Service of Praise and Thanksgiving
The last Provincial Church Service was held in 2018 at the Chapel of the Royal Masonic School for Girls in Rickmansworth. A subsequent service was planned for 2020 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Province. Unfortunately, this event was cancelled due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and the associated restrictions on gatherings. Efforts to return to the school in later years were unsuccessful, owing to ongoing building projects. We were therefore particularly grateful when E.Kt. Mark Corcoran, P.Gt.Her., proposed St Gabriel’s Church, North Acton, as a suitable alternative venue for the service.
The Church Service held on 8th June marked the first such gathering in seven years. It was jointly led by V.E.Kt. The Revd Timothy L’Estrange, P.Gt.Prel., Vicar of North Acton and Surrogate, and E.Kt. Mark Corcoran, P.Gt.Her., Provincial Prelate. St. Gabriel’s Church is an architecturally striking brick building, well-regarded for its distinctive presence within its suburban surroundings. Constructed between 1929 and 1931, it was designed by Ernest Charles Shearman, whose unique style has been described as ‘Mediterranean Gothic’.
Although the date unfortunately clashed with other commitments for some members of the Province, nearly 50 attendees—including members of the parish—were present for this Evensong service.
The service commenced with a formal procession of the clergy and the Provincial Prior, accompanied by the banners of the Province, which were carried with dignity by current and former members of the Bodyguard. Following the opening prayers, the first lesson, Luke 3:10–18, was read by the Provincial Prior, R.E.Kt. John Roberts, K.C.T. After a hymn, the second lesson, Acts 2.1-13, was read by the Provincial Vice-Chancellor, E.Kt. Terry O’Neill, P.Gt.Her. The address, delivered by the Provincial Prelate, E.Kt. Mark Corcoran, acknowledged that although the 50th anniversary service was missed due to the pandemic, this occasion marked a celebration of 55 years of the Province. He reflected on significant events that had taken place in the intervening years. The Precepts of the Order were then read by the Provincial Prior, followed by a series of prayers. A collection was taken during the singing of the Templar Hymn. The service concluded with the Blessing and the National Anthem, after which the clergy and Provincial Prior recessed, accompanied once more by the banner bearers. The ceremonial proceedings were expertly overseen throughout by the Provincial Marshal, E.Kt. Tom D’Souza, P.Dep.Gt.Mar. with musical accompaniment on the organ provided by the Deputy Marshal, E.Kt. Gil Singleton. Following the service, all attendees enjoyed a well-received tea in the Parish Hall. We now look ahead to the next service, scheduled for 2027. Ample notice will be provided regarding the date and venue to encourage strong attendance from the Knights of the Province.
Commentary by E.Kt. Frank Clapp, P.Gt.A.-de-C.
Photo credits: E.Kt. Savvas Savva, P.Gt.A.-de-C. and Mrs Sophie Blackmore
