The Social Order of the Beauceant (SOOB) is an organization of Christian women whose membership is limited to the wives and widows of members of the Knights Templar branch of the Masonic Fraternity. Beauceant’s mission is to promote loyal friendships among its members and to assist Commanderies with entertainment and hospitality. Members also help to raise funds for the Knights Templar Eye Foundation and other Masonic and community charities.
SOOB was founded in Denver, Colorado, in 1890 when the wives of local Commandery members agreed to assist the Commandery in hosting the 25th Triennial Conclave of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar to be held in 1892. Having enjoyed the work, the ladies continued to meet; and at the 1913 Triennial Conclave, ladies from other cities were initiated into membership and the name Social Order of Beauceant was adopted. There is only on Assembly within Alabama, Mobile Assembly #237.
Mobile Assembly holds one stated meeting each month, except July and August. All stated meetings are preceded by a pot luck dinner held in conjunction with the Sir Knights of Mobile Commandery No. 2. Husbands who are members of other Commanderies are especially welcomed as visitors to Mobile Commandery on Beauceant evenings.
Any woman 18 years or older whose husband is a member in good standing of a Commandery of Knights Templar, and who professes a belief in the Christian religion, may petition for membership. Widows, mothers, sisters, daughters and granddaughters of Knights Templar are also eligible to petition. For information on membership, please contact the Assembly Recorder.