The Order of the Silver Trowel of Texas meets once a year during the Grand Session of the Grand Council of R.&S. M. of Texas, at the Grand Lodge of Texas lower auditorium (715 Columbus Ave, Waco, TX 76701). A petition is required to receive the degree, along with a one-time degree fee – there are no annual dues. This is done in conjunction with the Order of High Priesthood.
Next Meeting
December 13, 2024, 4:30 PM – Lower Auditorium Grand Lodge of Texas
Requirements
The requirement for membership into the Order of the Silver Trowel is that a candidate must be a sitting or Past Thrice Illustrious Master of a Council of Cryptic Masons. This side or “chair” degree is conferred on present and Past Thrice Illustrious Masters during the Grand Session of the Grand Council of Royal & Select Masters of Texas. The degree consists of two sections, and the candidate represents a young King Solomon throughout the degree. In the first section, the candidate learns of the conspiracy by his half-brother Adonijah to take the throne from Solomon. He also learns of his mother, Bathsheba, interceding with the aged and ailing King David to prevent this. After securing David’s approval, Solomon is symbolically conducted to Gihon by Benaiah when he is duly obligated, anointed and hailed as King by Nathan the prophet and Zadok, the High Priest. In the second Section, the newly anointed king is brought before his father, David, who in his dying moments, instructs him in moral wisdom and counsels him to govern uprightly and to serve the Lord with all of his strength. Upon Solomon’s assent to all of this, the king expires.
Background
The Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of North Carolina has the proprietary right to this degree and has the authority to “use and extend it”. They received this authority from the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland in 1931. An American Ritual was devised and Certificates of Authority to confer this degree have been issued to a number of Grand Councils across the United States. The Certificate of Authority reiterates the proprietary status of North Carolina to disseminate the degree.
Officers (2023 – 2024)
Thrice Illustrious Master – Jackie W. Mathews
Thrice Illustrious Senior Warden – Charles E. Maddox
Thrice Illustrious Junior Warden – R. Brian Cook
Thrice Illustrious Steward – Matt A. Burke
Thrice Illustrious Sentinel – Elijah West
Thrice Illustrious Chaplain* – Cole Tifeteler
*The Thrice Illustrious Chaplain is a non-progressive office.
Degree Team
King David – Neil Addy / John Elkinton / Jerry Kirby / Mark Myer
Senior Warden – Bart Henderson / Chance Chapman
Junior Warden – Ricky Cox / Brian Dodson
Steward – Tom Turner / Tom Snyder / Joe Schriever
Past Thrice Illustrious Masters of the Order of the Silver Trowel of Texas
| Roberto M. Sanchez | 2023 |
| Loyd O’Neal Addy, Jr. | 2022 |
| Adam G. Frey | 2020 & 2021 |
| W. David Melear | 2019 |
| James D. Kirkpatrick | 2018 |
| Carl W. Wunsche | 2017 |
| Douglas VanGriner | 2016 |
| V. Sam Alsbrooks | 2015 |
| Paul E. Wunsche | 2014 |
| Buford J. Young | 2013 |
| James A. Rodriguez | 2012 |
| Brian R. Dodson | 2011 |
| Lloyd L. Chance | 2010 |
| Jesus A. Garza | 2009 |
| E. Anthony “Tony” Meyer | 2008 |
| J. Weldon Clampitte | 2007 |
| H. David Moore | 2006 |
| Everett E. “Buster” Williams | 2005 |
| H. Bart Henderson | 2004 |
| G. Clay Smith | 2003 |
| John R. Oglesby | 2002 |
| C. Louis Hopkins | 2001 |
| Ronald D. Park | 2000 |
| Lawrence D. Ostergren | 1999 |
| Clarence J. Laney | 1998 |
| Roy D. Shipley | 1997 |
| Thomas N. Turner | 1996 |
| Mark D. Myer | 1995 |
| Thomas W. Snyder | 1994 |
| Lawrence E. Tucker | 1993 |
| Ted Hoffman | 1992 |
| Orville L. O’Neill | 1991 |
| Mitchell Ray Jones | 1990 |
| John C. Elkinton | 1989 |
| Richard L. Hargrave III | 1988 |
| Leslie L. Coone | 1987 |
| Kenneth B. Fischer | 1986 |
| Eldon L. Brooks | 1985 |
| Edward B. Anderson | 1984 |
| Ronald J. Maddox | 1983 |
| Robert L. McMahon Jr. | 1982 |
| Jerry N. Kirby | 1981 |
| James D. Ward | 1980 |
| Gerald F. Nowotny | 1979 |
| Albert C. Tircuit Sr. | 1978 |
| Fred W. Dunn | 1977 |
| Reese L. Harrison Jr. | 1976 |
| Lloyd C. Kneisley Jr. | 1975 |
| Curtis S. Perry | 1974 |
| Kenneth Gemmell | 1973 |
| Shannon Keltz | 1972 |
| Obie L. Etheridge | 1971 |
| Charles C. Sherrod | 1970 |
| Floyd H. Richardson | 1969 |
| J. M. McCollough | 1968 |
| Robert D. Tidwell | 1967 |
| William H. Lowry | 1966 |
| Thomas L. Ridout | 1965 |
| Robert L. Hutchison | 1964 |
| Joe D. Davis | 1963 |
| Edward O. Overhutte | 1962 |
| Spencer Komplin | 1961 |
| Clyde V. May | 1960 |
| James F. Tafolla Jr. | 1959 |
| George W. Riggs | 1958 |
| M. E. Hugghins | 1957 |
| Reese L. Hayes | 1956 |
| John O. Caruthers | 1955 |
| A. A. McSweeny | 1955 |
| W. H. Telfair | 1954 |