Grand York Rite of Arkansas

10/06/2026

Sir Knights gathered at Hugh de Payens Commandery No. 1 on October 3rd to confer the Commandery Orders on several new candidates.

Congratulations to our new Sir Knights! May you continue to grow in the principles of the York Rite as you continue your Masonic journey.

Appreciation goes to all who contributed their time and effort to make the occasion possible.

10/06/2026

Congratulations to Sir Knight Mark Kalkbrenner on his recent installation as Personal Representative to the Grand Master General for District 13, representing Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, for the Convent General, Knights of the York Cross of Honour (KYCH).

We congratulate him on this new responsibility and wish him continued success as he serves the Knights of the York Cross of Honour throughout District 13.

09/28/2026

Congratulations to Companion Allen McGuire of F. D. Goza Council No. 76 in Russellville on receiving the Cryptic Degrees of Masonry!

We commend the Companions of F. D. Goza Council No. 76, along with their members and visiting Companions, for their work in conferring the degrees and welcoming another Mason deeper into his York Rite journey.

09/28/2026

York Rite Masonry Growing in Mena!

The Grand York Rite of Arkansas is pleased to share the exciting progress taking place in Mena, where York Rite Masonry is experiencing a meaningful revival.

On Thursday evening, Hiram Chapter, U.D., in Mena, exalted its fifth new Companion of 2026. Please join us in welcoming Companion Aaron Michael Eddy into the Royal Arch.

The following day, three of Mena’s Royal Arch Companions, Ross Weiler, Craig Mohr, and Aaron Michael Eddy, traveled to Fort Smith, accompanied by Charlie Ford and Randy Webster, to participate in a Council Festival and receive the degrees of Royal and Select Master in the Cryptic Rite. These three candidates will become charter members of the planned Signet Council in Mena once a dispensation is received.

After the local York Rite bodies ceased operating in the early 1990s, the vision of bringing them back is now becoming a reality. With five Royal Arch exaltations since receiving its charter dispensation in January, Hiram Chapter, U.D., is demonstrating encouraging growth and renewed interest in the York Rite.

Plans are also underway for the establishment of Signet Council and Malta Commandery in 2027, bringing the complete York Rite experience back to Mena.

We congratulate these Companions on their continued journey through the York Rite and commend the dedication of those working to restore and strengthen York Rite Masonry in Mena.

09/22/2026

YORK RITE DEGREE OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS ARKANSAS

Three months have passed since the last time we announced upcoming degree work, so wanted to give an update since we are closing in on the end of 2026.

Do you have candidates waiting to receive York Rite Council degrees or Commandery Orders?

September 26 – Osiris Council No. 5 (Fort Smith)
Council Festival - Donuts at 8 am, Degrees at 9 am

October 3 – Hugh de Payens Commandery No. 1 (Little Rock)
Commandery Orders

November 7 – Baldwin Commandery No. 4 (Fayetteville)
Commandery Orders - Registration 7 am, Orders at 8 am

If you have candidates ready for any of these degrees or orders, please contact the Secretary of the sponsoring body for details, registration information, and scheduling.

Contact information for secretaries and additional Arkansas York Rite information can be found on the Grand York Rite of Arkansas website at this link. https://aryorkrite.org/

09/18/2026

The 2026 South Central York Rite Conference is officially underway this morning in Little Rock!

Companions and Sir Knights from six states are gathered in Arkansas for a weekend of fellowship, instruction, and York Rite Masonry. This morning’s program included remarks from our newly installed General Grand High Priest, M. E. Chadwick Burks.

We are especially proud that every elected Grand Chapter officer of the Grand Chapter of Arkansas is in attendance for this year’s conference.
The Council sessions will take place this afternoon, followed by the Grand Encampment tomorrow.

It’s a great weekend for York Rite Masonry, and Arkansas is proud to welcome our Companions and Sir Knights from across the South Central region!

09/14/2026

Harvey I. Mize Council No. 101, Knight Masons, met at Bendemeer Grotto on Saturday, September 12, to confer the three degrees of the Rite.

Harvey I. Mize Council No. 101 Knight Masons met at Bendemeer Grotto on Saturday, Sep 12 and conducted the degrees of Knight of the Sword, Knight of the East, and Knight of the East and West. The 2026 class included 7 candidates, pictured with Excellent Chief Billy Britt.

(L-R) Jon Roberts, David Bishop, Lauren Rickenbacker, Josh Olegario, Will Teeter, Excellent Chief Billy Britt, Tyler Van Brunt, and Brett Calloway

https://aryorkrite.org/harvey-i-mize-council-no-101-confers-three-degrees/

09/14/2026

Saturday, September 12 was a busy and meaningful day of Masonic fellowship in Jonesboro.

The day began with the annual meeting of F.J. Scully Council No. 267, Allied Masonic Degrees, where four new members were obligated and the Master of Tyre Degree was exemplified. Congratulations to Steve Davis, Justin Hunt, Ron Klein, and Devin Ramsey, and welcome to the Council.

Following the morning meeting, members of both F.J. Scully Council No. 267 and Arkansas Council No. 80, Knight Masons gathered for a joint luncheon and fellowship before the afternoon meeting.

During the luncheon, the members also held a memorial observation in honor of Most Excellent Steven Gregory. Because we were unable to attend his memorial service in Benton that same day, we took the opportunity to pause together, remember him, and honor his memory among his Masonic brothers.

The afternoon continued with Arkansas Council No. 80 conferring the Knight of the Sword, Knight of the East, and Knight of the East and West degrees on three new members: Justin Hunt, Ron Klein, and Devin Ramsey. Congratulations to our new cousins and welcome to the fellowship of Knight Masons.

F.J. Scully Council No. 267 Holds Annual Meeting
https://aryorkrite.org/f-j-scully-council-no-267-holds-annual-meeting/

Arkansas Council No. 80 Knight Masons Confers Three Degrees
https://aryorkrite.org/arkansas-council-no-80-knight-masons-confers-three-degrees/

A few photos from the day are included below, including the members of both bodies, our newest members, and the joint luncheon.

09/10/2026

M.E. Steven Gregory's memorial page on our website has been updated with the latest information and obituary.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate the extraordinary life of Steven Bruce Gregory on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Smith Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St., Benton, Arkansas.

Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service at 1:00 p.m. Those whose lives were touched by Steven’s kindness, generosity, and unwavering servant’s heart are encouraged to attend as they gather to honor a man who made the world a little brighter, one smile at a time.

In Memory of M.E. Steven B. Gregory Steven B. GregoryJuly 3, 1929 – June 17, 2026 Most Excellent Grand High Priest2007 Most Excellent Steven Bruce Gregory was born in Mountainburg, Arkansas, on July 3, 1929, to Clarence and Lula Adelaid Gregory and died in Benton, Arkansas, on June 17, 2026, at th...

09/01/2026

Arkansas is well represented at the 2026 York Rite Triennial in Washington, D.C. this week. What a great time to be there in conjunction with the 250th Anniversary of the founding of our country. Congratulations to R∴E∴C∴ Dick E. Browning on being re-elected to General Grand Secretary of the General Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons, International.