Exploring Mysteries of the Centuries at Trilogy

Throughout history, fraternal organizations have often come under criticism or suspicion by outsiders. The Knights Templar are no exception.

Believed by some to be evil -- even worshippers of the head of John the Baptist -- the group, with its origins dating from the Crusades, has been surrounded by mystery and myth.

Hugh Simpson, a self-described member and Avondale Estates resident, will take people on an exploration of the group, its origins and its mysteries at a reading and a discussion on Saturday, Feb. 5 at in downtown Avondale Estates. He will be reading from Marilyn Hopkins’ book, “The Enigma of the Knights Templar: Their History and Their Mystical Connections."

The reading starts at 2 p.m. at the store located at 126 N. Avondale Road. Simpson will explore the legends, myths, mysticism and history of the group. The event is free and open to the public.

“I’m a history fanatic,” Simpson said. “It repeats itself. If we study what’s going on right now, we can easily see the past.”

The Knights Templar have a history that is storied and yet enigmatic; Simpson said much of our ideas of chivalry have come from the group, as well as military tactics, and a system of exchanging money for scrip currency.

“They were the first creators of travelers’ checks,” Simpson said.

, the site of Simpson’s reading, opened about four months ago, and not only sells books on spirituality, meditation and alternative health, but also serves as a center for workshops and book clubs.

The bookstore also has weekly story time for children at 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays and 1 p.m. on Sundays.

During other upcoming events, the store will host an open house on Saturday, Feb. 12, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the Rail Arts District event. The open house will feature visual arts, discussions with authors, a belly dancing performance, and free form music on guitar and harmonica. The store will also provide a free 30-minute yoga class at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., and will also offer chair massages, tarot readings, and psychic readings for various charges.

For more about Trilogy, visit www.trilogybookstore.com.