In The Beginning…

It started with the question, “Can a new commandery be created in Virginia Beach?”

That question was asked one February evening in 2019 to Sir Knight Benjamin Hill, then the Very Eminent Grand Commander, and Sir Knight Major Stephenson. It was agreed that it was possible, but it would take a lot of work. So, Sir Knight Jeffrey Paras went about doing the research and gathering the requirements.

On April 17, 2019, Sir Knight Paras of Grice Commandery No.16 led a meeting at Golden Corral to discuss the feasibility of forming a new commandery within the jurisdiction of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Virginia, to be located within the Virginia Beach city limits. Sir Knights David Conner, Wayne Flora, and David Strohsahl of Grice Commandery No.16 and Sir Knight Danilo Diego of Portsmouth Commandery No.5 were present.

Among the businesses transacted at that gathering, was who might sign the Request for Dispensation and possible meeting locations. The proposed officers were identified as Sir Knight Paras for Eminent Commander, Sir Knight Diego for Generalissimo, and Sir Knight Graham Winston of Grice Commandery No.16 for Captain General.

Two weeks later on April 29th, Sir Knights Richard Collins, David Conner, Eloy Feliciano, Manuel Gatbonton, Jeffrey Paras, Ernesto Perez, William Peterson, David Strohsahl, Roger Taylor, and Graham Winston of Grice Commandery No.16 and Sir Knights Joel Bundy and Danilo Diego of Portsmouth Commandery No.5 met at Pop’s Diner to sign the request. Sir Knights Nizam Jamal, Clifford Atkinson, Jackie Harrison, and Anacio Voces of Grice Commandery No.16 would sign later that week.

Sir Knight Benjamin Hill, Right Eminent Grand Commander, issued Dispensation 201920-003 on 21 May 2019 authorizing and empowering the Sir Knights to “form a commandery of Knights Templar to be known henceforth as Virginia Beach Commandery No.13 U.D. until such time as they shall be chartered.” Upon further review of the Constitution and Statutes, Grand Commandery of Virginia determined that the use of No.13 was unauthorized; and Virginia Beach Commandery was reassigned No. 36.

The first Conclave of Virginia Beach Commandery No.36 Under Dispensation, held on 8 May 2019, was at Lynnhaven Lodge No.220 on June 12th, to receive the Dispensation from Sir Knight Hill and to elect the officers. An open installation followed. The officers installed under dispensation would remain in their stations and places through 2019 and 2020 during the first charter year.

In Virginia Beach Commandery’s first year the Sir Knights were active within Grand Commandery. While under dispensation, they participated in the Grand Commander’s Douglas MacArthur Wreath Laying Ceremony, submitted and had their By-Laws approved. They also participated in the Grand Commandery Drill Corps School and Competition in Fredericksburg; and joined Portsmouth Commandery No.5 for their Christmas Observance at St John’s Episcopal Church in Portsmouth Virginia. As a commandery, they also observed the Easter Sunrise service at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria Virginia.

Charter Day was on Saturday 26 September 2020 at Lynnhaven Lodge. Grand Commandery held a Special Conclave to issue Virginia Beach Commandery their charter. Due to the pandemic, attendance was limited to the Grand Commandery officers and the members of Virginia Beach Commandery. Despite the limitation, Sir Knights throughout the state and a representative from Grand Encampment were able to attend virtually. Sir Knight Jeffrey McClelland, Right Eminent Grand Commander and charter member of Virginia Beach Commandery led the proceedings.

During the Thanksgiving season of 2020, Virginia Beach Commandery began the now annual tradition of buying meals for needy families for Thanksgiving Day. Twenty-two meals were purchased for families identified by the local elementary schools in our first year. Coordination of our efforts can be credited to Sir Knights Taylor and Stohsahl.

Among our rolls are three Past Grand Commanders:

Sir Knights Phillip Edward Maybery (2010)
Sir Knight Benjamin Franklin Hill (2019)
Sir Knight John Jeffrey McClelland (2020)
Sir Knight Peter Reginald Spring (2021)

Unfortunately, our members, Sir Knight Sebastian DiPietro passed before receiving our charter; and Sir Knight Salvador Dizon passed shortly after receiving it.

With the blessings of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, may Virginia Beach Commandery No.36 continue to strive for excellence, always keeping in sight the obligations we swore to uphold.