Order of St John

Honours, Insignia & Ceremonial

The grades, decorations and ceremonial traditions of the Commandery of Ards.

Membership of the Order is conferred in recognition of work done in furthering its objectives. Significant service rendered by volunteers may lead to membership of the Order.

Recommendations for admission to, and promotion within, the Order undergo intensive scrutiny and are submitted to HM The King for his approval. New and promoted members are presented with their Order insignia at Investitures in Hillsborough Castle, Royal Hillsborough.

Grades of the Order

Grade I

Bailiff/Dame Grand Cross of the Order of St John (GCStJ)

The most senior grade within the Order, limited to members of the Grand Council and no more than 21 others. Royalty and heads of state may be appointed without counting towards that number.

Neck BadgeChest Star
Grade I insignia
Grade II

Knight/Dame of Justice or Knight/Dame of Grace (KStJ/DStJ)*

Awarded for distinguished service over many years.

Neck BadgeChest Star
Grade II insignia
Grade III

Commander (CStJ)

Recognition of significant contribution to the Order's work.

Neck Badge
Grade III insignia
Grade IV

Officer (OStJ)

Awarded for notable service and dedication.

Breast Badge
Grade IV insignia
Grade V

Member (MStJ)

The entry grade recognising service to the Order, formerly known as Serving Brother/Sister.

Breast Badge
Grade V insignia
* Knights/Dames of Justice are people deemed to have the right to bear arms by the College of Arms. Their insignia has the Royal Beasts in gold, compared to a Knight/Dame of Grace whose insignia has Royal Beasts in silver. There are no other differences and Knights/Dames of Justice no longer have precedence in the Order over Knights/Dames of Grace.
Awards are published in the London Gazette and are awarded in the name of HM The King, the Sovereign Head of the Order of St John.

Esquires - The Sixth Grade

Priories and Commanderies can also appoint Esquires, giving a sixth grade, although these appointments are not made in the name of HM The King. This grade links back to the days when Knights/Dames used to appoint their own personal Esquires.

Nowadays Esquires tend to be appointed directly to the respective Priory/Commandery, where they tend to assist with Ceremonial Activities.

Other Awards

In addition, the Order can award other awards such as: Life Saving Medals; Long Service Medals; Prior's Commendations; Knight Commander's Commendations and Organ Donor Awards, amongst others.

Service Medal in GoldGold
Service Medal in SilverSilver

SERVICE MEDAL

The Service Medal

The Service Medal is awarded independently of grade for long and meritorious service to the Order. It is not part of the grade insignia system and is available to members of all grades.

Left breast, court mounted
All grades eligible
Bars for additional service

Roll of Members

The Roll of Members of the Commandery of Ards is maintained at our headquarters at Erne.

Senior Knight

Major (David) Victor Clarke, KStJ, TD

Appointed 1997

Senior Dame

Mrs Kathleen R. J. Cooper, MBE, DStJ

Appointed 2003