Provincial Priory of Surrey

The United Religious, Military and Masonic Orders of the Temple and of St John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes and Malta in England and Wales and Provinces Overseas
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Provincial Priory of Surrey - Service of Rededication and Thanksgiving
The Biennial Church Service this year was held at the lovely old church of St Mary’s in Thorpe. This year’s service was a little different due to the restrictions on numbers and the need to maintain social distancing.

Provincial Priory of Surrey - Service of Rededication and Thanksgiving

It is impossible to say exactly when St. Mary’s Church was built, although portions of the building are of venerable antiquity which leads one to believe it is a Medieval Church. In 1963 a Roman cinerary urn, dated to 120 -150 A.D. was discovered buried in the Churchyard, establishing that this site has been of religious significance for nearly 1900 years. The beginnings of the church seen today may have been instigated by Abbot Hugh in 1110. The present Church building, with earliest sections dated around the 10th / 11th century is part of the conservation area along with a number of other listed and protected buildings possibly dating from the 17th century onwards.

Provincial Priory of Surrey - Service of Rededication and Thanksgiving

Permission for the Province to use the Church had been given by the Vicar, Rev’d. Damian Miles who opened the service by warmly welcoming everyone present; and those Knights who had joined the service by Zoom.

Provincial Priory of Surrey - Service of Rededication and Thanksgiving

After the first hymn the Confession and the Collect were led by Rev’d. Damian Miles. The Bible reading, Ephesians 6:10-18, was by our Provincial Prior, Rt.Em. Knight Patrick P Crossan.

Provincial Priory of Surrey - Service of Rededication and Thanksgiving

A very thought provoking Address was given by Rev’d. Damian Miles.

Provincial Priory of Surrey - Service of Rededication and Thanksgiving

After singing the Templar’s Hymn, For all the Saints, to ourselves as singing was not permitted the Provincial Sub Prior, Em. Knight Peter Brown, then read the Precepts of the Order.

Provincial Priory of Surrey - Service of Rededication and Thanksgiving

Our Provincial Prelate, Em.Kt, Rev Len Moreton, led the prayers for the State, the Church, the World, for those in need, for all affected by Corona virus, for the departed, and for the Order.

Provincial Priory of Surrey - Service of Rededication and Thanksgiving

The carefully chosen hymns were not only very appropriate to the Christian Precepts of the Masonic Knights Templar Order but all very well known. It’s just a pity we could not sing with gusto as in previous Church Services.

It was so nice to see our Past Provincial Prior, Rt.Em. Knight. Michael Banbury, KCT, with us; seen here posing with our Provincial Prior and Rev’d. Damian Miles after the service.

Provincial Priory of Surrey - Service of Rededication and Thanksgiving

To end a very enjoyable afternoon the Knights of the Province of Surrey gathered outside for a photograph with Rev’d. Damian Miles.

Provincial Priory of Surrey - Service of Rededication and Thanksgiving

To view all the photos of the day – click here

Article and photographs by Chris Eley
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