George North Preceptory 610
The George North Preceptory was opened on the 20th March 2026 at 6:00pm in due and proper form, followed by the calling of the Muster Roll. The arrival of the Provincial Prior was marked with ceremony and dignity, as Eminent Knight Lee Freeman, Commander of the Body Guard, announced his approach. The Provincial procession entered the Preceptory with full honours, led by the pennants, Provincial Sword, and Banner. The Provincial Prior, Right Eminent Knight Steven John Churchill, was accompanied by the Past Provincial Prior, Eminent Knight Roger Wortley.
A key highlight of the evening was the Installation of Eminent Knight Simon Barter as Eminent Preceptor for the ensuing year. The ceremony was conducted by Eminent Knight Arthur Cairns and carried out with great feeling and dignity, under the attentive eye of the Provincial Prior.
Following his installation, Eminent Knight Simon Barter appointed and invested his Officers. Eminent Knight Andrew Ward assumed the office of First Constable, while Knight Nick Thomson was invested as Second Constable. The George North Preceptory continues its proud distinction as the Provincial Body Guard Preceptory, with all members being current or past members of the Provincial Body Guard.
Additional business included the ballot for joining members, Knights Justin Eldred and Lukasz Kusiak.
The meeting of the George North Priory of Malta was then opened, with several Knights donning the distinctive robes of the Order of Malta, adding to the solemnity and visual richness of the occasion.
Eminent Knight Simon Barter was then installed as Eminent Prior for the ensuing year by Eminent Knight Scott Cheal. As is customary within the Province, those Knights installed in the Preceptory assumed equivalent rank within the Priory.
The Eminent Prior subsequently appointed and invested his Officers, maintaining continuity and tradition within the Order.
Provincial Presentation
A notable moment followed when the Provincial Prior unveiled the Eminent Preceptors’ Board, newly acquired for Rushden Masonic Hall. This addition stands as a lasting tribute to those who have served the Preceptory in its highest office and reflects the continued strength and heritage of the Province.
Both the Preceptory and Priory meetings were conducted with esteem, precision, and a strong sense of tradition. The evening reflected the enduring values of the Order and the commitment of its members to uphold its ceremonial and fraternal standards.