The Early Years

The first minutes of the Alleghany Commandery have disappeared, but we have some information from the Proceedings of the Grand Commandery of Virginia. In the 1904 Proceedings, Right Eminent James Wilson Bryant, Grand Commander reports the following:

Petition for Dispensation

On September 4th, 1904, I received a letter from Sir Knight W. S. Taylor of Clifton Forge, Virginia, asking for instructions as to how to proceed so as to obtain a dispensation to form a Commandery of Knights Templar. He stated that their Blue Lodge had a membership of 230, the Chapter a membership of 120, and that there were 23 Sir Knights in their city of 7,000 people. The nearest Commandery is at Staunton, Severson Commandery No. 6, fifty miles away.

The petition was presented to Stevenson Commandery at its Conclave in October, but was not acted on, and as their next stated Conclave is on November 4th, to late I fear for any action to be taken by me, I would especially bring his request to the attention of my successor in office, as from Sir Knight Taylor’s letters, they should be able to equip and maintain a strong Commandery.

In the 1905 Proceedings Right Encampment Grand Commander Frank Ward Cunningham had the following information in his report:

Organization of Allegany Commandery U. D.

Our Grand Recorder makes, official report that assisted by Sir Knight H. M. Boykin, Very Eminent Deputy Grand Commander; Sir Knight W. B. McChesney, Eminent Grand Standard Bearer; Sir Knight E. D. Hotchkiss, Eminent Grand Sword Bearer; Sir Knight F. J. Craigie, Eminent Past Commander Richmond Commandery No. 2; and Sir Knight L. E. Thomas, Eminent Commander DeMolay Commandery No. 4, he formally organized Alleghany Commandery U. D., at Clifton Forge, on February 27, 1905, with charter members, and conferred the orders upon 17 candidates. This young Commandery has made wonderful

growth; it now, numbering 62 Knights, all fully equipped, and should they apply for a charter at this Conclave, I cheerfully recommend the granting of same.

Sir Knight James Braxton Blanks, Right Eminent Grand Commander, had the following included in is 1905 report:

Alleghany Commandery Organized

Probably the most interesting and pleasant duty connected with my official position on this Grand Commandery was performed on February 27, 1905, when assisted by Sir Knight H. M. Boykin, Very Eminent Deputy Grand Commander; Sir Knight W. B. McChesney, Eminent Grand Standard Bearer; Sir Knight E. D. Hotchkiss, Eminent Grand Sword Bearer; Sir Knight F. J. Craigie, Eminent Past Commander Richmond Commandery No. 2; and Sir Knight L. E. Thomas, Eminent Commander DeMolay Commandery No. 4, organized Alleghany Commandery U. D., in the town Clifton Forge, Virginia.

Before regularly opening the Commandery and setting the Sir Knights to work, a thorough inspection of the Asylum and paraphernalia was made by myself and associates. It is gratifying to report that the Commandery was provided with everything necessary to confer the Orders of Knighthood. All of the paraphernalia and equipment were of the very best material and workmanship that could be produced by the Cincinnati Regalia Company. The wisdom of the committee in thus purchasing the best is truly commendable, and places this young Commandry in the front rank with its sister Commandries, so far as Asylum outfit is concerned.

The Commandery was opened with twenty-two charter members, and during the afternoon and night we conferred the Illustrious Order of Red Cross and the Valiant and Magnanimous Order of Knights Templar and Knights of Malta on seventeen Companions. Our Grand Sword Bearer, Sir Knight E. D. Hotchkiss, in his admirably impressive manner, and acted as Eminent Commander, the remaining officers being filled by the visiting Sir Knights.

On October 7,1905, I had the pleasure, as the representative of the Right Eminent Grand Commander, of officially inspecting this young Commandery. In the short space of seven months the Commandery hold increased its roster from the original twenty-two charter members to sixty-two Sir Knights, all of whom are fully equipped in accordance with the Bill of Dress as prescribed by this Grand Commandery. What a commendable example, in this respect is set by Alleghany Commandery to its sister Commanderies in this Jurisdiction. The inspection was most satisfactory, and compared very favorably with any that I have the honor to participate in.

The records of the Commandery are neatly and correctly kept by its faithful Recorder, Sir Knight G. W. Lipscomb. I must be pardoned for saying that, in my judgement, there are not within our borders two more zealous and faithful officers than Sir Knight John H. Carlisle, Eminent Commander, and Sir Knight William S. Taylor, Generalissimo, and to them this Grand Commandery is indebted for the wonderful success and prosperity of Alleghany Commandery U. D. I respectfully recommend that a charter be granted this Commandery. From a personal inspection, I certify that its records are correctly kept, and that its Asylum is suitably equipped for conferred the Orders of Christian Knighthood.

Sir Knight James Braxton Banks, Right Eminent Past Grand Commander, also inspected the Commandery on October 7, 1905; his report follows:

Alleghany Commandery No. 23

Stationed at Clifton Forge Virginia

Report of James B. Blanks, REPGC, Grand Recorder

Petersburg, Virginia, October 9, 1905

To: Sir Knight F. W. Cunningham, Right Eminent Grand Commander Knights Templar in Virginia Right Eminent Sir and Dear Fraternal obedience to our orders of March7, 1905, I respectfully report that I duly inspected the above Commandery on the 7th of October 1905, and report the following facts for your information.

Number of Sir Knights on Roll – 62; net gain for the year – 62

Number of Conclaves held since February 1905: Stated – 8; Special – 8; average attendance – 22

Number of Sir Knights uniformed – 62; every member of the Commandery

The Commandery did not celebrate Christmas Observance; it was not organized until after  Christmas.

The Commandery has attended Divine Services this year – Easter and Ascension Services.

The Commandery has been regularly opened in full form this year; the Commandery made its annual returns for 1905.

The Records of the Commandery are well and faithfully kept by Sir Knight G. W. Lipscomb. In submitting the foregoing facts, I have the honor to reports that in the performance of the very pleasant duty, as your Representative, I was accompanied by Sir Knight H. M. Boykin, Very Eminent Deputy Grand Commander; Sir Knight E. D. Hotchkiss, Eminent Grand Sword Bearer; Sir Knight F. J. Craigie, Eminent Past Commander Richmond Commandery No. 2.

As our train approached the station, we were most agreeably surprised to find the Commandery, with a band of music, drawn up in line to receive us. Quickly donning our regalia, we repaired to the “designated spot,” and in the presence of a large gathering of ladies and citizens proceeded to discharge the duty of inspection. We found the uniforms all bright and new and made in accordance with the “Bill of Dress” of this Grand Commandery.

The inspection was satisfactory in every respect and detail; the marching of the Sir Knights excellent; the sword drill very good and the appearance of the command second to none in the State. Repairing to the Asylum the Commandery was opened in full form, each officer promptly responding to the duty of his station. The records were duly examined and found “without spot or blemish.” The financial condition of the Commandery is excellent.

The Commander stated that he was ably sustained by his Officers and Sir Knights. This young Commandery – only seven months old – has during that short period dubbed and created twenty-nine Knights Templar, and has upon its roster the names of sixty-two Sir Knights, all fully equipped. The wisdom of organizing this Commandery cannot for one moment be questioned. We believe it is destined under the leadership of it courteous Eminent Commander, Sir Knight J. H. Carlisle, to become one of the leading Commanderies in this Jurisdiction. Thanking you, Right Eminent Sir, for the honor and the Sir Knights of No. 23 for their hospitality.

I am, yours courteously,

James B. Blanks, Inspector No. 23 U.D.

The 1905 Proceedings had the following list of Officers and Members:

Alleghany Commandery No. 23

Organized February 27, 1905

Meets on the fourth Monday of every month at Masonic Hall in the City of Clifton Forge

Post Office – Clifton Forge

List of Officers

Sir Knight J. H. Carlisle Commander

Sir Knight W. S. Taylor Generalissimo

Sir Knight E. E. Gourd Captain General

Sir Knight G. W. Kincaid Senior Warden

Sir Knight A. G. Hill, Jr. Junior Warden

Sir Knight J. M. Lipscomb, Jr. Prelate

Sir Knight W. F. Finsley Treasurer

Sir Knight G. W. Lipscomb Recorder

Sir Knight L. Woodrum Standard Bearer

Sir Knight G. M. Farrar Sword Bearer

Sir Knight Wilton Cook Warder

Sir Knight E. D. Wickes 3rd Guard

Sir Knight P. W. Stevens 2nd Guard

Sir Knight W. A. Dudley 1st Guard

Sir Knight A. Ashburner Sentinel

Honorary Members

James B. Blanks F. J. Craigie E. D. Hotchkiss

1. M. Boykin W. B. McChesney

Members

Allen, G. H. Graham, W. T. Monteith, R. J.

Alley, W. L. Greig, A. N. Ogg, D. C.

Ashburner, C. E. Goodwin, B. C. Parker, H. T.

Atkinson, F. H. Halligan, J. E. Pettus, J. L.

Blan, H. L. Hepler, M. H. Ripley, N. N.

Brickhouse, L. C. Hileman, W. E. Seaton, W. M.

Bryant, J. W. C., Jr. Humphries, W. E. Smith, W. M.

Calhoun, W. R. Lewis, W. H. Sweickert, C. E.

Cargill, L. W. Lipop, J. W. Taylor, W. W.

Cargill, S. G. Lipscomb, J. M., Sr. VanHorn, R. V.

Carperter, G. M. Mahoney, J. A. Wigal, A. L.

Carperter, J. H. Martin, J. A. Wood, W. L.

Carperter, J. C. Mathews, W. G. Wysor, J. C., Dr.

Gleason, J. A. Meeks, H. W. Yoder, H. W.

Sixty-two Sir Knights

By Sir Knight Michael G. Fulcher