Tampa York Rite Masonic Bodies
A look at the three appendant bodies of the York Rite in the Tampa area.
Tampa Cushing Chapter No. 3 – Royal Arch Masons
Tampa Cushing Chapter No. 3 is an active and historic body of Royal Arch Masons, part of the York Rite of Freemasonry in Florida. As one of the foundational chapters in the region, we are dedicated to preserving and promoting the deeper teachings and symbolism of Freemasonry through the conferral of the Royal Arch degrees, which complete the journey begun in the Blue Lodge.
Often called the “heart and soul of Freemasonry,” the Royal Arch degrees—Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master, and Royal Arch Mason—provide essential insights into the recovery of lost knowledge and the rebuilding of King Solomon’s Temple, themes central to Masonic philosophy.
At Tampa Cushing Chapter No. 3, we welcome all Master Masons in good standing who seek further light in Masonry. Our Chapter emphasizes fellowship, education, and service, and we take pride in our role within the larger York Rite and Masonic family.
Whether you are a long-time Mason or just beginning your extended Masonic journey, we invite you to learn more about our Chapter and consider joining us in uncovering the deeper teachings of the Craft.
Officers
2026 Officers – Tampa Cushing Chapter #3
- Excellent High Priest: Tony Sauls
- King: Rob Nelson
- Scribe: Rick Agster
- Treasurer: Dwight Hamborski
- Secretary: Rob St. John
- Captain of the Host:
- Principal Sojourner:
- Royal Arch Captain:
- Master of the 3rd Veil:
- Master of the 2nd Veil:
- Master of the 1st Veil:
- Chaplain: Paul Ippilito
- Sentinel:
Tampa-Cushing Chapter No. 3 Royal Arch Masons – Convocations
Tampa-Cushing Chapter No. 3, chartered on January 25, 1882, proudly continues its legacy of Capitular Masonry in Tampa, Florida. Our Chapter meets at the Tampa York Rite Masonic Temple located at 4210 West Oklahoma Avenue.
Regular Convocations are held on the first Monday of select months:
- 7:30 PM in September, November, January, March, and May.
- 8:30 PM in October, December, February, April, and June.
The Chapter typically goes dark in July and August, unless a vote is taken to remain open. If meetings are held during these months, July will convene at 7:30 PM and August at 8:30 PM.
Convocations are where we conduct general business, receive petitions, and ballot for candidates. Special or Called Convocations may be held at any time by the High Priest, with written notice to all members at least ten days in advance. These may also be held in other lodge rooms within our jurisdiction to promote interest in Capitular Masonry.
Committee Appointments
This list is currently in development.
List of Past High Priests
This list is currently in development.
Tampa Council No. 8 – Cryptic Masons
Tampa Council No. 8, Royal and Select Masters, is a distinguished body within the York Rite of Freemasonry, representing the rich tradition of Cryptic Masonry in the Tampa Bay area. As part of the second body in the York Rite system, Cryptic Masonry offers Master Masons the opportunity to explore some of the most profound teachings and allegories in Freemasonry.
The Cryptic degrees—Royal Master, Select Master, and Super Excellent Master—are known for their deep spiritual symbolism and focus on the preservation of sacred knowledge. These degrees bridge the historical and philosophical gaps between the Royal Arch and Knights Templar orders, completing the story of the Craft’s lost and recovered word.
Tampa Council No. 8 is committed to upholding the values of leadership, wisdom, and integrity. Our members come together in brotherhood to engage in Masonic education, charitable service, and the preservation of the ancient rites and traditions of Cryptic Masonry.
If you are a Master Mason looking to deepen your Masonic journey and uncover the hidden
vaults of knowledge, we invite you to explore the teachings of Cryptic Masonry and join us in
Tampa Council No. 8.
2026 Officers – Tampa Council No. 8
- Illustrious Master: Jeff Agan
- Deputy Master: Rob Nelson
- Principal Conductor of the Work: Tony Sauls
- Treasurer: Dwight Hamborski
- Recorder: Rob St. John
- Captain of the Guard: Scott McAlister
- Conductor of the Council: Jamie Vaccarro
- Steward: David Jones
- Chaplain: Paul Ippilito
- Sentinel: Wesley Forrest
Assemblies (Meetings)
Assemblies of Tampa Council No. 8 – Royal & Select Masters
The Assemblies of Tampa Council No. 8, part of Florida’s Cryptic Rite Freemasonry, provide Master Masons with an opportunity to engage more deeply in the teachings and traditions of the Craft. Our assemblies are formal gatherings where members participate in the conferral of degrees, Masonic education, ritual practice, and the ongoing work of fellowship and service.
During our assemblies, we confer the Cryptic Degrees:
- Royal Master
- Select Master
- Super Excellent Master (conferred on special occasions)
These degrees explore the hidden wisdom and spiritual preparation involved in safeguarding the sacred treasures of the Temple. They form a critical link between the Royal Arch and the Chivalric Orders, completing the legend of the Lost Word and emphasizing lessons of loyalty, foresight, faith, and preservation.
Tampa Council No. 8’s assemblies are marked by:
- Fraternal fellowship and ritual excellence
- Mentorship and Masonic education
- Commitment to the principles of Cryptic Masonry
We encourage all Companions of the Royal Arch who seek deeper insight into the Masonic journey to attend an assembly, experience the beauty of the degrees, and join in the ongoing legacy of Tampa Council No. 8.
Committee Appointments
This list is currently in development.
List of Illustrious Masters
Tampa Ivanhoe Commandery No. 8 – Knights Templar
Tampa Ivanhoe Commandery No. 8 is a proud and active body of the Knights Templar, the chivalric and Christian branch of the York Rite of Freemasonry. As part of the final stage in the York Rite journey, our Commandery offers Master Masons who profess a belief in the Christian faith the opportunity to take up the mantle of knighthood and service.
The Orders conferred in the Commandery—Order of the Red Cross, Order of Malta, and Order of the Temple—are steeped in history, pageantry, and moral instruction. They call Masons to a life of Christian virtue, brotherhood, and duty, modeled after the original Knights Templar of the Middle Ages.
Tampa Ivanhoe Commandery No. 8 serves the Tampa Bay community through fellowship, charitable outreach, and public ceremonial events that celebrate our values of faith, hope, and charity. We uphold the ancient ideals of knighthood while fostering spiritual growth and leadership among our members.
We welcome all Royal Arch Masons who are also professing Christians to explore the Templar path and consider joining us in this noble and inspiring work. If you are ready to don the mantle of a modern-day Knight and serve a higher cause, Tampa Ivanhoe Commandery No. 8 stands ready to receive you.
2026 Officers – Tampa Ivanhoe Commandery No. 8
- Eminent Commander: Jeff Agan
- Generalissimo: Rob Nelson
- Captain General: Scott McAlister
- Treasurer: Dwight Hamborski
- Recorder: Rob St. John
- Excellent Prelate: Paul Ippolito
- Senior Warden: David Jones
- Junior Warden: Jim Blum
- Sword Bearer: Jamie Vaccorro
- Standard Bearer:
- Warder: Vasilos Nenos
- Sentinel: Wesley Forrest
Conclaves (Meetings)
Conclaves of Tampa Ivanhoe Commandery No. 8 – Knights Templar
The Conclaves of Tampa Ivanhoe Commandery No. 8 are solemn and purposeful gatherings of Christian Freemasons dedicated to the ideals of chivalry, faith, and service. As a Commandery within the York Rite of Freemasonry, our Conclaves serve as the official meetings where we conduct the business of the Commandery, confer the Templar Orders, and engage in fellowship and spiritual growth.
During our Conclaves, we confer the historic and meaningful Chivalric Orders:
- Order of the Red Cross – emphasizing fidelity to truth and the power of faith over adversity.
- Order of Malta – focusing on Christian hospitality, devotion, and knighthood.
- Order of the Temple – the most solemn and inspiring, requiring a vow of Christian faith and commitment to live as a Knight of Christ.
These Conclaves offer our Sir Knights opportunities for:
- Ritual excellence and spiritual reflection
- Leadership development rooted in moral and Biblical values
- Fellowship among men committed to Christian service.
Tampa Ivanhoe Commandery No. 8 welcomes all Christian Royal Arch Masons who are called to further light through the knightly path. Our Conclaves are moments of devotion, learning, and camaraderie, honoring the sacred traditions of the ancient Templars while serving the needs of our modern communities.
Committee Appointments
This list is currently in development.
List of Eminent Commanders
This list is currently in development.