St Thomas of Acon
St Thomas of Acon is a modern commemorative Christian order for Masonic Knights Templar, inspired by medieval charitable and hospitaller service in Acre. It is invitation-based and separately governed; it does not claim to be the surviving medieval Order of St Thomas.
Commemoration rather than continuity
The modern order uses the medieval charitable foundation at Acre as its subject and moral frame. Its own institutional date belongs to the twentieth century, so the historical order and the present Masonic commemoration should not be collapsed into one continuous body. [1]
Governance through the Grand Master’s Council and Chapels makes it independent of Great Priory despite Knights Templar being the qualification. [1] [2]
Invitation from Templary
The route begins with active Masonic Knights Templar membership and invitation. Qualification does not imply a public application or automatic admission, and current expectations should be confirmed through an authorised Chapel. [1] [2]
The public news record shows shared activity such as the Canterbury gathering, but local Chapels determine their own calendars, dining and practical workload. [2] [3]
Who may value it
It may suit a Knight Templar drawn to Christian charity, mercy and a focused commemorative ceremony rather than another long degree sequence. Continuing value depends on Chapel fellowship and service after admission.
Knights of Malta is the appendant Great Priory continuation and uses Hospitaller imagery within that system. St Thomas of Acon is separate, invitational and narrower in ceremonial scope. [1]
It is a modern single-ceremony commemoration for qualified Knights Templar, not Great Priory’s Knights of Malta and not a medieval corporate survival.