The Priory In The United States Of America
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The Priory was formally established at a ceremony of
dedication on May 11th, 1996, held in the National Cathedral, Washington,
DC. His Royal Highness the Grand Prior presided and formally handed
the instruments of foundation to the new Prior, John R. Drexel IV, KStJ.
The Priory includes the members of the American Society of the Order
of Saint John, a non-profit corporation founded in 1958 to provide support
for the Ophthalmic Hospital in Jerusalem. This is still the mission
of the Order in the United States, which raises funds for the Hospital
and donates medical supplies and equipment to assist its humanitarian
mission.
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The membership of the Priory includes many distinguished Americans and
presently numbers over one thousand. The majority of the members had
historically been admitted in the rank of Officer Brother or Sister, and
after a period of several years if consistent in support of the work of the
Order may expect to be promoted to Commander Brother or Sister and eventually
to Knight or Dame. Since 1997 most new appointments to membership have been
made in the rank of Serving Brother or Sister, the fifth class of the Order.
The Priory is presided over by the Prior, who is appointed by HM the Queen as
Sovereign Head, during her pleasure. He in turn appoints the members of the
Council who hold their offices for renewable three-year terms. The chief
executive officer of the priory is the Chancellor, assisted by one or more
Vice Chancellors, the Sub-Prelate of the Priory (usually, but not necessarily,
the Episcopalian Bishop of New York); the Hospitaller (who is chairman of the
Priory Hospital Committee); the Treasurer; the Registrar-Secretary; the Almoner
(presently also Historiographer); and the Legal Counsel. The Priory Council is
composed of each of the above and may also include a further group of members who
do not hold specific office, as voting members. There is also a Director of Ceremonies,
an Assistant Treasurer and Assistant Secretary who do not vote. The Priory Chapter
includes each of the above and an additional thirty-four members from across the
United States.
The annual investiture is usually held on the second Saturday in November, in recent
years alternating annually between the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in New York
and another location in the United States. Investitures have been held at Grace Cathedral
in San Francisco and may take place in the National Cathedral in Washington, DC, or in
such other locations as may be determined in the future. New candidates receive their
decorations on this occasion; the ceremony is usually preceded by an assembly of the
membership and followed by a formal dinner.
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Informations
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| The Priory headquarters are situated at 150 East
55th Street, New York, New York 10022-4514; telephone 212-753-5544;
fax 212-593-4596; e-mail: PrioryUSA@saintjohn.org |
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