Lakeland/Winter Haven York Rite Bodies

07/04/2026

Happy Independence Day from the Knights Templar Eye Foundation.

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence, we give thanks for the blessings of liberty, the courage of those who secured it, and the enduring responsibility to preserve it for generations to come.

May this historic anniversary be a time of gratitude, unity, and renewed dedication to the ideals upon which our nation was founded.

06/28/2026

Here is an antique photo we discovered in one of our vintage photo albums of Bro. William McKinley, 25th President of the United States, in full Knights Templar regalia. Though Bro. McKinley joined freemasonry while serving during the Civil War, he didn't join the Knight's Templar until 1884. We believe this photo was taken around that time, or soon after, since he looks considerably younger than he did when killed by an assassin's bullet while in office in 1901. After Bro. McKinley's death, his Vice President took the oath of office to became the 26th President of the U.S. The new POTUS was a freemason as well and his name was Bro. Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt.

06/26/2026

06/22/2026

We believe this program is an important expansion of our support efforts. By extending a helping hand to researchers at the beginning of their careers, we hope to encourage and accelerate advancements in vision research and ophthalmology.

06/09/2026

The Officers and Directors of the Knights Templar Eye Foundation wish to thank all Grand Commanderies that have become either 100% or 200% Life Sponsors within their jurisdiction and to those Grand Commanderies that are actively working towards the 100% goal.