Greetings Sir Knights,

            It is hard to believe that we are now in October, and that this templar year for our Grand Commandery is almost at its end. As I type this, my last article as Grand Commander, I have less than 30 days until the Grand Conclave. They often say that the greatest reward of any journey is not the destination but the path you take getting there. I can say that this is one of the truest statements.

            In the course of this year I have traveled many miles, more than I realized I would. I met so many in this year and strengthened my relationship with those I have known. I have had some great times, and some not so great. That is the nature of life though, you have the good and the bad, you just hope that the good outnumber the bad. I can say that they did and I am so appreciative to God for that.

            I could recount so many of my experiences this year, the orders I have witnessed, visitations and inspections, but I don’t need to do that. The best part of this year was seeing so many friends, old and new. To see that the love of Christ is alive and well in Templary in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The lessons of duty, of dedication, of service have been exemplified by so many of our Sir Knights this year. Thank you all for proving just how much those lessons mean.

            This year our Grand Commandery had losses of many dedicated Sir Knights, and friends and family. I lost several dear friends including S.K. Robert Allen, REPGC, who’s friendship was cherished by so many. My family and I also want to acknowledge again the support and love we all received from this Grand Commandery. Our First Lady Eunice, my mother, loved Templary and was very proud of the work we all do and especially the work our Ladies of the Knights Templar perform. This was a dark time for myself and my family, but the love and support helped us to pull through this.

            Family is what many consider Masonry and especially Templary. We come together, we support each other, and we guide each other. Just like in families we may disagree on things but if we can come together in mutual respect, we will always part as friends and brothers and as family. Family is so important to me, and I am so blessed to have been able to travel through this experience with my father by my side. To have my mother and daughters be with me as well made it all the richer. Having your family support what you do makes it all the sweeter.

            It has truly been an honor and a privilege to serve you all this year. The journey over the past 9 years has been one to remember. So many friends made, experiences had, and yes, many a dinner enjoyed. This year had its hardships and difficulties, but they must be faced and endured to make the good experiences all the better enjoyed. I will continue to serve after I am done, in whatever capacity I may be able to. I truly love this Christian Knighthood, and hope that I have served well.

            Finally, I will leave you with this closing thought. Jesus taught, first and foremost, Love. Love of your family, love of your neighbor, love of your community and most importantly love of God. Love is a builder of all things positive in this world. God built us to love. Be kind to one another. Try to find commonality between your differing opinions so you may walk away with mutual respect. Most of all show your love through service.

“Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” Matthew 25:37-40 

Fraternally,
James Ian Ogilvie
Grand Commander