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We are thrilled to present to you this edition of the Knightly News from Fort Bend Commandery No. 74!
From the Commander
From the Commander
Gavin M. Swinney
"Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage."
— Galatians 5:1 (NKJV)
As our nation commemorates 250 years of liberty, we are reminded that while America celebrates the blessings of political freedom, an even greater freedom has been secured through Jesus Christ.
Paul begins by commanding believers to "stand fast." This is a military expression calling us to hold our ground with courage and resolve. The freedom Christ has given is not passive—it must be cherished, defended, and faithfully lived.
He reminds us that this liberty is not something we earn. It is a gift purchased through Christ's sacrifice on the Cross. Because of His grace, we have been set free from the burden and penalty of sin.
Finally, Paul warns us not to become "entangled again with a yoke of bondage." A yoke was a heavy wooden beam placed upon animals to control and burden them. Spiritually, it represents returning to the weight of legalism, sin, or anything that seeks to enslave us once more. Christ has called us to walk in freedom—not to return to the chains He has already broken.
As Christian Knights, we are called to stand firm in that freedom, to strengthen one another, and to live lives worthy of the calling we have received.
If it has been some time since you last stood among us, I encourage you to return. Your presence is valued, your experience is appreciated, and your fellowship is needed. Our Commandery is strongest when we gather together, united in faith, purpose, and service to our Lord.
I respectfully invite you to join us for our next Stated Conclave on Monday, July 27, 2026. It would be an honor to welcome you back as we continue the important work entrusted to us and renew the fraternal bonds that unite us as Sir Knights.
May we stand fast in the liberty Christ has given us, faithfully serve our Great Captain, and continue building a Commandery that reflects His truth, His love, and His light.
In His Service,
Gavin Swinney
Eminent Commander
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
The opening verse of Psalm 115 is a blast against pride. It is a deliberate, almost urgent refusal to accept praise: “Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us…” The repetition is the psalmist’s way of slamming the door on self‑glory before it can even enter the room. For Knights Templar; Christian soldiers pledged to humility, service, and the Cross; this verse is not merely poetry. It is a rule of life.
Every Christian wrestles with pride, but the Templar faces a particular temptation: the temptation to believe that our labor, our charity, our leadership, or our fidelity to the Order is somehow our own achievement. Psalm 115:1 reminds us that any good we accomplish is only possible because God equips, strengthens, and guides us.
Our vows, our regalia, our titles; none of these are ornaments of personal greatness. They are reminders of responsibility. They point beyond us to the One whose banner we bear.
The psalmist gives two reasons why glory belongs to God:
His mercy -- the steadfast love that never fails, even when we do.
His truth -- the faithfulness of God to His promises, the reliability of His Word, the certainty of His salvation.
These are divine attributes, not human accomplishments. We cannot claim them; we can only try to reflect them.
When a Knight Templar serves, whether in a Commandery meeting, a charitable act, a prayer vigil, or a moment of quiet encouragement, he is called to serve in such a way that observers see Christ, not the Knight.
Our chivalry is not for applause. Our charity is not for recognition. Our discipline is not for self‑elevation.
All of it is for the glory of God.
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.
Christopher Johnston
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
Mark your calendars and plan to attend these important meetings and events:
July 2 - Columbia Chapter/Council Stated Meetings
July 6 - Park Place Commandery Stated Conclave
July 8 - North Houston Chapter/Council Stated Meetings
July 9 - Richmond Council Stated Assembly
July 11 - Houston York Rite Conference
July 11 - Melrose Commandery Stated Conclave
July 13 - Sugar Land Lodge Installation of Officers (Commandery providing Flag Presentation)
July 17 - Park Place Chapter/Council Stated Meetings
July 18 - Gulf Coast York Rite College Meeting
July 25 - District 3 Templar School of Instruction @ Reagan Lodge (All Officers must attend)
July 27 - Ruthven Commandery Stated Conclave
July 27 - 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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