The Sovereign Great Priory (SGP) is the governing body in Canada of the United Religious, Military and Masonic Orders of the Temple and of St. John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes and Malta — the chivalric orders in the York Rite of Freemasonry or Masonic Knights Templar.
The purpose and objective of the Order is to promote the cause of Chivalric Masonry through a dedication of Templar Leadership to its principles, and to further the knowledge of its history, background, customs, usage, and traditions.
The Social Order of the Beauceant was originally started at the suggestion of the Commandery in Denver, Colorado. Asked to host the 25th Triennial Conclave for the Grand Encampment of the Knights Templar which was to be held in their city in August 1892, the Sir Knights felt with only one Commandery and a membership of just over 300 they needed help. Their wives agreed to supply the help.
