The newly elected Supreme Subordinate President of the Noble and Exalted Knights of the Holy Cross in Liberia, Major General Andrew N. Nimley, Jr., says members of St. John across parts of the country were “abandoned” over the years, but has vowed to reconnect, reform, and fully reintegrate them into the life of the Catholic fraternity. “Do we blame our brothers for strange practices? No. They were abandoned. We will reconnect them,” setting the tone for his presidency during a spiritually charged convention in Harper,” he explained.
General Nimley was elected and installed President of the Supreme Subordinate Commandery of Liberia during the convention, which he intentionally chose to host in Harper to honor southeastern Liberia’s historic role in the growth of Catholicism in the country.
He used his acceptance address to outline a sweeping agenda centered on renewal, discipline, formation, and expansion of the Order, stressing that the Knights of the Holy Cross is not confined to cities, but belongs wherever Catholics are found. He added, “This is not a city fraternity; it is a Catholic fraternity. Wherever Catholics are found, we will go after them.
Grounding his vision in Scripture and Church tradition, Nimley rejected claims that the Order lacks spirituality, urging critics to engage the fraternity with openness and understanding. Also, he reaffirmed that the Knights remain firmly rooted in Catholic doctrine, charity, and service.
To address gaps in formation and unity, particularly among members in remote areas, he announced the establishment of a Capacity Building Committee to strengthen ritual knowledge, discipline, and fraternal cohesion. While underscoring the need for order and accountability, Nimley emphasized that discipline must be guided by mercy and a realistic understanding of members’ circumstances across Liberia.
“This fraternity belongs to the Church, and we must operate in the Church,” he said, warning that willful neglect of Catholic obligations would attract sanctions under his administration. Reflecting on lessons from past leaders, the newly elected President promised a presidency marked by humility, youth formation, expansion, visibility, and lawful discipline.
“My time has come, and there is no better time than now,” he added. Alongside General Nimley, Brigadier General Frances Wallace was elected and installed as Treasurer, while Colonel Emmanuel G. Zopi, Jr. was installed as Trustee of the Supreme Subordinate Commandery, completing a leadership team tasked with steering the Order into what Nimley described as “a season of renewal, accountability, and mission.”
The convention also saw the conferment of the Medal of Peace, one of the Order’s highest honors, on Colonel William Simeon Harris, recognizing more than 30 years of dedicated service to the Church and the fraternity, particularly in southeastern Liberia. In a demonstration of renewed commitment to charity, delegates pledged to raise US$300,000, with the Supreme Auxiliary and Grand Commandery immediately contributing US$150,000. For the Catholic Church and Catholic fraternal life in Liberia, Nimley’s election signals a renewed effort to heal past neglect, reconnect abandoned members, and reposition the century-old fraternity for disciplined and faithful service nationwide.
