Knight Templar Masonry in New Zealand
The order of the Knights of the Temple was a military order founded in 1119 by Hugh de Payens, a knight from Champagne.
Knight Templar Masonry first came to New Zealand when on 4 October 1869 the Chapter General of Scotland, (one of the two bodies which amalgamated in 1909 to form the Great Priory of Scotland), issued a Charter in response to the petition dated 8 June of that year.
The object of this Order is to perpetuate, or preserve a memorial of, the chivalry of the knights of the Crusades, and also to promote the aims of benevolence and charity in New Zealand. The Order is presently grouped into 4 Districts with 31 Preceptories and Priories.
Grand Master Roberts Message October 2026
It has been a very busy year, starting with a visit to Nelson on the 31st of January 2026 to Nelson Priory to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its founding in 1924. Unfortunately the date did not qualify as a centennial celebration as Nelson Priory was in abeyance for a number of years, both pre and post WWII. It was, however, a very well attended celebration and congratulations to Nelson Priory on this significant event. Thanks also to David Marsh and his team for their very considerable efforts in making this celebration a great success.
Nelson Priory was formed in 1924 following a visit in the year before of a group of KT members from Wellington. These “Grand Originals” were also instrumental in helping in the establishment of Marlborough Priory in Blenheim.
In March I attended the Installation of the new Grand Master of Western Australia in Freemantle, M. Em. Kt. Neil Harris, GCT. I had not been to Perth for many years so this also gave me a chance to catch up with family.
In August I had the pleasure of attending the Installation of M. Em. Kt. Norm Leslie Farquharson GCT, in Melbourne (Great Priory of Victoria). I was very grateful for the company of M. Em. Kt David Craddock and Rt. Em. Kt. Marc Dresser, on this trip. A good time was had by all!
I have made several other visits around NZ this year, to be capped by a visit to Otago No.1 on the 4th of November. Not my first trip to Dunedin (or Otago No.1) having graduated from Otago University and having attended Otago No.1’s 150th year celebration a few years ago!
There will be a few “local” meetings between now and Christmas and I’ll be posting more before the end of this year.
With kind and fraternal regards,
Latest College of Arms Newsletter
College of Arms Newsletter, September 2026 Newsletter (No.79) has just been published in the Member’s section.
