A Night With Suprises
 Northumberland Celebrates Much

Numerology in Freemasonry is part of what gives the Order its depth and strength and some say stability. However, the number three came front of mind this week. During a very personal and well delivered Knights Templar ceremony in Northumberland’s Morpeth based Brinkburn Preceptory, to install Gavin Wales (not related to a well know celebrity with a beard !) to the Order but also conduct two other very notable proceedings.
Second in from the right, Provincial Prior, RE Kt Kevin Stannard chats to his Provincial officers prior to processing in. Second in from the left is E Kt Michael Dawes on the cusp of being acknowledged for his incredible Service to the Order and Province.

With his new team firmly in place, Eminent Preceptor, E Kt Martin Jackson, for his first time, opened the meeting in due form and with great style. Following which, the Provincial team led by the Provincial Prior entered the Preceptory.

It is worthy of note, that as of this month, the Provincial Prior, RE Kt Kevin Stannard is now the head of three orders in Northumberland, being the Provincial Grand Master in the Craft and also Chapter, not forgetting Head of the Order of Temple as well. The theme of three now emerging !

Knights assembled with the Preceptor, E Kt Martin Jackson, centre, to his right, the newly installed knight and to his left the Provincial Prior, surrounded by the many celebrating his admission.
Provincial Prior, E Kt Kevin Stannard flanked by his Vice Chancellor (Right) E Kt David Armstrong and his Provincial Marshal (Left) E Kt Steve Ranson, personally congratulates E Kt Michael Dawes.

Following the usual formalities of welcoming the Provincial Prior, and a very slim chance he might continue in the Chair, all attending Knights were given notice of a joining member. However, this was an unusual and heartwarming application. It concerned Bro Kt Neil Foster, a former member of St Oswald No.481, who stepped away from the Order due to personal circumstances 20 years ago and now wished to re-new his Bonds with the Order. With a ballot proving dazzlingly clear, with richly content and warm smiles, he was enthusiastically welcomed back in to the Northumberland brotherhood of Knights Templars.

E Kt Micael Dawes following his acknowledgment and receipt of his letter of patent and tie commemorating his 40 years of impeccable and unswerving Service to the Order and the Province.

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The big event of the evening was skilfully navigated following the previous Sunday morning’s full-dress rehearsal under the watchful eye of the Marshal, 
E Kt Stephen Mathews. The ceremonial at the key moments being gracefully presented by a full home team of Preceptory Officers.

At one stage in the ceremony, Comp Wales not understanding Lt Col (Retd) Harper, an ex-infantry officer, would assertively challenge him, resulting in him realising Templar swords are not toys, much to the amusement of the attending Knights. Completing the ceremony, in possession of the secrets of a Knight of the Order, now dressed as a Templar, warm welcomes were proffered by all.

Following the ceremony, Banners and Knights being re-seated, the Provincial Prior had great pleasure to start by saying that in 50 years, the Province of Northumberland, up to this point, had only conferred a certificate for 40 years of Service to only 8 Knights. E Kt Michael Dawes now being it’s 9th recipient. E Kt Michael with a 6’4” frame is imposing, however, a person with a quiet and unassuming disposition yet characterised as a man of still and very deep waters, who shines ferociously bright as a Freemason and a Knight of the Chivalric Orders.

A founder member of more than one Lodge, very active in multiple Chapters and a previous UK Head of Order for the Red Cross of Constantine. A leader, mentor and friend to many, has selflessly and tirelessly given of himself continuously for the last 40 years. He, with great humility, almost abashed, accepted the honour and was delighted to receive a unique Provincial tie which acknowledges his 40 years of service. The coat of arms on the tie being adorned with green laurel leaves signifying his unique achievement and status within Northumberland.

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E Kt Michael Dawes congratulates newly admitted Knight, Gavin Wales on being admitted a Knight of the Order of the Temple

Following the meeting, a the Knights enjoyed a well attend Knightly banquet with tables adorned with red embroidered drops, Welsh slate coaters and silver candle holders. With toasts and speeches made, the final accolade to the next merry meeting was made.

Standing just before “Grace” is given, top table in rear.

E Kt (Dr) Greg Smith, giving a well appointed speech to the Candidate, with the obvious quips much to the delight of the attending Knights

The Candidate, Kt stands to make his first speech as a Knight, Gavin Wales responds to a well received resume of his many qualities.To his right sits the new joining member, Kt Neil Foster and to his left his proposer, E Kt (Dr) Greg Smith.