Knightly News
Whitefish, Montana All Saints Episcopal Church Parish Well-Wishers Greet The Return Of Their Rector From His Ten-Day Holy Land Pilgrimage. The annual pilgrimage is sponsored by the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar headquartered in Houston, Texas and the state Grand Commandery. From the humble beginning in 1977, through February 2006, a total of 1,569 Christian Ministers, nation-wide, have been sent to the Holy Land as guests of the Knights Templar. The Knight Templar Holy Land Pilgrimage Trip is a strenuous educational and spiritual study seminar, historical and cultural immersion experience, and not a vacation trip. The Templars, an appendant Masonic body, seek to send ordained Christian ministers, Masonic
8
membership not required, who would not otherwise have the opportunity to go to the Holy Land. Father Bradley said, "It was an extraordinary experience to see places which have been the venues for events that have changed the world from the perspective of three great religions, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. As a Christian, to be on ground walked upon by Jesus was life changing and undoubtedly will enrich and inform my ministry immensely. It was a dream come true to be a part of this pilgrimage, and I will be forever grateful to the Knights Templar for making it all possible."
The Rev. Canon Bradley S. Wirth is greeted by All Saints members, and the Montana Grand Commander of Knights Templar, Phil Blaisdell. june 2009