Dear Knights and Dames of the Priory,

 

It is my great honor and privilege to be the Prior of the Priory of the Holy Isle. 

Our small but mighty priory prides itself on its few, dedicated members who

work diligently to ensure our world is a better place live.  

 

As Margaret Meade once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,

committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

 

I would like to think that we are one of those small group of citizens.  We are the modern representatives of what the original Knights Templar stood for and worked to become. Together we can reach out and assist Christians, help those who cannot help themselves, and promote and preserve the Christian faith throughout the world. We need to build understanding and trust between all religions.  

 

How we comport ourselves in our daily lives should reflect the ideals of our Order.  We need to be one of the small groups of people who turn the world upside down and make it change for the betterment of all its citizens.  

 

The rules by which we set our standards should be our daily guidelines:

​

•Prayer—we must never forget to meditate and pray every day

 

•Charity—we should strive to comport ourselves as those who practice Christian faith and true chivalry

 

•Discipline—the goal of this life is not material enrichment or of unlimited pleasure and amusement but of growth in the knowledge and service of God and our fellows

 

•Sacrifice—the customs of modern life do not excuse us for abandoning the struggle against self-temptation, the self-indulgent and lustful spirit, and the excessive pursuit of money and power.  The struggle against intolerance, hypocrisy, false teachings, and ignorance is the role that, by God’s grace, has fallen to us.

 

•Chivalrous Life—if we work without expectation of reward we shall be an example to all. So shall we become living stones built up into the temple of which Jesus Christ is the capstone.

 

Our “small group of thoughtful and committed citizens” can be a very wonderful and powerful force. And I will do my best to live up to that commitment and those expectations.  

 

Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed nomini tuo da gloriam

Not unto us, Oh Lord, not unto us, but to Thy Name be given glory.

 

            Daniel G Garrett
 

      Prior IX

      Priory of the Holy Isle

​

​

​