Once again the Provincial Officers and Bodyguard were invited to share the Christmas meeting of the Stephen Langton Preceptory No. 478 by one of its members, RE.Kt. Knight Michael Banbury, Past Provincial Prior of Surrey, who this year was to be installed as Eminent Preceptor.
As well as the regular visitors to their Christmas meeting, RE.Kt. Stewart Middleton, the Provincial Prior of East Anglia, accompanied by his Provincial Marshal, E.Kt. Richard Hawes, the Preceptory was also honoured by the presence of RE.Kt. David Jordon, the Provincial Prior of Kent, accompanied by his Provincial Vice Chancellor, E.Kt. Colin Smith. Also present was VE.Kt. Chris Cradock, Provincial Sub Prior, along with a good number of Provincial Officers of the year, and members of the Provincial Prior’s Bodyguard.
After the Preceptory was opened the Provincial Marshal, E.Kt. Chris Eley, entered and advised the Eminent Preceptor, E.Kt. Paul Luck that RE.Kt. Patrick Crossan, the Provincial Prior of Surrey was in the ante-room and demanded admission to the Preceptory. The Provincial Prior of Surrey entered through an Arch of Steel, was greeted by the Eminent Preceptor and offered the baton. The Provincial Prior was then saluted with 7 after which he greeted everyone.
RE.Kt. Knight Michael Banbury was then installed as Eminent Preceptor, by Dispensation, by E.Kt. Brian Luck. The Preceptory was closed and a Priory of Knights of Malta was opened. RE.Kt. Knight Michael Banbury was installed as Eminent Prior.
The Knights then closed the Priory in peace and harmony and afterwards dined together in fraternal union singing some well known carols accompanied by E.Kt. Glyn Harvey on the organ. At the festive board our Provincial Prior gave a very interesting talk on the first Christmas, what it means to us a Knights Templar and how we should try and lead our lives as members of the Order.
Article and photos by Chris Eley< Back to News Index