Meet the Team

Sir Andrew of Ghellinge

Right Worthy Grand Preceptor

In the Commemorative Order of St. Thomas of Acon, a Right Worthy Grand Preceptor is one of the senior Officers of the Order,

Position and Rank
The Grand Preceptor is a Grand Officer and a member of the Grand Master’s Council, which is the supreme governing body of the Order

The title “Rt Worthy” is the formal style used for this office, reflecting its high ceremonial and administrative standing. In the rank order, the Grand Preceptor is senior to Past Grand Preceptors and other Grand Officers such as the Grand Marshal or Grand Treasurer

Jurisdiction
A Grand Preceptor is typically the head of a Province within the Order

Each Province is an administrative unit comprising several Chapels (local Masonic units) within a defined geographic area.

The Grand Preceptor has jurisdiction over all Chapels in that Province, overseeing their operations, ensuring compliance with the Order’s Constitutions, and representing the Province in matters of governance and ceremonial duty

Responsibilities
According to the Order’s Constitutions and provincial practice

  • Governance: Lead the Province’s administration, coordinate with Chapels, and ensure the smooth running of Masonic and charitable activities.

  • Representation: Act as the official representative of the Province in meetings of the Grand Master’s Council and other Order bodies.

  • Appointments: Oversee the appointment of Provincial officers and ensure proper installation of Chapels.

  • Ceremonial Duties: Preside over significant Masonic ceremonies, including installations and convocations, and maintain the Order’s regalia and traditions.

  • Charitable Work: Support the Order’s charitable initiatives, such as those benefiting Canterbury Cathedral, in line with the Order’s mission.

  • Advisory Role: Advise the Grand Master and the Grand Master’s Council on matters pertaining to the Province and the Order as a whole.

Relationship to the Order
The Grand Preceptor’s role blends administrative leadership, ceremonial authority, and charitable oversight. As a Grand Officer, the position is both a service role and a symbol of the Order’s chivalric and Masonic heritage

In summary, a Rt Worthy Grand Preceptor in the St. Thomas of Acon Masonic Order is the chief administrative and ceremonial leader of a Province, with authority over its Chapels, a key role in the Grand Master’s Council, and a responsibility to uphold the Order’s traditions, governance, and charitable mission

On a more personal note, the Rt Worthy Grand Preceptor leads a team of Provincial Executives who ensure that the Province is well run and provides8 experienced guidance to all Chapels within the Province, and this goes a long way to explain why the Province of the East Midlands is such a happy and enthusiastic organisation within the Order

Sir David of Mufulira

I am the Rt Eminent Provincial Grand Prior, so my role is supporting the Rt Worthy Grand Preceptor along with the other members of the Provincial Executive Team in the well-running of this happy Christian Order

I am also responsible for the spiritual well being of all the Sir Knights in the Province and support all the Chapel Eminent Priors within the Province

Right Eminent Provincial Grand Prior

Sir Allan of Hamersmyth

Provincial Grand Secretary

In my role, I am in regular communication with the R W Grand Preceptor as well as the other members of the Provincial Executive Team , and I act as the link between our Province and the Grand Secretary.

 I liaise with my Seven Chapel Secretaries, making sure that I am fully aware of which ceremonies are taking place and ensuring that forms for New Admissions, Installation Returns, Deaths, Resignations, etc. are completed in good time and forwarded to the Grand Secretary.

The calling notices from the other Provinces are received by me and distributed to the other members of the Provincial Executive, and I reply on their behalf.

I am fortunate to be an Active member of the Most Worthy Grand Masters Team and particularly enjoy visiting the other Provinces, supporting the Grand Master, and also representing our own East Midlands Province.

It is my responsibility to organise our showpiece event of the year, the Annual Provincial Grand Preceptors Council, to which we invite all other Provinces, as well as all of our own East Midlands Knights.

Sir Hugh of Castleford

Provincial Grand Treasurer

As Treasurer I am a member of the Provincial Executive which supports our Rt. Worthy Grand Preceptor to ensure that the Province is well run for the benefit of its members. nd expenditure of the Province so that we

Specifically I look after the income a maintain a strong financial position.

It is also part of my remit to monitor the annual accounts of the individual Chapels within the Province and to offer financial advice and assistance to individual treasurers should they so require it.

Sir David of Repton

Provincial Grand Marshal

The Provincial Grand Marshal is the Province's senior ceremonial officer. He is effectively the Director of Ceremonies for everything the Right Worthy Grand Preceptor does officially. He is responsible for the dignity, order and correct procedure of Provincial occasions, so that the Head of Province and his officers can carry out the business without worrying about the choreography.

 

At the annual Provincial Meeting, he plans and directs the processions. He forms up the Provincial officers in the correct order of precedence, conducts the Right Worthy Grand Preceptor in and out, and arranges the reception of any visiting Grand Officers or other Heads of Province, with the right salutations for each. During the meeting he directs the investiture of newly appointed Provincial officers. He calls each one forward and presents him to be invested with the silver-shell regalia of Provincial rank.

 

On Provincial visits and deputations, he goes ahead of the Head of Province to official visits to Chapels. These include installations of a new Worthy Master and Chapel anniversaries etc. He liaises in advance with the Chapel's own Marshal and Worthy Master over the arrangements, then marshals the deputation on the night.

 

At consecrations and other special ceremonies, he arranges and directs the procession and the ceremonial for the consecration of a new Chapel or other significant events. He works alongside the Provincial Grand Prior, who leads the religious elements.

He is also the custodian of standards and he also helps Chapel Marshals keep the ceremonial correct and consistent, often that means rehearsals or guidance before installations.

Sir Richard of Rearsby

Provincial Grand Registrar

My role as Provincial Grand Registrar is to manage and maintain the records of all Sir Knights within the Province, ensuring that our information remains accurate and up to date.

I am also responsible for producing accurate reports and for compiling, updating and distributing the Provincial Yearbook to all members.