It was a dark and stormy (k)night as the Knights of the Preceptory of Croydon gathered once again for their regular November Meeting. This was to be a very special evening as 21 members and 3 guests met to install a father and son into this historic Surrey Preceptory.

The Preceptory was opened in due form with the Eminent Preceptor and Great Officers greeted with loud acclaim and the usual business of the Preceptory was despatched with haste as the Knights eagerly awaited the Ceremony of Installation.
The ballot was completed, proving favourable to both candidates so the Preceptory made ready to admit the first Companion Pilgrim... weary and fatigued, who, having heard of this Preceptory. At the request of both Pilgrims, Alex Lees (the son) was admitted first and completed his 15 years as a Novice. Then the father, Alistair Lees, was admitted to perform his 15 years as a Novice. Alex and Alistair are pictured on the left.

Both Companions at Arms were permitted to leave the Preceptory for a moment of reflection and meditation and then re-admitted to enjoy the cup of memory, the final trial and ultimately be welcomed and honoured as Knights of the Holy Sepulchre.

The ceremony was beautifully conducted by the Eminent Preceptor – E.Kt. Brian Hunter. It was Brian’s first Installation Ceremony after taking the Chair for the first time and it was performed with feeling, sincerity and dignity in a very memorable fashion. There is no doubt that Brian’s predecessors would have been very proud of the way he discharged the duties of Eminent Preceptor that night.

Mention must also be made of the Brother Knights who assisted in the Ceremony: guarding the Sepulchre and escorting the honoured Knights. E.Kt. Tim Ford delivered the Charge to both Novices in the usual Croydon Preceptory way – next to the Sepulchre with emphasis on those emblems thereon. We must also make particular mention of way E.Kt. Dennis Wheeler’s explanation of the Symbols of the Order – carried out in a careful, clear and thoroughly special manner – completed a truly moving and wonderful ceremony.



The Knights then closed the Preceptory in peace and harmony and dined together in fraternal union, toasting the health and happiness of their newest members and wishing them many years of enjoyment in our very special order..... and, of course, looking forward to "our next Knightly Meeting".

Article by Tim Ford and Photos by Chris Eley