JUNE 2000

FROM THE APARTMENT OF THE GRAND COMMANDER

Sir Knights,

I wish to thank the Sir Knights for electing me to serve as Grand Commander of our Grand Commandery for this year. It is a very special and humbling feeling to be installed as the leader of this Christian organization. I pledge my very best efforts in the performance of my official duties and look forward to working with each of you as we labor to promote Templary in this great Commonwealth.

My theme this year is “TUIT” meaning Templar Unity Into Tomorrow, but also should serve as a reminder to all Sir Knights that Templary needs our service now, if it is to survive and thrive, not “when we get around to it”. You will hear more remarks concerning my theme as I make my Official Visits.

I look forward to serving you this year, and know that we will have a successful and prosperous year.

Baldwin G. ‘Gerry’ Locher, Jr., KCT

Grand Commander

Yours in the Christian Faith,

Baldwin G. Locher, Jr. KCT

Grand Commander

INTRODUCING OUR GRAND COMMANDER

Sir Knight Baldwin Gerard Locher, Jr. was born on 14 August 1939 to B.G. and Lawton Fox Locher. He grew up near Glascow in Rockbridge County, Virginia. As a child, “Gerry” attended the local schools as well as Saint Christopher’s and the Virginia Episcopal School.

Following an Honorable Discharge from the United States Marine Corps, Sir Knight Locher returned to Rockbridge County and has been self employed in the mining of sand and gravel, the sale of real estate and timber, and in farming.

Sir Knight Locher is married to the former Elizabeth Aiken and they have three children.

Sir Knight Locher is a member of the R.E. Lee Memorial Episcopal Church where he serves as a Lay Reader, Chalice Bearer, and is a Lay Eucharistic Minister.

Sir Knight Locher was raised in June 1961 in Glascow Lodge No. 233, AF&AM. He is a Past District Deputy Grand Master, Past District Grand Commander, holds the KYCH and KCT. He is also a 32º Scottish Rite Mason and holder of the KCCH in the Roanoke Valley. Sir Knight Locher is also a member of Kazim Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S. and has served as Captain of the Provost Guard and is Past Chief of the South Atlantic Shrine Association Provost.

Sir Knight Locher is affiliated with most York and Scottish rite Bodies and has the privilege of being an officer in several of these bodies.

He works closely with DeMolay (in which he was awarded the Legion of Honor), and is on the Advisory Committee of the Lexington DeMolay Chapter; also the Boy Scouts and the 4H.

THE GRAND COMMANDER’S SCHEDULE OF VISITS

The Grand Commander’s schedule of visits had not been finalized as this supplement went to press. A detailed schedule will be published in future Supplements.

KNIGHTS TEMPLAR MAGAZINE VIRGINIA SUPPLEMENT

The following is a brief report on the status of the Virginia Supplement to the Knights Templar Magazine. During the Chivalric year, twelve issues were submitted to Grand Encampment for publication. Issues included:

Twelve messages from Sir Knight John R. Wigglesworth, Jr. in the form of “From the Apartment of the Grand Commander”.

August Edition - Sir Knight Henry B. Jenkins, Jr., Past Commander of Fairfax Commandery No. 25 reporting on Conferring the Order of the Red Cross in June 1999. Photo was included.

October Edition – Report by Sir Knight Paul L. Purdy, Past Grand Commander on the passing of R.E. Fitz Allen Brown, Past Grand Commander on 30 July 1999.

November Edition – Report on the Templar Wedding of Sir Knight Jamison Bowman and Ms. Angela Ketron. Photo included.

December Edition – Report of Appomattox Commandery No. 6 Knighting fifteen Sir Knights so far during the year. Photo included.

March Edition – Report by Sir Knight Jon W. Mayberry on the Religious Freedom Day conducted 16 January 2000 in Fredericksburg. 52 Sir Knights were in attendance. Photos were included.

I want to thank the Right Eminent Grand Commander and the Sir Knights who provided articles and photos for the Supplement. You make the editor’s job much easier. I would encourage all Sir Knights to consider sending in news, announcements, and other items that might be of interest to the Sir Knights in the Commonwealth. You may do so by regular mail or by e-mail (either in the text or by attachment). Photos (regular or digital) are also welcomed!