2027 Masonic Week Schedule

The preliminary schedule of the 2027 Masonic Week has been released. It will be held from February 3-7, 2027, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Washington DC–Crystal City near the Reagan National Airport. You can find the registration here: https://amdusa.org/wp/masonic-week/

 

Wednesday, February 3, 2027

11:00 AM - Laying of the Wreath by the AMD Grand Council

3:00 PM - Conferral of Degree of Membership, Ancient Egyptian Order of Sciots

7:00 PM - Conferral of the Knight Grand Cross, Royal Order of the Red Branch of Eri

7:00 PM - San Jacinto Order No. 128, Order of the Sword of Bunker Hill

 

Thursday, February 4, 2027

8:00 AM - Order of Holy Wisdom, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests

9:30 AM - Grand Master's Council, Ye Commemorative Order of St. Thomas of Acon

Aaron White - Grand Master

Russell Bridges - Grand Prior

Jeremy Vaughn - Grand Secretary

12:00 PM - St. Thomas of Acon Festive Board

1:30 PM - Education Presentation by Dr. Heather Calloway of Indiana University

2:30 PM - Grand Court of the USA, Masonic Order of Athelstan

D. Allen Surrat - Grand Master

David Cashion - Grand Secretary

5:45 PM - Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor 

David Ladd - Grand Preceptor

Larry Tucker - Grand Recorder 

7:00 PM - Athelstan Banquet

9:00 PM Masonic Order of the Bath

Kim Bowman - Commander-General

Bill Snyder - Keeper of the Bath Records

9:00 PM - Masonic Order of Pilgrim Preceptors

David Boswell - Grand Master

George Haynes - Regional Governor 

Alan Beidel - Regional Secretary 

 

Friday, February 5, 2027

7:00 AM - York Rite Sovereign College Breakfast

8:30 AM - Knight Commander, Royal Order of the Red Branch of Eri

9:00 AM - Ladies Breakfast 

9:00 AM - Grand Council of Knights Masons of the United States of America

Russell Bridges - Great Chief

Brandon Penley - Grand Scribe

12:00 PM - Knights Masons Luncheon

1:00 PM - Grand College of America, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests

Jeff Nelson - Grand Preceptor

Larry Tucker - Grand Registrar

3:15 PM - Grand College of Rites

John Habel - Grand Chancellor

Rick Patton - Grand Registrar

5:00 PM - Society of Blue Friars

Arturo de Hoyos - Grand Abbot

Mark Tabbert - Deputy Grand Abbot

Richard Fletcher - Secretary-General

5:00 PM - Conferral of the Installed Sovereign Master, Allied Masonic Degrees

6:00 PM - Conferral of the Installed Supreme Ruler, Allied Masonic Degrees

7:00 PM - The Philalethes Society Banquet

7:00 PM - Great Priory of America, CBCS, Dinner

9:00 PM - Ye Antiente Order of Corks

Marion Humphreys - Grand Bung of the Americas

Saturday, February 6, 2027

7:00 AM - All Masonic Breakfast

8:00 AM - 1° - 3°, Royal Order of the Masonic Knights of the Scarlet Cord

9:45 AM - 4°, Royal Order of the Masonic Knights of the Scarlet Cord

10:30 AM - The Philalethes Society

Oscar Alleyne - President

Tyler E. Vanice - Secretary

12:00 PM - KYCH Luncheon (open to all)

1:30 PM - Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees

Duane Vaught - Sovereign Grand Master

Seth Anthony - Grand Secretary

2:00 PM - Ladies Tea 

Following Grand Council - Council of the Nine Muses No. 13, AMD

6:00 PM - All Masonic Social Hour 

7:00 PM - All Masonic Banquet

9:00 PM - Conferral of St. Lawrence the Martyr, Allied Masonic Degrees

9:45 PM - Conferral of Royal Ark Mariner, Allied Masonic Degrees

Sunday, February 7, 2027

8:30 AM - Washington Monument Assemblage

Jason Varner VI° - Deputy Master Mason

Alan Beidel VIº - Clerk

9:00 AM - Lodge of Menatzchim, V°

10:30 AM - Lodge of Harodim, VI°

12:30 PM - The Operatives Brunch

An Unexpected Surprise

This past week was the 159th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge AF&AM of Idaho in Moscow, in northern Idaho. I spent most of my time at the registration table, checking in Brother Masons and their guests or assisting the Grand Master with various projects that popped up.

On Friday, I had just finished setting up the laptop for a presentation being given that afternoon when the Deputy Grand Master called me over and asked me to serve as Worshipful Grand Pursuivant during his year as Grand Master.

The next morning, I was installed in that office. In the Idaho Grand Lodge, this is considered the start of the progressive line.

In Memoriam: William F. “Bill” Cook

The Masonic family of Idaho mourns the passing of Most Excellent Companion William F. “Bill” Cook, whose life was distinguished by service to his country, family, community, and especially the Craft he loved.

Bill was born January 29, 1953, in Raymond, WA, the oldest of five children born to Lyle and Charlotte Cook. His family lived in several communities throughout Washington and Oregon before eventually settling in Idaho. He graduated from Nampa High School in 1970 and immediately answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps.

Bill made the Marine Corps a career, serving until his retirement in 1992. During his military service, he began pursuing his college education and completed courses at several institutions. Following his retirement from the Corps, he enrolled at Boise State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s in Special Education in 2000. His commitment to education continued, and in 2004 he earned a Master’s degree from Harvard University.

Bill married Dee Hoffman in January 1974, and he was the father of two children.

Although Bill's Masonic journey began comparatively later in his life, the years that followed were marked by remarkable dedication and service. He became a Master Mason in Elmore Lodge No. 3 in Mountain Home in 2010. He quickly became active and served as Worshipful Master in 2015 and 2016.

His service to the York Rite began in earnest in 2016. That year, Bill joined Mountain Home Chapter No. 24, Royal Arch Masons; Idaho Council No. 1, Cryptic Masons; and Idaho Commandery No. 1, Knights Templar. 

In Capitular Masonry, Bill served Mountain Home Chapter No. 24 as High Priest in both 2019 and 2023. His devotion to Royal Arch Masonry eventually carried him to the highest office of the Grand Chapter. At the time of his passing, Bill was serving the Companions of Idaho as Most Excellent Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Idaho.

His service to Cryptic Masonry was equally distinguished. Bill served as Illustrious Master of Idaho Council No. 1 in 2021 and subsequently served the jurisdiction as Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Idaho.

Within the Knights Templar, Bill served as Eminent Commander of Idaho Commandery No. 1 in 2022. He continued his service in the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Idaho and, at the time of his passing, was serving as Eminent Grand Captain General.

Bill was a Past Sovereign of St. Michael Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine; Warden of Regalia of the Idaho Chapter, Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor; Warder of Idaho Priory No. 13, Knights of the York Cross of Honour; a member of Redemption Tabernacle No. XL, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests; a member of Tri-Valley College No. 178, York Rite Sovereign College of North America; Chairman of the Board for Friendship Rainbow Assembly No. 9 of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls in Washington and Idaho; and a Past Royal Patron of Emerald Court in Mountain Home and a Past Grand Royal Patron of the Grand Court, Order of the Amaranth of Idaho.

His service did not go unnoticed. In 2021, Bill received the Youth Leadership Award, recognizing his dedication to supporting and encouraging young people. In 2023, he received the Distinguished Service Medal in Bronze, further recognizing a record of Masonic service that had already touched Lodges, Chapters, Councils, Commanderies, and allied bodies throughout Idaho.

Bill’s sixteen years as a Mason reflect a recurring theme of service to the Craft and a willingness to accept responsibility whenever his Brethren and Companions called upon him. His passing leaves an empty chair in more than one Masonic body and a vacancy that extends far beyond the offices he held. Idaho Masonry has lost a dedicated Brother. His earthly labors are now finished, and his working tools have been laid aside.

Funeral services will be held on October 10th.

69th General Assembly

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of traveling to Des Moines, Iowa, for the 69th General Assembly of the York Rite Sovereign College of North America. As with so many gatherings in Masonry, the weekend was about much more than meetings and honors. It was an opportunity to see old friends, make new ones, and enjoy the fellowship that binds our fraternity together.

Des Moines is certainly not unfamiliar territory for me. I have visited the city a number of times over the years for work, so after arriving, I had the opportunity to take some friends out to the Iowa Taproom (if you like beer, I highly recommend it). Good food, good beer, and, most importantly, good company made for an excellent beginning to the weekend. Some of the best moments at any Masonic gathering happen away from the formal meetings, when Brothers and Companions have the opportunity to sit together, share stories, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company.

The following day was largely spent roaming around the hotel as Companion Knights arrived and registered for the General Assembly. It gave me plenty of opportunities to stop, talk, shake hands, and catch up with friends. That evening, a few of us ventured out again, this time to a local martini bar and restaurant, where the fellowship continued over dinner and drinks.

Saturday brought the more formal events of the General Assembly. I had the particular pleasure of attending the outgoing meeting of Most Preeminently Distinguished Brother Bryce Hildreth. I have known Bryce for 13 years, which made being present for the conclusion of his term especially meaningful. One of the privileges of remaining active in Masonry over many years is watching friends and Brothers progress through leadership, serve the Craft and its various bodies, and eventually complete important chapters in their own Masonic journeys.

I also had the opportunity to witness a new class receive the Order of the Purple Cross and become Associate Regents. The Purple Cross is among the highest honors conferred by the York Rite Sovereign College, recognizing distinguished service to York Rite Masonry. Watching another class receive that distinction was an impressive reminder of the dedication that so many Companion Knights have given to the fraternity.

The weekend also marked the beginning of a new chapter for another friend, Stan Brown, as I had the pleasure of watching him be installed as Governor General of the York Rite Sovereign College of North America. Seeing a friend assume such an important responsibility is always a special occasion.

The General Assembly also brought an unexpected personal honor. I was installed as a Grand Herald of the York Rite Sovereign College of North America, an office I will have the privilege of holding for the next two years. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the Sovereign College and look forward to doing my part during the coming biennium.

I even had an opportunity for another reunion over the weekend. I briefly spoke with the Grand Master of Masons in Iowa, with whom I traveled to Israel in 2022. It had been some time since we had seen one another, and although our conversation was brief, it was good to reconnect and remember another journey shared through the bonds of the fraternity.

250th Fourth of July (2026)

Two hundred and fifty years ago, 56 courageous men affixed their names to the Declaration of Independence and pledged to one another "their Lives, their Fortunes and their sacred Honor." With that act, they announced to the world that liberty was not a privilege bestowed by kings, but a right endowed by God and safeguarded by the courage of free men.

As we commemorate America's Semiquincentennial, we rightly remember the soldiers who endured Valley Forge, the statesmen who crafted our Republic, and the citizens whose sacrifices secured the blessings of liberty for future generations. We should also remember the profound influence Freemasonry had upon the character of many of those who guided our nation through its birth.

The principles taught within the Lodge prepared many of its members for the extraordinary task of building a constitutional republic.

Many of the leading figures of the Revolution were Freemasons, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Paul Revere, John Hancock, and Marquis de Lafayette. These men shared an appreciation for the moral instruction, brotherhood, and commitment to honorable conduct fostered within the Craft.

Perhaps no Mason better exemplified these virtues than George Washington. Throughout the Revolutionary War, Washington repeatedly demonstrated restraint, humility, and unwavering devotion to constitutional government. When victory had been secured, he voluntarily surrendered his military commission rather than seize power for himself; an act virtually unprecedented in history. In doing so, he proved that true greatness lies not in ruling others, but in faithful service to principle and country.

For those of us who wear the Templar Cross, Washington's example resonates deeply. The Masonic Orders of Knighthood teach that our obligations extend beyond ceremony. They call us to defend truth, practice charity, protect the innocent, and live lives worthy of the Christian profession we publicly affirm. While our modern Templar Orders were centralized after the founding of the Republic, they preserve timeless virtues that animated many of America's earliest patriots.

The Declaration of Independence reminds us that rights originate not from governments, but from the Creator. The Constitution demonstrates that liberty survives only when restrained by law, virtue, and an informed citizenry. Freemasonry reinforces these same truths by reminding each Mason that before he can improve society, he must first improve himself. Strong communities are built by upright men, and upright men are formed through moral discipline, personal integrity, and unwavering faith.

As Sir Knights, we inherit a rich legacy of Christian chivalry. The medieval knight pledged himself to defend the faith and protect those entrusted to his care. Today, our battlefield is different, but our duty remains. We defend truth against falsehood, civility against discord, faith against indifference, and liberty against apathy. We do so not with sword or shield, but through our example, our service, and our steadfast commitment to God and country.

The 250th anniversary of the United States is therefore more than a historical milestone. It is an opportunity for reflection. We should ask ourselves whether we are preserving the constitutional freedoms entrusted to us, strengthening our communities through virtuous leadership, and leaving future generations a nation worthy of the sacrifices made by those who came before us.

May this anniversary inspire every Mason, every Sir Knight, to renew his dedication to the timeless principles of faith, honor, liberty, and service. If we remain faithful to those ideals, we will continue to prove that the true strength of America has never rested merely in its wealth or power, but in the character of its people.

May God continue to bless the United States of America, and may He strengthen us to be faithful stewards of the precious inheritance entrusted to our care.

20-Years in Freemasonry

Today marks 20 years since I was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. As I look back on that evening in 2006 and the journey that has followed, I find myself filled with gratitude...gratitude for the Brethren who guided me, the friendships forged across countless miles, the lessons learned through service, and the opportunities afforded to me by the Craft and the many concordant bodies of Freemasonry.

When I first petitioned Oriental Lodge No. 60 in Boise, Idaho, I could not have imagined where this path would lead. What began as a simple curiosity sparked by a glimpse of a Masonic cemetery in New Orleans while preparing for deployment to Iraq eventually grew into a lifelong vocation of service to Freemasonry. During my deployment, I read every book on the fraternity that I could find. Upon returning home, a chance conversation with two coworkers led me to my first Lodge visit. I immediately found something that resonated deeply within me.

I was initiated on May 19, 2006, passed on June 16, and raised on June 23. I progressed through the degrees and then the officer line, eventually serving as Worshipful Master of Oriental Lodge No. 60 in 2009. Those early years taught me one of the most important lessons of Masonry: that no man advances alone. Every success I enjoyed was built upon the encouragement, mentorship, and example of dedicated Brothers who invested their time and wisdom in a young Mason eager to learn.

What followed over the next two decades was a journey far beyond anything I could have anticipated.

Through the York Rite, I found additional opportunities for growth and service. From serving as High Priest of Boise Chapter No. 3, Illustrious Master of Idaho Council No. 1, and Eminent Commander of Idaho Commandery No. 1, to later serving as Most Excellent Grand High Priest of Idaho and Most Illustrious Grand Master of Cryptic Masons in Idaho, I was privileged to work alongside some of the finest men I have ever known.

In 2016, I was elected Worshipful Master of Idaho City Historic Lodge No. 1863. That same year, I joined fellow Fratres in Montana to help establish Montana College of the Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis, presiding over the conferral of the Zelator Grade. It was also that year I completed my Master of Arts in Political Science at Boise State University, an achievement that reflected another lifelong pursuit encouraged by Freemasonry: the pursuit of knowledge.

The years that followed brought increasing responsibilities in Masonic, Templar, and Rosicrucian circles. In 2018, I was elected Most Excellent Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons of Idaho and Pre-Eminent Governor of Tri-Valley College No. 178, York Rite Sovereign College. Yet that same year reminded me that life is not measured solely in accomplishments. My father was diagnosed with cancer, and later that summer I left the Grand Encampment Triennial early to be with him during his final days. His passing was one of the most difficult moments of my life. The support of my family, friends, and Brothers during that period demonstrated the true strength of fraternal bonds.

In March 2019, Idaho College SRICF was formally established, and I was honored to be elected its first Celebrant. Later that year, I was advanced to the Third Order and received the VIII° and IX° of the Society. For a Rosicrucian student, these honors represented not merely advancement, but a reminder that the pursuit of wisdom is a lifelong endeavor and that every attainment carries with it greater responsibilities.

The COVID pandemic brought challenges that none of us anticipated. Lodges closed, meetings were canceled, and many cherished traditions were temporarily interrupted. Yet even amid uncertainty, Freemasonry endured. In April 2020, I was virtually installed as Most Illustrious Grand Master of Cryptic Masons in Idaho and continued serving the Craft in whatever manner circumstances allowed. Later that year, I was appointed Deputy General Grand High Priest for the Northwest Region of the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons International, an office that provided opportunities to travel throughout the region and assist Companion Masons across multiple jurisdictions.

As restrictions eased, the years from 2021 onward became some of the busiest of my Masonic career. I presided over numerous bodies, attended conferences and triennials throughout the United States, participated in the conferral of degrees and grades in multiple jurisdictions, and continued my service within the SRICF, Allied Masonic Degrees, Red Cross of Constantine, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, and many other organizations. Over the years, I've been privileged to receive honors including the Ephraim A. Kirby Award, Order of the Secret Vault, the Knight Commander of the Temple, the Order of the Purple Cross, and appointment as a Kentucky Colonel. 

My Masonic travels expanded far beyond Idaho. I attended meetings and ceremonies across the United States, Canada, England, Germany, Italy, and Israel. Among the most memorable experiences was my initiation into the Mysteries of Mithras in London in 2024. These experiences reinforced a lesson I have observed repeatedly throughout my travels: while customs, jurisdictions, and traditions may differ, the principles of brotherhood remain universal.

Not all of the significant moments of the past decade were joyful. In addition to losing my father in 2018, I lost my grandfather in 2024 and my grandmother in 2025. Those losses served as poignant reminders of the lessons taught in our ritual regarding mortality, memory, and the enduring influence of those who have gone before us. As Masons, we are constantly reminded that our lives are finite and that our true legacy rests not in titles or honors, but in the lives we touch and the work we leave behind.

The past several years have brought new service opportunities. I have served as Grand Commander of Knights Templar in Idaho, Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Idaho, Grand Recorder of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Idaho, Grand Recorder of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Idaho, Grand Registrar for the Commemorative Order of St. Thomas of Acon USA, and Grand Superintendent of the Pacific Northwest for the Allied Masonic Degrees of the United States.

As I look back over two decades, what stands out most are not the offices held, the honors received, or even the miles traveled. Rather, it is the people. The mentors who challenged me to improve myself. The Brothers who stood beside me during difficult times. Those who have passed. The Companions, Sir Knights, Fratres, and friends whose fellowship enriched my life in countless ways. Freemasonry has given me opportunities to serve, to learn, and to grow, but above all it has introduced me to remarkable men whose friendship I treasure.

Twenty years ago, I knelt at an altar. Today, I remain a student of the Craft. There is still much to learn, much to accomplish, and much work yet to be done. If the past twenty years have taught me anything, it is that the journey itself is among life's greatest blessings.

For that journey, and for every Brother who has walked a portion of it beside me, I am profoundly grateful.

Chymical Wedding Artwork

On my 8.5-hour flight home from Europe last month, I decided to play around with AI and recreate the artwork I've seen popularly used with the Chymical Wedding of Christian Rosenkreutz. I'm going to post the old pictures, if any, with the version I created.

DAY 1

The Invitation to the Wedding

 

Escaping the Pit

 

The Travel Penny

 

DAY 2

The Three Cedars

 

The Dove and Raven

The Three Temples

 

The Lanterns

 

Mocked in the Hall of Judgment

 

The Dream

 

DAY 3

The Virgin

 

The Weighing

DAY 4

The Royal Hall

 

The Play

  

The Ships on the Lake

 

DAY 5

Venus in her Chamber

Travel to the Island

 

Atop the Tower

 

DAY 6

Climbing the Tower

The Third Chamber

The Alchemical Bird Freeing Itself

The King and Queen Reborn

The King and Queen Awaken

DAY 7

The New Habit

Riding with the King

Knight of the Golden Stone

Confession to the King

Becoming a Porter