A Remarkable £120,000 Donation to the St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital
Saturday 20th September 2025 will long be remembered as a remarkable day in the history of the Knight Templar Province of Northumberland. On that date, the Province celebrated 50 years of independence, following the 1975 partition of the original Provincial Priory of Northumberland and Durham. The milestone was marked in spectacular fashion – with a magnificent £120,000 donation to the charity supported by the Order: the St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital.
A Day of Celebration and Thanksgiving
Planning for this landmark celebration began several years ago, with meticulous attention to detail. The day commenced with a Service of Thanksgiving at the historic Hexham Abbey, attended by the Most Eminent and Supreme Knight Paul Clement, Grand Master of the Order. This was followed by a splendid luncheon at the Hexham Mart, bringing together Knights, their families, and guests from across the Province.
As in previous years, Knights first assembled at the Mart before being conveyed by coach to the Abbey. With the pews filled almost to capacity, the sight of so many Knights adorned in the red and white of the Templar Order created a vivid scene of pageantry and splendour against the ancient stone of the Abbey.
Honour and Ceremony
Short rehearsals took place under the watchful eye of the Great Marshal, Right Eminent Knight Tim Wheeler. The Province was further honoured when two of its own – Eminent Knight Geoff Morrison and Eminent Knight Ian Harper – were selected to serve as the Grand Master’s personal Banner Bearer and Sword Bearer respectively. Both have served on the Grand Master’s Bodyguard, with E.Kt. Morrison recently retiring and being promoted to Active Great Priory rank.
At precisely 11:00 am, the resounding trumpet tones of the Abbey’s organ marked the beginning of the Service. The congregation was warmly welcomed by the Rector of Hexham Abbey, Reverend David Glover, assisted by the Provincial Prelate, Reverend Leslie Dinning. Together they led a deeply uplifting and inspiring Golden Jubilee Service, enhanced by an outstanding performance from the Abbey’s choir.
Scripture readings were delivered by both the Provincial Prior and the Grand Master, followed by the collection of Alms.
Fellowship and a Grand Surprise
After the Service, the Grand Master and senior Provincial Officers led the procession from the Abbey before reconvening at the Hexham Mart for a sumptuous three-course luncheon.
During the toasts, the Provincial Prior, Right Eminent Knight Kevin Stannard, addressed the assembly, observing that while it is customary to toast the Grand Master at every meeting, it was a rare and special privilege to do so in his presence.
Then came the moment that would astonish everyone – including the Grand Master himself.
“A Truly Meaningful Gesture”
R.E.Kt. Kevin Stannard, himself a recently retired eye surgeon, explained the thinking behind the day’s crowning moment:
“The planning for today began many years ago, and one of the questions we asked ourselves was, how do we best mark such a significant occasion? What can we do to make it truly meaningful?”
He continued:
“The answer that comes to any Freemason and Knight Templar is to improve the lives of others less fortunate than ourselves. Therefore, we wished to mark this Golden Jubilee by making a donation to the St John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem.
Initially, we thought that £50,000 – a thousand pounds for each of our fifty years – would be a fitting target. For a Province of just 400 members, it was ambitious but attainable.”
What followed left the Abbey—and the Grand Master—speechless.
Instead of £50,000, the Provincial Prior announced a donation of £120,000 to the St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital – the largest contribution ever made in the Province’s history, and a record likely to stand for many years to come.
A golden moment – Provincial Prior Kevin Stannard astonishes the Grand Master with a £120,000 donation to the St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital, marking 50 years of the Provincial Priory of Northumberland.
A Golden Jubilee to Remember
The celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the Provincial Priory of Northumberland was not just a commemoration of fifty proud years, but a shining example of Masonic generosity, compassion, and unity.
Truly, a golden moment in every sense.
