Brief History of Commandery No. 527, Knights of St. John International (KSJI)

Commandery No. 527 is the fourth oldest commandery in Sierra Leone since the establishment of the Knights of St. John International in the country. The Commandery was founded in 1993, coinciding with the construction of Our Lady Star of the Sea Church. Brothers from St. Anthony’s Parish Commandery No. 458, residing in the Juba/Lumley area, came together to request permission from the Grand Board to institute the Order at Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish. This request arose due to the growing size of the community and the increasing number of parishioners. In 1996, under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Sylvester Wuya, who was the parish priest at the time, significant efforts were made to ensure the Knights of St. John International was formally established in the parish. After the necessary arrangements were made, the Supreme Commandery granted the Order, and on June 25, 2000, Commandery No. 527 was officially installed at Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish. The first charter of Commandery No. 527 was granted to:

1. Rev. Fr. Sylvester Wuya – Spiritual Adviser

2. Paul B. Bakarr – President

3. Aloysius Joe-Jackson – First Vice President

4. Peter Aruna – Second Vice President

5. Martin Moigboi Farmah – Rec. & Cor. Secretary

6. Edward K. Banya – Financial Secretary

7. Peter Kormawah – Treasurer

8. Abdulai R. Keneh – Trustee

9. Peter Baio – Trustee

10. Dr. Saffa Smart – Trustee

11. Justin Bangura – Trustee

The chartered brothers were:

1. Solomon E. Berewa

2. Martin A.S. Anthony Williams

3. Edward Gembeh

4. Joseph Mark Moore

5. Andrew A.Y. Mansaray

6. Frank Kobba

Over the years, several Worthy Presidents have contributed to the growth and success of the Commandery:

1. Noble Major Paul B. Bakarr (2000 – 2007)

2. Noble Lt. Anthony Williams (January 2008 – December 2011)

3. Noble Major Edward Gembeh (January 2012 – December 2015)

4. Noble Major General Saffa Smart (January 2016 – December 2017)

5. Col. Edward Stile Jengo (January 2018 – December 2021)

6. Lt. Thomas Ngolo Katta (January 2022 – Present)

Commandery No. 527 is the fourth oldest commandery in Sierra Leone, continuing the legacy of the Knights of St. John International in the country.

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of the Commandery include:

• Fostering a sense of brotherhood among its members.

• Enhancing the moral, mental, and social well-being of its members.

• Providing support and assistance to members and their families in times of need.

• Actively participating in the functions of the Catholic Church, with a focus on service, faith, and charity.

Membership

Since its inception, Commandery No. 527 has initiated a total of 63 brothers, though some have passed away, and others have been expelled. Currently, the Commandery has 39 active members. On November 11, 2023, four brothers were inducted into the Noble Degree, the highest rank in the Knights of St. John International. These brothers are:

1. Noble Cpt. George R. Hamilton

2. Noble Cpt. Joseph P.S. Fayia

3. Noble Lt. Philip M. Moiba

4. Noble Lt. Thomas Hazeley

Under the leadership of Worthy President Thomas Ngolo Katta, the Commandery continues to attract new members. During his tenure, 10 new brothers have been initiated, and the Commandery remains focused on growing its membership and strengthening its impact within the parish and the wider community.