PROGRAM UPDATE MEMO

1. Event Date – Saturday, February 5, 2000 is the event primary target, but optional dates may be established with your concurrence. We understand the need for flexibility. This is your call.
2. "Candidate" and "Top-Line Signer" Pins – The Grand Encampment will be providing both of these pins. Design samples have now been approved by Grand Master Ward.

The "Candidate" pin is a take-off of the Malta lapel pin currently available from the Grand Encampment Office with several additions: The year "2000" has been added to the banner, and "Crossed Swords" added for distinction. It’s nice, and subtly elegant. The Candidates will be proud to wear it as a new Knight Templar.

The "Top-Line Signer" pin is a scaled down version of the current Grand Encampment Committee Badge with purple and white enameling, and polished gold trim. The emblem and insignia of the Grand Master and Past Grand Masters, The Cross of Salem, is centered in the pin. This "Top-Line Signer" pin is an direct "Thank You" from the Grand Master for promoting our Christian Order, and the Templary 2000 Crusade.

Department Commander Pin Forecast – I have received forecasts for five of the seven Departments. The forecasts have been developed by Grand Commanders and the "Key Men" for both Candidates, and "Top-Line Signers" for each jurisdiction adding to a Department total. Pin orders will be placed before November 1.

3. Candidate Certificates – This responsibility is being handled by Chuck Neumann who has a reliable Chicago source for document designs. A very classy and professional document suitable for framing has been requested. Our plan is to have it available for shipment to you in early-January. There will be four (4) signature lines: Grand Master, Grand Recorder, Department Commander, and Grand Commander.

Our objective is to send one package to each Department Commander (Pins, and Certificates). Please anticipate the time needed for your signature. Then The Department Commander would send each Grand Commander the amount of candidate and "top-line signer" pins he originally forecasted, and an equal amount of certificates for his signature. The Grand Commander would then distribute to the appropriate Constituent Commanderies.

4. "Key Man Newsletter" – This is the initial monthly "Key Man Newsletter". I will attempt to keep this a "newsy" type of letter with a "what’s going on" approach to keep the "Key Men" informed.

We hope that the "Key Men" are functioning to meet the needs of the Grand Commanders. These Sir Knights are leaders in their own right (many are PGC’s). Key Men should be catalysts for action, and assisting in the implementation of "Crusade" plans that have been established. Many of you are actively promoting and supporting this event at the local level to insure success.

5. "Department Commander" KT Article The Department Commanders have agreed to write short article to highlight the various "Templary 2000 Crusade" activities occurring within their respective Departments. This is another opportunity for the Grand Commanders to provide REDC’s with program updates in their jurisdictions, special activities planned, and candidate forecasts. It will also provide positive exposure to those deserving recognition.

The following schedule has been established:

Departments KT Issue Received By Date

East Central, Southeastern November October 1, 1999

Northeastern, Northwestern December November 1, 1999

South Central December November 1, 1999

Southwestern, North Central January December 1, 1999

 

6. Crusade "Masonic Family Support" – The Grand Master has received positive support from numerous Masonic organizations for the "Crusade" including the Scottish Rite NMJ and SMJ, Red Cross of Constantine, York Rite Sovereign College, Shrine International, the Convent General – Knights of the York Cross of Honour, and the General Grand Council and Chapter. They have offered their assistance to you at the local level for planning or casting. What a wonderful example of unity among Masons.
7. "Event Promotion and Commitment" – Please encourage your Grand Commanders to publicly support and promote this premier event. Request they send letters to each Constituent Commandery supporting and promoting the event. Please submit Crusade promotion articles regularly in each of their monthly KT Supplements.

The Key Men can assist Grand Commanders who might wish to establish competition within their respective jurisdictions: most Knightings, most restorations, highest percentage of net gain, etc. Also, consider honoring the Sir Knights with the most petitions submitted.

Grand Master Ward has issued a "Call" to knight (2,000+) and restore (2,000+) to good standing in Templary. Let us show him that we can respond to his call, and do the job assigned to us to the best of our abilities. Hopefully, there is no project with a higher priority at this time than membership development.

8. "Hamilton Templary Millennium Watch" Offer – We are working with an agent for the Hamilton Watch Company’s fraternal division, Affinity Marketing, to develop a special Hamilton Watch to celebrate this occasion. The Grand Master has now authorized the creation of the "Templary 2000 Crusade" watch. It will be a 10K gold "retro" model (reproduction of 1940’s model) with a gold adjustable bracelet-type band, and would price at $299.95 (four installments are available at $74.75 each).

The watch will truly be unique. Centered on the champagne dial will be the "Salem Cross" and Templar Officer jewels near the hour marker all in gold high relief. A six point diamond will be located at the 12 hour mark, and a calendar at the 3 hour mark. This is a truly elegant piece of jewelry that you will want for yourself, and it can be purchased by Commanderies for a gift to deserving Knights Templar.

The promotion of this magnificent timepiece will begin with colored inserts in the November Knight Templar magazine for the Pennsylvania and Texas jurisdictions.

Direct mail promotion pieces will be mailed in December to all Knights Templar in the following jurisdictions: AL, CO, CN, ID, LA, MA, MD, MI, NH, NM, ND, OH, OR, SC, SD, and UT.

All remaining jurisdictions will see the "Crusade" watch promotion brochure inserted in their Knight Templar magazine January issue.

9. Royalties from watch sales are expected to pay for a portion of the "pins". Any excess royalties, if recognized, would be directed to The Knight Templar Eye Foundation.
10. "York Rite Membership Development Program" – This sixteen (16) slide program is now available to any Constituent Commandery needing a guide for a membership development program. It is available to anyone with e-mail, and Windows PowerPoint 97 or 95. Send requests to me (WRCLUTTER@Prodigy.net), and I will download them to you. Sorry, no "snail mail". It has been distributed to many states with positive feedback. The program is a "template" which can allow local Commanderies to tailor it to meet their local needs. Target this for use in nearby local Symbolic Lodges.

Bill Clutter, KCT, PGC (IN)
Chairman
Templary 2000 Crusade	7/7/99