RIP Reese Harrison

I just heard that Bro. Reese Harrison passed away on August 29, 2025. He could be outspoken at times, but always devoted and knowledgeable.

Reese Lenwood Harrison, Jr., of San Antonio, Texas, passed away on August 29, 2025. Born January 5, 1938, he devoted his life to the law, to military service, to his church and community, and above all to Freemasonry, where his record of service and leadership stands among the most distinguished in Texas history.

A graduate of Baylor University and Southern Methodist University School of Law, Reese was admitted to the bar in 1962 and began his career as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson and Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. He later became a senior partner, CEO, and litigation chair at Oppenheimer, Blend, Harrison & Tate, and practiced with Clark Hill PLC. Board Certified in Civil Trial Law and nationally recognized for his litigation work, he was consistently named among Best Lawyers in America and Texas Super Lawyers.

In addition to his distinguished legal career, Reese served nearly 35 years in the Texas Air National Guard and U.S. Air Force Reserve, retiring as a Colonel and later receiving a brevet promotion to Brigadier General. He was honored with the Major General Paul D. Straw Trophy in 1991 for exemplary military and civic service.

A devoted husband and proud father of two daughters, Reese was also deeply active in civic, charitable, and heritage organizations, including the San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Trinity Baptist Church, the Sons of the Republic of Texas, and Freemasonry, where he held many national and international offices. He will be remembered as a man of service, leadership, and faith who gave tirelessly to his country, profession, and community.

His Masonic career is quite extensive, and it’s almost impossible to sum it up quickly…so I won’t try. Raised in Albert Pike Lodge No. 1169 (1959), Reese went on to serve as Worshipful Master (1969–70) and later Cibolo Lodge No. 151 (2004–05). He served as District Deputy Grand Master (1982), District Education Officer (1997–2000), Grand Orator (1987), and the President of the Masters, Wardens, and Secretaries Association. He received numerous honors, including the Golden Trowel Award, the Henry Price Medal (Massachusetts), and the Pierpoint Edwards Medal (Connecticut). He served as Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Texas in 2004.

Reese was exalted in San Antonio Chapter No. 381 (1959), Royal Arch Masons, where he served as Excellent High Priest and long-time Treasurer. He was District Deputy Grand High Priest (1971) and Most Excellent Grand High Priest of Texas in 2014. In Cryptic Masons, Reese was greeted in San Antonio Council No. 14 (1960), serving as Thrice Illustrious Master. He was District Deputy Grand Master (1971, 1974) and Most Illustrious Grand Master of Texas in 2018. In Templary, he was knighted in San Antonio Commandery No. 7 (1960), where he served as Eminent Commander (1974). He was recognized with the Commander’s Merit Award, the Knight Templar Cross of Honor (2001), and the ranks of Knight Commander of the Temple (1992) and Knight Grand Cross of the Temple (1999) by the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar USA.

Reese received the 32° in 1959, invested a KCCH in 1971, and coroneted 33° Inspector General in 1979. He held multiple presiding offices in the Valley of San Antonio, including Venerable Master and Wise Master, and served as Personal Representative of the SGIG. He was also active in the Scottish Rite Research Society.

Reese was created a Noble of Alzafar Shrine (1959), later serving as Potentate in 1979 and President of the International Past Potentates Association (1985–86). He served as Monarch of Omala Grotto (1979), longtime Zone Director, and national officer. Reese was also active in the Royal Order of Jesters, Order of Quetzalcoatl, and the Cabiri.

Reese held some of the highest offices in Masonry internationally:

• Governor General (1998–2000), Regent, and recipient of the Knight Grand Cross of York in the York Rite Sovereign College of North America
• Grand Master General (2004–2005) and later Grand Treasurer-General in the Knights of the York Cross of Honour
• Sovereign Grand Preceptor (2003–2007) and later Grand Treasurer in the Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor 
• Most Illustrious Grand Sovereign (2006–2007) in the United Grand Imperial Council of the Red Cross of Constantine of the USA and its Jurisdictions
• Past Chief Adept of Texas College, IX° (1992), and Knight Grand Cross (1999) in the Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis
• Most Excellent Great Chief of the Grand Council of the USA (1996) in the Knight Masons.
• Most Venerable Sovereign Grand Master of the USA (1999) for the Allied Masonic Degrees.
• Most Worthy Grand Master (USA, 2016–2017) in the Order of St. Thomas of Acon
• Life Member (1967) and Substitute Provincial Grand Master of the USA in the Royal Order of Scotland
• Most Illustrious Grand Chancellor (2007) in the Grand College of Rites
• Most Honorable Commander General (2003–2007) in the Masonic Order of the Bath
• Most Eminent Grand Preceptor of the Grand College of America, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests 
• Master Councilor, Chevalier, Legion of Honor, Executive Officer for Texas, and Grand Master of DeMolay International (1982–83) in the Order of DeMolay 

He was also a member of the Order of High Priesthood, Silver Trowel, Knights Crusaders of the Cross, National Sojourners, Heroes of ’76, High Twelve International, Order of the Eastern Star, Order of the Amaranth, Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Ancient Egyptian Order of Sciots, Texas Lodge of Research, Philalethes Society, Scottish Rite Research Society, and Alabama Confederate Military Lodge of Research

Across more than six decades, Reese rose from Blue Lodge leadership to the highest councils of the Craft worldwide. His dedication, intellect, and unwavering commitment will long be remembered by his brethren in Texas and around the globe.

International Athelstan

It’s been a busy couple of days that I won’t forget anytime soon.

Thursday, I made my way up to Vancouver, BC, to attend a very special gathering of the Masonic Order of Athelstan. The morning started with the initiation of about 56 new candidates; quite a sight to see that many Brethren welcomed into the Order all at once. After that, the Grand Master and several Grand Officers from England advanced the necessary brothers to the rank of Past Master before consecrating the brand-new Court of St. Lawrence No. 197 under the Grand Court of England, Wales, and Provinces Overseas.

I’ve never seen a Court consecration before, and I have to say, it was done with an impressive ease and dignity. The British Grand Officers really do have a way of carrying out these ceremonies with practiced grace, and it was a privilege to witness it. A few of us from Salish Court No. 6 (under the Grand Court of the USA) were there as well, which made it even more special.

As soon as the ceremony wrapped up, though, I had to dash straight to the Vancouver airport to catch a flight back to Seattle, WA. No rest for the weary! Salish Court No. 6 was holding its election meeting that same evening, and I wasn’t about to miss it. I made it in time thanks to a local Brother picking me up, and I’m honored to share that I was appointed Senior Deacon for the coming year.

Now, after all the travel and ritual, I’m finally heading home to relax and enjoy the Labor Day weekend. It’s been a whirlwind, but that’s part of what I love about being involved in the Craft: the chance to travel, meet new Brethren, and be a part of history in the making.

A. E. Waite

Arthur Edward Waite (1857–1942) occupies a unique place in the history of Western esotericism. An American-born poet, mystic, and occult scholar who spent nearly his entire life in England, Waite wrote prolifically on the subjects of mysticism, ceremonial magic, Kabbalah, Rosicrucianism, Freemasonry, and alchemy. He was also the co-creator of the Rider–Waite Tarot deck, the single most influential tarot pack of the modern era. R. A. Gilbert, Waite’s biographer, observed that Waite’s importance lies in the fact that he was “the first to attempt a systematic study of the history of Western occultism.” Waite’s career was marked by his constant search for what he called the “Secret Tradition”, a hidden stream of mystical Christianity preserved within the symbols of esoteric societies and texts.

Early and Personal Life

A. E. Waite was born on October 2, 1857, in Brooklyn, New York, to Charles F. Waite, a Captain in the American merchant marines, and Emma Lovell, daughter of a wealthy London merchant involved in the East India trade. Charles and Emma never married, and Waite and his sister Frederika were thus illegitimate. When Charles died at sea, Emma returned to England with her two children, raising them in poverty on the margins of London society. Rejected by her family, Emma converted to Roman Catholicism when Waite was 6 years old, a decision that would shape his religious outlook for the rest of his life.

Waite, unable to receive a formal education, educated himself and became a voracious reader. He spent two terms at St. Charles’ College at 13 years old before leaving formal schooling. Much of his education came through voracious reading, ranging from cheap novels and romances to medieval and mystical texts. In 1874, the death of his sister deeply shook him, weakening his Catholic faith and setting him on a lifelong quest for spiritual consolation. By age 21, he was studying esotericism in the British Museum Library, exploring Spiritualism, Theosophy, and eventually the works of Éliphas Lévi, whose writings ignited Waite’s enduring fascination with the Hermetic and mystical traditions of the West.

In 1888, Waite married Ada Lakeman, whom he affectionately called “Lucasta,” and they had one daughter, Sybil. Between 1900 and 1909, he supported his family as a manager for the Horlicks company. Lucasta’s death in 1924 was a personal blow; in 1933, he remarried Mary Broadbent Schofield, with whom he spent his final years in Kent.

Writer and Scholar

Waite’s literary output was vast. He authored, translated, or edited works on alchemy, Kabbalah, Rosicrucianism, and ceremonial magic, in addition to devotional poetry and mystical theology. His ‘The Builders’ became a popular Masonic classic, distributed widely in America, and in 1916 he was honored by the Grand Lodge of Iowa with the rank of Past Senior Grand Warden.

His book ‘Devil-Worship in France’ (1896) was particularly influential, as it exposed the notorious Taxil Hoax, which had alleged Masonic involvement in Satanism. Waite’s careful analysis demonstrated the fraudulent nature of the claims and earned him the gratitude of both Masonic and occult leaders like William Wynn Westcott. While non-Masonic reviewers thought Waite had perhaps overstated the case, the work effectively put an end to popular interest in “Masonic Satanism.”

The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn

Waite joined the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn in 1891, entering the Second Order in 1899. He was involved with the Order until 1914, save for a break between 1893 and 1896 when he became disenfranchised with the activities of some of his superiors in the order. He founded his own branch, the Independent and Rectified Order of the Golden Dawn, in 1903, but dissolved it in 1914.

Waite’s approach to esotericism emphasized mysticism and Christian spirituality, a contrast to figures like Aleister Crowley and W. B. Yeats who favored ceremonial magic and practical occultism. Crowley, in particular, mocked Waite in print, calling him “Dead Waite” and lampooning him in ‘Moonchild.’ Yet Gilbert and other scholars argue that Crowley’s animosity stemmed from Waite’s insistence that true magic pointed beyond occultism toward mystical union with the divine.

“Crowley’s hostility centred on his awareness that Waite had perceived the true nature of magic and pointed to another way — that of the mystic. Unwilling to accept what he knew inwardly to be true; Crowley turned to verbiage and venom, at the same time belittling himself and ensuring that future generations of occultists should know of Waite and be curious.” 

- R.A. Gilbert

Masonic Career

A.E. Waite was initiated as an Entered Apprentice on September 19, 1901, in Runymede Lodge No. 2430 at Wraysbury in Buckinghamshire. As a courtesy to Runymede Lodge, Waite was raised as a Master Mason on February 10, 1902, in St. Marylebone Lodge No. 1305 in London. He would serve as Worshipful Master of Runymede Lodge in 1910. He was admitted to the Grade of Zelator in Metropolitan College of the SRIA on April 10, 1902. He would later serve as Exponent of this College in 1913. He was exalted into the Holy Royal Arch in Metropolitan Chapter No. 1507 on May 1, 1902. A week later, he was installed as a Knight Templar in King Edward VII Preceptory.

His most treasured initiation came in February 1903, when he traveled to Geneva to receive the Rectified Scottish Rite and the grade of Chevalier Bienfaisant de la Cité Sainte (CBCS). Waite regarded the Rectified Scottish Rite as the purest expression of the mystical Christian “Secret Tradition.”

“The ceremony throughout was read or recited, the rituals not being committed to memory as in English Masonry. The effect was in reality much better, but it is possible that the ritual lends itself especially to this kind of delivery as it was more narrative and exhortatory than are the Craft degrees. I wish in any case to record that as regards both grades the rites could have scarcely been simpler, more impressive or worked with more smoothness and dignity.”

In 1905, he was initiated into Mark Masonry, which he saw as a purer form of Craft Masonry, not the ‘muddled Deism of Anderson's Constitution.’ In 1930, he was still actively promoting the Mark when he became a founder and first Master of Tower Hamlets Mark Lodge No. 892. He was a founding member of Sancta Maria Preceptory of Knights Templar in 1906 and served as Preceptor in 1909 before serving as Registrar from 1910 to 1940. He received the Chevalier-Profès (Professed Knight) and Chevalier-Grand Profès (Grand Professed Knight) by correspondence in 1907; he did not make a second visit to Geneva. He was perfected (initiated) in the Orpheus Chapter Rose Croix No. 79 in 1909, becoming its Sovereign in 1915, and, from 1918 onwards, he was its Recorder.In 1914, Waite resigned from the SRIA after failing in his bid to be elected as Celebrant of Metropolitan College.

After 1920, his association with Craft Masonry faded, although he remained a member of his mother lodge until his death. By this time, he was a member of virtually every rite that was worked in England, and he had played an active role in many of them, including the Holy Royal Arch, the Knights Templar, the Knights of Malta, the Swedenborgian Rite, the Red Cross of Constantine, and the Secret Monitor.

Despite his wide involvement in Masonic bodies, Waite was often critical of mainstream Freemasonry, which he felt had lost its spiritual depth in favor of worldly ceremony and social respectability. By the 1920s, he had largely withdrawn from active Masonic life, though he remained affiliated until his death.

Martinism and Tarot

One of the lesser-known but crucial influences on Waite’s spiritual development was Martinism, the mystical Christian philosophy derived from Louis Claude de Saint-Martin (“the Unknown Philosopher”) and later systematized by Gérard Encausse (“Papus”). Waite encountered Martinism in the late 19th century, shortly after his exposure to Lévi. Whether Waite formally joined Papus’s Martinist Order remains uncertain, but his writings and ritual work demonstrate a deep assimilation of Martinist themes.

At the core of Martinism lies the doctrine of humanity’s fall from divine unity and the possibility of reintegration with God through inner purification and the cultivation of divine wisdom. Waite absorbed this theology and wove it into his broader search for the “Secret Tradition.” His Fellowship of the Rosy Cross reflected Martinist emphases on mystical ascent, Christian esotericism, and the symbolic use of ritual to awaken the soul to divine realities.

Fellowship of the Rosy Cross

In 1914, he resigned from the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and the SRIA, which coincided with the decline of his Independent & Rectified Rite of the Golden Dawn. He directed all of his energies to the rituals and creation of the Fellowship of the Rosy Cross (FRC), a Christian Order structured in a series of grades that represented a symbolical ascent of the Kabbalistic Tree of Life. The Fellowship of the Rosy Cross was founded on July 9, 1915, with the consecration of Salvator Mundi Temple at De Keyser's Hotel on Victoria Embankment, London. Waite’s Order was supposed to be Christian and mystical, rather than pagan and magical, and it synthesized elements from Freemasonry, Kabbalah, alchemy, Martinism, and Tarot in its rituals. Unlike the Golden Dawn, the FRC rejected magical practices in favor of contemplative mysticism and sacramental ritual. For Waite, the FRC represented the culmination of his lifelong quest to reconstruct the “Secret Tradition” as a living spiritual path.

The Tarot

Waite is best known for his involvement with the Rider–Waite Tarot deck, first published in 1910 and illustrated by his fellow member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, Pamela Colman Smith. He also authored the deck’s companion volume, ‘The Key to the Tarot’, which was republished in expanded form in 1911 as ‘The Pictorial Key to the Tarot’. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Waite viewed the Tarot as a book of spiritual doctrine. The Rider–Waite deck embodies this vision: its imagery is infused with Christian mysticism, Rosicrucian allegory, and echoes of Martinist philosophy. The Fool’s journey, in Waite’s interpretation, is not merely a tale of chance or fate but a spiritual pilgrimage toward divine union. By fully illustrating all 78 cards (when most decks at the time depicted only the 22 Major Arcana), Waite and Smith introduced narrative and symbolic coherence to the entire Tarot, encouraging its use not simply for divination, but as a meditation on the stages of the soul’s return to God. Although Waite authored dozens of works, it is the Rider–Waite Tarot and its companion volume that secured his enduring fame. The deck revolutionized Tarot practice and has since become the foundation upon which nearly every modern Tarot deck is built, ensuring Waite’s lasting influence on the esoteric tradition.

Death and Legacy

Waite spent his final years in Bishopsbourne, Kent, where he died on May 19, 1942, at the age of 84. He was buried in the local churchyard. While often mocked by contemporaries such as Crowley and even caricatured by H. P. Lovecraft, Waite’s reputation has grown steadily among scholars of esotericism. His insistence on the distinction between occultism and mysticism, his rejection of sensationalism, and his quest for the “Secret Tradition” have left a lasting legacy. As Fort Newton remarked in 1916, Waite “warns us against the dark alleys that lead nowhere, and the false lights that lure to ruin.”

References

1. A.E. Waite. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._E._Waite 

2. Arthur Edward Waite. (n.d.). Retrieved from The Province of Greater London for the Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia: https://srialondon.org/arthur-edward-waite/ 

3. Arthur Edward Waite. (n.d.). Retrieved from Grand Lodge of British Columbia & Yukon: https://freemasonry.bcy.ca/biography/esoterica/waite_a/waite_a.html 

4. Arthur Edward Waite — The Man Behind the Modern Tarot. (n.d.). Retrieved from Mister Tarot: https://www.mistertarot.com/arthur-edward-waite%E2%80%94designer-of-the-modern-tarot/ 

5. Gilbert, R. A. (1986). The Masonic Career of A. E. Waite. Retrieved from Skirrit: https://skirret.com/papers/waite/masonic_career.html 

6. Higgins, S. (2013, December 11). A. E. Waite and the Occult. Retrieved from The Oddest Inkling: https://theoddestinkling.wordpress.com/2013/12/11/a-e-waite-and-the-occult/ 

7. Steele, E. C. (2015, October 2). Arthur Edward Waite is Born. Retrieved from MasonryToday: https://www.masonrytoday.com/index.php?new_month=10&new_day=2&new_year=2015

History, Mystery, and Majesty

The last couple of days have been a whirlwind of activity. I flew out Wednesday evening and landed in London around noon on Thursday. That afternoon, I attended a meeting of Britannia Legion No. 1 of the Mysteries of Mithras and received the II°. I also assisted in conferring the I°. The evening concluded with a fantastic Festive Board.

Friday morning, I made my way into central London and took a bus to Stonehenge. Located on the windswept Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, Stonehenge is one of the most iconic and mysterious monuments of the ancient world. Comprised of a circular layout of massive upright stones, it stands as a testament to Neolithic engineering, religious devotion, and social organization. The most prominent stones (each weighing up to 25 tons) are made of dense sandstone sourced from the Marlborough Downs, about 20 miles north. Interspersed among them are smaller bluestones, weighing 2 to 5 tons, transported from the Preseli Hills in southwest Wales (over 150 miles away). This feat of transportation and construction remains astonishing.

Construction began around 3100 BC and unfolded over 1,500 years in several major phases. The earliest stage featured a circular ditch and bank enclosure (the "henge") dug with antler picks, along with a raised inner bank and a wide entrance aligned with the midsummer sunrise. Within this circle, timber or early stone uprights may have been erected. Soon after, 56 pits (now called Aubrey Holes) were dug, possibly for posts, stones, or cremated remains.

By 2900 BC, timber structures dominated the site, which likely served as a sacred burial and ceremonial space. Around 2600 BC, the most dramatic transformation occurred: the arrival of the bluestones and the beginning of the iconic stone circle. Their transportation likely involved sledges, rollers, and possibly river or sea routes.

Around 2500 BC, massive sandstone blocks from the Marlborough Downs were added to form the outer circle and the inner horseshoe of trilithons (two upright stones with a horizontal lintel). These stones are aligned with solstice events, suggesting a deeply spiritual, astronomical purpose. Builders used sophisticated joinery techniques such as mortise-and-tenon joints and tongue-and-groove fittings, indicating advanced woodworking knowledge applied to megalithic construction.

Later generations rearranged the bluestones, added ceremonial avenues, and constructed surrounding barrows and mounds. By 1600 BC, construction ceased, though the site remained a place of pilgrimage for centuries. Even into the Iron Age and Roman periods, Stonehenge saw sporadic activity before gradually falling into ruin.

After visiting Stonehenge, the bus took me to Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Originally built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century after his victory in 1066, Windsor Castle has been continuously inhabited for nearly 1,000 years. The castle’s site was chosen for its strategic military advantages as well as its proximity to London. 

Initially, a motte-and-bailey structure with a wooden keep, the castle evolved significantly over time. Under King Henry II, stone replaced wood, and by King Henry III’s reign, a royal chapel and improved living quarters had elevated it to a major royal residence.

King Edward III, born at Windsor, began a sweeping Gothic transformation and founded the Order of the Garter in 1348, using St. George’s Chapel as its spiritual home. This chapel remains a masterpiece of late medieval architecture and a key site of royal worship.

The Tudor monarchs made minor alterations. King Henry VIII used Windsor for hunting and security, while Queen Elizabeth I sought refuge there during political and religious unrest. During the English Civil War, Parliamentary forces seized the castle and used it as a prison. Restoration came under King Charles II, who refurnished the interiors in Baroque splendor.

Subsequent monarchs, notably King George IV, transformed Windsor into the Gothic revival palace seen today. Queen Victoria made it her principal residence and established it as both a family home and a national symbol. Following the devastating 1992 fire, the castle was meticulously restored, funded in part by the first-ever public tours of Buckingham Palace.

Today, Windsor Castle remains a functioning royal residence, hosting state events, serving as the home of the Order of the Garter, and housing the tombs of monarchs, including King Henry VIII, King Charles I, King George VI, Prince Philip, and Queen Elizabeth II.

On Saturday, I set out to explore parts of London I had missed on my previous visit. In the early morning, I visited the Museum of the Order of St. John. Formally known as The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem, this royal order of chivalry traces its lineage to the medieval Knights Hospitaller.

Suppressed in England by King Henry VIII in 1540 during the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the order's lands were seized, and its presence faded until a Victorian revival in the 19th century. Inspired by Crusader ideals and driven by the need for organized medical aid, philanthropists founded the St. John Ambulance Association in 1877. A uniformed Brigade followed in 1887, and, in 1888, Queen Victoria granted a royal charter, re-establishing the order under the Crown.

Today, the order operates worldwide through charitable institutions like St. John Ambulance and the St. John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem, serving all regardless of background.

I then made my way to St. Bartholomew the Great, London’s oldest surviving church. Founded in 1123 by Rahere, a courtier-turned-cleric who experienced a vision of St. Bartholomew during a pilgrimage to Rome, the church began as part of a priory and hospital complex. Built in the Norman Romanesque style, it features thick walls, rounded arches, and massive columns. The chancel, transept, and ambulatory still survive, while the nave was destroyed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under King Henry VIII.

Despite this, the choir was preserved as a parish church, and the Lady Chapel was finally restored in the 19th century. The church escaped both the Great Fire of 1666 and the World War II bombings. Today, it is a vibrant Anglo-Catholic parish in the Diocese of London and a living relic of England’s medieval past.

From there, I navigated the growing crowds to the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. Founded in 1824 with the acquisition of banker John Julius Angerstein’s collection, the gallery was intended as a public institution - open to all, not just the elite. Its neoclassical building, completed in 1838, now houses over 2,300 works spanning the 13th to early 20th centuries.

The National Gallery is especially strong in the Italian Renaissance, Dutch Golden Age, and British schools. It stands out not only for its masterworks by Da Vinci, Rembrandt, Turner, and Monet, but also for its commitment to public access and conservation leadership.

My final stop was the Churchill War Rooms, located beneath the Treasury building in Whitehall. These underground chambers served as the nerve center of Britain’s wartime leadership during WWII. Constructed in 1939 just before war broke out, the rooms were operational by late August and remained active throughout the conflict.

Here, Churchill and his cabinet met, military movements were tracked in the Map Room, and decisions were made amid the Luftwaffe’s aerial attacks. After the war, the site was mothballed and largely forgotten until the 1970s. The Imperial War Museum opened it to the public in 1984, preserving it as a powerful reminder of Britain’s darkest and finest hours.

It was a quick trip, but an eventful one. From ancient stones to sacred churches, royal halls to wartime bunkers, I walked through centuries of history in just a few days. England remains a land where the mythic, the majestic, and the meaningful still converge.

2025 Grand York Rite of Idaho

I participated this past week in the Annual Sessions of the Grand York Rite Bodies of Idaho, a capstone event marking both the culmination of my journey through the Grand York Rite leadership and a new chapter of service. We began Thursday with the annual meeting of the Syringa Order of the Sword of Bunker Hill, where I was elected and installed as the Honorable Grand Commander of the Right Wing. Later that morning, I performed my usual part in the Order of the Silver Trowel, continuing a cherished tradition. The afternoon was filled with fellowship and ritual as Tri-Valley College No. 178 of the York Rite Sovereign College of North America held its annual meeting, during which I portrayed King Athelstan and delivered the Rose Lecture for three new Companion Knights. Our busy day concluded with a brief business meeting of the Idaho Priory of the Knights of the York Cross of Honor, where we were privileged to have two Personal Representatives and distinguished officers from the Convent General in attendance. The evening closed with the Honors Dinner, recognizing the accomplishments of those awarded the Knight Templar Cross of Honor, Knight Commander of the Temple, and Companion of the Temple.

Friday opened with a Public Session where we welcomed and introduced the leaders of Idaho's concordant bodies and youth groups, as well as visiting dignitaries from the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons International, the General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons International, the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar USA, and the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Idaho. Following the introductions, we held a quick Joint Session, which I had the privilege of presiding over. Later in the morning, the Idaho Chapter of Knights Preceptor held its annual meeting, where we initiated new members, and I was elected Eminent Preceptor. That afternoon, I presided over the 122nd Annual Conclave of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Idaho, an especially meaningful moment, as it represented the culmination of my servant-leadership within the Idaho York Rite, having already served previously as Most Excellent Grand High Priest and Most Illustrious Grand Master. It has been a year marked by both joy and sorrow, filled with moments of triumph and difficult decisions. I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported me throughout these years, and wish my successor every success in his upcoming term. In their "infinite wisdom," the Sir Knights decided they were not done with me yet, electing and installing me as the Eminent Grand Recorder for the ensuing year.

Friday evening was a time of reflection and fraternity, beginning with the Memorial Service honoring our departed Companions and Sir Knights, followed by the Knights Templar Holy Land Pilgrimage Benefit Dinner. Afterward, I spent time at the Hospitality Suite enjoying wonderful conversations with dear friends and fellow York Rite Masons. 

Saturday morning began with the 92nd Annual Assembly of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Idaho, where I performed my regular duties as Distinguished Guests Chairman and was honored to be elected and installed as Right Illustrious Grand Recorder for the coming year. In the afternoon, we gathered for the 117th Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Idaho. There, I once again served as Distinguished Guests Chairman and was subsequently elected and installed as Right Excellent Grand Secretary. Our Annual Sessions concluded with the Grand Banquet on Saturday night, where I had the pleasure of serving as Master of Ceremonies and assisting with the awards ceremony. 

It was a truly remarkable week, a fitting close to one chapter of leadership and the beginning of new opportunities to continue serving the York Rite of Idaho.

Grand York Rite of Washington DC

I had a great time visiting the York Rite Masons of the District of Columbia. I flew in on Thursday, but the activities didn’t begin until Friday afternoon.

The Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons was presided over by the Grand King, as the Grand High Priest was too ill to attend. Visitors from across the country were in attendance, including the Right Excellent General Grand King and the Right Excellent Deputy General Grand High Priest for the Mid-Atlantic Region. 

After the Grand Chapter closed, the Order of Anointed High Priests was conferred upon two Excellent Companions. This was followed by an Ingathering of INRI Tabernacle No. XXXVII of the Holy Royal Arch Knights Templar Priests, during which five new Knight Priests were initiated. Later, Washington Priory No. 77 of the Knights of the York Cross of Honor held a brief business meeting, with the Personal Representative of the Grand Master General in attendance.

On Saturday morning, the Annual Assembly of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Washington, D.C., convened, welcoming representatives and dignitaries from across the region. Among them were the Right Puissant Deputy General Grand Master, the Right Puissant General Grand Recorder, and the Right Puissant Deputy General Grand Master for the Mid-Atlantic Region. A friend of mine was elected and installed as Most Illustrious Grand Master for the ensuing year, and I wish him the best of luck in his tenure.

Following lunch, the Annual Conclave of the Grand Commandery of Washington, D.C., reconvened. I was introduced as Grand Commander, along with several others from neighboring jurisdictions, as well as the Right Eminent Grand Generalissimo and the Right Eminent Department Commander for the Mid-Atlantic Region. Another D.C. Mason and friend of mine was elected and installed as the Right Eminent Grand Commander, and I had the honor of serving as the Installing Grand Prelate. I wish him great success in his term and have no doubt he will excel in his role.

Now, I’m making the long journey home, preparing for another busy week ahead.

The Jessup Sword

On my way home from Grand Lodge last month, a Past Master of my Lodge texted me that he had found a Templar sword being sold at a gun show for a very reasonable price. He gave me the name inscribed on the sword and asked if the York Rite was interested in it. When I heard the name I wrote back that I was interested in it. It had belonged to Albert Jessup, a well-known Mason in the Treasurer Valley back in the early 20th century.

Dr. Albert Augustus Jessup Sr. was born on February 27, 1875, in Salem, OR, to Dr. Solon R. Jessup and Sophorania (Coshow) Jessup. He had two siblings, both of whom passed away early in his life—one the same year he was born and the other when he was just six years old. Dr. Jessup married Ella (Fennell) Jessup, who sadly passed away in 1909, and later married Phoebe Elizabeth (Barnes) Jessup. He experienced great personal loss with the deaths of his two children in infancy, one of whom was buried near him. Dr. Jessup passed away on November 9, 1934, at the age of 59 due to a heart attack in Boise, Idaho, and was laid to rest at Morris Hill Cemetery.

Dr. Jessup was deeply involved in Freemasonry and held numerous prestigious positions throughout his life. He played a significant role as the Founding Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Idaho in 1908 and served as the Illustrious Potentate of El Korah Shrine in 1909. In 1910, he was a Founding Senior Warden of Oriental Lodge No. 60, and a year later, he became the Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Knights Templar of Idaho at the age of 36. Dr. Jessup continued to be deeply involved in Masonic activities, serving as Worshipful Master in 1913 and 1916, and was the first Past Master of Oriental Lodge No. 60 to serve as the Right Eminent Grand Commander of Knights Templar of Idaho.

His influence extended beyond these roles; he was the Installing Grand Marshall when the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Idaho was formed. He was also the Founding Puissant Sovereign of St. Michael Conclave in 1911 and later became the Grand Sovereign (1920-1921) of the Grand Imperial Council, Ecclesiastical and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine for the USA (Empire of the West).

Beyond his Masonic affiliations, Dr. Jessup was also an active community leader, serving as President of the Boise Rotary Club. His dedication to his community, both through his professional life and his Masonic work, left a lasting impact, and he is remembered for his leadership and contributions. 

I will use his sword for the rest of my Templar career and I hope to keep it in as good a condition as it came to me.

Grand Court of Athelstan

Another successful trip to England is in the books! This weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the Grand Court of the Masonic Order of Athelstan in Leicester, UK. Located in the East Midlands of England, Leicester is one of the country’s oldest cities. Originally founded by the Romans as “Ratae Corieltauvorum” meaning “ramparts of the Corieltauvorum”; the Corieltauvorum were a Celtic tribe that lived in the area when the Romans invaded. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Anglo-Saxons took over the city and later became part of the Danelaw, under the control of Viking settlers. During the medieval period, Leicester grew as a market town and was granted a royal charter in 1255. Its importance continued to rise with the construction of Leicester Castle and its role as a center for trade. Leicester’s rich cultural heritage is also marked by its role in English history, such as its connection to the War of the Roses. The remains of King Richard III, who was killed in the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, were famously discovered beneath a car park in the city in 2012, an event that brought global attention to Leicester.

I flew out of the States in the late afternoon on Tuesday and arrived in London Wednesday morning along with the Secretary of Salish Court No. 96 (my home Court). After navigating a few train connections, we finally arrived at our Leicester hotel, conveniently located near the edge of the historic old town.

Thursday morning, we walked to the Richard III Visitors Center and discovered the significance of Leicester in the history of King Richard III, the last Plantagenet king of England. Richard III’s connection to Leicester is rooted in his demise during the War of the Roses, a series of dynastic conflicts between the Houses of York and Lancaster. In 1485, Richard faced Henry Tudor (later Henry VII) at the Battle of Bosworth just a few miles from Leicester. Richard III, leading his forces into battle, was defeated and killed, marking the end of the Plantagenet dynasty and the rise of the Tudors. Following his death, Richard’s body was brought to Leicester and unceremoniously buried at the Greyfriars Friary, a monastic site in the city, that was later destroyed by King Henry VIII. For centuries, the exact location of Richard’s remains was lost, becoming the subject of legend and speculation. However, in 2012, a remarkable archaeological project led by the University of Leicester uncovered a skeleton beneath a car park on the former site of the Greyfriars Friary. After thorough analysis, including DNA testing, the remains were confirmed to be those of Richard III. This discovery was one of the most significant historical findings in recent British history, drawing international attention to Leicester. In 2015, Richard III was reburied with full honors at Leicester Cathedral, in a ceremony that attracted visitors and dignitaries from around the world, acknowledging both his historical significance and the city’s role in his story.

We then walked to Leicester Cathedral (the Cathedral Church of St. Martin) which has a rich history that spans over 900 years. It stands on a site that has been a place of Christian worship since at least the 11th century, though it is believed that the area may have been associated with religious activity even earlier. Originally, a parish church dedicated to St. Martin was established there during the Norman period, reflecting the spread of Christianity across England. In 1927, the church was elevated to cathedral status when the Diocese of Leicester was re-established, making it the spiritual heart of the city and surrounding area. Throughout its history, Leicester Cathedral has seen significant architectural changes, with additions made during the medieval period, the Victorian era, and the 20th century.

 

Walking around the corner of the Cathedral, we found Leicester Guildhall, one of the city’s oldest landmarks dating back to the 14th century. Originally constructed around 1390, the Guildhall was built as a meeting place for the Guild of Corpus Christi, a religious and social fraternity that played a central role in the civic life of medieval Leicester. By the 16th century, the Guildhall had expanded its role to serve as Leicester’s Town Hall, hosting meetings of the town’s governing body, known as the Corporation. It was also used as a courtroom and a venue for public events and entertainment, including theatrical performances and banquets. In 1642, during the English Civil War, it was used as a military headquarters when the Royalist forces, led by King Charles I, attempted to capture the city.

We next walked over to the Church of St. Mary de Castro, located near Leicester Castle, which is one of the city’s oldest churches. Founded in 1107 by Robert de Beaumont, the first Earl of Leicester, the church was originally established as a chapel within the grounds of Leicester Castle. It is believed that King Henry VI was knighted there, and Geoffrey Chaucer, author of "The Canterbury Tales," was married there. The church’s medieval heritage is reflected in its architecture, which includes Norman, Gothic, and later styles, featuring beautiful stone carvings, stained glass windows, and an intricately decorated interior. This church historically functioned as two distinct churches within a single building, reflecting the social divisions of the medieval period. One side of the church was designated for the nobility, primarily the residents and officials of Leicester Castle, while the other side was for commoners from the surrounding town.

Leaving the church, we walked across the street to Leicester Castle, but the motte was the only thing open to the public. We then walked down the Castle Gardens and then back to the hotel so we could get ready for the Grand Witan Banquet. Afterward, many of us stayed up late socializing and drinking beer.

The next day a few of us wandered further around the city and made our way to Abbey Park. The park is situated on the grounds of what was once Leicester Abbey, an Augustinian monastery founded in 1143 by Robert de Beaumont, 2nd Earl of Leicester. The abbey flourished for centuries as a center of religious and economic activity until it fell victim to King Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1538. After dismantling the abbey, the land changed hands several times and was used for agricultural purposes. In the late 19th century, the area was transformed into a public park to provide green spaces for the people of Leicester. The park contains ruins of the original church, remains of the abbey walls, and a memorial to Cardinal Thomas Wolsey (who died at the abbey in 1530).

Saturday morning, we assembled at Freemasons’ Hall in Leicester and opened the Grand Court of the Masonic Order of Athelstan. Seating was set and I was behind the Grand Marshall near the Grand Secretaries table on the northeast side of the Lodge. As an American, I enjoy watching the pomp and ceremony of the British. Among the various items of business dealt with, the current Grand Master was re-elected for another term of office. He also announced that a Grand Court of France would be formed in November and the Grand Court of the United States of America would be formed in February during Masonic Week.

After the meeting, we had drinks and a large lunch before we made our way back to the London area in preparation for our flights to our respective residences. It was a fun trip, but it’s always good to be back in your own bed.

2024 Northwest Department Conference

Another Northwest Department Conference is in the books. This year's conference was held in Spokane just off the Gonzaga University campus and along the river.

I attended the annual meeting of the Northwest Province of the Commemorative Order of St. Thomas of Acon USA on Thursday night where I remain as the Provincial Grand Treasurer for another year.

Friday was occupied with the regional meetings for the Royal Arch Chapter and Cryptic Masons Council. The current General Grand Master has revamped the Order of the Secret Vault and all recipients were reinvested with the new ceremony.

The Knights Templar session took up most of Saturday with some excellent presentations from the Grand Master on his goals for the 70th Triennium, the Membership Committee, the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, the modernization and standardization of communication (website, social media, etc.), and the Commissioned Templar Chaplain Program where we presented the jewel for completing the course to the Grand Senior Warden of Idaho. In the morning, the Most Eminent Grand Master also invested a dear friend and Sir Knight Jeremy Vaughn with the Knight Grand Cross of the Temple. Afterward, a large group of us found a tavern to have drinks and dinner in before turning in for the night.

It was a great time to see so many Companions and Sir Knights from not just around the Northwest Department, but from across the United States.

2024 Convent General

This weekend, I attended the 2024 Convent General of the Knights of the York Cross of Honor. I flew in late afternoon into Ontario, CA. Friday night was the Banquet, where we were also entertained by a gentleman who played piano songs from the Great American Songbook (songs from the 20s, 30s, and 40s). Afterward, several of us sat in a Knight's room and had some good libations.

Saturday morning brought the opening of the 89th Annual Conclave. Several items of business were voted on including several resolutions. The first 3 resolutions dealt with fees and they have been increased. Resolution No. 4 carries over until next year as it updates a large portion of the Constitution and Bylaws of the Order. Resolution No. 5 was ruled improper and out of order as it did not address two Grand Masters General decisions.  The fifth resolution concerned awarding the Knight of the York Grand Cross of Honor to those Knights who have received Honorary Past Grand rank in their respective jurisdiction.

A dear friend, Jim McGee of Alabama, was elected and installed as the 2024-2025 Most Eminent Grand Master General. Another friend, Bryan Bechler of Washington, was elected and installed as the Grand Sentinel. My constant travel companion, Jeremy, was appointed and installed as the new Personal Rep for the Northwest. I wish the best of luck to the newly installed officers: Good luck, Brothers!

After everything was done, it was good to spend the rest of the day with friends, drinking and talking.

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!

RIP Bruce Wethered

It is with a heavy heart that I announce the death of Sir Knight Bruce A. Wethered, the Junior Past Grand Commander of Idaho. Bruce was born on October 12, 1950, in Vancouver, Washington. He grew up in Washington but in 1965 his family moved to Nampa. As a teenager, he was involved with the Boy Scouts and DeMolay where he earned the Eagle Scout award and the Representative DeMolay award. Bruce graduated from Nampa High School in 1969, earned a BBA in Business from Boise State University in 1974, and an MBA from Pacific Lutheran University in 1984. Bruce worked for Physio-Control Corporation from 1981 to 1991 in planning, transportation, and logistics in Redmond, WA. He then moved back to Nampa where you worked for the MPC Corporation until 2006. 

Bruce was Initiated, Passed, and Raised in Ashlar Lodge No. 90 in Nampa, ID, in 1972. He served as Worshipful Master in 1978, 2003 and 2014, and is currently serving as Secretary. For the Grand Lodge AF&AM of Idaho, he served as a District Deputy Grand Master and Right Worshipful Grand Treasurer. He was very active in the York Rite where he was a Most Excellent Past Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons of Idaho (2016-2017), a Most Illustrious Past Grand Master of Cryptic Masons of Idaho (2021-2022), and a Right Eminent Past Grand Commander of Knights Templar of Idaho. He was a also a Past President of the Order Of High Priesthood in Idaho, Past Thrice Illustrious Master of the order of the Silver Trowel in Idaho, and a member of Idaho Chapter No. 13 of the Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor, Past Sovereign and current Treasurer of St. Michaels Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine, Junior Warden of Star Garnet No. 560 of the Allied Masonic Degrees, Deputy Preceptor of Redemption No. XL of the Holy Royal Arch Knights Templar Priests, Junior Knight of Knights of Tara No. 122 of the Order of Knight Masons, Past Prior of Idaho Priory No. 13 of the Knights of the York Cross of Honor, and Past Governor of Tri-Valley College No. 178 of the York Rite Sovereign College of North America.

In 2010, Bruce started taking dance lessons and competed in Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Cha Cha, Rumba and East Coast Swing. He even demonstrated some dances at a Grand York Rite banquet. Bruce was a good friend, Mason, and Templar. I followed him through the officer line of Idaho Commandery No. 1 and the Grand Commandery line. He was genuinely one of the nicest guys I had ever met and I will dearly miss him.

Visits as Grand Commander

Wednesday night was my first official visit as Grand Commander of Idaho. I'm visiting Lewiston Commandery No. 2 and Coeur d’Alene Commandery No. 5 which held a joint meeting. I had the pleasure of officially installing the Sir Knight I appointed as Eminent Grand Standard Bearer, whose previous obligation conflicted with our Annual Conclave in Burley last month. I had the pleasure of dragging the Northwest Department Commander with me.

Thursday morning, we traveled to Wenatchee where the two of us attended the Reuben Baer Past Commander's Association and the Memorial Service of the Grand York Rite of Washington. Friday morning I attended the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Washington where I represented the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons International.

I attended the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington on Saturday morning, where a good friend presided. One of the accomplishments of the Grand Commandery was gaining 100% Life Sponsorship which means that only two Grand Commanderies in the Northwest do not have 100%, but are close. Sir Knight Jim McGee, a candidate for Grand Captain General of the Grand Encampment, also attended and assisted in installing the new officers. He was also made an Illustrious Knight of the Triangle.

Saturday afternoon and evening were spent with friends and Sir Knights, some food, and some adult libations. Now it's time for bed to get ready for the 7-hour drive home and then I can see my mother for Mother's Day.

Thurman C. Pace

I'm saddened to learn of the death of Brother Thurman C. Pace, Jr. of New Jersey. He was 99 years old (next week he would have turned 100). While I had only met him a few times, I learned how dedicated he was to Freemasonry.

Thurman was a World War II Veteran who was present when the Dachau Death Camp was liberated. After the end of the war, he returned to the States and earned a Bachelors degree from Auburn University. He retired in 1987 as Financial Executive of the corporation and President of the United States Mutual Liability Insurance Company. In 1950 he married his wife Betty and they had three children: Donna, Arthur, and Susan. They were married for 74 years.

As another Mason said, "Sir Knight Thurman's Masonic record is an enviable one. He's presided over more than 30 Masonic organizations during his life. Again, space does not permit their listing. It would be far easier to list what Thurman hasn't done!"

Thurman was a 33° and former Deputy of New Jersey for the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the USA; Past Commander of the Legion of Honor Preceptory for New Jersey DeMolay; a Most Illustrious Past Grand Chancellor and Knight Grand Cross in the Grand College of Rites; Past Grand Commander and Past Grand Recorder of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of New Jersey, Past Department Commander of the Northeastern Department (1982-1985), recipient of the Knight Commander of the Temple, and an Honorary Most Eminent Past Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar USA; a Most Excellent Past Great Chief of the Grand Council of Knight Masons USA; an Honorary Most Venerable Past Sovereign Grand Master of the Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees of the USA; a Most Illustrious Past Grand Sovereign of the United Grand Imperial Council of the Red Cross of Constantine; the founder and first Grand Preceptor of the Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor (he served for over 25-years as Grand Preceptor); and a Most Worthy Past Supreme Magus and a Knight Grand Cross of the Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis where, in 2002, he also chaired the proclamation ceremony for the formation of the Societas Rosicruciana in Lusitania (Portugal) and the investiture of the Supreme Magus for the newly formed High Council.

I'm sure I missed an accomplishment of this truly amazing Mason and his death will be felt around the world of Freemasonry. Requiesce in pace.

The College, the Tabernacle, and the Conclave

Well, this weekend was one for the books. Saturday morning, Tri-Valley College No.178 of the York Rite Sovereign College of North America met and we had the Most Eminently Distinguished Governor General in attendance. This is the first time our College has been graced by the Governor General of our order. We also had the Grand Governors of both Idaho and Washington as well as the General Grand Scribe of the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons International in attendance.

After lunch, Redemption Tabernacle No.XL of the Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests held an Ingathering and initiated a new member. The Governor General also serves as the Most Eminent Grand Preceptor of the Grand College of America for the Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests. We also held elections and I was appointed as the VI Pillar for the Tabernacle.

Following the Tabernacle, St. Michael Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine met where I presided. We had Knights Companion from three other Conclaves in attendance to include the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Idaho. My successor was elected and installed by the Intendant General of the Division of Idaho. Afterward, we adjourned to a restaurant where great food and fellowship was had by all. I thank to the Knights Companion for electing me and I wish my successor all of the best in his tenure.

Joint York Rite Conference

Just got home from the first Joint Southwest-Northwest York Rite Conference. It was held on the weekend traditionally for the NW York Rite Conference, but it was held in Salt Lake City. York Rite Masons from Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, California, and Hawaii traveled into SLC on Thursday. Some of us attended the meeting of the Northwest Province of the Commemorative Order of St. Thomas of Acon. The Grand Preceptor made some changes to officers and I look forward to working with the new Provincial Grand Secretary.

I enjoyed the Friday session with Chapter and Council where one presentation on membership was given by the Assistant Grand Secretary of California who is also the Deputy Grand Commander of Knights Templar of California. Saturday was all for the Knights Templar and presentations given by the Grand Encampment.

It was a pleasure to see old friends and make new ones.

William Wynn Westcott

Born on December 17, 1848, in Leamington, Warwickshire, England, William Wynn Westcott was the only child of Dr. Peter Westcott, but would be raised by his half-uncle (who was also a doctor) after his parents died before William was 10 years old. William was educated and attended University College in London where he earned a Bachelor of Medicine. After his education left London and worked with his half-uncle at his medical practice.

William was involved with his community and served in many capacities and appointments such as Factory Surgeon, Public Vaccinator, Medical Officer of Health, and Quartermaster to a Battalion of Volunteers.

On February 18, 1873, he was married to Elizabeth Burnett. Together they had four children and moved back to London in 1879. From 1879 to 1881, he seemed to have taken a sabbatical where he studied Kabalistic, Hermetic, Alchemical, and Rosicrucian philosophy and teachings.

In 1881, he was appointed Deputy Coroner for Central Middlesex and Central London. In 1894, he was appointed Coroner for Northeast London; he served in this position until 1918. In 1918, he moved to South Africa.

William Wynn Westcott was initiated into Parret and Axe Lodge No. 814 in Crewkerne (England) on October 24, 1871. Little is known about his advancement, but he served as the Lodge's Master in 1877. He was also a member of Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076, the premier Lodge of Research in the world, and served as its Worshipful Master in 1893. He would also serve as Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in Somerset and be awarded the rank of Past Junior Grand Deacon by the United Grand Lodge of England. 

In Capitular Masonry, he was exalted into the Chapter of Brotherly Love No. 329 on April 30, 1873, and served as the First Principal (equivalent to Excellent High Priest in the United States) in 1889. He would go on to be a Past Grand Standard Bearer of the Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of England.

Unlike the US, Mark Masonry is a separate body in England. Westcott was advanced to Mark Masonry in William de Irwin Lodge No. 162 and served as its Master in 1887. He would serve as the Provincial Grand Senior Warden of the Mark Province of Somerset.

He is said to have joined the Order of the Temple or Knights Templar, but the dates are not known nor what offices he held, if any. This claim is disputed.

He joined the Ancient & Accepted Rite in 1875 and was promoted to the 30° in 1878.

He was a member of Rose and Lily Conclave No. 10 of the Red Cross of Constantine.

He was a member of the Royal Order of the Red Branch of Eri where he was instrumental in reviving and reorganizing the order, and served as its Grand Master and its senior Knight Grand Cross.

He was admitted to the Swedenborg Rite in 1876 where he served as Worshipful Master of Emanuel Lodge No. 1 and Junior Warden of Hermes Lodge No. 8 in 1886, District Senior Grand Warden and Supreme Grand Senior Deacon in 1877, Worshipful Master of Pythagorean Lodge of Instruction in 1887, and Supreme Grand Junior Warden and Supreme Grand Secretary in 1891.

Westcott joined the Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia (SRIA) on April 15, 1880, at Metropolitan College. He was admitted to the Grades of the Second Order on December 12, 1881. In 1883 he served as Secretary General of the Society. In 1889, he served as Celebrant of Metropolitan College, and in 1891 he was enthroned as Most Worthy Supreme Magus of the SRIA.

Westcott was targeted by anti-Masons of the age. In 1896, he was listed as the “Chief of English Luciferians” in a French anti-Mason publication called “Mémoires d'une Ex-Palladiste”. This was supposedly written by Ms. Diana Vaughan which of course was a pseudonym used by the hoaxer Leo Taxil.

Westcott was also a member of several non-Masonic esoteric societies like the Hermetic Society and Theosophical Society. The latter organization he advanced to the “inner circle.” But it was with another group that Westcott is highly remembered, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.

In 1887 Westcott acquired a ciphered manuscript that proved to be a series of initiatory rituals. In working with his fellow Rosicrucian Frater, Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers worked the rituals into a workable form. He, Mathers, and Dr. William Robert Woodman (the then Supreme Magus of the SRIA) established the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn in February 1888.

Being a public official (the Coroner), he was pressured into retiring from his public life as a member of the Golden Dawn and stepped down from his officer roles. There also seems to have been an internal dispute between him and Mathers who accused Westcott of being a forger and liar. Some speculate that it was Mathers who had informed Westcott's superiors of his involvement in the Golden Dawn to force him out of power. Mathers accuses Westcott of fabricating the documents authenticating the origins of the Golden Dawn. 

William Westcott died of Brights Disease (a kidney disease) on July 30, 1925, in Durban, South Africa. He was predeceased by his wife in 1921, both of his sons (1906 and 1907), and both of his daughters (1918 and 1924). While some of his life may be left in controversy, he was clearly a revered and respected Mason in his time and left a legacy with the Golden Dawn as well. While unknown to most Masons in the US, he was a contemporary of men like AE Waite, John Yarker, Theodore Reuss, and Albert Pike.

References

1. Dr. William Wynn Westcott. (n.d.). Retrieved from The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn: https://hermeticgoldendawn.org/biography-dr-william-wynn-westcott/ 

2. Gilbert, R. A. (1987, February 19). William Wynn Westcott and the Esoteric School of Masonic Research. Retrieved from ARS QUATUOR CORONATORUM: https://freemasonry.bcy.ca/aqc/westcott/westcott.html 

3. Parsell, H. V. (n.d.). Dr. William Wynn Westcott: An Appreciation. Retrieved from Societas Rosicruciana in America: https://sria.org/dr-william-wynn-westcott-an-appreciation/ 

4. Westcott, William Wynn. (n.d.). Retrieved from Occult World: https://occult-world.com/westcott-william-wynn/ 

5. William Wynn Westcott. (2016, August 14). Retrieved from Geni: https://www.geni.com/people/William-Westcott/6000000009428109687 

6. William Wynn Westcott and the Esoteric School of Masonic Research: Appendix A. (n.d.). Retrieved from MasterMason: http://www.mastermason.com/luxocculta/appendix4.htm