GRAND COMMANDERY of KNIGHTS TEMPLAR of VIRGINIA

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1 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON WORK February 23, 2018 The Committee on Work met at 2017 Stated Conclave of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Virginia. The Proposed Goals of the Committee on Work were reviewed and revised. The changes in the January 2017 Revision of the Virginia Tactics Manual were discussed. The Committee on Work had inquiries on the following 16 topics during the Chivalric year. 1. The proper way to give the Battery The GIG issued a position paper on the proper way to give the Battery and the Grand Commander had it sent to all Virginia Commanderies. A copy of the position paper follows. GRAND COMMANDERY of KNIGHTS TEMPLAR of VIRGINIA FROM THE APPARTMENT OF THE GRAND INSTRUCTOR GENERAL 05/24/2017 To: Virginia Sir Knights Subject: Clarification of Tactics It has come to my attention that there is confusion among the Sir Knights as to the proper way for the Warder and Sentinel to perform the Battery. Those of you that have attended one of the Area Knight Templar Schools have heard me give instruction on this issue. For those of you have not been to one of the schools, I will elaborate on the various practices I have observed, the applicable law, Ritual, Tactics, custom, and my recommendations. When I joined the Commandery 27 years ago, I was taught to give the Battery with the left hand utilizing the installed door knocker on the Lodge door. I have seen various other ways of giving the Battery including using the heel on the floor, using the hilt of the sword on the door, using the knuckles of either hand on the door, and using the flat point of the sword on the door or door casing. First let us examine the applicable law. Sections 231 and 232 of the Grand Encampment Constitution and Statutes covers the Ritual. Several Decisions by Past Grand Masters listed below these sections on line further define and explain the law. Among these Decisions you will find one that states; Tactics are under the control of the Grand Commandery but where tactics are prescribed by the ritual they must be observed. Next we must examine the Grand Encampment Ritual (the black book) for any tactics relating to the Battery. In numerous places the Ritual simply states knocks. The only tactic I

2 could find in the Ritual relating to the Battery is in the conferral of the Order of Temple on page 139 when the SW signals with his heel on the floor, softly, *** *** *** *. I find no other tactic in the Ritual relating to the Battery. Next we must examine the Virginia Constitution and Statutes for any tactics relating to the Battery. The only reference to tactics in the VA C & S is the fact that Digest consists of the Constitution and Statutes and the Manual of Tactics. Next we must examine the Virginia Tactics Manual for any tactics which would relate to the giving of the Battery. I searched the current revisions and the two previous revisions, going back about 20 years and found only one relevant section pertinent to the current discussion. In the current revision of the Virginia Tactics Manual, near the end of the full form opening of the Grand Commandery, on page 98, a parenthetical note states; Alarms on doors, when done with the sword, should be made with the flat side of the point of the blade rather than with the hilt. I researched when and by whom, this note was added to the Grand Commandery Opening. I found that the note was added in March of 2014 at the request of the then Very Eminent Deputy Grand Commander. At that time, the Grand Commandery Opening was not part of the Tactics Manual. The Grand Commandery Opening was added to the Virginia Tactics Manual in January of 2017 and the note was carried along with the opening into the Tactics Manual. I don t specifically remember this note being added, but my sense of it is to prevent damage to the door at the hotel where the Grand Commandery is held that we could be held financially responsible for. Next we must examine the Grand Encampment Tactics Manual. Before I discuss what the GE Tactics manual says on the subject, let me remind all that tactics are under the control of the Grand Commandery. Also, that the GE Tactics manual contains many tactics which vary greatly from the tactics that have traditionally used in Virginia. There are many tactics in the GE Tactics that we do not use and tactics that are different than what we use in Virginia. I see the GE Tactics manual as a reference, we did adopt some tactics from the manual, not previously used in Virginia, in the January 2017 revision of the Virginia Tactics Manual. That being said, let s look at what the GE Tactics manual says about giving the Battery. On page 15, General Instruction 39 states; The Warder and Sentinel in giving the knocks shall use flat side of sword. On page 58, paragraph 139, Alarms states; Alarms on doors, when done with the sword, should be made with the flat side of the point of the blade rather than with the hilt. On page 75, in footnote 4 under the Reception of the Eminent Commander states; The Warder and Sentinel to giving the knocks should use the flat side of the sword. All of that being said, let us now look at what has been the custom in Virginia. I have been attending Knight Templar School under four Grand Instructor Generals before me, Paul Purdy, Mansell Hopkins, Jon Mayberry, and Gerry Locher. I have been a member of the Committee on Work since Mansell Hopkins was the GIG and I served on the committee on the 2007 revision of the Tactics manual with Jon Mayberry. In all of this time, I do not remember any instruction that involved the use of the sword to give the Battery. We always used the door knocker which most, if not all Masonic Lodges have on the doors. We always used the left hand as we had the sword, at carry, in the right hand. To my knowledge, we only started getting questions on using the sword for the Battery about three years ago when we started the process of revising the Tactics Manual and started pushing the use of the GE Ritual and the use of the GE Tactics manual for the sword manual. In each of the Area KT Schools that I have conducted I have given instruction on this issue. My instruction has been to give the knocks with the left hand utilizing the installed door knocker. I have instructed that if there is no installed knocker,

3 that the flat side of the sword could be used, but we should be good stewards and not damage the lodge s door or casing. Finally, my recommendations as the Grand Instructor General of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Virginia is that the Battery be given with the left hand utilizing the installed knocker on the door of the Masonic Lodge. In the absence of an installed knocker, the Battery should be given with the knuckles of the left hand with a closed fist. If a Commandery wants to use the sword to give the Battery, they must have a dedicated metal or wooden plate which can be installed on or near the door during the Conclave on which the sword s flat tip can be tapped to prevent causing damage to the lodge door or door casing. I further recommend that this be distributed to the Sir Knights as policy and that it be added to the Tactics manual as a parenthetical note at the first occurrence in full form opening and that the parenthetical referenced above on page 98 be removed. I will make note of this change in my Tactics manual and will cover this issue in all future Area Knight Templar Schools. I further recommend that the District Instructors cover this issue in their District Schools. Respectfully submitted, William T. Hargrove. KCT, PGC, KYGCH Grand Instructor General 2. The Ritual for Constituting a New Commandery The Grand Encampment has a Ritual for Constituting a New Commandery. It is contained in the Grand Encampment publication titled Manual of Public Ceremonies page When is the Prelate authorized to wear robes The Constitution and Statutes of the Grand Encampment in Section 254 specify when the Prelate this authorized to wear robes. Section 254 says: When Worn Section 254. The Prelate shall wear his Robes of Office while officiating in the conferring of the Orders and may wear them outside the Asylum when at- tending a Templar funeral or a Templar religious service. At all other times he shall wear the regulation Knight Templar Uniform of his Grand Jurisdiction and the Jewel of his Office. 4. Are crossed swords required on the Alter A Grand Encampment standing resolution on the Display of the Holy Bible on page 208 of the GE C & S issued in 1967 and amended in 1982 states Two crossed swords may also be displayed thereon. Please note that it says may (permission) not should (recommended) or shall (required). It should be noted that putting crossed swords on the Alter is not common practice in Virginia Commanderies. Please note that the 1967 standing resolution also states The altar shall be covered with a black or white cloth cover; on the front of which a red Passion Cross may be embroidered.

4 5. Was the January 2017 Revision of the Virginia Tactics Manual properly approved A prominent Sir Knight has questioned whether the January 2017 Revision of the Virginia Tactics Manual was properly approved. The Grand Instructor General and the Grand Commander are of the opinion that when the Grand Commander approved it by memo, when the Grand Commander put it in his allocution and the allocution was approved by the Sir Knights of the 2017 Stated Conclave, and when the Grand Instructor General included it the Report of the Committee on Work which was approved by the Sir Knights of the 2017 Stated Conclave, that it was approved. But to remove all doubt, the GIG authored the following Resolution for consideration at the 2018 Stated Conclave of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Virginia. RESOLUTION One (1) to AFFIRM APPROVAL OF THE JANUARY 2017 REVISION of the Virginia Tactics Manual Whereas a revision to the Virginia Tactics Manual was approved by the Grand Commander and distributed to the Constituent Commanderies in January 2017, and, Whereas this revision was reported in the Grand Commander s Allocution and his Allocution was approved by the voting delegates of the 2017 Stated Conclave of the Grand Commandery of Virginia, and, Whereas this revision was reported in the Report of the Committee on Work by the Grand Instructor General and his report was approved by the voting delegates of the 2017 Stated Conclave of the Grand Commandery of Virginia, and, Whereas the purpose of the revision was to bring the Virginia Tactics Manual into compliance with Grand Encampment Law and to add the Grand Commandery of Virginia opening and installation (see attached Executive Summary of Changes to the Virginia Tactics Manual), and, Whereas the previous revision of the Virginia Tactics Manual (2007) is in violation of Section 232 of the Constitution and Statutes of the Grand Encampment of the United States of America, and, Whereas some members of the Grand Commandery of Virginia are now questioning the method of and the legality of the approval of the January 2017 Revision of the Virginia Tactics Manual, and, Whereas the Sir Knights of the Grand Commandery of Virginia have had ample time to review and use the January 2017 Revision of the Virginia Tactics Manual, and, Whereas the Grand Instructor General and the District Instructors have been teaching the January 2017 Revision of the Virginia Tactics since its issuance.

5 Therefore, be it resolved that the approval of the January 2017 Revision of the Virginia Tactics Manual be affirmed by a majority vote of the voting delegates of the 2018 Stated Conclave of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Virginia. Respectively submitted, William T. Hargrove, KCT, KYGCH, PGC Grand Instructor General Page 1 Resolution No. 1 continued EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF REVISIONS TO MANUAL OF TACTICS OF THE GRAND COMMANDERY OF KNIGHTS TEMPLAR OF VIRGINIA 1. Deleted the three Orders, short and full form, the transitions from one Order to another, and the sword manual. 2. Provided Table of Contents reference to the three Orders, to the transitions from one Order to another, and to the sword manual in the Grand Encampment Manuals. 3. Made changes indicated in Errata Re-ordered sequence of sections in manual to make it more user friendly. 5. Made editorial changes to the Short Form Opening to bring it more in line with the GE to include naming the Commandery to be opened, the Commander coming to Parry One when making the declaration, and requiring a hand salute during the Pledge of Allegiance. 6. Changed forming of lines in Full Form Opening to include all Sir Knights in uniform. 7. Added several explanations to Full Form Opening to better define tactics. 8. Added note for C, G, and P to return to their stations and seated before the triangle is reduced. 9. Added notes making the rehearsal of duties optional in accordance with Grand Encampment. 10. Added line for Warder at end of opening to conform with Grand Encampment. 11. Changed closing to require Commander to come to Parry One when making the declaration.

6 12. Added a section for Election of Officers in a Commandery. 13. Changed Presentation of Flag to eliminate oblique and wheel movements in favor of about movements since most asylums are small and marching space is limited. 14. Changed Inspection so Commander does not take orders from subordinate officers. 15. Changed Reception of Grand Commander to reception at a Commandery or at District. At a Commandery DDGC comes in after GC per Introduction Protocol. At District Meeting DDGC presides as Commander for entire meeting. 16. Revised Introduction Protocol. My feeling is that only those retiring with the visiting official are introduced through the lines. 17. Added Grand Commandery Opening. 18. Changed Grand Commmandery Opening for the GC, DGC, GG, and GP to return to their stations and seated before the triangle is reduced. 19. Added Forming Lines for Reception of Distinguished Guests. 20. Added tactics for Temporary Pause of the Grand Commandery. 21. Added tactics for Temporary Recess of the Grand Commandery. 22. Added tactics to Re-convene following a Temporary Recess of the Grand Commandery. 23. Added tactics to Recess until the next Stated Conclave of the Grand Commandery. 24. Added tactics for the Installation of the District Deputy Grand Commander in his District if he was not installed at the Stated Conclave of the Grand Commandery. 25. Added Installation Service for Grand Commandery. 6. Are there procedures for Calling Off and Calling On the Commandery There are procedures that I wrote for this last revision of the Tactics Manual for calling off and calling on, but somewhere is the process of revision and formatting they got left out. I plan to put them in the next revision. Here they are: Calling Off and On To Call off the Commandery: C: (C rises) Sir Knights, Atten-TION; (C draws sword and comes to Parry One) I now declare the business of the Commandery suspended. (C comes to Carry Swords) C: Sir Knight Warder, (W rises, takes one pace forward and draws sword) (They exchange sword salutes) Inform the Sentinel. (They exchange sword salutes) W: (W proceeds to the tiled door and opens it without alarm) Sir Knight Sentinel, the business of the Commandery is suspended. (W leaves door open and returns to station) P: (While the W goes to tiled door, P attends at the altar, removes jewels and closes Bible)

7 W: Eminent Commander, (They exchange sword salutes) your order has been obeyed. (They exchange sword salutes W returns sword and is seated) C: (C announces the purpose and duration of the suspension) Sir Knights, you are at ease. (C returns his sword) To Call on the Commandery: C: Officers, take your stations. Sir Knights, be SEATED. (C is seated) C: Sir Knight Warder, (W rises, takes pace forward, draws sword and salutes, C hand salutes) I am about to resume business in the Commandery. Inform the Sentinel and direct him to guard accordingly. (They exchange salutes) W: (W proceeds to the tiled door and opens it without alarm) Sir Knight Sentinel, the Commander is about to resume business in the Commandery. Take your post and guard accordingly. (W closes door and gives battery *** *** *** * S answers) (W returns to station and reports) W: Eminent Commander, (They exchange salutes) your order has been obeyed. (W returns sword and is seated) C: Sir Knight Senior Warden, (SW rises, takes one pace forward, draws sword, faces east and salutes) (C hand salutes) are all present Knights Templar? (They exchange salutes) (Same commands and procedure as in the Full form Opening) SW: Eminent Commander, (They exchange salutes) all present are Knights Templar. (They exchange salutes) (SW returns sword and is seated) C: (C rises, draws sword and comes to Parry One) I now declare Commandery # again in session. (C comes to Carry Swords) C: Sir Knight Warder, (W rises, takes one pace forward, draws sword and salutes) (C sword salutes) inform the Sentinel and direct him to guard accordingly. (They exchange salutes} W: (W proceeds to the tiled door and opens it without alarm) Sir Knight Sentinel, Commandery # is again in session. Take your post and guard accordingly. (W closes door and gives battery *** *** *** * S answers) (W returns to station and reports) P: (While the W goes to tiled door, P attends at the altar, opens the Bible and sets the jewels) W: Eminent Commander, (They exchange salutes) your order has been obeyed. (W returns sword and is seated)

8 C: (C returns sword and is seated) 7. During balloting, should the Sentinel get the opportunity to vote, and if so, what is the procedure for bringing him in the Asylum I do not know of any procedures for allowing the Sentinel to vote or ballot. I my 28 years in the Commandery I have never seen it done. To my knowledge, the Sentinel does not vote or ballot. In your question you seem to use voting and balloting interchangeably. They are not synonymous. A vote can be taken by voice or by show of hands, but a ballot must be secret, whether taken with the ballot box or on paper. So when you read the C & S of VA or GE keep this in mind. 8. Should visiting Sir Knights fall in for Inspection The command is Sir Knights: Members of this Commandery in uniform: Fall-IN. The intention is to inspect this Commandery, not visitor or members not in uniform. It does provide a true picture of the Commandery if visitors take part in the Inspection. 9. The commands for forming lines are different in the opening than they are in the receptions, should they be the same I have taken this as an action item for the Committee on Work for a possible potential change at the next revision. 10. The notes for which way the Warder faces when announcing an approach are different in the opening than they are in receptions, should they be the same. I have taken this as an action item for the Committee on Work for a possible potential change at the next revision. 11. Since the rehearsal of duties is optional in the January 2017 Virginia and some Commanderies are utilizing the option, should they be penalized by the Grand Inspector General when being graded at the Grand Commanders official for the Jon Wayne Mayberry Ritualistic award I see nothing wrong with the Grand Inspector General s interpretation. I would advise Commanderies/Districts to perform the entire full form opening when the Grand Commander visits. The Grand Inspector General is performing his inspection in support of the Jon Wayne Mayberry Ritualistic Award. If the District wants to be considered for that award it is incumbent on them to perform the complete full form opening. It would not be fair to judge a district the same when was opts to use the option and others do not. The reason the option appears in the Virginia Tactics Manual is that it appears on page 105 of the Grand Encampment Ritual Manual.

9 12. When the Commander directs the Warder to Post the Sentinel As Reads: Sir Knight Warder: Post the Sentinel; Inform him that Commandery Number is about to be opened And in the Warder s instructions to the Sentinel As reads: Sir Knight Sentinel: Commandery Number is about to be opened In the Full Form Opening both of these instructions only stipulate that a Commandery of Knights Templar is about to be opened The difference may be intentional, but if we have as the goal consistency then should not the words be the same in both areas of the two openings; recommend we clarify the reasoning? We also have a goal of compliance with the Grand Encampment and both of these openings are is accordance with pages 98 and 100 respectively of the Grand Encampment Ritual Manual. I would speculate that the difference is due to who is giving the command, Commander in short form, Captain General in full form. 13. In the District Reception of the Grand Commander, there is no provision in the closing ceremony for the Grand Commander occupying the East. Specifically, the Grand Commander does not carry a sword. So where the tactics manual states, (C draws his sword and comes to parry one.) and declares Commandery Number duly closed. needs to be addressed. It is common knowledge that the Grand Commander does not wield a sword during his official visits. For educational purposes of our newer Sir Knights we should revise the closing ceremony when the Grand Commander closes. I disagree. I would refer you to Section 8 (A) 7 (a) of the Virginia Constitution and Statutes which reads; (7) Visitation (a) He may visit and preside in any Commandery within the jurisdiction of the Grand Commandery, and give such instructions and directions as the good of the order may require, always adhering to the Constitution, Laws and Rituals of the Grand Encampment, and the Constitution, Statutes and Regulations the Grand Commandery. Some GC s wear a sword at Visitations. He should lead by example if he elects to preside. He does not have to preside, the C&S gives him permission with the word may but does not require it. He may have the DDGC close or he may close using a sword or not, he is the GC. 14. What are the goals of the Committee on Work The goals of the Committee on Work were developed during the 2013 meeting of the committee at the Stated Conclave of the Grand Commanndery of Knights Templar of Virginia and have been reviewed and revised as needed at each annual meeting of the committee. The current goals are listed below. GOALS of the Committee on Work 1. Conduct at least one District School (Annual Goal) (Exclusive of the Area Schools). 2. Examine all Dais Officers who voluntarily present themselves for certification, in accordance with the recommendations of the Grand Instructor General, issue Certificates of Qualification and forward copies to Grand Instructor General. (Annual Goal). Please note that per Grand

10 Master Vaught Decision 8, Certificates of Qualification are no longer a requirement for election to office. 3. Exemplify one of the Orders at each Area Ritual Schools. (Annual Goal) Also; rotate which order is exemplified at each school so that over a period of 5 years all of the Orders in long and short will have been exemplified at each area school. 4. Assemble all corrections and modifications of the Manual of Ritual and Tactics. (On-going Goal) 5. Publish a revision of the Manual of Tactics when sufficient corrections or modifications or additions have been identified. 6. Encourage Sir Knights to seek Ritual Proficiency Awards. (Ongoing Goal) 7. Complete cast listings for Sir Knights competent to perform the various roles in the Orders. (Ongoing Goal) (Bring listings to Area Schools to share with other instructors, DDGCs, Commanders, and GIG) 8. Establish a new area Ritual Schools in Northern Virginia. (One year Goal) (The schools would be Tidewater, Southwest, Shenandoah Valley, Central Virginia, and Northern Virginia) 9. Committee to form team to confer Orders. (Long term Goal) 10. Get every Commandery to the point where they can at least open in full form without crib notes or books. (Ongoing Goal) 11. Get every District to the point where they can at least confer the RC & Malta in short form and the Order of the Temple. (Long Term Goal) 12. Get every Commandery to the point where they can confer at least one of the Orders in either short or full form. (Long Term Goal) 13. Start teaching each stationed officer that he has a part not only in the opening but also in each Order. (Ongoing Goal) 14. Encourage every Commandery to have a short school on some part of the ritual or tactics at each stated conclave. (Ongoing Goal) 15. Encourage all prospective Dais Officers to voluntarily obtain Certificate of Qualification prior to election. (Ongoing Goal) 16. Encourage all Sir Knights to not nominate or vote for candidates for Dais Office who do not have a Certificate of Qualification voluntarily obtained from the Committee on Work. (Ongoing Goal)

11 15. Are there any guidelines for the agenda of the Area Ritual Schools The Grand Instructor General has issued the following proposed agenda for Area Ritual Schools but will modify the agenda to meet the needs of the Sir Knights in a specific area. PROPOSED AREA RITUAL SCHOOL AGENDA 1. Sword drill 2. Full form opening and closing 3. Flag presentation 4. Cross of faith 5. Reception of DDGC or Grand Commander 6. Inspection 7. Balloting 8. Exemplification of one of the Orders (either short form or long and that each rotate through the 5 Orders so that all are exemplified over 5 years) 9. Memorial Service 10. Proper use of Official and Honorary Titles 16. Since the requirements for obtaining a Certificate of Qualification for Dais Office have been taken out of the Virginia Constitution and Statutes and since one of the Goals of the Committee on work is to examine any Sir Knight who voluntarily seeks to obtain such a Certificate, what are the recommendations for voluntarily obtaining said Certificate The recommendations of the Grand Instructor General are as follows. GRAND INSTRUCTOR GENERAL'S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR VOLUNTARILY OBTAINING A CERTIFICATE OF QUALIFICATION FOR A DAIS OFFICE For the Office of Commander: 1) Satisfactory completion of Parts I and II of the Virginia Knights Templar Grand Commandery Leadership Correspondence Course. 2) Qualified to open the Commandery in Full Form and close it from the office of Commander from memory without use of the Tactics Manual or crib notes.

12 3) Qualified to perform at least one of the following parts from memory without use of the Tactics Manual or crib notes; Order of the Temple Commander Order of the Temple Prelate Order of Malta Prior (Full or Short Form) Order of Malta Marshal (Full Form) Order of Red Cross Sovereign Master (Full or Short Form) Order of Red Cross Master of Infantry/Companion Conductor (Full Form) or any two of the parts listed for the Generalissimo below For the Office of Generalissimo: 1) Satisfactory completion of Part I of the Virginia Knights Templar Grand Commandery Leadership Correspondence Course. 2) Qualified to open the Commandery in Full Form and close it from the office of Commander from memory without use of the Tactics Manual or crib notes. 3) Qualified to perform the Generalissimo s part in the full form opening and closing and at least one of the following parts from memory without use of the Tactics Manual or crib notes; Order of the Temple Commander Order of the Temple Prelate Order of Malta Prior (Full or Short Form) Order of Malta Marshal (Full Form) Order of Red Cross Sovereign Master (Full or Short Form) Order of Red Cross Master of Infantry/Companion Conductor (Full Form) Order of the Temple Senior Warden Order of the Temple Junior Warden (including Chamber of Reflection) Order of Malta Captain of the Outpost Order of Malta Marshal of the West Order of Malta Maltese Banner Guard Order of Malta Banner of St. John Guard Order of Red Cross High Priest Order of Red Cross Historical Lecture For the Office of Captain General: 1) Satisfactory completion of Part I of the Virginia Knights Templar Grand Commandery Leadership Correspondence Course. 2) Qualified to open the Commandery in Full Form and close it from the office of Commander from memory without use of the Tactics Manual or crib notes. 3) Qualified to perform the Captain General s part in the full form opening and closing and at least one of the following parts from memory without use of the Tactics Manual or crib notes; Order of the Temple Commander

13 Order of the Temple Prelate Order of Malta Prior (Full or Short Form) Order of Malta Marshal (Full Form) Order of Red Cross Sovereign Master (Full or Short Form) Order of Red Cross Master of Infantry/Companion Conductor (Full Form) Order of the Temple Senior Warden Order of the Temple Junior Warden (including Chamber of Reflection) Order of Malta Captain of the Outpost Order of Malta Marshal of the West Order of Malta Maltese Banner Guard Order of Malta Banner of St. John Guard Order of Red Cross High Priest Order of Red Cross Historical Lecture or at least one part in each of the three Orders AREA KNIGHTS TEMPLAR RITUAL AND TACTICS SCHOOLS The GIG conducted and taught the following area ritual schools: Southwest Virginia Knight Templar Ritual School at Tazewell, August 12, 2017 Northern Virginia Knight Templar Ritual School at Fairfax, August 26, 2017 Southwest Virginia Knight Templar Ritual School at Tazewell, January 20, 2018 Central Virginia Knight Templar Ritual School at Urbanna, February 3, 2018 At each school, the agenda listed above was followed to the extent that time allowed. All schools were Saturday only. At each school, the GIG encouraged the leadership of the school to extend the allotted time frame at future schools in order to have sufficient time to cover all of the topics on the agenda shown above. The following schools are scheduled after the date of this report: Tidewater Knight Templar Ritual School at Norfolk, March 3, 2018 Shenandoah Valley Knight Templar Ritual School at Front Royal, May 26, 2018 Northern Virginia Knight Templar Ritual School at Ashburn, June 23, 2018 Southwest Virginia Knight Templar Ritual School at Tazwell, August 12, 2018 Southwest Virginia Knight Templar Ritual School at Marion, January 19, 2019 Central Virginia Knight Templar Ritual School at Petersburg, February 2, The GIG is meeting with the Committee members at the 2018 Stated Conclave of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Virginia. Respectively submitted, William T. Hargrove, KCT, KYGCH, PGC Grand Instructor General, Chairman, Committee on Work

14 REPORT OF THE GRAND RECORDER 4/1/2017 to 3/31/2018 1/1/2017 to 12/31/2017 The statistical summary reported here reflects the entries made to the database at MMS for the period stated. The report reflected below covers both the Chivalric year and the calendar year as the Grand Commander is installed shortly after the beginning of the Chivalric year and the annual return is based on the Calendar year. Therefore it is only fair that the Chivalric year be reported to show what happened during the Grand Commander s term of office. Again, a reminder to all Commanders that it is their responsibility to see that their Recorders have made required entries into the database and their annual return is in to the Office of the Grand Recorder by the first of April for the period January 1 to December 31. The Statistics for the 2017/20178 Chivalric Year (April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018) Total Membership, as of April 1, ,842 Knighting s Affiliations Restorations Total Gains Withdrawals Suspensions Deaths Total Losses Total Membership, March 31, The Statistics for the 2017 Calendar Year: (Jan 1, 2017 to Dec 31, 2017) Jan 1, Knighting s Affiliations Restorations Total Gains Withdrawals Suspensions Deaths Total Losses Total Membership, December 31, (includes 48 dual/plural members) of which 13 live out of state and 1 holds additional 4 memberships. 1 holds 3 additional mbrsps and 4 hold 2 additional mbrshps. Individual Sir Knights=1621 I want to express my deep appreciation for the assistance provided me by the Assistant Grand Recorders during the year. It has been a team effort; THANK YOU! The Grand Recorder s Office is here to serve you. The office hours are 7:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. Monday thru Friday In His Name and at your service Jay L Cotner - Grand Recorder

15 March 11, 2018 To: Fr: Sir Knights Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Virginia Sir Knight J. Jeffrey McClelland Chairman, Baldwin-Brown Fellowship Fund Grand Captain General Re: Baldwin Brown Annual Report April February 2018 PORTFOLIO SUMMARY CASH ACTIVITY SUMMARY (Extracted from full Davenport and Company, LLC statements) Account Name: GRAND COMMANDERY KNIGHTS TEMPLAR OF VIRGINIA Statement Period: APR FEB Prior Statement 203, Current Market Value 230, Annual Growth 27, Growth Breakdown Donations 6, Earnings 20, The donations revenue was generated by Sir Knights contributing funds for seven new pins and thirtyseven diamonds.

16 ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE GRAND ANNUAL CONCLAVE 2019 As chairman on the Committee on Arrangements, it is my pleasure to present to you the following information: The 197 h Stated Conclave of the Grand Commandery of Virginia will be held at the Doubletree Hotel, Charlottesville, Virginia with St Thomas of Acon on Thursday 5/2/2019; KYCH Friday morning and opening session of the Grand Commandery at 1 P.M. Friday 5/3/2019 and continuing the business session 9 A.M. Saturday 5/4/2018. The room rates will be $ for a Single King Bed or a Double Queen Bed. One-bedroom suite $ and Twobedroom suite $ The cut-off date for our group will be 4/2/2019. Sir Knight Jay L Cotner, PGC Chairman

17 ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE GRAND ANNUAL CONCLAVE 2019 As chairman on the Committee on Arrangements, it is my pleasure to present to you the following information: The 197 h Stated Conclave of the Grand Commandery of Virginia will be held at the Doubletree Hotel, Charlottesville, Virginia with St Thomas of Acon on Thursday 5/2/2019; KYCH Friday morning and opening session of the Grand Commandery at 1 P.M. Friday 5/3/2019 and continuing the business session 9 A.M. Saturday 5/4/2018. The room rates will be $ for a Single King Bed or a Double Queen Bed. One-bedroom suite $ and Twobedroom suite $ The cut-off date for our group will be 4/2/2019. Sir Knight Jay L Cotner, PGC Chairman

18 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE The Committee on Finance met three times during the year with the most recent meeting being February 3, The financial records were discussed, and a budget was developed for presentation to the Sir Knights for their approval at the Grand Annual Conclave. That budget is: Grand Commandery Budget: FY (04/01/2018 to 03/31/2019) REVENUE: 1 Capitation Tax $ 30,554 2 Fees from New Creations (Estimate) $ 7,500 3 Eye Foundation Contributions (Pass-Through) $ - 4 Leadership Correspondence Course Fees (Estimate) $ Ritual Manuals (Pass-Through) $ 1,000 6 Transfers In: 7 - Contribution from PLM (Approved by Trustees) $ 15, Prior Yr Accurals for Triennal Conclave from the Gen Fund $ 5, Prior Yr Accurals for Printing Proceedings from the Gen Fund $ 2, Contribution to Balance Budget from the Gen Fund $ 4, Other Revenue $ - 12 Total Revenue: $ 67,985 EXPENSE: Grand Commandery Overhead: 13 Grand Encampment Capitation Tax $ 15, Grand Commander Expense Reimbursement $ 8, Building Rent $ 6, Grand Recorder Salary $ 6, Grand Recorder Office Expense $ 4, Printing 2016 & 2017 GC Proceedings $ 2, Grand Treasurer Salary $ 1, Building Utilities $ 1, Purchase of Ritual & Tactics Manuals $ 1, Insurance (Bond & Renters) $ Grand Treasurer Office Expense $ Regalia Repair & Replacement $ FICA Tax (7.65% of Payroll) $ Awards & Trophies $ Website Expense $ KTEF Postage $ Other Expense $ - 30 GC Overhead Sub-Total: $ 50, Grand Commandery Activities: 32 Va Grand Annual Conclave 2018 (Based on 100% of Protocol) $ 8, Triennial Grand Encampment Conclave (August 2018) $ 7, Mid-Atlantic Dept Conference ( September 2018) $ 1, Support to Youth Organizations $ Leadership & Education Committee $ Membership Committee $ Drill Team $ - 39 Other Expense $ - 40 GC Activities Sub-Total: $ 17, Total Expense: $ 67, Fiscal Year Net: $ -

19 Significant increases in the budget are: Line 10 - Contribution to Balance Budget from the Gen Fund $4,582 This contribution is based on all the revenue and expense line items meeting 100% of their budgeted amount. If increases in revenues and/or reductions in expenses are realized, this amount would be reduced or increased by those amounts. Line 14 Grand Commander Expense Reimbursement $8,000 An increase of $1.000 as the Grand Commanders expenses far exceed the previous allowance of $7,000. Line 18 Grand Recorder Salary $6.000 This is an increase of $2,600 as requested by the Grand Recorder. Line 32 VA Grand Annual Conclave 2018 (Based on 100% of Protocol) $8.000 This represents the ceiling amount of guest room and food expense based on the VIP s and honored guests invited by the Grand Commander. Experience has shown that not all these funds will be used. Line 33 Triennial Grand Encampment Conclave (August 2018) $7,500 This amount allows the full expense reimbursement to the Sir Knights that are required to attend plus one additional Sir Knight. Line 34 Mid-Atlantic Departmental Conference (September 2018) $1,000 This amount allows the full expense reimbursement to the Sir Knights that are required to attend. Respectfully Submitted on Behalf of The Committee on Finance, Sir Knight J. Jeffrey McClelland, KCT Eminent Grand Captain General Chairman

20 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE The Committee on Finance met three times during the year with the most recent meeting being February 3, The financial records were discussed, and a budget was developed for presentation to the Sir Knights for their approval at the Grand Annual Conclave. That budget is: Grand Commandery Budget: FY (04/01/2018 to 03/31/2019) REVENUE: 1 Capitation Tax $ 30,554 2 Fees from New Creations (Estimate) $ 7,500 3 Eye Foundation Contributions (Pass-Through) $ - 4 Leadership Correspondence Course Fees (Estimate) $ Ritual Manuals (Pass-Through) $ 1,000 6 Transfers In: 7 - Contribution from PLM (Approved by Trustees) $ 15, Prior Yr Accurals for Triennal Conclave from the Gen Fund $ 5, Prior Yr Accurals for Printing Proceedings from the Gen Fund $ 2, Contribution to Balance Budget from the Gen Fund $ 4, Other Revenue $ - 12 Total Revenue: $ 67,985 EXPENSE: Grand Commandery Overhead: 13 Grand Encampment Capitation Tax $ 15, Grand Commander Expense Reimbursement $ 8, Building Rent $ 6, Grand Recorder Salary $ 6, Grand Recorder Office Expense $ 4, Printing 2016 & 2017 GC Proceedings $ 2, Grand Treasurer Salary $ 1, Building Utilities $ 1, Purchase of Ritual & Tactics Manuals $ 1, Insurance (Bond & Renters) $ Grand Treasurer Office Expense $ Regalia Repair & Replacement $ FICA Tax (7.65% of Payroll) $ Awards & Trophies $ Website Expense $ KTEF Postage $ Other Expense $ - 30 GC Overhead Sub-Total: $ 50, Grand Commandery Activities: 32 Va Grand Annual Conclave 2018 (Based on 100% of Protocol) $ 8, Triennial Grand Encampment Conclave (August 2018) $ 7, Mid-Atlantic Dept Conference ( September 2018) $ 1, Support to Youth Organizations $ Leadership & Education Committee $ Membership Committee $ Drill Team $ - 39 Other Expense $ - 40 GC Activities Sub-Total: $ 17, Total Expense: $ 67, Fiscal Year Net: $ -

21 Significant increases in the budget are: Line 10 - Contribution to Balance Budget from the Gen Fund $4,582 This contribution is based on all the revenue and expense line items meeting 100% of their budgeted amount. If increases in revenues and/or reductions in expenses are realized, this amount would be reduced or increased by those amounts. Line 14 Grand Commander Expense Reimbursement $8,000 An increase of $1.000 as the Grand Commanders expenses far exceed the previous allowance of $7,000. Line 18 Grand Recorder Salary $6.000 This is an increase of $2,600 as requested by the Grand Recorder. Line 32 VA Grand Annual Conclave 2018 (Based on 100% of Protocol) $8.000 This represents the ceiling amount of guest room and food expense based on the VIP s and honored guests invited by the Grand Commander. Experience has shown that not all these funds will be used. Line 33 Triennial Grand Encampment Conclave (August 2018) $7,500 This amount allows the full expense reimbursement to the Sir Knights that are required to attend plus one additional Sir Knight. Line 34 Mid-Atlantic Departmental Conference (September 2018) $1,000 This amount allows the full expense reimbursement to the Sir Knights that are required to attend. Respectfully Submitted on Behalf of The Committee on Finance, Sir Knight J. Jeffrey McClelland, KCT Eminent Grand Captain General Chairman

22 Drill Team Committee 31 March 2018 Right Eminent Grand Commander and Sir Knights of the Grand Commandery of Virginia: Your Drill Team Committee knows that participation in Knight Templar drill team competition is one of the best ways to improve ritual floor work, sword work, camaraderie, and the thrill of competition. These qualities are helpful to attract and keep active membership. Every Sir Knight has the ability to participate. One can either coach, help manage, march, or provide other support such as making video recordings of practice sessions for self-assessment. There is no cannot, only do or do not. Inclement weather and other issues precluded holding competition at the 2017 Stated Conclave of the Grand Commandery. Rescheduling the 2017 competition facilitated changing more than anticipated. We learned that holding competition on a separate day allowed greater flexibility, significantly more time for the event, and the Charlottesville National Guard Armory was available at no cost. Furthermore, it had adequate indoor and outdoor competition space. This is why the 2018 Virginia Drill Competition has been planned to be held in October at the Charlottesville National Guard Armory. The rescheduled Virginia 2017 Knight Templar Drill Team Competition was held on October 28th in Charlottesville at the Virginia Army National Guard Armory. Two teams participated in Virginia Class E competition. Unforeseen circumstances caused one of the teams to report with less than enough members to compete. However, knightly courteously and brotherly love prevailed enabling them to participate in the competition. Two gallant sir knights from the other team volunteered to join them so that all would experience competition. The Fredericksburg Commandery No. 1 Team Members, in the picture below from left to right, are Sir Knight Charles B. Barbee, Team Captain; Marching Knights: Ronald A. Peacock, Jeremy B. Utt, William Searcy, III, and Joseph N. Pack. Page 1 of 3

23 The Richmond Commandery No. 2 Team Members, in the picture below from left to right, are Sir Knight C. Andrew Hall, Team Captain; Marching Knights: D. Patrick Harmon, Jeremy B. Utt, William Searcy, III, and Timothy P. Evans. Both teams underwent Personal Inspection and performed the Drill Routine. Each team member earned a Charlottesville 2017 Drill Bar. The Fredericksburg Commandery No. 1 Team, having the higher score, took possession of the Fitz Allen Brown Memorial Drill Trophy. It will be kept by Fredericksburg Commandery No. 1 until successfully challenged by another team in the next Virginia Drill Competition. Within the jurisdiction of the Grand Commandery of Virginia, ever since 2007 when the Virginia Class E Team was instituted, it has been possible for as few as only five (5) Knights to compete at the Stated Conclave. The Virginia Class E Team consists of a Captain, four Marchers, and one optional supernumerary member. The team members do not have to belong to the same Commandery, but must individually hold membership in a Virginia Commandery. Remember, everyone can participate. If you can read you can coach. If you can teach ritual you can help a Captain memorize his commands. Our teams need coaches, instructors, and organizers. We are proud of those Sir Knights who have the enthusiasm and mettle to participate in competitive drill. Looking ahead to August 2018, Grand Encampment wide competitive drill will be held in conjunction with the 2018 Triennial in Indianapolis, IN, on Saturday, August 18th. A drill team from Virginia has participated in every Grand Encampment Field Drill competition since As of the writing of this report, one Class D (7-man) Team from the Fredericksburg-Richmond area is registered to compete at the upcoming Triennial. There is still time for other teams from Virginia to prepare and also compete at the Triennial. All the drill routines and all related information are available on the Grand Encampment website. Page 2 of 3

24 Every member of a Drill Team that participates in Grand Commandery competition receives a Virginia Drill Bar with the city and year on it which may be worn on the Knight Templar uniform under the Virginia Drill header pin. Every member of a team that participates in Grand Encampment Triennial competition receives a Grand Encampment Drill Bar with the city and year on it which may also be worn on the Templar uniform under the Competitive Drill Grand Encampment header pin. Learning the basic elements of marching and sword manual is one of the best ways to build confidence and pride in the tactics so intrinsic to the Orders of Knighthood. In addition to using these fundamentals at every Commandery Conclave, we use them at events such as: the Religious Freedom Day Parade in Fredericksburg, the Grand Commandery of Virginia en-mass marching element at the Grand Encampment Easter Sunrise Service, and in the Family Day Parade at the Masonic Home of Virginia. Your Drill Committee remains firmly convinced that the Virginia Commanderies and Districts that support Drill Teams are helping to build Templary. The Committee thanks the Grand Commandery for its support of competitive drill and strongly recommends local drill programs throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Respectfully submitted, William F. Reinhold (3, 1, 2, 15), REPGC, Chairman Joe G. Broce (32, 15), EPC Clinton W. Hues (2), EGM Raymond D. Steele (19, 12), EPC Major G. Stephenson, III (5), EPC Page 3 of 3

25 GRAND COMMANDERY SPECIAL COMMITTEE THINK TANK (LONG RANGE PLANNING) "Putting the Passion Back in Commandery" This special committee, reorganized September 2017, was asked to focus primarily on recruitment and leadership. However, to be truly effective, consistent coordination must be developed among several committees (i.e., Membership, Leadership etc.). This committee will briefly present its general findings and recommendations in order to help achieve that goal. However, it must be stressed that in order for any real progress to occur, Grand Commanders and their respective Grand Lines, as well as Constituent Commandery Officers, will need to effectively implement and consistently support them. 1. The Proposed Goals as previously set forth by the Committee on Work should be actively supported as an essential part to the very success of this committees goals. 2. Consideration should be given to identify and mentor younger members of the Order in an effort to help prepare them for advancement. Therefore, it should be the goal of the Grand Line to support, identify and select members from these younger generations to serve in the Grand Line, as well as on committees within the next few years with the full expectation that the individual prove himself by active participation in and achievement of Grand Line Expectations. 3. Commanders need to be encouraged to actively promote proactive discussions on ways to improve their Commandery in light of our current environment and to identify ways to reinvigorate or promote the intellectual foundation of their meetings. 4. The practice of selecting a DDGC on a rotational basis should be abandoned and individuals selected based upon proven performance, particularly within the guidelines of the Grand Commandery Expectation requirements of the office.

26 5. Sir Knights should only be selected or appointed to the Grand Line when they have satisfactorily served as Commander and while in that capacity, have clearly demonstrated their commitment to the duties as established by the Officer Expectations of that office 6. District Lecturers should be selected only if they are well versed in both the basic ritual and conferral of the Orders, or they have demonstrated the desire and ability to actually work towards achieving those expectations. 7. The Grand Commandery needs to invest in and make available the Officer Leadership Manual, initially developed by the Leadership Committee in 2003, to every Constituent Commandery. Every Commandery should be required to have one in their possession. 8. Reports pertaining to Official Visits by a DDGC should be personally made and promptly forwarded. Copies thereof need to be made available to each respective Commandery in order to help facilitate desired actions or correct deficiencies noted therein. 9. That the Membership Committee consider developing a recruitment video for the Grand Commandery to promote an interest in Templary and assist with recruitment efforts. 10. Since the certification requirements for dais officer positions are no longer required per Grand Encampment, Grand Commandery should look into setting some basic requirements (i.e., those once expected for election to those positions) to earn the title of Past Commander rather than being designated as such by merely completing a term in office. 11. Awards and recognitions should be personally made in the presence of a Sir Knights' peers by a member of the Grand Line or in absence thereof, the DDGC. Concentration on recognizing individuals for personal achievements or contributions should be primarily made to the rank and file, while awards to Grand Line officers should be kept to a minimum.