Consistory

Fourteen “Traditional”, “Chivalric” and “Modern” Degrees – from the 19th to the 32nd inclusive, are conferred in a Consistory of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret. Each Degree dramatizes its own unique and independent message and applies it to a familiar life situation.

In the area of morals, certain Consistory Degrees teach the ultimate victory of good over evil, the dignity of labor, the sacredness of duty and unselfish service as the test of one’s religious professions. A leader of men is taught that he must be righteous if he aspires to influence others and that he should listen, with open mind, to the lessons of the ages.

In social relations, the Consistory teaches that toleration is respect for the opinions and religious convictions of others; that he who judges others must himself be above reproach; that it is noble to forgive but ignoble to seek revenge; that a Freemason who commits a felony will not be shielded by his brethren; and that he should have faith in himself, in his fellowman, and in God.

In the area of national affairs, the Consistory holds firmly to the separation of Church and State and teaches that treason is a crime over which Masonry casts no mantle of charity. It proclaims that the crowning glory, in any human life, is that sacrificial love which impels one to lay down his life for a friend.


Officers - 2023-2024

Position Member Name Spouse Primary Lodge
Commander-in-Chief Robert P. Freed Lisa New England #4
1st Lieutenant Commander Stanley E. Kopp Carol Ashland #151
2nd Lieutenant Commander Adam B. Michael York #563
Orator L. Keith Fields Lynn Grove City #689
Chancellor Jay R. Miller Hiram Lodge #18
Master of Ceremonies Open Position
Captain of the Guard Craig J. Shumaker Garnet Blendon Lodge #339
Color Bearer Stanley E. Kopp Jr.    
Standard Bearer John M. Hicks    

Past Commanders-in-Chief

Member Name Spouse Years Served
* Ill. John P. McCune 1900 to 1931
* Ill. Frank C. McElroy 1931 to 1936
* Ill. Sinclair B. Nace 1936 to 1937
* Ill. John E. Powell 1937 to 1948
* Ill. George R. Schoedinger 1948 to 1954
* Ill. Roscoe R. Walcutt 1954 to 1957
* Ill. James J. Harbage 1957 to 1960
* Ill George R. Fitez 1960 to 1963
* Ill. Irvin R. Lynch 1963 to 1966
* Ill. Russell T. Goerke 1966 to 1969
* Ill. Daniel C. Jenkins 1969 to 1972
* Ill. Horace W. Troop, Sr. 1972 to 1975
* Ill. C. Neilson GriffithGeri1975 to 1978
* Ill. James L. ForemanDolores1978 to 1981
* Ill. Richard S. Thomasson 1981 to 1984
* Ill. Frederick T. WilliamsAnn1984 to 1986
* Ill. Kenneth J. KabelkaMelba1986 to 1988
* Ill. William Ammer 1988 to 1990
* Ill. James R. BurgoonJoanne1990 to 1992
* Ill. Terry D. Van HornKaren1992 to 1993
Ill. Edward W. Efurt, IIIJane1993 to 1996
*  Ill. William D. Chisholm 1996 to 1998
Ill. David D. MowryKathy1998 to 2000
Ill. Mark WattersJeannie2000 to 2002
Ill. James M. ThompsonSusan2002 to 2004
Ill. Steven E. CokonougherRebecca2004 to 2006
Ill. Dow T. VoelkerBrenda2006 to 2008
Ill. Timothy B. Strawn 2008 to 2010
Ill. Steven L SmiseckWendy2010 to 2012
Ill. John E. HollbackGwen2012 to 2014
Ill. Brian BolyardJanet2014 to 2016
Ill. Jeff L. RannebargerBeverly2016 to 2018
Ill. Daniel K. Rannebarger 2018 to 2020
Ill. Thomas E. SavageLissa2020 to 2022

* Indicates Deceased

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