Scottish Rite Valley of Jonesboro

Today, members of the Jonesboro Valley gathered to watch the livestream from Charleston, South Carolina, commemorating the 225th Anniversary of the founding of the Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction.

From the Eastern Arkansas Scottish Rite Bodies, we extend our warmest congratulations and wish a very Happy 225th Birthday to the Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction!

The Eastern Arkansas Scottish Rite Bodies met on May 11th for a great evening of fellowship and fraternity.

First-Time Visitor coins were presented to Brother John Thomison, who recently affiliated with us from the Little Rock Bodies, and Brother Sterling Johnson, a candidate from our most recent Reunion in March, who was also presented his patent. Congratulations to both brothers, and we are glad to have you with us at the Valley of Jonesboro.!

The Jonesboro Knights of St Andrew also met, and we were able to gather the newly elected 2026 officers together for a group photo. We appreciate the dedication of these brothers throughout the year.

We are proud to recognize this year’s Scottish Rite scholarship recipients from the Valley of Jonesboro.

Five outstanding graduating seniors were selected to receive scholarships for attendance at traditional colleges and universities. These students will be joining us to be formally recognized:

K’Myreah Collins – Forrest City High School will be attending Jackson State University

Taylor Douglas – Palestine-Wheatley High School will be attending the University of Texas at Dallas

John David Horton – Riverside High School will be attending Williams Baptist University

Sarah Saulnier – Highland High School will be attending Arkansas State University

Lucas White – Manila High School will be attending the University of Arkansas

In addition, two graduating seniors have been awarded the Stan Sims Memorial Trade School Scholarship and will also be recognized:

Jared Blaine Phillips – Valley Academy will be attending East Arkansas Community College

Garrin James Smith – McCrory High School will be attending ASU-Newport

We congratulate each of these students on their achievements and look forward to honoring them and their families at our Anniversary Banquet in June.

The Eastern Arkansas Scottish Rite Bodies gathered on Good Friday for a meaningful Maundy–Easter Service, with a great turnout of members, friends, and family.

We enjoyed wonderful fellowship and a great meal by Miss K, followed by an excellent presentation from Illustrious Brother Colin Miller.

The Knights of Rose Croix conducted the solemn extinguishing and relighting of the lights, symbolizing the darkness of the crucifixion and the return of light through the resurrection. During this time, we also honored the brothers we have lost since our last service, remembering each by name.

A special evening of reflection, remembrance, and renewal.

Brethren,

I just learned today that Bro. Sam Presley, 32° died on Thursday, March 12. His wife, Ann, shared that they are having a visitation tomorrow night (Monday) from 5-7 pm at Mitchell funeral home in Paragould, burial will be at a later date and is private. I am sharing his obituary link below with specifics.

Sam was a long-time faithful member of the 21st degree (Phillip of France) and received his 40-year Scottish Rite pin and certificate last year in 2025.

https://www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Samuel-Dale-Presley?obId=47697449

The Eastern Arkansas Scottish Rite Bodies held their 102nd Reunion today, where the mandatory degrees were conferred upon two candidates.

Congratulations to Bro. Sterling Johnson and Bro. Caeden Wolfe on being advanced to 32°, Master of the Royal Secret. Welcome to the Valley of Jonesboro.

A sincere thank-you to all of the degree teams, prop teams, robe room team, and everyone who attended for helping make this a memorable and successful day for our new members.

We were also honored to have our SGIG, Ill. James Graham, 33°, and the Grand Master of Arkansas, MW Thomas Lampirez, along with several members of the Grand Line, join us for lunch. Both Brother Graham and Most Worshipful Lampirez addressed the brethren during the meal.

It was a great day of fellowship and Scottish Rite Masonry. Congratulations again to our newest 32° Masters of the Royal Secret!

Follow the link below if you're interested in purchasing a 250th anniversary flag flown over the House of the Temple in DC.

https://scottishrite.org/blog/2025/12/30/masonic-america-250-flag-program/

Jonesboro Scottish Rite installed new officers last night. Our new officers In the Council of Kadosh are Brent Davis - Commander, Doug Fausnaugh - 1st Lt Commander, and Steve Davis - 2nd Lt Commander. New officers installed in the Lodge of Perfection are Colin Miller - Prelate, Breezy Kimbrough - Master of Ceremonies, and Bill Bond - Captain of the Host. Outgoing Commander of the Council of Kadosh, Curtis Pace, was also presented his Past Commander Jewel.

Members, families, and guests gathered tonight for our annual Christmas Banquet and Celebration.

We enjoyed a delicious meal catered by Miss K, followed by a heartfelt and entertaining Christmas program planned and presented by Randy Gilless and our Consistory officers.

The night continued with fun games, laughter, fellowship, gifts for our children, and plenty of prizes for all ages.

Moments like these remind us what makes our Scottish Rite family so special—brotherhood, joy, and shared traditions.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this evening a success.

Check out all the photos below—we had a great turnout and even better memories!

The 23rd Degree was exemplified by the following team at our Oct 13, 2025 Stated Meeting:

Aaron – Randy Gilless
Eleazor – Jon Walter
Ithamar – Colin Miller
Master of Ceremonies – Matt Davis
Orator – Ross Rainwater
Expert – Doug Fausnaugh
Asst Expert – Ray Matthew
Candidate – Rufus Ray
Prompter – William Bond
Lights – Frank Kish
Robe Room / Pictures – Jerald Burns

Check out our website for more pictures - https://jonesboroscottishrite.org/23rd-degree-exemplification/