2000 A New Millennium
There were widespread celebrations of the new millennium and relief that the ‘millennium bug’, which had been predicted to cause global computer meltdown, failed to materialise. Queen Elizabeth II and Prime Minister Tony Blair joined a party at the ill-starred Millennium Dome in Greenwich, east London. The controversial dome was considered a massive flop and only stayed open until December 2000.
March 2000 – The late 1990’s saw a profusion of start-up companies selling products or services either using or related to the internet. There was a speculative frenzy of investment in these ‘dotcom’ companies, much of it by small investors. The bursting of the ‘dotcom bubble’ saw the collapse of many of these companies and marked the beginning of a mild yet lengthy recession.
2001 – The nine-month epidemic of ‘foot-and-mouth’ disease resulted in the culling of millions of animals and devastated large sections of the rural economy. The crisis brought the countryside to a virtual standstill and the cost to British farming was put between £800 million and £2.4 billion. The Labour government was heavily criticised for its handling of the crisis.
June 2001 – Labour won a commanding majority of 167 seats. Prime Minister Tony Blair’s second term came to be dominated by controversial foreign policy issues, mainly the ‘war on terror’ which begun after the terror attacks in the United States on 11th September. The Conservative leader, William Hague, resigned after the party showed little sign of electoral recovery.
September 2001 – Nineteen, mainly Saudi Arabian terrorists, used hijacked planes to destroy the twin towers of the World Trade Centre in New York and part of the Pentagon building in Washington. A fourth plane crashed in Pennsylvania killing all on board. Among the approximately 3,000 people killed in the attacks were 67 Britons. In response US President, George W. Bush, declared a worldwide ‘war on terror’.
Provincial Priory September 2001, a new Preceptory is proposed
The conception of a preceptory for installed Preceptors was proposed by R.E.Kt Norman George Bliss, Provincial Prior. He included his vision for a new Preceptory in his address to Provincial Priory in 2001. The new Preceptory would provide a forum for discussion and exchange of views.
18th February 2022
A steering committee was formed and held with representatives from all Provincial Priories invited to attend. Present: –
R.E.Kt Norman George Bliss, Provincial Prior; E Kt R.J. Bridger, Pr. Vice-Chancellor, E Kts B.H. Burwood-Taylor (Coeur de Lion); D.A. Moore (Wellesley) R.F. Brookington (Crusaders),; S.A. Brooker (Cressing); D.R. Eaborn (St Hugh); B.W. Grace (Beaumont); L.R. Harborne (Aylesbury & Cygnet); F.C. Lamb (Sir Oliver Starkey); K.J. Tilling (Outremer); C.E. Carter (Terra Sancta); N.P. George (Robert de Turnham); P.D. Lloyd (Friendship & Care)
Apologies E.Kts D.G. Varney (Cygnet), D.V. Hopkin (Robert Lloyd)
The R.E. Provincial Prior thanked all those present for their attendance, he referred to his address at Provincial Priory, in which he had expressed his wish to form a new Preceptory to provide a forum for discussion and exchange of views. He was delighted with the favourable response to this proposal and expressed his gratitude to those who had accepted nomination as representatives of their respective Preceptories.
The R.E. Provincial Prior was very pleased to confirm that the Most Eminent and Supreme Grand Master had expressed his willingness to have the Preceptory named after him and indeed to attend and officiate at its consecration, which it is proposed will take place on the morning of the meeting of Provincial Priory, on the 12th of September 2002.
It was proposed and accepted that E Kt. M.R. Christmas should undertake the role of founding secretary.
It was proposed and accepted that other Provincial Priors be invited to form the Consecrating Team.
It was agreed that the Preceptory would meet twice per year, once at 333 Banbury Road, Oxford and once at different Centres around the Province. It was confirmed that meeting should take place on the fifth Thursdays between March and November, excepting June, July and August.
Founders Fee the following was considered Warrant £280 – £400, Registration £2 plus VAT, per petitioner. No Great Priory dues in year one. All furniture to be borrowed from respective Centres. The aim is for Fifty founders plus joining members thereafter, allowing for the cost of the visiting team from Great Priory. Founders Fee was established at £25
It was agreed R.E.Kt Norman George Bliss, Provincial Prior should be founding Preceptor and the Founding Treasure E.Kt. J.W. Hawkins up to the consecration with E.Kt. R.F. Brockington to take over from the consecration.
Other Officers to be non-progressive and by invitation. Advice to be sought from 86 St James Street regarding the legality of not allowing new candidates.
It was recommended that the Marshal and Registrar serve a minimum of three years in post.
16th April 2002 at 333 Banbury Road, Oxford. Steering Committee.
The second meeting of the steering committee was held at 333 Banbury Road, Oxford. The Founding Preceptor R.E.Kt Norman George Bliss, Provincial Prior stated how delighted he was that the proposed preceptory had got of to a flying start with 82 Founders he announced that the founding First Constable would be the Provincial Sub-Prior and the Founding Second Constable would be E.Kt. J.M.Hooton, Provincial Sub-Prior.
The Petition to form a new Preceptory would run to five separate forms and would be completed in order of seniority with the Founding Preceptor and Constables heading the list.
27th May 2002 at 333 Banbury Road, Oxford. Founders Meeting.
34 Founders were able to be present and 23 had given their apologies.
The Founding Preceptor R.E.Kt Norman George Bliss, Provincial Prior gave his report.
The Consecrating Team led by the Grand Master would be a full team from Great Priory. The installation of the Preceptor would be done by the Great Seneschal.
It had been a difficult task to chose the Officers. All Preceptories in the Province would have one of the First Officers. Aylesbury had an overwhelming response and would therefore have two. Coeur de Lion and Robert de Turnham would have a second as they were “stuck” with organising Registrar and Preceptor.
The Preceptory Banner would, when agreed in the future, be distinctive and would not have a reference to the Preceptory Arms.
The Grand Master had very graciously agreed that some aspect of his personal arms could be used as the Preceptory Arms / Emblem to mark the link between the Preceptory named in his honour and him personally. The working out of this emblem would take some time. The emblem would not be used at the consecration. The Provincial Badge would go on the summons to the consecration at a later date the new Preceptory Emblem would go on the summons.
Thursday 12th September 2002, Consecration, at the Berkshire Masonic Centre, Sindlesham.
The meeting was attended by a vast retinue of distinguished Knights.
Consecrating Team:
Consecrating Officer; The Most Eminent and Supreme Grand Master, Leslie Felgate Dring G.C.T
Installing Officer: The Very High and Right Eminent Great Seneschal, Peter Cheney G.C.T.
Prelate; V.E.Kt Revd Peter Cecil John Cannon, Great Prelate.
First Constable; V.E.Kt Malcolm Ernest Slater, First Great Constable.
Second Constable; V.E.Kt Peter Reginald Bidmead, Second Great Constable.
Registrar; R.E.Kt Timothy John Lewis, G.C.T., Great Vice Chancellor.
Marshal; R.E.Kt John Martin Tuckey, G.C.T., Great Marshal
Deputy Marshal; E.Kt Graham Trevor Herbert, Deputy Great Marshal
Standard Bearer (B.); V.E.Kt Michael Edward Herbert, Past First Great Constable.
Standard Bearer (V.B.); V.E.Kt David Ivor Williams Past Second Great Constable.
Banner Bearer; E.Kt Anthony Patrick Charles King, G.M.B.B.
Sword Bearer; E.Kt Robert Whalley, Great Sword Bearer,
Captain of Guards; V.E.Kt Brian Blanchard, Past Great Registrar.
Organist; Kt Paul Frances, Provincial Organist (Oxon, Berks & Bucks)
Guard; E.Kt Raymond Charles Horton, Past Great Herald, Great Guard.
Installation
After Consecrating Officer; The Most Eminent and Supreme Grand Master, Leslie Felgate Dring G.C.T and his team had consecrated the “Leslie Felgate Dring Preceptory of Installed Preceptors No. 637”. The Installing Officer: The Very High and Right Eminent Great Seneschal, Peter Cheney G.C.T., Installed R.E.Kt Norman George Bliss, Provincial Prior; as Primus Eminent Preceptor of the Leslie Felgate Dring Preceptory of Installed Preceptors No. 637,
The Eminent Preceptor the Appointed and Invested;
V.E. Kt Leslie R. Harborne, P.Gt.Reg as Chaplain
E. Kt Dr. Keith J.Tilling, P.GtSt.B(B), Provincial-Prior as First Constable
V.E.Kt J. Michael Hooton, P.Gt.Reg as Second Constable
E.Kt Roger F. Brockington, Provincial Almoner (Summerset) as Treasurer
E.Kt Mathew R. Christmas, Provincial Herald as Registrar
E.Kt Raymond J. Head, Great Herald, Provincial Marshal as Marshal.
E.Kt Stephen Lorch, Provincial Deputy Marshal; Deputy Marshal
E.Kt Stanley A. Brooker, P.Prov.Her as Almoner
E.Kt Donald G. Varney, Past Great A-de-C. as First Herald
E.Kt. Peter D. Lloyd, P.Prov.Her as Second Herald
E.Kt Christopher E. Carter, P.Gt.St.B (B) as Standard Bearer (B.)
E.Kt Ronald J. Bridger, P.Prov.Reg., Provincial Vice-Chancellor as Standard Bearer (V.B.)
E.Kt. Benjamin W. Grace, Provincial Registrar as Banner Bearer
E.Kt. James M. Long T.D., P.G.M.B.B. as Captain of Guards
E.Kt Nicholas P. George, P.Prov.B.B. as Organist
E.Kt. Stanley A. Cochrane as Guard
Thursday 31st October 2002, The Second Statutory Meeting held at Berkshire Masonic Centre, Sindlesham
32 Members 2 Honorary Members and 3 Guest a total of 51 Knights in attendance.
The Right Eminent Provincial Prior was re-elected Eminent Preceptor for the ensuing year nem con.
The Treasurer E Kt R.F. Brockington, was re-elected Treasurer for the ensuing year nem con.
Thursday 29th May 2003, The Third Statutory Meeting held at Oxford Masonic Centre, 333 Banbury Road, Oxford
47 Members and 2 Guests.
E Kt Philip Brown a member of the Grand Master’s Bodyguard a Preceptor of the King Edward V11 Preceptory of Improvement and a past Preceptor of Mount Calvary Preceptory oversaw a Rehearsal of the first part of the Installation of a new Knight, while offering Explanations and Demonstration of points of note. His comment that those present should “try to think of him as John Tuckey’s representative on earth as it may help” was warmly received.
R.E.Kt Norman George Bliss, Provincial Prior was Proclaimed, as Eminent Prior for 2003 – 2004.
Thursday 30th October 2003, The Fourth Statutory Meeting held at Bletchley Masonic Centre, Queensway, Bletchley
The Knights attended to the Catechetical Lectures on the Order of the Temple by Sir Kt John Mason, Grand Chancellor published in 11858 and entitled “Masson’s System of Examination.
Thursday 29th April 2004, The Fifth Statutory Meeting held at Oxford Masonic Centre, 333 Banbury Road, Oxford
The Installation of V.E. Kt. Keith John Tilling, Provincial Sub Prior, as Eminent Preceptor.
A Priory of Malta was opened.
E.Kt. B.W. Grace PGt. Baillie, gave an excerpt from the history of the Order.
E.Kt. R.J. Head, PGt 2nd Lt. described the banners of the Order.
The Eminent Prior commented that both presentations had been excellently delivered.
Thursday 30th September 2004, The Sixth Statutory Meeting held at the Newbury Masonic Centre, London Road, Newbury
The Eminent Preceptor introduced a Demonstration by explaining that it was based on ritual found in the archives of Coeur de Lion Preceptory No 29. It had been agreed by the Grand Conclave of Masonic Knights Templar at the meeting on the 11th April 1851 for use throughout the Order. For the purpose of this meeting it had been abbreviated by adding the role of guiding Orator who gave a commentary on the missing pieces of ritual.
Thursday 31st March 2005, The Seventh Statutory Meeting held at Oxford Masonic Centre, 333 Banbury Road, Oxford
The Installation of V.E. Kt. John Michael Hooton, PGtReg, as Eminent Preceptor.
Thursday 29th September 2005, The Eighth Statutory Meeting held at Oxford Masonic Centre, 333 Banbury Road, Oxford
R.E.Kt David Williams gave a very interesting talk entitled “A brief history of Military Knights Templar”. In this snapshot the speaker reminded the Brother Knights of the initial founding in the 12th Century, by Hugues de Payens, with the formulation of the rules of the Order by Bernard of Clairvaux and the dissolution in the 14th Century, with their property being passed to the Hospitallers. He the discussed the dispersal of the Knights that escaped persecution and the documented succession of Grand Masters until the formation of the Masonic Order.
Thursday 30th March 2006, The Ninth Statutory Meeting held at Oxford Masonic Centre, 333 Banbury Road, Oxford
Installation of E. Kt. Benjamin Grace, PGtAdeC, Provincial Registrar., as Eminent Preceptor.
E.Kt G. Finney Past Provincial Constable gave a very interesting talk entitled “Knights Templar – the Rule and their structure”. However, he said that he had found that the original structure needed more explanation than he had originally thought and so concentrated on that. The Order was headed by the Master of Jerusalem and worked through nine Provincial Chapters in the three Countries covered by this Preceptory and these included mostly lay members as well as Knights and clerics.
Thursday 30th November 2006, The Tenth Statutory Meeting held at Oxford Masonic Centre, 333 Banbury Road, Oxford
E Kt Alan Spearing gave an interesting talk entitled “Operational Tactics of the Templers” This concentrated on the late 11th and early 12th Centuries when the Crusaders were fighting the Saracens. It highlighted how the introduction of the stirrup had changed tactics used by the Saracens and the subsequent alteration in the tactics of the Templers. He described the various roles of the Knights, Pike men, Archers and Templers.
Thursday 29th March 2007, The Eleventh Statutory Meeting held at Oxford Masonic Centre, 333 Banbury Road, Oxford
Banner Dedication. The Provincial Prior on his official visit to the Priory and called for the new Banner for Leslie Felgate Dring to be introduced to the Preceptory.
The Banner escort was provided by E.Kts Bowers, Eeles, Hilton and McGowen Smyth with E.Kt F.Piggott as Banner Bearer. After solemn prayer the Banner was paraded and the Provincial Prelate gave an excellent oration about various aspects of Honour in our lives, religion and masonry, He also spoke of how we were reminded by the new Banner of the importance of Honour. The Provincial Prior dedicated the Banner for the use of the Order in general and this Preceptory in particular.
Thursday 29th November 2007, The Twelfth Statutory Meeting held at Bletchley Masonic Centre, Queensway, Bletchley
E.Kt M.Hewitt, PProv A de C gave a talk entitled “The Templers Rule of Order” from a translation by Judith Upton-Ward. Which was well received.
Thursday 29th May 2008, The Thirteenth Statutory Meeting held at Oxford Masonic Centre, 333 Banbury Road, Oxford
The Installation of V.E. Kt. Raymond Head, P.Gt.Her, Provincial Marshal, as Eminent Preceptor.
Thursday 30th October 2008, The Fourteenth Statutory Meeting held at Oxford Masonic Centre, 333 Banbury Road, Oxford
E.Kt G.J.McGowan-Smith gave a talk entitled “Agincourt or the Picardy affair”. He remarked that even though the knights of England and France fought alongside each other in the Crusades there was a rivalry between the countries. The English army existed on a semi-formal footing since archers and other members were required to train and be available. The French were not so organised. King Henry saw the opportunity to consolidate his French possessions and took an army over the Chanel. Unfortunately, he spent too long on the initial siege and therefor reduced to a minimal campaign. Meanwhile the French had assembled a force which easily outnumber the hungry English and intercepted them at Agincourt. With the archers arrayed on the flanks the French attack was straddled by crossfire. This and the ground caused the first two lines of the French cavalry to be destroyed and the third just vanished. This was received with loud applause by the assembled knights.
Thursday 30th April 2009, The Fifteenth Statutory Meeting held at Oxford Masonic Centre, 333 Banbury Road, Oxford
The Installation of V.E. Kt. Christopher Carter, P.Gt.Reg., as Eminent Preceptor.
R.E.Kt E.B. Goodwin gave a talk outlining the history and structure of the K.B.H.C. He also explained its relationship with KT and the other Grand Lodges of KBHC on the continent. It was very interesting and informative talk which was attentively received by those present who thanked him with enthusiasm.
Thursday 29th October 2009, The Sixteenth Statutory Meeting held at Banbury Masonic Centre, Marlborough Road
E.Kt R. Bancroft, Provincial Marshal, gave a talk which was illustrated by E.Kt Jeffery on the use of the sword in the ceremony of the installation of a Knight. It was received with interest by the assembled Knights.
The Eminent Preceptor gave an interesting talk entitled “Officers and Salutations” It gave a derivation of the Titles of many Officers in the Preceptory and Priory. He also covered the possible derivatives of salutation used by the Knights.
Thursday 29th April 2010, The Seventeenth Statutory Meeting held at Beaconsfield Masonic Centre, Windsor End, Beaconsfield, by dispensation
The Installation of V.E. Kt. Leslie Harborne, P.Gt.Reg., as Eminent Preceptor.
The Eminent Preceptor introduced the “Catechetic Lecture” written by Sir Kt, John Masson and published in 1858. Various members recited the questions and answers of the various parts. It proved an interesting session, members commented favourably on it around the festive board.
Thursday 30th September 2010, The Seventeenth Statutory Meeting held at Beaconsfield Masonic Centre, Windsor End, Beaconsfield
E.Kt C. Carter gave a paper entitled the “Dissolution of the Order in the Middle Ages” this was based on one given a number of years ago in Coeur de Lion Preceptory. This outlined the people, plot and trials which caused the collapse of the Templers in 1307.
Thursday 31st March 2011, The Nineteenth Statutory Meeting held at Oxford Masonic Centre, 333 Banbury Road, Oxford
The Installation of E. Kt. Dr. W. John Foster, P.Gt.W of R, as Eminent Preceptor.
Thursday 29th September 2011, The Twenteth Statutory Meeting held at Wallingford Masonic Centre, Goldsmith’s Lane, Wallingford
E.Kt W.J. Foster opened a Chapter of St Paul. Kt S.Smith volunteered to act as candidate and was duly entrusted with the Mediterranean pass by the Eminent Preceptor with V.E.Kt R. Head as Chaplain. E.Kt W.J. Foster closed the Chapter of St Paul.
Thursday 29th March 2012, The Twenty First Statutory Meeting held at Oxford Masonic Centre, 333 Banbury Road, Oxford
The Installation of V.E. Kt. D. Roy Eaborn, P.Gt.Reg, as Eminent Preceptor.
The Eminent Preceptor gave an interesting talk detailing the achievements and failings of each the Crusades. At the end the Brother Knights showed their appreciation.
Thursday 29th November 2012, The Twenty Second Statutory Meeting held at Bletchley Masonic Centre, Queensway, Bletchley
The Eminent Preceptor gave a talk entitled “In defence of Freemasonry” which had been given 30 years ago. It was interesting to contrast the differences in attitude of Religious institutions to Freemasonry and the interpretations of the duties of a member.
Thursday 30th May 2013, The Twenty Third Statutory Meeting held at Beaconsfield Masonic Centre, Windsor End, Beaconsfield
A requiem was held for Most Eminent and Supreme Knight Leslie Felgate Dring, given by R.E.Kt. Brian Blanchard and E.Kt Dr W.J. Foster.
The Installation of R.E. Kt. Raymond E Cochrane, Provincial Prior, as Eminent Preceptor.
E.Kt. Richard Cooper gave an interesting talk about the Encampment of Antiquity and the early days of Knights Templar in England. He related many the Masonic milestones with important historical dates.
Thursday 31st October 2013, The Twenty Fourth Statutory Meeting held at Beaconsfield Masonic Centre, Windsor End, Beaconsfield
R.E.Kt. Vivian Thomas gave a very interesting talk on Albigensian Crusade, which he illustrated liberally with excellent photographs he had taken in France. It was received by a very appreciative audience especially the reference to the prominent part played by Simon de Montfort in this Crusade against the Cathars.
Thursday 29th May 2014, The Twenty Fith Statutory Meeting held at Beaconsfield Masonic Centre, Windsor End, Beaconsfield
The Installation of E. Kt. Alasdair Birrell Millne, PGtStB(B), as Eminent Preceptor.
The Eminent Preceptor gave an interesting talk about the Banners and Standards of the Order and how they developed over centuries. At its conclusion it was met with acclaim by Brother Knights.
Thursday 30th October 2014, The Twenty Sixth Statutory Meeting held at Wallingford Masonic Centre, Goldsmith’s Lane, Wallingford
E.Kt Alan Knowles gave a most illuminating and interesting talk entitled “The Siege of Malta” This fascinating and little known subject, at its conclusion it was meet with spontaneous acclaim by Brother Knights.
Thursday 30th April 2015, The Twenty Seventh Statutory Meeting held at Beaconsfield Masonic Centre, Windsor End, Beaconsfield
The Eminent Preceptor reported on the death of Past Preceptor V.E.Kt Leslie R. Harborne, PGtReg., since the last meeting and Brother Knights stood to order as a mark of respect for departed merit.
The Installation of V.E.Kt Arthur Tulip, PGtReg, as Eminent Preceptor.
An interesting Re-enactment of the “Guard Room and Mediterranean Pass” was given to Brother Knights at the end the Brother Knights showed their appreciation warmly.
Thursday 27th October 2015, The Twenty Eighth Statutory Meeting held at Beaconsfield Masonic Centre, Windsor End, Beaconsfield
The Eminent Preceptor gave a eulogy for E.Kt Reginald Arthur Allen, PGtWofR who had died in Office as Recorder of this Preceptory and who had given outstanding services to the Province and the Order.
The Eminent Preceptor gave a very interesting talk on the distinguished Knights he had meet during his career as a Freemason and Knight Templar along with some profound thoughts for the future, which was well received.
Thursday 31st March 2016, The Twenty Ninth Statutory Meeting held at Beaconsfield Masonic Centre, Windsor End, Beaconsfield
The Installation of V.E.Kt R. Paul Franklin, PGtReg, as Eminent Preceptor.
A talk on the Thoughts of the Eminent Preceptor “The portions of Holy Scripture (including that difficult word) at the end Brother Knights showed their appreciation warmly.
Thursday 29th September 2016, The Thirtieth Statutory Meeting held at Beaconsfield Masonic Centre, Windsor End, Beaconsfield
The meeting was called off and a representative of the Jerusalem Eye Hospital, Mrs Dian Safie gave a very interesting talk on “Bringing Light – The Hospital of St John at Jerusalem” it was well received by a very appreciative audience.
Thursday 30th March 2017, The Thirty First Statutory Meeting held at Beaconsfield Masonic Centre, Windsor End, Beaconsfield
The Installation of E.Kt Rodney Leonard Albert Bancroft, TD, PGtHer as Eminent Preceptor.
Thursday 30th November 2017, The Thirty Second Statutory Meeting held at Beaconsfield Masonic Centre, Windsor End, Beaconsfield
A Paper was given by our Eminent Preceptor “The Provincial Grand Sword and the Man behind it” which was very well received by Brother Knights. See Appendix A
Thursday 29th March 2018, The Thirty Third Statutory Meeting held at Beaconsfield Masonic Centre, Windsor End, Beaconsfield
A Provincial Priory of Malta was held prior to the meeting and the Order of Malta was conferred on two Brother Knights from Cressing Preceptory and three from Oliver Starkey Preceptory
The Installation of E.Kt Paul Frederick Ricketts, PGtCham as Eminent Preceptor.
Thursday 29th November 2018, The Thirty Fourth Statutory Meeting held at Berkshire Masonic Centre, Mole Road, Sindlesham, Berkshire
Eighty-one Knights in attendance.
A demonstration in costume of an Early Ninetieth Century English Knights Templar Ceremony was delivered by “The Thespian Knights” of Hampshire and Isle of Wight.
The demonstration was well received Brother Knights showed their appreciation.
Thursday 30th May 2019, The Thirty Fifth Statutory Meeting held at Beaconsfield Masonic Centre, Windsor End, Beaconsfield
A Provincial Priory of Malta was held prior to the meeting and the Order of Malta was conferred on six Brother Knights from: –
Coeur de Lion Preceptory, Crusaders Preceptory, Cressing Preceptory, Tera Sancta Preceptory, Bisham Abbey Preceptory and William Warde Preceptory.
The Installation of E.Kt Alan Leslie West, P.Gt,A.-de-C as Eminent Preceptor.
Thursday 31st October 2019, The Thirty Sixth Statutory Meeting held at Beaconsfield Masonic Centre, Windsor End, Beaconsfield
The Eminent Preceptor presented a talk on “Knights Templar History”, which was well received by All.
Thursday 30th April 2020, The Thirty Seventh Statutory Meeting
The meeting was cancelled due to Government National face to face restrictions for meetings under Covid Pandemic Restrictions.
Thursday 29th October 2020, The Thirty Eighth Statutory Meeting, held by Zoom
The meeting was held over the internet due to Government National face to face restrictions for meetings under Covid Restrictions.
Thursday 29th April 2021, The Thirty Ninth Statutory Meeting
The meeting was cancelled due to Government National face to face restrictions for meetings under Covid Restrictions.
Thursday 30th September 2021, The Fortieth Statutory Meeting held at Beaconsfield Masonic Centre, Windsor End, Beaconsfield
The Installation of R.E.Kt Graham John McGowen-Smith, Provincial Pryor as Eminent Preceptor.
E Kt David Adams, P.Gt.Cham. presented on behalf of David W.G. Bell PP,P.Prov 2nd Constable of The Hugh de Payens Preceptory No 56, a sword which had belonged to Leslie Felgate Dring, which it is proposed to be held in trust and in perpetuity for the Presentation and Use of the incoming Eminent Preceptor of the Year. The sword had been presented to Leslie Felgate Dring at his Inauguration in 1980. Leslie held this Sword from then, until elevated to Grand Master in 1997. The Eminent Preceptor thanked E.Kt Dave Adams and will write to Kt David W.G. Bell with warm thanks for the wonderful sword which will be cherished by the Preceptory.
Thursday 31st March 2022, The Forty First Statutory Meeting held at Beaconsfield Masonic Centre, Windsor End, Beaconsfield
The continuation in Office by proclamation of R.E.Kt Graham John McGowen-Smith, Provincial Pryor as Eminent Preceptor.
Thursday 29th September 2022, The Forty Second Statutory Meeting held at Beaconsfield Masonic Centre, Windsor End, Beaconsfield
The Eminent Preceptor presented an interesting paper entitled “The Templars Legacy”. Which was well received see Appendix B.
Eminent Preceptors of the Leslie Felgate Dring Preceptory of Installed Preceptors No. 637
| 2002 | R.E. Kt. Norman George Bliss, Provincial Prior. |
| 2003 | R.E. Kt. Norman George Bliss, Provincial Prior. |
| 2004 | V.E. Kt. Keith John Tilling, Provincial Sub Prior. |
| 2005 | V.E. Kt. John Michael Hooton, PGtReg. |
| 2006 | E. Kt. Benjamin Grace, PGtAdeC, Provincial Registrar. |
| 2007 | Kt. Brian G. White, PDGSwdB, Prov., Vice Chancellor. |
| 2008 | V.E. Kt. Raymond Head, P.Gt.Reg, Provincial Marshal. |
| 2009 | V.E. Kt. Christopher Carter, P.Gt.Reg. |
| 2010 | V.E. Kt. Leslie Harborne, P.Gt.Reg. |
| 2011 | E. Kt. Dr. W. John Foster, P.Gt.W of R. |
| 2012 | V.E. Kt. D. Roy Eaborn, P.Gt.Reg. |
| 2013 | R.E. Kt. Raymond E Cochrane, Provincial Prior. |
| 2014 | E. Kt. Alasdair Birrell Millne, PGtStB(B). |
| 2015 | V.E. Kt. Arthur Tulip, PGtReg |
| 2016 | V.E. Kt. R. Paul Franklin, PGtReg. |
| 2017 | E. Kt. Rodney Leonard Albert Bancroft, TD, PGtHer.. |
| 2018 | E. Kt. Paul Frederick Ricketts, PGtCham. |
| 2019 | E. Kt. Alan Leslie West, P.Gt,A.-de-C |
| 2020 | E. Kt. Alan Leslie West, P.Gt,A.-de-C |
| 2021 | R.E. Kt. Graham John McGowen-Smith, Provincial Pryor. |
| 2022 | R.E. Kt. Graham John McGowen-Smith, Provincial Pryor. |
| 2023 | Preceptor Elect E. Kt. Trevor John Austin. Gt-A-de-C. |
Treasurers of the Leslie Felgate Dring Preceptory of Installed Preceptors No. 637
| 2002 – 2005 | E.Kt Roger F. Brockington, Provincial Almoner (Summerset). |
| 2005 – 2011 | E.Kt Roger Martin Taylor, Prov.Gt.W of R. – P.Gt.W of R |
| 2011 – 2017 | E.Kt Paul Frederick Ricketts, P.Prov.SwdB. – PGtCham. |
| 2017 – | E.Kt Andrew Paul Elliott, Gt-A-de-C. |
Registrars of the Leslie Felgate Dring Preceptory of Installed Preceptors No. 637
| 2002 – 2003 | E.Kt Mathew R. Christmas, Prov.Her. |
| 2003 – 2014 | V.E.Kt Arthur Tulipe, PGt.W of R. – PGtReg. |
| 2014 – 2015 | E.Kt Reginald Arthur Allen, PGt.W of R. |
| 2015 – | EKt John Arthur Stribling, PProvA-de-C. – PProv.Swd.B. |
Marshals of the Leslie Felgate Dring Preceptory of Installed Preceptors No. 637
| 2002 – 2003 | E.Kt Raymond J. Head, PGtHer. Prov.Mar. |
| 2003 – 2006 | E.Kt A.R. Walker, PGtSB(B). Prov.Alm. |
| 2006 – 2008 | E. Kt. Raymond Head, P.Gt.Her, Provincial Marshal |
| 2008 – 2012 | E.Kt Rodney Leonard Albert Bancroft, TD, Prov.2nd.Const. |
| 2012 – 2013 | V.E. Kt. Christopher Carter, P.Gt.Reg. |
| 2013 – 2014 | E.Kt Graham John McGowen-Smith, P.Dep.Gt.SwdB. Prov Vice Chancellor. |
| 2014 – 2015 | E.Kt Rodney Leonard Albert Bancroft, TD, P.Gt.Her, Prov.Marshal |
| 2015 – 2021 | E.Kt Trevor John Austin. Gt-A-de-C., Prov.Dep.Marshal |
| 2021 – | E.Kt. David John Parry, Prov.Dep.Marshal |
Appendix A “The Provincial Sword and the Man behind it”
“The Provincial Sword and the Man behind it”. An address given by EKt. R.L.A. Bancroft, TD. PGtHer, PProvMar, Eminent Preceptor, to Leslie Felgate Dring Preceptory No.637 on Thursday, 30th November 2017.
Good afternoon brother knights all. As is the custom and when accepting this appointment, it is expected that the incoming Eminent Preceptor gives a short and hopefully interesting address, so here goes: I have entitled this presentation ‘The Provincial Sword and the Man behind it.’
Firstly, I will start with the ‘man’ behind who presented the sword to the Province: He was Harry Frederick Comfort Crookshank, 1st Viscount Crookshank, Companion of Honour (CH) and Privy Council (PC). He was born Henry Crookshank on the 27th May 1893 in Cairo, Egypt, the son of Harry Maule Crookshank and Emma, daughter of Major Samuel Comfort, of New York City. On his father’s side he is descended from Alexander Crookshank, of County Longford, Ireland, who represented Belfast in the Irish House of Commons and served as a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas in Ireland.
He was educated at Eton and Magdalen College, Oxford. In the first World War he joined the Hampshire Regiment and served as a Captain in the Grenadier Guards. On one occasion he was buried alive by an explosion for twenty minutes and was later castrated by shrapnel in 1916, requiring him to wear a surgical truss for the rest of his life. This unfortunately required him to be invalided out of the army. He was awarded, by Serbia: The Order of the White Eagle and Gold Medal for Valour.
He then joined the Diplomatic Service in 1919 and worked at the British Embassy in Washington D.C. until 1924. Crookshank was elected Member of Parliament (MP) for Gainsborough in 1924, a seat he held for the next 32 years. He entered the government as Under Secretary of State for the Home Department in 1934 under Ramsey MacDonald. When Stanley Baldwin became Prime Minister in 1935 Crookshank was appointed Secretary of Mines, a post he retained when Neville Chamberlain became Prime Minister in 1937. In 1939 he was sworn to the Privy Council and made Financial Secretary to the Treasury.
He continued in the post when Winston Churchill came to power in 1940, and was then Postmaster General under Churchill between 1943 and 1945. His home from 1937 was at 51 Pont Street, Kensington, London, where in 1947 he hosted a meeting of like-minded backbench MPs who unsuccessfully demanded Churchill’s removal as Conservative Party leader. When the Conservatives returned to office under Churchill in 1951, Crookshank was appointed Minister of Health and Leader of the House of Commons, with a seat in the Cabinet. In 1952 he exchanged his post at the Ministry of Health for the secure post of Lord Privy Seal, while he remained as Commons Leader. He continued in these two positions until December 1955, the last year under the premiership of Sir Anthony Eden, for which he was made a Companion of Honour.
He was succeeded by Rab Butler and retired from the House of Commons in 1956, and was raised to the peerage as 1st Viscount Crookshank, of Gainsborough in the County Lincoln, in January of that year. Papers released by The National Archives, London, in November 2007, show that Crookshank, along with Harold Macmillan, led a faction within the Cabinet of Sir Winston Churchill’s government, who opposed what they perceived to be an attempt to bounce the Cabinet into a premature decision to authorise a British thermonuclear bomb programme in July 1954. Incapable as result of his First World War wounds of fathering children, Crookshank was a lifelong bachelor. He was also (not publicly) known as a homosexual and caused a near scandal when a male lover of his was adopted as Conservative candidate for the Grimsby constituency in 1958 but later withdrawn. Lord Crookshank was a very senior mason.
In the Craft, he was Provincial Grand Master for Lincolnshire. He attained the 33rd degree in the Ancient and Accepted Rite, Rose Croix. He was also a member of Coeur de Lion Preceptory No.29, having been installed as a knight templar on the 10th March 1928 and was its Eminent Preceptor in 1931 and 1932. He went on to become 1st Great Herald in 1938 and 1st Great Constable in 1941 and holder of Knight Commander of the Temple (KCT). He died of cancer in Chelsea, London, on the 17th October 1961 aged 68. He never married and the viscountcy died with him. Having been a High Steward of the City of Westminster his funeral took place at Westminster Abbey, followed by burial at Lincoln Cathedral and there is a plaque there to honour him. Not only as the Provincial Grand Master for Lincolnshire but acknowledging him, and I quote: ‘a faithful worshipper of this church for which he cared with generosity and devotion’.
The Provincial Sword was presented to the Province by the then: Very Eminent Knight Harry Crookshank on the 10th July 1957. The Inscription on the Sword Case reads: ‘This Crusader’s sword was captured from the Dervishes at the Battle of Omdurman in 1898. Presented to the Provincial Priory of Oxfordshire and Berkshire by Captain, The Right Honourable Viscount Crookshank of Gainsborough PC, CH (It should read CH, PC). Provincial Prior of Lincolnshire and for eight years Provincial Chancellor of Oxfordshire and Berkshire and dated 10th July 1957’. It is believed, and I have no reason to doubt it, that it was picked up in Africa at the time of the Battle of Omdurman in 1898 and presented to either Crookshanks’ father who lived in Egypt at that time or even possibly by young Crookshank himself, we will never know for sure.
As for the sword, the late: Very Eminent Knight ‘Tommy’ Thomson believed it to have been a genuine Templar sword, possibly because that was what was stated on the sword case and very similar to that shown in Ewart Oakshotts Illustrated Guide to Swords. I personally had my doubts for a number of reasons and it was fortunate that whilst I was in the process of looking to change the handle from a ‘hand’ to a ‘hand and half’, which would have been in keeping with Templar swords, I carried out my own research including a visit to the Royal Armouries at the Tower of London, to whom I am very grateful for their very significant input. It transpired that the sword is a Kaskara and is in fact characteristic of the type found in the western parts of that broad African savanna region known as the Sudan, areas now part of Chad, Sudan (the country) and Eritrea.
Whilst most surviving examples of this sword are from the 19th Century. This type is believed to have originated in the 16th Century, and may represent a localised survival of the straight, double edged medieval Arab swords and thereby believed, by some, to be the earlier versions of Templar swords which had been modified. This being later discounted so you can see why there was some confusion in identifying the sword.
Most examples that exist are in poor condition. Generally, the Kaskara swords have a plain “munitions forged grade” blade and come most likely from the late 19th Century, having the typical disc pommel mounted in the usual fashion such that the tang passes through the flat faces of the disc. The pommel and grip are wrapped in thin leather over wooden cores. Sometime a small band of reptilian skin is also present on the grip. A black wool tassel is often affixed to the grip beside the pommel. The wooden grip and pommel are covered with leather, in finer examples they were often embossed and overlain with silver (and even gold). The grip tends to be round. The forged iron cross-guard includes the typical short languets on either side and has a square cross section with flattened tips at the ends, rotated 45 degrees out of the plane. The double-edged blade is forged and has a single wide fuller running from the guard almost to the tip. It is either of European or local manufacture. The latter tending to clearly imitate the European blades and their markings (as identified by Briggs, 1965 P.142) and are of a poor standard.
Many better grade blades will have a single, moderately wide, short fuller running about a quarter to a third of the blade length. Other varieties, typical of European broad double-edged trade blades of the times, have been observed, such as those with three (or so) narrow, short to moderately long fullers as are also seen in takoubas swords used by the Taureg Arabs and the espada ancha or ‘wide sword’ from the frontiers of New Spain. Indeed, some blades were made out of modern sheet steel of uniform thickness, much like a modern machete, having filed edges, but with the quarter of the blade nearest the hilt left entirely unsharpened. The traditional spatulate point being retained.
Likewise, there are those with astrological or other engravings along the length of the blade, which may further suggest the blades were imported. The frequent presence of European bladesmith’s marks on these blades are not a reliable indicator of blade origin, as such marks were frequently copied in imitation of those on imported blades by local smiths (Spring, 1993, p. 42). Koranic and talismanic inscriptions are also found inscribed on kaskara blades, regardless of origin.
What makes the Provincial sword a bit ‘special’ is the blade is made to a much higher specification, in that the blade is thicker than usual and of a better-quality material, as evinced by my visit to the Royal Armouries at the Tower of London. This particular blade was manufactured in Schleswig-Holstein in northern Germany, which is identifiable by the two half-moon crescents etched on the blade. As an aside: my trip to the Royal Armouries at the Tower of London came about after a call to them and speaking to the Curator, Bridget Clifford, and explaining my predicament.
The problem I had was finding the time to visit them, however, a couple of weeks later I had occasion to go to London on business and took the opportunity take the sword with me, on the off chance, I would find time to go to the Tower of London. I carried it in my hockey bag. As I approached the Tower of London I found the entrance closed to the general public whilst they were filming a TV programme, I believe it was called ‘It’s a Knock-out’. I therefore rang through and spoke to Bridget Clifford, who, on finding I was outside the Tower came and escorted me to their offices.
After much searching through their many reference books we came upon what we were looking for. However, before I could leave the Tower I had to be issued with a docket to say that I, in effect, had authority to do so, and in the event of being stopped by the police could produce a valid reason for carrying what could be perceived to be one of their artefacts or indeed an offence weapon. My thanks once again to Bridget Clifford and her staff at the Royal Armouries.
For further and possibly more detailed analysis of the sword and to provide a more accurate date for the sword it would need to be referred to the Armouries section of the British Museum, London. The original scabbard which goes with this sword is located in the Knight Templar cupboard at the Masonic Centre Sindlesham is of red brown leather and shows the characteristic distal flare. The scabbard tip is typically covered by thin sheet iron. Overall length: 102.2 cm. (40.2 inches); blade length: 89.7 cm. (35.3 inches).
As I have just stated, the scabbards are characteristically of red-brown or brown leather; sometimes exotic hides would be used. A leaf-shaped flaring in the width of the scabbard is characteristic just before the tip. Better examples will have chapes (metal point of a scabbard) and other fittings of precious metal and possibly covered in thin German silver or low silver alloy sheet with applied raised trim of the same metal. To generalise, whilst fine heirloom blades may be found, both in very old and more modern mounts, current academic opinion is that it is extremely unlikely that there are any blades that exist date before the 15th Century. Indeed, nearly all Kaskara sword blades were imported from Europe.
The Portuguese had been exporting them to North Africa from the 15th century. Later Spain, Belgium and very many from Solingen in Germany, steadily made their way to the Khartoum arsenal. Blades made at Omdurman were generally of a poorer quality, hand forging made the blades prone to crack and flake. The blades usually have three fullers, are flexible and the double edge takes well to sharpening to a high degree. The native armourer’s expertise lay in adding the cross hilts, grips, scabbards, slings and belts. Sudanese leather work is generally of a high quality and employed dyed sheep and goatskin for the major part of scabbards etc., and applied reptile skins – snake, lizard and young crocodile for added decoration.
Scabbards and sheaths had card or thin wooden liners with strips of cloth wrapped to form raised ridges, leather was then stretched over it (as if shrink wrapped) and stitched. In addition to reptile leathers, cowrie shells (marine mollusc and used as money in parts of Africa) and leather tassels were attached. On occasion small crocodiles were used for scabbards. Many scabbards will be found to have a leaf-shaped end, the reason for this is not clear, it appears to have long forgotten traditional origins. Some of the more modern scabbards included pieces of plastic trim.
A strong opinion is that – while one supposes that it is always possible that a shipment of European blades destined for Africa could have contained salvaged medieval blades, such a razor-thin possibility cannot possibly justify the vandalism upon the thousands of kaskara swords which have been re-hilted in European medieval style by those rare individuals misguided and ignorant enough to feel that they are undertaking a restoration, as I nearly was, when seriously contemplating changing the grip for a more conventional hand and half, as used by knights templars and thereby nearly continuing with that practice and perpetrating a fraud! Some, as I have earlier stated, Kaskara swords which were mounted with heirloom blades and these and others often have quotations from the Koran, acid-etched the length of the blade. The general style of these swords bears a resemblance to mediaeval European swords, and I have seen it recorded that some are fitted with old Crusader blades, this I have to say is without foundation, I consider, only making for romantic reading. From a collector’s point of view, if you are considering purchasing one of these swords beware!
It is worth noting that the Kaskara sword and scabbard has continued to be worn in rural areas of Darfur at least until very recently, if not presently. They would normally be worn horizontally across the back between the upper arm and thorax. Finally, and most importantly. It is the duty of the custodian of the Provincial sword to ensure that it is maintained in its best possible condition for future generations.
If anyone has occasion to handle the sword in any way, gloves are to be worn all times, this includes the handle. As for maintaining the sword blade, a light oil, 3-in-1 or WD40 should be applied at least once a year and wiped off. The handle, likewise gently cleaned with a good natural leather polish, not boot polish. If unfortunately, the sword is handled without gloves it must be wiped clean immediately to avoid sweat or perspiration eroding any of its elements.
Brother knights I trust that you have found this interesting and informative and for one or two of you, you may wish to extend your daily masonic knowledge by making a more in-depth study of this subject.
Thank you one and all for your attention.
Appendix B “The Templars Legacy”
An address given by R.E.Kt Graham John McGowen-Smith, Provincial Pryor, Eminent Preceptor, to Leslie Felgate Dring Preceptory No.637 on Thursday, 29th September 2022.
“The Templars Legacy”. Templar order claims to have been founded when Jacques de Molay from his dungeon, dictated a letter naming a secret successor grand master, establishing a line that remains unbroken to this day.
In World War II, the young men appointed by General “Wild Bill Donovan’s to his staff in the new Office of Strategic Services, feeling like Crusaders, were pleased to refer to their group as the Knights Templar.
It is safe to state that nowhere is the memory of the Knight ’s Templar kept alive with more zeal than in the worldwide order of Free and Accepted Masons, the oldest and largest fraternal society in the world. Freemasonry is the only organization, other than the Templars themselves, to find its principal identity in the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem.
As revealed in London in 1717 and revised during its early years, Freemasonry had just three basic degrees, the highest of which makes a member a Master Mason.
Today, having achieved that status, he can follow a number of paths, of which the most popular in the United States are the two “appendant” systems commonly referred to as York Rite and Scottish Rite.
The York Rite Mason progresses through a series of degrees that culminate in his being made a Masonic Knight Templar. The York Rite Templar commanderies in the United States alone claim over a quarter of a million members. They maintain a national foundation for research into eye diseases of children, and fund cataract surgery for the financially disabled.
The links to our own Jerusalem Eye Hospital are a clear manifestation of the same principles and intent at work in Gaza today.
Scottish Rite Masonry has almost a million members in America, in a system that awards degrees numbered from four through thirty-two. (Explaining why one occasionally hears a man being identified as a “thirty-second degree Mason”.) A thirty-third degree does exist; it is not earned automatically but is awarded solely in recognition of meritorious service
In one jurisdiction, the Scottish Rite Mason is made a “Knight Kadosh.” Kadosh is direct from the Hebrew and means “holy.”
To those of you who are members of Rose Croix, you will recognise this a one of the significant degrees
The “Holy Knight” of this degree is the Knight Templar. The story of the final days of Grand Master Jacques de Molay, along with a brief history of the Templar order, is recounted to the candidate for the degree. The spirit of the degree is to call upon the initiate to be aware of, and to resolutely oppose, all forms of personal and religious injustice.
An interesting aftermath to the attainment of the level of the Knight Templar in York Rite or the thirty-second degree in Scottish Rite is that the Mason is then eligible to seek membership in the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, to become a Shriner. The Shriners divide their time between fun and charity (such as their twenty-two free hospitals for burned and crippled children) but they do so in an Arab-Egyptian atmosphere that makes frequent allusions to the Crusades.
The Freemasons also sponsor an organization for tens of thousands of young men between thirteen and twenty-one years old, which memorializes the fallen grand master in its name, the Order of de Molay. Stories recalling the condemnation of the Templar officers and the burning of the last grand master are part of the de Molay ceremonies.
No Masonic body claims direct descent from the original Knights Templar; they usually claim instead to have originated in medieval guilds of cathedral and castle builders. The persistence of legend, however, and the frequent references to the crusading order in Masonic ritual, sent our researcher off into several years of separate investigations. Although not a Freemason, he became fascinated by the unfolding revelations of Templar roots for Masonic ritual, particularly in regard to Masonic symbols and terminology so ancient that their origins and meanings had been lost to the Freemasons themselves.
No dissertation about the Knights Templar should close without citing what is probably the most thoughtful gesture ever made to honour their memory. It was staged by the barristers of The Temple in London, whose connections with the Templars are an interesting bit of history in themselves.
The most valuable property in England awarded to the Hospitallers by Clement V after the suppression of the Knights Templar was the Templar headquarters in London, between Fleet Street and the Thames River, an area still known simply as the Temple. The only surviving Templar structure on the property is the Temple Church. Built of beautiful stone brought from Normandy as ship’s ballast, the church was consecrated by Heraclius, the patriarch of Jerusalem, in 1185. The original church is circular, with a larger rectangular choir added in 1240.
The Hospitallers already had a London headquarters at Clerkenwell, so they had no real need for the Templar base. They leased it for inns that provided rooms and offices for the trial lawyers who practiced law at the King’s Court, just a few yards away through the gate between London and the royal city of Westminster. Its location gave the gate the name of the Barriere du Temple, later anglicized to the Temple Bar. Those trial lawyers passing back and forth through the “Bar” became known as “barristers.”
In 1534 the Hospitallers lost the property to the crown in the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII, who honoured the tenancy of the barristers. In 1608, the “Benchers,” the senior barristers of the Temple, purchased the property from King James I, in an agreement under which they promised to assume responsibility for the maintenance of the Temple Church.
Seldom has a trust been so conscientiously honoured. Not only is the church meticulously maintained, but it was carefully rebuilt after the severe damage inflicted by the Luftwaffe during the London blitz in May 1941. Holding a unique status, the Temple Church is not a part of any diocese. Its Anglican canon, who bears the title of Master of the Temple, reports directly to the crown. The church is frequently open to visitors, including the penitential cell built into the walls, where the Templar marshal for Ireland was confined in punishment until he starved to death.
There is a tomb thought to be that of the Patriarch Heraclius, and effigies from the tombs of medieval knight that serve to demonstrate that the barristers of the Inner and Middle Temple are acutely aware of the history of their church.
When General Edmund Allenby led a column of British troops through the gates of Jerusalem in 1917, where no Christian army had set foot since 1244, the barristers of the Temple held a special service. Its highlight was a chivalrous gesture that took place as the barristers processed into the round church of the Templars and placed laurel wreaths of victory on the effigies of the knights, to convey the silent message, “You are not forgotten.” And they are not. Nor will they be.
Distilled from the closing pages of John J. Robinson’s book, Dungeon, Fire & Sword.