"Knights of the Temple," by Chev. Peter L. Heineman KCTJ, was written to commemorate in music the Knights of the Temple who fell in battle during the Crusades in the Holy Land. It is a four-part, 6/8 March. The contrasting themes are intended to reflect the conflicting cultures - the lighter of which representing the Christian Templars.

Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem
Priory of St. James of Jerusalem

The Knights & Dames of the Priory are deeply saddened by the passing of

 

Chev. James (Jim) Anthony Wallace Schmelzer KCTJ, KST
1935 ~ Rockville, MD ~ 2009

Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, October 12, 1935 to Thelma Fox Schmelzer and Anthony Schmelzer Jr., Jim Schmelzer died peacefully in the afternoon on March 28, 2009 of cancer after a long illness. He leaves no immediate family but many, many good friends. Jim was an active Council Member of the Clan Wallace Society Worldwide, a member of The St. Andrew Society of Baltimore, a Knight in the Order of Sao Teatonio, and a Knight Commander in the Priory of St. James of Jerusalem of the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem; also known as the Knights Templar.

Jim got his bachelor's degree from University of Arkansas; Masters from Northern Illinois in DeKalb and worked on his PhD at the University of Maryland at College park; he then taught Art and Art History in Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, and retired from Montgomery County, MD. He loved life, cooking, dining, theater, his friends, and all things Scottish. We will miss you Jim.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00AM Saturday, April, 18, 2009 at St. John Neuman Church, 620 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD.   MAP

In lieu of flowers, he asked you to contribute to your favorite school or environmental group, such as The Nature Conservancy or The Chesapeake Bay Foundation.


Chev. Murray C. Walker GOTJ, OMZ, KST
1923 ~ Silver Spring, MD ~ 2008

SSGT Chev. Murray "Mike" Walker, GOTJ, was invested into the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem on the 11th of May 2002. He served as Treasurer of the Commandery and Priory of Saint James of Jerusalem until earlier this year when he stepped down from those duties for a much deserved rest. Mike's dedication to the Priory was exemplary and was reflected in his rapid promotion to Knight Commander in the Autumn of 2004 and was promoted posthumously to the rank of Grand Officer on 18 October 2008.

Beyond the office that Mike held, his real contribution to the Priory was his personality and sense of humor. He accomplished all tasks with a smile and cheerful disposition no matter what was asked of him and he was assured of coaxing a smile out of anyone. He was truly an example to his fellow Knights and Dames. Mike and his wife Betty have been essential members of the Priory of Saint James for six years now and there is no question that he will be sorely missed. His untimely passing in his sleep on the 10th of October 2008 prevented him from receiving all of the recognition that was due to him for his service to the Priory and the Order in this world but we can be assured that Mike will receive more significant recognition in his new home in Heavan. The thoughts and prayers of the members of the Priory of Saint James of Jerusalem are with Betty and the family.


Chev. Lord Abbot Dr. Colin Roosevelt Tatem, CJ, KTJ
~ Newark, NJ ~ 2006

Lord Abbot Colin Roosevelt Tatem, KTJ, was invested into the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem on the 4th of October 2003 in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The Lord Abbot was a sometime resident of New Jersey but was born in the Turcs and Caicos Islands and held Bahamian citizenship. He was an ordained Bishop as well as Abbot, and also served as the head of the Order of Saint Cornelius the Centurion, a worldwide Chivalric Ministry.

He was a man who deeply cared for his fellow men and worked hard to bring God's Love and inspiration to as many as he could. He authored a column in which his thoughts and observations served as a guidepost for his many readers and followers. He was a wonderful man and Templar and the Priory of Saint James of Jerusalem was privileged to count the Lord Abbot as a member. This Templar Knight departed this life in March of 2006 and now serves the Lord directly.

Also see Remembering H.E., the Late Dr. Colin Tatem By Gregory S. Christie



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