Newsletter September 2024

Provincial Priory Heads North for a Historic Occasion

In July, a select group of senior members from the Northumberland Provincial Priory Executive embarked on a brief yet significant journey into South East Scotland.

Much like the Border Reivers of old, they crossed the border with purpose, attending the prestigious Installation of the new District Grand Prior for the District Grand Priory of South East Scotland. Formed in 1994, the District Grand Priory oversees eight Preceptories and operates under the esteemed authority of the Great Priory of Scotland.

The Northumberland contingent was led by the Right Eminent Provincial Prior, R.Em.Kt Kevin Stannard, and included distinguished members such as R.Em.Kt Alan Hume, Past Right Eminent Provincial Prior, V.Em.Kt Bill Bewick, Provincial Sub Prior, and Em.Kt David Armstrong, Provincial Vice Chancellor. Together, they travelled to Dalkeith to witness Rt Em Fr Peter Allan receive the accolade of District Grand Prior from the Most Eminent and Reverend Grand Master J Stewart Wood of the Great Priory of Scotland.

The event attracted a host of distinguished guests, including MEC Ross Fleming, Grand Scribe “E” for Linlithgowshire, MEC Athol McInnes, Grand Superintendent for Edinburgh, MEC Andrew Fleming, Grand Superintendent for Linlithgowshire, V. Ill.Kt Simon Fairley, Intendant General for Edinburgh and South East Scotland, Bro John Brown Wilson, Depute Provincial Grand Master for Midlothian, and Bro. Lewis Young, Past Master of Lodge Dalkeith Kilwinning No 10, the gracious hosts of the ceremony. Following the formalities of the installation, the attendees retired to a convivial dinner, continuing the celebrations in true Masonic fellowship.

Knights Templar Gather in Historic Hexham for Annual Provincial Meeting

Provincial Prior, R.E.Kt. Kevin Stannard flanked by his Sword and banner Bearers, led by E.Kt. Dennis Beecroft, the Deputy Provincial Marshall

Provincial Sword bearer centre front, looked on by V.E.Kt. Bill Bewick, Provincial Sub-Prior.

On Saturday, 21st September, the ancient town of Hexham played host to Northumberland’s annual meeting of the Province’s Knights Templar. Hexham, with its illustrious Abbey dating back to 674 AD, provided a setting steeped in history. Many of the Abbey’s stones were originally quarried from Roman ruins, and the meeting’s location, nestled where the North and South Tyne rivers converge, evoked memories of Templar fortresses, once garrisoned by our noble predecessors and their horses. The rustic charm of the countryside was palpable, but once inside, the focus swiftly shifted to the important proceedings ahead.

R.E.Kt. Kevin Stannard welcomes visitors from affiliated Provinces

A remarkable assembly of 86 Knights gathered from across the Province, with the grand spectacle of all 16 Preceptory Banners being formally paraded and presented. This ceremony was made even more distinguished by the honour bestowed upon Brinkburn Preceptory No. 284, which hosted the meeting in support of the Provincial Prior, R.E.Kt. Kevin Stannard. The Brinkburn banner, alongside the Provincial banner, was processed with great reverence to the East, taking its rightful place in a position of honour.

Provincial Prior, R.E.Kt. Kevin Stannard, returns compliment to brother Knights assembled.

Our distinguished visitors

Preceptory Banners assembled, with Royal Kent No. 20 being the senior on the Role (front left).

Guests from 10 Provinces, including the South East District of Scotland, were welcomed at Northumberland’s annual meeting with an impressive Arch of Steel, executed by the Provincial Prior’s Body Guard under the direction of Kt. Scot Hunter. Notable attendees included 5 visiting Provincial Priors, 2 Past Provincial Priors, and several Knights Commander, adding to the grandeur of the event.

R.E.Kt. Kevin Stannard personally welcomed each guest and led a vote to donate a cheque to St John’s Eye Hospital in Jerusalem, supporting their efforts amid challenges in the West Bank. During the meeting, several Provincial Knights received honours and promotions, with the re-appointment of V.Em.Kt Bill Bewick as Provincial Sub Prior standing out. R.E.Kt Stannard praised the dedication of all recipients, expressing hope that their new ranks would inspire greater commitment to the Order.

The meeting’s formalities concluded with the ceremonial presentation of Preceptory Banners, led by Royal Kent No. 20. The Body Guard once again excelled in ensuring smooth proceedings throughout.

As the meeting drew to a close, attendees gathered for a lively festive board. The dining room was comfortably full, with attentive staff providing exceptional service and a sumptuous meal that delighted all present. After heartfelt toasts, the day’s celebrations came to an end, and guests departed, having enjoyed a memorable occasion under the banner of the Cross in the ancient town of Hexham. Until our next merry meeting!

40 Years of Service to the Order
as the Sub-Prior of Northumberland

The meeting of St Wilfrid of Hexham Preceptory No. 461 on Monday, 23rd September was marked by a double celebration. Eminent Preceptor, Eminent Knight Anthony Pesarra, conducted the installation of his successor, Knight Christopher Tait, in a flawless ceremony attended by a large gathering of Knights and their guests from across the Province.

Following the installation, R.E.Kt. Kevin Stannard, Provincial Prior, called for V.E.Kt. Bill Bewick, Provincial Sub Prior, to be honoured in the East. Exactly forty years prior, Bill had been initiated into the Preceptory, and the Provincial Prior recounted his distinguished 53-year Masonic career. This included serving as Eminent Preceptor of St Wilfrid in 1996 and holding various Provincial ranks, including seven years as Vice-Chancellor and six as Sub Prior and Northumberland Prior of Malta.

In recognition of his tireless service, V.E.Kt. Bill was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation and a specially commissioned “40th Tie,” as a token of gratitude and admiration from the Province.

Surrey Provincial Priory of Malta Meeting

The Surrey Provincial Priory of Malta convened at Surbiton Masonic Hall, under the Banner of Emmaus Preceptory No. 446. The event began with a meeting of Emmaus Preceptory, where V.E.Kt. Chris Eley welcomed R.E.Kt. Patrick P Crossan, Provincial Prior of Surrey, and the Provincial team. Knight Richard Wileman, Inspector General of the Rose Croix District, took his Malta Degree later that day.

E.Kt. Jamie Ingham Clark gave an engaging talk on the challenges facing the St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital, followed by a donation presentation. The Provincial Priory of Malta meeting then commenced, with Knight Richard Wileman admitted to the Order. The ceremony concluded with the appointment of Provincial Malta Officers for 2024-2025, and the day wrapped up with a convivial meal.