the Provincial Prior’s Address
Dear Brother Knights,
The events of the past four months have sharply focused our minds on a range of matters; the health and welfare of our families, Masonic Brethren across all Orders (in this and other Provinces), the wider community in which we reside, our health and of course employment.
As we are all only too well aware, Masonic activity has, at a National and Provincial level been (pro tem) suspended. In truth, it is not known when we will be able to resume participation in our Meetings. The situation is being closely monitored by Mark Mason’s Hall and updates on any progress is provided to Provinces at regular intervals. Masonry must follow and comply with the lead from National Government and Medical advice/guidance on the subject of Corona Virus.
Very slowly, advances are being made towards control of the Virus but we will have to wait for some time yet for a vaccine.
It is a great disappointment not to be able to join together for our Annual Provincial Meeting today. Every Meeting under a Banner of Knight Templars is special but I am sure you will agree our Annual Meeting adds that special touch to our Provincial year, where we join with Knights of the Province and other Provinces to celebrate many important Provincial matters, the highlights of which are Appointments and Promotions to Provincial Office and Past Rank in the Province. The Knights of the Province of Surrey have a deserved reputation for the welcome and hospitality we extend to guests. It is also an occasion when the Warden of Regalia, in the interest of charity, runs a ‘book’ on how long the Provincial Prior will take to deliver his welcome to our Visitors!
As organisations progress, it is inevitable that change is a factor to be addressed. In that sense I offer my sincere thanks to a number of Knights who will step down this year, for their commitment to the Province; in time, energy and unstinting loyalty. The Commander of the Provincial Prior’s Body Guard, Eminent Knight Peter Vosser and Deputy Commander, Eminent Knight Peter Chidzey have provided unstinting service in their roles. To them I offer my grateful thanks. These Eminent Knights are succeeded by; Eminent Knights Alan Carroll, Commander and Charles Hoad, Deputy Commander I wish you both well in your new roles (try and keep the Prior in order!).
The Church Service at St Mary’s Thorpe, is planned for September 2020. We await guidance as to whether we can proceed but it will clearly depend on approval from the authorities regarding specific limitations on gatherings in public places. Time will tell whether we can proceed.
The Corona Virus has affected many aspects of our lives. It is possible if not probable when Meetings resume Masonry will, if only in the short term, adjust to the appropriate advice we receive in respect of ‘contact’ during ceremonies and the format adjusted to accommodate any changes.
On a more positive note, I must offer, once again, my commendation to the Knights of the Province who have worked tirelessly, at this particular time, to ensure the welfare of their family, Brother Masons (especially Knight Templars) and the community in general, is provided for. In this respect Eminent Knight John Coleman, Provincial Almoner, has a special role to play in looking after Knights of the Province who may be in need of assistance or in distressed circumstances. This is a role he performs with great care and attention and if a Knight should seek John’s assistance this will be forthcoming, immediately.
In this forward-thinking, forward-looking age of technology, many Knights have utilised Skype, Zoom and a range of other visual communication facilities to keep in touch and it has proved to be extremely successful. If given the opportunity to partake in one of these facilities, I would encourage you to seize the moment and join in. Better still, form a group in your own Preceptory and by using the systems, a range of topics can be discussed, at no cost (up to 1 hour free).
As you know, I have always adopted an approach of ‘Do it to them before they do it to you’. A recent example of this is where a certain Registrar was setting up a ‘Zoom’ meeting for 5pm on a Friday. No doubt you will recall I asked if you would, at that time and day each week, say the Lord ’s Prayer followed by a toast to ‘All Knight Templars’. But I digress, at 4.30 pm on the said Friday I received a call from the Registrar of the Preceptory informing me he was, quote, sorry, they were having technical difficulties but these would be resolved and normal service resumed quickly. At 4.55 pm I received a rather forlorn call and I quote “Sir, I (We?) cannot get the system up and running”… wait for the punch line… "and the Grandchildren are not here to help me!!” AND I thought I was the only one who is not gifted, technically. The identity of the Registrar should remain a secret but he has agreed, if you identify him, he will provide you with all his ‘Helpful hints for users of computers – Beginners Only’. The Registrar is known to wander lonely as a cloud in the field. No more clues will be provided, is that alright Chris R?
So, what about the year ahead? I genuinely believe there will be many challenges to be faced and adjustments to be made in our Masonic lifestyle. The Provincial Priory of Knight Templars in Surrey will be no exception. I believe the Corona Virus was not the creation of God but man.
With Gods help man will find a cure but it will take time. With great fortitude we will, together, have to face all the new challenges the Virus presents to us.
In regard to Charity the Executive has agreed what I hope will receive your approval and blessing, to donate the sum of £1000 to the Eye Hospital in Jerusalem. At this critical time in the lives of so many people let me offer a quote “Never miss an opportunity to extend kindness – it may change someone’s life”. In that spirit of ‘can do’ Knight Templars in this Province have been exemplary in their support to those in need. Small acts of thoughtfulness cost nothing.
Saying ‘Hello’ to a passer-by, helping elderly neighbours with shopping, doing a good deed for another person, are simple examples of acts that fulfil in so many ways, a commitment to each other and society in general.
To my Provincial Sub-Prior Peter; Vice-Chancellor Miguel; Chancellor Chris; Active Officers and the many other members of the Province who work so hard for the benefit of the Order, on your behalf, I say ‘thank you’ and trust me, when I say they have a difficult job in trying to keep me in order, even with the assistance of the Body Guard, I mean it.
I have kept this note reasonably brief and I trust you will forgive me if I have failed to mention a particular Preceptory, Knight of the Province or some other matter of importance, it was not intentional. To each Knight of the Province and your family, enjoy the summer months despite all the restrictions. We will not be holding our Garden Party in July but I promise next year (please God), to hold a special event. Let us look forward to the day when Meetings will resume in the Province. Until then, keep safe and well.
Finally, as your Provincial Prior, thank you for allowing me to continue to serve you in this role. It is indeed an honour,
Yours, in the Bonds of the Order,
Patrick
Patrick P Crossan
Provincial Prior
Dear Brother Knights,
The events of the past four months have sharply focused our minds on a range of matters; the health and welfare of our families, Masonic Brethren across all Orders (in this and other Provinces), the wider community in which we reside, our health and of course employment.
As we are all only too well aware, Masonic activity has, at a National and Provincial level been (pro tem) suspended. In truth, it is not known when we will be able to resume participation in our Meetings. The situation is being closely monitored by Mark Mason’s Hall and updates on any progress is provided to Provinces at regular intervals. Masonry must follow and comply with the lead from National Government and Medical advice/guidance on the subject of Corona Virus.
Very slowly, advances are being made towards control of the Virus but we will have to wait for some time yet for a vaccine.
It is a great disappointment not to be able to join together for our Annual Provincial Meeting today. Every Meeting under a Banner of Knight Templars is special but I am sure you will agree our Annual Meeting adds that special touch to our Provincial year, where we join with Knights of the Province and other Provinces to celebrate many important Provincial matters, the highlights of which are Appointments and Promotions to Provincial Office and Past Rank in the Province. The Knights of the Province of Surrey have a deserved reputation for the welcome and hospitality we extend to guests. It is also an occasion when the Warden of Regalia, in the interest of charity, runs a ‘book’ on how long the Provincial Prior will take to deliver his welcome to our Visitors!
As organisations progress, it is inevitable that change is a factor to be addressed. In that sense I offer my sincere thanks to a number of Knights who will step down this year, for their commitment to the Province; in time, energy and unstinting loyalty. The Commander of the Provincial Prior’s Body Guard, Eminent Knight Peter Vosser and Deputy Commander, Eminent Knight Peter Chidzey have provided unstinting service in their roles. To them I offer my grateful thanks. These Eminent Knights are succeeded by; Eminent Knights Alan Carroll, Commander and Charles Hoad, Deputy Commander I wish you both well in your new roles (try and keep the Prior in order!).
The Church Service at St Mary’s Thorpe, is planned for September 2020. We await guidance as to whether we can proceed but it will clearly depend on approval from the authorities regarding specific limitations on gatherings in public places. Time will tell whether we can proceed.
The Corona Virus has affected many aspects of our lives. It is possible if not probable when Meetings resume Masonry will, if only in the short term, adjust to the appropriate advice we receive in respect of ‘contact’ during ceremonies and the format adjusted to accommodate any changes.
On a more positive note, I must offer, once again, my commendation to the Knights of the Province who have worked tirelessly, at this particular time, to ensure the welfare of their family, Brother Masons (especially Knight Templars) and the community in general, is provided for. In this respect Eminent Knight John Coleman, Provincial Almoner, has a special role to play in looking after Knights of the Province who may be in need of assistance or in distressed circumstances. This is a role he performs with great care and attention and if a Knight should seek John’s assistance this will be forthcoming, immediately.
In this forward-thinking, forward-looking age of technology, many Knights have utilised Skype, Zoom and a range of other visual communication facilities to keep in touch and it has proved to be extremely successful. If given the opportunity to partake in one of these facilities, I would encourage you to seize the moment and join in. Better still, form a group in your own Preceptory and by using the systems, a range of topics can be discussed, at no cost (up to 1 hour free).
As you know, I have always adopted an approach of ‘Do it to them before they do it to you’. A recent example of this is where a certain Registrar was setting up a ‘Zoom’ meeting for 5pm on a Friday. No doubt you will recall I asked if you would, at that time and day each week, say the Lord ’s Prayer followed by a toast to ‘All Knight Templars’. But I digress, at 4.30 pm on the said Friday I received a call from the Registrar of the Preceptory informing me he was, quote, sorry, they were having technical difficulties but these would be resolved and normal service resumed quickly. At 4.55 pm I received a rather forlorn call and I quote “Sir, I (We?) cannot get the system up and running”… wait for the punch line… "and the Grandchildren are not here to help me!!” AND I thought I was the only one who is not gifted, technically. The identity of the Registrar should remain a secret but he has agreed, if you identify him, he will provide you with all his ‘Helpful hints for users of computers – Beginners Only’. The Registrar is known to wander lonely as a cloud in the field. No more clues will be provided, is that alright Chris R?
So, what about the year ahead? I genuinely believe there will be many challenges to be faced and adjustments to be made in our Masonic lifestyle. The Provincial Priory of Knight Templars in Surrey will be no exception. I believe the Corona Virus was not the creation of God but man.
With Gods help man will find a cure but it will take time. With great fortitude we will, together, have to face all the new challenges the Virus presents to us.
In regard to Charity the Executive has agreed what I hope will receive your approval and blessing, to donate the sum of £1000 to the Eye Hospital in Jerusalem. At this critical time in the lives of so many people let me offer a quote “Never miss an opportunity to extend kindness – it may change someone’s life”. In that spirit of ‘can do’ Knight Templars in this Province have been exemplary in their support to those in need. Small acts of thoughtfulness cost nothing.
Saying ‘Hello’ to a passer-by, helping elderly neighbours with shopping, doing a good deed for another person, are simple examples of acts that fulfil in so many ways, a commitment to each other and society in general.
To my Provincial Sub-Prior Peter; Vice-Chancellor Miguel; Chancellor Chris; Active Officers and the many other members of the Province who work so hard for the benefit of the Order, on your behalf, I say ‘thank you’ and trust me, when I say they have a difficult job in trying to keep me in order, even with the assistance of the Body Guard, I mean it.
I have kept this note reasonably brief and I trust you will forgive me if I have failed to mention a particular Preceptory, Knight of the Province or some other matter of importance, it was not intentional. To each Knight of the Province and your family, enjoy the summer months despite all the restrictions. We will not be holding our Garden Party in July but I promise next year (please God), to hold a special event. Let us look forward to the day when Meetings will resume in the Province. Until then, keep safe and well.
Finally, as your Provincial Prior, thank you for allowing me to continue to serve you in this role. It is indeed an honour,
Yours, in the Bonds of the Order,
Patrick
Patrick P Crossan
Provincial Prior
