Coronavirus and London Knights Templar

Suspension lifted - 1st August 2021

On the 1st August 2021, the Provincial Prior has lifted the local suspension of meetings within the Province and meetings are now able to resume. There remains however, a need for caution and for all Knights to take a responsible and common-sense approach to their own and to other’s safety. In all instances, the guidelines of the Centre and/or any dining venue, must be adhered to.

No pressure is to be applied to anyone to either attend, or to refrain from attending meetings. In addition, the wearing of face coverings during meetings should remain a matter of personal choice.

Provincial update - 1st March 2021

On the 1st of March 2021, on behalf of the Provincial Prior, the Vice-Chancellor wrote to the Preceptory Registrars

"Taking into account the safety and well-being of members, families, loved ones
and friends, the Provincial Prior has decided that from 8th March 2021,
if any Preceptory wishes to hold a meeting it will need the explicit permission
of the Provincial Prior. Otherwise, all meetings of London Preceptories
will remain suspended."

Suspension of face to face meetings in England
Mark Masons Hall - 2nd November 2020

Mark Masons Hall, have issued a Suspension of face to face meetings in England.

"In view of the Prime Minister’s announcement on Saturday evening that a new
lockdown is to be imposed across England later this week, all face to face meetings
will be suspended from 12.01 a.m. on Thursday, 5 November 2020 until further
notice. This suspension supersedes any local suspensions currently in place."

Read the full document by clicking here.

Provisional Blueprint for an Exit Strategy
Mark Masons Hall - 1st June 2020

Mark Masons Hall, have issued a Provisional Blueprint for an Exit Strategy.

Point 1: As soon as government guidance changes to allow groups of ten or more people from different households to meet indoors, it is expected that a lifting of the general suspension of masonic activity will be announced. The resumption of meetings will take place either fourteen days after the announcement or on a date, if later, on which government guidance becomes effective.

There are 11 points and full details of the communication can be obtained by clicking here.

Coronavirus and London Knights Templar

The Grand Masters of the Orders administered from Mark Masons’ Hall have jointly agreed an immediate General Suspension of all Masonic Activity for a period of four months. This means that no masonic meetings or related social activities should take place until further notice.

Whilst regular masonic activity will now cease for the time being, the administration of our Orders will continue as usual with regular updates issued to let you know what is happening. Full details of the information sent from Mark Masons Hall on 17.03.20 can be found by clicking here.

A message from our Provincial Prelate and the Chaplain to the Bodyguard

You will find a few appropriate words from our Provincial Prelate, E. Kt. Rev'd Michael Seymour-Jones PGtAlm and the Chaplain to the Bodyguard, E. Kt. Rev'd Niall Johnston PProvA-de-C in these troubled times on the following page.

Please click here to read them in full.

Changes to meetings

17.03.20: In accordance to the latest information from Mark Masons Hall all masonic activity and meetings have been suspended for the following four months.

Mark Masons Hall COVID-19 update

17th March 2020

To: Members of All Orders Administered from Mark Masons’ Hall

Dear Sir and Brother

Notice of a General Suspension of All Masonic Activity
Throughout this period of national and international emergency, the well-being and safety of our members has been paramount. This is why the guidance we have issued so far has gone beyond that published by the UK Government and Public Health England. For our members overseas, our guidance has supplemented that provided by the local Public Health Authorities wherever they live.

As a result of the latest advice given by the UK Prime Minister yesterday, backed by the Chief Medical and Scientific Officers, our existing guidance has been reviewed and updated.

The Grand Masters of the Orders administered from Mark Masons’ Hall have jointly agreed an immediate General Suspension of all Masonic Activity for a period of four months. This means that no masonic meetings or related social activities should take place until further notice. A similar Notice of a General Suspension is being issued today by the United Grand Lodge of England, the Supreme Council of the Ancient & Accepted Rite and the Grand Lodge of Scotland.

Whilst regular masonic activity will now cease for the time being, the administration of our Orders will continue as usual with regular updates issued to let you know what is happening.

These are unprecedented times requiring unprecedented action and I feel sure you will agree that the suspension of all masonic activity now is the right thing to do. Our Orders are facing a considerable challenge as a result of the spread of the coronavirus and will do so for some months to come. So, it’s important that we do as much as we can to safeguard one another, maintain contact with one another by phone and email, and ensure that when the current emergency is over, we can fully resume the practice and enjoyment of our freemasonry.

With fraternal regards and best wishes.
R.W.Bro. Ryan A Williams, P.G.J.W.
Grand Secretary

Statute 67 [Quorums]

Against some of the meetings in the Events Calendar it refers to Statute 67. This relates to the minimum number of Knights required for the meeting to take place. It states:

[67] The presence of an Installed Preceptor and four other Knights at the least is requisite to constitute a Meeting of a Preceptory for the Installation of a Knight into the Order; but any other business may be transacted at a Meeting if three, including a Preceptor, shall be present. In either case two of those present must be subscribing members of the Preceptory.