The Victor newsletter
The Supreme Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem http://www.grandprioryofthescots.org/
Balgonie Castle, Scotland
July 2017 Vol 5 Issue 2
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H.E. Dame Patricia Tennyson Bell, GCTJ, GMTJ Grand Bailiff - Grand Bailiwick
Summer is upon us again, time just seems to fly by Treasurer Robin Price and his wife Kimi, and Cheryl very quickly. Not too long ago, it was Christmas and the Cook, the new Prior of the Priory of Robert the Bruce, New Year, and here we are putting our winter clothes and my many friends in the Southern California area. I away and bringing out summer outfits. Please be safe also attended their investiture and convent on May 6 in wherever you travel over the next few months on vaca- Anaheim. Our new member Kevin Conquest is very tion or other activities. proud to be part of our Order and it was a pleasure get- ting to know him. Two new members At the end of August, I will be in were assigned into the Garde Ecosse. Scotland at Balgonie Castle visiting with I want to thank everyone responsible the Grand Prior. Every four years since for putting on the event as it was done 1997 a large contingent from the United very professionally. States has been present and anywhere from four to ten new members have The week before going to Los Ange- been invested. This year is an excep- les, I travelled to Minneapolis for the tion as we will not have an investiture, convent of the Priory of St. Columba. instead we will have a small service at Here again, a lot of work was dedicat- 4:30 p.m. in the chapel followed by a ed to making this event very memora- buffet. This will take place on August ble and we had seven guests at the 29th. There will definitely be three dinner. Again, many thanks to all who members from the United States with participated. Next year, the Priory will the possibility of four more as they have hold an investiture in Springfield, Mis- expressed great interest. Hopefully in souri, around the first weekend of 2021, we will get back to having a much March. Details will be sent later this better turn out. I appreciate that we at year. least can continue with the interest of On June 16 and 17, I will be travel- visiting Balgonie Castle and the Grand Prior on a contin- ling to Sacramento for the Commandery meeting of St. uing basis. Cuthbert’s. The Commander, Mark Peterson, and his My New Year’s resolution was not to travel too much team, schedule their convent each year somewhere in in 2017, but, so far, I haven’t spent a lot of time at home Northern California and Southern Oregon. A silent auc- and have been driving and flying to and from Medford tion is held during the dinner and quite a lot of money is and Southern California on Templar business. Believe collected for various charities in those two areas. me, I am not complaining as I spent time with our new Continued page 2 Vol 5 Issue 2 The Supreme Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem Page 2
Continued from page 1 - and phone number for the roster. In October, I will be attending the Seaside Scottish I have been a member of this Order since 1991 and Games in Ventura, California. Barbara and James know practically all current members, those who are in- Sharp will be travelling from Arkansas to these games active and those who have left us. A big regret is that I and I look forward to seeing them again. Barbara was at cannot keep in touch on a regular basis with everyone Springfield a year ago March, but it has been quite a few even though I do try to call various members at least years since I last saw James. once or twice a year. When I lived in Southern Califor- nia, it was somewhat different as I attended many Scot- Charity is our primary function and your Priors, Com- tish events where a lot of Templars would also be pre- manders and Preceptors will appreciate your help and sent. Since moving to Medford, I am lucky in having presence in whatever they arrange for the year. If you members of the Order living not too far away, but I do are in doubt as to what is on the calendar, please contact miss more interaction on a regular basis. your commanding officer for further details. The next Privy Council will take place on July 22nd. Chevalier G. Allen Cummings is very grateful to re- ceive updates for our website. Chevalier Robert Ryder God Bless, looks forward to receiving pictures and data for each edi- Patricia tion of the newsletter. Chevalier Dan Philbrick needs to receive changes regarding addresses, e-mail addresses
Website News for The Victor Chev. G. Allen Cummings, KCTJ – Webmaster
Mon Confrere, Our website is a good example of those that are Sincerely, strictly an information one. The purpose of information- Chev. G. Allen Cummings, KCTJ al websites typically is twofold. 1) Provide information to current and potential members, and, 2) promote the organization. With regards to the same, the Upcoming Events and
Priory News pages promote our organization about what we do and who we are. The last couple of years it was nice to see the Priory of Robert the Bruce listing it’s involvement with the Ronald McDonald House and the Food Bank on the Upcoming Events page. This shows others viewing our website that we are involved with charity and the community. Please let me know if you have additional information that can be posted or should there be a desire for additional features. [email protected] There are changes the archived newsletter page on the website. It only displays the last three years. I did, http://www.grandprioryofthescots.org/ however, make a link on that page that facilitates news- letters greater than 3 years old.
The Grand Priory of the Scots Vol 5 Issue 2 The Supreme Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem Page 3 The Grand Bailiwick of the Scots - Privy Council
H.E. Dame Patricia Tennyson Bell, GCTJ, GMTJ H.E. Chev. Mark C. O’Dell, GCTJ, BMTJ Grand Bailiff - Grand Bailiwick Deputy Grand Bailiff - Grand Bailiwick 2984 Siskiyou Blvd. Hardecke House, 3235 N. Pickwick Medford, OR 97504 Springfield, MO 65803 Home: 541-690-1871 / 626-664-3830 Cell: 417-425-6873 [email protected] [email protected]
Chev. Harrison Dan Philbrick, KTJ Executive Officer - Grand Bailiwick 109 Farm Road 1110 Cassville MO 65625 Home: 417-847-2353 [email protected]
Dame Nellie G. Lowry, DTJ Chev. Robin John Price, KTJ Supply Officer - Grand Bailiwick Treasurer -Grand Bailiwick 9654 Kessler Avenue P.O. Box 291120 Phelan, CA 92329 Chatsworth, CA 91311 Home: 760-868-6369 Home: 818-886-4968 [email protected] [email protected]
Dame Anita Scott Philbrick, DTJ AMERICAN LEGITEE Secretary - Grand Bailiwick H.E Chev. J. Connall BELL, GCTJ. GMTJ 109 Farm Rod 1a110 2984 Siskiyou Blvd. Cassville, MO 65625 Medford, OR 97504 Home: 417-847-2352 (626) 664--3912 [email protected] [email protected] The Grand Bailiwick of the Scots - Priories
Dame Cheryl Armstrong Cook, DCTJ Chev. Robert C. Buie, GOTJ Prior - Priory of Robert the Bruce Prior - Priory of St. Columba 6691 Park Avenue 15331 Jeffers Pass NW Garden Grove, CA 92854 Home: 714– 608-3554 Prior Lake, MN 55372 [email protected] Home: 952-440-5510 [email protected] ————————————————————————————————————————————— Chev. Allen Cummings, KCTJ Chev. Robert E. Ryder, KCTJ, BMTJ - Editor Webmaster Secretary for the Priory of St. Columba 7409 Jessica Way 2852 S. Planter Rd 255 Rowlett, TX 75089 Brookline Station, MO 65619 Home 972– 412-3660 Cell: 417- 496-8610 [email protected] [email protected] Vol 5 Issue 2 The Supreme Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem Page 4
Priory of Robert the Bruce by Prior Dame Cheryl Cook, DCTJ
Greetings from the Prior, Priory of Robert the Bruce... I would like to thank all of those who were in attend- Warmest greeting to everyone. I am writing to let you ance and those who were part of the ceremony, it was know about the most recent event in the priory. On thanks to all of you that the event went so well. May, the 6th at 11:00 am we had my first Conclave with This event was also attended by guests and one of Investiture as Prior, at the First Presbyterian Church in them who had never been to an event before was kind Anaheim California. enough to let me know that she found it to be a very We started the event on time and it was a busy day warm and welcoming event as well as a look at our his- as we had many events that took place within the time tory as Templars and rich heritage that we all share as we were there. We brought in a new member Chev. Scots persons. She was grateful for the opportunity to Kevin Michael Macheffner Conquest, KTJ. share in it and that makes me very proud of all of you and the way you so warm and willing to share who we This was my first knighting and was a pleasure to wel- are. come in such a nice young man that I feel is a powerful addition to the Templars. I hope that as each of you are After the event, we all went out to Mimi’s Restaurant have an opportunity to meet Kevin, that you take a few for a great lunch and fellowship. We had time together minutes to speak with him and make him feel welcome. and to honor our new member and those who were pro- He will be assigned to the Commandry of Athlit in San moted and awarded. Diego. Respectfully submitted, Then it was time for a promotion from our Grand Bail- Dame Cheryl Cook, DCTJ iff, Patricia Tennyson Bell, GCTJ,GMTJ. Dame Sandra Prior, Priory of Robert the Bruce Sokol Moffett was promoted to Dame Commander. A well-deserved promotion. She is the Protocol Officer for the Priory and does an excellent job that is very busy at the time we have a formal event. Aside from that she is a pianist, she has played at our formal events and some of our charity events as well.
The Grand Bailiff also presented a Gold Merit Award to Dame Nellie Lowry, DCTJ, GMTJ and a Silver Merit Award to Chev. Gary Herbold for their years of service to the order. The Grand Bailiff and the Captain of the Garde Ecosse, Chev. C. William Graham, Jr., GOTJ,GMTJ, brought in two new members Chev. Alex M. Kirkland and Chev. Kermit D. Marsh. We were fortunate to have a historic presentation from Chev. C. Robert Ferguson, GOTJ, BMTJ. He spoke about the history of the templars. Please see article in this newsletter.
Each of my Commanders gave a report on the events from the last year. And our Charity Coordinator Chev. Please view photos of the Investiture next page. George Mitchell gave us a report of the events sched- uled for the balance of year ahead.
Please remember if you change email / mailing address / name; please let us know [Scottish Knights Templar]! To insure you receive The Victor newsletters, and other important information from the Grand Bailiwick. Since we are a Military Order, SMOTJ, it states in our handbook, to go through the Chain of Command.
Scottish Knight Templar Page 5 Vol 5 Issue 2 The Supreme Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem
Priory of Robert the Bruce - Investiture in Photography Chev. Brian W. Armstrong, KTJ - Photographer
Entrance Processional Garde Ecosse
A word from the Prior
Entrance to Garde Ecosse by Kermit Marsh and Alex Kirkland Placing of the Templar Cross on Kevin Conquest
Sword Bearer, Commander Mick Rose
Chev. Kevin Conquest, KTJ Lighting of the Knights Altar, Patrick Moffett Knighting of Kevin Conquest
Scotland - The Unbroken Templar Link Vol 5 Issue 2 The Supreme Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem Page 6
L to R, Patricia Bell, Cheryl Cook … t, Marc LaRue, Patrick Moffett
L-R: Patricia Bell, Kevin Conquest, Marshalls, Joyce Nethery and Cheryl Cook and Christine Orcholski
Chev. Brian W. Armstrong, KTJ Photographer
John & Nellie Lowry & Scott Luekens Piper, Commander Richard Strayer Prior Cheryl Armstrong Cook and Protocol Officer Sandra Moffett
The Grand Priory of the Scots Vol 5 Issue 2 The Supreme Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem Page 7
Welcome, to our newest SMOTJ member - Chev. Kevin Conquest, KTJ
Kevin Conquest: Drum Major Kevin Conquest has been involved with the Scottish Arts since 1991 and has since gone on to become a North American champion, a US Champion, Canadian champion, and has made eight major championship finals in Scotland, including the World Champi- onships in Glasgow. He is also an accomplished drummer and piper, having played in Grade 1 with the Los Angeles Scots and the 78th Fraser Highlanders in Canada. Kevin's love of Scotland runs deeper than just the music. He participates actively on over a dozen Highland games committees across the continent, and presents regularly at local Caledonian society meetings on historical topics includ- ing heraldry. He was delighted to learn in fall 2016 that he will receive a grant of arms from the Lord Lyon this year based on his contributions to the Scottish diaspora. Conquest possesses an Information Security MBA from Keller and directs technical risk assessment for Marsh & McLennan Companies. He also serves part time as the Divi- sion Chief of Auxiliary Cyber Strategy for the United States Coast Guard. Kevin resides in Phoenix and enjoys time with his son, Carlyle, age 5. Chev. Kevin Conquest, KTJ, and family
At the Scottish wedding reception the D.J. yelled... "Would all married men please stand next to the one person who has made your life worth living." The bartender was almost crushed to death.
I decided to stop calling the bathroom the “John” and renamed it the “Jim”. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.
Scotland - The Unbroken Templar Link Vol 5 Issue 2 The Supreme Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem Page 8
Flowers of the Forest
January 24, 1933 – May 31, 2017 Arden August Bartz Arden August Bartz, age 84, of Venice, FL passed away Submitted by Dame Barbra Bartz, DTJ on May 31, 2017. He was born January 24, 1933 to Mary Elizabeth [nee Pugh] and Julius August Bartz in Pack- waukee, WI. Aden was a Military Police officer in the U.S. Army. For 27 years, Arden was a master gardener at Echo Glenn Juvenile Correction in Bellevue, WA until he retired in 1997 and relocated to Venice, FL. He was involved in the Mayflower Society, the Sons of the American Revo- lution, The Huguenot Society, and the American Legion. Arden is survived by his wife Barbra [nee Stephan] Bartz, and daughters Melisa [nee Bartz] Peiser and Jayna [nee Bartz] Bovre and families. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 6 at 10:00 am, at the Lakeside Lutheran Church, 2401 South Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34293. Service will follow at 11:00 am, and will then proceed to Venice Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lakeside Lutheran Pre-School at the Lakeside Lutheran Church, 2401 South Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34293. Or, https:// www.lakesidelutheranchurch.net/ To share a memory visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Huguenot_Cemetery,_Dublin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Z6oEdSnWN0
Editors Corner Page - by Chev. Robert Ernest Ryder, KCT, BMTJ
Thank you so much for your excellent articles and great photos. This issue of The Victor was delayed from June [self-imposed due date]; so to include events important to all Knights and Dames in our Order. As most of the time, please send me your events, articles and photo, as it relates to our Scot- tish Knights Templar; The Victor is your newsletter and it shows out to the public by SMOTJ Mem- bership and through our Website. I must confess to all, I enjoy being the Editor! It’ is fun; it is my job, and it is a good feeling! Grin. Sainte Mhath, Chev. Robert Ernest Ryder, KCTJ, BMTJ / Dame Cathie A. Ryder, DTJ [a big thanks to Chev. H. Dan Philbrick,, KTJ, Executive Officer Grand Bailiwick]
Scottish Knight Templar Vol 5 Issue 2 The Supreme Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem Page 9
CHARGES AGAINST TEMPLARS FALSE POPE GRANTS THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR ABSOLUTION by Chev. C. Robert Ferguson, GOTJ, BMTJ
In 1307 the French king, Philip IV (Philip le Bel [the Fair]) rest. But, the fact that many of the Templars did confess has needed money. France was fighting two wars and he had to led some to believe that there was some degree of truth to the finance an extravagant life style. So, he looked around and low charges. and behold, there, right under his nose in Paris, was the bank The fact that the charges were invalid is demonstrated by of the Knights Templar. But the Knights Templar was a power- several facts. Many Templars did not confess even after severe ful organization and he could not just walk in and take the gold torture on the rack, or being skinned. Further, the charges are and jewels that were kept in the Templar’s bank without a rea- easily countered by an examination of the Templar's practices, son. and the laws they lived by — known as the Rule of the Temple. But until the discovery of what is known as the “Chinon Parch- So, on September 14, 1307, Philip IV created (fabricated) ment” there was no other evidence. grounds to arrest the Templars. Specifically, he charged that the Knights Templar: The view that the charges had even some validity was radically changed by the stunning discovery of the Chinon Parchment in the secret Vatican Secret Archives by Barbara Frale, Ph.D., a a. Put their order and its welfare before every medieval historian and researcher in 2001. It was known to moral and religious principle, and took oath have been written, but was believed to have been lost when to defend and enrich it, whether right or Napoleon looted the Vatican. wrong. b. Kept up a secret correspondence with the The Chinon Parchment was the result of Pope Clement V’s Muslims. investigation in 1308. In response to King Philip’s arrests, the c. Required novices to spit on the cross, to re- pope sent three cardinals to Chinon Castle where the Templars nounce Christ, and to take part in a mock were imprisoned to conduct their own investigation. ceremonial. The conclusion reached as a result of the investigation was d. Required that any who attempted to expose that the members of the Order had tolerated some vulgar mili- the order were secretly murdered. tary camp customs, but were not heretics. There was no evi- e. Despised the sacraments of the Church, dence of sodomy, idol worship, illicit kisses or any other such omitted the words of consecration in the can- conduct. on of the mass, and practiced lay absolution The Chinon Parchment also establishes that Jacques de and idolatry. Molay asked forgiveness for any misdeeds that may have oc- f. Were addicted to immorality and sodomy. curred. g. Had betrayed the Holy Land. The result was that Pope Clement V absolved the Order and h. Worshipped the devil, usually in the form of a cat. restored it and its members to communion. But the Pope’s absolution was never announced. The Chi- Then, on Friday, October 13, 1307 Philip the Fair ordered non Parchment was filed away in the archives of the Vatican that the Templars' land and wealth be seized and that the Tem- and was never made public. plars be arrested, imprisoned, and required to confess to the Ultimately, in May 1312, Pope Clement V held the Council of charges or be killed. Vienna. By the Papal Bull Vox in Excelso he abolished the Knights Templar. With another Papal Bull, Ad Providam, he Historians are generally consistent with the view that the transferred Templar property to the Hospitallers charges were trumped up. In fact, Philip IV had sought to be- come a Knight Templar and had been turned down. Not only The obvious question is, why was the Chinon Parchment was he deeply in debt to the Templars he was frustrated by the never made public and the pope’s absolution never an- fact that he could not tax Templar land. nounced? There are several answers. The prevailing view is that Clement V was pliant, weak and the puppet of Philip IV. How many of the Templars confessed and how many were Another is that the Church was recovering from the heresy trial killed is disputed. But the prevailing view seems to be that the of the prior Pope, and could not risk further schism. majority of the Templars confessed rather than be tortured and killed. This is understandable when you consider that the vast Based on the text of the Chinon Parchment, there is now the majority of the French Templars were middle-aged members of view that Clement V was attempting to reformulate the Templar the European support network, had no recent combat experi- Order, but had to delay this because of politics. He was then ence, and would quickly short-circuited by Philips’ execution of Jacques de Molay and confess under torture or Geoffroi de Charney on March 14, 1314. the threat of it by the Do- minican monks who were Before his death, Jacques de Molay cursed both the king put in charge of the inter- and the pope. Both died within the year. rogations. xxx Confession under threat of torture is consistent with what happened to Galileo 1.To learn the theories as to what happened between September 20 and October 13 and the theories as to why the bank was empty see Galilei who, under threat of Ferguson, Robert, The Knights Templar and Scotland, (The History torture by the Dominican Press, Gloucestershire 2010) at pp. 93-97. monks, recanted all of his 2.Frale Barbara, The Templars, The Secret History Revealed, scientific discoveries and submitted to a lifetime of house ar- (Arcade Publishing, Inc., New York 2009) Vol 5 Issue 2 The Supreme Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem Page 10
Priory of St. Columba Convent and Celebration of Remembrance by Chev. R. Neil Johnson, KCTJ, Chancellor
The Priory of St. Columba met in Convent at the end of April in Minnesota. Attending the Convent were the Grand Bailiff Dame Patricia Bell, GOTJ, GMTJ and the deputy grand Bailiff Chev. Mark O’Dell GOTJ, BMTJ. We were joined in Minnesota by sev- eral members from Springfield as well. The picture below shows the ritual officers before the meeting started.
Front row: Dame Adele O’Dell; Deputy Grand Bailiff, Mark O’Dell; Grand Bailiff Patricia Bell; Prior Robert Buie; Protocol Officer Todd Wilkinson; Chancellor Neil Johnson, Standard Bearer Nicole Smith. Back row: Chaplin John Peterson; Sword Bearer Jim Gallion; Dame Mary McShannock, Preceptor Thomas Smith; Sentinel John Burroughs. The Priory has directed that the Charity for each or our meeting is se- lected by a Preceptory or Commandery. At the request of the Precep- tor, a Charity dedicated to eliminating breast cancer be selected and the money raised, including a donation from the Bailiwick will be forwarded.
After the Convent, the group assembled for dinner. The Protocol officer selected a new method, a formal dining out based upon Royal Navy traditions. We were joined by three new postulants, Prior Buie’s two daughters and as an un-announced treat for the Grand Bailiff, a piper dressed in Royal Ulster Uniform and his wife. Below are some of the pictures from the dinner which included a ceremonial grog station. Anyone violating the rules of the mess was ordered to the station to perform a toast to the mess. At- tached are several photo from the dinner. As you can see, no one was exempted from having to apologize for violating the rules.
Did someone spike the punch bowl. What is Prior Bob doing? Grog!
Convent Dinner
L-R Jennifer (Katie) Buie, Bob Buie, Erin Buie
Piper dressed in Royal Ulster Uniform, and his wife
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Commandery of Stirling by Chev. Geoff Chaboude, KCTJ, GMTJ, Commander
The Commandery of Stirling came together to complete a project last month, but could not get everyone together for pics. The charity was for the Riverbend Family Ministries [ http:// riverbendfamilyministries.com/about-rfm/ ]. Please view our collections We will be having our annual barbeque in mid Ju- ly, and I will make sure that we get pics and have a report and also more on last months project then. Yours Aye,, Chev. Geoff Chaboude, KCTJ, GMTJ
“What you will receive from our Order is what you put into it!.” Chev. Mark O’Dell -Volunteer— take SMOTJ seriously - a-giving to charities organization. We do good /helping many peoples. We join together to make a difference.
If any member did not receive Special Order 82 / 82 [A] , please contact the Grand Bailiwick
The Grand Priory of the Scots Vol 5 Issue 2 The Supreme Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem Page 12
The Commandery of the Bon Accord by Chev. James R. Gallion, KTK, BMTJ Commander
On Saturday night, May 13th, the Commandery of the Bon Accord held its 2nd Quarter Charity Pro- ject at the Ronald McDonald House located in Mer- cy Hospital. The second of two Ronald McDonald Houses in Springfield, we decided to help them as we had helped the House near Cox South Hospital. While we prepared food for 20 people, only 8 were served while we were there. All food left over was packaged and place in their refrigerator for use at another time. According to the House Manager on duty, it is not uncommon for families to be late for the meals as they are visiting their children. She also said that since they do not serve lunch it would fill a need for that meal.
Eight members of the Commandery where in at- L-R Todd Wilkinson, Mark O’Dell, tendance. We also had a food contribution from Robert Ryder, and Adele O’Dell. two other members. James R Gallion, KTJ, BMTJ; Adele O’Dell, DCTJ, BMTJ; Mark O’Dell, GCTJ, BMTJ; Todd Wilkinson, KCTJ, BMTJ; Robert E Ry- der, KCTJ, BMTJ; Beth Wiese, DTJ, BMTJ; Cathie Ryder, DTJ; Vicki Ratcliff, DTJ.
Respectfully submitted; Chev. James R. Gallion KTJ, BMTJ, Commander
R-L: Cathy Ryder, Beth Wiese, Todd Wilkson, and Vicki Ratcliff
Mon Conferes, port and advocacy for abused and neglected children We will meet on Saturday, July 22 at 500pm at my house. I will and the families caring for them". They provide school provide pulled pork for sandwiches and buns. Please let me supplies for children of all ages in foster care. Below is a know what you will be bringing. As usual, it will be BYOB for list of supplies that I would recommend. Elementary age anything stronger than soft drinks and tea. supplies (crayons, scissors, glue, etc.) are usually what is donated. I thought it might be nice to focus a little on Please bring your calendar's as we will be planning the rest of the older kids (middle and high school). our year and starting to look at next year. Pencils (pre-sharpened or mechanical), pens folders-as Thanks, Chev Jim Gallion, KTJ a teacher, I have found that the poly folders will last al- Foster Adopt Connect www.fosteradopt.org most all year.; c omposition books, spiral bound note- Their mission is "To provide foster and adoptive children books a stable, loving and nurturing family environment by sup- Thanks, Dame Adele O’Dell, DCTJ, BMTJ
Scottish Knight Templar