|
| |
Maryland Celebrates Veteran's Day at Fort McHenry
by Sir Knight Patrick A. Curtis, E.E. Grand Commander of Maryland
On a cool, crisp Sunday afternoon this past Veteran's Day, November 11, 2007 (still referred to as Armistice Day by some of our elders), nearly 70 Sir Knights, their ladies, and guests joined the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Maryland in celebrating the life and patriotism of Surgeon/Doctor, Colonel, and Brother James McHenry.
The procession assembled at the Fort, which bears his name, and proceeded by bus to Westminster Presbyterian Church Cemetery, the place at which he was interred 191 years ago.
R.E. Grand Commander, Sir Knight Patrick Arthur Curtis, entered the cemetery beneath the crossed swords of 22 Knights Templar, and after appropriate remarks, laid a wreath' on Brother McHenry's grave. Everyone was then given a guided tour of the catacombs and viewed a video about the church and cemetery's history.
As a matter of historical interest, the famed writer, Edgar Allan Poe, General Sam Smith, and several Past Grand Masters of the Grand Lodge of Maryland are also buried here.
The group then returned to Fort Henry for a delicious dinner served by Old World Deli, followed by the formal introductions of dignitaries which included Sir Knights William H. Thornley, Jr., Past Grand Master of the Grand Encampment; John M. Lewis, R.E. Department Commander of the Northeastern Department; and Bryan L. Berry, Grand Commander of Pennsylvania. Several Past Grand Commanders of Maryland were also in attendance.
Sir Knight Louis F. Bandell, Jr., E.P.C., recited "A Toast to the Flag" and gave a brief history of the origin of "Taps." Grand Commander Curtis explained the lyrics of the verses of "The Star Spangled Banner." We were then privileged to hear Past Grand Commander, Sir Knight Steven J. Ponzillo III, speak about the life of "Patriot James McHenry." The day's celebration was concluded with a film titled The Defense of Fort McHenry, an emotional unveiling of the illuminated Star Spangled Banner, and the singing or our National Anthem, which was written September 13, 1812, by Francis Scott Key while he was aboard a British frigate in Baltimore harbor during the bombardment of the fort.
This day and the events which took place will long be remembered by those who attended.
On a day when every American should salute and thank all veterans of our Armed Forces and all those who are actively serving to guard and protect, even to death, the many freedoms we enjoy; we the Knights Templar gave thanks and remembered not only them, but "The Patriot James McHenry" for his bravery and service to President George Washington, the Continental Army, and the United States of America.
Sir Knight Patrick A. Curtis, R.E.G.C. of Maryland, is a member of York Commandery No. 16, Camp Springs, Maryland. He resides at 9409 Gwyndale Drive, Clinton, MD 20735-3519.
NORTHAMPTON COMMANDERY Commandery NO. 30 WELCOMES THE
TWO GRAND MASTERS OF MASSACHUSETTS and RHODE ISLAND
Northampton Commandery No. 30 of the Grand Commandery of MA/RI, recently chartered after 11 years in darkness, hosted their two Grand Masters at the first quarterly meeting of 2008 at Joel Prouty Lodge, Auburn, Massachusetts, on February 25. Pictured above, top row are M.W. Roger W. Pageau, Grand Master of Massachusetts; Robert A. Goewey III, Commander of Northampton No. 30; and MW. Steven E. Smith, Grand Master of Rhode Island, who is also a member of Northampton Commandery; 2nd row, left to right: Sir Knights Leland F. Ross, Jr.; Robert E. Hamm; John K. Andrews; Frank K. Tatro; Thomas R. Dawson; and Mark W. Doane; front row, left to right: Sir Knights John H. Day, Jr.; William E. Eltzroth; Ronald W. Wolf; and Charles R. Austin. (submitted by Sir Knight Ronald E. Wolf, Recorder of Northampton)
WARM TEMPLAR HOSPITALITY ON A COLD WINTER'S NIGHT
Sir Knight Steve Gatton (2nd from left), PG.C. of the Grand Commandery of Oregon, is greeted by the officers of Boston Commandery and the R.E.G.C. of the Grand Commandery of Massachusetts/Rhode Island. Sir Knight Gatton was on a January business trip in the Boston, Massachusetts area. Left to right are Sir Knights: Richard Van Doren, Generalissimo; Steve Gatton; Kenneth Sallale, Eminent Commander of Boston Commandery; and Michael Kaulback, R.E.G.C. of the Grand Commandery of MA/RI. Sir Knight Gatton is also the State Coordinator for Oregon.
MARYLAND'S MASONIC HERITAGE TOUR OF GREAT BRITAIN-
YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS IT!!
This tour of England and Scotland will be from September 28-0ctober 12, 2008. The price is $3,366 (based on 45 passengers, $3,940 based on 20 passengers. Add 3% forlcredit cards)-pp/do land only.
Join your host Pat Curtis, Grand Commander, Knights Templar of Maryland, on this fascinating tour of Masonry's history in England and Scotland. Price - includes 12 nights accommodations, 4 lunches, 12 dinners. all in-tour transportion, tours and admissions as listed, and visits with your Masonic Brethren in London, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.
Tour highlights: tour London, including the Temple Church, St. Paul's Cathedral, Masonic Temple, Grand Lodge of England, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, Windsor Castle, and the Changing of the Guards; train to York, walking tour of York, including the York Minster; tour of Edinburgh and surrounds, including Melrose Abbey, the King David Priory, Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Holyrood House, Roslyn Chapel, and more; tour Inverness, including Stirling Castle, Glenturret Distillery, Urquhart Castle, Cruise on Loch Ness; tour Glen Coe and Loch Lomand.
For more information and for reservation form, contact Pat Curtis at (301) 868-7283.
Only 48 spots available on this fascinating, one-of-a-kind tour! $250 refundable deposit required to hold your space. Deposit due by 6-20-08; final payment due by 7-15-08.
GRAND COMMANDERY OF VERMONT HOLDS PILGRIMAGE
On February 16, 2008, the Grand Commandery of Vermont held a Pilgrimage in the asylum of Killington Commandery No.6, Rutland, Vermont. Sixteen new Sir Knights were treated to the Orders presented in a joint effort. Shown above is a picture of the class and below is a close-up of a panel in the stained glass window leading to the asylum.
(submitted by Sir Knight Bruce R. Howard, P.G.C., Grand Recorder)
CONNECTICUT COMMANDERY MEMBERS GREET PILGRIMAGE MINISTER
In the photo are Sir Knights from the Grand Commandery of Connecticut, along with the Sir Knights of Hamilton Commandery No.5, who sponsored Reverend Judith S. Greene of Christ Episcopal Church of Tashua in Trumbull, Connecticut. The Sir Knights gathered around Reverend Judith on the eve of her departure for the Holy Land, after they accepted her invitation to worship together. Several Sir Knights participated in the: service and made a for formal presentation of her trip. Afterwards they enjoyed fellowship with her and her parish. A reception for Reverend Greene after her return from the Holy Land is being planned by Hamilton ommandery. (submitted by Sir Knight Robert D. Sherrick, editor of the Connecticut Supplement)
NEWS from the SOCIAL  ORDER of BEAUCEANT
Official Visit of Supreme Worthy President to Topeka No. 24, Kansas and Initiation
 To the left are three new members initiated on the occasion of the Official Visit of Supreme Worthy President, Mrs. Jeanette Rife: Miss Kayce Chilton, daughter of Sir Knight Kirby Chilton and granddaughter of Sir Knight Paul Chilton; Mrs. James Darnall, daughter of Sir Knight Paul Chilton; and Miss Angie Devins, granddaughter of Sir Knight Paul Chilton. With them are Mrs. Kirby Chilton and Mrs. Paul Chilton.
Below: The Assembly welcomed four P.S.W.P.s, six elected officers, six appointed officers and twelve Supreme Committee members, the largest number of P.S.W.P.s and Supreme officers to visit Topeka Assembly at one meeting.
Official Visit to Anderson No. 108, Indiana
and 50-year Pin Presented
Mrs. Alfred Davidson, above, was honored with her 50 year pin by S.W.P. Mrs. Jeanette Rife, right, on the occasion of Mrs. Rife's Official Visit. Mrs. Davidson was then recognized for her many years of loyal service to the Social Order of the Beauceant.
Official Visit to Wichita No. 8, Kansas
and 50-year Pin Presented
Wichita Assembly No. 8, Kansas, welcomed Supreme Worthy Presideny Jeanette Rife, for her obfficial Visit, and at the meeting Mrs. Rife, right, presented Mrs. Edwin Flower, center, with her 50-year membership pin and citation for many years of dedicated service. Mrs. Richard Brown, left, Supreme Recorder, presented Mrs. Flower with a life membership card.
New Members Initiated at Honolulo No. 133, Hawaii
Pictured left below are Mrs. Cletus M. T. Ching, center, President and Past President of Honolulu No. 133, Hawaii, with new members, Mrs. Arne L. Winters and Mrs. Cecil A. Ryder. Right below are officers and new members of the Assembly.
Official Visit of S.W.P. to Newton No.6, Kansas
Pictured Above are Supreme Worthy President, Mrs. Jeanette Rife, and the officers and members of Newton Assembly No.6, S.O.O.B., Kansas, on the occasion of the Official Visit of Mrs. Rife to the Assembly. A delightful meeting was enjoy by all in attendance.
TOP
  
<![CDATA[<BGSOUND SRC="http://www.knightstemplar/music/bcmarch.mp3">]]>
"Boston Commandery March/Onward Christian Soldiers"
| |
