Spring 2026 Joint Convent & Investiture

Temple Church Prior Dennis Chamberland and Holy Trinity Prior Howard Giraldo warmly invite you to an unforgettable weekend as we celebrate the Spring 2026 Joint Convent & Investiture—a milestone gathering filled with tradition, fellowship, and history in the making.

This year’s Spring C&I marks a ceremonial Change of Command for the Priory of The Temple Church, as we elevate Chev. Thomas Beaton, MBA, MDiv, GOTJ to Prior VIII of Temple Church, while proudly honoring Chev. Dennis Chamberland, PhD, GOTJ for his steadfast and exemplary service as Prior VII. We will also commemorate the upcoming one-year anniversary of the elevation of the Priory of The Holy Trinity from a Commandery—another significant chapter in our shared story.

Grand Treasurer Chev. David Botsko, PhD, GCTJ, CMTJ, will officiate this historic and solemn Convent & Investiture at the Embassy Suites Altamonte on April 10–12, 2026.

Hotel Reservations: https://templechurchpriory.org/hotel

Event Registrations: https://templechurchpriory.org/shop

Weekend Highlights

Friday Evening — Prior’s Reception

We open the weekend with a welcoming Prior’s Reception in the Embassy Suites atrium, where we will introduce our postulants:

  • Rev. Dr. Thomas Francis, Jr., Esq. (Temple Church)
  • SFC Milton Muller (Holy Trinity)

Saturday Morning — Breakfast Fellowship

Start your day with fellowship and a breakfast buffet in the hotel atrium—included with your C&I registration.

Saturday Afternoon — Spring Convent & Investiture

The centerpiece of our weekend, where we will celebrate:

  • The investiture of Rev. Dr. Thomas Francis, Jr., Esq. and SFC Milton Muller as our newest Templar Knights
  • The promotion of Chev. Raymond House, Sr. to the rank of Commandeur
  • Recognition of distinguished service and achievement, including:
    • Chev. Cesar Fernandez (Achievement Medal)
    • Chev. Raymond House, Sr. (Commendation Medal)
    • Rt. Rev. Chev. David Sokol (Bronze Five Year Long & Faithful Service Medal)
    • Rt. Rev. Chev. David Sokol, Chvse. Patricia Sokol, Chev. Ivan Garcia, Prior Chev. Howard Giraldo, and Chev. Cesar Fernandez (Recruiting & Retention Medals)
  • The formal Change of Command, as Temple Church transitions from Prior VII Chev. Dennis Chamberland, PhD, GOTJ to Prior VIII Chev. Thomas Beaton, MBA, MDiv

Saturday Evening — Formal Banquet & Gala

Join us for an elegant evening featuring dinner, live and silent auctions, and an evening of celebration—followed by the Order of the White Ash gathering.

Sunday Morning — Ecumenical Service

We conclude with a meaningful Sunday morning Ecumenical Service.

Support the Auctions

Consider contributing to our live and silent auctions. To donate, please email info@templechurchpriory.org with:

  • Item name
  • Brief description (if helpful)
  • Fair market value (if known)
  • Suggested minimum starting bid

Event Registration

Thanks to an outstanding event package from the Embassy Suites Altamonte, we are pleased to keep registration the same as our previous C&I: $105.00 per person.

Event Registrations: https://templechurchpriory.org/shop

Hotel Information

Embassy Suites Altamonte
225 Shorecrest Drive, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701

Rooms are available at $152.00 per night (1 king or 2 double beds, plus taxes/fees). Reserve by:

Convention rates are valid two days before and two days after the event. If you wish to extend your stay, call the hotel and ask for Lena.

Reservation deadline: March 13, 2026 (availability may be limited after this date).
No-charge cancellations are available until 11:59 PM on April 8, 2026—so we encourage you to reserve early.

Saturday Evening Banquet Menu

Chicken Marsala or Pork Tenderloin with Whole Grain Mustard Sauce
Warm Rolls & Butter
Caesar Salad with Garlic Croutons and House-made Caesar Dressing
Seasonal Vegetables
Roasted Red Skin Potatoes
Key Lime Pie

Iced Tea
Freshly Brewed Regular and Decaffeinated Coffee
Hot Teas

Gluten-free and Vegetarian options are available
(accommodations for allergies and special diets available)

Hotel Reservations: https://templechurchpriory.org/hotel

Event Registrations: https://templechurchpriory.org/shop