09/12/2026
The Grand York Rite of Idaho recently received several boxes from the son of Sir Knight Merlin F. Purcell, containing an impressive collection of York Rite regalia and memorabilia. Among the items was a box filled with jewels and pins, including Grand Encampment and Grand Commandery Triennial jewels - a treasure trove of Templar history.
Merlin F. Purcell (August 30, 1916 – October 10, 1978) devoted many years to Templary. In 1966, he received the Knight Templar Cross of Honor, becoming the second recipient in Idaho. He served as Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Idaho in 1972 and, in 1976, was installed as Northwest Department Commander of the Grand Encampment.
Merlin died while serving as Department Commander on October 10, 1978. At the 1979 Triennial Conclave, he was remembered as a “dedicated Sir Knight” who had “announced his candidacy for the Grand Encampment Line shortly prior to his death.” His unexpired term as Northwest Department Commander was completed by Sir Knight Bill Thornley, who would later become Grand Master of the Grand Encampment.
We are grateful to Merlin Purcell’s family for entrusting these pieces to the Grand York Rite of Idaho.
