Celebrating 40 Years in K.T. - Provincial Prior of Warwickshire

When a Brother attains 50 Years service, quite rightly, this is recognised by Great Priory with the presentation of a celebratory certificate. However, not many of us will manage to serve 50 years but, nevertheless, will have given many years of sterling service to our Order. Brethren don’t do it to gain formal accolades, the pleasure and enjoyment of our various Orders is enough reward. However, it is nice to have ones dedicated service acknowledged.

The Provincial Prior of Warwickshire, R.E.Kt. David Handley, has introduced a 40 Year service certificate to overcome this situation.

The first recipient was E.Kt. Charles Williams of Holy Trinity Preceptory No. 331 meeting in Coventry. Charles staunchly supported his Preceptory; he held the offices of Registrar and Treasurer for many years. His dedication was recognised by the preferment of Great Rank. Unfortunately, Charles is not enjoying good health at the moment so the Provincial Prior, accompanied by his predecessor and the Vice-Chancellor, visited him at home to make the presentation. To say that this was well received would be an understatement, fully justifying the introduction of the certificate.

E.Kt. Geoff James of Temple Balsall Preceptory No. 340 was next. Geoff has appeared in News at 86 when he was honoured by being a Queen’s Commonwealth Games Baton Bearer through Sutton Coldfield, his home town. He is a member of four preceptories and a Founder of two of them. He is invariably holding Office in one of his preceptories and has been recognised with Great Rank.

E.Kt. John Saint is also a member of Temple Balsall Preceptory No. 340. It meets in The Old Hall in Temple Balsall, built originally by The Templars in about 1118. Despite his long service as the Grand Superintendent for the Royal Arch in Warwickshire he continued to support K.T. and gained Past Great Rank. Notably he was the Provincial Chancellor for six years. He received his certificate in that ‘hallowed’ Old Hall.

Celebrating Milestones in Tallinn - Great Priory Anniversaries & Inauguration

Last weekend. the Great Marshal, R.E.Kt. Tim Wheeler G.C.T. and Grand Master, M.E. & S.Kt. Paul R. Clement, OStJ, G.C.T. attended the 40th Anniversary celebrations of the Great Priory of Finland, our daughter Great Priory, and the Inauguration of the Great Priory of Estonia. Both these events were held at Tallinn in Estonia.

 

They were accompanied by their wives. G.M. Paul proposed the toast to the two Great Priories and presented M.E.& S.Kt. Hannu Hillo with his Patent as our representative near the Great Priory of Finland.

Service of Praise and Thanksgiving on Sunday, 08 June 2025 - Pentecost

The last Provincial Church Service was held in 2018 at the Chapel of the Royal Masonic School for Girls in Rickmansworth. A subsequent service was planned for 2020 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Province. Unfortunately, this event was cancelled due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and the associated restrictions on gatherings.

Efforts to return to the school in later years were unsuccessful, owing to ongoing building projects. We were therefore particularly grateful when E.Kt. Mark Corcoran, P.Gt.Her., proposed St Gabriel’s Church, North Acton, as a suitable alternative venue for the service.

The Church Service held on 8th June marked the first such gathering in seven years. It was jointly led by V.E.Kt. The Revd Timothy L’Estrange, P.Gt.Prel., Vicar of North Acton and Surrogate, and E.Kt. Mark Corcoran, P.Gt.Her., Provincial Prelate.

St Gabriel’s Church is an architecturally striking brick building, well-regarded for its distinctive presence within its suburban surroundings. Constructed between 1929 and 1931, it was designed by Ernest Charles Shearman, whose unique style has been described as ‘Mediterranean Gothic’.

Although the date unfortunately clashed with other commitments for some members of the Province, nearly 50 attendees—including members of the parish—were present for this Evensong service.

The service commenced with a formal procession of the clergy and the Provincial Prior, accompanied by the banners of the Province, which were carried with dignity by current and former members of the Bodyguard. Following the opening prayers, the first lesson, Luke 3:10–18, was read by the Provincial Prior, R.E.Kt. John Roberts, K.C.T. After a hymn, the second lesson, Acts 2.1-13, was read by the Provincial Vice-Chancellor, E.Kt. Terry O’Neill, P.Gt.Her.

The address, delivered by the Provincial Prelate, E.Kt. Mark Corcoran, acknowledged that although the 50th anniversary service was missed due to the pandemic, this occasion marked a celebration of 55 years of the Province. He reflected on significant events that had taken place in the intervening years.

The Precepts of the Order were then read by the Provincial Prior, followed by a series of prayers. A collection was taken during the singing of the Templar Hymn.

The service concluded with the Blessing and the National Anthem, after which the clergy and Provincial Prior recessed, accompanied once more by the banner bearers.

The ceremonial proceedings were expertly overseen throughout by the Provincial Marshal, E.Kt. Tom D’Souza, P.Dep.Gt.Mar. with musical accompaniment on the organ provided by the Deputy Marshal, E.Kt. Gil Singleton.

Following the service, all attendees enjoyed a well-received tea in the Parish Hall.

We now look ahead to the next service, scheduled for 2027. Ample notice will be provided regarding the date and venue to encourage strong attendance from the Knights of the Province.