Fourteen “Traditional”, “Chivalric” and “Modern” Degrees – from the 19th to the 32nd inclusive, are conferred in a Consistory of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret. Each Degree dramatizes its own unique and independent message and applies it to a familiar life situation.
In the area of morals, certain Consistory Degrees teach the ultimate victory of good over evil, the dignity of labor, the sacredness of duty and unselfish service as the test of one’s religious professions. A leader of men is taught that he must be righteous if he aspires to influence others and that he should listen, with open mind, to the lessons of the ages.
In social relations, the Consistory teaches that toleration is respect for the opinions and religious convictions of others; that he who judges others must himself be above reproach; that it is noble to forgive but ignoble to seek revenge; that a Freemason who commits a felony will not be shielded by his brethren; and that he should have faith in himself, in his fellowman, and in God.
In the area of national affairs, the Consistory holds firmly to the separation of Church and State and teaches that treason is a crime over which Masonry casts no mantle of charity. It proclaims that the crowning glory, in any human life, is that sacrificial love which impels one to lay down his life for a friend.
Officers - 2024-2025
Position | Member Name | Spouse | Primary Lodge |
---|---|---|---|
Commander-in-Chief | Stanley E. Kopp | Carol | Ashland #151 |
1st Lieutenant Commander | Adam B. Michael | York #563 | |
2nd Lieutenant Commander | L. Keith Fields | Lynn | Grove City #689 |
Orator | Jay R. Miller | Hiram #18 | |
Chancellor | Richard L. Frederick III | Arts & Sciences #792 | |
Master of Ceremonies | Jeremy J Graham | Deborah | Urania #311 |
Captain of the Guard | Craig J. Shumaker | Garnet | Blendon #339 |
Color Bearer | Stanley E. Kopp Jr. | Ashland # 151 | |
Standard Bearer | Thomas N. Moe, 33° | Christine | Lancaster # 57 |
Past Commanders-in-Chief
Member Name | Spouse | Years Served |
---|---|---|
* Ill. John P. McCune | 1900 to 1931 | |
* Ill. Frank C. McElroy | 1931 to 1936 | |
* Ill. Sinclair B. Nace | 1936 to 1937 | |
* Ill. John E. Powell | 1937 to 1948 | |
* Ill. George R. Schoedinger | 1948 to 1954 | |
* Ill. Roscoe R. Walcutt | 1954 to 1957 | |
* Ill. James J. Harbage | 1957 to 1960 | |
* Ill George R. Fitez | 1960 to 1963 | |
* Ill. Irvin R. Lynch | 1963 to 1966 | |
* Ill. Russell T. Goerke | 1966 to 1969 | |
* Ill. Daniel C. Jenkins | 1969 to 1972 | |
* Ill. Horace W. Troop, Sr. | 1972 to 1975 | |
* Ill. C. Neilson Griffith | Geri | 1975 to 1978 |
* Ill. James L. Foreman | Dolores | 1978 to 1981 |
* Ill. Richard S. Thomasson | 1981 to 1984 | |
* Ill. Frederick T. Williams | Ann | 1984 to 1986 |
* Ill. Kenneth J. Kabelka | Melba | 1986 to 1988 |
* Ill. William Ammer | 1988 to 1990 | |
* Ill. James R. Burgoon | Joanne | 1990 to 1992 |
* Ill. Terry D. Van Horn | Karen | 1992 to 1993 |
Ill. Edward W. Efurt, III | Jane | 1993 to 1996 |
* Ill. William D. Chisholm | 1996 to 1998 | |
Ill. David D. Mowry | Kathy | 1998 to 2000 |
Ill. Mark Watters | Jeannie | 2000 to 2002 |
* Ill. James M. Thompson | Susan | 2002 to 2004 |
Ill. Steven E. Cokonougher | Rebecca | 2004 to 2006 |
Ill. Dow T. Voelker | Brenda | 2006 to 2008 |
Ill. Timothy B. Strawn | 2008 to 2010 | |
Ill. Steven L Smiseck | Wendy | 2010 to 2012 |
Ill. John E. Hollback | Gwen | 2012 to 2014 |
Ill. Brian Bolyard | Janet | 2014 to 2016 |
Ill. Jeff L. Rannebarger | Beverly | 2016 to 2018 |
Ill. Daniel K. Rannebarger | 2018 to 2020 | |
Ill. Thomas E. Savage | Lissa | 2020 to 2022 |
Robert P. Freed | Lisa | 2022 to 2024 |
* Indicates Deceased