We are less than 30 days until we meet in Charlotte for the Grand C&I. I had the privilege of representing GPUSA at the recent OSMTH International GMC and GP Italy’s Convent & Investiture in Sicily. Congratulations are in order for our Past Grand Prior Patrick Carney, GCTJ, GMTJ for being elected as the Grand Master of the Order. The 2025 GPUSA SMOTJ Annual Report to Members is being printed and will soon be mailed out to all active members. Convent & Investiture season is well underway, and we are excited to report that we’ve already invested almost 50 new…
The Priory of The Temple Church marked a major milestone April 10-12 as we celebrated our 15th anniversary in a spirit of fellowship, service, and joyful reflection at the 2026 Joint Convent & Investiture with the Priory of The Holy Trinity. The occasion was especially significant by the presence of six of our eight Priors, including four past Priors, including the outgoing and incoming Priors. The anniversary weekend began on Friday evening with the Prior’s Reception. On Saturday, the Convent and Investiture welcomed 31 members, 1 postulant, and 14 guests. Following the ceremony, attendees gathered for a cocktail reception and…
It is very exciting to return to the Templar assignment I have loved with such fervency – and that is serving each of you in this spiritual supporting role as Temple Church’s Chaplain! (Just remember, the Poor Soldier of Christ’s saddle has two seats, and one of them is reserved just for you!) Let me remind you that it is important that no one replaces their home church with their Templar affiliation, as we are not designed or intended to take on that essential role in your life. As such, I am not your pastor, nor can I be, for…
Prior Beaton intends to include a monthly Treasurer’s Report for the Priory in his newsletter distributed on the third Thursday of each month. Have you ever wondered what is covered in the Priory Treasurer’s Report? The following is a review of the financial information that is tracked. It begins with the bank account balance from the last report. Next, any income received is added. Some of the categories of income that may be listed are such things as C&I registrations; membership application fees; funds to cover award, promotion, or other items ordered from the GPUSA Armory; scholarship fund donations; a…
The Priory of The Temple Church held a Business Meeting on Sunday, April 26th at 7:00 pm. The meeting covered several operational updates and upcoming plans. Prior Tom Beaton talked briefly about a few prospective postulants. The Fall Convent is tentatively planned for October 2–4 in Port St. Lucie, possibly as a joint C&I with the South Florida Priory of Holy Trinity. The Prior also reported that the Temple Church members in Alabama have officially been transferred to the Priory of the Holy Rood due to proximity and participation challenges. Chev. Bob Miller praised the latest Templar Times. Prior Tom…
As Chancellor, I am deeply honored to serve alongside Prior Tom as we begin this new chapter for the Priory of The Temple Church. The next two years present a meaningful opportunity to build on the strong foundation laid by Prior Dennis, while helping our Priory grow in fellowship, service, and visibility. I am excited to support our Prior, ExCom, and officers in developing regular gatherings that bring knights and dames together with purpose—through shared meals, local service, prayerful fellowship, and community engagement. These efforts can strengthen the bonds within our Priory while also raising awareness of SMOTJ and our…
In the weeks leading up to our recent Change of Command at the Spring Joint C&I, I had the opportunity to speak with several knights and dames at Temple Church. A clear and encouraging theme emerged: there is a strong desire for regular gatherings, perhaps monthly, that allow us to strengthen fellowship, serve our communities, and raise awareness of SMOTJ and our Priory. These gatherings could take several forms, including shared meals, service projects with local organizations, and community-facing events that introduce others to our mission and, in time, help grow our membership. Several members have already expressed interest in…
I hardly know where to begin — what an incredible honor and blessing it is to serve as Prior VIII for the Priory of The Temple Church! I am deeply grateful for this opportunity, humbled by the responsibility, and energized for the journey ahead. I follow in the footsteps and the legacy of the previous seven Priors of Temple Church. It will not be an easy path to walk, but with God’s direction, grace, and strength, I will give my very best in service to this priory. Over the past several years, I have been blessed with the privilege of…