Four local people have been invested into an ancient order of chivalry which dates back to 1048.
The investitures, held during a special ceremony, honour what was originally a Christian, chivalric and ecumenical organisation to provide care for Christian pilgrims to Jerusalem. Today it continues its mission of support for those in need.
Grant District Mayor Kylie Boston, Mount Gambier MLC Ben Hood, Commander Sandy Coulson CSM RAN (rtd) and Salvation Army Corps Officer Mount Gambier/Millicent Tim Frost were invested into the Order of St John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller OSJ – (Malta).
The investitures were carried out at St Paul’s Catholic Church by the Grand Prior of the Order of St John Knights Hospitallier Australasia Bailiff David Wilckens OSJ in front of a congregation of nearly 100 people.
Many of those attending were members of the Order who had travelled from Adelaide and interstate to participate in the first investitures to be held in Mount Gambier.
The four people invested, now Knights or Dames within the Order, are the first of what it is planned to form a Commandery in the Limestone Coast.
Meanwhile they will be members of the South Australian Priory based in Adelaide.
The Order has 300 members in Australia and is expanding across all states, with membership by invitation.
As the Order of St John is about supporting those in need, the Mount Gambier group has selected In Home Hospice Care to support by fund raising for this much needed service.
In Home Hospice Care has volunteers who assist people who have elected to die in their own homes.
The volunteers do tasks like grocery shopping, walk the dog, read to people and give carers a much-needed break.
The Investiture involved the aspirants (those being invested) to confirm their Christian faith and swear to support those in need before being presented with the Order’s regalia.
Grand Prior David Wilckens said how welcoming the members of St Paul’s Church had been from Father Peter Zwaans and Father Olek Stirrat to the organist and choir who had participated in the Investiture.
Following the Investiture those attending the event enjoyed lunch at the Commodore Motel where the new Knights and Dames were presented with certificates and met Order members and partners.
They also heard a short address from In Home Hospice Care manager Sandy Elliott.
The South Australia Priory has donated in excess of $600,000 to the Mary Potter Hospice Foundation along with donations to other charities, such as supporting people affected by bush fires.
The four local Knights and Dames held a very successful raffle on the day which raised in excess of $2000 to support Mount Gambier In Home Hospice Care.
