The Long Pilgrimage of Life Awaits Newly Installed Knight

Morpeth’s Brinkburn Preceptory was host to one its largest meetings of the Order of Knights Templar in recent times on the 21st February 2024.

Coinciding with a fully manned visit from the Provincial Team, the deputation was led by RE Kt Kevin Stannard and supported by his Deputy, VE Kt Bill Bewick (also Provincial Sub Prior of Malta), his senior Officers and all the members of the PP’s Body Guard. Companion Robert Packer (Perfect Ashlar Lodge No.7966), the candidate for the evening, was conducted through a deeply meaningful ceremony to be admitted a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre.

Provincial Prior, RE Kt Kevin Stannard entering Preceptory under an Arch of Steel, with his Banner and Sword Bearers, accompanied by senior Knights of the Province.

The set-up team, E.Kt Greg Smith (Registrar), E.Kt Stephen Matthews (Marshall), E.Kt Bob Young (Chaplain) and Kt Max Ormond (Treasurer).

Brinkburn Preceptory has a long standing custom of presenting itself in eye catching splendour, which was carefully orchestrated under the watchful eye of E Kt Steve Matthews, the Preceptory’s Marshal along with the Chaplain, E Kt Bob Young … ensuring mind and spirt remained focused !

Not wishing to be left out, Kt Max Ormond, the Preceptory’s Treasurer was also part of the action in setting the Temple out.

The Preceptory was opened in appropriate solemnity, reverence yet pomp, as befitting a Christian chivalric Order. The ceremony was led by E Kt Neil Fraser, the Preceptor and expertly choreographed by its Marshal, E.Kt Stephen Matthews. With the formality of the opening complete, members were spoilt with a demonstration of exceptional drill executed by the Provincial Prior’s Body Guard. It being commanded by Kt Scott Hunter, a serving member of the Army as they prepared a Guard of Honour and an Arch of Steel under which the Provincial, team then processed in.
The Preceptor, E.Kt Neil Fraser, in time honoured fashion, welcomes and offers up his stall to the Provincial Prior, RE Kt Kevin Stannard.

Happy Knights, enjoying the prelude to the ceremony.

Knights at the order, eight of whom are from the Provincial Prior’s Body Guard, set to greet the Provincial dignitaries.

The meeting was topped and tailed by a lively and sumptuous three course meal with an amazing 53 Brother Knights sat dining.

The stories shared were many, and some, not so short, but great Bon Ami, happiness and light hearts characterised what was a wonderful and enjoyable evening.

It is hoped, the ceremony and banquet set a tone, style and standard our new Brother in Arms will come to enjoy and muchly cherish.

Deep in conversation at the post meeting banquet. The ambience and setting colourful and inviting.
Anticipation and expectation of a great meal … roast beef and Yorkshire pudding … what more could as Mason ask for ?
Deep in conversation at the post meeting banquet. The ambience and setting colourful and inviting.
Still waiting … roast beef and Yorkshire pudding … yum !

Ultimately, the night was all focused on one person, and one reason only, to admit Companion Robert Packer in to the Order of Knights Templar.

This was done with great style and ceremony. Now that Brother Knight Robert’s chivalric journey having just begun, he can look forward to completing his quest by being admitted a Knight of Malta in December of this year and many enjoyable meetings come.

Of the evening, Kt Robert said, “This has been an incredible experience and something I will not forget for a long time to come.

Provincial Prior’s Body Guard (not on parade). In the rear a very unruly Organ making keeping in tune a challenge.
(Left to right). E Kt Neil Fraser having installed our new Brother0in-Arms, Robert Packer.

Our next merry meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 17th April 2024 and hopefully, those in the Order, hailing from other locations, having read this, will think kindly on us and join us as a visitor.