Fredericksburg Commandery #1, KT
General Order No.5
Greetings Sir Knights;
Seventy Six Grand Line Officers, Sir Knights and their Ladies, attended a conclave of the 10th
Chivalric District on Saturday evening the 7th of July held at Fredericksburg Commandery No.1. for
the purpose of receiving the Grand Commander of Knights in Virginia. Prior to an excellent roast
beef dinner served by Chef Lee Dematteo and his family. Eminent District Deputy Grand
Commander SK Tim Edwards from Charlottesville Commandery No.3 introduced the REGC SK
Francis Michael McGraft the Grand Commander Knights Templar of Virginia and presented him with
a history of Charlottesville Commandery #3. After the dinner SK McGraft introduced his wife and
Grand Line Officers and gave a brief talk that was well received. SK Donald James Willard, from
Fairfax No. 25, dressed in 14th Century mail and tunic with a broadsword across his back, presented
the Grand Commander with a replica 47” Knights Templar Sword. Following the talk, a Conclave
was convened with SK Gerald F. Reimers, Eminent Commander, Charlottesville Commandery #3
serving in the East. SK Robert C. Black Eminent Commander Fairfax Commandery #25 served as
Generalissimo and I served as Captain General. Following the address of the Grand Commander a
Cross of Honor was formed in memory and honor of our recently departed Sir Knight Wilfred George
Volkstadt.
July 19th Stated Conclave.. The Sir Knights and Ladies of the Beauceants enjoyed a pork chop
dinner with desserts provided by the Beauceants at 6:30 PM. During dinner our newly elected
candidate Craig Allen Bourn whom I called to repair the A/C, joined in the meal after which he
repaired the A/C unit. We had a long form opening in an asylum that was starting to cool but still
quite warm. The inspection was postponed until the September Conclave by the DDGC SK Tim
Edwards. $65.00 collected above cost of the meals of the May and June conclaves and $50.00 from
the candy sale fund raising campaign initiated by Right Eminent Jon Wayne Mayberry was donated
to the Templar Eye Foundation. We elected 4 Royal Arch Companions to receive the Orders as
conferred by the Commandery. The Orders will be conferred by Richmond Commandery No.2 on
Saturday the 29th of September.
16th August.. Stated Conclave. Pot Luck Dinner served at 6:30 PM. Friends and family
invited. We will have a short form opening with a Memorial Service practice following the
business session.
SICK REPORT; I am saddened to report the passing of two revered Sir Knights of our
Commandery. Sir Knight Wilfred George Volkstadt who departed this life on July the 4 th 2007 and
REPGC George Derrick (King Fish) Stevens who departed this life on 21 st July 2007. Our Newly
elected companion waiting to receive his orders, Craig Bourne had a brain tumor removed from his
left lobe on the 24th of July and is recovering at home. RE PGC SK Jon Mayberry at home and
receiving Gemzar treatments here in Fredericksburg. SK Bud Smith at home recovering from lung
surgery. PDDG SK Carl Pepmeier in Wilburn Gardens, SK Gordon Byram and PC John Ritchey and
SK George Sanderson at home also SK Hamilton Pape recouping from leg injury at home. Please
keep these Sir Knights in your prayers. Cards and calls to all would be welcomed!! Know of a Sir
Knight that’s sick, please let me know. Thanks.
The SOOB’S will meet in the Baker Room following the meal at 7:30 PM.
In His Name
Rudolph E. Griffith, Commander