Commander of the Temple, 27º

Dit amerikaanse rituaal dateert uit de tweede helft van de negentiende eeuw.

Sign of Recognition. Place the right hand on the forehead, and with the thumb (the fingers being closed) make the sign of the cross. In reply, the tyler will kiss the forehead on the spot where the cross has been made. But outside the courtyard, instead of kissing the forehead, he places the first two fingers of the right hand on the mouth, keeping the other fingers closed, and turning the hand.

Grip. Knock three times with the right hand on the left shoulder of the examiner, who will reply by taking the right hand and slightly shaking it three times.

Knocks. Twenty-seven with the flat of the sword, by 12, 12 and 3.

Steps. Three ordinary steps.

Insignia. Red tunic, white sash fringed with gold, grand star; ribbon of sky blue, edged with gold; jewel is a golden triangle.

Pass word. SOLOMON (Peaceful).