

Codified in July, 1996
Buffalo, New York
with Final Revisions and
Adoption in July, 1998
Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky
CONTENTS
Topic Page
Special Laws of New York. a
Corporation Name to KSJ International f
Preamble. I
Introduction. 4
Purpose 7
Chapter I, Supreme Conventions 8
Chapter II, Supreme Commandery 16
Chapter III, Supreme Subordinate Commanderies-
of Ghana and Nigeria. 33
Chapter IV, Grand Commanderies. 39
Chapter V, District Commanderies. 47
Chapter VI, Local Cornmanderies. 55
Jewel of Honor, uniformed. 80
Jewel of Honor, non-uniformed 81
Chapter VII, Cadet Comrnanderies. 83
Chapter VIII, Ladies Auxiliaries. 85
Chapter IX, Widow and Orphan Department. 86
Chapter X, Death Benefit Fund Department 88
Chapter XI, Military. 91
Chapter XII, Funeral Ceremonies l06
Amendments. l 12
Index of Constitution. 115
(Sections listed Alphabetically)
Special Laws of New York - Chapter 284 a
SPECIAL IAWS OF NEW YORK
INCORPORATING KNIGHTS OF ST. JOHN
Chapter 284 of the Laws of 1886
An Act to incorporate the Roman Catholic Union of the Knights

of St. John.
Passed May 6, 1886.
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate
and Assembly, do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. Martin L. Yann, John McDonald, Adam J.

Weckler, Timothy J. Lanahan, John B. Monning, John G. Brodman,
John Wilhelm, and all persons who are now or may hereinafter
become associated with them or their successors, and hereby
constituted and created a body politic and corporate by the name
and title of the Roman Catholic Union of the Knights of St. John,
and, as such, shall have perpetual succession, and shall be capable
of suing and being sued in all the courts of record and elsewhere,
and of taking, holding, purchasing, mortgaging, granting and
conveying real, personal and mixed property to an amount not
exceeding one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, to have and
to use a common seal, and break and alter the same at pleasure,
and also have power to institute, direct, manage and control such
subordinate commanderies as it may see fit, under such constitution,
by-laws, rules and regulations as the said Roman Catholic Union of
the Knights of St. John, hereby incorporated, may establish, not
inconsistent with the Constitution and Laws of the State.
SECTION 2. The object of the said corporation shall be
to create and foster a feeling of fraternity and fellowship among the
various commanderies within this union; to improve their moral,
mental and social condition,
b Special Laws of New York - Chapter 284
and to aid, assist and support members of their families in case of

want, sickness, or death, and to promote the welfare of the Roman
Catholic religion.
SECTION 3. It shall be lawful for said corporation to
create, hold, manage and disburse a beneficial)’ fund sufficient to
pay all losses and expenses incident to its business and purpose, and
for the relief of members in the commanderies, and their families,
under the jurisdiction of said incorporation, under such conditions,
rules, and regulations as may be adopted by it.
SECTION 4. Such beneficiary fund as may be ordained
and considered suitable by said corporation may be provided and
set apart, to be paid over to the family, heirs or legal representatives
of deceased or disabled members, or to such person or persons
as such deceased members may, while living, have directed; and
the collecting, managing and disbursement of the same as well as
the person or persons to whom, the manner and time in which the
same shall be paid on the death of a member, shall be regulated and
controlled by the rules and by-laws of said corporation, the said
beneficial)’ fund so provided and paid shall be exempt from ex
ecution, and shall not be liable to be seized, taken or appropriated
by any legal or equitable process to pay any debt or liability of said
deceased member.
SECTION 5. The Supreme Commander, Supreme
Secretary, Supreme Treasurer, and two members who shall be
selected for that purpose by a Convention held in the manner
prescribed by the Constitution of the Roman Catholic Union of the
Knights of St. John shall constitute the board of trustees of said
corporation, and shall hold office until their successors shall be
elected and installed. The Roman Catholic Union of the Knights of
St. John shall be composed of said officers, with a First and Second
Supreme Vice-Commander, and a Supreme Spiritual Director,
Special Laws of New York - Chapter 284 c
and such representatives from different Commanderies as may be
selected by said Commanderies to represent them in accordance
with the Constitution and By-laws of said corporation.
SECTION 6. The said corporation shall have power
to make from time to time, such constitution, by-laws, rules and
regulations as they shall judge proper for the election of officers
or prescribing their duties, powers and functions, and the mode of
discharging the saine; for the admission of new Members into the
Subordinate Commanderies, and the government and regulation of
such Commanderies, for regulating and fixing the amount and times
of payment of all fees, dues and funds of said corporation, and all
Comml_Ulderies under its jurisdiction, and for the arrangement of
all the affairs of said corporation and for the suspending, fining and
expelling of all Commanderies under its jurisdiction as shall, in the
judgement of such corporation, neglect or refuse to comply with
any such by-laws, rules or regulations.
SECTION 7. This act will take effect immediately
Chapter 62 of the Laws of 1896
An Act to amend chapter two hundred and eighty-four of the
laws of eighteen hundred and eighty-six, entitled, “An
act to incorporate the Roman Catholic Union of the
Knights of St. John.”
Passed February 20, 1896.
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and
Assembly do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. Section one of chapter two hundred and
eighty-four of the law of eighteen hundred and eightysix, is hereby
amended so as to read as follows:
d Special Laws of New York - Chapter 62
SECTION 2. Martin L. Yann, John McDonald, Adam J.
Wedder, Timothy J. Lanahan, John B. Manning, John G. Brodman,
John Wilhelm, and all persons who are now or may hereafter become
associated with them or their successors are hereby constituted and
created a body politic and corporate by the name and title of the
(ROMAN CATHOLIC UNION OF THE) Knights of St. John, and
as such shall have perpetual succession, and shall be capable of
suing and being sued in all the courts of record and elsewhere, and
of taking, holding, purchasing, mortgaging, granting, and conveying
real, personal and mixed property, to an amount not exceeding one
hundred and fifty thousand dollars, to have and to use a common
seal, and break and alter the same at pleasure, and shall also have
power to institute, direct, manage and control such subordinate
commanderies as it may see fit, under such constitution, by laws,
rules and regulations, as the said (ROMAN CATHOLIC UNION
OF THE ) Knights of St. John hereby incorporated may establish,
not inconsistent with the Constitution and the laws of this State.
SECTION 3. Section five of chapter two hundred and
eighty-four of the laws of eighteen hundred and eightysix, is
hereby amended so as to read as follows:
SECTION 4. The Supreme President, Supreme First and
Second Vice-Presidents, Supreme Secretary, Supreme Treasurer
and two members who shall be selected for that purpose by a
Convention held in the manner prescribed by the Constitution of
the Knights of St. John, shall constitute the Board of Trustees of
said corporation and shall hold office until their successors shall be
elected and installed. The Knights of St. John shall be composed of
said officers and such representatives from Grand Commanderies
as may be selected by said Grand Commanderies to represent them
Special Laws of New York - Chapter 62 e
in accordance with the Constitution and By-Laws of said
corporation.
An Act to amend Chapter 62 of “the Laws of 1896” entitled “An
Act to Incorporate the Roman Catholic Union of the Knights of St.
John,” Section 5, to read as follows:
SECTION 5. “The Supreme President, Supreme First
Vice President, Supreme Second Vice President, Supreme Secretary,
Supreme Treasurer, and two Supreme Trustees, who shall be elected
at a convention held in the manner prescribed by the Constitution
and By-Laws of the Knights of St. John, the Supreme Spiritual
Director, the Supreme Counsel, the Past Supreme Presidents, and
the Grand Presidents of each Grand Comrnandery shall constitute
the Supreme Board of Trustees of said corporation and shall hold
office until their successors shall be elected and/or appointed and
installed in accordance with the Constitution and By-Laws of said
corporation.
SECTION 6. This act shall take effect immediately.
f
N.Y.S. DEPARTMENT’ OF STATE
DIVISION OF CORPORATIONS AND STATE RECORDS
162 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12231
FILING RECEIPT
CORPORATION NAME:Knights of St. John International

DOCUMENT’ TYPE: Amendment (Domestic NFP)
Purposes Process Name
SERVICE COMPANY: lnfosearch, Inc. COUNfY: Unkn.
FILED:10/15/1992
DURATION: ********** CASH#: 921015000376
FILM #:92101500035
ADDRESS FOR PROCESS:
c)o Thielman & Thielman
1710 Liberty Bank Building
Buffalo, NY 14202
REGISTERED AGENT’
FILER
Thielman & Thielman
1710 Liberty Bank Building
Buffalo, NY 14202
Premeable 1
PREAMBLE
Early in the last quarter of the nineteenth century there

assembled in one of the large American cities a number of Catholic
gentlemen, pledged to inculcate Christian principles, to encourage
the practice of civic virtues, to develop better conceptions of public
duty and to infuse into human society a broader and loftier morality.
An organization was formed to establish a conservative

Christian force to serve as a bulwark against the advancing waves
of social disorder and immorality, to inspire greater love for the
country, its Constitution and institutions, and to set forth for
imitation the beautiful and always romantically attractive virtues
of medieval knighthood, such as a fine sense of honor and love of
truth, piety, courage, respect for women, and that broader and more
undiscriminating Christian charity which beholds in every human
being, without regard to age, sex, color, race, nationality or creed,
the neighbor glorified in the Gospel of The Good Samaritan.
These men placed their society under the patronage of St. John the
Baptist, “greatest of men, born of women,” a patron of that most
glorious of chivalric orders, the Knights of St. John Hospitallers,
afterwards known as the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, Rhodes
and Malta. This society was later incorporated by Chapter 284 of
the Laws of 1886 of the State of New York.
2 Preamble
It set forth as a further purpose the creation among
its members of a spirit of fraternity, sympathy and charity to be
evidenced in the alleviation of the needs of members of this
brotherhood incurred through illness or misfortune, and the
promotion of a more generous and filial respect for the spiritual
authority of the Roman Catholic Church among its members.
The sphere of activity of this organization was not limited

to the boundaries of the United States.
In 1896 the act of incorporation was amended, changing the name

of the association to the Knights of St. John.
Changing ideas and new modification by amendments to

the Constitution, as codified in July, 1946 at Cleveland, Ohio, have
necessitated a new codification in July, 1970 in Detroit Michigan.
Continuing changes in the structure of our organization,

particularly in the area of globalization of the KNIGHTS OF ST.
JOHN, were recognized by the adoption of the name as KNIGHTS
OF ST. JOHN INTERNATIONAL as duly filed on October 12,
1992.
Acknowledging the continuing obligation to imple

ment changes and new ideas for our organization, a Constitution
Revision committee was formed in 1995. Their revisions were first
presented and accepted in Convention of July 1996 in Buffalo, N.Y.
and final revisions were accepted in Convention of July 1998 in Ft.
Mitchell, Ky.
Preamble 3
Preamble 3
The following revised Constitution of the KNIGHTS OF ST. JOHN
INTERNATIONAL will serve our Brother Knights well into the
new century in the spirit of religious fraternalism as envisioned by
our founders.
4. Introduction
CONSTITUTION
OFTHE
KNIGHTS OF ST. JOHN
By Special Acts of the Senate and Assembly of the State of New

York, Chapter 284 of the Laws of 1886, and Chapter 62, new Act
of the Laws of 1896, this organization has been constituted and
created a body politic and corporate by the name and title of the
Knights of St. John, and declared to be composed of a Supreme
President, Supreme First Vice President, Supreme Second Vice
President, Supreme Secretary, Supreme Treasurer, and two Supreme
Trustees, who shall be elected at a convention held in the manner
prescribed by the Constitution and the By-Laws of the Knights of
St. John. The Supreme Counsel, all Past Supreme Presidents and
Supreme Spiritual Director and the Grand Presidents of each Grand
Commandery shall constitute the Supreme Board of Trustees of
said corporation and shall hold office until their successors shall
be elected and/or appointed and installed in accordance with the
Constitution and By-Laws of said corporation.
Holding and exercising by virtue of the right of perpetual
succession conferred by said Acts, all of the original powers and
authority granted to and invested in Martin L. Yann, his associates
and successors, by the People of the State of New York, this
corporate body in Supreme Convention assembled, by virtue of the
power granted it by Section 6 of said Acts, hereby makes, adopts,
Introduction 5
accepts and promulgates for its future regulation and guidance of
this Constitution.
There are hereby instituted by virtue of the powers
granted in Section l of the aforesaid Special Acts, the following
Subordinate Commanderies:
1. Supreme Subordinate Commanderies, Overseas

2. Grand Commanderies
3. District Commanderies
4. Local Commanderies
5. Supreme Cadet Commanderies
6. Local Cadet Commanderies
7. Ladies Auxiliaries
8. Widow and Orphan Department
9. Death Benefit Department
These Commanderies and Departments are hereby

authorized to adopt, amend and repeal by-laws to govern them and
their members which shall not be in conflict with the provisions
of this Constitution. A two-thirds vote of the members present and
entitled to vote shall be necessary for the adoption, amendment or
repeal of a bylaw, and no by-law shall be effective until submitted
to the Supreme Counsel and approved by the Supreme President.
A copy of any new or revised by-laws as officially amended and
adopted, must be sent to the Supreme
Secretary for his files.
All constitutional provisions in effect prior to the adoption
of this Constitution are hereby revoked and repealed. However,
for the purpose of interpretation of the Constitution, all previous
printed Constitutions and
6 Introduction
sections thereof may be used for the purpose of arriving at a clearer
understanding and decision as to the meaning of whatever is set
forth herein, in case of any omission or apparent misstatement in
this Constitution, which may be corrected by using the language of
any prior printed Constitution or Roberts Rules of Order.
Introduction 7
PURPOSES
The purposes of this corporation have been more

elaborately set forth in the preamble hereto, but are now epitomized
as follows:
1. To cultivate a love among its members of the Roman

Catholic Church, its ritual and ceremonials, and a desire to advance
the spiritual and material interests of the Church.
2. To promote a more generous and filial respect for the
spiritual authority of the Church.
3. To create and foster a feeling of fraternity and fellowship
among the various Commanderies and among the members thereof;
to improve their moral, mental and social condition, and to aid,
assist and support members, their families and their dependents
in case of want, sickness or death; to hold, manage and disburse
beneficiary funds with which to pay losses and expenses incident
to its business and purposes, and for the relief of members in the
Commanderies and their families and dependents.
4. To encourage and develop the spirit of love of
country and of its institutions, and to extend to the whole world the
spirit of good will.
8 Chapter I - Supreme Conventions
CHAPTER I
Supreme Conventions
SECTION 1. The Supreme Commandery shall meet in Convention

every two years during July or August at a place to be designated
by the Supreme Board of Trustees, of which at least six months’
notice shall be given to the membership. The Convention schedule
shall include a Pontifical or an appropriate Mass of Thanksgiving
and shall continue in session from day to day until its business is
completed. It must meet on consecutive days and remain in session
at least three hours each day if the business of the Convention shall
require it.
SECTION 2. A Mass for the repose of the souls of deceased members

of all Commanderies of the Knights of St John International shall
be celebrated in one of the Churches of the Convention city on one
of the days of the Convention.
SECTION 3. Each Grand Commandery must file credentials

for the delegates or altenate certified by it with the Supreme
Secretary on or before the opening day of the Convention. Names
of delegates or alternates shall be certified to the Grand Secretary
by the Seccretaries of Local Commanderies prior thereto. Failure to
file said credential shall disqualify the delegate or alternate to vote
on any question.
SECTION 4. The following members shall have the right to cast

one (I) vote each at all elections and on all questions that may come
before the Supreme Conventions:
Sections 4-5 9
(a) The Supreme Spiritual Director

(b) The Supreme President
(c) All Past Supreme Presidents
(d) The Supreme Vice Presidents
(e) The Supreme Secretary
(f) The Supreme Treasurer
(g) The Two Supreme Trustees
(h) The Supreme Counsel
(i) The Inspector General
(j) The Supreme Subordinate Presidents of Ghana and Nigeria
(k) The Supreme Subordinate Secretaries of Ghana and Nigeria
(l) Grand Commandery Presidents or the First Vice President
(m) The Grand Secretaries
(n) The District Commanders or Vice Commanders
(o) All members in good standing of each attached
Local Commandery, through its delegate or alternate elected
by it and ratified by its Grand Commandery and certified to the
Supreme Commandery, shall have a vote.
(p) All members in good standing of each Unattached
Commandery through its delegate or alternate elected by it and
certified to the Supreme Secretary by the Local Secretary, shall
have a vote.
(q) The Local Commandery Presidents.
(r) The Commander of the Uniformed Rank of the Local
Commandery.
SECTION 5. Each Local Commandery shall, in the year of the

Convention of the Supreme Commandery, elect and certify one of
its members to serve as delegate to cast the vote of its members at
the Supreme Comrnandery Conventions. The Local Commanderies
shall vote only through their delegates. Each delegate shall cast as
many votes as there are members of his Local Commandery in good

standing on
Corrected July 2000
January first of the year in which the Convention is held. If any Local
Commandery fails to certify a name to the Grand Commandery, the
Grand Commandery President shall select a representative from the
membership of such Local Commandery, who may cast its vote.
SECTION 6. The Supreme Convention shall be presided over by

the Supreme President, or, in his absence or inability to serve, by
the next highest Supreme VicePresident.
SECTION 7. The following shall be the order of business, unless

it is suspended or changed by a vote oftwothirds of the members
present and voting.
(1) Calling the Convention to order by the Supreme President.

(2) Opening Prayer and Ritual.
(3) Appointment of Committee on Credentials.
(4) Roll Call of Officers
(5) Roll Call of Delegates.
(6) Reading of the Minutes of the Last Convention
(7) Report of the Supreme President.
(8) Report of the Supreme Secretary.
(9) Report of the Supreme Treasurer.
(I 0) Report of the Inspector General.
(11) Election &Appointment of Nominating Committees.
(12) Appointment of Committees by the Supreme President.
(13) Report of Special Committees.
(14 ) Unfinished Business.
Sections 7-10 11
(15) New Business.

(16) Election of Officers.
(17) Installation of Officers.
(18) Good of the Order.
(19) Closing Prayer and Ritual.
(20) Adjournment.
SECTION 8. The Supreme Convention acting under and by

virtue of the provisions of the Constitution shall have a voice in
all matters, questions and legislation governing the Knights of St.
John International.
SECTION 9. Twenty-one (21) delegates, belo nging to at least

five (5) Grand Commande ri sin good st anding shall constitute a
quorum for the transaction of busi ness at such Convention.
SECTION 10. The representatives to the Convention will be

required to be in attendance at every session thereof unless excused
for legitimate reasons. The Supreme S cretary will record the roll
of de.legates and altcmatcs al each session and note 11bsente s.
The Supreme President shall appoint a Messenger. Sergeant-at-
Anns and Guards al th openin, of <:’ach Convention, “”hose duties
it shall be to allow no representative to leave the meeting unless
excused by the Supreme President or presiding officer.
SECTION 11. On assembling the Convention, the Supreme

President shall appoint a Committee on Credentials to consist of
one representative from each Grand Commandery sending one
or more representatives to the Convention. According to order
of business, he shall appoint also a Committee on Resolutions,
a Military Committee, a Committee on Ritual, and an Auditing
Committee, each to consist of five representatives. A Committee
on Law to consist of four representatives and the Supreme Counsel,
a Press Committee of three representatives. a Committee on Good
of the Order, to consist of one representative from each Grand
Commanckry and one representative from each of th Unallachcd
Comnrnnderies, and a Committee of five on Cadet Commanderies.
If the Supreme Counsel is not in attendance at the Convention, the
Law Committee shall consist of five representatives. A Committee
of five shall also be appointed on the Supreme Officers’ Reports
whose duty it shall be to take action and report on suggestions
embodied in Supreme Officers’ Reports in a manner not conflicting
with any other Committee.
SECTION 12. At the first session of the Convention, the members

present shall select by ballot three delegates who are to act as a
nominating committee and the presiding officer shall appoint a
different nominating committee of the same number . Said ballots
must list three (3) names voted to be legal and valid. These Com
mittees shall meet separat ely and without consultation with each
other, and each Committee shall nominate at least one member for
each of the offices to be voted for and to prrsent their nominees to
the Convention. Nothing herein contained shall prevent :my m rnbe
r from being nomin ated from the floor al the time of the report of
the Committees .
Section 13-15
SECTION 13. The Supreme Board of Trustees shall have.full and

final authority to make orders concerning all details of procedure
and entertainment by host Commanderies for the Convention not
provided for in this Constitut io n. It shall provide for a parade,
or a procession, and such drill competition as seems desirable. It
shall be the business of the Supreme President to see that all of the
duties of the Supreme Officers provided for in Chapter II of this
Constitution with reference to Conventions are carried out.
SECTION 14. The Supreme Board of Trustees shall certify

to each Convention the amount needed to conduct the affairs of
the organi1.;Hio n for the ensuing two years, whereupon such
Convention shall make provisions for such expense by lrvyi ng n
per capita tax for such amount as a majority of the representatives
to the Convention deem sufficient.
SECTION 15. The Supreme Commandery in Convention assembled

and between Conventions the Supreme Board of Trustees, are
alone clothed with the power to grant Charters to Grand, District,
Local and Cadet Commanderies, or to such other Subordinate
Commanderies as may be created, or to deprive of its
charter or expel any subordinate Commandery, for the violation

of the laws or commands of the Supreme Commandery or for any
cause deemed sufficient by them.
15
CHAPTER II
Supreme Commandery
OFFICERS
SECTION l. At each Supreme Convention, the following officers of
the Supreme Commandery shall be elected:
A. Supreme President, who by virtue of his office is

Commander-in-Chief and ranks as General.
He shall not be elected for more than two consecu tive
terms.
B. One Supreme First Vice President with the rank of
Lieutenant-General.
C. One Supreme Second Vice President with the rank of
Lieutenant-General. (See a. below)
D. One Supreme Secretary, who by the virtue of his office
shall be the Adjutant-General and rank as Lieutenant-
General. He shall be elected for the first term and shall
thereafter continue in office subject to removal for cause.
E. One Supreme Treasurer, who by virtue of his office shall
be Paymaster-General and rank as Lieu tenant-General.
F. Two Supreme Trustees, who by virtue of their office will
rank as Major-General.
a. Only Knights of St. John who are residents of the United

States of America shall be eligible for election to the offices
of Supreme President, Supreme First Vice President, Supreme
Secretary and Supreme Treasurer.
Corrected July 2008

Sections 1-2 17
Each elective office of the Supreme Commandery shall be elected

by ballot and all officers shall be elected separately by a majority
of the votes cast.
All officers-elect shall be installed and assume the office at the

session at which they are elected.
All officers except the two Supreme Trustees shall be elected

to serve for a term of two (2) years or until such time as their
successors have been elected, qualified and installed. The two
Supreme Trustees shall be elected for four (4) years, except when
filling an unexpired term. Four or more elected Supreme Officers
shall constitute a quorum at any properly constituted meeting of
the Supreme Board for the transaction of business.
SECTION 2. The following officers of the Supreme Commandery

shall be appointed by the elected Supreme Officers and the Grand
Presidents to serve for a period of two (2) years or until such time as
his successor has been appointed, qualified and installed:
A. Supreme Spiritual Director
B. One Supreme Counsel, who by virtue of his office shall
be Judge-Advocate General and rank as a Major-General.
C. One Ins pector-Gene ral, who by virtue of his office
shall rank as a Major-General.
The following appointments may be made by the Supreme President

and approved by the Supreme Board of Trustees .
Corrected July 2008

18 Chapter II - Supreme Commandery
I. One Quartermaster-General who shall rank as a

Brigadier-General.
2. Such number of additional appointees as the Supreme
President may deem necessary and advisable.
DUTIES OF OFFICERS
SECTION 3. It shall be the duty of the Supreme President to

preside at all meetings of the Supreme Commandery and of
the Supreme Board of Trustees. He shall issue each twelve (12)
months, the password through the Supreme Secretary, to the
President of each Grand Commandery and to the Presidents of all
Local Commanderies not attached to a Grand Commandery. He
shall have power to suspend temporarily, Grand, District, Local and
Cadet Commanderies for any violation of this Constitution or of the
Laws of the Church or Country, or for other offenses he may deem
sufficient. He shall appoint his staff, with the exception of those
members thereof who hold their positions by virtue of having been
elected or appointed officers of the Supreme Commandery. The
Supreme President’s Staff shall consist of the following officers:
A. All elected and appointed officers of the

Supreme Commandery.
B. Two Aides-de-Camp with the rank of Colonel.
C. One Officer appointee plus one for each three hundred
(300) members of each Grand Commandery.
Sections 3 - 5 19
The Supreme Presidentshall not appoint any member of a Grand

Commandery upon the Supreme Staff without confirmation of the
Grand Commandery of which such person is a member, or where
a Grand Commandery does not exist, without confirmation of the
District. or Local Commandery to which he belongs.
All Supreme Staff appointments except those defined in u A” of this

Section, shall be made by the Supreme President, and shall serve
for the term of his office.
The Supreme President shall have charge of all international

parades or parades at Supreme Conventions, and all military matters
concerning the same. He shall have power to fill vacancies that may
occur on his staff through death, resignation or non-attendance to
duties, and shall perform all other duties pertaining to his office.
For faithful performance of his duties he shall receive the sum of
Seven Hundred Fifty ($750.00) Dollars per year, and the necessary
expense for traveling and office expenses, exclusive of office rent.
SECTION 4. It shall be the duty of the Supreme First Vice-

President to assist the Supreme President, and in the absence of
that officer he shall take his place as presiding officer, and in case of
a vacancy in the office of the Supreme President, he shall succeed
to that office for the unexpired term.
SECTION 5. It shall be the duty of the Supreme

Second Vice-President also to assist the Supreme President. In the

absence of the Supreme First Vice-President, he shall take his place,
and in the event of a vacancy of the office of Supreme First Vice-
President, he shall succeed to that office for the unexpired term,
unless the Supreme Second Vice-President is not a resident of the
United States of America at the time such vacancy occurs, in which
event the office of the Supreme First Vice-President shall be filled
until the next Convention by appointment made by the Supreme
Board.
SECTION 6. The Supreme Secretary shall have the care and custody
of all records of the Supreme Commandery, as well as of the Widow
and Orphan Department and of the Death Benefit Fund Department.
He shall act as editor of the official organ, (the Knights Journal)
of the Knights of St. John International, which shall be published
at least once every three (3) months, unless in the opinion of the
Supreme Board it is desirable that it shall not be published so often.
He shall keep on hand all necessary supplies for all Subordinate
Commanderies and furnish them at reasonable cost. He shall,
under instructions from the Supreme President or Supreme First
or Second Vice-President acting as Supreme President, send under
cover to the President of each Grand Commandery as many copies
in cipher of the secret work of the organization as there are Local
and District Commanderies within the jurisdiction of such Grand
Commanderies. He shall answer every communication directed to
him within three days of its receipt by him, unless it is impossible
to do, so and it is hereby made the
Sections 6 21
imperative duty of every officer to file a complaint with the Supreme

President of any neglect of duty of such Supreme Secretary.
For the information of the Supreme Convention the Supreme

Secretary shall make !l full and complete report of the transaction
of his office for the two years preceding the Supreme Convention.
Yearly reports from Subordinate Commanderies must be mailed

so as to reach the Supreme Secretary’s office not later than fifteen
(15) days previous to the close of the fiscal years, and the books
of the Supreme Secretary shall be closed on the last day of April
preceding the Supreme Convention.
He shall give a Surety Company bond in such Company and such

amount - not less than $90,000.00 - as the Supreme Board may
approve, the cost of the bond to be paid out of the funds of the Order
and one bond may be given by him to account for the funds of the
Supreme Commandery as well as the Death Benefit Fund and the
Widow and Orphan Department.
He shall keep a correct record of all meetings of the Supreme

Board of Trustees, and when requested by the Supreme Board of
Trustees, shall publish same in the official organ. He shall furnish
copies of the ritual to the Grand Presidents. He shall furnish copies
of the minutes of the Supreme Convention to the delegates ordering
them within ninety (90) days following the Supreme Convention
at a specified fee. He shall perform any other duties that may be
assigned to him.
He shall make monthly reports to the Supreme Treasurer. He

shall be reimbursed for all money expended by him for postage,
stationery and express charges in connection with the duties of
his office and for all other necessary expenditures by him in the
performance of such duties. If the office of Supreme Secretary shall
become vacant, the Supreme President shall designate some other
member of the Order to perform the duties of such office until the
Board of Trustees can fill such office for the unexpired term.
SECTION 7. It shall be the duty of the Supreme Treasurer to

receive all moneys for the use of the Supreme Commandery. He
shall keep an accurate account of all moneys received and paid
by him, and shall pay no money without an order, signed by the
Supreme Secretary and attested by the Supreme President, and pay
all orders when properly attested. He shall render to the Supreme
Board of Trustees a report of his receipts and disbursements
semi-annually. He shall make a complete report to the Supreme
Convention of the finances of the Supreme Commandery up to the
last day of April preceding the Supreme Convention. It shall be his
duty to report to the Supreme President and likewise to the Supreme
Board of Trustees any failure on the part of the Supreme Secretary
to discharge his duties.
He shall give a Surety Company Bond in such Company and

such amount, not less than $90,000.00 as the Supreme Board may
approve. The cost of the bond to be paid out of the funds of the
order, and one bond may be given by him to account for the funds of
the Supreme Commandery as well as of the Death Benefit Fund and
of the Widow and Orphan Department. The books of the Supreme
Treasurer shall close on the last day of April preceding the opening
of the Supreme Convention.
Sections 7 - 9 23
SECTION 8. It shall be the duty of the Supreme Board of Trustees to

prepare business for the Convention of the Supreme Commandery,
to supervise all business of the corporation and adopt such measures
not inconsistent with the Constitution for the proper government of
the Supreme Commandery and all Subordinate Commanderies, as
may from time to time seem advisable. It shall provide a suitable
office for the Secretary in the city, town or village where he resides.
It shall, subject to the provisions of this Constitution, provide for
the issuing of charters, and shall possess all powers, of every nature,
vested by law in the corporation and not by the express provision
of this Constitution conferred upon some individual, Commandery,
tribunal or body other than said Supreme Board of Trustees.
SECTION 9. The Supreme Board of Trustees shall have full

supervision and control of all matters and property of the Order
not specifically delegated by it to others and may provide for and
pay any expense created in the administration of the affairs of the
order. It shall have complete control of designing, procuring and
in every way providing for the corporate seal of the Knights of St.
John International and altering the same, at the discretion of the
Supreme Cornrnandery in Convention assembled.
To honor and retire such policies under the Widow and Orphan
Department as now exist.
SECTION 10. The Supreme Board of Trustees may exempt

Commanderies hereafter organized from the payment of part or all
the per capita tax for the first year from the date of Charter, and may
impose such reasonable conditions in consideration therefor as, in
the opinion of the Board, will promote the growth and interests of
the Commandery or the Order.
SECTION 11. The Supreme Board of Trustees shall defme

the territorial limits of the District and Grand Commanderies.
All Local Commanderies shall be attached to the District and
Grand Commanderies governing the territory where the Local
Commandery is situated.
SECTION 12. The Supreme Board of Trustees shall have power

to organize new Commanderies and to employ and compensate
organizers for that purpose.
SECTION 13. The Supreme Board of Trustees shall invest all

surplus funds of the Order in approved national, state, county or
city bonds, or legal investment Trusts. No funds of the Order shall
be loaned to any member or any relative of any member of the
Supreme Board of Trustees either directly or indirectly.
SECTION 14. It shall be the duty of the Supreme Board of

Trustees to provide for an audit by a recognized competent Public
Accountant of the records and funds of the Supreme Secretary and
Supreme Treasurer within sixty (60) days prior to the date of the
Supreme Convention and the accountant’s report shall be a part of
Sections 14-17 25
the report made by these otlicers to the Convention. The cost of

such audit shall be paid from the general funds of the Order.
SECTION 15. No debt shall be incurred or contracted except

on written order of the Board of Trustees through the Supreme
President, and every such order shall be void unless it bears the
certification of the Supreme Treasurer.
SECTION 16. The fiscal year shall end on the last day of April of
each year.
SECTION 17. The Supreme Board of Trustees shall have the power
to devise and adopt such ritual for the Order as they may determine
to be necessary and to fix the qualifications, required of members for
their initiation in the First, Second, Third, Fourth and Noble Degree
and any other Degrees now or hereafter established, and may alter
such ritual from time to time, and may make such rules relative to
the exemplification of the ritual as they may deem necessary and
proper; provided, however, that all persons who may hereafter be
received in this organization shall be required to receive at least the
First Degree of the ritual of the Order before he shall be entitled to
the benefits of membership in the Order.
SECTION 18. To exemplify all Degrees of the Knights of St. John

International a request in writing must be sent to the Ritual Director
asking for permission to exemplify the Degree.
First Degree should be given as soon as possible. (Permission from
Ritual Director is not needed.)
Second and Third degrees should be given, if at all possible,

between the first twelve (12) to eighteen (18) months.
Fourth Degree - For Uniformed Members only. Member must
be a Full Dress Uniformed Member or an approved Marching
Uniformed Member to be eligible for the Fourth Degree. You must
have had taken the Fourth Degree and be in uniform to witness this
degree.
Noble Degree - Uniformed Members should be in Full Dress

Uniform or approved Marching Uniform for a full ten ( l0)
consecutive years of membership or more. Non uniformed members
must appear in a dark colored suit and should be a member for
fifteen (15) consecutive years or more.
To be eligible to receive any degree of the Order, member must be
in good standing.
SECTION 19. The Supreme President shall receive for his services
annually the sum of $750.00 and the Supreme Treasurer shall
receive for his services the sum of $ 1,000 .00, and said
salaries shall be payaple in monthly installments, and both offices
shall further be reimbursed for actual expenses, only while engaged
in the performance of their duties. The Supreme Secretary for his
services shall receive the sum annually not exceeding $10,000.00.
He shall be reimbursed for his actual expense while engaged in the
performance of his duties. The Supreme Board of Trustees shall
Sections 19 - 20.5 27
provide suitable office space, equipment and supplies required by

the Supreme Secretary. The two elected Supreme Trustees, Past
Supreme Presidents, the First Vice-President and Second Vice-
President, shall receive their actual expenses while engaged in the
performance of their duties at meetings of the Supreme Board of
Trustees.
SECTION 20. The Supreme Counsel shall perform such legal

business for the Supreme Commandery as the Supreme President,
Supreme Secretary or the Supreme Board of Trustees may refer to
him. He shall receive such compensation for his services as may be
allowed him from time to time by the Supreme Board of Trustees .
SECTION 20.5 The Supreme Inspector General shall be responsible

for the military efforts of the Supreme Commandery. His duties
shall include:
a. He shall call for a yearly inspection and muster

of each Grand Commandery, at the order of the Supreme President,
to be held in the fall of the year. The order shall be published in
the Knights of St. John Journal. He shall provide reporting forms
to each Grand Commandery and collect the information from said
Grands.
Corrected July 2014

27-1 Chapter II - Supreme Commandery
He shall produce a report to the Supreme Commandery showing the

results of the Inspection and muster of all Grand Commanderies.
a. He shall review all Constitutional revisions and make
recommendations for any changes submitted that relate to the
military.
b. He shall be an investigative officer for the Supreme
Commandery in cases of Military Dispute Resolution when so
ordered by the Supreme President. Under direction of the Supreme
President or designee, the Office of the Supreme Inspector General
will conduct an investigation to determine all the facts in the matter.
The Supreme Inspector General’s office shall report the findings to
the Supreme President for review.
c. He shall be the liaison with KSJI uniform suppliers and
shall inspect all proposed uniforms and accessories and report to
the Supreme Board. He shall assist Grand Commanderies with
acquisition of uniforms and accessories.
d. He shall perform any other duties assigned to him by the
Supreme President or designee as required.
SECTION 21. The Supreme Organizer shall, under the supervision

of the Supreme Board of Trustees, have charge of the Organization
Department.
Corrected July 2014

Section 22 27-2
SECTION 22. Any officer whose duties are not specifically

prescribed in this Constitution, shall perform such duties as usually
pertain to the office he holds. All officers shall perform such duties
not contrary to the provisions of this Constitution as may be
assigned to them by the Supreme President.
This Portion Purposely left blank

SECTION 23. Any provision in this Constitution to the contrary

not withstanding, in case a vacancy occurs in any elective Supreme
office, other than by the expiration of a term, the same shall be
filled in the following manner: The Supreme First Vice-President
shall succeed the Supreme President, the Supreme Second Vice
President shall succeed the Supreme First Vice-President, unless
the Supreme Second Vice-President is not a resident of the United
States of America at the time such vacancy occurs, in which event
the office of Supreme First Vice-President shall be filled until the
next Convention by appointment made by the Supreme Board.
All other vacancies, including the office of Supreme Second Vice-
President, shall be filled until the next Convention by appointment
made by the Supreme Board. If at the time of the next Convention
an office so filled by appointment has an unexpired term, the same
shall be filled by election for the unexpired term.
SECTION 24. All Past Supreme Officers and Officers of the Staff of
the Supreme President and all Past Grand Field and Staff Officers and
Field and Staff Officers of the District Commanderies of the Knights
of St. John International who shall have equipped themselves in the
manner prescribed by this Constitution for the positions to which
they were appointed, or elected, and commissioned, and shall have
served one full term as such officers, (or in the case of the officers
of the general staff during the period from the date of commission
to the expiration of the term of the Supreme Commander) and who
have rendered obedience to the laws of the Supreme Commandery
and the orders of the Supreme Commander or his representatives,
and have been faithful in the discharge of the duties of the office to
which they have been commissioned, shall be entitled, when they
retire from active service as such officers, to wear the uniform of
their rank as officers. The Jewel of Honor can be provided by the
Sections 24 - 26 29
Supreme Commandery upon request at a nominal cost.
SECTION 25. The Supreme Board of Trustees, with the approval of

the Supreme President, shall provide suitable Jewels of Honor for
presentation to worthy recipients. These Jewels of Honor shall be
copyrighted by the Supreme Board of Trustees and furnished by the
Supreme Secretary at a reasonable cost. Prior to furnishing a Jewel
of Honor, the Supreme Secretary shall investigate the record of the
recipient and ascertain his worthiness to receive same. (See Page
80, Section 3 and Page 81, Section 4 for qualifications)
PASSWORDS AND SECRET WORK
SECTION 26. In Supreme Convention assembled and between

Conventions the Supreme Board of Trustees, through the Supreme
President, shall provide for the distribution of all passwords, and
regulate the mode and manner of using the same, establish and
control the forms, ceremo nies. written or unwritten work, and to
change, alter and annul the same, and provide for the safe-keeping
of the uniform teaching and dissemination of the same; prescribe
the form of blanks to be used by the applicants for membership
and provide, print and furnish all other blanks, forms, rituals,
ceremonies, cards and certificates; prescribe the form, material and
color of all regalia, emblems and jewels.
SECTION 27. Passwords and secret work shall be given for the first
time to candidates when they arc initiated in the degre to which such
password or secret work applies. Changes in password and secret
work shall, with the exception of that of the Fourth or Noble Degree,
be fust imparted to the Grand President Passwords shall be given
only to such members of a Local Commandery as are declared by
the Financial Secretary thereof, to be in good standing. Each Grand
President, or other Knights of St. John International having charge
of the exemplification of a degree, may, however, impart to a person
Seeking to know the same, such password, upon the presentation
of proof from the fin;mcial Secretary of the Local Commandery
to which such person belongs that such person is entitled to know
such password. Candidates for a degree will be presumed, wh n
taking such degree, to be seeking to know the password of such
degree. Except as hereinbefore provided, passwords shall be given
by members to no person excepting the acting officers, authorised
to receive the same by the ritual of the Knights of St. John
International. For purpose of identification, secret work will be
furnished to members of the various Commanderies as prescribed
in the ritual. Password and secret work shall be communicated to
the Grand President of each Grand Commandery as provided in
Chapter II,
Sections 27-28 31
Section 6 hereof, and such Grand Presidem shall immediately

thereafter communicate the password and ritual work in cipher
under separate cover to the Presidents of the Local Commanderies
and Commanders of the District Commanderies within the
jurisdiction of his Grand Commandery.
SECTION 28. All Subordinate Commanderies, through the Supreme

Secretary, shall make provisions for the bonding of all officers who
are entrusted with the care of money belonging to the Commandery.
Such officers shall be required to furnish a fiduciary bond
obligating themselves and approved security to the Commandery,
whose money they handle. The books of all such officers shall be
inspected by a competent Auditing Committee at least once a year,
and a verification of securities and bank balances shall be made
personally by the members of said Auditing Committee. Such audit
and verification shall not be considered sufficient when bank books
are examined, but all money not on deposit must actually be counted
and a signed certificate must be obtained from the bank showing the
amount on deposit. All securities must actually be seen and checked.
This section of the Constitution may not be waived and presidents
and other chief officers of all Subordinate Commanderies shall be
responsible for securing full compliance with it by all Auditing
Committees. The bonds of all Local Commandery officers shall be
provided according to the schedule and in the company contracted
with the Supreme Board of Trustees for that purpose.
ORGANIZING DEPARTMENT
SECTION 29. The Supreme Organizing Department shall be in

charge of the Supreme Organizer subject to the supervision of the
Supreme Board of Trustees. The Grand Presidents of the different
Grand Commanderies shall be the Grand Organizers. The Supreme
Organiser shall have charge of the Grand Organizers and in territory
wherein no Grand Commandery exists, shall appoint such Deputy
Organizers as he shall deem best. Each Grand Organizer shall have
power to appoint within the territory under the jurisdiction of his
Grand Commandery, such Deputy Organizers as he shall deem best.
None of said officers shall be authorized to pledge or create any
indebtedness against the Knight of St. John International except as
permitted by the Supreme Board of Trustees. Subject to the forgoing
provisions of this section, all rules and regulations governing said
department shall be made by the Supreme Board of Trustees.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
SECTION 30. When issues arise with or between: Members of the

order within a Commaandery,
1. Local Commanderies
2. District Commanderies
3. Grand Commanderies
4. Or any others,
Every attempt should be made to resolve them at the lowest level
and as informally as possible.
Corrected July 2014

Section 31 32-1
SECTION 31. When disputes adse within a local

Commandery, it will be the duty of the Commandery officers
to resolve the dispute as prescribed by this Constitution in the
appropriate section for Local Commanderies.
However, when a dispute cannot be resolved at the Local
Commandery level or a dispute arises between Local Commanderies,
the dispute shall be escalated to the District or Grand Commandery,
whichever is appropriate. The District or Grand Commandery
President or designee shall conduct an investigation to determine
all facts in the matter. The District or Grand President will have the
authority to mediate between the parties and order a resolution to
the dispute.
When a dispute cannot be resolved at the Grand
Commandery level or a dispute arises between Grand Commanderies
where there exists a Supreme Subordinate Commandery, the dispute
shall be escalated to the Supreme Subordinate Commandery. The
Supreme Subordinate Commandery President or designee shall
conduct an investigation to determine all facts in the matter. The
Supreme Subordinate President will have the authority to mediate
between the parties and order a resolution to the dispute.
When a dispute cannot be resolved at the Grand Commandery or
Supreme Subordinate Commandery level or a dispute arises between
Grand Commanderies where there is no Supreme Subordinate
Commandery, the dispute shall be escalated to the Supreme
Commandery. The Supreme Commandery President or designee
will direct the office of the Supreme Inspector General and/or the
Supreme Counsel and/or a Special Committee, depending
Corrected July 2014
32-2 Chapter II - Supreme Commandery
on the dispute, to conduct an investigation to determine all the

facts in the matter. The investigating body (Inspector, Counsel or
Committee) shall report the findings to the Su preme President for
review. The Supreme President will have the authority to mediate
between the parties and order a resolution to the dispute.
SECTION 32. The mediation decision of the Officer in Charge

at the appropriate level (Local Commandery President, Grand
Commandery President, Supreme Subordinate President, or
Supreme President), will be communicated to all parties involved.
The decision will be binding if accepted by all parties. The decision
may be appealed to a higher command if all are not in agreement. In
all disputes, the order of appeal set forth above shall be followed.
When the dispute reaches the Supreme Commandery, the mediation
decision of the Supreme President shall be final and binding to all
parties without exception.
SECTION 33. When the mediation decision of the Officer in Charge

includes the recommendation of penalties, then the following shall
also be followed.
The Officer in Charge may recommend reasonable penalties which
may include fine, suspension or expulsion for violation of any by-
law of the Local, District, Grand, Supreme Subordinate or Supreme
Commandery or violation of any lawful order made, in writing by
the Supreme Officer. The OIC will present the recommendation to
the Authoritative Body (Local Commandery, Grand Commandery,
Supreme Subordinate
Corrected July 2014
Section 33 - 34 32-3
Board or Supreme Board) for a vote on he recommended penalties.

Any member who is charged with any offense considered conduct
unbecoming a Knight shall stand suspended until completion of the
investigation and the decision of the Authoritative Body.
SECTION 34. Litigation brought forth against the Knights of St.

John International by any member of Local, District, Grand or
Supreme Subordinate Commandery, without following the due
process outlined above, will be cause for suspension from the
Order pending investigation. In all cases, the dispute resolution and
appeal process set forth here shall be used by all members of the
Knights of St. John International and litigation may be cause for
expulsion from the Order.
Sections 1-3 33
CHAPTER III
Supreme Subordinate Commanderies - Overseas
SECTION l. The Supreme Subordinate Commanderies-

Overseas, after being duly installed and qualified, are hereby declared
to be “Supreme Subordinate Commanderies” within the meaning of
those words as used in Sections I and 6 of Chapter 284 of the Laws
of the State of New York entitled “An Act to Incorporate the Roman
Catholic Union of the Knights of St. John” and the amendments
thereof. All Supreme Subordinate Commanderies - Overseas shall
be composed of two or more Grand Commanderies within the
territorial limits of the same Catholic Bishops Conference.
SECTION 2. It shall be the duty of every Knight of St.

John to encourage and assist in any way the continued success of our
Supreme Subordinate Commanderies, which, since their inception,
have contributed splendidly to the growth in spirit, membership and
fraternalism of our Noble Order.
SECTION 3. Each Supreme Subordinate Commandery

shall adopt such by-laws and regulations under the direction
of the Supreme Commandery as may be deemed necessary for
their governance. However, no such by-laws or regulations shall
be inconsistent with the Constitution of the Knights of St. John
International as it now exists or may hereafter be amended,
which shall remain as binding to all such Supreme Subordinate
Commanderies.
Corrected July 2008

34 Chapter III - Supreme Subordinate Comm.
OFFICERS
SECTION 4. The officers of the Supreme Subordinate Commandery

Knights of St. John International shall be as follows: Supreme
Subordinate Spiritual Director, Supreme Subordinate President,
Supreme Subordinate First Vice-President, Supreme Subordinate
Second Vice President, Supreme Subordinate Secretary, Supreme
Subordinate Treasurer, Supreme Subordinate Judge Advocate and
Two Supreme Subordinate Trustees.
SECTION 5. The Supreme Subordinate Spiritual Director shall be

an ordained Priest located within the geographical territory of the
Supreme Subordinate Com mandery. The other officers specified
herein, except the Supreme Subordinate Judge Advocate, shall
be elected separately by secret ballot from the members of the
Supreme Subordinate Commandery. No person shall al the same
time hold two offices excepting that he may be a delegate of a Local
Commandery and hold one of the other offices. All elected Supreme
Subordinate Commandery officers shall be elected by majority of
all the votes cast.
SECTION 6. The Supreme Subordinate Judge Advocate shall be a

Professional Legal practitioner resident within the territorial limits
of the Supreme Subordinate Commandery.
SECTION 7. Each of the following officers of the Supreme

Subordinate Commandery shall be appointed by the elected
Supreme Subordinate Officers and Grand
Corrected July 2008

Sections 7- 9 35
Presidents to serve for a period of two (2) years until such time as
their successors have been appointed, qualified and installed.
a. Supreme Subordinate Spiritual Director
b. Supreme Subordinate Judge -Advocate
SECTION 8. The Supreme Subordinate Commandery Board of

Trustees shall be the officers named in Section
4 above together with all Past Supreme Subordinate Presidents
and the Grand Presidents of each Grand Commandery within the
territorial limits of the Supreme Subordinate Commandery.
DUTIES OF OFFICERS
SECTION 9. The Supreme Subordinate President shall preside at

all meetings of the Supreme Subordinate Commandery. He shall
maintain order, enforce all rules and perform all duties required of
him. He shall have full supervision of the Supreme Subordinate
Commandery and shall communicate as often as needed with
his Grand Presidents. Upon receiving the Password from the
Supreme Commandery, he shall pass it on to his Grand President
s. He shall have the power to suspend temporarily, officers of the
Grand Regiment, District, Local and Cadet Commanderies for any
violation of the Supreme Constitution or for other offenses he may
deem sufficient, and upon doing so, he shall immediately confer
with the Supreme Secretary in writing. He shall hold quarterly
meetings with the Supreme Subordinate Board of Trustees .
Corrected July 2008

SECTION l 0. It shall be the duty of the Supreme Subordinate First

Vice President to assist the Supreme Subordinate President and in
the absence of the President, he shall take his place. In the case of
death, resignation or inability to act of the Supreme Subordinate
President, he shall take his place until a successor of the Supreme
Subordinate President is elected.
SECTION 11. It shall be the duty of the Supreme Subordinate

Second Vice-President to assist the Supreme Subordinate President
and in the absence of the Supreme Subordinate First-Vice President,
he shall take his place. In the event of a vacancy of the office of the
First Vice President, he shall succeed to that office for the unexpired
term.
SECTION 12. The Supreme Subordinate Secretary shall keep all

records on file, minutes of all meetings and all communications
from the Supreme Commandery. He shall sign all orders, answer
all correspondence within seven (7) days, and shall hold a file of
names, and address of all officers of the Supreme Subordinate
Commandery, Grand District, Local and Cadets within the confine
of his Supreme Subordinate Commandery. He shall also maintain a
complete record of all Commandery names and numbers for each
Local, District, Regiment and Cadet Commanderies along with
the dates they were organized. He shall keep a complete record
of names and addresses of all Local Presidents, Secretaries and
Delegates to all Grand and Supreme Conventions. He shall perform
all duties pertaining to the position of the Supreme Subordinate
Recording/ Corresponding Secretary. He shall send quarterly
reports to the Supreme Secretary. He shall contilct the Supreme
Secretary as needed.
Sections 12 - 15 37
SECTION 13. The Supreme Subordinate Treasurer shall set up a

two (2) signature account for checking and savings for the Supreme
Subordinate Commandery, handle and keep accurate records of all
funds collected and shall deposit all funds in said account within
five (5) days.
He shall assist with the budget proposal. He shall keep an up to
date record of all receipts and disbursements and exhibit his books
whenever necessary, and for auditing of the Supreme Subordinate
Commandery. He shall feel free to contact the Supreme Secretary
or the Supreme Treasurer as needed.
SECTION 14. The Supreme Subordinate Judge Advocate shall

study all Resolution Amendments to by-laws or to the Supreme
Constitution. He shall perform such legal business for the Supreme
Subordinate Commandery as the Supreme Subordinate President,
Supreme Subordinate Secretary, Supreme Subordinate Treasurer
or Supreme Subordinate Board of Trustees may refer to him.
Ifhe should see any rule, regulation or by-law that is not being
followed, he shall report to the Supreme Subordinate President
immediately. He should be in contact with the Supreme Counsel,
Supreme Secretary and the Supreme Treasurer as needed and refer
all questions not understood.
SECTION 15. It shall be the duty of the Supreme Subordinate

Trustees to audit the books of the Supreme Subordinate
Commandery, as well as oversee the operation of the Supreme
Subordinate Commandery and to report any malpractice to the
Supreme Secretary for action by the Supreme Board of Trustees.
SECTION 16. If a vacancy occurs in any of the offices, except that

of the Supreme Subordinate First Vice-President, it shall be filled
at a regular or special meeting by election. Where the Supreme
Subordinate Second Vice-President succeeds to the office of
the Supreme Subordinate First Vice President , the office of the
Supreme Subordinate Second Vice President may be filled a any
regular or special meeting by election.
Meetings
SECTION 17. The Supreme Subordinate Commanderies shall meet

in convention every two years in the odd number years at a place
designated by the Supreme Subordinate Board of Trustees.
SECTION 18. The following members shall have the right to cast
one (I) vote at all elections and on issues at the Supreme Subordinate
Conventi on.
a. The Supreme Subordinate Spiritual Director
b. The Supreme Subordinate President
c. All Past Supreme Subordinate Presidents
d. The Supreme Subordinate 1st Vice-President
e. The Supreme Subordinate 2nd Vice-President
f. The Supreme Subordinate Secretary
g. The Supreme Subordinate Treasurer
h. The Supreme Subordinate Judge Advocate
1. The Supreme Subordinate Trustees (2)
Corrected July 2008

Sections 18 - 19 38- 1
j. The Grand Presidents or in their absence their Vice-

Presidents of Grand Commanderies within the territorial
limits of the Supreme Subordinate Commandery
k. The Grand Secretaries of Grand Commanderies within
the territorial limits of the Supreme Subordinate
Commandery.
l. The District Commanders (or in their absence their
Vice-Commanders) of District Commanderies within
the territorial limits of the Supreme Subordinate
Commandery.
m. All members in good standing of each attached Local
Commandery through its delegate or alternate delegate
elected by the Local Commandery and certified to the
Supreme Subordinate Commandery shall have a vote.
n. The Local Commandery Presidents of all Local
Commanderies within the territorial I imits of the
Supreme Subordinate Commandery.
o. The Commander of the Uniform Rank of the Local
Commanderies within the territorial limits of the
p. The Grand Cadet Organizer of all Grand
q. The local Commandery Cadet Organizers of all Local
SECTION 19. At the first session of the Supreme Subordinate

Convention, the Presiding officer shall appoint three delegates to
the convention to act as the Chair Nomination Committee.
The voting members of the Supreme Subordinate Convention
38-2 Chapter III - Supreme Subordinate Comm.
present shall elect by ballot three different delegates to act as the

Floor Nominating Committee. The said ballot must list at least
three (3) names voted to be legal and valid. These committees
shall meet separately and without consultation with each other, and
each committee shall nominate at least one member for each of the
offices to be voted for and present their nominees a the next session
of the Supreme Subordinate Convention. Nothing herein contained
shall prevent any member from being nominated from the floor at
the time of the report of the committee.
SECTION 20. Officers and delegates to the Supreme Subordinate

Convention shall, unless excused by the Presiding Officer, be
required to be in attendance at every session thereof. The Supreme
Subordinate Secretary shall call the roll of officers and delegates at
each session and note absentees.
SECTION 21. Each Supreme Subordinate Commandery shall have

the right to fix in a by-law the amount of the annual per capita tax
which shall be necessary to defray the legitimate expenses of such
SECTION 22. The Officers of the Supreme Sub ordinate

Commanderies shall have the following military ranks:
a. Supreme Subordinate President, who by virtue of his
office shall have the military rank of Major General. He shall not be
eligible for
Corrected July 2008

Section 22 38-3
re-election after two consecutive terms.

b. Supreme Subordinate Spiritual Director, who by virtue
of his office shall have the military rank of Brigadier
General.
c. Supreme Subordinate First Vice-President, who by the
virtue of his office shall have the military rank of
Brigadier General.
d. Supreme Subordinate Second Vice-President, who by
virtue of his office shall have the military rank of
Brigadier General.
e. Supreme Subordinate Secretary, who by virtue of his
office shall have the military rank of Brigadier General.
f. Supreme Subordinate Treasurer, who by virtue of his
office shall have the military rank of Brigadier General.
g. Supreme Subordinate Judge Advocate, who by virtue of
his office shall have the military rank of Colonel.
h. Two Supreme Subordinate Trustees, who by virtue of
their office shall have the military rank of Colonel.
Corrected July 2008

Section 7-10 41
SECTION 7. No Grand Commandery shall consist of less than five

Local Commanderies, having a total membership of at least three
hundred members, unless in the opinion of the Supreme Board of
Trustees of the Knights of St. John International, it is for the best
interests of the Order to dispense with this requirement.
SECTION 8. Grand Commanderies shall be organized by the

Supreme Board of Trustees as nearly as possible with reference to
the geographical locations of the Local Commanderies’
OFFICERS
SECTION 9. The officers shall consist of a Spiritual Director, a
Grand President, a Grand First Grand President, a Grand Second
Vice President, a Grand Secretary, a Grand Financial secretary, a
Grand Treasurer, a Judge-Advocate, a Grand Sergeant-at-Aims, a
Grand Messenger, a Grand Guard and Trustees.
SECTION 10. The Grand President shall have the military rank of
Brigadier General. The Grand First Vice President, Grand Second
Vice President and the Grand Secretary shall have the military rank
of Colonel.
Corrected July 2006

Corrected July 2008
Corrected July 2014
42 Chapter IV - Grand Commanderies
SECTION 11. At the first session of the Convention the presiding

officer shall appoint three members to act as a nominating committee
for the chair and the members present shall elect by ballot three
different members who are to act as the floor nominating committee.
Said ballots must list three (3) names voted to be legal and valid.
These Committees shall meet separately and without consultation
with each other, and each Committee shall nominate at least one
member for each of the offices to be voted for and present their
nominees at the next meeting of the Grand Commandery. Nothing
herein contained shall prevent any member from being nominated
from the floor at the time of the report of the Committees.
SECTION 12. The Spiritual Director of the Grand Commandery

shall be a member of the clergy within the geographical confines of
the place where the Grand Commandery Convention is held: The
other officers specified herein shall be elected separately by ballot
and shall be chosen from the members of the Grand Commandery.
No person shall at the same time hold two offices, excepting that
he may be a delegate of a Local Commandery and one of the other
offices. The terms of all Grand Commandery Officers are hereby
fixed for two years, commending from the date of their last election.
All Grand Commandery Officers shall be elected by a majority of
all the votes cast.
Sections 13 - 15 43
SECTION 13. It shall be the dµty of the Grand President

to preside at all meetings of the Grand Commandery, maintain
order, enforce the rules, and perform all other duties required of
him. He shall have general supervision of the Grand Commandery,
and he shall have command of all parades/processions of the
Grand Commandery, and shall appoint all his staff officers for
such parades/processions. He shall communicate in cipher, under
separate cover to the Commander of each District Commandery
and to the President of each Local Commandery, the password
and secret work therefore communicated to him by the Supreme
President, in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.
SECTION 14. It shall be the duty of the Grand First Vice-

President to assist the Grand President, and in the absence of that
officer he shall take his place. In the case of death, resignation or
inability to act of the Grand President, he shall take his place until a
successor of the Grand President is elected.
SECTION 15. It shall be the duty of the Grand Second Vice-

President also to assist the Grand President. In the absence of the
Grand First Vice-President he shall take his place, and in event of
a vacancy in the office of the Grand First Vice-President he shall
succeed to that office for the unexpired term.
SECTION 16. It shall be the duty of the Grand Secretary to keep a

record of the proceedings of all sessions of the Grand Commandery,
sign all orders, answer all correspondence, and exhibit his books
when requested by the Grand President or Board of Trustees. He
shall keep a list of all District, Local and Cadet Commanderies in
the jurisdiction of the Grand Commandery, and a correct roll of the
delegates to and the members of the Grand Commandery. At such
other time as may be provided for in the by-laws he shall exhibit his
books to the Auditing Committee as may be provided for therein. In
addition to the forgoing duties, the Grand Secretary shall perform
all other duties, usually appertaining to the position of a Recording/
Corresponding Secretary.
SECTION 17. It shall be the duty of the Grand Financial Secretary

to keep a correct roll of all members and their standing in the Grand
Commandery. He shall keep an account of all moneys paid into the
Grand Commandery, but in receiving moneys from members on
dates other than the regular meetings, the same shall be considered
an act of courtesy and amounts so paid shall not be credited to the
members until reported received at the following regular meetings.
He shall report at each meeting the amount of moneys received,
immediately transfer the same to the Treasurer, getting his receipt
for the same.
Corrected July 2008

Corrected July 2010
Sections 18 - 22 45
and when requested shall exhibit his books to the Auditing

Committee at the annual meetings, and to such other committees
and at such other times as may be provided for in the by-laws.
Within seven days he shall deposit all receipts in a local bank
designated by the Grand Commandery. Any surplus funds shall be
invested as directed by the Grand Commandery.
SECTION 19. The Judge Advocate shall perform such duties of a

legal nature as may be assigned to him by the Supreme Counsel or
Grand President, and he shall be Chairman of the Law Committee.
SECTION 20. The Board of Trustees shall be the permanent

Auditing Committee of the Grand Commandery.
SECTION 21. If a vacancy occurs in any of the offices except that

of the Grand First Vice-President, it shall be filled at any regular
or special meeting by election. Where the Grand Second Vice-
President succeeds to the office of the Grand First Vice-President,
the office of the Grand Second Vice-President may be filled at any
regular or special meeting by election.
MEETINGS
SECTION 22. Officers and Delegates to the Grand Commandery
meeting shall, unless excused by the meeting, be required to be in
attendance at every session thereof. The Grand Secretary shall call
the roll of officers and delegates at each session, and note absentees.
SECTION 23. The Grand President may appoint an Organizer

and as many deputies as he may deem necessary to visit each
Commandery within the Grand Commandery at least once each
year. The Grand President, when directed by the Supreme President,
shall have authority to examine the books of any Subordinate
Commandery within his immediate jurisdiction to see that the
business of the organization is properly and uniformly conducted
and that all such Commanderies have sufficient supplies which
are by this Constitution required to be furnished by the Supreme
Commandery.
Chapter V - District Commanderies 47
CHAPTERV
District Commanderies
SECTION 1. A District Commandery shall consist of all Past

District Commanders of the District Commandery, the District
Commander, thereof, the Officers of the latter’s staff, three delegates
elected by the members of each Local Commandery, the Local
Commanders of the uniformed rank of each Local Commandery,
the Cadet Organizer of each Local Cadet Commandery, and where
the formation, as hereinafter provided, is a Brigade, shall include
the Colonels and Staff Officers of each Regiment in the Brigade .
Two or more Local Commanderies may organize themselves into
a District Commandery. In a District Commandery which contains
two and not more than Seven Local Commanderies it shall be
designated as a Battalion. If a District Commandery contains not
less than eight nor more than fifteen Local Commanderies it shall
be designated as a Regiment. If at any time a District Commandery
contains more than fifteen Commanderies they may organize into
two or more Regiments each containing not less than eight Local
Commanderies and it shall constitute a Brigade.
SECTION 2. The regular meetings of a District Commandery shall

be held at least four times each year, during the months of March,
June, September and December, unless the Supreme President
shall consent upon request of the District Commandery to not less
than two meetings in each year, which shall be held at times to be
specified in the by-laws of the District Commandery.
Corrected July 2000
48 Chapter V - District Commanderies
Special meetings may be called by the District Commander, or,

in his absence, by the First Vice-Commander, or upon demand of
the Supreme President. It shall be the duty of such Commander,
or Vice-Commander to call such meeting, and at least five days’
notice shall be given of the time and place, and of the business to be
transacted at such special meetings.
SECTION 3. A District Commandery may im pose fines upon

officers thereof or any officer of any Regiment therein, or upon any
Regiment or Commandery therein for a violation of the District
Commandery by-laws or orders of said Commandery.
OFFICERS
SECTION 4. When the District Commander is a Brigadier General,

the other officers shall be a Chaplain, Adjutant and Inspector with
the rank of Major; a Quartermaster, and Paymaster with the rank
of Captain. A First-Vice District Commander and a Second-Vice
District.Commander shall be elected at a meeting of the District
Commanderywhen the officers are elected. When the District
Commander is a Colonel, the other officers shall be a Chaplain,
Adjutant with the rank of Captain; Quartermaster, and Paymaster
with the rank of First Lieutenant, a First-Vice District Commander
with the rahk of Lieutenant Colonel and a Second-Vice District
Commander with the rank of Major. When the District Commander
is a Major, the other officers shall be a Chaplain, Adjutant and
Inspector with the rank of First Lieutenant; a Quartermaster, and
Paymqsterwith the rank of Second Lieutenant, a First-Vice District
Commander with the rank of Captain and a Second-Vice District
Commander with the rank of Captain.
Sections 4 - 6 49
SECTION 5. Except as otherwise specifically pre scribed in the

last section, all officers of the District Cornmandery, that is a,
Brigadier General, a Colonel, a Lieutenant Colonel, or all Majors of
all Battalions and all other officers below the Major in the District
Commandery and Battalions shall be elected by ballot. All such
elective officers shall have the right to participate in the elections
of an elective officer of a District Com mandery or vote upon the
resignation of an elective officer or upon enactment or amendment
of a by-law of this Commandery.
SECTION 6. At a meeting of the District Commandery at which

Officers are to be nominated, the elected District Commandery
Officers and Commandery Delegates present shall select by ballot
three persons who are to act as a nominating committee and the
presiding officer shall appoint a different nominating committee
of the same number. Said ballots must list three (3) names voted
to be legal and valid. These committees shall meet separately and
without consultation with each other, and each committee shall
nominate at least one member for each of the offices to be voted
for and present their nominees to the District Commandery at the
time when Officers are to be elected. Nothing herein contained shall
Corrected July 2000

prevent any member from being nominated from the floor at the
time of the report of the committees.
SECTION 7. A Brigadier General, Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel

or Majors of all Battalions shall be elected. Such of said elective
officers as this District Commandery is entitled to shall be elected
separately by ballot at the regular meeting in December of the year
in which the terms of the Officers now holding such positions shall
expire and in December of each third year thereafter. They shall
assume office after being duly installed and qualified. The term
of each elective office shall be three years and should a vacancy
occur in any elective office, it shall be filled for the unexpired term
by each elective officer following in rank and the lowest elective
office vacancy may be filled for the unexpired term by election at
any regular or special meeting or left vacant at the discretion of
members. All above mentioned District Officers shall be elected by
a majority of all votes casts. All other officers will be appointed.
DUTIES OF OFFICERS
SECTION 8. The District Commander shall order· drills at such

times as he deems advisable. He shall also order inspections of each
Commandery at least once a year. He shall have sole command of all
general parades and drills of the Battalion, Regiment or Brigade. He
may assign to a unit commanded by a Captain, all units commanded
by a non-commissioned officer as well as units consisting of less
than sixteen men. At the December meeting each year he shall
appoint an Auditing Committee of three members, who shall audit
the books of the Adjutant, Quartermaster, and Paymaster. He shall
preside at all meetings, sign all bills and appoint all committees,
unless otherwise ordered by the District Commandery. He shall also
Sections 8 - 11 51
make reports to the Supreme President requesting commissions for

such military officers as. since his last report, have been elected in
any Commandery under his jurisdiction and found by examination
to be qualifled. He shall install all officers or deputize some officer
to perform such duties.
SECTION 9. It shall be the duty of the Adjutant to keep a record

of the proceedings of all meetings, sign all orders, answer all
correspondence and exhibit his books when requested by the District
Commander. He shall keep a list of all Commanderies represented
in the District Commandery, also a correct roll of delegates to and
members of this District Commandery.
SECTION 10. It shall be the duty of the Quartermaster to keep

a roll of all Local Commanderies represented in the District
Commandery and open accounts with all Local Commanderies.
He shall sign all vouchers and exhibit his books to the Auditing
Committee when requested.
SECTION 11. The Paymaster shall receive all moneys paid into the
District Commandery, giving his receipt for same . He shall cash
all orders on the treasury. as dir cted by the District Commandery,
and when requested he shall exhibit his books to the Auditing
Committee. Within seven days he shall deposit all receipts in a
Local Bank designated by the District Com’ mandery. Any surplus
funds shall be invested as directed by the District Commandery.
SECTION 12. The other military officers shall perform such duties
as usually pertain to their respective positions.
REGIMENTS
SECTION 13. When the formation of the District Commandery is

a Brigade the provisions in this article contained shall apply to each
Regiment composing such Brigade.
SECTIONS 14. The Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel and Major of all

Battalions shall be elected by ballot in the same manner and by the
same electors as if such Regiment were a District Commandery,
and the provisions of Section 7 hereof relating to time of election,
length of terms, the time of commencement and expiration thereof,
terms of present incumbents and filling of vacancies shall apply to
the officers of such regiments, but nothing in this section contained
shall be construed as legislating out of office before the expiration
of his term, any person now holding a regimental office.
SECTION 15. There shall be in each Regiment a Regimental Board

of Officers, consisting of all Past Colonels, Regimental elected
Officers, the Regimental Staff Officers, the Commanders and
two other military Officers from each Local Commandery in the
Regiment.
Sections 16 - 19 53
SECTION 16. All parades other than such as may be ordered by

the Grand President shall be ordered by the District Commander .
SECTION 17. There shall be set apart by each of the District

Commanderies one day in every year for the observance of
Memorial Day with appropriate Military and Civic ceremonies in
memory of the deceased members of the District. Every District
Commandery shall have at least one Mass offered during the year
for the repose of the souls of the deceased members of the District
Com mandery.
SECTION 18. Fifty percent or more of the Com manderies in the

District shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
SECTION 19. Any officer shall be subject to re moval from office
who shall fail to perform the duties pertaining to his office, after
having been duly notified by the Adjutant; if an elected officer, by
the majority vote of the District Commandery, and if an appointed
officer, by the Colonel or officer appointing him.
54
Sections 1 - 2 55
CHAPTER VI
Local Commanderies
SECTION 1. Whenever fifteen or more members who are practicing

Catholics, between the ages of sixteen and fifty-five years, (except
social or honorary members who may be older) desire to secure
to themselves and their successors, the benefits of membership in
the Knights of St. John International, they shall make application
to form a Local Commandery on a form to be furnished by the
Supreme Secretary of the Knights of St. John International. Such
application shall be signed by the pastor of the parish wherein it is
proposed to institute such Local Commandery, or other priests of
the diocese. However, the Supreme Board may dispense with the
necessity of such approval, if it is in the interests of the proposed
new Commandery, or of the Order, to do so. Such application shall
be accompanied by a charter fee of fifty-five dollars ($55.00). If
the application is favorably considered by the Supreme Board of
Trustees, a Charter shall be granted to the applicants, and their
successors, as a Local Commandery of the Knights of St. John
International.
SECTION 2. No Local Commandery shall admit into its body or

retain therein any member of a secret or sworn society condemned
by the Catholic Church, or any person expelled from the Supreme
or any Subordinate Commandery of the Knights of St. John
International, or any person who is not a practicing Catholic; and
should a Local Commandery at any time violate, in any particular,
56 Chapter VI - Local Commanderies
the provisions of this section, it shall forfeit all claims, rights and
privileges of membership in the Knights of St. John International
and be expelled from the Knights of St. John International by the
Supreme Board of Trustees; and any member of any Commandery
joining a secret society condemned by the Catholic Church, or
retaining membership in such a society, after becoming a member
of a Local Commandery, shall be considered, ipso facto, expelled
and neither he nor his representatives, nor his beneficiaries shall be
entitled to any benefits from the Knights of St. John International
or any Commandery therein or any department thereof. Local
Commanderies may define and provide for the punishment of
members who violate the by-laws or are guilty of misconduct as
determined by their Commandery.
SECTION 3. The application of any applicant who has been

rejected by any Local Commandery shall not be received by any
other Local Commandery or by the same Commandery for a period
of six months thereafter.
SECTION 4. When a member has been suspended or expelled for

the non-payment of dues, he may be reinstated by a two-thirds vote
of the members present at a regular meeting of the Commandery, at
which there is a quorum.
SECTION 5. No Commandery shall hereafter accept as a member

thereof, any person who has not paid as a minimum fee for
admission to the Commandery, the sum of at least three dollars, no
part of which may be rebated in any manner, directly or indirectly,
to the applicant for membership, except that the Supreme Board
may authorize any Local Commandery, or applicant for Charter for
Local Commandery, upon the proper application, to admit members
Sections 5 - 8 57
for a lesser fee or for no fee during a fixed interval, upon conditions
to be fixed and determined by the Supreme Board. Sons of members
may be admitted without paying an initiation fee.
SECTION 6. Any member of a Local Commandery in good

standing shall be entitled to receive a membership card from
the Local Commandery of which he is a member, which shall
entitle such member to recognition, protection and friendship
from all Commanderies and members of the Knights of St. John
International.
SECTION 7. Any member of a Local Commandery having paid all

dues, fines or assessments and desiring to resign his membership,
shall receive from the Commanddery a card signed by the President
and Financial Sec retary, certifying that he has complied with the
Constitution of the Knights of St. John International and the by-
laws of hi Local Commandery, and that he has honorably resigned
his membership.
SECTION 8. Any member of a Local Commandery, having paid all

dues, fines or assessments, and desiring to transfer his membership
to any other Local Commandery, shall, upon application in writing
to the first-mentioned Local Commandery and the payment of
dues for one month in advance, receive from the Corresponding
Secretary thereof a transfer card, signed by the President and
Secretary thereof and countersigned by the Supreme Secretary,
which he shall, within thirty days, after the delivery thereof to
him, present to the Local Commandery to which he desires to be
transferred. If his transfer card is ace pted. which can be done
by the votes of a majority of the members present at a meeting
at which there is a quorum, the Local Commandery accepting it
grants the member the rights of membership, subject to the terms
expressed in the by-laws of the Commandery to which he has been
transferred; and the Corresponding Secretary shall notify the Local
Commandery issuing the transfer card of the acceptance thereof.
Should the Lransfer card be refused by the Local Commandery to
which it has been presented. the Corrcsponcling Secretary thereof
shall so infom, the Commandery issuing the same, giving the
reasons therefor. The member shall not lose his membership in the
Commandery issuing the transfer card until he has been accepted by
the Commandery to which he has presented the same; except that
upon refusal of such lastmentioned Commandery to accept him, he
must, within thirty days thereafter, return the said transfer card to
the Commandery issuing the said transfer card. The Secretary of the
Local Commandery accepting such transfer card shall immediately
notify the Supreme Secretary of such acceptance. Whenever
a member is transferred from one Commandery to another
Commandery, it shall be the duty of the Commandery from which
the member is transferred to protect the transferring member for a
period of six months from the date of transfer for such sick or death
benefits as the Commandery transferring the member provides for in
the by-laws for the membership of that Commandery. However, the
transferring member shall first pay to the Commandery from which
transfer is made any and all dues, assessments or any charges that
may occur up to the date of transfer. After the expiration of six
months, the transferring member shall be entitled to all sick or death
benefits that may be provided for in the bylaws of the Commandery
to which he is transferred as in case of original membership therein.
He shall be required to conform to all other provisions by the by-
laws of the Commandery to which he has been transferred.
Sections 8 -11 59
SECTION 9. If any Local Commandery fails to punish, within

three months after he shall be found guilty of conduct unbecoming
a Knight of St. John International, a member of such Local
Commandery, who, while wearing a uniform of the Knights of St.
John International or while representing the Commandery, conducts
himself in a manner calculated to bring discredit upon the Knights
of St. John International, such Local Commandery may be expelled
from the Supreme Commandery by the Board of Trustees.
SECTIONS 10. Local Commanderies so desiring may have non-

uniformed members attached thereto, but only members of the
uniformed rank shall be eligible to vote for a candidate for or hold
a military office.
SECTION 11. Each Local Commandery may adopt the name by

which it shall be known.
SECTION 12. No member of any Commandery of the Knights of

St. John International shall belong as an active member to more
than one Local Commandery at the same time.
NAME
SECTION 13. The Commandery shall be known as Commandery
No. ___________________________________________, of the
Knights of St. John International of _________________________
and shall consist of not less than fifteen members, possessing
the powers and privileges of a Local Commandery within the
jurisdiction of the Supreme Commandery, under whose authority
it exists by virtue of a charter duly granted by the Supreme
Commandery, while acting in conformity with the laws, enactments,
rules and regulations of the Supreme Cornmandery of the Knights
of St. John International.
SECTION 14. A Local Comrnandery shall not disband as long as

there are seven members in good standing belonging to it, without
the permission of the Supreme Board. Every motion or resolution
to disband a Local Cornmandery must be tabled and shall not be
voted upon until ninety days after a notice thereof and a copy of
the motion or resolution has been sent to the Supreme Secretary
by registered mail. Upon the disbandment of a Local Comrnandery
all its assets shall be turned over to and become the property of the
Supreme Commandery.
Sections l 5 - l 6 61
SECTION l 5. If part of the membership of a Subordinate

Commandery, by resolution, or otherwise, shall indicate intention
not to comply with any provisions of this Constitution, or with any
order lawfully made by any superior officer, or with any lawful rule,
order or by-law of any Commandery of the Knights of St. John
International, and seven or more members of such Commandery
shall indicate a desire and intention to comply with such provision,
decision, order, rule or by-law, and to continue in the membership
of the Knights of St. John International, such seven or more
members shall be recognized and considered as the constituent
members of the Commandery and shall be entitled to hold the
charter thereof, and shall be recognized by the Supreme Officers as
such Commandery so long as they comply with such constitutional
provision. decision. nile, order or by-law. Those me-milers who
indic:itC’ :m intention not lo comply with such provision of this
Constilu lio n. or with :iny dec isio n. mle. order or by-law, shall
be expelled by the Suprcrn Board ofTnistccs from membership in
the Commandcry and the Knights of SL. John International.
SECflON 16 . The Recording Secretary of each Local Commandery

shall transmit to the Supreme Secretary and to the Grand Secretary,
if said Commandery is within the jurisdiction of a Grand
Commandery, not later than January 10th of each year, a complete
roll of the members of his Commandery of every class and character
appearing on the books of said Commandery on January 1st.
The per capita tax determined pursuant to Chapter 1, Section 14,
hereof shall become a lien on January 10th upon every member of
every class and character, except honorary members and members
in Service and shall be payable to the Grand Treasurer not later
than March 1st. Except in the case of unattached Commanderies
where payment shall be made to the Supreme Treasurer. The Grand
Treasurer shall transmit the Supreme Per Capita Tax collected by

him to the Supreme Treasurer.
SECTION 17. Any Commandery which fails to pay per capita

tax before March lsl. as above provided, unless for good reason.
payment is excused or postponed by the Supreme Board of Trustees,
shall by that fact stand suspended wilhout any further actio n on the
part of the Supreme Officers. Any Commandery under suspension
for non-payment of per capita tax may be expelled by the Supreme
Board of Trustees, unless for good reason, payment is excused by
the Supreme Board of T rustees.
SECTION 18. A Local Commandery which fails to pay such per

capita within the time herein provided, unless payment is excused
or postponed by the Supreme Board of Trustees, shall not be
represented in the Grand Commandery of which it is a part; nor
shall its membership be considered in good standing in fixing the
representation from such Grand Commandery to the Supreme Con
vention.
MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 19. Any man between the ages of sixteen and fifty-five
years, (or older where application is for social or honorary member)
and who is a practicing Catholic
may become a member of a Local Commandery on the following
conditions:
Sections 19 - 20 63
He shall make application on the form furnished for the purpose

by the Supreme Commandery. Such application shall be endorsed
by two members of the Commandery in good standing and by
the applicant’s parish priest or other priest of the diocese. The
application must be accompanied by an initiation fee to be fixed by
the Commandery, which shall be refunded in case such application
shall be rejected.
On presentation of the application, the president shall appoint a

committee of three members whose duty it shall be to thoroughly
investigate the religious and moral character of such applicant and
report at the next business meeting. The Commandery shall then
ballot on the candidate so reported and should a simple majority of
dissenting ballots appear against him, from the members present, he
shall be rejected. But , should the majority of the members present
vote for the admission of the applicant, he shall be declared elected.
SECTION 20. Every newly elected member shall, before signing

his name to the roll of the Local Commandery, be initiated in at
least the First Degree in accordance with the ritual provided by the
Supreme Commandery and shall pay in advance, the sum fixed by
the Commandery as monthly dues.
SECTION 21. If an applicant elected a member shall not report for

initiation within thirty days after having received due notice of his
election, such election shall be void and the money paid declared
forfeited.
SECTION 22. Each Commandery should have a uninformed

rank and it shall be the duty of the officers of the Commandery
to encourage and maintain such rank. The following Classes of
membership shall be recognized:
I. UNIFORMED MEMBERS: These are members

equipped and qualified to serve in the uniformed rank.
2. ACTIVE MEMBERS: These are members who pay all

dues and assessments in full and are entitled to all benefits
and rights of the Commandery to which they belong.
3. SOCIAL MEMBERS: These are members who pay

a smaller amount of dues and are not entitled to benefits
but otherwise have the same rights as active members.
In this class there may be admitted men over fifty-five
(55) years of age, or who are physically unfit to pass
an examination. Social Members can become members
of the uniformed rank.
4. HONORARY MEMBERS INCLUDING CLERGY,

GOVERNMENT AND/OR LOCAL OFFICIALS: These
are members who are required to pay no dues, assessments
or per capita taxes of any kind whatsoever, and shall be
entitled to no benefits and have no right to vote in any
meeting. Regular members can not become Honorary
Members, under this Classification.
5. STUDENT MEMBERS: These are members who are

in full time attendance at school or college. They shall
pay no dues except per capita taxes. They shall not
be entitled to any benefits, shall not hold any office nor
vote on any question pertaining to the distribution
of funds. They shall be entitled to all the other privileges
Sections 22 - 23 65
of an active member, including insurance in the Death Benefit Fund.

Upon termination of attendance at school or college they shall
automatically become active members subject to all the obligations
and entitled to all benefits and privileges thereof.
SECTION 23. Every member of a Commandery to be entitled

to receive the benefits of membership in the Knights of St. John
International shall be initiated in at least the first degree and he
shall be and remain a practicing Roman Catholic, and shall be
governed in all respects by the Constitution and rules of the
Supreme Commandery of the Knights of St. John International and
of all Commanderies and Boards, Subordinate thereto, and of the
by-laws of the Local Commandery. All members shall receive the
Second and Third Degrees of the Order within one year after taking
the First Degree, provided that the Second and Third Degrees are
exemplified in their vicinity within that period. Where such degrees
are not so exemplified within such time, such members may be re
quired to take said degrees upon the first opportunity presented to
them. Upon conviction of failure to comply with this requirement,
such persons shall forfeit their membership in the Knights of St.
John International.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES
SECTION 24. No member admitted to the Commandery shall be

eligible to any office unless he is at the time of his election in good
standing in the Commandery and has been a member of it at least
six months, and has been obligated in the first degree of the ritual
of this Order. The elective officers of the Commandery shall consist
of a President, a First Vice-President, a Second Vice-President,
a RecordinwCorresponding Secretary, a Financial Secretary, a
Treasurer and at least three Trustees. Delegates shall be elected as

provided herein to the Supreme, Grand and District Commanderies.
Commanderies with twenty or more uniformed members shall elect
a Commander with the rank of Captain, a First Vice-Commander
with the rank of First Lieutenant and a Second Vice-Commander
with the rank of Second Lieutenant. Commanderies with less than
twenty, but with fourteen or more uniformed members, shall elect a
Commander with the rank of First Lieutenant. Commanderies with
less than fourteen uniformed members shall elect a Commander
with the rank of Second Lieutenant.
SECTION 25. At the October Meeting of every Local Commandery,

the members present shall select by ballot, three members who are
to act as a nominating committee, and the presiding officer shall
appoint a different nominating committee of the same number. Said
ballots must list at least three (3) names to be legal and valid. These
committees shall meet separately and without consultation with
each other, and each committee shall nominate at least one member
for each of the offices to be voted for and present their nominees
at the next meeting of the Commandery. Nothing herein contained
shall prevent any member from being nominated from the floor at
the time of the Report of the Committees.
SECTION 26. All officers shall be nominated at the regular business

meeting in November, elected at a December meeting and installed
at a January meeting. No member of the Commandery shall be
eligible to any office in the beneficial membership or uniformed
rank, unless he is at the time of his election, in good standing in
the Commandcry, and has been a member of it at least six months.
Delegates to th District and Grand Command erie shall be elected
at the regular business meeling in December and their terms of
Sections 25 - 26 67
office shall be for one year commencing on the first day of January
following their election. Terms of all other officers shall not be less
than one nor more than three years, and it may be provided that
the terms of the members of the Board of Trustees shall expire at
different times, and an officer other than the President or Recording/
Corresponding Secretary or financial Secretary may be elect d as
such Trustee. All local officers except Trustees shall be elected by
a majority of all votes cast, but on any ballot taken. the persons
having the largest number of vote for Trustees elected.
SECTION 27. The President shall preside at all meetings of the

Commandery, and the Board of Trustees, of which Board he shall
be chairman, but shall not have the right to vote in its proceedings
unless the members of the Board are equally divided on the question.
He shall preserve order, sign all orders for money to be disbursed,
appoint all committees and see that all rules and regulations are
carried into effect. He shall be entitled to cast a vote when voting
is done by ballot, but shall not otherwise vote on a subject unless
the votes are equally divided, in which case his vote shall decide
the question; nor shall he debate on any subject while occupying
the chair. He shall give instructions in the secret work of the Order
at each regular meeting of the Commandery. He shall admit and
provide with the current password, all brothers who are in good
standing in their Local Commandery.
He shall appoint a proper and suitable member as an Organizer of a

Cadet Commandery to be attached to the Local Commandery, and
said Organizer shall have such assistance and encouragement from
the members of the Local Commandery as may· be necessary for
the proper performance of his duties.
SECTION 28. The First Vice-President shall assist the President

in maintaining order and enforcing the rule. He shall assume the
duties of the office of the President in case of that officer’s absence,
death or resignation, dismissal or inability to act.
Sections 29 - 31 69
SECTION 29. The Second Vice-President shall assume the duties

of the First Vice-President during his absence or inability to act.
SECTION 30. The RecordinwCorresponding Secretary shall

also be Secretary of the Board of Trustees and shall keep correct
minutes of the proceedings of each meeting of the Commandery
and of the Board of Trustees and submit both for the approval of the
Commandery and signature of the President at the next succeeding
meeting. He shall answer all communications and exhibit his books
at all Commandery meetings or whenever required to do so by
the Trustees. At the expiration of his term he shall transfer to his
successor all books and papers and other property in his possession
belonging to the Commandery. He shall promptly notify the
Supreme and Grand Secretaries of all changes in membership and
address of members and officers elected.
SECTION 31. The RecordinwCorresponding Secretary of a Local

Commandery shall report to the Supreme Secretary on or before
the l st day of January in each year the names and addresses of
the members of his Commandery and all necessary information
that may be called for by the Supreme Secretary. He shall make
a like report of the names and addresses of the members of his
Commandery to the Secretary of the Grand Commandery to
which his Local Commandery belongs and give such last named
Secretary all such necessary information as he may call for. In
order to assist the keeping of a complete record of all Subordinate
Commanderies such reports shall be made out and forwarded to
the said last mentioned Secretary on or before the 10th day of
April in each year. The Secretary of a Local Commandery shall
notify his said Superior Secretaries and also the Secretaries of the
Commanderies in his District when a member has been expelled
from such Local Commandery stating the time and cause of such
expulsion. The Supreme Secretary, Grand Secretary and Secretary
of Local Commanderies receiving such notice shall thereupon
record the same together with all data, in an alphabetical index,
and each of said Local Commanderies’ Secretaries shall at the
next meeting of his Commandery read the same. No expelled
member shall be admitted into, or if admitted, retained in any other
Commandery unless he shall have previously been reinstated in
the Local Commandery expelling him and has paid all dues, fines
and assessments standing against him. It shall be the duty of the
Recording/Cor responding Secretary of each Local Commandery
to report to the Supreme Secretary each month the time of meetings
and all expulsions, resignations, deaths, applications, initiations and
changes of addresses. The report of membership herein required to
be made by the Recording/Corresponding Secretary of each Local
Commandery shall be filled out in duplicate on the forms provided
by the Supreme Secretary, and both copies shall be transmitted,
not later than January 10th each year, to the Grand Secretary, and
one copy by him delivered to the Supreme Secretary, and the other
retained for his files.
SECTION 32. Whenever any of the members of the Local

Commandery are also members of the Widow and Orphan
Department, or Death Benefit° Fund Department, it shall be the
duty of the Board of Trustees to require the Financial Secretary
to give bond signed by a Surety Company, in such amount as the
Board may determine to be proper. It shall be conditioned as well
to account for the funds of the Widow and Orphan Department,
and Death Benefit Fund Department, as for the funds of the
Commandery.
Sections 32 - 33 71
SECTION 33. It shall be the duty of the Financial Secretary to keep

a correct roll of all members and their standing in the Commandery .
He shall keep an account of all moneys paid into the Commandery;
but in receiving moneys from the members on dates other than the
regular meetings, the same shall be considered an act of courtesy and
amounts so paid shall not be credited to the members until reported
received at the following regular meeting. He shall report at each
meeting the amount of moneys received, immediately transfer the
same to the Treasurer, getting receipt for same. He shall sign all
orders and vouchers for the disbursement of moneys by order of
the Commandery. He shall notify all members in arrears of their
indebtedness. At the first meeting of each month, he shall furnish
the Trustees with the names of all members six months in arrears
and the amounts of their indebtedness to the Commandery. He shall
exhibit his books and vouchers to the Trustees when called upon to
do so, make a general report of all moneys received semi-annually
and at the expiration of his term of office transfer to his successor
all property in his possession belonging to the Commandery.
SECTION 34. It shall be the duty of the Tre’asurer to receive through

the Financial Secretary, all moneys paid into the Commandery
and give his receipt for same. He shall deposit all moneys in a
bank designated by the Commandery, except such funds as the
Commandery may designate. He shall pay out all moneys as directed
by the Commandery upon the production of an order signed by the
President and Financial Secretary. He shall make a general report
of all receipts and expenditures at each regular meeting; he shall
exhibit his books and papers to the Trustees when called upon to
do so, and he shall transfer to his successor in office all funds and
property in his possession belonging to the Commandery.
SECTION 35. The Trustees shall hold in trust for the Commandery
all property belonging to the Commandery, audit all bills referred
to them, and if found correct, approve the same. They shall have
full power at any time to examine all books, papers and vouchers
belonging to the Commandery in the hands of the Secretaries and
Treasurer and transact whatever other business the Commandery
may from time to time require of them.
SECTION 36. It shall be the duty of the Commander to order and

command al all drills and parades. The Commander shall appoint
all non-commissioned officers, not to exceed five Sergeants and
eight Corporals, and see that the rules governing the military
department are strictly enforced. He shall obey all orders and
commands of superior officers in the District, Grand and Supreme
Comm anderies.
Sections 37 - 40 73
SECTION 37. The First Vice-Commander shall assist the

Commander and in the absence of the Commander assume the
duties of said officer.
SECTION 38. The Second Vice-Commander shall assist the

Commander and assume the duties of the First Vice-Commander
during his absence or inability.
SECTION 39. The duties of all non-commissioned officers shall be

as follows: All Sergeants shall have in their possession a roll call
for the membership of the uniformed rank, and the Senior Sergeant
present at drills or parades shall call the roll. Unless otherwise
provided by the by laws of the Commandery, the First Sergeant
shall act as Messenger, the Second Sergeant as Sergeant-at-Arms
and the Third Sergeant as Guard at Civil meetings. All other
Sergeants and Corporals shall perform the duties assigned by the
Commander. In Commanderies composed of both uniformed and
non-uniformed members, provision may be made in the by-laws
for either the election or appointment by the chair of a Messenger,
Sergeant-at-Arms and Guard.
SECTION 40. Failure on the part of any officer of the Commandery

to perform his duties shall be reported to the Commandery by the
President, or any member thereof, and to the Uniformed Rank by
the Commander or any member thereof. For the first offense the
Commandery or Uniformed Rank after hearing the statements of
the parties may fine the officer in a reasonable amount and for the
second offense may remove him from the office permanently or
suspend him from the
Commandery or Uniformed Rank for a term not to exceed three

months, or both.
SECTION 41 Whenever an officer of any Com Commandery

shall neglect to answer any communication sent to him, or shall
otherwise fail in the discharge of his duties, it shall be the duty of the
Supreme Secretary to notify the Commandery of the neglect of its
officer. If after thirty days from the time of such notice, the Supreme
Secretary has not received any answer to his communication, or if
such an answer is not satisfactory to the Supreme Board of Trustees,
the Supreme Board of Trustees shall have the right to remove the
offending officer upon proof of his neglect or failure to discharge
his official duty.
BENEFITS
SECTION 42. The Commandery shall provide the necessary

committee for the proper protection and treatment of its sick and
deceased members as provided for in its by-laws.
SECTION 43. Any member of the Commandery who shall,

by reason of sickness or injury to his person, become unable to
attend his usual or other vocation, shall be entitled to receive
from the funds of the Commandery $ ________________
(amount to be fixed by each Commandery) per week as benefits on
the conditions and limitations provided for in its by-laws.
Sections 44 - 48 75
VACANCIES AND RESIGNATIONS
SECTION 44. If any elective office becomes vacant for any cause
whatsoever, the officer holding the office next in rank, shall perform
the duties of the office so becoming vacant until it is filled by
election.
SECTION 45. Any member desiring to withdraw from the

Commandeiy shall present his resignation in writing accompanied
by a statement of his account with the Commandeiy verified by the
Financial Secretary.
MEETINGS
SECTION 46. The regular meetings of the Commandeiy shall be

provided for in the Commandeiy Bylaws.
The President of a Commandeiy, may at any time, call a special
meeting, and shall do so at the written request of five members.
HOLY COMMUNION
SECTION 47. The Commandeiy shall receive Holy Communion at

least twice a year, one of which shall be between the first Sunday of
Lent and Trinity Sunday, as defined by the Roman Catholic Church.
SECTION 48. Any member of the Commandeiy failing to receive

Holy Communion between the first Sunday in Lent and Trinity
Sunday as those days are fixed by the Roman Catholic Church,
or shall otherwise lose his right of membership in the Roman
Catholic Church, shall, by that fact and without any action by the
Commandery, forfeit his membership in the Commandery and
all claims, financial and otherwise, which he may have against

the Knights of St. John International or its Widow and Orphan
Department or the Death Benefit Fund or against the Commandery
for sick, death or other benefits.
PENALTIES
SECTION 49. A Subordinate Commandery may impose reasonable

penalties, either fine, suspension or expulsion for violation by any
member of any by-law of said Commandery, or of any lawful order
made by any superior officer of the Commandery.
SECTION 50. Any member who is in the arrears for three months
dues shall stand suspended, and if he is in arrears for six months
dues he may be expelled by a majority vote of the members present
at a regular business meeting of the Commandery.
SECTION 51. Any member who is charged by his Commandery

with any offense considered conduct unbecoming a Knight shall
stand suspended pending the hearing of his case by the Board of
Trustees.
SECTION 52. All moneys other than monthly dues owing to the
Commandery from a member, shall, when the same are due, be
charged to the member as dues.
Sections 53 - 56 77
SECTION 53. A member, resigning his membership in a

Commandery, or a member expelled from his membership,
may subsequently apply for membership in the same or another
Commandery. The application must be in writing and on the form
furnished for membership; it shall be endorsed by two members of
the Commandery in good standing and by the applicant’s pastor
or parish priest. Said application shall be acted upon in the same
manner as provided for in Section 18, paragraph 3, hereof.
SECTION 54. If a member of the Commandery elected or appointed

to any office, or committee, fails to attend three consecutive meetings
of the Commandery or of the committee to which he belongs, the
office of such officer or committeeman shall be declared vacant
unless a reasonable excuse be given and accepted by the Com m
andery. If such excuse is not given and accepted, the Commandery
shall at once proceed to fill the vacancy.
SECTION 55 . All members of the Commandery shall be required

to attend business meetings and parades and all members of the
uniformed rank shall attend drills and parades, under such penalties
as provided for in its bylaws.
SECTION 56. Every member of the uniformed rank, shall within

one year after his election, provide himself with the uniform of his
office. Non-compliance with this section shall be sufficient cause to
forfeit his position and title in the Commandery.
FUNERALS
SECTION 57. A suitable representation shall be provided by the

Commandery to attend the funeral of a deceased member who at the
time of his death was in good standing. When attending in a body,
all members of the uniformed rank shall appear in full uniform
under such provisions as provided for in its by-laws.
FUNDS
SECTION 58. The funds of the Commandery shall not be

appropriated for any purpose except to advance the objects
and interests of the Commandery. But in case an appropriation,
donation or advancement of money, not specified under the head
of benefits be asked for or required, such appropriation, donation
or advancement may be made if due notice be given one meeting
night previous to action being taken thereon, provided that two
thirds of the members present vote in the affirmative. Un der no
consideration shall a member of the Commandery be taxed for
any appropriation, donation or advancement of money unless this
section is complied with.
SUPPLIES
SECTION 59. All rituals, books and printed blank forms furnished
by the Supreme Commandery shall be purchased through the
Supreme Secretary and it shall be unlawful for any officer of the
Commandery to secure such articles elsewhere.
Sections 59 - 61 79
RETIRED LIST
SECTION 60. All elected Commandery officers who shall have

served three years as such Commandery officers, and shall have
been present at not less than three-fourths of the busines.5 and drill
meetings of the Commandery for each of the years of his term of
service, shall be entitled to wear the uniform of their rank as past
officers.
TRANSFERS, MERGERS,
RELOCATIONS
SECTION 61. The following rules must be adhered to
1. Secure approval in writing of not less than two

thirds (2/3) of membership of each Commandery in
volved.
2. Secure written permis.5ion from both pastors involved in
movement of Commanderies.
3. Secure approval of Grand and District Commanderies.
4. Forward all the above information with request for
approval of transfers or merger to the Supreme Secretary
for presentation to the Supreme Board.
Miscellaneous
SECTION 62. Whenever it is provided in this Constitution, or in
any by-law of a subordinate Commandery that a member must be a
Sir-Knight to be eligible to hold any position, the words shall mean
a uniformed member of any Commandery, or one on the retired
list thereof, and shall include uniformed privates and officers, but
no others. A non-uniformed member shall be known as a Brother
Knight.
JEWEL OF HONOR
Qualification for uniformed member
SECTION 63. Any uniformed member who -
1. Is a member of the uniformed rank for 15 years and is a

member of a drill team for 10 years - OR
2. Is a member of the uniformed rank for 12 years, served
two (2) terms as Field or Staff Officer of the Supreme,
Grand or District Commandery; or three (3) terms as an
elected military officer of a Local Commandery.
3. Is a member of his Commandery for 25 years and holds a
Commandery office for 15 years.
4. In addition to the above, gives unselfishly of his time and
services to Holy Mother Church or his Parish, or his
Community.
Jewel of Honor 81
JEWEL OF HONOR
Qualifications for Non-Uniformed Member
SECTION 64. Member must have been in good standing with the
Knights of St. John International for twenty-five (25) consecutive
years. He must have been exemplified into the First, Second, Third
and Noble Degrees. He must have attended at least fifty per cent
(50%) of all Commandery meetings during those 25 years. Ile must
be active in Commandery functions; participated in Commandery
Church Functions; participated in Commandery Committees, either
as a worker or chairperson; and must have helped the Community
and Commandery with Charitable Programs.
If any person has accomplished the above mentioned qualifications,

the Local Commandery President may ask the candidate to fill in
the application and write a resume concerning his membership
and activities in the Commandery and Community and present
same to the Commandery President. The Board of Trustees of the
Commandery will review the application and if found to be in order
the application form will be signed by the Commandery President
and the Commandery Secretary. When signed by the Commandery
Officers it must be sent to the office of the Supreme Secretary for
his review and if found to be in order, the Local Commandery
may purcahse the Jewel of Honor from the Supreme Secretary for
presentation to that member.
82
Sections 1 - 4 83
CHAPTER VII
Cadet Commanderies
SECTION I. When fifteen or more Catholic boys between the ages

of 8 and 18 years, who have received their First Holy Communion
and have the written consent of their parents or legal guardian and
pastor, they may apply to form a Cadet Commandery by making
written application to the Grand Commandery.
SECTION 2. The Supreme Secretary, when issuing charters to

Cadet Commanderies, shall give the Cadet Commandery the same
number as the Local or District Commandery to which it is attached.
SECTION 3. Each Cadet Commandery shall be attached to a Local

or District Commandery in the city or district in which the Cadet
Commandery is located, and such Local or District Commandery
shall make by-laws not inconsistent with the Const itut ion,
governing such Cadet Commandery. One of said by-laws shal l
be in the following words: “This Cadet Com ma11dcry shall send
the________________________ Grand and District Commandery
one d legate who shall be the Cadet Organizer.” The blank space
shall contain the name of the Grand Commandery to which the
Local or District Commandery is attached.
SECTION 4. The Grand Commandery may levy a Per Capita tax

for each member of the Cadet Commandery within its jurisdiction
. This money shall go to the Grand Commandery to assist in
defraying the legitimate expense thereof and shall be transmitted
to the Treasurer of the Grand Commandery which has jurisdiction
of the Local Commandery to which said Cadet Commandery is
84 Chapter VII - Cadet Commanderies
attached.
Section 5. It shall be the duty of the Local Com- mandery to which

a Cadet Commandery is attached to appoint each year an organiz.
er and two other members all to be known as sponsors, who shall
attend business and drill meetings of the Cadet Commandery
and shall advise and be responsible for the conduct of the Cadet
Commandery in all business ma tters. Members so appointed shall
serve for such term as may be provided in the by-laws of the Local
Commandery. No password shall be issued to Cadet Commanderies.
SECTION 6. When a member of a Cadet Commandery shall have

attained the age of sixteen years, and not more than eighteen years,
he shall be eligible to be admitted to any Local Commandery to
which he may apply.
Chapter VIII - Ladies Auxiliaries 85
CHAPTER VIII
Ladies Auxiliaries
SECTION 1. It shall be the duty of every Knight of St. John

International to encourage and assist in every way the magnificent
national organization known as the “Ladies Auxiliary, Knights of
St. John International” which, since its inception, has assumed such
splendid proportions. The continuance of that organization is hereby
encouraged with such constitution and by-laws as it may deem
necessary for its government; provided, however, that no provision
of such constitution and no such by-laws shall be inconsistent
with this constitution of the Knights of St. John International
as it now exists or may hereafter be amended; and provided,
further, that no such constitution or by-law shall be construed
as binding in any way the Knights of St. John International.
86 Chapter IX- Widow and Orphan Department
CHAPTER IX
WIDOW AND ORPHAN DEPARTMENT
SECTION 1. The important role of the Widow and Orphan

Department in the history of the Knights of St. John is hereby
recognized with great respect and appreciation to the members who
participated in the Widow and Orphan Department.
SECTION 2. It is also recognized that membership to the Widow

and Orphan Department has been closed and no new applications
have been received for over a quarter century. As of the date, of
this revised Constitution, there is a minimal number of members
covered by this Department.
SECTION 3. The Supreme Commandery acknowledges its

responsibility for the continuing administration of the Widow and
Orphan Reserve Fund for the payment of all future claims. No part
of the Reserve Fund can be loaned to any member of the Supreme
Board of Trustees, or any member or their families, directly or
indirectly. The Reserve Fund shall remain intact and shall not be
drawn from except for the payment of claims and such funds shall
be devoted to and used exclusively for the purpose of paying to
the beneficiaries of the Widow and Orphan Department members’
death benefit claims. The procedure for payment of claims, bonding
of officers, supervision and accounting for the Reserve Fund shall
remain for all members covered by this Department.
Chapter IX - Widow and Orphan Department 87
Upon payment being made to the last insured member of this

Department, the Widow and Orphan Department shall become null
and void. In the event that any funds remaining, after the final claim
has been paid, as certified by the Supreme Secretary and Supreme
Treasurer, said funds shall revert to and become the property of
the Supreme Commandery of the Knights of St. John International.
88 Chapter X - Death Benefit Department
CHAPTER X
Death Benefit Fund Department
SECTION l. This body is and shall be called the Death Benefit

Fund Department of the Supreme Com mandery of the Knights
of St. John International, and shall be composed of all members
of Commanderies except the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Knights of
St. John International who have made application and have been
accepted as members of the Death Benefit Fund Department.
SECTION 2. The Death Benefit Fund Department, acting through

the Supreme Board of Trustees, shall have the power to make,
amend and repeal for its government such by-laws not inconsistent
with this Constitution, as it may deem proper.
SECTION 3. The Supreme Board of Officers shall have authority

to establish and publish a table of rates for the Death Benefit Fund
Department, and make such changes herein as it deems requisite
and for the best interests of that Department and the Knights of St.
John International. The rates shall be printed and published in such
a manner as shall be determined by the Supreme Board.
SECTION 4. A death benefit fund is hereby established from which

shall be paid death benefits not to exceed the sum of One Hundred
Dollars ($ l00.00) to the beneficiaries or to the Funeral Director
or to the person assuming the cost of the burial of any deceased
member. The Supreme Secretary and Supreme Treasurer shall keep
this fund separate and distinct from other funds of the Knights of
St. John International.
Sections 5 89
SECTION 5. Each member enrolled for the Death Benefit Fund

must pay a monthly assessment, said assessment to be forwarded to
the Supreme Treasurer on or before the 20th day of each month by
the Treasurer of his Commandery. The money shall be transmitted
to the Supreme Treasurer for deposit into the Reserve Fund in a
federally insured account established for the purpose of payment
of Death Benefit Claims and for no other purpose. No part of the
Death Benefit can be loaned to any member of the Supreme Board
of Trustees, or any member of their families, directly or indirectly.
The Death Benefit shall remain intact and shall not be drawn from
except for the payment of claims and such funds shall be devoted to
and used exclusively for the purpose of paying to the beneficiaries
of the Death Benefit members’ death benefit claims. Officer’s
bonding shall include this Fund account. The Supreme Secretary
and Supreme Treasurer shall present to the Supreme Board of
Trustees, at least annually, a detailed statement of the Fund which
shall contain all the information that is necessary for a full and
correct understanding of the affairs of the Fund, and the same shall
be published as part of the annual report of the Supreme Treasurer.
90 Chapter X - Death Benefit Department
Any member of a Commandery, except the Ladies

Auxiliary, is eligible to be enrolled in this fund at any time.
SECTION 6. Upon the proof of death being presented, such

proof to be either a Certified Death Cer tificate, or photo copy of
same, attested copy of Death Certificate, statement by the Funeral
Director and an affidavit of two members acknowledged before a
Notary Public proving said death, the beneficiary will receive the
sum of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00), providing said deceased
member is in good standing, has been enrolled in this Death Benefit
Fund for a period of twenty-four months or two years. If however,
the deceased member has only been enrolled for a period of twelve
months or one year, the sum of Fifty Dollars ($50.00 ) will be paid
to the beneficiary. If the deceased member has only been enrolled
for a period of six months, lhe sum of Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00)
will be paid the beneficiary or as set forth in Section 4.
Chapter XI - Military 91
CHAPTER XI
Military
SECTION I. All Field and Staff Officers of District Commanderies

shall be exempted from attending drills of their respective Local
Commanderies.
SECTION 2. Standard drill regulations for the Knights of St.

John International shall be adopted and published, and they shall
be followed at all drills, parades or processions and other military
functions of the Order.
SECTION 3. The standard uniform shall be as follows, viz:
COATS
Full Dress for Officers - a double-breasted frock coat, of approved

black cloth, the skirts to extend three-fourths the distance from the
hip joint to the bend of the knee.
General - Two rows of buttons on the breast, twelve in each row,

placed by fours; the distance between each row, five and one-half
inches at the top, and three and one-half inches at the bottom;
standup collar not less than one or more than two inches in height,
to hook in front at the bottom and slope thence up and backward at
an angle of thirty degrees on each side, comers rounded; cuffs, three
inches deep, to go around the sleeves parallel with the lower edge,
and with three small buttons at the under seam; pockets in the fold
of the skirts, with two buttons at the hip and one at the lower end
of each side-edge, making four buttons on the back and skirt of the
92 Chapter XI - Military
coat; collar and cuffs to be of black velvet, lining of the coat, black.
Lieutenant-General - The same as for a General, except that there

will be ten buttons in each row on the breast, upper and lower
groups of threes, and the middle groups by fours
Major-General - The same as for a General, except that there will be

nine buttons in each row on the breast, placed in threes.
Brigadier-General - The same as for a General, except that there

will be eight buttons in each row on the breast, placed in pairs of
twos.
Colonel, Lieut. Colonel, Major, Captain and Lieutenant all to be

the same
Colonel, Lieutenant-Colonel, Major, Captain, and Lieutenants -

There will be seven buttons in each row, placed at equal distances;
collars and cuffs to be the same color material as the coat sleeves
will be plain with no gold ornamentation. Plain sleeve.
Sir Knights - Sarne as officers except sleeves to be ornamented with

one-quarter inch white braid.
Cadets - Black pants, white long sleeve shirt, black tie and black
shoes.
BUTTONS
Coat buttons shall have the Knights of St. John Cross in the center,
and around the inside rim the inscription, “Knights of St. John” in
raised work.
Section - Military 93
Buttons for all officers shall be gold-plated; those for Sir-Knights

shall be silver-plated, aluminum, or of like material, seven-eights of
an inch in exterior diameter.
COLLARS
A white standing collar closed in front to project not more than one-
half inch above the collar of coat.
TROUSERS
All Officers will be of approved black cloth, without stripe, welt
or cord.
Sir-Knights - Same as for officers, but with white stripe
CHAPEAUS
General Officers and Officers of the General Staff - A black silk
plush chapeau trimmed on left side with black satin rosette, with
gold-embroidered Knights of St. John Cross on black velvet center.
On right side, the device, “K
of St. J’. in Old English, embroidered on black velvet center,
surrounded by one-eighth inch embroidered border all in gold; gold
colored chapeau tassel in front, black ostrich feathers going over
crown from front tassel to the rear of the chapeau, slashing of black
silk ribbon, two inches wide, diagonally across both peaks on each
side.
All other Officers - A black silk plush-covered chapeau, trimmed on

right side with black satin rosette, with gold embroidered Knights
of St. John Cross on black velvet center. On left side same rosette
with gold embroidered crossed swords (Pointing up-wards). Gold
colored tassel in front, slashing of black silk ribbon, two inches
wide diagonally across both peaks, on each side.
Sir-Knights - Black silk plush-colored chapeau, trimmed on right

side with black satin rosette, with silverembroidered Knights of St.
John Cross on black velvet center. On the left side, same rosette,
with silver crossed swords (poinling up-wards). Silver colored
chapeau tassel in front , slashing of black silk ribbon two inches
wide, diagonally across both peaks on each side.
PLUMES
All Officers - Two or three black ostrich feathers, going over crown
from front to rear, extending over back.
Sir-Knights - Two white ostrich feathers going over crown from

front to rear, extending over back.
EPAULETTES
General - Of gold, with solid crescent, device, two silver stars with
five rays each and Cross of Knights of St. John in gold, placed
between them.
Lieutenant-General - Sarne as for General, device, gold Knights of
St. John Cross in center of pad between two small silver stars, and
one large star on shank.
Major-General - Sarne as for General, device, gold Knights of St.
John Cross in center of pad and two stars on shank, respectively one
and one-half and one and onefourth inches placed longitudinally on
the shank and equidistant, ranging in order of size from the cresent.
Brigadier-General - Sarne as for General, with device, gold Knights
of St . John Cross in center of pad and one silver star on shank

above the cross.
GENERAL STAFF
Adjutant-General - Device, gold Knights of St. John Cross in center

of pad, and United States shield on shank with one silver star above
it.
Inspector-General - Same as for Adjutant General except omitting

shield on shank.
Quartermaster-General - Same as for Inspector General.
Paymaster-General - Same as for Brigadier General.

Judge-Advocate-General - Same as for Brigadier

General, with gilt sword and pen crossed.
SHOULDER KNOTS
Officers of the General Staff - Of gold wire cord one fourth of an

inch in diameter, on cloth background; General-Maltese Cross on
pad in gold plus four stars above cross in silver.
Lieutenant-General - Maltese Cross on pad in gold plus three stars

above cross in silver.
Major-General - Maltese Cross in gold plus two stars above cross

in silver.
Brigadier General - Maltese Cross on pad in gold plus one star

above cross in silver.
BRIGADE STAFF
Brigade Adjutant, ranking as Major - Device, United States shield

on pad of shoulder knot worked on in gold, with two gold leaves,
one at each end of pad.
Brigade Inspector, ranking as Major - Device, two gold leaves , one

at each end of pad.
Brigade Quartermaster, ranking as Captain - Device, with two

silver bars on each side, in silver.
Brigade Paymaster, ranking as Captain - Two bars on each end in

silver.
REGIMENTAL STAFF
Colonel - A silver worked on eagle on the center of the pad.
Lieutenant Colonel - Two silver leaves, one on each end of the pad.
Major - Two gold leaves, one at each end of the pad.
Regimental Adjutant - Two silver bars at each end with device.

United States shield in silver on center of pad.
Battalion Adjutant - One silver bar at each end with device, United
States shield in silver on center of pad.
Inspector - Two silver bars at each end of pad. Quartermaster - One

silver bar at end of pad. Paymaster - One silver bar at each end of
pad.
NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF
Sergeant-Major - Shoulder knots shall be made of white cord one-

quarter inch diameter, on black cloth background with plain pad.
Quartermaster-Sergeant and Color-Sergeant Shoulder

knots same as for Sir Knights.
COMMANDERY OFFICERS
Captain - Number of Commandery worked in gold in center with

two silver bars at each end of pad.
First Lieutenant - Same as for Captain, but with one silver bar at
each end of pad.
Second Lieutenant - Only number of Commandery in gold in center

of pad.
Sir-Knights - A white cord (one quarter inch in diameter) worked

in black cloth, about six inches long, shall have silver plated or
aluminum buttons at upper end, silver colored cord at lower end to
form arms of cross, with nickel plated fasteners.
AIGUILLETIES
Adjutant and Inspectors of the General Brigade, Regimental and

Battalion Staffs and Aids on General Staff
- Shall wear aiguillettes of gold wire cord, one-fourth inch in
diameter to be worn on the right shoulder knot, the loop crossed
on top of right arm above the elbow, and the cords fastened before
buttoning.
Aids on General Staff and Adjutants - On the top and secono button
right side of coat.
For the Inspector - To first button on each side of coat.
For the Sergeant-Major - Shall be of silver cord, onequarter inch in

diameter, to be worn same as “for the Adjutant”.
GLOVES
Officers and Sir Knights -All towear White Gloves.
SASH
General - Of buff silk net, with silk bullion. fringe ends; sash to be
worn across the body from the left shoulder to the right side.
SWORD BELT
Genera l, Lieutenant-General, Major-General and Brigadier-

General - Belt of red leather with three stripes of plain gold; with
one long and one short sling of same material; with one row of gold
lace with Knights of St. John belt plate.
All officers below the rank of Brigadier-General - It shall be made

of one and three-fourths inch wide black enamel leather, faced with
gold lace, so as not to show the leather; with one long and one short
sling of same material with Knights of St. John belt plate.
Non-Commissioned Officers and Sir Knights - It shall be made of

one and three-quarters inch wide black grained leather, with two
rows of one-quarter inch wide white cord, stitched one-quarter inch
from edge, with three slings of the same material with one row of
white cord through center, to be hung by a ring from sides of same
material as slings with Knights of St. John silver plated belt plate.
BELTPIATE
To be made according to design, Gold plated for all officers, silver

plated for Sir Knights.
SWORDS
Officers - Straight sword, nickel-plated, steel scabbard, plain

or etched diamond blade; silver-plated grip, with gold-plated
mounting.
Sir Knights - Straight sword, with cross hilt, nickelplated steel

scabbard, silver plated mounted, helmet pommel, plain black grip,
and plain or etched diamond blade. Device on guard to be spread
eagle; upper mount, Knights of St. John Cross; middle mount,
monogram K of St. J., and on bottom, shoetip.
SWORD KNOT
General Officers - Gold cord with acorn end.
Other Officers - Gold lace stripe with gold bullion tassel.
CHEVRONS
Non-Commissioned Regimental and Battalion Staff - The rank of
Non-Commissioned Officers will be marked on the uniform dress
coat by chevrons of white cord, onehalf inch wide. The chevrons
will be worn points down, above the elbow. The arms of the chevron
bar to be six to seven inches long to be the arcs of a circle of about
twenty five inches radius, and to meet at an angle of about ninety
six degrees; distance between extreme outer ends about nine inches.
The rank will be indicated as follows:
Sergeant-Major - Three bars, an arc of three bars.
Quartermaster-Sergeant - Three bars and a tie of three bars.
Color-Sergeant - Three bars and a sphere one and one-quarter inch
in diameter .
Non-Commissioned Company Officers
First Sergeant - Three bars and a lozenge. For all other Sergeants
- Three bars.
SERVICE STRIPES
For every five years of active service as a Sir Knight, he shall be

entitled to wear a service stripe upon both sleeves of the uniform
dress coat below the elbow of white cord cone-half inch wide,
extending from seam to seam. The front end nearest the cuff and one-
quarter inch above the point of the cuff and extending diagonally
across the arm. Service stripes to be issued under indorsement of
the Captain of the Commandery to which he is attached.
When a Sir Knight has served twenty-five years as an active
member the Cross of Malta (gold worked if a commissioned officer
and silver worked if a non-commis sioned officer) shall be placed
two inches above the cuffs of the dress uniform. This is to take the
place of five service stripes.
COLORS AND GUIDONS
The Standard Knights of St . John flag shall be of white silk, with red
Knights of St. John Cross in center. Guidons to be white silk, with
number of District Commandery and State painted or embroidered
thereon.
UNIFORMS - MARCHING UNIFORMS
The Supreme Board of Trustees shall have full power to determine

and regulate the use in parades of Sir-Knight, Officer and other
uniforms and to select the design and material of such uniforms.
MARCHING UNIFORM 103
Reference to gold, silver, white cord or worked on referred to herein

may be substituted by any material of like color available on officer,
Sir Knight and other uniforms.
Reference: Chapter XI, Section 3, Constitution of the Knights of

St. John, Amended, Adopted and Codified, July 1970, Detroit,
Michigan and revisions presented in July 1996 in Buffalo, N.Y. and
finalized in July 1998, in Fort Mitchell, KY.
In compliance with the authority granted to the Supreme Board by

virtue of the last paragraph of said Chapter XI, Section No. 3, as
printed and published on page 101 of said Constitution, the following
regulations are hereby promulgated for the standardization of the
MARCHING UNIFORM of the Knights of St. John International;
Coat - The navy blue, tropical worsted, wool and dacron

combination, verdum style, with peak lapels. Twobutton, breasted
sack, H-25, with shoulder straps of the same material to button with
Knights of St. John buttons. Officers coats to have gold buttons; Sir
Knights coats to have silver buttons. No outside pockets. A 1/2”
white serge (or equal) str i pe around sleeves 3 1/2” up for Sir Knig
hts . A 1/2” gold serge (or equal)’ tr i pe ar und sleeves 3 1/2” up for
O ffice rs. A 3” horizontal sword slit sha ll be positio ned 3 1/2”
bC’low w ais tline on left side in line with hip bone for Sir K11ig
hts. 11,e Officers sword slit same as U.S. Naval Office rs, vertical on
waistline. All sword slits to have an inside covering. On left breast,
a 2” square, Swiss embroidery, regulation Maltese Cross, on dark
cloth background, white silk thread for Sir Knights; gold silk thread
for officers. Letters, K.S.J. in white thread, Swiss embroidery on
dark cloth, on right collar and Commandery number, likewise in
white thread, Swiss embroidery on dark blue cloth on left collar,
104 MARCHING UNIFORM
for Sir Knights. Letters and Commandery number to be in gold

thread for Officers. Two small K.S.J. buttons on each sleeve cuff,
equally positioned in 3 1/2” space between end sleeve and sleeve
stripe. Coats to be provided with two (2) inside breast pockets and
to have full body, or half body, dark rayon lining; sleeve lining to
be of same dark material as body lining. (Note: full body or ½ body
lining at option of purchaser) All coats to be full cut.
Insignia of rank- Insignia of rank for Commissioned Officers to be

designed by U.S. Anny, regulation style, metallic, pin type, catch
type, collar insignia to be worn on center of coat shoulder strap and
so attached as to face outward from shoulders. Non-Commissioned
Officers will wear appropriate chevrons compatible with rank as
outlined under Chapter XI, Section 3, page 101 of the Supreme
Constitution.
Trousers - To be fashioned from the same material as coat .... Navy

blue, wooVdacron combination and to be medium cut. Two (2) side
pockets; two (2) hip pockets, left to have tab and button, and one
watch pocket. Zipper fly; heel guards; 3/4” white stripe on side
seams for Sir Knights; gold stripes for Officers .
MARCHING UNIFORM 105
Shirt - White, with appropriate collar and black, four in hand tie.
Cap - Modified Pershing (HS. Pattern) made of #200 blue serge,

gilt KS.J. buttons (gold for Officers; silver for Sir Knights). A white,
silk thread, Swiss embroidery, regulation Maltese Cross on dark
blue background, sewed on front, center of cap for Sir Knights;
gold thread, Swiss embroidery, Maltese Cross for Officers.
White strap and black visor, band and welt, white for Sir Knights.
Gold strap and black visor and gold silk machine embroidery band
and welt for Officers.
Note: All decorations on uniforms of Sir Knights and Non-

Commissioned officers to be white with silver buttons. All
decorations on Commissioned Officer’s uniforms are to be gold
with gold buttons.
The above regulations are hereby promulgated to standardize the

APPROVED MARCHING UNIFORM and are to be considered
as an addenda to Chapter XI, Section No. 3 of the Supreme
Constitution of the Knights of St. John International as amended,
adopted and codified July 1970 at Detroit, Michigan, first revisions
presented in July 1996 in Buffalo, N.Y. an again adopted and
codified, July 1998 at Fort Mitchell, KY. This addenda will be
found in said Constitution, Chapter XI, Section 3, page 102.
106 Chapter XII - Funeral Ceremonies
CHAPTER XII
FUNERAL CEREMONIES
Some concern has been voiced to the Supreme Board of Trustees

that some of our Commanderies are neglecting to render the proper
respects on the occasion of wake services and/or at funeral details
of deceased members.
Our Supreme Constitution, Section 56, Chapter VI, page 78,

mandates that,”-- a suitable representation shall be provided by the
Commandery to attend thee funeral of a deceased member, who
at the time of death was a member in good standing.-” Specific
instructions relative to the Uniformed Rank are alluded to.
Military funeral details and ceremonies are outlined in Sections 475

through 485 of the Knights of St. John Drill Regulations as adopted
by the Supreme Board in October 1960, are in most respects,
still applicable and should be complied with whenever possible.
Exceptions to the regulations as outlined would be all reference
to the Band, music or trumpeter, however, if the deceased was a
member of a Veteran’s organization and a Bugler, representing
said Veteran’s organization is present, and “Taps” are sounded, the
uniformed detail of Knights of St. John International should be put
at “Attention.”
In an effort to simplify the interpretation of the regulations

governing Funeral Ceremonies, and more importantly, to assure the
uniformity and dignity of these
Funerals 107
ceremonies, the following guidelines are hereby promulgated for

the guidance and direction of all concerned:
1. Upon receipt of notification of the death of a Brother

Knight, the Captain and President should immedialely co-ordinate
efforls to nolify all member of Lhe Commandery as well as Dattalion,
Regimental, Grand or Supreme Officers as the indi vid11:ll case
may warrant. The Captain, or senior officer, will arrange to provide
unifonned honor guards as per Section 475 of the Drill Regulations.
He, will likewise provide members to serve as Pall-bearers and to
serve on the funeral detail. (It is a charitable virtue to see various
Commanderies cooperating and assisting each other on these sad
occasions). The President should see that all members are advised
of the time of the Memorial Ritual.
2. On the evening prior to the burial, the Commandery

President or Senior Officer present in con junction with
p;irlicipation by a member of the Clergy. if one is present. conduct
the Memorial Rilual of the Knights of St. Jo hn I,nem ationa l (as
REVISED and adopted in Nov. 1972). ALL Broth r Knights present
should participate \\tjth the appropn:-tte r sponsc . If the dcceascd
was a Noble Knight, all fellow Noble Knights in attendance should
wear their Noble Degree Cross and Ribbon and the special prayers
for such members are to be recited immediately following the
Memorial Ritual. It is customary to have the widow or immediate
members of the family of the deceased at the bier for the ritual. It is
also customary that the Presiding Officer direct all Brother Knights
in attendance, to file past the bier (at the conclusion of prayers)
and to render a salute to their departed Brother Knight. ( - Copies
of the referenced Memorial Ritual are available from the Supreme
Secretary at a nominal cost.)
3. On the morning of the Funeral, the honor detail,

including Pall-bearers and members designated to carry the Sword
and Chapeau of the deceased, should assemble at the funeral home
at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure time. Uniformed
guards should be posted and when final prayers are to be recited,
the honor detail should be marched into the parlor with swords at
carry for participation in the prayers. After prayers, Commanding
Officer orders swords to be returned and members file past bier
and render hands salute. The detail is then reformed in a column
of two’s ordered to draw swords and march outside. From the exit
of the funeral chapel to the hearse the Uniformed Knights form a
file on the right and left of the walkway or road and on direction of
Commanding officer face the center and present swords as casket is
bourne to the hearse. Detail then returns swords, is dismissed and
ordered to reform at the Church doors.
At the Church location, the detail is again formed. The uniformed

Knights acting as Honorary Pall-bearers will march ahead of casket.
No one is to be between the casket and the immediate family. If
non-uniform members are present, they will form the detail in open
rank facing inward and render a hand salute. Once the casket and
the immediate family have passed, return salute faces right and left.
File in Church and be seated behind unformed members.
After mass, Honor Guard will follow Acolytes and Clergy

MARCHING WITH SWORDS IN REVERSE, until they get to the
exit door of the Church. Here they will come to a carry and order,
open ranks and face inward and present swords as casket passes and
is placed in hearse. Once casket is placed in hearse the Pall-bearers
should line up with the honor guard and render a hand salute (honor
guard remains at present swords) until family and mourners pass
Funerals 109
thru the arch. Then detail is ordered to carry; return swords, and
dismissed to join procession to the cemetery where they are to be
reformed.
Note: While the above is intended to govern funerals in urban

areas we appreciate the fact that in some rural areas the cemetery
is located immediately adjacent to the Church. In this case the
Honor Guard will continue to precede the casket, with SWORDS
IN REVERSE, to the gravesite where the arch will again be formed
and swords presented.
Since situations will vary in the cemetery, your personal discretion

must be utilized. If the grave site is close to the road it may be
necessary to form a double column on each side of the path to
the grave. If the grave is located any distance from the roadway,
the detail will lead the procession to the gravesite, with SWORDS
IN REVERSE ... then as they approach the grave, come to carry;
open ranks; present swords and permit casket and family to pass
thru. Uniformed detail should be stationed at the far end of the
grave, facing same, swords in scabbards, for the gravesite prayers.
Chapeau and sword of deceased should again be placed on the
casket. At conclusion of prayers, remove Sword and Chapeau
and if deceased was a Veteran and the American flag was used to
cover the casket, two uniformed members should be designated to
remove same, to fold (as per directions in any pamphlet outlining
respect and use of the United States Flag) and to present same to
the widow or closest survivor present. Ceremonies in respect to the
flag would be under direction of any Veteran’s organization if they
are in attendance.
On conclusion of the above, each participating Knight renders a

final hand salute and the detail is dismissed at the grave.
It is vitally important that solemnity and dignity be observed at all

times during any portion of the wake of funeral ceremonies. Any
demonstration of levity or boisterous or loud talking; of turning or
in-attention in formation, no matter how un-intentional, would be a
discreditable reflection on our Noble Order.
Commanding officers are reminded that the “Uniformed Guard of

Honor”, is to PRECEDE the casket from the funeral chapel to the
EXTERIOR of the church where the mass of Christian burial is to
be celebrated and then FOLLOW the casket into the Church after it
has passed its’ ranks. Likewise the “Honor Guard” is to precede the
casket, from the hearse to the gravesite (or in rural areas - from
the church to the adjacent cemetery) whenever possible. In both
instances, SWORDS are to be carried in REVERSE.
Funerals 111
15 Apr. ‘78
NOTE: IF ANY PORTION OF THE DIRECTIONS CONTAINED

IN THE ABOVE GUIDELINES IS CONTRADICTORY TO
LOCAL DIOCESAN REGULATIONS, PLEASE ABIDE BY
YOUR DIOCESAN PRACTICE.
112 Chapter XIII -Amendments
CHAPTER XIII
AMENDMENTS
SECTION 1. Amendments to the Supreme Constitution shall
be made as follows: The Supreme Board of Trustees may upon
request of any subordinate Commandery or of its own motion
submit to all of the Grand Commanderies and to the Local
Unattached Commanderies any proposed amendments or repeals
to the Constitution after the same has been published in the official
organ prior to the meeting of any such Grand Commandery. Such
amendments or repeals must be acted upon at the next meeting of
such Grand Commanderies and Unattached Local Commanderies
and must receive a favorable majority of the total membership
of the Knights of St. John International. Certification of the
results must be certified by the Grand Commanderies and Local
Unattached Commanderies to the Supreme Board of Trustees on
or before July 1st of the same year for proper action; provided that
no such amendments or repeals may be submitted to the Grand
Commanderies during the same year the Supreme Convention will
be in session.
SECTION 2. The Supreme Board of Trustees, any Grand

Commandery, District Commandery, Local Commandery
or Unattached Local Commandery may present a proposed
amendment to the Supreme Constitution, for consideration by the
Supreme Commandery, by filing the proposed amendment with the
Supreme Secretary not later than the first day of January of the year
in which the Supreme Convention is held.
The Supreme Secretary shall cause any proposed amendments

so filed to be published in the March issue of the official organ,
Amendments 113
preceding the Supreme Convention.
Such proposed amendments shall be referred to the committee on

laws at the convention and it shall be the duty of such committee
on laws to carefully consider each amendment and report to the
convention with its recommendation and if so proposed amendment
shall receive three-fourths of the votes present and voting, it shall
become effective.
114
INDEX 115
CHAPTER I
Supreme Conventions See Page
Authority & Power of Conventions. ................ .. 8 11
Charters by Supreme Trustees......................... . 15 13
Committees of Convention............................ ... 11 12
Credentials................................ ....................... . 3 8
Delegates - Attendance..... .............................. 10 11
Delegates - Eligible........... ............................. .. 5 9
Masses-
of Than ksgiving............... .............................. 1 8
Deceased Members.......... .............................. 2 8
Meetings - Biennia lly........ .............................. 1 8
Nominating Committees................................... 12 12
Order of Business................ .............................. 7 10
Per Capita Tax- Power to Levy....................... 14 13
Presiding Officer........ ......... .................. ............ 6 10
Quorum................................................ ............ 9 11
Trustees - Convention Authority.................... 13 13
Votes - Officers and Delegates.................... .... 4 8
CHAPTER II
Supreme Commandexy
Audit of Funds and Records.............................. 14 24
Bonding of Officers.............................. ............. 28 31
Compensation of Officers..................... ............ 19 26
Degree Qua lifications.................... ...................
Duties- 18 26
President........................................................ 3 18
First Vice-President........................... ............. 4 19
Second Vice President....................... ............ 5 19
Secretary........................................... ............ . 6 20
Treasurer........................................... ............ 7 22
116 Index
Sec. Page
T rustees............................ ............................. 8 23
Other Officers................................ ........... ..... 22 27
Fiscal Year....... ... ........................ ....................... 16 25
Funds - Control of................................ ......... 15 25
Jewel of Honor.......................................... ........ 25 29
Qualifications - Uniformed Rank................. 63 80
Qualifications - Non-Uniformed Rank......... 64 81
Officers -
Elective 1 16
Appointive 2 17
Past 24 28
Organizing Department. 29 32
Passwords 26 29
Passwords - Candidates 27 30
Rituals - Adoption and Control. 17 25
Supreme Counsel. 20 27
Supreme Organizer 21 27
Trustees -
Organizing Department. 12 24
Per Capita Tax Exemptions 10 24
Supervision and Contro l. 9 23
Surplus Fund Investments. 13 24
Territory Limits - Defined 11 24
Vacancies - Supreme Officers 23 28
CHAPTER III
Supreme Subordinates Commanderies Ghana and Nigeria
Authority ......................................................... 1 33
By-Laws ........ ...... .............................................. 3 33
Index 117
Duties-
Supreme Subordinate President.. ........ ..... ...... 6 34
Supreme Subordinate Secretary..................... 7 35
Supreme Subordinate Treasurer.......... .......... 8 36
Supreme Subordinate Judge.Advocate........... 9 36
Officers ............................................................ 4 34
Board of Directors ......... .................................... 5 34
CHAPTERIV
Grand Commanderies
As ssments - Notice by Grand Secretary. 5 40
Assessments - Payable to Grand Treasurer. 6 40
Composition of Grand Commandery. 2 39
Duties-
President 13 42
First Vice-President 14 43
Second Vice-President. 15 43
Secretary 16 43
Treasurer 17 44
Judge Advocate 18 44
Trustees 19 44
Election of Officers. 12 42
Locations - Geographically. 8 41
Meetings. l 39
Meetings - Attendances -
Officers and Delegates. 21 45
Membership - Minimum Requirement. 7 41
Nominating Committees 11 41
Officers 19 41
Organizer 22 45
Per Capita Tax- Power to Levy. 3 40
Per Capita Tax - Failure to Pay. 4 40
118 Index
President and Secretary- Military Rank. 10 41

Spiritual Director 12 42
Vacancies 20 44
Voting Rights - Officers and Delegates. 2 39
CHAPTERV
District Commanderies
Board of Officers - Members Eligible............. .
Brigades and Regiments........... ........................ .
Composition of District Commandery..............
Duties-
Commander ........................................ ..........
Adjutant ............................ ...........................
Quartermaster .................... ........................... 10 51

Payinaster .......................... .......................... . l l 51
Other Officers .................... ................ .......... . 12 52
Dissension within a Commandery..................... 15 61
Duties -
President .......................... ............................. 27 68
First Vice-President ........... ............................ 28 68
Second Vice-President .................... .. ........ .. 29 69
Recording/Corresponding Secretary .............. 30 69
Secretaries Reports ...................... .............. 31 69
Financial Secretary -
Death Benefit 32 70
Widow and Orphan 32 70
Report of Funds 33 71
Treasurer 34 72
Trustees 35 72
Commander 36 72
First Vice-Commander 37 73
Second Vice-Commander 38 73
Non-Commissioned Officers 19 73
Election of Officers 24 66
Expulsions 9 59
Failure to Report for Initiation 21 64
Failure of Officers to Perform Duties 40 73
Failure to Answer Communications 41 74
Failure of Officers to Attend Meetings 54 77
First Degree Initiation Requirements 20 63
All other Degree Requirements 18 26
Funds 58 78
Funerals 57 78
Holy Communion 47 75
120 Index
Sec. Page
Initiation Fee .................................................... 5 56
Meetings - Regular ......................................... 46 75
Meetings - Special .......................................... 46 75
Members in Need ............................................. 43 74
Members in Arrears .......................................... 50 76
Members Required to Attend Meetings -
Drills ............................................................. 55 77
Membership -
Cards 6 57
Classifications 22 64
Degree Requirements 23 65
Other Degree Requirements 18 26
Eligibility 19 62
Restrictions 2 55
Restrictions to One Commandery 12 60
Rolls and Per Capita Tax 16 61
Moneys Owed by Members 52 76
Nominating Committees 25 66
Nominations - Elections - Installations 26 67
Non-Uniformed Members 10 59
Penalties 49 76
Per Capita Tax - When Due 17 62
Per Capita Tax - Delinquency 18 62
Re-application for Membership 53 77
Reinstatement of Member 4 56
Rejections of Applica tions. 3 56
Resign ations 7 57
Retired Officers 60 79
Sick and Deceased Members’ Protection 42 74
Sir Knights - Definition. 62 80
Supplies - Where to Obtain 59 78
Suspension of Member 51 76
Index 121
Sec. Page
Transfer of Member......................... ..... ............ 8 57
Transfers - Mergers - Relocations ................. 61 79
Uniform Rank Defini tions................................ 62 80
Uniform Requirements....................... .............. 56 77
Vacancies ......................................................... 44 75
Withdrawal by Member...................... .............. 45 75
CHAPTER VII
Cadet Commanderies
Affiliated with Local Commande ry...................
3
83
Cadets - Eligible to Join Knights....... ............ .. 6 84
Charters - By Supreme Commandery............ . 2 83
Delegate to Grand and District Commandery... 3 83
Formation of a Cadet Commandery. ................. 1 83
Organizer .......................................... ..... .......... 5
84
Per Capita Tax......... ....... ....................... ........... 4 83
Sponsors .......................................................... 5 84
CHAPTER VIII
Ladies Auxiliaries
Duty of Knights to Foster and Support..... ........ 85
CHAPTERIX
Widow and Orphan Department
Administration ................................................. 3 86
Reserve Funds -
Final Distributions ................... ...................... 3 87
Loan Restrictions ......................................... 3 86
122 Index
CHAPTERX
Death Benefit Fund Department
Death Benefit-
Sec. Page
Administration Costs....................... .............. 4 88

Assessments .................................................. 5 89
Composition .................................. ............... 1 88
Laws Applicable to Fund .... .... ........................ 2 88
Payment Procedures.............. ........................ 5 89
Policy Maximum..... ............... ..... .......... ......... 4 88
Policy Payment Restrictions... ............ ..... ..... .. 6 90
CHAPTER XI
Military
Drill Exemptions - Field and staff Officers.... .. 1 9 1
Drill Regulations...................... ......................... 2 91
Uniforms - Officers and Sir Knights................ 3 91-105
CHAPTER XII
Funeral
Funeral Ceremonies .................... ...... .......... ...... 106
CHAPTER XIII
Amendments
Procedure for submission.......... ....................... . I I 12
Filing Requirements................... ...................... . 2 113
CONSTITUTION REVISION COMMITTEE GENERAL

VALERIAN FRANCIS, Chairman
Past Supreme President
GENERAL JOHN T. SCHNEIDER.

GENERAL THOMAS C. GRAZIANO,

GENERAL JOHN M. WINDSOR, JR

MAJOR GENERAL JOSEPH W. HAUSER. JR,

Supreme Secretary
BRIGADIER GENERAL PAUL H. THIELMAN,

Supreme Counsel
REPRINTED - JANUARY, 1999
GENERAL H. LEE MOENING

Supreme President
KNIGHTS OF ST. JOHN PRAYER
(To be recited dairy)
In Thy Strength, 0 Lord, the just man shall exult, and in Thy
salvation he shall rejoice exceedingly. Thou hast given him his
heart’s desire. We beseech Thee, 0 Lord, that every thought, word
and action which we offer in memory of the sufferings of Thy Holy
Martyr, Saint John the Baptist, may by his intercession profit us
unto salvation, through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth
and reignth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world
without end. Amen .
Imprimatur: Walter A. Forey , D. D.

Bishop of Syracuse

Supreme Constitution of Knights If St. John Internaltional

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Supreme Constitution of Knights If St. John Internaltional

Enviado por

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CONSTITUTION

KNIGHTS OF ST. JOHN

First Amended, Adopted and

An Act to incorporate the Roman Catholic Union of the Knights

SECTION 1. Martin L. Yann, John McDonald, Adam J.

and to aid, assist and support members of their families in case of

CORPORATION NAME:Knights of St. John International

Early in the last quarter of the nineteenth century there

An organization was formed to establish a conservative

The sphere of activity of this organization was not limited

In 1896 the act of incorporation was amended, changing the name

Changing ideas and new modification by amendments to

Continuing changes in the structure of our organization,

Acknowledging the continuing obligation to imple­

KNIGHTS OF ST. JOHN

By Special Acts of the Senate and Assembly of the State of New

1. Supreme Subordinate Commanderies, Overseas

These Commanderies and Departments are hereby

The purposes of this corporation have been more

1. To cultivate a love among its members of the Roman

SECTION 1. The Supreme Commandery shall meet in Convention

SECTION 2. A Mass for the repose of the souls of deceased members

SECTION 3. Each Grand Commandery must file credentials

SECTION 4. The following members shall have the right to cast

(a) The Supreme Spiritual Director

SECTION 5. Each Local Commandery shall, in the year of the

many votes as there are members of his Local Commandery in good

SECTION 6. The Supreme Convention shall be presided over by

SECTION 7. The following shall be the order of business, unless

(1) Calling the Convention to order by the Supreme President.

(15) New Business.

SECTION 8. The Supreme Convention acting un­der and by

SECTION 9. Twenty-one (21) delegates, belo nging to at least

SECTION 10. The representatives to the Conven­tion will be

SECTION 11. On assembling the Convention, the Supreme

SECTION 12. At the first session of the Convention, the members

SECTION 13. The Supreme Board of Trustees shall have.full and

SECTION 14. The Supreme Board of Trustees shall certify

SECTION 15. The Supreme Commandery in Convention assembled

charter or expel any subordinate Commandery, for the violation

A. Supreme President, who by virtue of his office is

a. Only Knights of St. John who are residents of the United

Corrected July 2008

Each elective office of the Supreme Commandery shall be elected

All officers-elect shall be installed and assume the office at the

All officers except the two Supreme Trustees shall be elected

SECTION 2. The following officers of the Supreme Commandery

The following appointments may be made by the Supreme President

Corrected July 2008

I. One Quartermaster-General who shall rank as a

SECTION 3. It shall be the duty of the Supreme President to

A. All elected and appointed officers of the

The Supreme Presidentshall not appoint any member of a Grand

All Supreme Staff appointments except those defined in u A” of this

The Supreme President shall have charge of all in­ternational

SECTION 4. It shall be the duty of the Supreme First Vice-

SECTION 5. It shall be the duty of the Supreme

Second Vice-President also to assist the Supreme Presi­dent. In the

imperative duty of every officer to file a complaint with the Supreme

For the information of the Supreme Convention the Supreme

Yearly reports from Subordinate Commanderies must be mailed

He shall give a Surety Company bond in such Com­pany and such

He shall keep a correct record of all meetings of the Supreme

Acknowledging the continuing obligation to imple

SECTION 8. The Supreme Convention acting under and by

SECTION 10. The representatives to the Convention will be

The Supreme President shall have charge of all international

Second Vice-President also to assist the Supreme President. In the

He shall give a Surety Company bond in such Company and such

He shall give a Surety Company Bond in such Company and

a. He shall call for a yearly inspection and muster

SECTION l. The Supreme Subordinate Commanderies-

SECTION 4. The officers of the Supreme Subordinate Commandery

SECTION 6. The Supreme Subordinate Judge Advocate shall be a

SECTION 21. Each Supreme Subordinate Commandery shall have

SECTION 22. The Officers of the Supreme Sub ordinate