Grand Encampment in Roanoke VA

This past week has zoomed by. Last Saturday morning Nat, mom and dad, and I flew out of Des Moines for Roanoke Virginia. We arrived there at noon after a chilly flight, Nat's feet got very cold. The event was the 64th Triennial of the Grand Encampment Knights Templar of the United States. It was a bit of a sad occasion as this would have been Sir Knight Richard Baldwin's Triennial. He passed away approx 1 year into service.

Saturday we just rested and look around the old city of Roanoke. The hotel we stayed in was built in the 1880s by the railroad. It has seem many upgrades and improvements since then. There are several good restaurants which we tried. The jumbo shrimp was excellent. Sunday was more sight seeing then a Reception/Social hour that evening..

Monday brought the opening ceremonies and it was my honor to represent Iowa and be escorted in, presented under an arch of steel and greeted by the Grand Master, SK Koon. This was true for all distinguished guests and sitting Grand Commanders. The Grand Master kept the business moving right along, we were always on or ahead of schedule. After lunch those present witnessed history in the making.

The Grand Encampment Knights Templar of the United States of American is now world wide. A very large delegation of Sir Knights from Romania were in attendance. There was also a large delegation from Togo. Italy, France, and Canada were also represented. But is was Romania and Togo that made History. As they now have Charted Commanderies by the Grand Encampment of the USA. The same for Togo. On Tuesday Romania's Commanderys petitioned and were granted permission to form the Grand Commandery of Romania. There is growth and interest in Masonry and the York Rite abroad.

Monday evening the Iowa delegation went to a nice restaurant for dinner then returned to our hotels for hospitality rooms. Several states and the candidates running for office had nice hospitality rooms, the food was good and fellowship great. I always like going to these rooms and meeting people from other states, from the east to west coast. The friendships and acquaintances you make at these meetings far outweigh the meetings themselves.

Tuesday was election day. While there were several rumors running rampant about the election, everything work smoothly. The previous elected officers were elected to the same offices for the 65th Triennial. A good Sir Knight from Texas didn't get elected, and he would have done a good job also, but those elected are good Sir Knights and the Grand Encampment has a great team moving forward. That evening was the Grand Master Banquet, nothing special.

Wed was the installation of the new officers. S.K. Dave of Iowa is the new North Central Department Commander. Congrats Dave. Most of the Iowa delegation stayed to wish him well.
Then we left around 2 for the airport and got into Des Moines at 9. The past days have been recovery for me.
All in all it was a good time.....