Grand master (order) facts for kids
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A Grand Master (which means "Great Master" in Latin) is the top leader of different kinds of groups. These groups can be old chivalric orders, like groups of knights, or more modern groups like fraternal orders.
You might hear this title used in groups like the Freemasons or the Odd Fellows. Some newer groups also use the title to sound like the older, more traditional orders.
Contents
What is a Grand Master?
Leaders of Knightly Orders
In the Middle Ages, groups of knights, like the Knights Templar, had a Grand Master. This person was the main leader of the entire order. These orders were often very powerful, almost like a "state within a state." This meant they had their own rules, land, and even armies, especially during the crusades (religious wars).
For example, the Teutonic Knights and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta were so powerful that their Grand Masters were like rulers of their own territories. They were seen as Head of States, meaning they were the official leaders of their own independent groups.
Modern Groups and Universities
Today, the title of Grand Master is still used by leaders of various groups. For instance, the heads of Grand Lodges of Freemasons have been called Grand Masters since the early 1700s. The Odd Fellows also use this title for their leaders.
Even some groups at universities use the title. For example, the national leader of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity is called the "Worthy Grand Master," and the leaders of their local chapters are called "Grand Master."
Grand Masters in Royal and State Orders
Many monarchs (kings or queens) are the Grand Masters of their country's highest knightly orders. These are often special groups that give out honors. Sometimes, a monarch might let another person, like a prince or the person who will become king or queen next (the heir to the throne), be the Grand Master of an order.
In some countries, especially those in the Commonwealth nations (like the UK), the top leader of an order might be called "Sovereign" instead of "Grand Master." However, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta uses "Sovereign Grand Master" because it is an independent group recognized by many countries.
In countries that are republics (like France or Portugal, which have presidents instead of monarchs), the president often acts as the Grand Master for the country's important state honors, such as the Legion of Honour in France.
See also
- List of grand masters of the Knights Hospitaller
- Grand masters and lieutenancies of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre
- List of grand masters of the Knights Templar
- Grand Master of the Order of Saint Lazarus
- Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights
- Grand Master (Masonic)
