Masonic Province of Hertfordshire
Chronicle and Banners
Standards (All Preceptories)
Two standards are displayed at every Knights Templar meeting.
The two colour black and white one is the "Beausceant Standard", the upper half of the banner is black, and the lower half white: black, to typify terror to foes, and white, fairness to friends. Originally it bore the pious inscription, "Non nobis, Domine, non nobis sed nomini tuo da gloriam".
This is the beginning of the first verse of Psalm 115, "Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory." The standad no longer bears this inscription.
The other standard, of a red cross on white background, is the "Vexillum Belli" or "war standard". It has been hinted that the Vexillum Belli was introduced when the masonic Knights Templar were first organised. The Beausceant standard should be regarded as a reminder of the original war banner, whilst the latter Vexillum Belli" should be considered to be a rallying-point, akin to a regimental flag.
Source: "A reference book for Freemasonry" by Frederick Smyth published by Quatuor Coronati Correspondence Circle in 1998.