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 banquet, featuring both silent and live auctions. The weekend concluded on Sunday with a meaningful ecumenical service.
During the C&I, we rejoiced in the investiture of Rev. Dr. Thomas W. Francis, Jr., Esq. We also recognized outstanding service through the awarding of a Commendation medal to Chev. Raymond T. House, Sr., KCTJ; the Recruitment & Retention award to Rt. Rev. Chev. David F. Sokol, PhD, KCTJ, and Chvse. Patricia T. Sokol, DPA, DCTJ; and the Long & Faithful Bronze award to Rt. Rev. Chev. David F. Sokol, PhD, KCTJ, and Chev. Anthony G. Cotugno, KTJ. The C&I also celebrated the Installation of a new Prior, Executive Committee, and Priory Officers. In addition, we honored the memory and celebrated the life of CPL Chev. Robert L. Sherman, KTJ, who passed away on November 11, 2025.
At the banquet, Chev. Dennis Chamberland, PhD, GOTJ, presented two Prior’s Awards to Chvse. Claudia Chamberland, GOTJ, and Chev. Thomas C. Beaton, MBA, MDiv, GOTJ. Prior Chev. Thomas C. Beaton also presented lapel pins designating key officers within the Priory — including the Prior, Chancellor, Executive Committee members, and Prior’s Emeritus — in recognition of their faithful service.
The weekend also reflected Temple Church and Holy Trinity’s continued commitment to charitable giving. At the C&I, $800 was collected for the Mite. In addition, the banquet’s live and silent auctions raised $3,000. Both were supplemented by “silent knight” donations to bring the totals to nice round numbers!
Overall, the 2026 Joint Convent & Investiture celebration was a memorable and inspiring weekend, honoring our past, celebrating the present, and looking forward with hope to the future.