Jerry Nelson Kirby

Companion Jerry Nelson Kirby was born on October 23, 1946, in Avalon, Texas. He graduated from Avalon High School as Valedictorian in 1964. He has an Associate of Arts Degree from a Navarro College, a Bachelor of Arts in Math from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a Master of Education from North Texas State University. He has Post Graduate work at University of Texas Arlington, North Texas State University, East Texas State University, Central Michigan University, and the American College. He is currently the Principal of the Blum I.S.D.

His wife, Suzzanne, has a BBA from the University of Texas Arlington, and works for Southwestern Bell Telephone Corporation. They have two children, Kimberlee Dawn who is the current Grand Worthy Advisor of the Grand Assembly of Texas International Order of Rainbow for Girls, and Larry Patrick. Kim is a student at the University of Texas Arlington, and Pat is a student at Texas A. & M. University.

He has served as President of the Red Oak Lions Club, and as President of the Ellis County Educators Association. He has been a Certified Lay Speaker at First United Methodist Church in Red Oak for 21 years and the elected delegate to the Conference for 15 consecutive years.

MASONIC HISTORY

He was raised a Master Mason in Nash Lodge No. 638, A.F. & A. M. on April 13, 1968, and served as Worshipful Master in 1970-71, 82-83, 86-87, 89-90, 90-91. He served as District Deputy Grand Master of District 18 in 1982.

Exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason in Waxahachie Chapter No. 73 on March 21, 1969. Served as High Priest in 1969-70. He is now affiliated with Midlothian Chapter No. 211, Dallas Chapter No. 47, and Love Field Chapter No. 478. Served the Most Excellent Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Texas as District Deputy Grand High Priest of Capitular District No. 18 in 1971. He is the Grand Representative of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Virginia near the Most Excellent Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Texas. He was Elected the Right Excellent Grand Scribe of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Texas in December, 1987. Passed through the Chairs and was Elected and Installed Most Excellent Grand High Priest on December 4, 1990.

Greeted in Waxahachie Council No. 46 on April 3, 1969. Served as Thrice Illustrious Master in 1969-70. He is now affiliated with Midlothian Council No. 148, Dallas Council No. 18, Love Field Council No. 396. He served the Grand Council as District Deputy Grand Master of Cryptic District No. 18 in 1974, Grand Captain of the Guards in 1977, Grand Conductor of the Council in 1979, District Deputy Grand Master of Cryptic District 51B in 1980. He was elected Right Illustrious Grand Principal Conductor of the Work in 1980, passed through the Chairs, and was Elected and Installed Most Illustrious Grand Master on December 7, 1982. He is the Grand Representative of the Grand Council of Illinois near the Grand Council of Texas.

Knighted in Bertrand du Guesclin Commandery No. 14, K.T. on June 29, 1969. Affiliated with Hillsboro Commandery No. 39, K.T., and served as Eminent Commander in 1972. Now affiliated with Alexander C. Garrett Commandery No. 103, K.T. and Dallas Commandery No. 6, K.T. Served as Eminent Commander of Alexander C. Garrett Commandery No. 103 in 1989-90. Member of Dallas No. 6 Drill Team. Life Sponsor of the Eye Foundation in Hillsboro and Alexander C. Garrett Commanderies.

Companion Kirby is a member of the Dallas Scottish Rite Bodies. He is a member of the 25th Degree Team in Dallas, and the 15th and 17th Degree Team in Fort Worth.

He is a member of Hella Temple, The Royal Order of Scotland, Super Excellent Masters Degree, Order of the Silver Trowel and served as the Thrice Illustrious Master of Texas in 1981, the Order of High Priesthood and served as Grand High Priest of the Order in 1986.

He was initiated in Nash Chapter No. 320, Order of the Eastern Star, has served as Worthy Patron eight times, and has served on the Worthy Grand Matron’s Special Committees several times. Dual member Duncanville No. 1014.

He was initiated into El Texa Grotto on April 20, 1984. He is now an affiliated Charter Member of Alla Grotto.

He is a member of Texas Priory No. 23, K.Y.C.H. and North Texas Priory No. 73, K.Y.C.H. He is a K.Y.G.C.H. with 2 Quadrants.

He was invested with the Order of Knight of York on June 3, 1976. He is a member of Texas York Rite College No. 14 and is the Charter Governor and now Secretary of Lyle L. Cross York Rite College No. 147. He has been elected to receive the Order of the Purple Cross.

He is a member of the York Rite Esoteric Association, the Texas Lodge of Research, the Philatethes Society, Dallas County York Rite Association, Tall Pines York Rite Association, and the Past and Presiding Officers Association of Tarrant County. He has received the Grand Cross of Color from the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls.