Knox Memorial Beacon Parade
Beacon Ceremony and Parade
Some of the Officers and organisers of the event, which has become a highlight of the Malta calendar
After a short parade the crowds were treated to hot food and then settled in to enjoy the proceedings.
The rain just about stayed away but everyone decided to dine indoors. Thanks again to Killycoogan Independent Orange hall for their hospitality.
The main ceremony is an act of commemoration of the life and Work of John Knox and the role played by our Order the Knights of Malta in securing the Reformation in Scotland.
This was done at considerable risk and sacrifice by men like Sir James Sandilands who threw the military might of the Order behind Knox. Many gave their life’s for the cause of Christ to secure the Protestant faith. Men like Patrick Hamilton and George Wishart. Tonight we gave thanks for them and remembered them.
History and Origins of the Event
Remembering the Reformer John Knox
The Ancient and Illustrious Order of Knights of Malta or Knights Hospitallers is also known in these parts as the Scotch Black, given its links to Scotland. These links are the basis for the Order’s Beacon Parade, which commemorates the Great Scottish Reformer and father of Scottish and indeed Irish Presbyterianism John Knox. Knox landed at Leith in Scotland and the Knights of St John under our first Protestant Grand Master Sir James Sandilands, Lord St. John rallied to the cause of Christ. As such today the basis of our Order and of this ceremony is the Word of God and the Reformed faith.
