Knights Beneficent of the Holy City

The Grand Priory of the Holy City of the Rectified Scottish Rite of England and Wales

NEWS

 

The Knights Beneficent of the Holy City (KBHC) is the anglicised name of a very old and very "elite" masonic body known worldwide as "CBCS", short for "Chevaliers Bienfaisant de La Cite Sainte".

There are several "obediences" in this Order, which do not officially recognise each other, but in England particularly, Regular Membership of CBCS was traditionally restricted to literally just a handful of the most senior Knights Templar!

However, many English masons, quite legitimately, took the step of crossing the Channel to Belgium, where membership was more easily obtainable.

Recently, in only 2007, the Grand Priory of Belgium sanctioned England to work the Degrees of the Order, forming part of the Rectified Scottish Rite, more openly, but still in a quite restricted, "Invitation Only" manner.

The Grand Priory of England is governed by the Grand Master, who is supported by a Grand Prior, a Grand Chancery and a retinue of Grand Officers who are his advisers and assist in the administration of Grand Priory, a meeting of which is convened at least once in every year.

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Knights Beneficent of the Holy City

Grand Priory 2020

Grand Priory of the Knights Beneficent of the Holy City of the Rectified Scottish Rite of England and Wales

To each and every Sir and Reverend Knight of the Order

Today should have been the Annual Meeting of Grand Priory but because of the COVID-19 pandemic we are unable to meet. We would also have held an emergency meeting of the Prefectory of St. George of London, No.1 at which we would have created and commissioned as Knights many Squire Novices who have all merited this distinction. We look forward to being able to hold our Lodge meetings in the future but we must consider the health, safety and welfare of all of our members before doing so.

At the meeting of Grand Priory, I would have had the pleasure of conferring the honour and dignity of Knight Commander of the Holy City on V.Revd.Kt. Kessick John Jones and V.Revd.Kt. Ryan Andrew Williams. I congratulate them both. I also congratulate those Knights who would have been appointed to, or promoted in, Grand Rank. Although I am unable to invest them personally their new rank becomes effective from today.

The early part of the year had many encouraging and positive features. The sharing of the readings enabled many more members to participate in the ceremony and the candidates now have a seat provided for them whilst listening to the longer discourses. I am delighted by the enthusiasm being shown by all the members and this is reflected by the high morale across all the four Prefectures. Most pleasingly all of the newest Lodges have been established on a sure foundation and are already showing steady growth. I have spoken with all the Regional Prefects and I admire the manner in which they have led their Region throughout these difficult times. In addition, we are blessed that senior Knights Templar are showing a keen desire to join our Order.

I must now give my grateful thanks to the Deputy Grand Master, R.Revd.Kt. John Wright; the Grand Visitor General, R.Revd.Kt. Vivian Thomas; the President of the Grand Master`s Council, R.Revd.Kt. Kessick Jones; the Grand Chancellor, R.Revd.Kt. Ryan Williams and all the othersenior officers and the staff at Mark Masons` Hall for their loyalty, support and sound advice.

Over the years Freemasonry has weathered many storms. We now need patience and a firm resolve until we finally emerge from this pandemic when we will be ready to meet our new challenges. We look forward to consecrating a new Lodge in Avalon.

May the Great Architect of the Universe keep you safe and well.

God bless you all.

Yours faithfully and fraternally

Michael E Herbert

M.Em. & Revd. Kt. Michael Edward Herbert, G.C.H.C.Grand Master

Rulers

M.Em. & Revd.Kt. Dr Vivian Thomas, JP, G.C.H.C.
Grand Master

R.Revd.Kt. P.R Clement, G.C.H.C.
Grand Prior & Deputy Grand Master

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