2026 Masonic Week Schedule

The preliminary schedule of the 2026 Masonic Week has been released. It will be held from February 4-8, 2026, 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 4, 2026

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

7:00 PM - 6°, Royal Order of the Masonic Knights of the Scarlet Cord

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

 

Thursday, February 5, 2026

8:00 AM - Installed Supreme Ruler, Allied Masonic Degrees

8:45 AM - Worshipful Commander Noah, Allied Masonic Degrees

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

Aaron White - Grand Master

Kevin Sample - Grand Prior

Jeremy Vaughn - Grand Secretary

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

1:15 PM - Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor 

Michael Kastle - Grand Preceptor

Larry Tucker - Grand Recorder

1:15 PM - Order of Holy Wisdom, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests

3:00 PM - Grand Court of the USA, Masonic Order of Athelstan

D. Allen Surrat - Grand Master

David Cashion - Grand Secretary

6:00 PM - Installed Sovereign Master, Allied Masonic Degrees

7:00 PM - Athelstan Banquet

9:00 PM - Ye Antiente Order of Corks

Marion Humphreys - Grand Bung of the Americas

9:00 PM - Masonic Order of Pilgrim Preceptors

David Boswell - Grand Master

George Haynes - Regional Governor 

Alan Beidel - Regional Secretary 

 

Friday, February 6, 2026

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

Lloyd Leinbaugh - Great Chief

John Bristol - Grand Scribe

12:00 PM - Knights Masons Luncheon

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

James Winzenreid - Grand Preceptor

Larry Tucker - Grand Registrar

3:00 PM - Grand College of Rites

Frank Modica - Grand Chancellor

Rick Patton - Grand Registrar

4:30 PM - Society of Blue Friars

Arturo de Hoyos - Grand Abbot

Mark Tabbert - Deputy Grand Abbot

Richard Fletcher - Secretary-General

4:30 PM - 6°, Royal Order of the Masonic Knights of the Scarlet Cord

7:00 PM - The Philalethes Banquet

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

9:00 PM Masonic Order of the Bath

Charles Schubert - Commander-General

Bill Snyder - Keeper of the Bath Records

Saturday, February 7, 2026

7:00 AM - All Masonic Breakfast

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

9:30 AM - Ladies Bus Trip

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

10:30 AM - Philalethes Society

Adam Kendall - President

Terry Tilton - Secretary

12:00 PM - All Masonic Luncheon

1:15 PM - Council of the Nine Muses No. 13, AMD

2:00 PM - Ladies Tea 

2:30 PM - Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees

Doug Knauer - Sovereign Grand Master

Seth Anthony - Grand Secretary

6:00 PM - All Masonic Social Hour 

7:00 PM - All Masonic Banquet

9:00 PM - Royal Ark Mariner, Allied Masonic Degrees

9:45 PM - Order of the Secret Monitor, Allied Masonic Degrees

Sunday, February 8, 2026

8:30 AM - Washington Monument Assemblage

Deputy Master Mason - Jason Varner VI°

Clerk - Alan Beidel VIº

9:00 AM - Lodge of Menatzchim, V°

10:30 AM - Lodge of Harodim, VI°

12:30 PM - The Operatives Brunch

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.

Masonic Week 2025

Another successful Masonic Week has been completed. This year we had over 600 attendees (the largest crowd ever) and it was great to see old friends and make new ones.

I arrived at DCA on Wednesday and spent the afternoon socializing. A special thank you to the Brothers of Missouri for inviting me to join them for dinner.

On Thursday morning, I attended the Annual Meeting of the Grand Master’s Council of the United States of America for Ye Commemorative Order of St. Thomas of Acon, where I had the privilege of witnessing two outstanding Masons preside as Grand Master and Grand Prior. During the installation of our new Grand Master, I was honored to be appointed Grand Registrar under his governance.

After the St. Thomas of Acon Festive Board, I attended the Annual Meeting of the Grand Chapter of the Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor, which proved to be quite interesting. Later, I witnessed a historic moment: the inauguration and constitution of the Grand Court of the Masonic Order of Athelstan in the United States of America. It was a privilege to serve as part of the escort for the installation of officers and to witness Masonic history in the making.

On Friday, I attended the 91st Annual Ingathering of the Grand College of America for the Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests. The rest of the evening was spent socializing with Brothers from around the world, enjoying the camaraderie that makes Masonic Week so special.

Saturday was dedicated to the 133rd Annual Communication of the Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees of the United States of America. Congratulations to the newly installed officers and to Bryce Hildreth for receiving the Fowler Award (a well-deserved honor).

Now, as I find myself in Texas for work, I must admit that I am exhausted!

An Anniversary for Acon in America

On this date in 2015, the Grand Master’s Council for the United States of America for the Commemorative Order of St. Thomas of Acon was formed in Reston, VA, during Masonic Week.

The history of the Commemorative Order of St. Thomas of Acon in the United States dates back to October 1999, when a large group of Masons, under the leadership of Reese Harrison, traveled to England and were initiated. At the 2000 Masonic Week, Pilgrim Chapel No. 11 (now No. 1) and Trinity Chapel No. 12 (now No. 2) were constituted, and for four years, they remained the only two Chapels in the United States. By 2015, the number of Chapels in the United States had grown to 25.

Sir André of Byron, who had served as the first Grand Preceptor in the United States under the Grand Master’s Council in England, became our first Grand Master. Today, Sir Terry of Chattanooga serves as Grand Master and is the seventh to hold that office. Sir Aaron of Muhlenberg has been elected as the next Grand Master and will be installed on February 6, 2025, at the next Grand Master’s Council meeting.

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.

2025 Masonic Week Schedule

The preliminary schedule of the 2025 Masonic Week has been released. It will be held from February 6-9, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City near the Reagan National Airport. You can find the registration here.

  

  

Thursday, February 6, 2025

8:00 AM - Trinity Chapel No.2, Ye Commemorative Order of St. Thomas of Acon

10:00 AM - Grand Master's Council, Ye Commemorative Order of St. Thomas of Acon

Terry Plemons - Grand Master

Stanton Brown - Grand Prior

Jeremy Vaughn - Grand Secretary

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

1:15 PM - Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor 

Aaron White - Grand Preceptor

Larry Tucker - Grand Recorder

1:15 PM - Order of Holy Wisdom, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests

3:00 PM - Potomac Court No.107, Masonic Order of Athelstan

4:30 PM - Provincial Grand Court, Masonic Order of Athelstan

Bryce Hildreth - Provincial Grand Master

David Cashion - Provincial Grand Secretary

7:00 PM - Athelstan Banquet

9:00 PM Masonic Order of the Bath

Charles Schubert - Commander-General

Bill Snyder - Keeper of the Bath Records

9:00 PM - Masonic Order of Pilgrim Preceptors

Jonathan Roberts - Grand Master

George Haynes - Regional Governor 

Alan Beidel - Regional Secretary 

   

    

Friday, February 7, 2025

7:00 AM - York Rite Sovereign College Breakfast

8:00 AM - Installed Sovereign Master, Allied Masonic Degrees

8:45 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

Robert Officer - Great Chief

David Cashion - Grand Scribe

12:00 PM - Knights Masons Luncheon

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

Duane Vaught - Grand Preceptor

Larry Tucker - Grand Registrar

3:00 PM - Grand College of Rites

Travis Normand - Grand Chancellor

Rick Patton - Grand Registrar

4:30 PM Society of Blue Friars

Arturo de Hoyos - Grand Abbot

Mark Tabbert - Deputy Grand Abbot

Richard Fletcher - Secretary-General

5:30 PM - Worshipful Commander Noah, Allied Masonic Degrees

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

6:00 PM - Ark & Dove, Allied Masonic Degrees

7:00 PM - The Philalethes Banquet

Guest Speaker: Billy Hamilton, Jr.

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 8, 2025

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 - Philalethes Society

12:00 PM - All Masonic Luncheon

1:15 PM - Council of the Nine Muses No. 13, AMD

2:00 PM - Ladies Tea 

2:30 PM - Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees

John Elkinton - Sovereign Grand Master

Seth Anthony - Grand Secretary

6:00 PM - All Masonic Social Hour 

7:00 PM - All Masonic Banquet

Guest Speaker: Chris Ruli

9:00 PM - Grand Architect, Allied Masonic Degrees

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

Sunday, February 9, 2025

8:30 AM - Washington Monument Assemblage

Deputy Master Mason - Wayne Faupel VI°

Clerk - Alan Beidel VIº

9:00 AM - Lodge of Menatzchim, V°

10:30 AM - Lodge of Harodim, VI°

12:30 PM - The Operatives Brunch

Masonic Week 2024

Another Masonic Week has come and gone. This year included some new chapters in my Masonic career. On Thursday I was appointed Assistant Grand Marshal during the Annual Meeting of the Grand Master’s Council for Ye Commemorative Order of St. Thomas of Acon. After the Acon Festive Board, I attended the Provincial Grand Court of the USA for the Masonic Order of Athelstan. That night I presided over the High Council of the Masonic Order of the Bath USA where we initiated over 70 new members. After some fun and frivolity with my Brother Masons in the hospitality suite, it was definitely time for bed.

Friday morning started for me with the 58th Annual Meeting of the Grand Council of Knight Masons of the USA. In the afternoon, I attended the 90th Annual Grand Ingathering of the Grand College of America for the Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests. I then attended the 93rd Annual Convocation of the Grand College of Rites of the USA. After a great dinner with friends, I spent the night conversing with Brothers until about 3:30 am.

I slept in on Saturday and then attended the 132nd Annual Convocation of the Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees of the USA. After the All Masonic Banquet, I packed and got some shut-eye before my early flight home.

It was great to see all of my Brothers!