Saturday 18th May saw nearly one hundred masonic Knights Templar with their wives, families and friends assemble at Hexham Abbey for their Annual Church Service.

An integral part of the Annual meeting of the Provincial Priory of Northumberland, the Service provides an opportunity to reaffirm the strong Christian values all Knights must profess in order to become members of the Order.

Led by the Rector of Hexham Abbey, Canon Dr Dagmar Winter, the Service proved to be uplifting and thought provoking. Music was provided by the Hexham Abbey Choir with Mr Keith Dale, the Assistant Organist, leading on the magnificent Abbey organ.

The Knights assembled in the Nave and the Right Eminent Provincial Prior, accompanied by Officers of the Provincial Priory, processed in led by the Provincial Banner, between an honour guard formed by the Provincial Prior’s Bodyguard.

After the Service finished, the Knights and their guests enjoyed a superb buffet luncheon at the Hexham Masonic Hall.

The Provincial Priory of Northumberland is grateful to Canon Winter and to the Abbey authorities for their very kind permission to hold our Service there – the first of what we hope will be a long and fruitful association between us.