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We are thrilled to present to you this edition of the Knightly News from Fort Bend Commandery No. 74!
2026 Officers
2026 Officers
With 2025 now behind us, we are looking forward to another great year of Templar Masonry at Fort Bend Commandery under the leadership of our new slate of Officers. Those Officers are:
Eminent Commander - Sir Knight Gavin Swinney
Generalissimo - Sir Knight Jason Vance
Captain General - Sir Knight Robby Roden
Treasurer - Past Commander David Berndt
Recorder - Past Commander Joe Johnson
Senior Warden - Sir Knight Mark Eastwood
Junior Warden - Sir Knight Oscar Ochoa
Prelate - Past Commander Brian Dodson
Standard Bearer - Sir Knight Daren Belunek
Sword Bearer - Sir Knight Joe Pointon
Warden - Past Commander Chris Choat
Sentinel - Sir Knight Rob Rodgers
Celebrations and Brags
Celebrations and Brags
At the Annual Grand Sessions of the Most Excellent Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Texas and the Most Illustrious Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Texas, three of our own were elected or appointed to positions within those bodies. Congratulations to Past Commander Aaron Tyksinski on being elected as the Right Excellent Grand Scribe of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Texas, Past Commander Brian Dodson on being appointed as the Excellent Grand Chaplain of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Texas, and Past Commander David Berndt on being appointed as the Right Illustrious District Deputy Grand Master of Cyptic District 6 of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Texas. Fort Bend County is still doing great things in York Rite Masonry!
Aaron W. Tyksinski
Aaron W. Tyksinski
Right Excellent Grand Scribe
Right Excellent Grand Scribe
Most Excellent Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Texas
Most Excellent Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Texas
Brian R. Dodson
Brian R. Dodson
Excellent Grand Chaplain
Excellent Grand Chaplain
Most Excellent Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Texas
Most Excellent Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Texas
David C. Berndt
David C. Berndt
Right Illustrious District Deputy Grand Master of Cryptic District 6
Right Illustrious District Deputy Grand Master of Cryptic District 6
Most Illustrious Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Texas
Most Illustrious Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Texas
From the Commander
From the Commander
Gavin M. Swinney
It is with deep gratitude and humility that I thank you for the privilege and honor of serving another year as your Commander. Our Commandery is growing in strength, purpose, and brotherhood, and with that growth comes a renewed commitment to take on more in service to Christ and to one another.
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
- 2 Corinthians 5:17, NKJV
As we enter a new year, let us hold fast to this powerful truth. In Christ, we are made new. The past no longer defines us; instead, we are called forward into a life transformed by faith, obedience, and purpose. May this new year be a true beginning, one that finds each of us drawing closer to our Lord and Savior, renewed in spirit and strengthened in commitment.
If it has been some time since you last joined us, I warmly encourage you to reconnect. Your presence is essential. I want you to know that your fellowship is valued. Together, we are stronger.
Our next Stated Conclave will be held on January 26, 2026, and it would be a true honor to have you with us as we continue this journey together.
May God bless you and guide us all in the year ahead.
From the Recorder
From the Recorder
Past Commander Joe Johnson
Thank you for placing your trust and confidence in me to serve as your Recorder for the ensuing year. It is a distinct honor to hold this office, and I do not take the responsibility lightly.
I intend to execute the duties of the Recorder with diligence and to the very best of my ability. I look forward to serving our Commandery and supporting our Eminent Commander and all of you as we work together to make this a successful year for Templary.
As we approach the new year, I must also address an important administrative matter regarding membership dues. Please be advised that Sir Knights who have not yet remitted payment for their 2026 dues will be officially considered in arrears as of Thursday, January 1, 2026.
If you have not yet taken care of this, I respectfully encourage you to remit your payment as soon as possible. Your prompt attention to this matter ensures your standing within our Commandery remains current and helps maintain the financial health required for the operations of our Commandery.
If you have any questions regarding the status of your dues or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly.
Click here to be taken directly to the Commandery's online store. You may also get to it by going to www.fortbendyorkrite.com, navigating to the Fort Bend Commandery tab, and clicking on "Online Store".
A Moment with the Prelate
A Moment with the Prelate
Past Commander Brian R. Dodson
In Luke 6:20–31, often called part of the “Sermon on the Plain,” our Lord delivers a message that is as challenging today as it was to the first disciples who gathered around Him on that level place. Unlike Matthew’s more familiar Sermon on the Mount, Luke’s account is shorter, sharper, and more direct, addressed not to the crowds in general, but to those who have already committed themselves to follow Christ1.
For us as Knights Templar, Christian soldiers pledged to defend the faith, relieve the distressed, and walk uprightly before God, this passage offers a spiritual rule of life that cuts against the grain of the world and calls us to a higher standard of discipleship.
Luke presents four blessings and four corresponding woes. Jesus speaks directly to “you”—His disciples, declaring blessed those who are poor, hungry, weeping, and persecuted for His sake1. These are not abstract spiritual ideals; they are concrete realities. Christ is announcing that God’s kingdom reverses the world’s values. The world honors wealth, comfort, laughter, and praise.
Christ honors humility, dependence on God, compassion, and steadfastness in trial.
This reversal echoes the very heart of our Templar calling. We are not Knights because we seek honor, prestige, or earthly reward. We are Knights because we seek to serve the King whose crown was made of thorns.
Luke’s version of the Golden Rule (6:31) is not a simple call to reciprocity. As scholars note, Jesus is calling His followers to a grace that extends even to the difficult and unlovely, without expectation of reward1. This is the heart of Christian knighthood: to act not because others deserve it, but because Christ commands it.
In a world increasingly marked by division, anger, and self‑interest, the Commandery stands as a witness to a different way, a way of mercy, generosity, and sacrificial love.
As we meditate on Luke 6:20–31, let us recommit ourselves to the vows we bear:
To defend the faith with courage.
To relieve the distressed with compassion.
To walk humbly with our God.
To love even those who oppose us.
To embody the Golden Rule in all our dealings.
May our lives reflect the upside‑down kingdom Christ proclaimed, and may our Commandery be known not only for its ritual and regalia, but for its living witness to the Beatitudes of our Lord.
Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed Nomini Tuo da gloriam.
Templar Anniversaries
Templar Anniversaries
Please join us in congratulating the following Sir Knights for their commitment to the values and mission of our Order. They are each celebrating their Templar Anniversary this month.
Fred Brown
James Matthes
John McManus
Tom Turner, Sr.
We encourage all Sir Knights to take a moment to reach out and extend your heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to these Sir Knights. Let us celebrate their achievements and continue to strengthen the bonds of our fellowship.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
October will be a busy and exciting month for our York Rite family. Mark your calendars and plan to attend these important meetings and events:
January 8th - Richmond Council Stated Assembly
January 8th - San Felipe de Austin Commandery Stated Conclave
January 9th - Ruthven Commandery Stated Conclave
January 10th - Melrose Commandery Stated Conclave
January 14th - North Houston Chapter and Council Stated Meetings
January 16th - Park Place Chapter and Council Stated Meetings
January 22nd - Houston Scottish Rite Stated Meeting
January 24th - Gulf Coast York Rite College Diamond Award Banquet
January 26th - Fort Bend Commandery Stated Conclave
Thank you for your dedication and support. We look forward to seeing you at these events!
This newsletter is published monthly by Fort Bend Commandery No. 74, serving as a resource to keep our members informed. We welcome your feedback, ideas, and contributions! Please direct any comments, suggestions, or submissions to Past Commander David Berndt at david@karateclarinet.com. Thank you for your support and engagement!
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