Rt Emt Knights, Emt Knights, Knights all, This is my first address to you at the Chapter of Provincial Priory in my role as Provincial Prior. The year has been; exciting, rewarding and enjoyable.

Following in the footsteps of two illustrious Priors; Rt Emt Kt Michael and his predecessor, Rt Emt Kt Bryan, was not only an honour, but a challenge. However, the mentoring and support I received from these two Eminent Knights was extremely valuable and very much appreciated. To them both I say a ‘sincere thank you’.

As I reflected on what to include in my address today, several key points came to mind:

• The commitment and support from my Sub-Prior, the Provincial Vice-Chancellor and many other Knights in the Province has been, remarkable.
• The energy, commitment, and dedication of all the Knights of the Province is to be commended.
• TDuring the Provincial year, a new Preceptory was consecrated, St Michael at Bisley number 693. The Preceptory is flourishing, thanks to the work of a number of dedicated and enthusiastic Knights.
• Sadly we lost a number of Brother Knights who have now embarked on that journey to meet the Great Captain of Salvation. May their souls and the souls of all the faithfully departed rest in peace.

On a happier note, several members of the Province were awarded Great Priory Appointments and Promotions. Emt Kts Ian Smith, Chris Eley, John Baker, John Marshall and John Coleman Congratulations to you all.

The role performed by the Bodyguard cannot be overstated. The support they provide to me is exceptional. The do not have ‘favoured child status’, instead they are a committed group of Knights who assist in many of the demands that arise within the Province, not least of all, keeping me under control.

The age profile of knights within the Province is interesting and it is pleasing to see that we appear to have the right balance of ‘the spirit of youth’ being guided by the wisdom of the ‘elders’. However, we must continue to attract members to our Order so that we not only remain strong in numbers but, capable of performing our ceremonies and producing good leaders.

To achieve this objective I believe that:

• We must maintain our very close relationship with members of the Craft and Royal Arch, at both an Executive and membership level. For it is from this source that we recruit.
• Reinforce our liaison with and support of other Orders in the Province.
• Improve our image of Knight Templar within and outside of Masonry.
• Demonstrate in a humble way that we are men of Christian principles who draw strength, not only from learning our ritual but, most importantly, by reference to the Bible and the Teachings it contains.

The Regalia we wear can, to the uninitiated, appear be locked in a ‘time warp’. The contrary is the case and every part of it is as Symbolic now as it was centuries ago. The symbol of the ‘Cross’ is powerful yet consoling.

Our image can be further enhanced through discussion and reference to the Templars Hymn AND some Pop Tunes! For example:

The Hollies, ‘He ain’t heavy, he’s my Brother’. The road is long with many a winding turn (Journey of life to the Promised Land)

Bill Withers, ‘Lean on me’. You just call on me Brother when you need a hand. We all need someone to lean on. I might have problem that you’ll understand. We all need somebody to lean on. (Symbolism of two Knights on a horse). Think about it!

Every Preceptory in the Province has been visited by me, the Sub-Prior, or the Vice – Chancellor. The standard of work and the welcome we received was of the highest order. In addition, invitations have been received from other Provinces, which have been a delight to attend. I encourage you all to try and come along on these external visits to see the work being done and make new contacts.

Charity can be measured in many ways;

• Finance.
• Giving of time.
• Maintaining contact with those who are ill/lonely.
• It can also be the simple salutation of ‘Hello’ to another person during the day. Trust me there are lonely people in our world and you may be the only person who has spoken to them.

Speaking of Charity, through your generous contributions the Province has been able to make significant donations as you heard today. For that I thank you most sincerely.

Please make a note in your diary of forthcoming special events in the Province:

• Garden Party 21st August.
• Church Service 11th September.

Please come along and support these events. At a time when the world appears to be on a collision course between; cultures, religions, political views - let us;

• Pray daily, the Lord’s Prayer, for peace.
• Remind ourselves of our Precepts.
• Smile and communicate happiness.
• Behave in a positive way so that people will say ‘he is a Knight Templar’.
• If you make a mistake, learn from it. Every day is a school day.
• Try and do a good deed every day that will impact on your community.

The Provincial Year ahead will, I have no doubt, present many demands and challenges on all of us. But if we work in a spirit of optimism and be of a generous disposition there will be a reward. That reward will be at our Father’s Table when he will ask the simple question, ‘did you do your best in my name’.

Our response, we hope, will be, ‘Yes Master’. Thank you for listening to me. Thank you for your support. You are truly wonderful Men and Knight Templar’s. May God watch over you and your families and keep you safe.

Patrick Peter Crossan,
Provincial Prior of Surrey,
9th July 2016

Click here to download a pdf copy of this address.

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