Investiture: The Order of St. John

St. Thomas Church on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.
Photo by the Author.

This past Saturday was an especially memorable one for me as I gathered with other Confrères from across the US Priory for our investiture into the Order of St. John.  The service of investiture and rededication is an annual event for the US Priory rotating through major metropolitan areas across the US each fall.  Fortunately, my favorite city was selected for 2024--New York City with St. Thomas Church hosting the service.

Our Lady of Fifth Avenue inside St. Thomas Church.
Photo by the Author.

I love St. Thomas for so many reasons, the liturgy, the boys choir, the architecture, and of course heraldry.  Most especially and most holy for me, however, is always lighting a candle at the shrine of Our Lady of Fifth Avenue asking the Blessed Virgin to intercede for me and my loved ones.   

Quiet moments before the service.
Photo by the Author.

One interesting bit of the service related to heraldry.  During the service the priory retired two banners which had the older Royal crest using St. Edward's crown and blessed two newer banners using the Tudor crown chosen by H.M. King Charles III.  

Arms of the US Priory, The Order of St. John.
Rendered by Chad Krouse, 2024.

The UK's Government recently posted a helpful lesson on the difference between these two crowns.  Please click here to learn more about the recent switch in crowns.

My decoration as a Member.

As luck would have it, St. Thomas had curated a special exhibit showcasing art in the service of the Lord through various media.

The parish's letters patent were on display.  The artist workmanship is exquisite. 

A new badge!

Father Andrew's cope resplendent with heraldry.

And as final course, I found an emblazonment of Bertram Goodhue's first design of arms for St. Thomas embedded in the floor of the narthex.  

Click here to learn more about the heraldry of St. Thomas Church.