Parishioner becomes first Tasmanian Grand Prior of ancient order
By Josh Low
Bellerive-Lindisfarne parishioner Rodney Scurrah recently became the first Tasmanian to be appointed Grand Prior of the Order of St Lazarus in Australia.
Formally known as The Military and Hospitaller Order of St Lazarus in Jerusalem, this ancient order of chivalry dates back to the Middle Ages, founded by crusaders to care for those suffering from leprosy.
Today, the Order is non-denominational, with members committed to the Christian spirit of service, with 7000 members in 42 jurisdictions around the world, including about 30 in Tasmania.
Mr Scurrah’s investiture as Grand Prior took place last month in Brisbane, following the announcement of his appointment in March by the Grand Master of the Order, Don Francisco de Borbon Graf von Hardenberg.
This came following a recommendation from the Order’s Australian Grand Priory National Council.
He was invested by retiring Grand Prior, Chevalier Hon Gavin Fielding AM GCLJ.
Having joined the Order of St Lazarus some 15 years ago, Mr Scurrah said joining them has given him the opportunity to participate with other Christians in undertaking good works in society.
He added that the role of Grand Prior is the titular head of the Australian Grand Priory, overseeing the organisation and ensuring its operation is in accordance with the aims and obligations of the Order.
“I was interested in the history of the Order going back to the 12th Century and was attracted by the opportunity [to work] with Christians of different denominations doing Christian deeds in Christian Unity.
“The Order is, in part, an Hospitaller Order, so its objectives will always be that members serve to alleviate the plight of the sick and poor, whether they suffer a deficiency in spiritual or physical health, or a poverty of means necessary to live with dignity.
“In Tasmania, the Order supports a number of projects related to palliative care, as well as smaller Community projects assisting Loui’s Van, Bethlehem House, and disadvantaged University students.
“In an organisation with the long history that the Order has, it is important to be the custodian of our obligations and aims, and that the individual State and Territory Commanderies continue their good works in the Community,” he said.