This is a brief historical overview of Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 from the Commandery’s
Proceedings Book; October 13, 1892 – September 21, 2022, Tazewell, Virginia

In 1891, Dr. James O’Keeffe and ten other Sir Knights asked for and received a dispensation for the establishment of a Commandery. It was granted by the then Grand Commander James Avis. This was followed by the issue of a charter which was signed by Grand Commander Right Eminent Fred Greenwood; It was his first official act as Grand Commander. Clinch Valley Commandery was made official on October 13, 1892. Sir Knight W. P. Francis, Eminent Commander of Lynn Commandery No. 9 from Marion, Virginia, served as proxy for the Grand Commander to constitute, elect, and install the officers.

Sir Knight James O’Keeffe was installed as Commander and Sir Knight Hugh W. O’Keeffe was installed as Recorder.

Sir Knights Ralph Leard and John W. Spotts are the first two Sir Knights suspended for nonpayment of dues in 1893.

The first dispensation was requested and granted on October 21, 1895, allowing the Sir Knights to parade in public and act as escort for Tazewell Lodge No.62 at the unveiling of a monument to a Brother Mason.

Sir Knight James O’Keeffe, Past Commander, was the first Companion from Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 appointed to the Grand Line as Grand Warder in 1899; he was also appointed Grand Inspector. Sir Knight Dr. James O’Keeffe suddenly died in the performance of duty while in Pulaski, Virginia, in 1903; he was serving as Grand Senior Warden.

In 1901, Sir Knight President William McKinley was assassinated, enclosed is a copy of the letter received marking that occasion.

Right Eminent Grand Commander B. F. Buchanan from Lynn Commandery No. 9 was the first Honorary Member of Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20.

On July 22, 1903, Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 received notice that the beloved Sir Knight James O’Keeffe, Eminent Grand Senior Warden, laid his tools aside in Pulaski, Virginia, on July 24. With the assistance of Right Eminent James R. Banks, Grand Recorder, the following memorial was issued:

GRAND COMMANDERY KNIGHTS TEMPLAR OF VIRGINIA
IN MEMORIAL
DR. JAMES O’KEEFFE
EMINENT GRAND SENIOR WARDEN OF THE GRAND COMMANDERY OF VIRGINIA,
DIED AT PULASKI, VA, JULY 24, 1903.
OFFICE OF GRAND COMMANDER
RINER, VA, AUGUST 31, A.D.1903, A.O. 785.

TO THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR OF VIRGINIA AND SISTER GRAND JURISDICTIONS:

WITH SINCERE SORROW I ANNOUNCE TO YOU THAT THE GRIM MESSENGER HAS AGAIN TAKEN FROM OUR OFFICIAL RANKS ONE OF OUR MOST EARNEST, FAITHFUL AND ZEALOUS SIR KNIGHTS.

E. SIR JAMES O’KEEFFE

GRAND SENIOR WARDEN OF THE GRAND COMMANDERY OF VIRGINIA. SUDDENLY AT PULASKI, VIRGINIA. ON JULY 24, 1903, WHILE ENGAGED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF MASONIC DUTIES, OUR BELOVED FRATER OBEYED THE SUMMONS CEASED HIS LABORS ON EARTH. HIS BODY WAS CONVEYED BY LOVING FRATERS TO HIS HOME AT TAZEWELL, VA WHERE ON SUNDAY MORNING JULY 26TH, ALL THAT WAS MORTAL OF OUR FORMER FRIEND WAS LAID TO REST IN THE SILENT GRAVE. HE WAS CREATED A KNIGHT OF THE ILLUSTRIOUS ORDER OF RED CROSS AND DUBBED A KNIGHT OF THE VALIANT AND MAGNANIMOUS ORDER OF KNIGHTS TEMPLAR AND KNIGHT OF MALTA. AT THE FORMATION OF CLINCH VALLEY COMMANDERY, NO. 20, AT TAZEWELL, FEBRUARY 29, 1892, HE WAS APPOINTED ITS FIRST EMINENT COMMANDER, WHICH POSITION HE HELD BY CONTINUOUS RE-ELECTION UNTIL THE DAY OF HIS DEATH. HE ENTERED THE COMMANDERY OF VIRGINIA AT ITS SEVENTY-SIXTH ANNUAL CONCLAVE IN 1898. HE WAS APPOINTED ITS GRAND SWORD BEARER IN 1899, GRAND STANDARD BEARER IN 1900, GRAND JUNIOR WARDEN IN 1901, GRAND SENIOR WARDEN IN 1902, WHICH POSITION HE HELD AT THE TIME OF HIS DEATH.

SIR KNIGHT O’KEEFFE WAS BORN IN BOSTON, MASS AUGUST 26, 1843, AS A CHILD HIS PARENTS MOVED TO ALEXANDRIA, VA, WHERE HE GREW TO YOUNG MANHOOD AND THOUGH NOT “TO THE MANOR BORN,” YET AS TRUE A VIRGINIAN IN SPIRIT “AS EVER CHALLENGED A FOE ON TENTED FIELD.” AT THE CLOSE OF THE WAR, HE MOVED TO PEARISBURG AND PRACTICE HIS HONORABLE PROFESSION AS PHYSICIAN. FOR THE PAST TWENTY YEARS HIS HOME WAS IN TAZEWELL, VA, WHERE A HOST OF FRIENDS UNITE WITH HIS FAMILY AND FRATER IN LAMENTING HIS UNTIMELY DEATH.

AS A TOKEN OF RESPECT TO THE MEMORY OF OUR DECREASED FRATER IT IS HEREBY ORDERED:

THAT THIS MEMORIAL BE READ AT THE HEAD OF THE LINES OF EACH COMMANDERY IN THIS JURISDICTION AT THE FIRST STATED CONCLAVE AFTER ITS RECEIPT AND ENTERED UPON ITS RECORDS; AND IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR DEPARTED SIR KNIGHT, DRAPE YOUR BANNERS IN MOURNING FOR THE SPACE OF THIRTY DAYS.

JAMES T. LESUEUR
GRAND COMMANDER

1914 – Result of a reorganize of Grand Commandery of Virginia, all Commanderies in the Southwest Virginia Region were placed into District No.3: Lynn Commandery No. 9, Bayard Commandery No. 15, Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20, Cyrene Commandery No.21, and Graham Commandery No. 22. The first Inspector was Sir Knight James E. King of Dominion Commandery No. 11.

The Grand Commander appointed the Inspectors, who were paid $5.00 with expenses over that
amount were paid by the Commanderies based on membership. Inspectors arranged all inspections and reported directed t0 the Grand Commander.

1917 – Grand Bodies contributed to the War Relief Fund; Grand Commandery donated $155.00.

1917 – Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 celebrated its 25TH Year.

1918 – The Grand Commandery of Virginia divided the State into six Districts and Clinch Valley
Commandery No. 20 was assigned to 7.

1924 – The Grand Commandery of Virginia passed a resolution that the Treasurer and Recorder cannot be held by the same person.

1929 – The Wooding Trophy was established to stimulate and encourage Commanderies to a greater zeal and to improve proficiency. This is a rotating trophy awarded annually at the Grand Conclave to the Commandery scoring the highest number of points during the year just concluded.

1930 – The Chivalric District No. 7 was formed hosting Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20, Graham Commandery No. 22, and Blacksburg Commandery No. 32.

1932 – Sir Knight B.F. Buchanan, Right Eminent Past Grand Commander (1899-1900) and first Honorary Member of Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20, died February 21, 1932.

1935 – The first time Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 did not have a quorum to open and elect officers; received a dispensation to hold a Special Conclave to elect officers.

1936 – Sir Knight George C. Scarborough, Right Eminent Grand Commander, visited Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 on May 6, 1936, to confer the Order of the Templar on three candidates; has escorted with Sir Knight C.W. Reese, Eminent District Deputy Grand Commander.

1937 – First year that the District Deputy Grand Commanders were appointed from their Chivalric Districts; Sir Kight M.S. Kipps from Blacksburg Commandery No. 32 was appointed from Chivalric District No. 7.

1938 – The Grand Conclave of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Virginia was held in District No. 7 at Cyrene Commandery No.21, May 13th and 14th, 1938.

1939 – Although Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 had 81 members on the rolls, it did not have a quorum at the Right Eminent Grand Commander’s Official Visit.

1940 – the Right Eminent Grand Commander made a second to Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 on April 15, 1940. There were 17 members of the Commandery present, the Grand Commander installed the new officers and noted they represented a net life for the Commandery.

Inspector reports show Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 is in deplorable condition and recommends that the new Grand Commander take whatever action he thinks necessary to amend the situation.

1941 – The Service Medal was established in February for anyone with 40 years of continuous long and loyal service.

1942 – Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 celebrated its 50TH Year.

Because of a lack of metal in World War II, no Service Medals were awarded.

1943 – The Proceeding was not written due to the war. Service Medals continued to be awarded.

1945 – Sir Knight Hubert Peery was the 2nd member from Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 to be appointed Inspector for District 7 since 190; the first was Sir Knight Dr. James O’Keefe.

After nearly folding, Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 created 20 new Sir Knights out of the 25 petitions received. The creations were possible with the help of Sir Knight John Repass, Grand Warden, and the knights from Lynn Commandery No. 9 and Graham Commandery No. 22. No Service Medals will be awarded until after World War II.

1946 – Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 was placed on One Year Probation. If no improvement by the next Grand Conclave, the Commandery’s Charter will be collected.

1947 – Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 probation ended by the recommendation of the District No. 7 Commander Sir Knight Wade H. Frazer of Graham Commandery No. 22.

Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 was approved to elect and install officers at the Stated Conclave.

The Commander’s Trophy was given to the Wooding Trophy in 1946.

The Special Committee endorses a Service Medal for 40 years of service; a black and white ribbon and bronze or silver metal added every five years of service.

The James A. Pamplin Membership Trophy was established and would be given to the Commandery with the largest percentage increase in membership each year.

1948 – The first time Certificates were created and presented to District Commanders. Sir Knight Wade H. Frazier of Graham Commandery No. 22 was the first to receive a Certificate in District No. 7.

The first Pamplin Trophy and first Smith Trophy were given to Arlington Commandery No. 29

1949 – Shoulder Straps are created for the District Commanders to be worn the year they serve and then returned to the Grand Recorder.

1950 – A School of Instruction was established in Fort Defiance, Virginia.

Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 won the Pamplin Trophy with a score of 10.96% WON THE PAMPLIN TROPHY WITH A SCORE OF 10.96%; that was the first award ever won by Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20.

1951 – The Southwest Virginia School of Instruction was established in Blacksburg.

A Grand Commandery Constitution and Statue: All Officers are required to have a Knight Templar Uniform. If the By-Laws require the Commandery to buy and furnish uniforms, they must do so as soon as possible.

1952 – Grand Commandery General Order No. 2: no conclave may confer the Orders on Sunday.

Grand Commandery General Order No. 6: All Commanderies must form a Patriotic Committee for the purpose of organizing patriotic activities. Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 did its first Activity for “Good Citizen Week”.

1954 – Twenty-Five and Fifty Year Veteran Awards were established. Twenty-Five Year Awards are to be sold to Commanderies; Fifty Year Awards are given to Commanderies to help with membership growth and attendance.

The new Grand Commander Jewel was made by Sir Knight Fred A. Morgenroth of New York presented to Sir Knight Charles T. Morton, Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Virginia.

The first time the Grand Commander mailed out communications to individual Sir Knights and all Constituent Commanderies.

The Achievement Award to the Commander that shows growth.

Chivalric District No. 9 was formed.

1955 – The Grand Commander visited Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 on October 24, 1954.

1956 – A By-Laws change to establish Eye Foundation Assessments of $100 for each Sir Knight. Constituent Commanderies can change their By-Laws to increase dues to cover the assessment increase.

The Grand Commandery Committee on Archives and History was made a Standing Committee.

Each Commandery must file a copy of their By-Laws with the Grand Recorder and they are to be required to keep the By-Laws updated.

Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 won the Gold Award with an increase of 7% in membership.

1957 – New Regulations adopted to governed how the District Commanders do their job and how they are appointed.

Adopted Grand Commandery Ceremony for the Installation of District Commanders.

1958 – Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 received Sir Knight Zachariah B. Johnson, Right Eminent Grand Commander, on November 25, 1957. The Grand Commander was accompanied by Sir Knights Robert H. Harrington, Eminent Grand Generalissimo, John W. Nicar, Eminent Grand Captain General, and H. B. Crawford, District Commander.

New By-Laws were adopted on January 29, 1958.

Knights Templar Eye Foundation reports are printed in Proceedings starting in 1958.

The Annual Fee for the Orders were set at $75.00.

Annual Dues were set at $4.00.

1959 – Sir Knight John W. Nicar, Right Eminent Grand Commander, was made a Master Mason in Richlands Masonic Lodge No. 318, thus starting his Masonic journey.

The Knights Templar Eye Foundation Committee made a Standing Committee.

1961 – Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 received Sir Knight Robert H. Harrington, Right Eminent Grand Commander, on September 19, 1960. He was accompanied by Sir Knight Don C. Shore, District Commander, who made his inspection and remarked “it was a very interesting and instructive conclave.

District Instructors of Work to be appointed and certified by the Instructor General.

October is established as Knight Templar Eye Foundation month. Encourage Sir Knights to public and groups.

Resolution No. 1: All Commanders, Generalissimos, and Captain Generals do not have to wear Baldrics.

Resolution No. 2: Change from Embo Day Collar Insignias to metal (Silver or Gold), must have a lapel collar to wear them.

Resolution No. 3: Constituent Commanderies have to provide insignias.

1962 – Sir Knight Harold L. McGothin from Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 was named to the Publicity Committee.

Resolution 3: All Commanderies are to furnish the Cross of Malta to anyone who does not wear the Baldric.

1963 – Any Commander should be able to open and close in full form. Ben certified by the District Instructor of Work.

Resolution No. 6: Capitation Tax was raised to $1.15 starting in February 1964.

Every Commandery is required to open the Bible during conclaves.

1964 – The Grand Commander endorsed the Summer Uniform.

Resolution No. 1: The Bible was officially adopted and must be on the Altar.

Knights Templar Eye Foundation reports Life Sponsors.

1965 – Ceremony was adopted for presenting the Fifty Year Veteran Awards.

All Generalissimos and Captain Generals must, or have their Proxies, attend all Grand Conclaves.

1966 – Knights Templar Cross of Honor established. Nominating guidelines set; Commander nominates Sir Knight, sends it to the Grand Commandery of Virginia who picks one and forwards it to the Grand Master of the Grand Encampment.

1967 – Clinch Valley Commander, Sir Knight Earl Wallace, appointed to the Knights Templar Magazine Committee.

The wooden crosses used by Prelates were made by Sir Knight Robert H. Harrington, Right Eminent Past Grand Commander, from cherry tree from Crayton Country, Virginia. Sir Knight Harrington made 54 crosses: the first he gave to Lynn Commandery No. 9l the second he to the Grand Commandery; and rest he gave to Constituent Commanderies as they acquired a Bible and Altar.

The first drill team was organized in Old Dominion Commandery No. 11; quoted “that every Commandery was to have a drill team as stated in the Grand Encampment Constitution and Statutes.

Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 celebrated its Seven-fifth Year.

1968 – Sir Knight Earl Wallace, appointed to the Knights Templar Magazine Committee for a 2nd year.

Resolution No. 2 raised the Capitation Taxes from $1:15 TO $2.00, it was adopted.

Resolution No. 3 a Mason can be a member of any Commander regardless of where he lives. Sir Knights cannot be an officer in more than one Commandery. A Sir Knight can be a dual member if he shows he is in good standing at the other or others he is a member.

Resolution No. 4 Veteran Awards were adopted.

Resolution No. 6 changed the Constitution and Statues for dual membership.

Grand Commandery adopted:

Drill teams are mandatory at all Constituent Commanderies.

Raise Capitation Taxes to Grand Encampment from $0.10 to $0.34 for ear July 1, 1968; raise to $1.00 by July 1, 1969.

Commanderies are to complete a current list of the names and addresses for its members and update early through the Grand Recorder’s office.

1969 – Sir Knight Earl Wallace, appointed to the Knights Templar Magazine Committee for a 3rd year.
Knight Templar Memorial Service was adopted; the ceremony is to be performed before elections.

Resolution No.1 Cryptic Degrees were dropped as required to become a Knights Templar. RESOLUTION #11— CRYPTIC DEGREES DROPPED AS A REQUIREMENT TO BECOME A KNIGHTS TEMPLAR.

1971 – Regulations governing the appointment and duties of District Commanders were adopted May 22, 1971, and also adopted regulations governing the appointment and duties of District Instructors.

Stopped the appointment of Grand Warder.

1972 – The physical Knight Templar year was set as April 1st to March 31st.

Resolution No. 3 Read and voted on Petitions Without Dispensations, Adopted.

Resolution No. 4 Everyone will be charged $20.00 who receive Orders. — EVERYONE WILL BE CHARGE $20.00 WHO RECEIVE ORDERS.

Resolution No. 5 By-Laws and Amendment changed: 1st reading for petition and laid over for 30 days for 2nd reading and voting.

1981 – General Order No. 1: all Generalissimo, Grand Captain Generals, Commanders to be certified before installed.

1984 – No Knight Templar Festivals will be held this year; each Commandery is to learn and confer at least one Order; therefore, all Districts would be able to confer all Orders.

Ivan Clayton “Pat” Myers Award established.

District Commanders disbanded or dropped; duties picked up by Grand Line.

Knights Preceptor Order established for Commanders and Past Commanders.

General Order No. 1: Summer Uniform approved.

Trophy Cup for Top Line Signer to be stopped.

The Office of “Magisters” is appointed by local Commandery and serves between the Area Schools and the Instructor General.

Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 won the Pamplin for the 2nd time with a score of 100; won 1st place in 1950.

First time ever to win the Red Ribbon Award for creating 10% or more of membership.

Efforts to form a Commandery in the Grundy Virginia area fell through.

The Charles Grice Merit Award was established and awarded the same year.

1985 – Life Membership in Perpetuity was established.

The Commander and Generalissimo is required to open and close conclave in full form and be able to confer all of the Orders from the East.

Exemplary Knight Program starts:
A. Must have 30 years or more of service.
B. 5 years of which must be with the Commandery making the award.
C. Exemplary Knight dues will be paid by the Commandery.
D. Exemplary Knight can hold office and vote.
E. The ballot must be unanimous to make an Exemplary Knight.
F. There can be no more than 5 Exemplary Knights on the roster at any time.

Lynn Commandery No. 9 was moved from District 8 to District No.7.

Cordon for top signers established.

Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 finished 4TH for the Pamplin Trophy.

1986 – Raised the cost of the Orders from $20.00 to $25.00 per Order and Capitation was raised to $4.00.

New District Deputy Grand Commander forms introduced and put into use.

New Wooding Trophy forms introduced and used by District Deputies this year.

1987 – Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 won the Harris Trophy with a score of 46 points.

Sir Knight Samuel B. Wells from Graham Commandery No.22 was elected and installed as Grand Warder.

Grand Master’s Club was established; membership requires a $1000.00 donation to the Eye Foundation.

1988 – District Deputy Grand Commanders given voice in By-Law changes.

1990 – New Ritual Manal released for use.

New Constitution and Statues Manual released.

Knights of Siloam Medal established; requires a $500.00 donation to the Eye Foundation.

1991 – First Workshop on Leadership and Education that was held at Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20.

1992 – All petitions can be balloted at the same tie; separate only if dissent.

Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 celebrates 100 years.

1993 – By-Laws approved to comply with the new forms used.

Perpetual Life Membership was established and set at 15 times the yearly dues.

1994 – Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 finished 2ND for Harris Trophy with a score of 54 points.

Sir Knight John E. McClanahan from Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 was appointed as District Instructor of Work.

1995 – Sir Knight John E. McClanahan was retained as District Instructor of Work for a second year.

Sir Knight Samuel Brady Wells, Right Eminent Grand Commander, was made a Honorary Member of Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20.

1996 – Exemplary Knight were defined:

A. Must have 30 years or more of service.
B. 5 years of which must be with the Commandery making the award.
C. Exemplary Knight dues will be paid by the Commandery.
D. Exemplary Knight can hold office and vote.
E. The ballot must be unanimous to make an Exemplary Knight.
F. There can be no more than 5 Exemplary Knights on the roster at any time.

Resolution No.1 raised capitation tax from $4.50 to $5.50.

Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 changed By-Laws to raise dues to $20.00 per year.

Special Conclave called: assess $1.00 for the Knight Templar Museum – maintenance and Renovations.

Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 won Pamplin Award for the 3RD time with a score of 52 points.

Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 won the Gold Award for the 2ND time with the highest score for creations, reinstatements, and affiliations.

Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 won the Red Award for the 2ND time for increasing membership by 100% or more.

Sir Knight John McClanahan of Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 received the Gold Cordon for top signer on 13 petitions.

Sir Knight Danny Bowman, Eminent Commander, received the Knight Preceptor Order at Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20.

1997 – Schedule a Leadership Conference for Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20.

Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 won Silver Award for creations, reinstatements, and affiliations.

Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 won the Red Award for 10% or more growth for 3RD time.

Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 won the Pat Myers Award, Magna Cum Laude.

Grand Commandery established a web site on the Internet.

1999 – Baldwin-Brown Fellowship Program established.
Grand Master’s 5/50 Program started in Virginia.

Sir Knight Grant M. Smith of Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 took part in Knight Preceptor Order.

2000 – Sir Knight Danny L. Bowman, Commander of Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20, received the Grice Award.

Sir Knight Danny L. Bowman, Commander of Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 and District Deputy

Grand Commander for District No. 7, received the Red/White Cordon for 21 Top Signer of Petitions.

2001 – Resolution No. 5 requires the Virginia Shoulder Patch to be worn 1” below the seam on the left sleeve.

2002 – Sir Knights Danny L. Bowman and Coy O. Price attended the Leadership Conference.

Proposition No. 2 adopted the Summer Uniform for the 3RD time in history.

2003 – Archives and History Committee started searching for graves of Past Grand Commanders.

2004 – Grand Commandery moves the Grand Conclave to the first Friday I May to prevent conflict with Mother’s Day and UVA Graduation.

Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 won the Harris Trophy with a score of 10% for the 2ND time.

Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 won the Pamplin Trophy with a score of 4.52%, for the 4TH time.

Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 won the Gold Award with a score of 11.29%, for the 3RD time.

Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 won the Red Award with a score of 11.29% for the 4TH time.

Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 won the Clayton “Pat” Myers Award Cum Laude for the first
time.

2005 – Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 and Graham Commandery No. 22 met together on December 23 to observe Christmas; a first for Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20.

General Order No. 5 moved Lynn Commandery No. 9 from District 7 to District 8.

Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 won the Pamplin Trophy with a score of 10% for the 5TH time.

Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 won the Gold Award with a score of 10% for the 4TH time.

Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 won the Red Award with a score of 10% for the 5TH time.

2006 – Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 achieved $10.00 per member for the Knights Templar Eye Foundation ($11.08 per capita).

2007 – LMIP changed to 18 times the dues and good standing, if living; one half amount if deceased.

Capitation tax goes from $5.50 per member to $10.00 starting in March 2008, then to $15.00 in March 2009.

Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 achieved over $10.00 per capita for the Knights Templar Eye Foundation ($30.16 per capita).

The new Robert B. McMarlin Award will be given to Commanderies giving donations.

2008 – Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 achieved over $10.00 per capita for the Knights Templar Eye Foundation for the 3RD time.

2009 – Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 increased the fees for the Orders to $50.00, plus any fees charged by the Grand Commandery. GENERAL ORDERS ON MEMBERSHIP:

General Order No. 2: Forgiveness granted to Sir Knights out of 5 years. Good standing in Blue Lodge and Chapter they can pay the current year dues and be reinstated.

General Order No. 3: No suspension granted until the Commander makes personal contact or Grand Commander writes the Knight and try to get him to pay his dues.

General Order No. 4: Same for G.O. No. 3 for Demits.

General Order No. 5: NEW GUIDELINES ON RECEIVING GUESTS AT GRAND COMMANDERS VISIT.

General Order No. 6 Created a new Leadership Course.

General Order No. 7: Require all Commanderies to take part in Masonic Family Day at the Masonic Home of Virginia.

General Order No. 8: Require all Commanderies to observe religious holidays.

General Order No. 9: Ritual Awards stated(like the Gold Cords in Blue Lodges). Scarlet Card.

DECISION No. 1: Grand Commander’s York Rite Award established.

Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 dropped to 2ND level in donation for the Knight Templar Eye Foundation to $ 7.21 per capita.

2011 – General Order No. 6 established the ”Jon Mayberry Award”; Commanderies to be graded during Grand Commander’s Official Visit.

General Order No. 8 Set guidelines on how jewels are to be worn in the uniform.

Decision No. 6 Froze all LMIP purchases until the Grand Encampment recognizes the LMIP.

2012 – Sir Knight Dany L. Bowman from Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 was selected as Deputy Instructor General.

2013 – Costs for Orders were raised from $50.00 to $100.00.

2014 – DIAS Officers must be certified.

Sir Knight Dany L. Bowman from Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 was selected as Instructor General.

2015 – Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 won the Silver Award for the 2ND time with a score of 10.1%.

York Rite Information System (YRIS) in place and recommended for Recorders use.

2016 – Sir Knight Steven K. Cook from Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 was selected as Deputy Instructor General.

Resolution 16:07 Set time frame for Official Visits of District Deputy Grand Commanders.

Resolution 16:08 Set the purchase of LMIPs at twenty-five time the current dues.

HVAC problems caused the moving of Grand Commander Malcom Holley’s Official Visit to Graham Commandery No. 22.

2017 – Sir Knight William R. Owens was named District Instructor of Work.

2018 – The Jon Wayne Mayberry Award was presented to District No. 2 for the best ritual during the Grand Commander’s Official Visit.

The John Wigglesworth trophy was presented to Hampton Commandery No. 17 for the most donations to the Knight Templar Eye Foundation.

Virginia Tactics Manual was updated and approved.

2019 – Increased Capitation Tax to $21.00 for 2020, $27.00 for 2021, and $33.00 for 2022.

2020 – Sir Knight Robert D. Maxwell from Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 was named District Deputy Grand Commander.

Sir Knight Robert D. Maxwell was named Grand Representative for the State of Missouri.

Cordons were presented to Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 S Knights:

DANNY BOWMAN—RED/WHITE—23 TOP LINE SIGNER
STEVEN K. COOK—–GOLD———–14 TOP LINE SIGNER
ROBERT D. MAXWELL—GOLD——10 TOP LINE SIGNER
COY O. PRICE———-GOLD————9 TOP LINE SIGNER
ARTHUR W. MULLINS—SILVER——-6 TOP LINE SIGNER

The Malcom R. Holley DeMolay Trophy was established and presented to DeMolay Bailey Moro of Westampton Chapter.

The Meritorious Service Medal was established and presented to the Commanderies to nominate for one each of their own Knight. Due to COVID-19, General Orders were issued to fight the spread of the virus:

General Order No. 2 Limited Human Contact.

General Order No. 3 Stopped all Commandery activities at Lodges.

General Order No. 4 All in-person conclaves were stopped.

2021 – Sir Knight Robert D. Maxwell from Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 received the Meritorious Service Medal Award.

Because Grand Commandery established guidelines for meeting virtual and then the Grand Conclave met virtually , not in-person.

Grand Commandery established guidelines to receive the District Deputy Grand Commander virtually.

Grand Commandery membership stands at 1516 Knights.

NOTE
This overview of the history of Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 is made up of things that happened throughout its history; Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20 is celebrating its 130th Year.

GRAND LINE

SK DR. JAMES O’KEEFFE 1899
NOTE: SK O’KEEFFE WAS A SITTING GRAND SENIOR WARDEN WHEN HE PASSED AWAY AT THE AGE OF 59.

R.O. CROCKETT 1919
NOTE: SK R.O. CROCKETT, SERVED ONLY ONE YEAR. NO REASON GIVEN WHY HE STOPPED.

DISTRICT INSPECTORS, COMMANDER, DEPUTY GRAND COMMANDER

1900 DR. JAMES O’KEEFFE
1945 HUBERT PEERY
1957-58 H.B. CRAWFORD
1958-59 H.B. CRAWFORD
1965-66 R.G.FLANNERY, JR.
1995-96 JOHN McCLANHAN
DENNIS NOEL
1999-2000 DANNY L. BOWMAN
2001-02 COY O. PRICE
2004-05 ARTHUR W. MULLINS
2006-07 STEVEN K. COOK
2009-10 RICHARD KRETZ
2011-12 RICHIE D. JOYCE
W. BRENT ALLISON
RALIEGH D. SHORTT
DAVID L. LAWSON
2013-14 BRUCE A. RICHARDSON
2014-15 CHRISTOPHER H. WHITE
2015-16 WILLIAM R. OWENS
2016-17 EDWIN E. PRUETT
2019-20 ROBERT D. MAXWELL
2021-22 WALTER E. LESTER

GRAND INSPECTOR GENERAL

2016-2017 STEVEN K. COOK

DEPUTY GRAND INSPECTOR GENERAL

2011-2012 DANNY L. BOWMAN
2015-2016 STEVEN K. COOK

DISTRICT INSTRUCTOR OF WORK

1994-1995 JOHN McCLANHAN
2003-14 DANNY L. BOWMAN
2017-19 WILLIAM R. OWENS

DEPUTY DISTRIC INSTRUCTORS OF WORK

1997-2003 DANNY L. BOWMAN

KNIGHTS TEMPLAR CROSS OF HONOR

2009 SK DANNY L. BOWMAN

KNIGHTS C0MMANDER OF TEMPLE
2014 SK BRUCE A. RICHARDSON

GRICE MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD

2000 SK DANNY L. BOWMAN

MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD PRESENTED

2021

ROLE IN THE KNIGHTS PRECEPTOR DEGREE

1999 GRAT M. SMITH
2003 STEVEN K. COOK
2005 ARTHUR W. MULLINS
2005 DAVID L. LAWSON

PAST COMMANDERS AND RECORDERS

YEAR COMMANDER RECORDERS

1892 DR. JAMES O’KEEFFE HUGH W. O’KEEFFE
1893-1902 DR. JAMES O’KEEFFE WILLIAM G. YOUNG
1903 DR. JAMES O’KEEFFE WILLIAM G. YOUNG
JOHN S. BOTTIMORE
1904 JOHN S. BOTTIMORE WILLIAM G. YOUNG
1905-06 JOHN S. BOTTIMORE C.P. BEAVERS
1907-08 C.A. THOMPSON JOHN S. BOTTIMORE
1909-10 CHARLES R. BROWN JOHN S. BOTTIMORE
1911 D.G. ROBINSON JOHN S. BOTTIMORE
1912 W.T. WITTEN JOHN S. BOTTIMORE
1913 W.G.O’BRIEN JOHN S. BOTTIMORE
1914 G.W. DOAK JOHN S. BOTTIMORE
1915 J.B. BOYER JOHN S. BOTTIMORE
1916 C.R. BROWN, SR. JOHN S. BOTTIMORE
1917 R.O. CROCKETT JOHN S. BOTTIMORE
1918 H.P. BRITTAINE JOHN S, BOTTIMORE
1919 C.M. HUNTER JOHN S. BOTTIMORE
1920 WILLIAM G. O’BRIEN JOHN S. BOTTIMORE
1921 GEORGE W. DOAK JOHN S. BOTTIMORE
1922 J. POWELL ROYAL JOHN S. BOTTIMORE
1923 J. ED PEERY JOHN S. BOTTIMORE
1924-25 H.P. BRITTAINE JOHN S. BOTTIMORE
1926-27 A.G. KISER JOHN S. BOTTIMORE
1928 C.R. BROWN, JR. JOHN S. BOTTIMORE
1929 THEODORE A. POBST JOHN S. BOTTIMORE
1930-35 S.M.B. COULING JOHN S. BOTTIMORE
1936 C.A. McGUIRE JOHN S. BOTTIMORE
1937 H.P. BRITTAIN JOHN S. BOTTIMORE
1938 HARRY J. TARTER HUBERT PEERY
1939 C.M. ADKINS HUBERT PEERY
1940 R.A. CRAIG HUBERT PEERY
1941-42 R.R. SMITH HUBERT PEERY
1943 WWII WWII
1944-45 HUBERY PEERY F.W. LESLIE
1946-47 W.W. THOMPSON F.W. LESLIE
1948 NELSON A. HYMES HUBERT PEERY
1949 F.W. LESLIE HUBERT PEERY
1950 M.H. CHRISTIAN HUBERT PEERY
1951 H.L. McGOTHLIN HUBERT PEERY
1952 RHEA F. MOORE, SR. HUBERT PEERY
1953 T.E. BOWLING, JR. RHEA F. MOORE, SR.
1954 S.B. SYKES RHEA F. MOORE, SR.
1955-56 DR. JAMES M. PEERY R. BOWEN ROYALL
1957 RHEA F. MOORE, JR. H.L. McGOTHLIN
1958 N.M. WALKER, JR. H.L. McGOTHLIN
1959 D.O. WILLIAMS H.L. McGOTHLIN
1960 LESLIE L. SMITH H.L. McGOTHLIN
1961 A.K. BLANKENSHIP H.L. McGOTHLIN
1962 R.G. FLANNERY, JR. H.L. McGOTHLIN
1963 THOMAS I. RIDOUT H.L. McGOTHLIN
1964-66 LONZY OWENS H.L. McGOTHLIN
1967-68 EARL S. WALLACE H.L. McGOTHLIN
1969-71 HAMPTON B. CRAWFORD H. L. McGOTHLIN
1972 WILLARD B. MONK HAROLD L. McGOTHLIN
1973-74 BUEL G. CLINE HAROLD L. McGOTHLIN
1975-77 ROBERT E. VINCENT HAROLD L. McGOTHLIN
1978 N.A. HYMES HAROLD L. McGOTHLIN
1979 JOHN C. WHITT HAROLD L. McGOTHLIN
1980 W. BRENT ALLISON HAROLD L. McGOTHLIN
1981 LONZY OWENS HAROLD L. McGOTHLIN
1982 RALEIGH D. SHORTT HAROLD L. McGOTHLIN
1983 THOMAS T. BARNETT HAROLD L. McGOTHLIN
1984 HUBERT D. WHITE HAROLD L. McGOTHLIN
1985 RALEIGH D. SHORTT HAROLD L. McGOTHLIN
1986 JOHN C. McCLANHAN HAROLD L. McGOTHLIN
1987 LARRY OWENS, JR. HAROLD L. McGOTHLIN
1988 DAVID L. LAWSON HAROLD L. McGOTHLIN
1989-90 DENNIS R. NOEL HAROLD L. McGOTHLIN
1991 DENNIS R. NOEL ROBERT E. VINCENT
1992-93 DENNIS R. NOEL PAUL V. BREWSTER
1994 JOHN E. McCLANHAN PAUL V. BREWSTER
1995-96 DANNY L. BOWMAN PAUL V. BREWSTER
1997 COY O. PRICE PAUL V. BREWSTER
1998 GRAT M. SMITH PAUL V. BREWSTER
1999 RODNEY A. PRICE PAUL V. BREWSTER
2000 ARTHUR W. MULLINS PAUL V. BREWSTER
2001 JAMISON L. BOWMAN PAUL V. BREWSTER
2002 TIMOTHY C. LOWE PAUL V. BREWSTER
2003-04 STEVEN K. COOK PAUL V. BREWSTER
2005-06 CARRELL E. WHITT PAUL V. BREWSTER
2007 FRANK L. DORTON PAUL V. BREWSTER
2008 RICHARD KRETZ PAUL V. BREWSTER
2009 RICKIE D. JOYCE PAUL V. BREWSTER
2010 BRUCE A. RICHARDSON PAUL V. BREWSTER
2011 WILLIAM C. COLE PAUL V. BREWSTER
2012 CHRISTOPHER H. WHITE PAUL V. BREWSTER
2013 WILLIAM R. OWENS JEFFREY BOARDWINE
2014-15 EDWIN E. PRUETT CHRISTOPHER H. WHITE
2016 ROBERT D. MAXWELL BRUCE A. RICHARDSON
2017 ROGER R. VANDYKE ROBERT D. MAXWELL
2018 MICHAEL C. VANDYKE ROBERT D. MAXWELL
2019 WALTER E. LESTER ROBERT D. MAXWELL
2020-21 ROBERT C. RAMEY ROBERT D. MAXWELL
2022 CHRISTOPHER D. McCARTNEY ROBERT D. MAXWELL

NOTE: IN THE 130 YEAR HISTORY OF Clinch Valley Commandery No. 20, WE HAVE HAD 81 DIFFERENT COMMANDERS AND 15 DIFFERENT RECORDERS.