A Bright Light Illuminates in the West
Friday the 11th July will be remembered by some in the Order as a very special day. With Pilgrim No.5 acting as host for an extra ordinary opening of the Grand Priory, history was once gain this year being made. Knights assembled in Herford’s Lodgenhaus around 6pm in great anticipation of something unique, they would not be disappointed.
The Temple, set ready to re-open Akkon No.XV.
With the Temple set and Knights adorned in mantles, white and bright, Pilgrims No.5, led by
VE Kt Lt Col (Retd) Mick McCarthy, opened the Temple. With a Grand Priory dispensation having been read by the Registrar, Grand Priory Officers, led by the Grand Master, ME Kt Roddy MacKenzie GCT, were alerted it was time to process in.
With crisp and precise commands, the Commander of the Grand Master’s Body Guard, E Kt Scotty Hunter assembled an Arch of Steel in West poised to raise swords in homage and salute.
With knights assembled stood ready to receive, the Body Guard, in unison, made an Arch of steel. Led by the Grand Sword Bearer, VE Kt Malcolm Parnham, the procession elegantly advanced to the East under an Arch of Steel.
The Grand Master was received in due form and with full honours to take his place in the East in front of his personal standard.
Preceptory Banner Coat of Arms, new and old.
An Installing Board of Past Preceptors was instituted followed quickly by a simple but symbolic ceremony which not only reopened a dormant Preceptory but also renamed the Unit from Albert Pike to Preceptory Akkon No,XV. It is of note that many weeks prior the meeting the new coat of arms for the Preceptory were created with the work led by VE Kt Till Esser assisted by RE Kt Ian Harper and VE KT Mark Stanley. The new Coat of Arms having gone through the formal approvals process led by the Grand Seneschal, RE Kt Dirk Henneman GCT GMA in record time. The Coat of Arms now translated used to create a new Preceptory banner paid for by the members of the Akkon No. XV.
The Preceptor Elect, E Kt Till Esser was declared the lead for Akkon No,XV was placed in the chair personally by the hand of the Grand Master, which was unique. Whilst not available at the time, the Warrant was described noting the Unit had been renamed from Albert Pike to Akkon No.XV, and title chosen by the members of the reponed Preceptory.
Baton, beads, GPvD Statutes and Bye-Laws were presented signifying the transfer of power and authority to the newly Installed Preceptor.
From right to left, E Kt Till Esser, ME Kt Roddy MacKenzie GCT, R Kt Dirk Henneman GCT GMA and VE Kt Mick McCarthy.
Now in Office, E Kt Till sought about appointing and investing his officers with a small number yet to take office.
The Arch of Steel again reformed in the West signifying the Grand Master and his entourage were to retire, which followed the formal closing of the newly opened and renamed unit.
A unique evening for Knights Templar in Germany where for the first time an active unit was re-opened and renamed.