People who have done something special for St John are invested into the Order at an Investiture Ceremony. An Investiture and Rededication Ceremony was held recently at the St Oswald’s Anglican Church in Milnerton, Cape Town.
It was wonderful to see family and friends of the postulants, both who were admitted into the Order of St John and those promoted within the Order. After the formalities, all in attendance enjoyed a lovely finger lunch. In attendance were senior St John management, staff and dignitaries, and esteemed guests from the South African National Defence Force. The ceremony also included the presentation of two Service Medals in Gold which are awarded for 50 plus years of service to St John.
It is a huge honour to be welcomed into the Order of St John – a privilege bestowed on only a handful of people every year. A select number of St John people serving the purpose of St John are eligible to become members of the present-day Order of Chivalry.
These St John people continue to show respect and kindness to others, unselfishness, excellence in delivering modern care, commitment to helping others, togetherness with common values, diversity and inclusiveness supporting the order’s common purpose, and to the faithful vision of the organisation’s founders.
The Ceremony is steeped in heritage and symbolism and reflects the deep roots of the 900- year-old organisation.
Other than the recognised orders of St John, no other recognised Order of Chivalry has a charitable mission – and no other charity has a recognised Order of Chivalry.
Since being granted the Royal Charter by Queen Victoria in 1888, the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem has been a Royal Order of Chivalry of the British Crown with the reigning Sovereign, currently His Majesty King Charles III, as the Sovereign Head. St John is also an international family of charities whose mission is to lead globally in First Aid and medical responses to community healthcare needs. In the territories where the Order operates.
The process recognises individuals of quality. Admission to the Order of St John is discretionary and results from recognition of humanitarian service, consistent with the aims and objectives of the Order.
In practical terms St John is two quite different, but inseparable, entities: a Christian Royal Order of Chivalry and a major international healthcare charity.
Throughout the nine centuries of operation, two things have remained constant summed up in the organisation’s motto: For the Faith and In the Service of Humanity - which together emphasise the integral connection between faith and action.
The Investiture is a solemn yet joyous occasion during which the Prior or Chancellor calls each candidate forward to publicly honour their commitment to the values of the organisation. Candidates are awarded insignia to be worn on special occasions.
There are various grades: a Member, an Officer, a Commander, a Knight or Dame and – the highest honour – a Bailiff or Dame Grand Cross. The International Office manages the Order’s honours and awards process, and the Order Honours and Awards Committee (OHAC) is responsible for ensuring that it is operated fairly, consistently and to a high standard across the Order. In South Africa, the Priory Honours and Awards Committee considers all nominations for admission or promotion within the Order.
Congratulations to all those who have been admitted into or promoted within the Order. We salute you and your efforts to improve your community and honour the values of the Order of St John.
Service Medal in Gold recipients
Cedric Meiring (50 years)
Jacqueline Pittman (55 years)
Promoted to Officer (Grade IV)
Richard Leslie Brown
Marilyn Harland
Dr Arthur Francis Sands
Promoted to Officer (Grade V)
Fahwaaz Damonse
Revd Selwyn Engelbrecht
Kim Lee Harland
Wardah Isaacs
Earl Kruger
Andree Lombard
Deirdre Marshall
Murphy Nganga
Sandy Williams