Special Message from REG Commander

​OFFICE OF THE RIGHT EMINENT GRAND COMMANDER GRAND COMMANDERY OF KNIGHTS TEMPLAR OF OHIO
GENERAL ORDER NO. 14
CANCELLATION OF STATED CONCLAVES AND INSPECTIONS
March 14, 2020
To all Sir Knights, officers and members of Constituent Commanderies and to all present and past Officers of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Ohio:
Greetings:
The number of cases of persons infected with the novel coronavirus COVID-19 continues to rise in Ohio, our nation and the world. Our state government and the Grand Lodge of Ohio have begun to implement measures to limit nonessential travel and to set limitations on gatherings to prevent community transmission of the virus. A large number of Commandery members fall in the “at risk” population, that is to say, over the age of 60, preexisting medical conditions and other factors. The health and well-being of every one of our Sir Knights is our most important concern.
Accordingly, by authority of Nelson General Order #11, I hereby order all stated conclaves to
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be cancelled through April 25 , 2020.
Furthermore, I order all Inspections scheduled to occur through April 25th to be cancelled, under the following conditions:
1. The full administrative review, as detailed in the Supplemental Instructions to the General Orders, Section 2.i.(1) shall still be conducted by the Deputy Division Commander, Division Commander or by a Grand Commandery Officer or Past Grand Commander.
2. First-time Commanders whose inspections are cancelled, and who have never been inspected in the Order of the Temple will have the opportunity to prove their proficiency and receive their Past Commander certificate by performing all Five Libations (Ritual pp. 126-133, 141-142), and the Knighting (Ritual, pg. 145) in the presence of the Division Commander, Deputy Division Commander, Past Grand Commander or other Grand Commandery Officer in a satisfactory manner, prior to May 31, 2020.

Given under my hand and seal of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Ohio, on this 14th day of March, Anno Domini 2020, Anno Ordonis 902.
Robert C. Hager, KCT
Right Eminent Grand Commander
Attest: Alfred T. Johnson, KCT, HPGC Eminent Grand Recorder