The Priory of Our Savior is the original Los Angeles, California chapter of the Grand Priory of the United States of America, one of over thirteen national organizations which constitute the international body of the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem (whose formal name is abbreviated as OSMTH), a non-profit, ecumenical organization of Christian men and women. At all levels, the Order is dedicated to promoting political and religious freedom of choice, providing aid to those in need, and preserving the ideals of the ancient order on which we were founded: The Knights of the Temple, more commonly known as the Knights Templar. The Order’s designation by the United Nations as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) has been especially helpful overseas, providing us with credibility in many foreign nations that enables us to move quickly in response to local needs, such as sending supplies for public schools in Afghanistan and providing disaster relief for tsunami victims in Thailand and Indonesia.

The Priory of Our Savior is one of 40 local entities of the Grand Priory in major cities around the United States. The Priory was established in 1998 and continues to grow in members and in charitable giving. The particular focus for our charitable work is supporting children in need in the Los Angeles area. Our members include working and retired men and women from public sector, private sector, clerical and military backgrounds, all of whom give generously of their time and resources to the community through the Priory. In addition, members support the activities and programs of the national and international organizations in the Holy Land and wherever else our contribution can make a difference. Our work locally, nationally, and internationally is done in the spirit of Psalms 115, the origin of the Order’s motto:

Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory