Annual Report 2020-21
This year, again, has been devastated by the Coronavirus Pandemic with all Masonic Meetings continuing to be cancelled. However, with Government Regulations gradually being eased the meeting of the Executive, which is now being conducted by way of a Virtual Meeting over the Internet, has been brought forward to discuss the implications for King Edward VII Preceptory of Improvement.
The Masonic Hall at Kings Heath, Birmingham has undergone refurbishment but has not yet re-opened due to the ongoing Coronavirus situation. There is a planned Annual General Meeting for Saturday 26th June 2021 Government Covid19 restrictions permitting.
As a result of an initiative by E. Kt Tan Rusby, Provincial Marshal of Sussex by creating graphics of the Temple for instruction to the Knights of the Province via a Preceptory of Improvement in October 2020, V.E.Kt Harry Randell, Registrar, collaborated with him to improve the presentation of the graphics for use in King Edward VII Preceptory of Improvement.
The meeting dates of the Preceptory were used for virtual rehearsals and demonstrations to the Provinces via Zoom Communications. The first demonstration was held on Tuesday 12th January 2021, when the Most Eminent and Supreme Grand Master, Paul Raymond Clement G.C.T. was present along with nine invited Provincial Priors and Knights of their Provinces. A total of ninety-six Knights participated in the event.
Following on from the apparent support and enthusiasm for the demonstration, Malta Chapter graphics were created by the Registrar and a rehearsal arranged for a demonstration of the Malta Degree. This took place on Tuesday 16th March 2021 and was again supported by the Most Eminent and Supreme Grand Master and eight invited Provincial Priors and their Knights. A total of seventy-eight Knights participated in the event.
On Monday 26th April 2021 nine other Provincial Priors and their Knights attended another demonstration of the Templar Ritual. Altogether, eighty-five Knights participated in the event.
A further demonstration is planned for Tuesday 25th May 2021 when the final ten Provinces on the UK mainland are invited to participate. The demonstrations have proved to be a success in maintaining the Knights interest in the two Orders and in promoting the work of King Edward VII Preceptory of Improvement. This has resulted in applications for individual membership and Preceptory Affiliation being increased.
There has been renewed interest from the Provinces for having workshops, either virtual or personal, and for creating their own Provincial Preceptories of Improvement.
The Annual Dinner for the members of the Preceptory of Improvement did not take place due to the Government Covid 19 Regulations. The situation will be monitored before any further arrangements are made.
The dates for 2021–2022 King Edward VII POI are on an information card situated in the Mark Mason's Hall lobby. They can also be found on the website — www.kingepoi.org or via the link on the Knights Templar website — https://markmasonshall.org/orders/knights-templar.
Any Province wishing to be provided with assistance by way of a ‘workshop' or ‘demonstration' from King Edward VII Preceptory of Improvement need only to contact the Registrar, Very Eminent Knight Harry J Randell P.Gt.Reg., on: e-mail: harryrandell@btinternet.com or telephone 01437 766524. .
Yours in the Bonds of the Order
R. E. Kt. Tim Wheeler K.C.T. Gt. Mar.
Chairman
86 St. James's St. London SW1A 1PL