On 3rd March, I made a surprise visit to the Isle of Wight and Frescewatre Preceptory No. 575, where I had the great pleasure of presenting a 40‑year Certificate to Very Eminent Knight Derek John Smith.
V.E.Kt. Derek was installed into Chertsey Preceptory No 304 in February 1986 and served as its Eminent Preceptor in 1994. Following his move to the Isle of Wight, he became a Founder Member of Frescewatre Preceptory No. 575 in October 1992 and was subsequently appointed Eminent Preceptor in 1997.
His extensive service to the Order includes holding the office of Registrar from 2008 to 2019 and Treasurer from 2021 to 2022.
In 2020, he became a Joining Member of Vectis Preceptory No. 237, where he assumed the role of Registrar at the following meeting—an office he continues to hold with distinction today.
In Provincial office, V.E.Kt. Derek was appointed Provincial Captain of Guards in 2000 and was later promoted to Provincial First Constable in 2004.
Further recognition followed at Great Priory when, in 2005, he was appointed Past Great Aide‑de‑Camp, with subsequent promotions to Past Great Herald in 2012 and Past Great Registrar in 2018.
In 2022, V.E.Kt. Derek received a further Provincial appointment of Provincial Chancellor.
Very Eminent Knight Derek has been instrumental in the success and development of Knights Templar Masonry on the Isle of Wight and remains a steadfast supporter of the Province. It was therefore a particular pleasure to be able to present him with this well‑deserved accolade in recognition of his long and exemplary service.
Julian
Provincial Prior
