Last weekend in Scottsdale, Arizona, at the Grand Convent and Investiture of the Autonomous Grand Priory of the United States of America, the Priory of the Holy Trinity, Temple Church’s former Commandery, was stood up as an independent priory, serving all of South Florida. The photo above features, left to right, Capt. Howard Giraldo, Prior; COL. Fred Kienle, Grand Prior XXIV; MGySgt. Gerson Cabrera, Chancellor; and newest member, Knight Claude Mode. Here now is a history of the Priory of the Holy Trinity as recorded by Prior I, Howard Giraldo.
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In 2017, three newly inducted Knights of the Temple Church—Chev. Richard Smith, KTJ, Chev. Javier Garcia, KTJ, and Chev. Cesar Fernandez, KTJ, began discussing the idea of establishing a Preceptory in South Florida. It was Chev. Javier Garcia, who first proposed the initiative, envisioned a local chapter that would allow members in the region to participate more easily in events and activities.
To build momentum, the trio began recruiting within their affiliated organizations. Their efforts quickly bore fruit, and soon, they had enough committed members to move forward. They approached former Temple Church Prior, COL Chev. Robert Miller, to seek formal support for their endeavor. Prior Robert Miller enthusiastically endorsed the initiative.
Brother Javier Garcia proposed the name, Preceptory of the Holy Trinity, while Brother Richard Smith took the lead on fulfilling the formal requirements needed to gain official recognition. Meanwhile, Brother Cesar Fernandez successfully recruited nine new prospective members. Alongside this, Brothers Richard Smith and Howard Giraldo began searching for a suitable venue to host the Convent & Investiture (C&I), as well as lodging and banquet arrangements in accordance with Grand Priory standards.
Their search led them to the historic Ancient Spanish Monastery in North Miami Beach, a location with authentic ties to the Knights Templar. Inspired by its significance, the team moved forward. Brother Garcia contributed creative input to the Coat of Arms, and Brother Giraldo brought it to life through his design. The Grand Priory approved the emblem after a few minor revisions.
On October 12, 2019, the Preceptory of the Holy Trinity was officially established at the Ancient Spanish Monastery. Chev. Richard Smith, KTJ, was installed as the founding Preceptor, and Chev. Javier Garcia, KTJ, served as Chancellor.
By 2020, the Preceptory had grown, adding eight new prospective members. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic halted in-person activities. Communication continued via email, but momentum began to slow. It wasn’t until 2022 that in-person gatherings resumed, supplemented by the now-familiar Zoom platform for virtual meetings.
During this transition, Preceptor Richard Smith stepped down, and Chancellor Javier Garcia assumed the role of acting Preceptor for the final six months of the term. Then, on May 7, 2022, Capt. Chev. Howard Giraldo, KTJ, was appointed Preceptor. With the blessing of Prior Linda Ross, he began organizing the Fall C&I, a key step toward the Preceptory’s elevation to Commandery status.
Preceptor Giraldo re-engaged members and ensured their oblations were up to date. After months of hard work searching for a suitable location to host the 2022 Fall C&I in South Florida and many hours in prayer, the2022 Fall C&I was held in Ocala, Florida, with 44 attendees. Membership continued to grow, and on September 3, 2023, at the Grand C&I in Orlando, the Preceptory was elevated to a Commandery. Capt. Chev. Howard Giraldo was appointed Commander.
Grand Prior Robinson gave the new Commandery 18 months to meet the qualifications for elevation to a Priory, including increasing membership, hosting two additional Convents & Investitures (C&Is), and fulfilling financial obligations. The Commandery met all these requirements in just 13 months.
Although the 2024 Fall C&I was initially planned for October, it was canceled due to a hurricane. Nevertheless, Prior Dennis Chamberland submitted the necessary forms to the Grand Priory, enthusiastically recommending the Commandery’s elevation.
On Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the Grand C&I in Phoenix, Arizona, the Commandery of the Holy Trinity was officially elevated to the Priory of the Holy Trinity. Capt. Chev. Howard Giraldo, KCTJ, was installed as the new Prior.
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The Priory of The Temple Church could not be more proud of the leadership and members of the new Priory of the Holy Trinity! God bless and Godspeed. And just remember, we are always here to help, to assist and to encourage as you try and catch up with your big brother to the north! 😉