As the sun rose over the ancient Scottish City of Stirling on Saturday 03 May, so too commenced a new chapter for the Grand Bailiwick of Scotland, as the beautiful Victorian-era Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, nestled at the foot of Castle Hill, played host to the 2025 Investiture of HE Dame Mary Kenyon as the Order’s new Grand Bailie in Scotland.
Investitures around the world serve as opportunities to celebrate the work, remit and history of the Order, praise God for his support of the Order in the modern age, welcome new individuals into the Order’s family and promote those who continue to serve our charitable aims and so it was a morning full of kinship, celebration and occasion. VIP guests included the Lord Provost of Stirling, the Lord Dean of Guild, the Lord Lyon King of Arms, Deputy Lieutenant Gaston Iffla representing HM King Charles III, and notably on this occasion the Grand Commander of the Order, HE Kenneth Moritsugu, who had travelled from the United States on behalf of the Grand Master to preside over the investiture.
Following the sudden passing of Grand Bailie HE Roy Scott in May 2024 while in Office, the Service paid tribute to his work, memory, family and legacy as someone who was wholly committed to the work of the Order. HE Dame Mary Kenyon was invested as Grand Bailie by the Grand Commander in a moving and special ceremony, choosing to take her oath on the same Bible her own parents had used at their wedding in 1947.
The Investiture welcomed new Members as well as a number of promotions, before retiring to a nearby hotel for a most enjoyable lunch, where during his toast the Grand Commander remarked on the importance of serving those who are in need, and encouraging creativity and motivation in bolstering the work of the Order, as its international profile and charitable / relief works continue to progress and augment