William Thomas Hargrove

William Thomas Hargrove WILLIAM THOMAS HARGROVEEmail: pgc2012@vatemplars.comGrand Commander2012-2013 William Thomas Hargrove was born September 26, 1948, at Saint Louis, Missouri. He was educated in the Cahokia, Illinois public school system and was graduated from Cahokia High School in 1966 with a college preparatory academic diploma. Sir Knight Hargrove subsequently attended Bradley University at Peoria, Illinois, from which he was graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1970. During his 40+ year engineering career, he attended several additional universities including the University of Maryland, Christopher Newport University, Thomas Nelson Community College, College of William and Mary, and Kennedy-Western University earning four additional degrees. Sir Knight Hargrove was graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Management and an Associate of Science degree in Business Administration in 1978 from Thomas Nelson Community College, Hampton, Virginia. He was graduated with a Master of Science in Safety Engineering in 1998 and a Doctor of Philosophy in Safety Engineering in 2001 from Kennedy-Western University, Cheyenne, Wyoming. He is the youngest son of Audrey N. and William D. Hargrove (deceased 1993). Sir Knight Hargrove has one older brother Edward Lee Hargrove (deceased 2001). Following graduation from Bradley University, SK Hargrove moved to Newport News, Virginia to work at Newport News Shipbuilding in the design and construction of nuclear-powered fast attack submarines. After having worked at the shipyard for only a short period of time, SK Hargrove was called to serve in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam conflict. Sir Knight Hargrove served as an Atomic Demolition Munitions Technician on the front lines of the Cold War in Kitzingen, Germany. Following Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Army, he returned to shipbuilding at Newport News and was married to the former Dianne Bowers of Newport News. They have no children. They are members of Parkview Baptist Church. They moved from Newport News to the Eastern Shore in 1989, where they currently reside. During his 40+ years of professional engineering practice, Dr. Hargrove has held many positions of authority, responsibility, and leadership. His past employments include, design and construction of fast attack nuclear submarines at Newport News Shipbuilding, design and analysis of high pressure piping systems on Navy surface ships at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, design of new maintenance and overhaul strategies for Navy amphibious ships at the Naval Sea Systems Command, design and analysis of high pressure piping systems on Navy ships at M. Rosenblatt & Son Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, design of high pressure custom pressure vessels at Furmanite America, Inc., and design, manufacture and installation of custom centralized lubrication systems at Vogel Lubrication. In January 2010, Dr. Hargrove retired after a 22-year career at QinetiQ North America Corporation as a Project/Site Manager and Safety Engineer at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Wallops Flight Facility at Wallops Island, Virginia. In that position, he was responsible for the safe design, installation, operation, and operator training for all ground-based pressure vessels and systems; and all cranes, hoists and other lifting devices at that installation. Dr. Hargrove served as a volunteer on three national safety code committees writing safety standards for NASA and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Sir Knight Hargrove began his Masonic career in 1965 in the A.D. Manners Chapter Order of DeMolay. Upon turning 21, he petitioned Emeth Lodge #1030, Cahokia, Illinois and was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on June 9, 1970. SK Hargrove affiliated with Virginia Lodge #177 at Claremont, Virginia in 1982 and served as Master of that lodge in 1984 and 1985. He is a member of Kecoughtan Royal Arch Chapter #42 at Hampton, Virginia and served as High Priest in 1986 and 1987. He is a member of Malta Commandery #24 at Chincoteague, Virginia and served as Commander in 1995 and 2003. He has been a member of Malta Commandery #24 for 22 years. For 16 of those years, he has served as a Dias Officer. He is also a member of Chesapeake Commandery #28 at Cape Charles, Virginia. He served as District Deputy Grand Commander of the 9th District in 1996, Assistant District Instructor of Work for the 9l District in 2003 and is the current District Instructor of Work for that district. It was during his year as District Deputy that Island Commandery #34 was formed. He is a member of Rose of Sharon Priory #2, KYCH, Virginia Research Chapter #1753, RAM, Valley of Portsmouth Scottish Rite, Khedive Shrine, Edward S. White Council Number 36 Allied Masonic Degrees, Garden of Gethsemane Temple Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, Virginia Chapter of the Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor, Gund Council of Thrice Illustrious Masters in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Grand Council of Anointed High Priests in Virginia, Virginia College Masonic Societas Rosicrucian’s in Civitatibus Foederatis, King Darius Council #17 Knight Masons, Hampton Roads York Rite College #95, and St, Thomas of* Acon Old Dominion Chapel #87. Sir Knight Hargrove is an amateur woodworker. He builds furniture, sword cases to raise funds for the Knights Templar charities, various pieces of paraphernalia for Masonic organizations, radio-controlled model boats, and is currently working on his third real boat, a 12 ½ ft long, 6 ft beam Cape Cod Catboat. He has previously built an 8 ft sailing/rowing pram and a 14 ½ ft decked canoe which he modified to include a pedal drive. In the warm weather, Sir Knight Hargrove is an avid cyclist, riding on average 50 to 80 miles per week, on his three different recumbent bicycles. He loves to sail and spend time exploring the many bodies of water on the Eastern Shore in his canoe. Sir Knight Hargrove loves to be outdoors, he likes to hike, is an avid shooter and a Certified Diver.

William Frederick Reinhold

William Frederick Reinhold WILLIAM FREDERICK REINHOLDEmail: pgc2014@vatemplars.comGrand Commander2014-2015 Sir Knight William F. “Bill” Reinhold was born in New York City on Independence Day in 1951. He was baptized in St. John’s Episcopal Church which, prior to completion of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge in 1964, was right across from the Parade Field and Officers’ Quarters of Fort Hamilton. General Robert E. Lee, as a Captain serving as Post Engineer at Fort Hamilton from 1841 to 1846, was a Vestryman of that Church. General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson, as a Major while stationed at Fort Hamilton with his regiment from 1848 to 1850, was baptized at that Church on 29 April 1849. Hence the Church is known as the “Church of the Generals” and the classical portraits of them arc on the walls of the Lec and Jackson Parish Hall. Bill did not have the opportunity to know either of his grandfathers, both Master Masons, because they had died before he was born. Bill’s dad, a senior DeMolay, died about six months before Bill’s tenth birthday. It was in Lee and Jackson Parish Hall on a Sunday morning about five years after his dad’s death, where his mother, a member of the Order of Eastern Star until she died in 2009, prompted him to ask the nearby older boys about something called DeMolay. His Initiatory Degree was on the 22nd Anniversary of D-Day in Theodore Roosevelt Chapter at the Bay Ridge Masonic Temple, Brooklyn, NY. His DeMolay Degree was on 20 June 1966. For his service to DeMolay he was made a Chevalier in the Order of DeMolay in the mid- 1990s. During this time his three sons became members of the Order of DeMolay. In 2000 his mother would assist in the investiture ceremony making Bill an active member for life of the DeMolay Legion of Honor. Echoes of this carly masonic, military, and religious background can be seen throughout Bill’s life and is why he feels very much at home in central Virginia. Sir Knight Reinhold married the former Dolores Helms Whittenore on 21 December 2005 during an open meeting of Charlottesville Commandery No. 3 at the Charlottesville Masonic Temple. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the late Sir Knight H. Arthur Dechent, Eminent Grand Prelate Emeritus. Lady Dolores is currently serving as the Worthy President of Fredericksburg Assembly No. 266, Social Order of the Beauccant. She was honored for distinguished services to Freemasonry by being presented the Companion of the Temple award by the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar on 03 May 2014. Together Bill and Dolores have five adult children from previous marriages and five grandchildren. His three sons, William Frederick Reinhold, III, Charles Edward Reinhold, and James Lawrence Reinhold, are Senior DeMolay and have Life Membership in Perpetuity in Widow’s Sons’ Lodge No. 60. Sir Knight Charles Reinhold is currently serving as Eminent Deputy Grand Sentinel. Brother Reinhold was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on 23 February 1973 in Sunset Lodge No. 936, F. & A.M., Brooklyn, New York. He was elected to membership in Widow’s Sons’ Lodge No. 60, A.F. & A.M., Charlottesville, VA (a few blocks from two small Parks with statues of Lee and Jackson), on 16 August 1993 and received a Demit from Kilwinning-Sunset Lodge No. 936 in September 1993. He served as Worshipful Master of Widow’s Sons’ Lodge No. 60 during its Bicentennial Year in 1999. Brother Reinhold was exalted as a Royal Arch Mason on 23 November 1974 in Aquidneck Royal Arch Chapter No. 9, Portsmouth RI. He was elected to membership in Keystone Royal Arch Chapter No. 58, Charlottesville, VA in 1995 and received the Council Degrees. He received a Demit from Aquidneck Royal Arch Chapter No. 9 in May 1998. He served as High Priest of Keystone Royal Arch Chapter in 2001-2002 and District Deputy Grand High Priest in 2006-2007. He became a charter member of Kents Store Royal Arch Chapter No. 86, Kents Store, VA, on 13 January 2001 and a member of Orange Royal Arch Chapter No. 47, Barboursville, VA, after these Chapters merged in 2007. He received a Demit from Orange Royal Arch Chapter No. 47 in 2011. He has received the Super Excellent Master’s Degree, been anointed, consecrated, and set apart in the Holy Order of High Priesthood, and admitted to the Council of Thrice Illustrious Masters. Companion Reinhold was elected to membership in Charlottesville Commandery No. 3, Charlottesville, VA, and received the Orders of Knighthood on 01 March 1997. He served as Eminent Commander in 2001-2002, was initiated into the Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor during the Grand Commandery Stated Conclave, Roanoke, VA, on 10 May 2001, and served as District Deputy Grand Commander in 2004-2005. He was elected and installed as Grand Warder, Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Virginia in May 2008. He again served as Eminent Commander of Charlottesville Commandery No. 3 from 2009-2013. He was honored for distinguished services to Freemasonry by being presented the Knight Commander of the Temple award on 07 May 2011 by the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar. He was elected and installed as the Right Eminent Grand Commander, Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Virginia on 03 May 2014. Sir Knight Reinhold was elected and became a member of Wilderness Road York Rite College No. 94, Blacksburg, VA, on 10 January 1998. He moved his membership to Commonwealth York Rite College No. 50 in 2007. He was elected and installed as Preeminent Governor of Commonwealth York Rite College No. 50 on 14 June 2014. Sir Knight Reinhold was elected to and received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, USA, in Richmond, VA on 21 June 1997, He was also elected to Acca Temple and received the degrees of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine in Richmond, VA, on 21 June 1997. He was immediately elected to membership and joined Piedmont Shrine Club, Charlottesville, VA. Sir Knight Reinhold was elected to membership and received

Romulo Magnaye Capuno

Romulo Magnaye Capuno ROMULO M. CAPUNOEmail: pgc2022@vatemplars.comGrand Commander2022-2023 Romulo Magnaye Capuno also known as Romi M. Capuno to many of us was from a small town in the Philippines called Mabini about 2 1/2 hours from Manila. The town of Mabini got it’s name from a very famous man, his name is Apolinario Mabini who is the first Prime Minister of the Philippines and a member of Logia Balagtas No. 149 under the Grande Oriente Espanol, a fellow Freemason. WB Romi M. Capuno was born in September 1958 in Mabini, Batangas, Philippines. He studied high school in Mabini Junior College in his hometown and went to college in Manila in Far Eastern University where he was a undergraduate in B.S. Chemistry. Unfortunately, before he could finish his college career Romi and his brother had to leave his country to migrate to United State of America in the late 70’s. He is the second youngest son of Leoncia M. Capuno and Nicolas B. Capuno (both deceased 2014/2009) WB Romi M. Capuno has three brothers, all of whom are Brothers in Freemasonry. He also had one older sister who passed away in 1986. RW Romi is married to Grace Eva Edejer, Past Worthy Matron and a member of Nellie Custis Chapter No. 169, Order of the Eastern Star, a member of Fredericksburg Assembly No. 266, Social Order Of the Beauceant. They have four children, Methoshael, Mark Theodore, Michelle Ashley, and Misha Alyssa. All the kids have graduated college and are married, except the youngest daughter, Misha Alyssa, who is currently taking up another college course. RW Romi is also a grandfather of two grandsons (Logan & Theo), one from each of his two oldest children, Methoshael & Mark Theodore. His two youngest daughters, Michelle Ashley & Misha Alyssa, were both Past Honored Queens of Job’s Daughters International (JDI) in Virginia. Misha Alyssa was a Past Miss Job’s Daughter of Virginia (2015) and was an officer of Virginia’s Grand Bethel, as well as an officer of JDI’s Supreme Bethel. She was Chartered Worthy Advisor of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls Assembly No. 14, Springfield, VA and past officer in Virginia’s Grand Assembly. RW Romi M. Capuno began his Masonic career in 1994, petitioning Springfield Lodge No. 217 in Springfield, VA and was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on June 1995. He served as Worshipful Master in 2008; in the same year he received the Noah Hillman Award from the Grand Lodge of Virginia. The year 2022 he was the DDGM for Masonic District 1B of the Grand Lodge of Virginia. He affiliated to Fort Hunt Skidmore Daytime Lodge No. 363 in 2005. RW Romi is also a Chartered Member of Maynilad Lodge No. 1521 in the District of Columbia. He was exalted to the Royal Arch Masons in 2006 by being a member of the Arlington Royal Arch Chapter No. 35 and served as their High Priest in 2010 and on the same year he received the Robert Claiborne Wilson Award. A year later 2011. he served as District Deputy Grand High Priest of Capitular District No. 1 and this Capitular year he is the Grand Steward of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Virginia. He was knighted as a Knight Templar in Arlington Commandery No, 29, he served as Eminent Commander from 2011 to 2012 and served as District Deputy Grand Commander of Chivalric District No. 3, 2015 to 2016. He was invested Knight Commander of the Temple (KCT) a Grand Encampment Award in 2019 Grand Conclave of KT of Virginia. Just this past Grand Conclave he was elected and installed to the Grand Commandery Line as currently the Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of the Knights Templar of Virginia. REGC Romi is also a member of Triangle Council No. 3 of Cryptic Masons of the District of Columbia, where he served as Illustrious Master in 2013. After his term, he was awarded with the Ish Sodi Award an Illustrious Grand Master of Excellence Award. In 2015 the General Grand Council of Cryptic Mason International awarded WB Romi the highest honor you can have ” The Companion of the Secret Vault.” RW Romi joined the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite in the valley of Alexandria Scottish Rite in 2003. For about five year he is a member of the 28th Degree Cast Team. He served as Master of Kadosh of the Alexandria Consistory in 2016. He was invested the Knight Commander of the Court of Honour ( KCCH) on September 30, 2017. In addition to his regular Masonic affiliations he holds membership in various Honorary and Invitational Bodies of Masonry, Member of Rose of Sharon Priory No. 2, Convent General (KYCH); Life Member of Virginia Council No. 12, Knight Masons, he is a Past Excellent Chief; Nova Vita Tabernacle No. 73, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priest (HRAKTP), Member of Shenandoah Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine (RCC; Member of Washington and Lee No. 93, York Rite Sovereign College of North America (YRSCNA)Past Governor, Associate Regent. OPC; Member of Lord Fairfax Council No. 90, Allied Masonic Degree (AMD)Past Sovereign Master in 2012; Member of Royal Order of Scotland since 2009; Member of Virginia Chapter Sovereign Order of the Knight Preceptor since 2012; Member of the Knight of Shiloam; Member of the Grand Council of Annointed High Priests; Member of the Grand Council of the Thrice Illustrious Masters; Member of the Grand Council of Super Excellent Masters; Member of Cornelius J. Van Aalts, Jr. Memorial Class, Honorary DeMolay: Member of Frank S. Land Centennial Fellow of the Supreme Council Order of DeMolay of the Republic of the Philippines; Past Patron of Nellie Custis No. 169, Order of the Eastern Star (OES). Past Grand Junior Custodian of the Grand Guardian Council of Virginia Job’s Daughters; Past Associate Bethel Guardian of Bethel No. 1 Arlington, JDI; Past Associate Grand Bethel Guardian of the Grand Bethel of Job’s Daughters International in Virginia and Past Chairman

Phillip Edward Maybery

Phillip Edward Maybery PHILLIP EDWARD MAYBERYEmail: pgc2010@vatemplars.comGrand Commander2010-2011 “Strength Thru Unity” In May 1991, I was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason and thus began my journey and travels in Masonry. I visited many Symbolic Lodges and Royal Arch Chapter meetings not only in the Commonwealth of Virginia, but in other States. When visiting other Grand Jurisdictions, I was amazed by the unity I observed within the York Rite. I observed a degree of “Brotherhood” within the Fraternity I had not observed in Virginia. For instance, schedules of the Grand Master, Grand High Priest, Most Illustrious Grand Master and Grand Commander were shared among the membership for two reasons. The first I believe was to allow the brethren time to arrange their schedules so as to maximize attendance and support to the fullest extent at Called meetings and Official Visits of the presiding officers. It is understood that one cannot support if he does not know when and where the meeting is to be held. Secondly, one cannot be in two places at the same time. There exists in the States I have visited a York Rite Association with By-Laws and elected officers. There are regularly scheduled meetings whereby upcoming events are reviewed and annual meetings where Officers are elected for the ensuing Masonic year. This allows the widest dissemination of needed information disbursed to the membership. In the Mid-Triennium Update August 2009-February 2011, Our Most Eminent Grand Master spoke of many things in the Grand Encampment’s Long-Range Plans to include, “Making Templary” the most prestigious order one may petition, stabilize membership during the 65th Triennium, Increase the visibility of the order, Establish closer associations between Grand Commanderies, Department Commanders, Grand Commandery Coordinators and Improve the quality of the ritualistic work being done. Over the past 19 years I have heard much talk about Unity in Masonic Family in Virginia but have not seen it. Therefore, I offer my motto, “Strength Thru Unity” as I attempt to address the Grand Master’s Long-Range Plan. Many hours of preparation went into hosting the first York Rite Dinner to be held in Norfolk, Virginia on October 22, 2010. My plan was to have the area York Rite College host the dinner beginning with Hampton Roads York Rite College No. 95. I thought with the Grand Master, Grand High Priest, the Grand Governor for Virginia of the York Rite Sovereign College of North America and me in attendance, a night of good food and fellowship would be enjoyed by all. I was looking forward to seeing blue, red and black Blazers and Tuxedos for the York Rite College. What a colorful sight to behold with the jewels of offices being represented. I am very sad to report that the dinner had to be cancelled due to lack of interest among the members of the York Rite in Eastern Virginia. We in the York Rite of Freemasonry in Virginia need to better communicate upcoming events of the Masonic Bodies within the York Rite in order that we might better maximize visitation of the members affected. We do not need to hide or hold schedules in secrecy. If the York Rite in Virginia is to grow, they need to be shared. This year as I attended my Official Visits I stressed several points of Better Communication, that the District Deputy Grand Commander hold a District School with emphasis on all Officers from the Junior Warden to the Dais Officers to develop a program so members will do more than come in, hear the minutes, read the bills and conduct introductions and go home, that the Commandery Instructor of Work hold regular schools on opening and closing, and other Ritual work, Communications to include developing a Phone Tree distributed between the Line Officers to keep membership informed of important events and happenings, the importance of sponsoring the Knights Templar Eye Foundation and the Holy Land Pilgrimage and to show the Flag on all occasions where possible, Lodge, Chapter and Public services. I stressed that there are six programs in which we are “duty bound” to attend annually, Grand Commandery, Easter Sunrise Service, Religious Freedom Day Observance, Masonic Home of Virginia Family Day, Christmas Observance and Ascension Day Service. As Christian Masons we should want to be present to show the public and the Masonic Family that we care. I believe these points parallel many of the Grand Master’s Long-Range Plans for the Grand Encampment/ our Grand Commandery. Make Templary the most prestigious order one can petition, Stabilize membership during the 65th Triennium, Increase the visibility of the Order, Establish a closer association between Grand Commanderies, Department Commanders, and Grand Commandery Coordinators.  

Lawrence Barton Smith

Lawrence Barton Smith LAWRENCE BARTON SMITHEmail: pgc2013@vatemplars.comGrand Commander2013-2014 Lawrence Barton “Lary” Smith was born Friday, 13 May 1955 at Mountain Home, Arkansas as the only child of John Quinby and Elizabeth Lee Sowell Smith (both deceased). He graduated Mountain Home High School in 1973 and the University of Arkansas (U of A) (Fayetteville) in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology. He further received a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University in 1992 and has multiple credits towards a Master of Science in Education from Strayer University. Following graduation from the U of A, Larry was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Army (Ordnance Corps) and served in West Germany. SK Smith was released from Active Duty in 1981 and joined the Arkansas Army National Guard. Following advanced officer training, he joined the Active Guard and Reserve Program at the National Guard Bureau in Washington, DC. SK Smith served in several staff positions within the Bureau before being transferred to Redstone Arsenal, Alabama as the Deputy Assistant Commandant of the Ordnance Missile Munitions Center and School. His final assignment was Executive Officer and Senior National Guard Officer for the Combined Arms Support Command’s Training Directorate at Fort Lee, Virginia retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 2000. Following his retirement, SK Smith resumed service as a Department of the Army Civilian with the Training Directorate (now CASCOM’s G-3) and currently is the Chief of the Multifunctional Unit Training Branch, Collective Training Development Division. Larry and Lynne Marie Batten were married 1 December 1990 in Arlington, Virginia and have one son, William. SK Smith began his Masonic career in 1989 in Herndon Lodge No. 264, Herndon, Virginia. He affiliated with Blandford Lodge No. 3 in Petersburg, Virginia in 1994 (Master in 1999) and Meridian Lodge No. 284 in Richmond in 1995 (Master in 1998). He was Exalted in Loudoun Royal Arch Chapter No. 55 in 1991 and affiliated with Petersburg Union Royal Arch Chapter No. 7 in 1996 (High Priest 1999-00) and served as District Deputy Grand High Priest in 2003-04. SK Smith was Knighted in 1995 and is a member of Appomattox Commandery No. 6, having served as Acting Commander 1997-98, Commander 1998-99 and District Deputy Grand Commander in 1999-00. Memberships include: Rose of Sharon Priory No. 2, KYCH; ACCA Shrine, AAOMS; Carl Frank Wood Council No. 200 AMD (State AMD Superintendant for Virginia): Garden of Gethsemane Temple HRAKTP; Virginia Chapter Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor; Virginia College Societas Rosicruciana In Civitatibus Foederatis; King Darius Council No.17 Knight Masons; Commonwealth York Rite College No. 50 (holder of the Order of the Purple Cross); Saint Cornelius the Centurion Council Red Cross of Constantine; Royal Order of Scotland; and Old Dominion Chapel No. 87, St. Thomas of Acon. He is a member of Order of the Eastern Star; Order of the Amaranth (Royal Patron-2000); and Past President of Fort Lee-Richmond Chapter No. 72 and Past Commander of James Monroe Camp, Heroes of ’76, National Sojourners, Inc. Non-Masonic affiliations include: National Rifle Association (Life Member); U.S. Army Ordnance Corps Association (holder of the Order of Samuel Sharpe); Honorary Disposaleer, U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal School; and the National Explosive Ordnance Disposal Association. SK Smith is a collector of military weapons and militaria. He is an avid shooter and was a member of the 1984 and 1985 All Army Combat Rifle Team. He is an NRA Certified Range Safety Officer and a regular volunteer Range Safety Officer at the Fort Lee Private Owned Weapons Range.

Joseph Patrick Westfall, Jr.

Joseph Patrick Westfall, Jr. JOSEPH PATRICK WESTALL, JR.Email:pgc2016@vatemplars.comGrand Commander2016-2017 I was born on June 4*, 1937 in Dinwiddie County, Virginia. We lived on a small farm. During the war years my mother worked the night shift in a cigarette factory and my father worked at a country store. I was educated in the Dinwiddie County School System. After graduating from school I went into the United States Army. I was with the 101st Airborne Infantry Division stationed at Fort Campbell, KY. After I was discharged I worked for Sears Roebuck & Co. for 10 years. Then went with Lawson Products Inc. for 35 years. I worked my way up to Senior District Sales Manager until my retirement. I married Alexa V. Hawkins in 1979. We raised 3 children. Joseph P. Westfall, III, June Terri Westfall and John Randolph Westfall. Joseph P. Westfall III is married to Stephanie and they have 3 children Joseph P. Westfall IV, Tucker Lee Westfall and Patricia Rene Westfall June Terri Westfall is married to Dr. William D. Jennings and they have two children, John Westfall Kimbriel and David Ryan Kimbriel. John Randolph is married to Valerie and they have a daughter, Valerie Lynn. I would like to add that I am very appreciative to my devoted wife of 35 years for all of the support, help and guidance she gave me while going through the chairs of the Grand Commandery. MASONIC HISTORY Received Master Masons degree in Powhatan Starke Lodge No 124 on February 28, 1967. Served as Worshipful Master on 6 occasions, Powhatan Starke Lodge No. 124 in 1971, 1985, 1996, 1997 and 2005. During the 100th and 125 anniversary of the Lodge. And for Petersburg Lodge No. 15 in 2008. Has received certificates of merit signed by Mt. Wor. William C. Vaughan, Charles C. Wallace, Albert H. Tignor Jr., and John R. Quinley Has received certificates of appreciation from Mt. Wor. L. Douglas Delano and Matthew L. Lacy II. Honorary member of Powhatan Starke Lodge No 124, Blandford Lodge No 3, Dinwiddie Lodge No 136, Petersburg Lodge No 15 and Prince George Lodge No. 115. Member of Edwards Lodge No 308 and Masons Hall Lodge No 1785. Member of Virginia Research Lodge No 1777, 2014 Served as District Deputy Grand Master for the 29th Masonic District in 1976. Trustee of Powhatan Starke Lodge No 124, Petersburg Lodge No 15, and Appomattox Commandery No 6. Elected to membership In Petersburg Union Royal Arch Chapter No 7 in 1974. Served as High Priest in 2001 and 2007 And District Deputy Grand High Priest in 2002-3. LMIP. Member of Virginia Research Royal Arch Chapter No 1753. Received Thrice Illustrious Degree 2001. Received Super Excellent Masters Degree 2000. Received Anointed High Priest Degree 2000. Received Certificate Of Appreciation from Grand Royal Arch Chapter in 2003. Appointed as Grand Representative to Manatoba, British Columbia 2003 from The Grand Chapter. Elected to membership in Appomattox Commandery No 6 in 1974, served as Eminent Commander 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 served as District Deputy Grand Commander 2003-4.LMIP Member of Grand Masters Club, Knights Templar Eye Foundation 1998 through 2015. Received Grand Masters Award From The Grand Encampment 2000 with Silver Star and Four Oak Leaf Clusters. Received the Grice Merit Award from the Grand Commander Of Virginia 2000. Appointed as Assistant District Instructor 2004 of the Grand Commandery of Virginia for District No 1. Appointed as District Instructor in 2015. Created a Crusading Knight Of Siloam 1999. Commissioned a Knight Preceptor 2001. Served as Preceptor 2012-2013 Received Knight Templar Cross of Honor from the Grand Encampment in 2004 (equal to Scottish Rite 33 Degree). Only Grand Line Officer to ever receive this award at that time. Received Knight Commander of the Temple from the Grand Encampment in 2005. Received membership cordon green and white for signing 42 petitions from Grand Commandery of Virginia. Elected to membership in Penn-Neck Commandery No 33, March, 2013. Knighted in St. Thomas of Acon, Trinity Chapel No. 12, Feb 12, 2009. Served as Worthy Master 2013-2014. Elected to membership in Acca Temple Aaonms 1973. President of Klownz unit in 1992. Klown of the year 1988. Member of grand and glorious order of hillbilly’s clan no 17. Elected to honorary membership in National Sojourners, Fort Lee/Richmond chapter no. 72 in 1981, served as president 2001-2, 2014-2015. Elected to membership in James Monroe camp no 72, Hero’s of 76, 1981, served as commander 1984, 20142015. Charter member of Carl frank wood council no 200, allied masonic degrees. Served as sovereign master 2002, received the Red Branch of Eri award elected to honorary membership 2008. Membership in the Philalethies society. Membership in the Scottish rite bodies, orient of Virginia, valley of Richmond since 1973. Member of the Scottish rite research society. Elected to king Darius council no 17, knight masons of the USA, 1999. Served as excellent chief in 2006-07. LMIP Elected to membership in commonwealth York rite college no 50, York rite Sovereign college of North America 1999, served as Governor 2004-5.Imip Elected to membership in the Virginia College SRICF 2000. Elevated to the 8th degree in 2014.advanced to Celebrant 2015. Received the degree of Royal Order of Scotland 1999. Received KYCH, Knight York Court of Honor 2001. Became a member of Holy Royal Arch Knight Temple Priest 2002. Very eminent preceptor 2009-2010. Became registrar in 2012. Received the order of purple cross 2003. Became a member of Saint. Cornelius the Centurion Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine 2003-2007. Affiliated with Saint Polycarp Conclave Red Cross of Constantine in 2007. Appointed as Grand Representative to the Grand Commandery, Knights Templar of New Jersey in 1988. Became a member of Trinity Chapel no. 12, ye commemorative order of St. Thomas of Acon, 2009. Served as worthy master 2013-2014 Knighted and became a member of knights of St. Andrew, Nov. 2009. Became a member of Hartley Carmichael council no. 3, allied masonic degrees, Dec 2009. Sovereign master 2014. Became a member of Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Battlefield Forest no

Roy Braxton Henderson, Jr.

Roy Braxton Henderson, Jr. ROY  BRAXTON HENDERSON, JR.Email: pgc2017@vatemplars.comGrand Commander2017-2018 A highly respected and esteemed gentleman and Freemason, R. B. Henderson has exhibited nothing less than tireless dedication and immeasurable commitment to the Masonic Fraternity, his family, and his community. R.B. was born on November 26, 1955. A native of Saltville, Virginia, he married Marlene Lowe Henderson on September 5, 1981. They have one daughter, Megan Lee Henderson. R. B. Is a member of Madam Russell Memorial United Methodist Church where he currently serves as a Trustee. He also has served his church on several committees including the Pastor/Parish Relations & Maintenance Committees. He is a member & Trustee of the Salt Theater Corp.-Palmer Mill, Saltville, Virginia, presently Public Works Director for the Town of Saltville, Virginia, co-owner of H & F Contracting, Inc, and he was commissioned a “Kentucky Colonel”. Symbolic Masonry RB was initiated December 22, 1984; Passed February 2, 1985; Raised March 2, 1985 in William King Lodge No. 227, A. F. & A. M. in Saltville, Virginia. Served Worshipful Master in 1989, District Deputy Grand Master in 1992, and Treasurer. He is also member of Marion Lodge No. 31 in Marion, Virginia and Rich Valley Lodge No. 172 in Saltville, Virginia, where he served Worshipful Master in 2003. Capitular Masonry He was exalted in Marion Royal Arch Chapter No, 54 on 1985 in Marion, Virginia. Served as High Priest in 1991, awarded the Silver Trowel, Grand Council Anointed High Priests of Virginia in 1991, District Deputy Grand High Priest in 2003, and Grand Marshal of Grand Royal Arch Chapter in Virginia in 2009-2010. He was greeted as a Thrice Illustrious Master in 1992 and Super Excellent Master in 2003. Served as Grand Representative to the State of Hawaii. Chivalric Masonry Knighted as a member of Lynn Commandery No. 9 In a Southwest Virginia Knights Templar Festival 1985. Served Commander in 1992 and 1998, District Deputy Grand Commander in District 7 in 2002-03, District 8 in 2008-9, again in 2009-2010, and Trustee of Lynn Commandery No. 9. He is also a member of Johnson Commandery No. 14 and Bayard Commandery No. 15. He served Aid-De-Camp to the Grand Commander of Knights Templar of Virginia in 2009-10; elected and served Grand Warder in 2010-11, Grand Sword Bearer in 2010-11, Grand Standard Bearer In 2011-12, Grand Junior Warder in 2012-13, Grand Senior Warder in 2013-14, Grand Captain General in 2014-15, Grand Generalissimo in 2015-16, and Deputy Grand Commander in 2016-17. He was Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Virginia in 2017-18. He is the Assistant District Instructor, District 8 and served as Grand Representative to the State of South Carolina and Grand Representative to the State of Tennessee. RB awarded the Grand Commandery of Virginia Charles A. Grice Meritorious Award, decorated a Knight Commander of the Temple by the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar U.S.A., and Commissioned a Knight Preceptor in the Virginia Chapter of the Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor in 1992. Knights of the York Cross of Honor Invited into and investiture the Knight of the York Cross of Honour Rose of Sharon Priory No. 2, Knights of the York Cross of Honor. Investiture Knight York Rite Grand Cross of Honour with One Quadrant. York Rite College Invited into Wilderness Road York Rite College in 1986, Served Governor in 2010-11 and 2011-12. Investiture Order of the Purple Cross, York Rite Sovereign College of North America on July 27, 2013. Allied Masonic Degrees initiated into Joseph Bayard Cole Council No. 236, Allied Masonic Degrees in 1988, installed Sovereign Master in 1989 and 2002, and served Secretary of Council in 1987-1987, 1991-1994, and 2009-Present. Ennobled Knight of Red Branch of Eri and Appendant Orders. Installed Worshipful Commander Noah, Grand Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners, Grand Council Allied Masonic Degrees. Order of Knight Masons Initiated into Fort Andrew Lewis Council No. 81, Knight Masons in 2002 and served Excellent Chief in 2008. Order of the Red Cross of Constantine Initiated into Saint Cornelius the Centurion Conclave, Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine and the Appendant Orders of the Holy Sepulcher and of St John the Evangelist, in 2011 at Roanoke, Virginia. Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite Invested a Master of the Royal Secret (32°) In the Valley of Knoxville Scottish Rite Bodies, Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1985. Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, (AAONMS) Initiated into Jericho Shrine Temple, AAONMS, Kingsport, Tennessee, in 1985.

Mark Wayne Underwood

Mark Wayne Underwood Mark Wayne UnderwoodEmail: pgc2009@vatemplars.comRight Eminent Grand Commander2009-2010 Mark Wayne Underwood was born on June 4, 1959, in Radford, Virginia, and is the son of Hensel L. Underwood (PM of Henry Clay Lodge No. 280) and Erma W. Underwood. He was educated in Pulaski County public schools and graduated summa cum laude from New River Community College, where he earned an A.A.S in Electronic Technology and Communications. At Virginia Tech and Marymount University he majored in Electrical Engineering and Computer Programming. Sir Knight Underwood came to the Northern Virginia area in December 1985 to work as a hardware and software engineer for E-Systems, Melpar Division, which later became a division of Raytheon Systems Company. After 12 years he went to work for ORBCOMM as the program manager of their international department and traveled around the world for nearly 5 years overseeing the building, installation, operations, and customer support of their satellite communication facilities. He was able to visit many different lodges and Masonic Bodies in the countries he worked and gained a perspective and appreciation of masonry outside of the United States. He currently works as a Manager for Federal Network Systems, a Verizon Company, for their Network/IT Security Division. Mark’s Masonic career started with his raising in Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22 on May 8, 1992. He became Worshipful Master of his lodge in 1996 and served as Archivist and LEO for many years. He is currently serving as an officer in several Masonic bodies, including Puissant Sovereign of St. Polycarp Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine: Very Eminent Preceptor of Nova Vita Tabernacle No. LXXIII, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, and Chief Adept of Virginia College, Societas Rosicruciana In Civitatibus Foederatis. He is a Past Illustrious Grand Master of Cryptic Masons of the District of Columbia serving in 2005-2006. He is an active member of a number of other York Rite Bodies and has presided over many of them including, but not limited to, Excellent High Priest of Mt. Vernon Royal Arch Chapter no. 14 (DDGHP 2005-2006), Eminent Commander of Old Dominion Commandery No. 11, Illustrious Master of Triangle Council No. 3 (Cryptic Masonry – District of Columbia), Preeminent Governor of Washington and Lee York Rite College No. 93 (Recipient of the Order of the Purple Cross), and others not listed here because of space limitations. He received his Scottish Rite Degrees in the Fall of 1992 and was honored with the decoration of KCCH in 1997 for his work in the Scottish Rite. Brother Underwood has also been an active participant, prompter, and a cast member for several of the Scottish Rite Degrees over the years and has served for many years as the Degree Master for the 18 Degree. He served in 2005 as the Commander of the Alexandria Council of Kadosh. Mark enjoys his membership and involvement in several other organizations including AMD, The Philalethes Society, Knight Masons (Senior Warden, Virginia Council No. 12), Rose of Sharon Priory No. 2, Knights of the York Cross of Honour (KYGCH, 2 Quadrants), Royal Order of Scotland, Grand College of Rites, Royal Arch Research Chapter No. 1753, Scottish Rite Research Society, and A. Douglas Smith Lodge of Research No. 1949. His involvement and participation in Masonry extends worldwide and has been recognized by the Grande Loge Nationale Françoise (GLNF) as he is an Honorary Grand Junior Warden of the GLNF and is an Honorary Past Provincial Grand Master of Provence, France. Sir Knight Underwood was elected to serve as Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery Knights Templar in Virginia on May 2, 2009, having been regularly advanced through all the preceding stations. His theme for the Chivalric year is “A Novus Peregrinus: A New Crusade”. His main focus and goals for the year are: Each Member to bring in ONE new member and mentor them Each Commandery to do ONE program/event together as a bonding exercise Each Member and Commandery to initiate new programs/collections for Eye Foundation He has been decorated a Knight Commander of the Temple by the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America and he received the Charles A. Grice Merit Award from the Grand Commandery of Virginia when he was Commander of Old Dominion Commandery No. 11.. Sir Knight Underwood married Sheila S. Dishon in October of 1991. They reside in Centreville, Virginia. Mark enjoys traveling around the world and learning about new cultures in his spare time.

Jay L. Cotner

Jay L. Cotner JAY L. COTNEREmail: pgc2004@vatemplars.comRIGHT EMINENT GRAND COMMANDER2004-2005 He was born in Mississippi County, MO, on October 26, 1939, the son of Jesse A. and Etta Cotner. He was educated in the schools of southeast MO and Santa Anna, CA, graduating in 1957. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in April of 1957, and went on active duty July 1, 1957. After serving twenty years on active duty with the Marine Corps, he retired in July, 1977. After retiring from the Marine Corps, he owned and operated a farm in Fluvanna County, VA, until June, 1996. He was raised to the sublime Degree of Master Mason on October 4, 1989, in Cabell Lodge 328, Columbia, VA, and served as Worshipful Master of that Lodge in 1994 and 2000, and as Worshipful Master of Widow’s Sons’ No. 60 in 1995. He was exalted a Royal Arch Mason on June 22, 1990, in Keystone Royal Arch Chapter No. 58, Charlottesville, VA. He served as High Priest of Keystone Royal Arch Chapter in 1995-1996. He was created a Knight Templar in January, 1991, in Charlottesville Commandery No. 3. He served as the Eminent Commander of Charlottesville No. 3 in 1996-1997. He was elected to the station of Grand Warder, Grand Commandery, Knights Templar of Virginia in May, 1998, and advanced through the line to become Grand Commander in May, 2004. Masonic Memberships: Life Member in Perpetuity of Cabell Lodge No. 328 and Widow’s Sons’ No. 60. Member and Past Master of Virginia Research Lodge No. 1777. Honorary member of Piedmont Stella Lodge No. 50. District Instructor of Work for the Seventh Masonic District from November, 1994, until November, 2001, and District Instructor of Work for the Tenth Masonic District from November, 2001, until the present time. Capitular Membership: Life Member in Perpetuity in Keystone Royal Arch Chapter No. 58; honorary member of Dillwyn Royal Arch Chapter No. 64 and Waynesboro-Union Royal Arch Chapter No. 2; member of Fairfax Royal Arch Chapter No. 13 and charter member of Kent’s Store Royal Arch Chapter No. 86. Deputy Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in the Commonwealth of Virginia from November, 1997, to March, 2004. Presently serving as Secretary of Fairfax Royal Arch Chapter 13, Keystone Royal Arch Chapter No. 58, and Kent’s Store Royal Arch Chapter No. 86. Member, Grand Council of Anointed High Priests in Virginia, and Grand Council of Thrice Illustrious Masters in Virginia. Received the degree of Super Excellent Master in the Grand Council of Connecticut on September 8, 2000. Chivalric membership: Past Commander of Charlottesville Commandery No. 3; presently serving as the Recorder. Served as District Deputy Grand Commander of the Fifth Chivalric District from May, 2000, to May, 2001. Elected to the station of Grand Warder of the Grand Commandery, Knights Templar of Virginia in May, 1998; elected and installed as Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Virginia on May 15, 2004. Other memberships include: Fork Union Chapter No. 111, Order of Eastern Star Past Major, Provost Guard, ACCA Shrine Center Past Sovereign Master Valley, Council No. 56 and Hartley-Carmichael No. 3, Allied Masonie Degrees, Served as President of Virginia Association of Allied Masonic Degrees in 2002-2003. Knight of Red Branch of Eri and appendant Orders Life member of King Darius Council No. 17, Knight Masons North America Wilderness Road York Rite College No. 94 Garden of Gethsemane Tabernacle No 2, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests Virginia College, Masonic Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis Rose of Sharon Priory No. 2, Knights of the York Cross of Honor St. Cornelius the Centurion Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine Ancient Order of Corks Knight of Constantinople Royal Ark Mariner Order of Bath Order of St. Patrick Grand College of Rites Royal Order of Scotland Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor Iona Grove No. 1, United Ancient Order of Druids

James Arthur Fields, Jr.

James Arthur Fields, Jr. James Arthur Fields, Jr.Email: pgc2006@vatemplars.comRight Eminent Grand Commander2006-2007 Jim was born in Page County on October the 9th, 1941, in what is called Rinaker’s Corner across the river from Shenandoah, on the Batman home place. His parents, the late James Arthur Fields, Sr. (born in Russell County) and Mary Magdalene Batman (born in Page County), his brothers, (Charles Virgil, William Carson) and a sister (Peggy Jean Fields Davis) moved to Waynesboro where he lived and attended elementary school. When Jim was in the 8th grade, his family moved to Albemarle County where he attended and graduated from Albemarle High School. He joined the United States Marine Corps upon graduation and received his basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina, and advanced infantry training at Camp Geiger, North Carolina. After completing advanced infantry training, Jim received sea duty traming at Sea School in Portsmouth. He was stationed aboard the USS Enterprise (CVAN 65), a nuclear carrier. While aboard, he had two Mediterranean tours and one tour that, along with two other nuclear ships, circumnavigated the World. The tour was called Operation Sea Orbit as part of Nuclear Task Force One. The Enterprise crossed the Equator four (4) times and the International Date Line once: In Navy language, Jim is a Knight in the Order of the Golden Dragon as opposed to a Pollywog. After serving approximately two years aboard the ship, Jim was transferred to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, to complete his military duty, being discharged in 1966. In 1962, Jim married Helen Duncan (born in Nelson County). They had two children, James Steven and Paula Elizabeth who have given Jim and Helen three grandchildren, Paige and Zachary Engleman and Hannah Fields In 1974, Jim graduated from Madison College, (now James Madison University) with a BS in Accounting. He was active in the Waynesboro Jaycees and was recognized by receiving the Jaycee of the month, Director of the month, Jaycee of the year and finally receiving the most honored recognition as the Keymanz of the Year, 1977. Jim also received from the United States Jaycees the Spark Plug and the Spoke awards for his service to the community… Jim worked at several businesses after discharge. The last business Jim worked for was E.I. Dupont in Waynesboro from which he retired in 2002 after 27 years of service. During his service, he was selected to go to Ireland to train their employees on precision equipment. Jim served the Dupont Credit Union as a Supervisory committeeman and twenty plus years on the Board of Directors as a volunteer; twelve of these years holding the position of Chairman of the Board. He also was a financial advisor for the Junior Achievement Program for a couple of years. He served as Co-chairman of the United Way Campaign 1988. He also served fifteen plus years on the DuPont fire brigade as a first responder, first aid crew and as member of the hazardous materials response team. Jim served as President of the 12-13 Year-Old Babe Ruth Baseball Little League. 1981-82. The team won the State title that year, and went to Florida to participate in regional games, the first time in thirty years. Jim and Helen have attended First Baptist Church in Waynesboro for forty years, where he serves as usher and on the Mens’ Cooking Team. His favorite past time is being “Grandfather” to Paige, Zachary and Hannah, and supporting Helen and daughter Paula in their musical aspirations. as well as traveling to visit his son, Steve, who lives in Connecticut. Masonic Affiliations Symbolic Lodges Lee Lodge #209 – Mother Lodge – Raised 1986 Past Master – 1993 Past District Deputy Master – 2001 Life Member Staunton Lodge #13 Treasurer Life Member Mason’s Hall Lodge 1785 A.F. & A.M. Charter Member of Mason’s Hall Lodge 1785 Certificate #400 Royal Arch Chapter Exalted Waynesboro Royal Arch Chapter #71 Royal Arch Chapter #71 and Staunton Union #2 merged and now Waynesboro Union #2 Past High Priest Past District Deputy Grand High Priest Super Excellent Master- conferred by Ionic Council #19 Ashville, N.C. Life Member and Charter Member of Kent’s Store Royal Arch Chapter #86 Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Virginia Elected Grand Master of the First Veil, Nov. 2005 Holder of the John Dove Metal Knights Templar Stevenson Commandery #8 – Mother Commandery Recorder Past Commander Past Distriet Deputy Grand Commander Recipient of the Knight Commander of the Temple Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America Life Member Moomaw Commandery #27 Life Member Other Masonic Organizations Commonwealth College #50 – York Rite Sovereign College of North America Past Governor Recipient of the Order of the Purple Cross Life Member Rose of Sharon Priory No. 2 Recipient of the Knights of the York Cross of Honor (KYCH) Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests – Garden of Gethsemane Tabernacle #2 King Darius Council #17 – Knight Masons Life Member St. Cornelius the Centurion, Red Cross of Constantine, Roanoke, VA. Allied Masonic Degrees (AMD) – Valley Council #56 Past Sovereign Master Scottish Rite Valley of Richmond Acca Shriners of Richmond, VA. Hillbilly Clan #17, Waynesboro, VA.