06/19/2026
Hampton Commandery No. 17
Chartered July 12, 1888
Portsmouth Commandery No. 5, originally known as Portsmouth Encampment No. 5, has a rich history dating back to January 16, 1827, when it was first instituted. Portsmouth Commandery No. 5 also provides the history for both Grice Commandery No. 16 and Hampton Commandery No. 17. Portsmouth Commandery is known as the “God-Mother” for Grice and Hampton Commanderies.
On February 4, 1885, the Grand Commander of Virginia, Right Eminent Francis A. Reed, authorized a dispensation to Hampton Commandery, in the county of Elizabeth City. He also issued Dispensation to Richmond Commandery No. 2 and Old Dominion Commandery No. 11, to confer the orders of Knighthood without awaiting the usual time of probation.
During the 1886 Annual Convocation, it was resolved that the Dispensation would be continued in full force as the processing of documents was not completed. The 1888 Proceedings of the Grand Commandery of Virginia reports the following information on Hampton Commandery:
Hampton Commandery No. 17, Old Point, Va.
At the last Assembly of this Grand Commandery, the following was adopted:
Whereas A Dispensation was issued for the establishment of a Commandery at Hampton in February 1885; –
And, whereas, The Dispensation, with the necessary documents, has not been returned; therefore Resolved, That on the return of the said Dispensation and the necessary papers, that the Right Eminent Grand Commander be authorized to continue the said Dispensation, or to issue a Charter, as he may deem proper or expedient.
On July 10, 1888, just before the Grand Convocation, the Grand Commander received the missing documents and dispensation from Sir Knight Joseph G. Fulton, thus removing any further delays in the charting and constituting this new Commandery. Hampton Commandery No. 17 is chartered two days later, on July 12, 1888.
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