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Welcome

This is the website of the Provincial Priory for the Province of Hertfordshire

I'm very pleased to welcome you to the website for the Provincial Priory of Hertfordshire and hope you find it helpful and informative. The full title of the Order is The United Religious, Military and Masonic Orders of the Temple and of St John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes and Malta in England and Wales and Provinces Overseas, but most Masons know it simply as 'KT' or 'Knights Templar'. Candidates for membership must already be Craft and Royal Arch Masons, and also profess to the Trinitarian Christian Faith.

There are two degrees in the Order, Namely - Knights Templar and Knights of Malta.

The first being carried out at the Preceptory that you join and the second at a special meeting of which 3 Preceptories in the Province carry out.

We utilise the history and practices of the medieval Knights Templar as a basis for our ceremonies, although we have no direct link with those "Knights of Old". The Great Priory of the United Orders, which is based in London, manages the Order, via a number of Provinces or Provincial Priories throughout England and Wales and many other parts of the world.

A Province is made up of a number of private units called Preceptories. In Hertfordshire there are 16 Preceptories meeting at various Masonic Halls in many towns throughout the County. Their locations all are listed within this website together with the contact details of their Registrars.

I hope that in visiting this site, either as a member or interested visitor, that you will enjoy the content and gain a greater understanding of the United Orders and our activities.

If you are a Master Mason and a Royal Arch Mason and are interested in joining the Order of Knights Templar then email the Province using the following link Contact Vice-Chancellor (more information about the Preceptories and Hertfordshire Masonic Centres are contained in the website).

R.E.Kt A D White
Provincial Prior

Provincial Prior

R.E. Kt. Alastair White was installed as the Provincial Prior for Hertfordshire by the Most ...

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Provincial Sub-Prior

V.E.Kt. Michael Beaty was appointed to the office of Provincial Marshal on 27th June 2012 ...

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Provincial Vice-Chancellor

Appointed to the office of Vice-Chancellor in ....

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Provincial Marshal
 

E.Kt. Lester Wellington was admitted to the Order in February 2015 and was ...

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News

Christmas Day Observance

25th December 2023

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KT Weekend Away 2024

27th - 29th September 2024

To attend this event, please book in HERE

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Knights of Malta - 14 New Knights

8th November 2023

On Wednesday, 8th November 2023, the Provincial Prior's Bodyguard Preceptory - Crossed Swords 618 - held their meeting at Mayflower Place and conducted the Malta ceremony on behalf of the Province.

The Right Eminent Provincial Prior Alastair White was in attendance on an Official Visit together with the Provincial Marshal and an escort of Provincial Officers including his Bodyguard. He said after the meeting

"It was an absolute pleasure to attend a fabulous meeting of the Bodyguard Preceptory, Crossed Swords No. 618, at Mayflower Place last night, where no fewer than 14 candidates took their Malta degree, with Kt. Danny Russell acting as the representative candidate. Congratulations to the new Knights of Malta, and to all who took part in the organisation and delivery of what can only be described a first-class ceremony, lead by the E.P. Ollie Wells."

Also in attendance in his own right as an Honorary Member was R.E.Kt. Peter Fotheringham K.C.T., Past Provincial Prior. Melvyn Pateman managed to sustain an injury but it must be pointed out that it had nothing to do with the ceremony, Alex Handley or indeed anyone else - directly.

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Jerusalem and Gaza update

30th October 2023

St. John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group
CEO Update on Current Crisis

1. Gaza: hostilities in Gaza and Israel have continued for the 18th day with an increased number of casualties. Based on clear instructions from the Israeli Military Authorities, most of the Gazans residing in the northern districts have fled to the south. Humanitarian supplies have started to reach from the Rafah Crossing which opened for the third consecutive day, allowing entry of 54 trucks carrying food, water, and medical supplies. For detailed information on the current crisis, please refer to the latest update from the United Nations’ Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
As for our staff, all have also fled to the south district of the Gaza Strip, and all remain unharmed. However, it is worth mentioning that we have not been able to contact all of them due to electricity and telecommunication problems.
The Board has decided to pay our staff in Gaza their full salaries despite the fact that our work has stopped since the beginning of the crisis. This decision was well received by the staff in Gaza as well as all at the Group.

2. Jerusalem: in the past 24 hours, the Israeli Authority has started allowing emergency surgical cases to reach East Jerusalem Hospitals. The surgical appoint team has been working hard to overcome logistical issues related to patients’ transportation as well as movements within the West Bank. We will utilize this window of opportunity to bring in as many surgical patients as possible.
Meanwhile, all new recruitment has been frozen until end of the year, and staff have been advised to consume all their annual leaves.
Due to the continued restrictions on movement for both staff and patients the surgical workload in Jerusalem is at 30-35% of normal activities. As for outpatients there has been a slight recovery and as many as 100-120 patients are seen daily at the OPD which makes up 50-60% of the usual/normal activities.
Kufor Aqab Clinic: due to the inability of patients to reach Jerusalem, we have commenced subspecialty medical retina, uveitis, oculoplastic and pediatric services at the clinic. As for clinical activities, we are at almost 90% capacity.
The outreach team manages to conduct clinics most days, but a number of clinics had to be cancelled due to staff safety issues.

3. Hebron Hospital: the Hospital is functioning at almost 90% capacity with a noticeable increase in surgical activities reaching 100% of the normal workload.

4. Anabta Centre: due to the increased movement restrictions in the northern districts, clinical activities in Anabta fluctuate on a daily basis. However, since the beginning of the current crisis activities remain at 40% of the expected workload. Until now, it has been unsafe for our doctors to travel from Jerusalem to conduct subspecialty clinics in Anabta. Subject to a favourable security situation, it is likely that we will resume these visits next week.

5. The SJEHG Board and the Senior Leadership Team met on 19/10/2023 to update on the current position, on the status of the Emergency Appeal (details on the SJEHG website) and to ensure as far as possible sustainable services are maintained and delivered across Jerusalem and the West Bank.

Source: Freemasonry@86 News 27 October 2023

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Onwards for Saint Alban

16th October 2023

On Monday, 16th October 2023, The Preceptory of Saint Alban were pleased to install two new Knights into the Order at Ashwell House, St. Albans. Companions Paul Fairhurst and Andy Jarvis were the latest to take the leap and join this wonderful Order. It was certainly a joint effort on the behalf of not only the Candidates who were installed in a double ceremony but also with the members and their guests. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the offices had to be re-arranged and the Preceptory are so grateful to those Brother Knights who stepped up at the eleventh hour.

The ceremony was the first to be performed by the new Eminent Preceptor, Paul Thompson and what a magnificent display of ritual from all within the Preceptory.Both of the new Knights enjoyed the experience and will be a valuable addition to the Province as a whole.

On behalf of the Right Eminent Provincial Prior, who was on Official duty elsewhere, the Provincial Marshal E.Kt. Lester Wellington presented E.Kt. John Kimm P.Gt.Chamb, Preceptory Registrar with a certificate and lapel badge for his donation to the Centenary Appeal as well as a Herts KT Centenary Mug. All profit going to the St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital through the Centenary Appeal.

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Jacques de Molay 670

12th September 2023

The final meeting of Jacques de Molay Preceptory 670 took place at Halsey Hall, Cheshunt on Tuesday 12th September. The Right Eminent Provincial Prior, Alastair White, presided over the meeting once all business had been concluded. R.E.Kt. Alastair White said:

"It was my sad duty last night to preside over the surrendering of the warrant of the Preceptory of Jacques de Molay No. 670, who met for the final time at Cheshunt. This was new territory, as it was the first time in the history of the Province that a Preceptory has decided to hand in its warrant. Let us hope that it is also the last time that this sad duty has to be performed. Arrangements are in hand to relocate the small number of Knights who have been left unattached to other Preceptories in the Province, where I am sure that they will be made most welcome, and will continue their membership of our wonderful Order. Whilst addressing the Knights, I thanked the Preceptory for it’s generous donation of £1000 to the #hertscentenaryappeal and was also pleased to present a further two certificates and badges to Bodyguard/Escort members who have signed up to support the appeal."

The R.E.Prov.Prior was pleased to present Kt. Lee Cresswell with his Knight Templar certificate as well as presenting two certificates and lapel badges to E.Kts. Neil Phillips and John Fenoughty for their donation to the Centenary Appeal. The Knights dined convivially together at the Festive Board despite the sadness of the occasion and a number of Mugs were sold and presented to Brother Knights. All profit going to the St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital through the Centenary Appeal.

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More Donations for the Centenary Appeal

5th September 2023

The Hertfordshire Centenary Appeal has started extremely well. The Right Eminent Provincial Prior was in attendance at the first meeting of the Masonic year, St, John the Evangelist Preceptory 281, where he was pleased to present the following Knights (left to right) with their certificate and lapel badge.

E.Kt. John Street Prov. 1st Con.
Kt. Gordon Gonourie
Kt. Thanos Papanaklis
E.Kt. Malcolm Wallace P.Prov.St.B.(B.)
Kt. Damon Humphreys
E.Kt. Manoo Mootien P.Prov.St.B.(V.B.), Prov.Gd.

The REPP is so pleased to see so many new Knights commit to this extremely worthy cause so early on.

The Province of Hertfordshire was reconstituted in 1933.

To mark the landmark of our Centenary in 2033, The REPP has committed the Province to raise the sum of £100,000 over the next ten years in aid of the St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group.

Each year, the funds raised will be used to sponsor Maysoun Daban, a Theatre Nurse at the St John Gaza Hospital.

Centenary Appeal

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Newest Knight in the Order

5th September 2023

At the meeting of St John the Evangelist Preceptory on Tues 5th September, the Right Eminent Provincial Prior was pleased to welcome the newest Knight not only in the Preceptory but in the Order in the Province of Hertfordshire for the new Masonic Year. It was so hot but fortunately, the AC was working well.

Kt. Karl Wakefield was installed in the main Temple at Ashwell House with 24 other knights in attendance. In addition to his installation, the Preceptory also proclaimed their Eminent Preceptor , Kt. David Jones, to a further year in office. The Brother Knights then enjoyed each other's company at the Festive Board.

Did I mention how hot it was?

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Centenary Appeal

22nd June 2023

I

'm very pleased to welcome you to the Provincial Centenary Appeal for Hertfordshire. The launch of the Provincial Priory of Hertfordshire Centenary Appeal took place at the Annual meeting of Provincial Priory on Thursday 22nd June 2023.

The appeal has been kick-started with a hefty donation of £2000 from the Province followed by a further donation of £1000 from the Preceptory of Jacques de Molay, No.670. The Provincial Prior was also delighted to be able to present the very first lapel badge and certificate to the Provincial Sub-Prior, V.E. Kt. Mike Beaty.

Centenary Appeal

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THE Knights Templar Caves

24th June 2023

Gretchen Cornwall will be speaking live at the next Minerva Study Group Meeting.

When: Saturday the 24th of June.
Time: Lunch 12pm / Meeting 1pm
Venue: Ashwell House, 167 Verulam Road, St Albans, AL3 4DW
Cost: Lunch £16 / Meeting Free

A buffet lunch will be provided for those who wish to join us before the meeting, this will be a great chance to meet like minded people and our speakers in an informal setting.

Gretchen Cornwall recently featured as an expert on Discovery Channels The Curse of Oak Island. She is a member of the British Archaeological Association. For decades Gretchen has been examining and researching medieval carvings and architecture of great cathedrals, Castles and Templar preceptories

To attend this event, please book in HERE

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Annual Service of Praise 2023

14th May 2023

Another year on from the pandemic and the pageantry of the Annual Church Service returns to the history and beauty of Waltham Abbey. The sun was out… (has it ever rained on our church service days?), the music was great, the singing even greater.. wonderful to hear a packed church singing together. As always, Rev Peter Smith made us all most welcome, and we brought the customary good weather with us. It was especially pleasing to see a number of our newer Knights attending their first service, and also to be able to welcome the PGM R W Bro Neil Connolly as our guest.

We all had a great time and shared in tea, sandwiches and cakes refreshments after.. and the Provincial Prior did a good speech too… Well done to all.

Click pic to go to the Gallery for more pictures

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St George's Day Dinner

23rd April 2023

The return of the St. George's Day Dinner took place on Sunday, 23rd April 2023 at the Halsey Hall, Cheshunt. This was the first time since it was last held in April 2019, due to the pandemic. It was a sell out evening.

Everyone present had a wonderful evening celebrating St George through fine dining and a great singalong of our favourite anthems and Old Time Music Hall classics!! The fantastic Gemma corralled the audience with wonderful renditions of old time favourites and anthems.

Click pic to go to the Gallery for more pictures

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Joseph Moffett 383

4th April 2023

This afternoon saw the Joseph Moffett Preceptory installing their newest member into the Order. Welcome to Knight Qais Alkarawi into Knights Templar in general and into this Preceptory in Particular. The Eminent Preceptor, Mark Williams performed a ceremony to be proud of assisted by his officers. E.Kts. Mark Trembling and Mark Ouzman delivered some ritual in a sincere way which made the ceremony so much better for the Candidate.

Also in attendance to witness this installation was the Very Eminent Provincial Sub-Prior, Michael Beaty P.Gt.Reg ably assisted by the Provincial Marshal, E.Kt. Lester Wellington. It was good to see visiting Knights at the Preceptory and reinforces the edict that visiting is the lifeline for all Masonic Orders. If you can visit other Preceptories, please do so.

Click pic to go to the Gallery for more pictures

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Macleod Lecture

10th February 2023

If you didn't attend this meeting and listen to the wonderful guest speaker, Kt Mike Neville, then you missed out! Kt Mike, a former Police Officer, is renown for his walks, talks and presentations throughout the world. We were lucky to have him attend our meeting last year and present one of his lectures. So what took place? The lecture was entitled "Sacred Secrets – Knights Templar Masonry, The Bible and Christian Faith" and Kt. Mike went into the depths of pointing out many of the key figures in the Bible that are connected with our Order. To keep you enthralled and hanging on to his every word, we were warned that, like last time, there would be a test at the end and there were certain Knights who did not want to be on the losing side again.

Did you know who the first King of Israel was? Why was Mount Moriah so important? Well if you attended you will, together with a whole host of information to help you understand our Order better. Looking forward to the next one.

Click pic to go to the Gallery for more pictures

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John F Cleeves 75th Anniversary

27th January 2023

A most enjoyable and very memorable evening at Cheshunt on Friday, when the 75th Anniversary meeting of John F Cleeves Preceptory No. 315 was held. In addition to the R.E. Provincial Prior, there were present two Past Provincial Priors - R.E. Kt. John Hay K.C.T. and R.E. Kt. Tony Lapsley K.C.T. and the V.E. Provincial Sub-Prior, Michael Beaty.

E. Kt. Cliff Garrett was installed into the Chair of the Preceptory for the fourth time, before the Knights were treated to a short resume of the life and career of John F Cleeves by the Registrar, V.E. Kt. Dave Sharman. The R.E. Provincial Prior was delighted to be able to present the Eminent Preceptor with the Past Preceptor's Collarette and Jewel which had belonged to the Past Provincial Prior, R.E. Kt. Alan Owen G.C.T. This had been retrieved by the Provincial Prior of Monmouth and South Wales, R.E. Kt. Paul Calderwood JP, who requested that it be returned to the Preceptory.

E. Kt. 'Pins' Poullais had arranged the production of a commemorative 75th Anniversary lapel pin, profits from the sale of which will be donated to the Eye Hospital. The R.E. Provincial Prior thanks, as always, the Provincial Escort and Bodyguard for their support in making this a very special evening.

Click pic to go to the Gallery for more pictures

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Temple Dinsley Meeting

24th November 2022

The meeting of Temple Dinsley Preceptory #283 took place yesterday at The Cloisters, Letchworth. The ceremony was the Installation of a new Knight - Thanos Papanaklis. The Right Eminent Provincial Prior was in attendance with his escorting officers and Bodyguard. Knight Thanos was proposed by the V.E.P.S.P. Michael Beaty who also had the pleasure of being the Preceptory Marshal for the ceremony. His seconder was a life long friend Knight Konstantinos Papadopoulous, who was admitted into the Order a few months ago. The Eminent Preceptor, Peter Fagg, Prov.2nd Con. performed the ceremony whilst the R.E.P.P Alastair White delivered the Charge to the new Knight. The Provincial Prior's Bodyguard added a little je ne sais quoi to the proceedings when called to assist in the ceremony. Well done.

After the Installation of the new Knight, V.E.Kt. Michael Beaty was presented with a token of thanks for his service to the Provincial Preceptory of Instruction by E.Kt. Lester Wellington, Prov.Mar. Accompanying the card signed by those who regularly attend the POI was an engraved Masonic Pocket Watch and a bottle of his favourite tipple to ward off the cold winter evenings.

The Brother Knights then had their Festive Board and enjoyed each other's company. Next meeting is in April 2023.

Click pic to go to the Gallery for more pictures

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Malta expands!

9th November 2022

KT is the shortened version of its long title: The United Religious, Military and Masonic Orders of the Temple and of St John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes and Malta. In the Province of Hertfordshire, each Preceptory has a Priory attached to it in which is installed an Eminent Prior every 12 months. This Priory is usually opened in shortened form after the opening and closing of the Preceptory but there are a handful of Preceptories that open in full and admit Candidates into the Order. These are; Crossed Swords 618, Stuart 28 and Melita 37, the former should admit candidates from all of the Preceptories in the Province, as is the wish of the Provincial Prior, with the exception of the latter two Preceptories who admit their own Candidates. Should Candidates be unable to attend the Malta meeting of Crossed Swords in November they can attend one of the other two Preceptories who hold their Malta meetings in February and October respectively.

On Wednesday 9th November 2022, the Malta meeting of Crossed Swords took place at Mayflower Place where no less than eleven Candidates from five different Preceptories were admitted into the Degree of St John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes and Malta. The ceremony was conducted by the Provincial Vice-Chancellor, who is the Eminent Preceptor, and so ably assisted by the Officers of his Preceptory. The Right Eminent Provincial Prior was also in attendance on an Official visit which added to the pressure of the offices involved in and conducting the ceremony.

If you haven't taken your Malta degree yet, please speak to your Registrar who will arrange it for you.

The Crossed Swords Preceptory 618 is the Bodyguard Preceptory for the Masonic Province of Hertfordshire. To be able to join this prestigious Preceptory, you must have been invested as a Bodyguard member or be a full serving member of the Bodyguard on the Provincial Prior's Bodyguard.

Click pic to go to the Gallery for more pictures

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50 years in the Craft

1st November 2022

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Two New Knights for Hertfordshire

17th October 2022

The Preceptory of Saint Alban 266 was pleased to install two new Knights into the Order and into the Province of Hertfordshire in particular. Companions Damon Humhreys and John Gamble participated in a double ceremony at Ashwell House yesterday which was an amazing. They can be seen flanking the Eminent Preceptor and his Constables in the front row. Damon is sitting to the right of the Eminent Preceptor and John to his left as you view the picture.

The Preceptory is looking forward to admitting another new Knight at their February meeting. A little less pressure for the Marshal.

Click pic to go to the Gallery for more pictures

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Melita Priory 37

15th October 2022

A meeting took place today at the Melita Preceptory #37 at Halsey Hall, Cheshunt. Having opened the Preceptory, The Right Eminent Provincial Prior processed into the Preceptory under an Arch of Steel. Five Knights were presented with their Great Priory certificates by the Provincial Prior in a detailed, factual and sometimes amusing manner.

The Preceptory was closed in due form and then the Melita Priory was opened in full. The Eminent Prior Steve Cronin then proceeded to admit 7 knights int the Order and all who took part in the Ceremony did a fantastic job.

The Eminent Prior then went on to install his successor, John Fenoughty, as the new Eminent Prior of the Melita Priory.

All in all a good time was had by all. Something to be proud of and always worth a visit to one of the three Preceptories in the Province who do the full ceremony.

Click pic to go to the Gallery for more pictures

 

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Lots happening in Somerset

24th - 26th September 2022

On Saturday 24th September 2022, our Provincial Prior, R.E.Kt. Alastair White, together with his Provincial Banner Bearer, E.Kt. Carlton Patterson, attended the Great Priory Church Service held at Wells Cathedral, Somerset. There was a good turnout of Brother Knights from all over the Provinces, including of course, the Most Eminent and Supreme Grand Master Paul Raymond Clement. Unfortunately, the day also marked the calling of the Provincial Prior of Somerset, R.E.Kt. Barry Burridge KCT, by the Great Captain of our Salvation who had been quite ill for a number of months.

Monday 26th September 2022 was the date for the Provincial Priory meeting of Somerset where R.E.Kt. Barry Burridge KCT was to step down after 16 years as their Provincial Prior. Our Provincial Prior was in attendance accompanied by his Vice-Chancellor E.Kt. Rhys Madoc and his Provincial Marshal E.Kt. Lester Wellington.

The Most Eminent and Supreme Grand Master installed the Provincial Prior Nominate, Paul Jeffrey Davis P.Gt.Std.B.(B.) as the new Provincial Prior. He then installed his Sub-Prior E.Kt. Allan Sheppard and appointed and invested the remaining officers of the Province as well as first appointments and promotions.

All in all, a long weekend of Masonic KT activity in Somerset.

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Macleod Preceptory 463

16th September 2022

A very enjoyable meeting of Macleod Preceptory No. 463 last night.

After the Installation of E. Kt. Alan Lewis as EP by the Provincial Sub-Prior, I then had the pleasure of investing all those who received appointment or reappointment to, or promotion in, Provincial Rank in June with their Provincial Malta ranks.

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Is it the First or Last Meeting?

19th July 2022

On record breaking days for the hottest day ever in the UK, Hatfield Preceptory held their annual installation meeting at the Radlett Masonic Hall this afternoon. In attendance was the Right Eminent Provincial Prior Alastair White. He was accompanied by a number of Provincial Officers as his escort and a contingent of his Bodyguard.

It was pointed out that this meeting could be described as the last meeting of the year - before the summer break or indeed the first meeting of the year where newly appointed and invested Knights performed their duties, Either way, the meeting went extremely well in the air conditioned Temple.

Knight Jem Jarvis was presented his Knights Templar certificate and the Provincial Prior was made an honorary member of the Preceptory. Fortunately, the dining room was also air conditioned and the Brother Knights dined in comfort. Here's looking forward to resuming our gatherings after the summer break.

Click pic to go to the Gallery for more pictures

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Great Priory 2022

18th May 2022

A very enjoyable meeting of Great Priory at Freemasons’ Hall yesterday, where the ME & Supreme Grand Master was pleased to confer honours on the following Knights:

Through Hertfordshire:
Promotions to P.Gt.Reg. for V.E. Kts. John Linley and Gavin O’Sullivan.
1st Appointments to P.Gt.A.-de-C. For E. Kts. Geoff Cheshire and David Sodey.

Through the Waller Rodwell Wright Preceptory (Malta)
1st Appointment to P.Gt.A.-de-C. for E. Kt. John Campbell.
Hearty congratulations to all those who received honours.
Click pic to see more pictures in the Gallery

Click pic to go to the Gallery for more pictures

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Upcoming Events

KT Weekend Away 2024

27th - 29th September 2024

To attend this event, please book in HERE

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THE Knights Templar Caves

24th June 2023

Gretchen Cornwall will be speaking live at the next Minerva Study Group Meeting.

When: Saturday the 24th of June.
Time: Lunch 12pm / Meeting 1pm
Venue: Ashwell House, 167 Verulam Road, St Albans, AL3 4DW
Cost: Lunch £16 / Meeting Free

A buffet lunch will be provided for those who wish to join us before the meeting, this will be a great chance to meet like minded people and our speakers in an informal setting.

Gretchen Cornwall recently featured as an expert on Discovery Channels The Curse of Oak Island. She is a member of the British Archaeological Association. For decades Gretchen has been examining and researching medieval carvings and architecture of great cathedrals, Castles and Templar preceptories

To attend this event, please book in HERE

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Provincial Centenary Appeal

1933 - 2033

I'm very pleased to welcome you to the Provincial Centenary Appeal for Hertfordshire. The launch of the Provincial Priory of Hertfordshire Centenary Appeal took place at the Annual meeting of Provincial Priory on Thursday 22nd June 2023.

The appeal has been kick-started with a hefty donation of £2000 from the Province followed by a further donation of £1000 from the Preceptory of Jacques de Molay, No.670. The Provincial Prior was also delighted to be able to present the very first lapel badge and certificate to the Provincial Sub-Prior, V.E. Kt. Mike Beaty.

The Province of Hertfordshire was reconstituted in 1933.

To mark the landmark of our Centenary in 2033, I have committed the Province to raise the sum of £100,000 over the next ten years in aid of the St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group.

Each year, the funds raised will be used to sponsor a Theatre Nurse at the St John Gaza Hospital.



In 2022, the number of outpatients seen at St John Eye Hospital Group facilities reached 142,876, an increase of 8,876 from the 134,000 seen in 2021. Furthermore, the St John Hospital Group, whose mission is the provision of essential eye care to all people in the West Bank, Gaza and Jerusalem, regardless of ethnicity, faith or ability to pay.

This incredible an life-changing work could not be achieved without the commitment and generosity of donors such as you and that is why I am asking you for your help by committing to donate £500 over ten years.



In economically challenging times, I am well aware that the sum of £500 sounds like a big ask, but a regular donation of just £5 a month, spread over 100 months, will enable us to reach the target that I have set. Furthermore, by making full use of the Gift Aid Scheme, we can maximise our donations to make a real difference to those whose debilitating eye conditions would otherwise go untreated.

Each Knight pledging to donate £500 will receive a Centenary Lapel Badge and Certificate recognising their commitment to support this Centenary Appeal.

HOW TO DONATE

The easiest way to make a regular payment or a one-off donation is via the MCF webpage:

• Visit donate.mcf.org.uk/donate/
• Select donate to a Relief Chest
• Select either a Regular or a Single Donation
• Enter Relief Chest Number KT1074
• Enter details of your donation

After you have made your donation or if you have any enquiries regarding payments please contact V.E.Kt. Mike Stanforth at Scribee@uwclub.net

Single payments can be made by using the QR Code below

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Provincial Prior

R.E. Kt. Alastair White was installed as the Provincial Prior for Hertfordshire by the Most Eminent & Supreme Grand Master, Paul Raymond Clement G.C.T. on Thursday 2nd September 2021.

He was installed as a Knight of the Order in The Harold Devereux Still Preceptory No. 543 in October 2006, and subsequently served two years as Eminent Preceptor between 2011 and 2013.

Appointed to the Provincial Prior's Bodyguard in 2008, he served as a member until 2012, when he received his first Provincial Appointment to the rank of Past Provincial Standard Bearer (V.B.) when he was also appointed Deputy Commander of the Provincial Prior’s Bodyguard. He continued in that role until his appointment as Provincial Vice-Chancellor in 2015.

In May 2016, he was appointed to the active Great Priory rank of Deputy Great Sword Bearer and was privileged to act as the Great Sword Bearer for the Installation of the Most Eminent and Supreme Grand Master the following year.

He served for six years as Provincial Vice-Chancellor, before being selected to succeed R.E. Kt. Tony Lapsley, K.C.T. as Provincial Prior, which he considers to be the highlight of his Masonic career.

Provincial Sub-Prior

V.E.Kt. Michael Beaty P.Gt.Reg. was appointed to the office of Provincial Marshal on 27th June 2012.

He was Installed as a Knight of the Order in the Stuart Preceptory No.28 on 26th February 1990, taking his Malta degree on 27th June 1990, and was Installed as Eminent Preceptor on 18th October 1999, going on to serve as Deputy Marshal, then Marshal for 9 years, until his appointment as Provincial Marshal in 2012.

He received his first Provincial Appointment as Provincial Standard Bearer (V.B.) in 2000 and was promoted to Provincial 1st Constable in 2005. Currently he is, as well as being Provincial Marshal, the Provincial Warden of Regalia, an office he has held since 2010.

In 2006 he joined the Macleod Preceptory No.463, and in 2015 the Charles Herbert Perram Preceptory No.409. In 2014 he was elected an Honorary Member of the Temple Dinsley Preceptory No.283, rescinding this in 2019 to become a member in order to take office and assist in the re-building of the Preceptory. He was also elected an Honorary Member of the John F. Cleeves Preceptory No.315 in 2013. He is currently the Marshal in the Macleod, Charles Herbert Perram and Temple Dinsley Preceptories.

He received his first appointment in Great Priory in 2009 when he was appointed and invested as Past Great Warden of Regalia. Promoted to Past Great Standard Bearer (B) in 2015, he was further Promoted to Past Great Registrar in 2020.

The Right Eminent Provincial Prior Alastair White was pleased to appoint, invest and install him as the Provincial Sub-Prior at the Provincial Priory on 23rd June 2022.

Provincial Vice-Chancellor

P.Gt.W. of R. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur et adipiscing elit. Praesent eleifend dignissim arcu, at eleifend sapien imperdiet ac. Aliquam erat volutpat. Praesent urna nisi, fringila lorem et vehicula lacinia quam. Integer sollicitudin mauris nec lorem luctus ultrices. Aliquam libero et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Cras viverra ligula sit amet ex mollis mattis lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.

Provincial Marshal

E.Kt. Lester Wellington Prov.Mar. was admitted to the Order in February 2015 and was immediately drawn towards the Provincial Prior's Bodyguard as something he would love to be involved with. Joining the Bodyguard in June 2015, took his Malta degree at the Crossed Swords Preceptory in November of that year and served for 2 years as a Knight on the Bodyguard, after which he was appointed as the Deputy Bodyguard Commander, a post he held for four years. Lester was installed as Eminent Preceptor of the Preceptory of Saint Alban 266 under the Rule of Six during the COVID pandemic in October 2020 and remained in the Chair for the year 2021-22 where he installed his successor. He was appointed Deputy Provincial Marshal in September 2021.

On 23rd June 2022 the Right Eminent Provincial Prior was pleased to appoint him as Provincial Marshal for Hertfordshire, a post he holds currently.

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Herts Meetings

Herts Meetings

POI

This is held, under the leadership and guidance of the Provincial Marshal, E.Kt. Lester Wellington, at The Masonic Hall, The Rose Walk, Radlett, Herts. WD7 7JS.

Commencing at 10.00am on the first Sunday of the months of February, March, April, June, September, October, November and December.

It has been formed for the purpose of helping the Knights of the Province to learn and practise the drill and ritual, and so improve the standards throughout the Preceptories in the Province of Hertfordshire.

A Drill session is held during every P of I and is particularly beneficial to those Knights who have recently come into the Order.

Pilgrims

Who are the Hertfordshire Pilgrims?

An enthusiastic and happy band of Knights (formerly pilgrims) formed to travel around the Province to assist and support Preceptories in.need, by swelling their attendance, taking office for the meeting, assisting in ritual, or whatever else isrequired.

Please enrol to receive a list of dates and meeting details, then a summons for each meeting. You can support whenever you choose with no obligation to attend meetings other than those you select.

Hertfordshire Pilgrims

Precepts of the Order

• Love, honour and fear God, walk after his commandments.

• Maintain and defend the Christian Faith and the honour, dignity and interests of our Order.

• Be loyal to your Sovereign, dutiful to the Grand Master and obedient to those who rule over you.

• Prefer honour to wealth.

• Be just and true in word and deed.

• Give no willing cause of offence to any; but, while opposing wrong and injustice, deport yourselves courteously and gently.

• Assist the distressed, the widow and the fatherless.

• Eschew all debasing employment, recreation and company; abhor pride and selfishness and so raise the standard of chivalrous honour, striving for the welfare of your Brethren

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Active Officers
in the Province

THE PROVINCIAL PRIORY OF HERTFORDSHIRE

Province reconstituted 8th November 1933
by the M E and S Grand Master
Field-Marshal HRH the Duke of Connaught and Strathearne KG

PROVINCIAL PRIOR
R.E.Kt. Alastair D White

PROVINCIAL SUB PRIOR
V.E.Kt. M D Beaty, P.Gt.Reg.

PROVINCIAL CHANCELLOR
E.Kt. J D Roberts, P.Gt.A.-de-C.
5 Priory Gate, Thomas Rochford Way, Cheshunt, Herts EN8 0SG
01992 444689

PROVINCIAL VICE CHANCELLOR
E.Kt. R Madoc, P.Gt.W. of R.
v-chan@ktherts.com
 

PROVINCIAL MARSHAL
E.Kt. L D Wellington,
07956 523060
Marshal@ktherts.com

PROVINCIAL TREASURER
V.E.Kt. E Misselke, P.Gt.Reg.
16, Lakeside, Enfield, Middlesex  EN2 7NN
0208 363 0410
ericmisselke@yahoo.co.uk

PROVINCIAL REGISTRAR
E.Kt. M Trembling

registrar@ktherts.com

PROVINCIAL OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR 2023/24

ORDER OF THE TEMPLE

COMMANDER
E.Kt. C PATTERSON P.Prov.B.B.

Dep. COMMANDER
E.Kt. J FENOUGHTY P.Prov.Swd.B.

REGISTRAR
Kt. D P HOLMES

Provincial Prior's Bodyguard

COMMANDER
E.KT. Carlton PATTERSON, P.Prov.B.B.

COMMANDER
E.Kt. Carlton PATTERSON, P.Prov.B.B.

Dep COMMANDER
E.Kt. John FENOUGHTY, P.Prov.Swd.B.

REGISTRAR
Kt. Dennis HOLMES

MEMBERS OF THE BODYGUARD - 2022/23

Kt. P Ellis, E.Kt. M Williams,
Kt. K Papadopolous, Kt. M Lowe, Kt. T Papanaklis,
Kt. G Bilc, Kt. V Barzey, Kt. D Humphreys

What is the Bodyguard?

The Provincial Prior’s Bodyguard is a team of Knights drawn from Preceptories in the Province of Hertfordshire, who provide ceremonial duties when the Provincial Prior is visiting a Preceptory, and at the Annual Meeting of Provincial Priory, and the Provincial Service of Praise.

When the Provincial Prior formally visits a Preceptory, members of the Bodyguard attend and form an Arch of Steel for his Procession in, and the Recession out of, the Preceptory. At the Annual Meeting of Provincial Priory, and the Service of Praise, they perform a variety of other tasks to generally assist the Provincial Marshal with the physical arrangements on the day.

Membership of the Provincial Prior’s Bodyguard is by invitation, and selection of New Knights to join this select team takes place annually, usually in March or April. Nominations can made by Preceptory Registrars and Marshals. A Knight’s membership of The Bodyguard ceases when he receives Provincial Rank. A member of the Bodyguard must also be a Knight of Malta.

Past and Present members of the Bodyguard have the privilege of being able to join the >Bodyguard Preceptory – Crossed Swords No 618.

Individual members can enjoy the close bond of friendship that Bodyguard membership generates, and they witness and take part in the Temple and Malta ceremonies on a more frequent basis than they would if only attending their own Preceptory or Priory. This assists them to pass through the offices of their own Preceptories, and benefits those Preceptories by having more experienced, capable, and dedicated officers.

Active Officers
in the Province

E. Kt. John David Roberts, P.Gt.A.-de-C. to Past Great Herald
E. Kt. Michael Kevin Chalkley, P.Gt.W. of R. to Past Great Standard Bearer (B)

E. Kt. Adrian Oliver Wells to Past Great Aide-de-Camp

Through Great Priory

E. Kt. Ian Douglas Brooks to Past Great Herald

E. Kt. John Howard Offord to the active office of Great Aide-de-Camp

Sub-Prior
V.E.Kt. M D Beaty, P.Gt.Reg.

Prelate
E.Kt. B S Searle P.Gt.Her.

Chancellor
E.Kt. J D Roberts P.Gt.A.-de-C.

1st Constable
E.Kt. J S Street

2nd Constable
E.Kt. J A Anderson

Treasurer 
V.E.Kt. E F H Misselke P.Gt.Reg.

Registrar
E.Kt. M P Trembling

Vice-Chancellor
E.Kt. S R Madoc P.Gt.W. of R.

Marshal
E.Kt. L D Wellington

Deputy Marshal
E.Kt. R Bishop
E.Kt. D R Nolan

Almoner
V.E.Kt. L J B Butler P.Gt.Reg.

Herald
E.Kt. M W R Johnson
E.Kt. G Long

Standard Bearer (B)
E.Kt. N Phillips

Standard Bearer (VB)
E.Kt. W G Cooper

Banner Bearer
E.Kt. A Allen

Sword Bearer
E.Kt. P Ison

Aide-de-Camp
E.Kt. S Taylor
E.Kt. D J Kirby

Warden of Regalia
E.Kt. M Pateman

Captain of Guards
E.Kt. J Thorne

Guard
E.Kt. C P M Mootien P.Prov.St.B.(B.)

Past 1st Constable
E.Kt. J H W Ellis
E.Kt. K R Gamblin

Past 2nd Constable
E.Kt. M J McGeever

Past Standard Bearer (B.)
E.Kt. D J Edwards
E.Kt. M P Ouzman

Past Sword Bearer
E.Kt. J F E Fenoughty

Past Chamberlain
E.Kt. M F Capobianco

COMMANDER
E.Kt. C R PATTERSON

Dep. COMMANDER
E.Kt. J F E FENOUGHTY

REGISTRAR
Kt. D P HOLMES

Official Visits

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Preceptories in Hertfordshire

Stuart 28       Meeting at : Halsey Masonic Hall, Watford Hertfordshire WD18 0JE Keystone Preceptory Read more
Melita 37       Meeting at Halsey Masonic Hall, Cheshunt Hertfordshire EN8 8NJ     Read more
Preceptory of Saint Alban 266   Meeting at : Ashwell House, 67 Verulam Road, St Albans Hertfordshire AL3 4DW   Keystone Preceptory Read more
Temple Chelsin 269     Meeting at : Mayflower Place Masonic Centre, Mayflower Place, Hertingfordbury Hertfordshire SG14 2LH Keystone Preceptory Read more
St John the Evangelist 281     Meeting at : Ashwell House, 67 Verulam Road, St Albans Hertfordshire AL3 4DW Keystone Preceptory Read more
Temple Dinsley 283     Meeting at : The Cloisters, Barrington Road, Letchworth, Hertfordshire, SG6 3TH     Read more
John F Cleeves 315     Meeting at : Halsey Masonic Hall, Cheshunt Hertfordshire EN8 8NJ   Read more
Joseph Moffett 383     Meeting at : Halsey Masonic Hall, Watford Hertfordshire WD18 0JE   Read more
Charles Herbert Perram 409   Meeting at : Halsey Masonic Hall, Watford Hertfordshire WD18 0JE   Read more
Royston Preceptory 416   Meeting at : Masonic Hall, Royston Hertfordshire SG8 9AP   Read more
Hatfield Preceptory 424     Meeting at : The Masonic Hall, Radlett Hertfordshire WD7 7JS   Read more
MacLeod Preceptory 463     Meeting at : The Masonic Hall, Radlett Hertfordshire WD7 7JS   Read more
Harold Devereux Still 543   Meeting at : The Masonic Hall, Radlett Hertfordshire WD7 7JS     Read more
Standon Priory 581     Meeting at : Sawbridgeworth Masonic Hall, Sawbridgeworth Hertfordshire CM21 9AJ   Read more
Crossed Swords 618     Meeting at : Mayflower Place Masonic Centre, Hertingfordbury Hertfordshire SG14 2LH   Read more

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Hertfordshire
Masonic Venues

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Map of Hertfordshire
Venues

About Knights Templar and Knights of Malta

Knights Templar

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Knights of Malta

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Warden of
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History of the
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W Stuart 1861
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A Short History of the First Fifty Years of the
Knight Templar Province of Hertfordshire

(with acknowledgement to E Kt Prof. Reinhardt Waldsax)

The Province first came into existence in 1840 with the formation of Watford Encampment under the guidance of William Stuart Sen., who subsequently ruled the Province as Provincial Grand Commander. In 1861, William Stuart became Grand Master of the Order and appointed George Francis as his successor in Hertfordshire, at the same time sanctioning that Watford Encampment should be known as Stuart Encampment. Francis remained as Provincial Grand Commander until his death in 1879 and it would seem that the Province died with him, there being no recorded minutes of the Province’s existence after this time.

Stuart Encampment, which had been renamed Stuart Preceptory, struggled on.

In the meantime, a ruling had been established that a Province must have a minimum of three Preceptories, and consequently a concerted effort was made in 1930 by Stuart Preceptory to form two new Preceptories – one at St. Albans and another in the Hertford region. As a result, the Preceptory of St. Alban, No. 266 was Consecrated later that year, followed by Temple Chelsin Preceptory, No. 269 a year later in 1931.

With three Preceptories now in existence, overtures were made by Stuart Preceptory to the Grand Master’s Council for a new Provincial Priory of Hertfordshire to be formed.

They replied that they thought the interests of the Order would best be served by the union of the two Provinces of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. This decision was met with considerable opposition from the three Preceptories, and after a considerable amount of manoeuvring, official confirmation came on 20th May 1933 that the Grand Master had sanctioned the formation of the Province of Hertfordshire and that VE Kt John F. Cleeves, KCT, PGtHer was to be the new Provincial Prior.

The new Province was subsequently Constituted at the Chancery of the Orders, Great Queen Street, on November 8th 1933 by the M.E.& Supreme Pro Grand Master, The Rt.Hon. The Earl of Harewood, KG, DSO, GCT and the Provincial Prior appointed the Rev.Bernard W. Harvey as his Sub-Prior.

Two more Preceptories quickly followed, St. John the Evangelist, No. 281 at Barnet in 1936 and Temple Dinsley, No. 283 at Hitchin the following year. With the advent of War, the Province met from 1940 to 1945 at Duke Street and dined occasionally at the Café Royal.

In 1946/7 the Provincial Prior, due to old age and showing signs of ill-health, decided that he would retire from office in 1948, and his last duty immediately prior to the Installation of his successor, his Sub-Prior, the Rev Bernard William Harvey, was to Consecrate the John F. Cleeves Preceptory, No. 315, a fitting tribute to the memory of his name. The Consecration took place at the Café Royal on 31st January 1948 and was followed later in the day by the Installation of the Rev. Harvey as Provincial Prior, by the Grand Master, the Most Eminent and Supreme Knight, the Hon. Lord Harris, M.C., D.L. The Sub-Prior appointed was E Kt Henry Clive Huxley.

Regrettably, the new Provincial Prior was unable to carry out his duties due to ill-health and died about a year later resulting in the Hon. Lord Harris returning fourteen months after his last visit to Install E Kt Henry Clive Huxley as the third Provincial Prior. This time the ceremony was performed at Duke Street in a rather sombre atmosphere. The Sub-Prior this time was E Kt Jaggard.

The early 1950’s saw the passing of many old stalwarts of the Province including the ‘founding’ Provincial Prior of the re-Constituted Province, VE Kt John F. Cleeves, who died suddenly at the age of 84 years.

With their passing, other names were moving into prominence, such as Tom Norman and Richard (Dickie) Hammond, both of whom were to play a major role later on, and of course, there was also the constant presence of the Rev. Dr. Joseph Moffett, Great Prelate. Indeed, it was to the Rev. Dr. Joseph Moffett that Great Priory turned when in 1954 we saw the resignation from office of the Provincial Prior, VE Kt Henry Clive Huxley, KCT, and the death of his Sub-Prior, P.W.Jaggard. The situation demanded a quick decision, and Great Priory at short notice appointed the Rev. Dr. Joseph Moffett as the new Provincial Prior. Because the Grand Master was unable to attend the date of Provincial Priory, his Installation took place at the Café Royal, London on 17th September 1954 by special Dispensation.

Once again the Hon. Lord Harris was the Presiding and Installing Officer. The new Provincial Prior appointed the Vice-Chancellor, E Kt G.H.Horner, as his Sub Prior and his place was given significantly to E Kt Tom Norman.

The Rev. Dr. Joseph Moffett reigned as Provincial Prior until his death in 1962 and one wonders if his commitment to his pastoral duties as well as those of a Masonic nature had not taken its toll. At his death he was, in addition to being Provincial Prior, Provincial Grand Master in the Craft, Grand Superintendent in the Royal Arch, Provincial Grand Master in the Mark and Provincial Grand Master Designate in the Royal Order of Scotland - surely too much responsibility for one man to bear. His Sub-Prior in Charge, VE Kt G.H.Horner, having apparently expressed a wish to the Grand Master that because of his poor health, he should not be considered for any future role in the Province, it was announced by the Vice-Chancellor, E Kt Thomas William Norman, PGtStB(B) that he had been invited to become the new Provincial Prior.

He was Installed on 13th September 1962 by yet again, the Rt.Hon. Lord Harris, who was still the Most Eminent and Supreme Grand Master, at St. Albans School, Romeland, St. Albans. After the meeting the Knights processed across the way to the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St. Alban, where they attended Evensong dressed in full regalia.

With E.Kt. Horner not wishing to continue as Provincial Sub-Prior because of ill health, the new Provincial Prior had appointed E Kt J.D.Perritt to that office and the role of Vice-Chancellor fell to E Kt Dickie Hammond. Thus began a period of expansion in a most active manner, which was to shape the future of the Knights Templar Order in Hertfordshire and was to become the legacy of Tom Norman’s thirteen year’s rule over the Province.

Consecrations of new Preceptories came on a fairly regular basis, the first only a year after his installation on 30th October, when Joseph Moffett Preceptory, No. 383 was consecrated at Watford. It was originally intended that the Preceptory should be centred at Berkhampsted so that it didn’t interfere with any recruiting of members for Stuart Preceptory, but in the end it found itself at Watford, meeting in tandem with Stuart and the two have successfully co-existed side by side ever since.

The next Preceptory followed five years later in 1968 with the Consecration of Charles Herbert Perram Preceptory, No. 409. Interestingly, by consent of the V.E. Provincial Prior of Northampton, Huntingdon and Bedford, the Preceptory was consecrated at Luton under the umbrella of the Province of Hertfordshire on 13th February. Tom Norman had earlier been instrumental in the formation of Ampthill Preceptory, the only one in Bedfordshire, and the permission given by our neighbouring Province to encroach upon their territory was a reciprocal gesture. The Preceptory initially met at Luton but moved to Radlett in 1975, where it has been ever since.

Following a call to arms by the Provincial Prior in which he expressed a wish to see Preceptories meeting at Royston, Welwyn, Sawbridgeworth and Hatfield, there was an immediate response, such that on 26th June 1969 Royston Preceptory, No. 416 was consecrated at Cheshunt in conjunction with the meeting of Provincial Priory, and a year later on June 4th 1970 Hatfield Preceptory was consecrated at The Cloisters, Letchworth and which was to meet at the Cranbourne Rooms, Hatfield before it’s move to Radlett in 1976.

The Consecration of MacLeod Preceptory. No. 463, the Past Preceptor’s Preceptory, took place at the Cranbourne Rooms, Hatfield on 23rd September 1975 and this proved to be the swan-song of the R.E. Provincial Prior, for Tom Norman was to die later that year. His had been an amazing career in Knights Templary in Hertfordshire, his reign having seen the number of Preceptories increase from six to eleven and the number of swords from about 180 when he took up office to somewhere in the region of 300 multiple membership at his demise – a truly outstanding achievement. His thirteen years had also seen other significant changes.

Gone were the ‘old brigade’, when it was decided in 1972 that an eye to future progression should see a reappraisal of those holding office in the executive. One of those who had offered his resignation as a result of the new policy was the Sub-Prior, VE Kt Perritt, who had served ten years in that office. In his place E Kt Sid Perry had been appointed and installed at the Provincial Priory meeting.

Following on from the Evensong at St. Albans Cathedral at his Installation, way back in 1962, Church Services in some form or other became a regular feature. These were arranged sometimes in conjunction with the KT Province of Essex, and held at various places in the Province, such as Bray, St. Peter’s Church in St. Albans, Baldock Parish Church of St. Mary the Virgin and even further a field such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Holborn Viaduct. Attempts had even been made to organise another Service at the Cathedral, but despite gaining the permission of the Dean, it did not materialise.

With the death of Tom Norman, E Kt Sidney Charles Perry was appointed Provincial Prior and was installed as such on March 26th 1976 by the Very High and Eminent Great Seneschal-in-Charge, Harold Devereux Still, the Grand Master also having passed the previous year.

The new Provincial Sub-Prior was E.Kt. Dr. Alan John Owen. Sid Perry’s approach was one of consolidation following his predecessor’s expansion policy and thus it proved to be, such that at his death in 1981, his ‘family’ of Preceptories, as he called them, were all well established and with the possible exception of MacLeod, which was causing the Provincial Prior some concern, all were reasonably successful. Two significant events were to loom during his last year, although he was not to see the fruition of either of them.

Firstly, plans were well in hand for the Church Service to be held in the Lady Chapel of St.Albans Cathedral, with the Service conducted by the Dean himself, Kt Dr. Moore.

Secondly, moves were afoot to further increase the number of Preceptories in the Province by extending the hand of welcome to Mediterranean Preceptory, No. 37, which was in Malta and experiencing difficulties.

As a result of these and the political situation on the island, it was looking to transfer to England. The other interesting thing of note to occur during Sid Perry’s last year was that new regulations had been issued by Great Priory, and that for the first time Provincial Priors were to be designated ‘Right Eminent’ instead of ‘Very Eminent’.

The transfer of Mediterranean Preceptory, No. 37 took place on New Year’s Day, 1982, and its inauguration occurred a week later on 9th January. One of the first actions taken by the members was to apply to Great Priory for permission to revert back to its original name of ‘Melita’, and this was finally granted. Thus Melita Preceptory, No. 37 became the twelfth in the Province and although numerically taking its place after Stuart, No. 28, the oldest Preceptory of the Province, it can justifiably claim to be the oldest in the Province, having been founded about 1815 and having in its possession a Warrant of Confirmation from the Grand Conclave of England dated 10th May 1850.

E Kt Dr. Alan Owen, Provincial Sub-Prior in Charge was appointed the new Provincial Prior and his installation took place on 16th April 1982 at Cheshunt by the Most Eminent and Supreme Grand Master, Harold Devereux Still. He appointed as his Sub-Prior E Kt Frank Blackman, the long serving Vice- Chancellor, whilst his place was given to E Kt Ken Elder. A month later, the Order returned to the Cathedral at St Albans after a gap of twenty years for a Service conducted by the Dean, Kt The Very Rev. Dr. Peter Moore. It was to be some time before it returned again.

The following year saw the 50th anniversary meeting of the Province being held on Wednesday 22nd June at the Cloisters, Letchworth.

The Very High and Right Eminent Great Seneschal, Rt.Hon. The Lord Swansea, was in attendance and commented that Lord Harris, the Past Grand Master, who had played a not too insignificant part in the history of the Province, and who had been Great Seneschal at the time of the Reconstitution of the Province some fifty years ago, was still alive and still a member of our Illustrious Order. The celebrations of the Jubilee Year of the Province could do no better than to couple them with a recognition of his years of magnificent service.

A Painting depicting the
Installation of William Stuart
Grand Master

When Stuart Preceptory No.28 was approaching it’s 150th anniversary a large painting was found in the basement of Halsey Hall, Watford. It was almost black but a brass plate on it stated it depicted the Installation of William Stuart as Grand Master In 1861. Although in a very dirty state, it can be seen that the painting contains images not just of Knights, but also of horses, armour and banners.

When Kt. Steve Batty was Installed as the Eminent Preceptor in October 2015 he was determined to raise awareness of the painting and to commence some fund raising for the cost of restoring it. This is likely to be in excess of £3000 , a not inconsiderable sum, but well worth raising considering the importance of the painting. At his Installation Steve launched the fund by holding a raffle (which has also been held at every meeting during his year), and donating some regalia to be sold, with the proceeds being donated to the fund. It is hoped that other Preceptories within the Province will recognise the importance of the painting and support Stuart Preceptory’s efforts to raise the money to have it restored. Considering it’s historical importance, it would be good for it to be a project embraced by the Province as a whole, and not just left to Stuart Preceptory.

Bro. Knights and Preceptories of the Province of Hertfordshire, you can help fund this important restoration by sending contributions ( made payable to “Stuart Preceptory No.28) to the Preceptory Registrar.

Mike Beaty P.Gt.Reg, Provincial Sub-Prior

Knights Templar

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Regalia

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Precepts

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The Warden of Regalia

As the Provincial Warden of Regalia the purpose of my Office is to advise all members of the Province on the correct regalia to be worn and assist them in obtaining this if required. But it is not just to help candidates and new members, but also to advise and assist Knights on attaining the Chair, and gaining appointments or promotions, both in Provincial Priory and Great Priory.

To carry out the responsibilities of the office correctly, it is essential to study the appropriate sections of the Statutes (165 - 194) as they are compulsory, not advisory.

OBTAINING REGALIA

Knights are advised to ensure that, if they purchase items on the internet from, say, eBay or from other sources, that the items are in compliance with the current issue of the Statutes.

Often regalia from the Order in other countries (particularly the U.S.A.) is being sold and is not the same. Also, there are still many obsolete items being sold, which have a place in a museum, but are not acceptable to wear.

REGALIA FOR A KNIGHT OF THE ORDER OF THE TEMPLE

REGALIA FOR A KNIGHT OF MALTA

Melvyn Pateman P.Prov.St.B.(V.B.)
Provincial Warden of Regalia
07595 599055


Email: Warden of Regalia

Knights Templar

The full title is The United Religious, Military and Masonic Orders of the Temple and of St. John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes and Malta in England and Wales and its Provinces Overseas. The Order is governed by the ‘Great Priory’ based in Mark Master Masons Hall, London under the command of the Most Eminent and Supreme Grand Master Paul Raymond Clement, G.C.T.

The qualifications required to become a member are, that a Candidate must be a Master Mason; a Royal Arch Companion, and profess the Christian Faith with a belief in the Holy Trinity.
To become a Knight of Malta, a Brother must first be a Knight Templar. Each Preceptory comprises both a Preceptory of Knights Templar and a Priory of Knights of Malta, each being opened and closed in privacy to carry out the business required to maintain and promote the Orders.

The aims of the Orders are an expansion to those of Freemasonry in general, that inspires its members to an approach to life, which seeks to reinforce thoughtfulness for others, kindness in the community, honesty in business, courtesy in society and fairness in all things. Members are urged to regard the interests of the family as paramount; but importantly Freemasonry also teaches and practises concern for people, care for the less fortunate and help for those in need. Donations to local and national charities are made by the Preceptories individually. Additionally funds are raised to assist the St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital in Jerusalem, which are administered through the Province to a central fund at Great Priory.

The St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group is a Foundation of The Order of St John, the oldest charity in the world.
The Hospital Group is the main provider of eye care in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. In 2014, the hospital treated 114,000 patients – a high percentage under the age of 18. Patients are treated regardless of race, religion or the ability to pay. The ritual has esoteric meaning and invites the candidate to reflect on the meaning of mystical resurrection.

KT Regalia

OBTAINING REGALIA

REGALIA FOR A KNIGHT OF THE ORDER OF THE TEMPLE

CORRECT WEARING OF REGALIA

PROVINCIAL OFFICERS BADGE

A Great Priory Officer's Badge

Qualifications to become a
Knight Templar of the United Orders

Candidates for this Order must be:

• 1) Craft Master Masons
• 2) Companions of the Royal Arch
• 3) Profess the Trinitarian Christian Faith

They are Installed first as Knights of the Temple and then, later on in a separate ceremony, as Knights of Malta. Although the Orders can only claim to have inherited these titles from the knightly fraternities formed during the Crusades, the beautiful and moving ceremonies are based on those early beginnings when a group of Knights were granted a place of habitation within the sacred precincts of King Solomon’s Temple by King Baldwin II of Jerusalem in 1118.

Enquiries re Joining KT should contact the Provincial Vice Chancellor

Knights of Malta

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Knights of Malta

Meetings of this Order are held in a Priory and presided over by a Prior.

The Priory is normally only opened either to receive new knights of the Order, or at the installation of the new Prior. This degree of Christian Knighthood recounts the history of the Knights of Malta and their long struggle against the unenlightened. It traces their progress from the time they left Jerusalem until they reached their final home on the island of Malta.

An explanation of the traditional history is given as the final part of the ceremony. The ritual has esoteric meaning and invites the candidate to reflect on the meaning of mystical resurrection.

Malta Regalia

Malta Tunic
Malta Mantle
Belt with Frog (as worn in KT)
Sword & Scabbard (as worn in KT)
Gloves/Gauntlets (as worn in KT or optional Malta ones)
Malta Cross Jewel


Changes on becoming a Prior

Prior’s Cap badge

Changes on Appointment as a Provincial Officer

Mantle Badge of Office

Changes on Appointment as a Great Officer

Mantle Badge of Office
Collarette and Jewel

MALTA BADGE POSITION

Qualifications to become a
Knight of Malta

The ceremony to be a member of this Order takes place sometime after the Candidate has been installed as a Knight Templar and therefore be subject to the same three mandatory requirements of being a Knight Templar.

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The Templar Hymn

Privacy Policy

What is this Privacy Policy for?

This privacy policy is for this website [www.ktherts.com] and served by [Provincial Priory (Hertfordshire)] and governs the privacy of its users who choose to use it.

The policy sets out the different areas where user privacy is concerned and outlines the obligations & requirements of the users, the website and website owners. Furthermore the way this website processes, stores and protects user data and information will also be detailed within this policy.

The Website

This website and its owners take a proactive approach to user privacy and ensure the necessary steps are taken to protect the privacy of its users throughout their visiting experience. This website complies to all UK national laws and requirements for user privacy.

Use of Cookies

This website does not use cookies to better the users experience while visiting the website. Cookies are small files saved to the user's computers hard drive that track, save and store information about the user's interactions and usage of the website.

Contact & Communication

Other cookies may be stored to your computers hard drive by external vendors when this website uses referral programs, sponsored links or adverts. Such cookies are used for conversion and referral tracking and typically expire after 30 days, though some may take longer. No personal information is stored, saved or collected.

Users contacting this website and/or its owners do so at their own discretion and provide any such personal details requested at their own risk.

Your personal information is kept private and stored securely until a time it is no longer required or has no use, as detailed in the Data Protection Act 1998. Every effort has been made to ensure a safe and secure form to email submission process but advise users using such form to email processes that they do so at their own risk.

This website and its owners use any information submitted to provide you with further information about the products / services they offer or to assist you in answering any questions or queries you may have submitted. This includes using your details to subscribe you to any email newsletter program the website operates but only if this was made clear to you and your express permission was granted when submitting any form to email process. Or whereby you the consumer have previously purchased from or enquired about purchasing from the company a product or service that the email newsletter relates to. This is by no means an entire list of your user rights in regard to receiving email marketing material.

Email Newsletter

This website will / may operate an email newsletter program, used to inform subscribers about products and services supplied by this website. Users can subscribe through an online automated process should they wish to do so but do so at their own discretion. Some subscriptions may be manually processed through prior written agreement with the user.

Subscriptions are taken in compliance with UK Spam Laws detailed in the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003. All personal details relating to subscriptions are held securely and in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. No personal details are passed on to third parties nor shared with companies / people outside of the company that operates this website. Under the Data Protection Act 1998 you may request a copy of personal information held about you by this website's email newsletter program. A small fee will be payable. If you would like a copy of the information held on you please write to the business address at the bottom of this policy.

Email marketing campaigns published by this website or its owners may contain tracking facilities within the actual email. Subscriber activity is tracked and stored in a database for future analysis and evaluation. Such tracked activity may include; the opening of emails, forwarding of emails, the clicking of links within the email content, times, dates and frequency of activity [this is by no far a comprehensive list].

This information is used to refine future email campaigns and supply the user with more relevant content based around their activity.

In compliance with UK Spam Laws and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 subscribers are given the opportunity to un-subscribe at any time through an automated system. This process is detailed at the footer of each email campaign. If an automated un-subscription system is unavailable clear instructions on how to un-subscribe will be detailed instead.

External Links

Although this website only looks to include quality, safe and relevant external links, users are advised adopt a policy of caution before clicking any external web links mentioned throughout this website. (External links are clickable text / banner / image links to other websites.)

The owners of this website cannot guarantee or verify the contents of any externally linked website despite their best efforts. Users should therefore note they click on external links at their own risk and this website and its owners cannot be held liable for any damages or implications caused by visiting any external links mentioned.

Social Media Platforms

Communication, engagement and actions taken through external social media platforms that this website and its owners participate on are custom to the terms and conditions as well as the privacy policies held with each social media platform respectively.

Users are advised to use social media platforms wisely and communicate / engage upon them with due care and caution in regard to their own privacy and personal details. This website nor its owners will ever ask for personal or sensitive information through social media platforms and encourage users wishing to discuss sensitive details to contact them through primary communication channels such as by telephone or email.

This website may use social sharing buttons which help share web content directly from web pages to the social media platform in question. Users are advised before using such social sharing buttons that they do so at their own discretion and note that the social media platform may track and save your request to share a web page respectively through your social media platform account.

Shortened Links in Social Media

This website and its owners through their social media platform accounts may share web links to relevant web pages. By default some social media platforms shorten lengthy urls [web addresses] (this is an example: http://bit.ly/zyVUBo).

Users are advised to take caution and good judgement before clicking any shortened urls published on social media platforms by this website and its owners.

Despite the best efforts to ensure only genuine urls are published many social media platforms are prone to spam and hacking and therefore this website and its owners cannot be held liable for any damages or implications caused by visiting any shortened links.

Date

Elements

i = 0;

while (!deck.isInOrder()) {
    print 'Iteration ' + i;
    deck.shuffle();
    i++;
}

print 'It took ' + i + ' iterations to sort the deck.';