A New Westminster couple is among 27 “knights and dames” who will be recognized at a ceremony filled with plenty of pomp and circumstance.
After a two-year postponement, the Order of St George of Canada and the Americas will hold a special investiture ceremony to honour and welcome 27 new knights and dames from B.C. and Alberta into the order. The ceremony is taking place on Saturday, April 23 at 1 p.m. at Holy Trinity Cathedral – marking the first time the “knighting ceremony” is being held outside Ontario.
The free ceremony, being held on the weekend celebrating St. George’s Day and following Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 96th birthday, is open to the general public. Guests don’t have to register to attend the ceremony, but they are asked to be seated by 12:30 p.m.
Instead of travelling back east for the ceremony, eastern attendees will be travelling to B.C. for this weekend’s service – including retired Canadian General Rick Hillier, patron of the Order of St. George in Canada and the Americas.
“The recognition and honouring of so many local worthy individuals in a unique, traditional ceremony in the order dating back to the 13th century will be a rare treat for both honourees and spectators,” said Chevalier Allan Plett, Prior of Cascadia Priory, in a news release.
Longtime New West residents Karen Baker-MacGrotty and David MacGrotty are among 27 postulants being recognized at the ceremony.
“It is truly an honour for both David and I to be invested into the Order of St. George in the midst of so many worthy individuals,” said Karen Baker-MacGrotty, former honorary colonel of the Royal Westminster Regiment. “The order’s charitable mission, to support our veterans, serving military and cadets, is very close to our hearts, and during this difficult time around the world with so many suffering, David and I are delighted with this call to service and the opportunity to continue to serve our community in this new capacity.”
According to Baker-MacGrotty, the traditional ceremonial service will feature lots of pomp and ceremony, military presence and special VIPS from back east.
A press release from the Order of St. George Cascadia Priory, which is hosting the ceremony, states the colourful heralding Fanfare Trumpets of the Band of Royal Westminster Regiment, a riveting performance of Highland Cathedral by the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada Pipe and Drum accompanied by organist, George Ryan, along with the singing of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah by Métis artist Kailey Ann Ashley will be musical highlights of the ceremony.
According to the Cascadia Priory, the Order of St. George in Canada is a chivalric order whose mission is to better the health and well-being of members of the Canadian Armed Forces, veterans and their families, and to support the Royal Canadian Sea, Army and Air Cadet Corps and Junior Ranger programs.
“Growing membership in our western provinces and states is one of our main priorities,” said Chevalier Steven Mohns in the news release. “The order recognizes individuals who have demonstrated considerable service, values and ideals of chivalry in the pursuit of positivity, integrity, honour, courage, compassion and service. The calibre and exemplary record of service of all our postulants is impressive and anticipate their dedication will help drive our charitable missions forward.”
Holy Trinity Cathedral is located at 514 Carnarvon St.
