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

Province of Kent
The Provincial Priory of Northumberland Church Service

The Provincial Priory of Northumberland Church Service, on the 20th of September 2025, the Provincial Prior R.E.Kt. Kevin Stannard presided over the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of the parting of the ways from the Province of Durham.

The event took place in the magnificent 7th Century Hexham Abbey, Northumberland, and was attended by the Most Eminent and Supreme Grand Master R.E.Kt. Paul Raymond Clement G.C.T. and his Great Marshal R.E.Kt. Timothy Wheeler G.C.T.

Hexham Abbey

The Font

The Nave

The Provincial Prior’s Bodyguard preformed an impressive arch of steel for the Grand Master to parade into the Abbey accompanied by the visiting Right Eminent Knights. The Provincial Prior and his Provincial Officers were then paraded into the Nave greeted by the Hexham Abbey choir.

The Grand Master read the first lesson and was followed by the Provincial Prior with the second lesson. After the Church service the Knights and ladies were coached back to the refectory at Hexham Mart. There an excellent celebration meal was held with the Provincial Prior presenting a donation of £120,000 to the Grand Master for the St. John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group to mark the 50th Anniversary.

R.E.Kt. Stannard & E.Kt. Wright

R.E.Kt. Jordan K.C.T.

The Kent Delegation

The donation to St. John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital

The Kent Knights present were R.E.Kt. David Jordan, V.E.Kt. Dennis Dean, E.Kt. Norman Playford, E.Kt. David Cantlon and Great Captain of the Guards E.Kt. Mark Wright. There was also a delegation from Scotland namely the Past Grand Master R.E.Kt. David A.C. Niven. G.C.T. & Grand Treasurer R.E.Kt. Simon P. Fairly K.C.T.

Scottish Deputy Grand Master

Northumberland Provincial Priory Banner

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