Ek–Klesian Order of the Oriental Templars
The Ek–Klesia–Hermetic Brotherhood of Light
The Sacred and Ancient Order of the Golden Dawn
XI° ?
Photo of William C. Conway from the Kirk A. Watson archive, colorized by AI.
William C. Conway (b. 1885) was a con artist known for creating fictitious organizations and adopting grandiose titles. He never held a conventional job, instead relying on schemes that often led him into legal trouble. Early in his career, he posed as a “field manager” for the fabricated “Good Roads Commission,” which resulted in brief incarcerations. By the late 1920s, he escalated his activities with the fraudulent “Optimist Society,” a counterfeit version of a legitimate group. His use of falsified endorsements from prominent figures earned him a two-year prison sentence for mail fraud. After this, Conway turned to religious and mystical pursuits, founding enigmatic groups such as the “EXIEEL” order and the Restored Apostolic Catholic Church, which attracted a modest following. [See the research by Kirk A. Watson, University of Utah.]
Courtney Willis, Technicians of the Sacred, Lineage of the XIthe degree Ordo Templi Orientis. August 1989 letter As Tau Lucifer II, Conway delved into esotericism. While rumors suggest that he may have been initiated into the XI° of the O.T.O. by C.F. Russell and Franklin Thomas (with Thomas allegedly performing the initiation on January 1, 1945), there is no concrete evidence to substantiate these claims. Conway himself never publicly asserted such an initiation, leaving the matter open to speculation by others. Roland Merritt Shreves, William Wallace Webb, and Michael Paul Bertiaux have all associated their XI° lineage with Conway (for more details on these individuals, see my attempt to Historically Trace the IX°). 
Courtney Willis, XI° Transmissions From Crowley. Another August 1989 letter Conway sought to integrate elements of Mormon fundamentalism with Druidic and occult traditions, although he was not affiliated with mainstream Mormonism. He may have interacted with a Mormon polygamist group active in Los Angeles during the 1930s. Conway styled himself as a High Priest of the Order of Melchizedek, promoting beliefs in polygamy, reincarnation, and sacred relics. In 1955, he claimed to have been adopted by the Zapotec people of Yucatán, Mexico, who recognized him as a spiritual leader. He also asserted that his partner, an Indigenous princess, had miraculously conceived twins through immaculate conception. By the 1960s, Conway’s affiliations included numerous esoteric organizations, such as the “Ek-Klesian Order of the Oriental Templars” and “The Sacred and Ancient Order of the Golden Dawn.” He also styled himself as a Druid High Priest of the A.O.A.A, (“Ancient Order of Atlantean Adepts).” |
William Conway to Norman C. Pierce
October 17, 1964
|
Some of the keywords in William Conway's letter are: Native American tribes, Joseph Smith Jr., tribal "Great Chief," "Immaculate Conception," spiritual procreation, rejection of impurity, lust, spiritual correction, "magnetic contact," "Exalted Brothers," reincarnated Joseph Smith Jr., Koot Humi Lai Singth, Dwajh Khul (a Mongolian Master of A.O.A.A.), Mormon landmarks, Tabernacle, and "Miracle of the Locusts."
On page 3, the expression 'A.O.A.A.' is explained as the Ancient Order of Atlantean Adepts. It remains unclear why Conway chose to feature pompous, quasi-existent orders and lodges in his letterhead and on the first page of his correspondence. Many of the names are adorned with grand or mystical-sounding prefixes which evoke esoteric or spiritual significance. Perhaps these grandiose prefixes are merely an attempt at legal self-protection? Here is list of Conway's orders, lodges, and whatever else can be found on this letterhead:
|
Context:
|
O.T.O. Phenomenon navigation page | main page | mail What's New on the O.T.O. Phenomenon site?
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |