Knights Preceptor
Knights Preceptor Virginia Chapter Officers VA Grand Officers History Officers Current Line Officers Preceptor: Romulo M. Capuno Deputy Preceptor: Jason W. Lotz Treasurer-Recorder: James B. Bartley Master of Templars: Frederick R. Dixon Seneschal: Peter R. Spring Marshal: Dennis M. Haas Prelate: Scott L. Fielding Sentinel: William Searcy, III Living Past Preceptors Jackie L. Harrison (UNK) James W. Golladay, Jr. (UNK) James A. Fields, Jr .(2013-2014) Baldwin G. Locher, Jr. (2014-2015) Donald L. McAndrews (2015-2016) Mark T. Pennypacker, Sr. (2020-2022) Peter J. Gordon (2022-2023) VA Grand Officers Current Grand Officers Michael J. KastleGrand Seneschal James B. BartleyGrand Marshal Past Grand Officers Jackie L. HarrisonPast Sovereign Grand Preceptor2009-2010 Charles W. WagnerPast Sovereign Grand Preceptor2013-2014 James W. Golladay, Jr.Past Sovereign Grand Preceptor2019-2020 Donald L. McAndrewsPast Sovereign Grand Preceptor2022-2023 History HISTORY by Thurman C. Pace, Jr.Past Grand CommanderKnights Templar of New Jersey Upon completion of my term as Commander of Trinity Commandery No. 17, K.T., in 1966, I was disappointed that the Grand Commandery of New Jersey didn’t have an organization that recognized Past Commanders. The Grand Royal Arch Chapter had the “Orders of Anointed High Priests,” and the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters had the “Council of T.I.M.s” which in some jurisdictions is referred to as the “Order of the Silver Trowel.” HistoryOne of the objectives I had upon being installed as the Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of the State of New Jersey on March 6, 1976, was to establish an organization for those who were serving as Commanders or had previously served as Commanders of their Commanderies. Being fully aware of my inability to write ritual, I requested my best friend, Wallace M. Gage, a Past Grand Commander of New Jersey and an outstanding writer, to write the ritual for what is now known as “The Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor”. The Grand Chapter of the Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor was formed on February 22, 1977, at a meeting held in Westfield, New Jersey, at which time the Constitution, Laws, and Ritual for the Order were adopted. The purpose and objective of the Order was to promote the cause of Chivalric Masonry through a dedication of Templar Leadership to its principles, and to further the knowledge of its history, background, customs, usage, and traditions. At the aforementioned meeting of the Grand Chapter, a charter was granted to New Jersey Chapter, Order of Knights Preceptor, with yours truly as its first Preceptor. The Order was conferred for the first time on Friday, March 4 1977, during the 117th Stated Conclave of the Grand Commandery of New Jersey, held at the Howard Johnson Regency Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Conferral of the Order was carried out by the charter officers of the New Jersey Chapter as follows: Preceptor Thurman C. Pace, Jr., Grand CommanderMaster of Templars Theodore F. Voelter, Past Department CommanderSeneschal W. Percy Edwards, Past Grand CommanderMarshal Wallace M. Gage, Past Grand CommanderPrelate Gordon J. Brenner, Past Grand CommanderSentinel Robert W. Gibson, Hon. Past Grand Commander The Charter class of 139 included 86 from New Jersey, 8 from Connecticut, 5 from the District of Columbia, 8 from Massachusetts and Rhode Island, 5 from New York, 3 from Pennsylvania, 7 from Virginia, 2 from Vermont, 5 from Maine, 8 from Maryland, 1 from Alabama, and 1 from Arkansas. The class Exemplar was Sir Knight Kenneth Culver Johnson, Right Eminent Grand Generalissimo of the Grand Encampment or Knights Templar of the U.S.A. Also in the class was Sir Knight John B. Cottrell, Right Eminent Deputy Grand Master. Ironically, Sir Knight Cottrell died two months later and within weeks Sir Knight Johnson suffered a severe stroke. Over the years, Charters were issued to the following states: Maine, Virginia (1984), Pennsylvania, New York, Kentucky (1985), Texas (August 15, 1994), California (April 29, 2000), and Maryland, bringing our total number of Chapters to 9. I am in correspondence with Tennessee relative to issuing them a Charter. I have served for over a quarter of a century as Sovereign Grand Preceptor of the Grand Chapter of the Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor. Since July 9, 2003, when this history was written, Charters have been issued to: Sovereign Grand Preceptors Chapter on March 27, 2004; Idaho Chapter on October 14, 2004; and the Charter of California Chapter was withdrawn on April 12, 2005; bringing the total number of Chapters to 10. Current Line Officers Preceptor: Romulo M. Capuno Deputy Preceptor: Jason W. Lotz Treasurer-Recorder: James B. Bartley Master of Templars: Frederick R. Dixon Seneschal: Peter R. Spring Marshal: Dennis M. Haas Prelate: Scott L. Fielding Sentinel: William Searcy, III Living Past Preceptors Jackie L. Harrison (UNK) James W. Golladay, Jr. (UNK) James A. Fields, Jr .(2013-2014) Baldwin G. Locher, Jr. (2014-2015) Donald L. McAndrews (2015-2016) Mark T. Pennypacker, Sr. (2020-2022) Peter J. Gordon (2022-2023) Current Grand Officers Michael J. KastleGrand Seneschal James B. BartleyGrand Marshal Past Grand Officers Jackie L. HarrisonPast Sovereign Grand Preceptor2009-2010 Charles W. WagnerPast Sovereign Grand Preceptor2013-2014 James W. Golladay, Jr.Past Sovereign Grand Preceptor2019-2020 Donald L. McAndrewsPast Sovereign Grand Preceptor2022-2023 HISTORY by Thurman C. Pace, Jr.Past Grand CommanderKnights Templar of New Jersey Upon completion of my term as Commander of Trinity Commandery No. 17, K.T., in 1966, I was disappointed that the Grand Commandery of New Jersey didn’t have an organization that recognized Past Commanders. The Grand Royal Arch Chapter had the “Orders of Anointed High Priests,” and the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters had the “Council of T.I.M.s” which in some jurisdictions is referred to as the “Order of the Silver Trowel.” HistoryOne of the objectives I had upon being installed as the Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of the State of New Jersey on March 6, 1976, was to establish an organization for those who were serving as Commanders or had previously served as Commanders of their Commanderies. Being fully aware of my inability to write ritual, I requested my best friend, Wallace M. Gage, a Past Grand Commander
Companion of the Temple
Companion of the Temple 2000 Mary P. Wigglesworth 2001 Florence B. Foster 2002 Sharon R. Carpenter 2005 Anne DechentLynn Mayberry 2008 Patricia B. ReardonNancy S. McGrath 2009 Eva W. LongworthBarbara C. Bongiovi 2011 Susan L. Maybery 2012 Ellen Cotner 2016 Sandra RatliffCarolann P. Hill 2017 Tammy BurchamMarlene HendersonChristi D. Reed 2018 M Pamela McClellandGale MayberyBeth Howerton 2019 Grace Eva E. CapunoSue Richardson 2020 Cassandra H. McBrideMary O. MurrayPamela G. Stephenson 2021 Sylvia Conner FieldingLuz Tucay SearcyRoxane Maria Young 2023 Debbie BroceChelsea AtkinsonAmanda T. Bacchus (DC)
Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests
Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests Brief Description The Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests is an honorary and invitational organization with membership limitations and cannot be applied for. Members are selected and extended invitations on the basis of outstanding performance as a Commander of a Commandery of Knights Templar. The order has historic roots in England that trace back to 1786, with references back to 1686, the traditional year of revival. The “Priestly Order” was referred to within the ceremonies of “The High Knights Templar” in Ireland in 1755. There are records of the conferral of this Order in the United States during the 1800’s but the authority is unknown. The Grand College of America, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests was formed in the United States in 1931. The limit of Regular Members in a Tabernacle is 33. The number of Tabernacles in a state is dependent on the number of active Commanderies in each state. The Garden of Gethsemane NOVA Vita Welcome to our new official Home Page for The Garden of Gethsemane, Tabernacle II Richmond, Virginia Very Eminent PreceptorPeter J. Gordon – 2023 Current Line Officers Preceptor: Peter J. GordonDeputy Preceptor: Peter R. SpringRegistrar: Thomas L. Varner, Jr.Seventh Pillar: Randall D. ReedSixth Pillar: Cliff GregoryFifth Pillar: Joseph E. GadeaFourth Pillar: Bruce RichardsonThird Pillar: Patrick MurpheySecond Pillar: Dennis HaasFirst Pillar: Clint HuesInner Guard: Richard RawlsOuter Guard: Scott Fielding Meets the second Saturday in December and was one of the Three Tabernacles which formed The Grand College of America on May 27, 1933. For Information contact: Thomas L. Varner, Jr. Welcome to our new official Home Page for NOVA VitaTabernacle No. LXXIII Manassas, Virginia Very Eminent PreceptorDaniel W. Thompson – 2024 Current Line Officers Preceptor: Daniel W. ThompsonDeputy Preceptor: Romulo M. CapunoTreasurer: Thomas G. Little, KCAssistant Treasurer: Jason W. LotzRegistrar: James B. Bartley, KCSeventh Pillar: Rev. Richard E. SaundersSixth Pillar: Michael T. HuffFifth Pillar: Peter S. JensenFourth Pillar: Matthew S. BourelleThird Pillar: Jeremy B. UttSecond Pillar: Carl E. WeaverFirst Pillar: D. Cole DavidInner Guard: J. Brandon HaleOuter Guard: David E. PottsPrelate: William Searcy, III Living Past Preceptors andKnight Commanders John R. Wigglesworth, Jr* – 1998Edwin R. Carpenter, Jr* – 2000Walter P. Benesch* – 2001Charles W. Wagner* – 2007Mark W. Underwood* – 2010James W. Golladay, Jr – 2011James B. Bartley – 2012Raymond D. Steele – 2014Donald L. McAndrews – 2016David C. Morris – 2017John W. Bullach, Jr – 2018Joel D. Ratliff, Sr – 2021Jason W. Lotz – 2022Thomas G. Little – 2023 * Emeritus Members Meets the 1st Saturday in June and the Saturday after Thanksgiving (Annual Meeting) in Manassas, Virginia. For Information contact: James B. Bartley, KC Welcome to our new official Home Page for The Garden of Gethsemane, Tabernacle II Richmond, Virginia Very Eminent PreceptorPeter J. Gordon – 2023 Current Line Officers Preceptor: Peter J. GordonDeputy Preceptor: Peter R. SpringRegistrar: Thomas L. Varner, Jr.Seventh Pillar: Randall D. ReedSixth Pillar: Cliff GregoryFifth Pillar: Joseph E. GadeaFourth Pillar: Bruce RichardsonThird Pillar: Patrick MurpheySecond Pillar: Dennis HaasFirst Pillar: Clint HuesInner Guard: Richard RawlsOuter Guard: Scott Fielding Meets the second Saturday in December and was one of the Three Tabernacles which formed The Grand College of America on May 27, 1933. For Information contact: Thomas L. Varner, Jr. Welcome to our new official Home Page for NOVA VitaTabernacle No. LXXIII Manassas, Virginia Very Eminent PreceptorDaniel W. Thompson – 2024 Current Line Officers Preceptor: Daniel W. ThompsonDeputy Preceptor: Romulo M. CapunoTreasurer: Thomas G. Little, KCAssistant Treasurer: Jason W. LotzRegistrar: James B. Bartley, KCSeventh Pillar: Rev. Richard E. SaundersSixth Pillar: Michael T. HuffFifth Pillar: Peter S. JensenFourth Pillar: Matthew S. BourelleThird Pillar: Jeremy B. UttSecond Pillar: Carl E. WeaverFirst Pillar: D. Cole DavidInner Guard: J. Brandon HaleOuter Guard: David E. PottsPrelate: William Searcy, III Living Past Preceptors andKnight Commanders John R. Wigglesworth, Jr* – 1998Edwin R. Carpenter, Jr* – 2000Walter P. Benesch* – 2001Charles W. Wagner* – 2007Mark W. Underwood* – 2010James W. Golladay, Jr – 2011James B. Bartley – 2012Raymond D. Steele – 2014Donald L. McAndrews – 2016David C. Morris – 2017John W. Bullach, Jr – 2018Joel D. Ratliff, Sr – 2021Jason W. Lotz – 2022Thomas G. Little – 2023 * Emeritus Members Meets the 1st Saturday in June and the Saturday after Thanksgiving (Annual Meeting) in Manassas, Virginia. For Information contact: James B. Bartley, KC
Knight York Cross of Honour
Knight York Cross of Honour Rose of Sharon Priory No. 2 Requirements Officers Past Priors Requirements The Order was formed in Monroe, North Carolina on March 13,1930. On June 6,1930 the Convent General of the United States of America was formed to administer the Order. Membership in the Knights of the York Cross of Honour (KYCH) cannot be applied for. In order to be considered for membership, a proposed candidate must have served as Presiding Officer for Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council, and Commandery. Knights of the York Cross of Honour is a Honor Group of York Rite Masons who are dedicated to serving the Masonic Fraternity as a Labor of Love. No individual should aspire to membership in KYCH, when he has done the required work, and done it well, he will be invited to membership. Those who labor will be rewarded by being invited. After a Mason has fulfilled the requirements of membership, his name may be proposed for membership by a member of the K.Y.C.H.. The prospective member should not know that he has been proposed. When a Priory receives a proposed, such proposal must be held over until the next stated meeting of the Priory before it is Balloted on. Some of the Ballot rules vary in different Jurisdictions, to comply with Grand Lodge Rules and Regulations. In this Jurisdiction the prospect must receive a unanimous vote by secret Ballot. The prospective proposal should not know that his name was proposed until he is official notified that he is elected to be invited to petition to membership. If this rule is followed, no one that is proposed and rejected should ever know that he was proposed and rejected, thereby saving much embarrassment. to everyone. Officers Current Line Officers Prior: Frederick R. Dixon, Sr. Deputy Prior: Michael T. Huff Warder: Peter S. Jensen Registrar/Treasurer: Peter S. Jensen Prelate: Joseph E. Gadea Orator: Mark W. Underwood, KYGCH Herald: Patrick C. Murphrey Sentinel: Joel D. Ratliff, Sr. Lecturers Symbolic Lodge: SK Thomas Varner R. A. Chapter: SK Joe Gilbert Broce, KYGCH Cryptic Council: SK Brandon Hale Commandery: SK D. Cole David Past Priors 1998 Jackie Lee Harrison 2003 Baldwin Gerard Locher, Jr., KYGCH 2004 John R. Wigglesworth, Jr., KYGCH 2008 Jay L Cotner, KYGCH 2010 Edwin Richard Carpenter, Jr., KYGCH 2011 Charles Warren Wagner, KYGCH 2015 Lawrence Barton Smith, KYGCH 2017 Donald L. McAndrews, KYGCH 2018 Peter J. Gordon 2019 H. Lee Arritt, Jr. 2020 Daniel H. Surface, KYGCH 2021 Jason W. Lotz 2022 James B. Bartley The Order was formed in Monroe, North Carolina on March 13,1930. On June 6,1930 the Convent General of the United States of America was formed to administer the Order. Membership in the Knights of the York Cross of Honour (KYCH) cannot be applied for. In order to be considered for membership, a proposed candidate must have served as Presiding Officer for Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council, and Commandery. Knights of the York Cross of Honour is a Honor Group of York Rite Masons who are dedicated to serving the Masonic Fraternity as a Labor of Love. No individual should aspire to membership in KYCH, when he has done the required work, and done it well, he will be invited to membership. Those who labor will be rewarded by being invited. After a Mason has fulfilled the requirements of membership, his name may be proposed for membership by a member of the K.Y.C.H.. The prospective member should not know that he has been proposed. When a Priory receives a proposed, such proposal must be held over until the next stated meeting of the Priory before it is Balloted on. Some of the Ballot rules vary in different Jurisdictions, to comply with Grand Lodge Rules and Regulations. In this Jurisdiction the prospect must receive a unanimous vote by secret Ballot. The prospective proposal should not know that his name was proposed until he is official notified that he is elected to be invited to petition to membership. If this rule is followed, no one that is proposed and rejected should ever know that he was proposed and rejected, thereby saving much embarrassment. to everyone. Current Line Officers Prior: Frederick R. Dixon, Sr. Deputy Prior: Michael T. Huff Warder: Peter S. Jensen Registrar/Treasurer: Peter S. Jensen Prelate: Joseph E. Gadea Orator: Mark W. Underwood, KYGCH Herald: Patrick C. Murphrey Sentinel: Joel D. Ratliff, Sr. Lecturers Symbolic Lodge: SK Thomas Varner R. A. Chapter: SK Joe Gilbert Broce, KYGCH Cryptic Council: SK Brandon Hale Commandery: SK D. Cole David 1998 Jackie Lee Harrison 2003 Baldwin Gerard Locher, Jr., KYGCH 2004 John R. Wigglesworth, Jr., KYGCH 2008 Jay L Cotner, KYGCH 2010 Edwin Richard Carpenter, Jr., KYGCH 2011 Charles Warren Wagner, KYGCH 2015 Lawrence Barton Smith, KYGCH 2017 Donald L. McAndrews, KYGCH 2018 Peter J. Gordon 2019 H. Lee Arritt, Jr. 2020 Daniel H. Surface, KYGCH 2021 Jason W. Lotz 2022 James B. Bartley Welcome to our new official Home Page for the Rose of Sharon, Priory No. 2. Richmond, VirginiaInstituted March 11, 1934 Frederick R. Dixon, Sr.Eminent Prior2022 – 2023 Meetings are held during the Annual Conclave of the Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Virginia, and during the Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Virginia. For Information contact: Peter S. Jensen14415 Glencrest CircleCentreville, VA 20120703-989-3368pjensen@HL57.com
Knight Grand Cross of the Temple
Knight Grand Cross of the Temple 2022 James Dean Cole
Grice Award
Grice Award 1985 John R. Wigglesworth Jr. 1986 B. Franklin Shearwood 1990 Paul L. Purdy 1991 George D. Gilbreath 1994 John E. Foster 1996 Loren W. Brown 1997 Michael G. FulcherIra C. Hudson 1998 Roy T. GregoryMark W. Underwood 1999 Henry B. JenkinsLeon H. Saville 2000 Joseph P. WestfallDanny L. Bowman 2001 Robert L. PriceCharles E. Cave 2002 James H. Banton, Sr.Jamil I. Gabro 2003 Lawrence B. SmithJohn M. Chambliss, Jr. 2004 Nelson C. Trinkle 2005 Davis B. Carter 2006 Roland E. GauthierBruce L. van Buren 2007 Warren W. SchmidJames E. Daugherty 2009 Raymond D. SteeleH. Arthur Decent 2011 Jesse A. Hughes 2013 Randall R. Reed 2015 Mark T. PennypackerHafford L. Arritt 2016 Joseph R. Murray, Sr.Dennis Haas 2017 Peter S. JensenRaymon W. Bacchus (DC) 2018 Joseph B. HaleJason D. Matchett 2019 Donald P. HarmanMatthew S. Bourelle 2020 Wayne H. AndersonMichael T. Huff 2021 J. Richard Rawls 2022 Frederick R. Dixon, Sr.Ariel I. Alcantara 2023 Paul William LockhartTimothy Anderson Dahlman 2024 Joshua William PayneDavid Ray Conner
Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal 2020 Robert Arthur BruceJohn Raymond GoodwinJeffrey Aquino ParasJohn Richard RawlsMichael Lee FlanneryHoward Pratt Haynie Jr. 2021 Robin Craig SowersJoseph Brandon HaleDaniel Hufford Surface Jr.Bruce Allen RichardsonJohn William Eanes Jr. 2022 Danilo Baldoz DiegoRobert Garland McBrideJames Paul NunnWilliam Dean RobinsonCharles Robert Bryant Jr.
Knight Templar Cross of Honour
Knight Templar Cross of Honour 2004 Joseph P. Westfall 2006 Michael Joseph KastleRoland E. McCord 2007 C. Jarrett Frame 2009 Danny L. Bowman 2011 Walter P. BeneschBruce L. van Buren 2012 Benjamin F. Hill 2013 Frederick E. Lewis 2015 Joseph C. Lineberry, Jr. 2016 Frederick R. Dixon 2017 Jason W. Lotz 2018 Ralph T. Woodrow 2019 Jimmy D. Davis 2020 Steven L. Young 2021 Daniel H. Surface 2022 Major Green Stephenson Stephenson IIIRaymon Walter Bacchus (DC) 2023 Thomas Lee Varner, Jr. 2024 Joseph Brandon Hale
Knight Commander of the Temple
Knight Commander of the Temple 1990 Robert Lee Price Jr. 1996 John Robert Wigglesworth Jr. 1997 Edwin Richard Carpenter Jr. 1999 Baldwin Gerard Locher Jr. 2001 Jay L CotnerCharles Jarrett Frame Jr. 2002 Paul Joseph Reardon 2003 James Arthur Fields Jr.Frederick G Martin III 2004 Nelson Crane Trinkle Sr. 2005 Joseph Patrick Westfall Jr. 2007 Phillip Edward MayberyLawrence Barton SmithMark Wayne UnderwoodCharles Warren Wagner 2009 William Thomas HargroveWilliam S Winebrenner 2010 Roy Braxton Henderson Jr.Daniel Lee Rose 2011 Wallace Eugene Maybery Jr.William Frederick ReinholdJames Stephen Wilson 2012 Michael Joseph KastleRaymond Douglas Steele 2013 Roger Eugene DuncanDonald Leo Mc McAndrews 2014 Hafford Lee Arritt Jr.Vincent Joseph FaraciJames Winfield Golladay Jr.Joel David Ratliff Sr.Bruce Allen RichardsonPeter Reginald Spring 2017 Harless Thomas Dobbins Jr.Clinton Willis HuesJohn Jeffrey Mc McClelland 2018 John Randall Howerton 2019 Romulo Magnaye CapunoDennis Mark HaasXerxes Zeno Herrington II 2020 Timothy Paul EvansPeter Stuart JensenMajor Green Stephenson III 2021 Scott Lyons FieldingJoseph Efrain GadeaJoseph Brandon Hale 2022 Kevin Junior HarveyMichael Thomas HuffMark Todd Pennypacker Sr.John Richard RawlsWilliam Searcy III 2023 Jason Curtis TrenaryJeffrey Aquino ParasJoe Gilbert BroceAriel Ilano AlcantaraDewey Cole David 2024 Randall Dean ReedRobert Garland McBrideCameron Cornell CaffeeJames Barry BartleyJoseph Martin Matthews Unknown Joseph Wesley Jeffries
Drill Corps
Drill Corps “Zeal, Action, Excellence” 15Jun 2024 Drill Corps Annual School & Competition Salem Civic Center No event found! Powered by Modern Events Calendar Competition Documents Links Videos Pictured Left to Right: Sir Knight Chris Stevens (Bayard 15), William Crosscup (NRV 32), Matt Reedy (DeMolay 4), Emmett Dalton (DeMolay 4), Richard Bateman (Bayard 15), and Cole David (NRV 32) Right Eminent Grand Commander and Sir Knights of the Grand Commandery of Virginia: The annual Drill School and Competition have been completed and I am pleased to present to you the mid-year report of the Drill Corps. As we have stated before, Drill Team activities support several of the Swords of Progress; primarily Membership Enhancement and Ritualistic Improvement. Both of which are addressed in the Grand Commandery Drill School and Competition. Since 2007, the Virginia Class ‘E’ Team consists of a Captain, four Marchers, and one optional supernumerary member who must stand for inspection. The team members do not have to belong to the same Commandery but must individually hold membership in a Virginia Commandery. This year we had an amazing turnout of 21 Sir Knights from around the Commonwealth. We were able to form 4 teams, which allowed all Sir Knights present to not only earn their Drill Bar for the year, but to compete. The Drill Corps can’t thank the Grand Commander, the Grand Line, and all the Sir Knights of the state enough for helping to make this a priority and premiere event this year. One of the biggest notes I made during the competition is the amount of Sir Knights who were completely new to this and/or hadn’t done this in some time. For the past few years, we’ve had representation from Fredericksburg and New River, but this year we had only 1 Sir Knight returning from either of those teams. However, we did have representation from Stevenson 8, Luray 19, Alleghany 23, Winchester 12, Old Dominion 11, Virginia Beach 36, New River Valley 32, DeMolay 4, and Bayard 15. Out of the 21 Sir Knights present all but 3 were first timers and had never seen the routine prior to the day of the event. As noted, we were able to field 4 teams this year; Virginia Beach Drill Team: Captain Chip Winston, Marching Knights David Rush, Charles Abatsis, Brian Rumley, and Rich Ellis, Supernumerary Jeff Paras. Luray Drill Team: Captain JD Davis, Marching Knights Geoff Hoyt, Scott Truax, Scott Fielding, Dennis Parmater, Supernumerary Dennis Haas. Southwest Region Drill Team: Captain Cole David, Marching Knights Chris Stevens, William Crosscup, Matt Reedy, Emmett Dalton, Supernumerary Richard Bateman. Last but not least, the Misfits Drill Team: Captain Cole David, Marching Knights Richard Bateman, Glenn Bryant, Dennis Haas, and Jim Hogg. New River Valley had won this event for the last 3 years, however with their absence as a team this year we knew there would have to be a new group of Sir Knights taking home the Fitz-Allen Brown Memorial Trophy. The winner of the Fitz-Allen Brown Trophy for the 2024 Chivalric year is: the Southwest Region Drill Team, which is made up of Sir Knights from Bayard, DeMolay, and New River Valley. Congratulations Sir Knights! As the Grand Commandery Drill Competition winner, they are the recipients of the Fitz Allen Brown Memorial Drill Trophy and are named the Grand Commander’s Honor Guard, to serve during the Grand Conclave as needed. It was a tight race for the remaining 3 spots however as the teams were separated by a total of 15 points. In 2nd place, Virginia Beach Drill Team; in 3rd place the Misfits Drill Team, and in 4th place Luray Drill Team. All teams underwent Personal Inspection and performed the drill routine. Each team member also earned a Roanoke 2023 Drill Bar. Based upon the fantastic turnout and renewed interest in the Drill Corps I fully expect to exceed these numbers again next year. We have many Sir Knights inspired to perform these routines around the state and we have some fantastic Captains emerging to help lead them. Due to this I think it is safe to say that next year we will see some fantastic performances by the Grand Commandery of Virginia at this school and competition. As of today, there are three Sir Knights have achieved temporary membership in the Drill Corps. They are SK Jeremy B. Utt, Charles Barbee, and Cole David. Following this school and competition, we now have 20 Sir Knights who have added to their temporary membership profile. Each Sir Knight who participated needs to ensure they are tracking the Drill events they are participating in as well as providing that information to the Drill Corps chairman. Once the Sir Knight achieves his service for temporary membership, they will be acknowledged at the Grand Commandery Award Banquet at the Grand Conclave. Your Drill Team Committee remains firmly convinced that the Virginia Commanderies and Districts that support drill related activities are helping to build as well as retain our Knight Templar Membership. Therefore, we highly encourage everyone’s participation. The 69th Triennial Conclave will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah with the Drill Competition commencing on Saturday, August 17, 2024. Currently we are working toward producing a D Drill Team which will take time and effort to identify the Sir Knights that will be taking part in that competition. I will be working with Right Eminent Past Department Commander Bill Reinhold to help identify members for the roles required. There is also a possibility of holding another school session to help this selection process leading into January of next year when we will start holding our practices for the Triennial D Drill Team. I will be looking to our current active Drill Corps members first as they are our more experienced Sir Knights, but we will need the help of the Sir Knights to fill the team as a D Team requires 9; 1 Captain, 6 Marching Knights, and 2 Supernumeraries. There will be more information on this as I
