Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Virginia

Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Virginia Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Virginia

Turner Ashby Commandery No. 35Chartered May 6, 2017Turner Ashby Commandery No. 35 was started as an idea, presented to S...
08/21/2026

Turner Ashby Commandery No. 35
Chartered May 6, 2017

Turner Ashby Commandery No. 35 was started as an idea, presented to Sir Knight Barry E. Constant, Eminent Commander of Piedmont Commandery No. 26 for 2016-2017, by two other members of the Commandery whose home lodge and Royal Arch Chapter reside in Warrenton, Virginia.

Due to the distance (40 miles) and time required (approximately 1 ½ hours) from Warrenton to Ashburn, Virginia, the home of Piedmont Commandery, the two Sir Knights, Kenneth Lee McInnis and Paul William Lockhart asked Sir Knight Constant to look into the requirements to form a new Commandery to be based in Warrenton at Mt. Carmel Lodge No. 133.

Sir Knight Constant enlisted the aid of a few other members of Piedmont Commandery which by the time the petition was submitted to Grand Commandery totaled twelve Sir Knights.

The Sir Knights had decided to minimize uniform costs that the Sir Knights would wear Cap and Mantle, as approved by Grand Commandery and Grand Encampment.

The petition was submitted to the Grand Recorder’s office in 2015 but no action was taken by the Grand Commandery. At the Stated Conclave of Grand Commandery in 2016, the petition was brought up again, but due to misinformation or misinterpretation of Grand Commandery law, the petition was handed over to the Committee on Charters for action. Right after the stated conclave of Grand Commandery in May 2016, the incoming Grand Commander, Sir Knight Joseph Patrick Westfall, Jr, was persuaded by several Past Grand Commanders and others to issue a dispensation to the twelve Sir Knights from Piedmont Commandery No. 26 to form Turner Ashby Commandery No. 35 in Warrenton.

The Grand Commander, Grand Recorder, the Department Commander, a Past Department Commander, other past Grand Commanders, Grand Officers, members of the Commanderies in District 3, 4 and 9 and a number of Royal Arch Companions (all totaled Thirty-five) were present on June 6, 2016, when Sir Knight Westfall presented the dispensation to the Commander under dispensation...

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Sir Knights,As a reminder, the Mid-Atlantic Department Conference of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar is quickly ...
08/20/2026

Sir Knights,

As a reminder, the Mid-Atlantic Department Conference of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar is quickly approaching and you don't want to miss it! Please see the below registration information, deadlines are listed on the forms. We hope to see you there!

Registration Information: https://bit.ly/4x5vecl
Registration Form: https://bit.ly/45xGXo8
2026 Department Conference: https://bit.ly/45uJEXx

August is known for the dog days of summer: a season when the heat seems unrelenting, the ground grows dry, and even the...
08/19/2026

August is known for the dog days of summer: a season when the heat seems unrelenting, the ground grows dry, and even the strongest among us long for relief. Spiritually, we all experience seasons that feel much the same. We face trials that test our endurance, circumstances that stretch our faith, and moments when the heat of life's challenges seem almost unbearable.

Yet God has never promised a life free from difficulty. Instead, He promises His presence in the midst of it. Scripture declares, "For our God is a consuming fire" (Heb. 12:29). His fire is not meant to destroy those who belong to Him but to refine them. Just as precious metals are purified in the furnace, our hearts are shaped as the Lord burns away fear, pride, self-reliance, and anything that keeps us from fully trusting Him.

On Mount Carmel, the prophet Elijah challenged the people to discover who the true God really was, saying, "The God who answers by fire, He is God" (1 Kings 18:24). When God's fire fell, it revealed His power, His faithfulness, and His glory. Sometimes we pray for God to remove the fire from our lives, but perhaps He desires to reveal Himself through it. The very trials we would choose to avoid often become the places where His presence is seen most clearly and where our faith grows strongest.

The prophet Obadiah also speaks of God's people becoming a flame: "The house of Jacob shall be a fire... and the house of Esau stubble" (Obadiah 1:18). Fire not only refines it also illuminates and transforms. As God works within us, His Spirit strengthens us to stand firm, reflect His light, and overcome the things that once held us captive. What once seemed overwhelming loses its power when we are grounded in Christ.

And where do we stand when the heat becomes too much? We stand upon the Rock. Throughout Scripture, God reveals Himself as our refuge, our fortress, and our unshakable foundation. While the world shifts like scorching sand beneath our feet, the Lord remains steadfast.

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On Saturday, August 15, the Right Eminent Grand Commander made his official visit to Chivalric District No. 7 at Graham ...
08/18/2026

On Saturday, August 15, the Right Eminent Grand Commander made his official visit to Chivalric District No. 7 at Graham Commandery in Harman Lodge. Sir Knights and Ladies gathered for breakfast and fellowship before hearing a clear and encouraging message from our Grand Commander, who emphasized continued effort and confirmed the support of the Grand Commandery.

The museum display on the Bluefield Chapter of the White Shrine of Jerusalem added an excellent historical element to the visit, highlighting the Legacy We Share.

We appreciate everyone who attended and assisted with the event.

Learn more about the Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem here: https://bit.ly/4qpH0Mi

Sir Knight John R. Wigglesworth, Jr., was born September 2, 1936, in Bowling Green, Virginia. His father was John R. Wig...
08/17/2026

Sir Knight John R. Wigglesworth, Jr., was born September 2, 1936, in Bowling Green, Virginia. His father was John R. Wigglesworth, Sr., and his mother was Dorothy M. (Barlow) Wigglesworth. He is married to Mary P. Wigglesworth and they have four children. two sons (one deceased) and two daughters, and three grandchildren. After graduating from Caroline High School, Sir Knight Wigglesworth attended George Washington University before entering the United States Air Force in 1956. Upon discharge from the Air Force, he was employed by Washington Gas Light Company and after thirty-three years of service, retired in 1994 as Manager in the Distribution Department.

Sir Knight Wigglesworth lives in Falls Church, Virginia, and is presently a member of Christian Fellowship Church. During the past thirty-eight years in the Falls Church area he has held numerous positions of leadership within the Church. He has served as an adult leader in Cub Scouts. Job’s Daughters and DeMolay.

Sir Knight Wigglesworth was raised a Master Mason in Arlington Centennial Lodge No. 81 in September 1969, exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Triangle Royal Arch Chapter No. 73 in November 1969 and Knighted in Arlington Commandery No. 29 in November 1969.

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With profound sadness, the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Virginia announces the passing of Sir Knight Roy Braxt...
08/16/2026

With profound sadness, the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Virginia announces the passing of Sir Knight Roy Braxton Henderson, Jr., Past Grand Commander of Virginia, who served this Grand Jurisdiction with distinction during the 2017–2018 Templar year.

Known to generations of Brothers and Sir Knights simply as R.B., his life was firmly rooted in the mountains and communities of Southwest Virginia. Born November 26, 1955, and a native of Saltville, Virginia, he built a life centered upon family, faith, community, and service. He and his wife, Marlene, were married in 1981 and raised their daughter, Megan. His commitment to his hometown could be seen not only in his Masonic labors, but also through his service to his church, the Town of Saltville, and the organizations that worked to preserve and strengthen the community he called home.

Knighted in 1985 as a member of Lynn Commandery No. 9, he twice served as its Eminent Commander and later served as District Deputy Grand Commander. Beginning his progression through the elected Grand Commandery line in 2010, he faithfully advanced through its stations until being elected Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Virginia in 2017. His service was recognized with the Charles A. Grice Meritorious Award and the distinction of Knight Commander of the Temple, among numerous other honors.

The offices R.B. held tell only part of his story. His Masonic record spans decades because service was not something he reserved for a particular year, title, or station. Whether the work was local or statewide, prominent or largely unseen, he remained engaged in the life of the fraternity and in the communities around him. His was a record built over time, one meeting, one responsibility, and one act of service after another.

We join the Henderson family, the Sir Knights of Lynn Commandery No. 9, and all who knew R.B. in mourning his passing and giving thanks for the years we were privileged to share with him.

May the memory of his friendship remain close to us and may the example of his long and faithful service continue in those who follow after him.

“Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”

08/16/2026

This verse reminds us that every kindness offered in love—whether through prayer, a shared meal, or a visit to someone in need—is precious to God.

Penn-Neck Commandery No. 33Chartered June 18, 1988On April 6, 1988, Sir Knight Mansell H Hopkins, Jr., Grand Commander t...
08/14/2026

Penn-Neck Commandery No. 33
Chartered June 18, 1988

On April 6, 1988, Sir Knight Mansell H Hopkins, Jr., Grand Commander the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Virginia, granted a disposition for the formation of a new Commandery of Knights Templar in Urbanna Virginia.

The following Saturday April 9, 1988, Penn-Neck Commandery Under Disposition was opened in short form. The officers were Richard B. Baldwin (Grand Generalissimo) – Commander, David G. Mathews – Generalissimo, Jon W. Mayberry – Captain General, Leonard W. Fitzgerald – Senior Warden, – John R. Ritchey Junior Warden, Samuel L. Cochran – Standard Bearer, Charles D. Simms – Sword Bearer, Edward W. Smith – Warder, George D. Stevens – Sentinel.

Applications for Membership were received and approved for: Ga***rd G. Ambrose, Richard B. Ballwin, Howard F. Coleman, Clifton T. Davis, Clinton R. Edwards, William S. Holloway, David G. Mathews, Jr., George D. Nicolson, Stanley E. Shelton, A. Lenwood Stevens, George D. Stevens.

Petitions were approved for: William W. Ambrose, Earl W. Borkey, Thomas O. Bowers, Charles R, Bryant, Jr., Charles T Davis, Roland L. Emerson, Charles W. Faulkner, Paul L. Feitig, Donald G. Grabar, Clyde S. Hartlove, Lewis D. Hensley, David M. Hudgins, Boyd-D Manning Jenkins, John M. Kanak, Charles D. Loving, James F. Palmer, Arthur James Phillips, Dr. Darryl J. Pirok, Ernest M. Priddy, Owen G Roberson, Jessie R. Stevens, William J. Thrift, Donald K. Vance, Dr. Arthur L. VanName, Jr., Charles Lester (Pete) White, Kenneth W. Williams.

At the One Hundred Sixty Sixth Annual Grand Conclave of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Virginia on May 14, 1988, the Committee on Dispensations and Charters approved the dispensation granted to Perm-Neck Commandery to form a Commandery in Urbanna, Virginia. In addition, the committee recommended that the request for a charter be granted to Penn-Neck Commandery, and the number 33 be assigned to it. The committee consisted of Sir Knights Gayle E. Bovee, Right Eminent Past Grand Commander,…

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REMINDER: This SATURDAY is the Grand Commander’s Official Visit to Chivalric District No. 7 at Graham Commandery No. 22...
08/13/2026

REMINDER: This SATURDAY is the Grand Commander’s Official Visit to Chivalric District No. 7 at Graham Commandery No. 22, located at 564 Virginia Ave., Bluefield, VA.

Breakfast will begin at 9:00 AM, followed by a tiled reception at 10:00 AM.

Spouses are warmly invited to enjoy a separate program planned especially for them.

We hope you will join us for a meaningful day of friendship, learning, and shared purpose.

Explore the August edition of The Virginia Knights Monthly Newsletter, which highlights the story of Templary in Virgini...
08/12/2026

Explore the August edition of The Virginia Knights Monthly Newsletter, which highlights the story of Templary in Virginia.

IN THIS EDITION:
From the Grand Commander’s Apartment
MAHOVA Family Day
Grand Prelate’s Message
Pen behind the Sword
Investing in the Future
No.4 at 200
DeMolay 200th Address
From the Editors
Honorary DeMolay Event

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Virginia Beach, VA
23450

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