Annual Investiture of Knights and Dames 2009

The annual Investiture of Knights and Dames took place at Rochester Cathedral on Saturday 23rd May 2009.  

Honour Guard from the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment

The Order was delighted to welcome an honour guard from Third Battalion The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment. The Colonel of the Regiment along with his Regimental Sergeant Major joined us for the post-Investiture luncheon.

Soldiers from The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment (3rd Batt.) in the procession into Rochester Cathedral

Service

Scriptural readings were delivered by Chev Simon McIlwaine and Col. Dame Iris Karászy-Kulin. These included an inspirational and familiar passage from Ephesians 6:10-18 (KJV):

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Chev. Simon McIlwaine reading one of the lessons

Col. Dame Iris Karászy-Kulin reading one of the lessons

The Rochester Cathedral choir led the hymns with musical direction from HE Brig Gen Chev Stuart Brant MKN GCStG MMLJ MA Grand Choirmaster and HE Brig Gen Prof Chev Ian Roche MKN GCStG KLJ OMLJ BA Dmus, Grand Director of Music. The quality of music and singing was exceptional and received many remarks both during and after the service and investiture.

Investiture

Seven postulants were admitted into the Order of St. George in the ranks of Knights and Dame. As men and women of exemplary character who have distinguished themselves in society we welcome them most heartily and know that their contribution will continue to strengthen the Order's work in raising civic pride and charitable funds.

Postulants awaiting Investiture

Promotions

Grand Secretary of the Grand Priory of The United Kingdom, Chev Lt. Col. Charles Dixon MKN was elevated to Grand Cross (GCStG), the highest grade of the Order of St. George in recognition of his contribution to the Order and associated charities over a prolonged period. Chev. Dixon was congratulated by the Grand Prior of the United Kingdom. Chev Eur Ing Steve Nimmons KCStG MLJ was also officially appointed as Grand Herald of the Grand Priory of The United Kingdom.

UK Grand Herald Chev. Steve Nimmons (right) pictured with Chev. Simon McIlwaine, Grand Prior of the United Kingdom.

Christian Knights of the Rose

A very welcome addition to our annual gathering was a Canadian delegation from the Most Honorable Order of Christian Knights of the Rose. Grand Prior of Canada H.E. Chev. Orland L. DeLong, GPKR and his wife were also Invested into the Order of St. George.

Grand Prior Appointed Ambassador

H.E. Chev. Orland L. DeLong continued to appoint Chev Simon McIlwaine MKN KCStG  CLJ (Grand Prior of the United Kingdom) as an Ambassador of the Christian Knights of the Rose.

Investiture of Chev. Christian Taylor

In particular recognition of his contribution to civic duty and military service Chev. Christian Taylor KCStG was then honoured with admission into the Most Honorable Order of Christian Knights of the Rose. The ceremony of Investiture was conducted by H.E. Chev. Orland L. DeLong.

Luncheon, speeches and resolutions

The UK Grand Prior welcomed overseas visitors particularly our friends from the Christian Knights of the Rose in Western Canada. A particular welcome was also extended to the officers of 3rd Batt. the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment and of course to our newest Knights and Dames.

A letter received on behalf of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II was then read expressing thanks for recent communications and best wishes for a successful Investiture.

Recognition of Contribution

Grand Prior McIlwaine gave thanks on behalf of the Priory for a number of notable contributions. Dame Muriel Taylor DStG, recently appointed as north of England regional organiser and Charity Director for the UK Priory (pictured below) was thanked for her wonderful contributions to the Fairbridge charity. Dame Muriel has been providing inspirational and motivational leadership and embodies an exemplar proactive spirit.

Dame Muriel Taylor DStG with Chev. Simon McIlwaine

UK Grand Herald Chev. Steve Nimmons KCStG MLJ was thanked for his contribution to the establishment of a newly designed website and for his work in promoting the Order through new media and public relations.

H.E. Chev. Orland L. DeLong was thanked for his contribution to the Investiture and for the admission of Chev. Christian Taylor KCStG into the Christian Knights of the Rose. Chev. DeLong also spoke about the important work that he performs for the Mongolian Red Cross Society. Chev. McIlwaine thanked him immensely for this contribution and explained that the Order would be actively supporting the Red Cross in Mongolia throughout the coming year.

Nature of the Order Stressed

Chev. McIlwaine went on to stress that the Order is a working order and that its reason for existence combines civic responsibility, charitable giving, fellowship, spiritual refreshment and chivalry. He stressed that volunteers were always being sought within the Order to progress important work, assist with existing projects and provide ideas for additional projects. To reiterate this sentiment, please contact any of the officers of the Order to discuss this further.

The event was clearly an unqualified success and a truly inspirational gathering and expression of Christian fellowship. The Order's work is extremely important and will continue with vigour.

Additional pictures of the Investiture are in the slideshow on this page.

Yours Under the Banner of St. George