Honouring Our Glorious Dead

The Templars for a very special regard for all who serve, or have served, in the military. Indeed, a large majority of our brethren and affiliates - especially in the USA - are forces veterans.

Our Priory Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene even has a dedicated War Memorial. Originally in the once huge army base in nearby Newtownards, the large bronze memorial plaque commemorates the men of the Irish section of the British Army Labour Corps (pictured below), who were based at the camp during World War One when not on active service.

A wreath hung beneath the plaque is renewed regularly, and weekly prayers are said specifically for all who have died in the service of their country. This is in addition to the prayers said in the Chapel every evening, during which any special requests for prayers from or for our brethren and friends are also fulfilled.

The flags which flank the memorial are those of the 36th Ulster Division and the 10th Irish Division, all of whose men were volunteers. We salute them, and brave Christian soldiers everywhere. Deus Vult!