The Rt Worthy Grand Preceptor for the Province of the East Midlands welcomes you

Welcome to the Province of the East Midlands

It is my distinct privilege to welcome you to our Provincial digital gateway and the online home of The Commemorative Order of St Thomas of Acon for the Province of the East Midlands. 

Whether you are an existing Member checking in on the Provincial updates, a visiting Sir Knight from a neighbouring Province, or a Masonic Brother who is curious about expanding your Masonic journey, I am absolutely delighted that you are here.

The Commemorative Order of St Thomas of Acon is a jewel in the crown of Christian Freemasonry.  It is built entirely upon the foundations of humility, kindness, and practical charity, and here in the East Midlands, we pride ourselves on having created a sanctuary of true chivalric camaraderie. 

Our Chapel Meetings are defined not by stiffness or formality, but by a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where deep ritual meaning walks hand-in-hand with joyful Christian fellowship.

The roots of The Commemorative Order of St Thomas of Acon are deeply embedded in the very soil of the medieval Crusades, and we hold a very rare and prestigious distinction in that: we are the only English Order of Chivalry born directly in the Holy Land. 

Unlike the international nature of our Brothers of the Knights Templar, or the Knights Hospitaller, our origins are explicitly associated with the English Crown, its history, and the people of England. 

We also contribute directly to the Order’s broader global charity – the preservation of Canterbury Cathedral - where St Thomas Becket was martyred. 

As an Order, we undertake an annual pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral where we enjoy true Christian fellowship and a dedicated Service delivered in the East Crypt, by the clergy of the Cathedral.

Here in the East Midlands Province we have seven Chapels which are located in Derby, West Bridgford, Mansfield, Long Eaton, Gainsborough, Lutterworth, and Ashby de la Zouch and we are always delighted to welcome new Members. 

If you are interested in joining our beautiful Christian Order, then please contact our Provincial Grand Secretary whose details can be found on the Contacts Page of this website. (Click here to go there directly)

Once again, thank you for visiting our website, and I hope I have given you a brief insight into our beautiful and tranquil Christian Order.

Kindest regards.

Sir Andrew (Emery) of Ghellinge

Right Worthy Grand Preceptor