Among other purposes, the church was originally used for Templar initiation ceremonies.
In England the ceremony involved new recruits entering the Temple via the western door at dawn.
The initiates entered the circular nave and then took monastic vows of piety, chastity, poverty and obedience.
The details of initiation ceremonies were always a closely guarded secret, which later contributed to the Order's downfall as gossip and rumours spread about possible blasphemous usages.
These rumours were manipulated and exploited by the Order's enemies, such as King Philip IV of France, to fabricate a pretext for the order's suppression.

Today the Temple Church holds regular church services, including Holy Communion and Mattins on Sunday morning.
It also holds weddings, but only for members of the Inner and Middle Temples.
The Temple Church serves both the Inner Temple and the Middle Temple as a private chapel.

The Temple Church has always been a Peculiar (but not a Royal Peculiar), due to which the choristers have the privilege of wearing scarlet cassocks.
Debate exists regarding the relationship of its status as Crown Subject and Peculiar.
Relations with the Bishop of London are very good and she regularly attends events and services at the Temple Church.

The Bishop of London is also ex officio Dean of the Chapel Royal.
Among other purposes, the church was originally used for Templar initiation ceremonies. In England the ceremony involved new recruits entering the Temple via the western door at dawn. The initiates entered the circular nave and then took monastic vows of piety, chastity, poverty and obedience. The details of initiation ceremonies were always a closely guarded secret, which later contributed to the Order's downfall as gossip and rumours spread about possible blasphemous usages. These rumours were manipulated and exploited by the Order's enemies, such as King Philip IV of France, to fabricate a pretext for the order's suppression.
Today the Temple Church holds regular church services, including Holy Communion and Mattins on Sunday morning. It also holds weddings, but only for members of the Inner and Middle Temples. The Temple Church serves both the Inner Temple and the Middle Temple as a private chapel.
The Temple Church has always been a Peculiar (but not a Royal Peculiar), due to which the choristers have the privilege of wearing scarlet cassocks. Debate exists regarding the relationship of its status as Crown Subject and Peculiar. Relations with the Bishop of London are very good and she regularly attends events and services at the Temple Church.
The Bishop of London is also ex officio Dean of the Chapel Royal.
Temple Church