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 Chapter No. 3 Royal Arch Masons was Chartered January 19, 1882.
*On 29 October 1967, by special dispensation, Tampa Chapter No.3 merged with Monroe D. Cushing Chapter No. 54 and became 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: Jim Blum
- Principal Sojourner: Brian Manne
- Royal Arch Captain: Steve Silvers
- Master of the 3rd Veil: Dave Jones
- Master of the 2nd Veil: Wes Forrest
- Master of the 1st Veil: Jamie Vaccaro
- 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
1882 Thomas A. Carruth
1883 Thomas A. Carruth
1884 Thomas A. Carruth
1885 Robert B. Thomas
1886 Robert B. Thomas
1887 Thomas A. Carruth
1888 Darwin B Givens
1889 Herman Glogowski
1890 Herman Glogowski
1891 Herman Glogowski
1892 B.A. Brown
1893 Monroe D. Cushing
1894 Monroe D. Cushing
1895 Monroe D. Cushing
1896 Monroe D. Cushing
1897 Monroe D. Cushing
1898 Ludurg W. Buchholz
1899 Ludurg W. Buchholz
1900 Ludurg W. Buchholz
1901 Ludurg W. Buchholz
1902 William J. Turitt
1903 Melville W. Carruth
1904 George P. Sullivan
1905 John C. White
1906 Wilmot R. Fritts
1907 Riley J. McMasters
1908 Wilmot R. Fitts
1909 H. Kratz
1910 A.W. Windhorst
1911 Janes M Henderson
1912 Len J. Lester
1913 Henry B. Rob
1914 Henry O. Snow
1915 B. Marion Reed
1916 Isaac Maas
1917 Earl Moore
1918 Fred E. Fletcher
1919 Alexander B Stuart
1920 David M. Cook
1921 Walter Bennett
1922 Herbert S. Chiles
1923 George H Leavitt
1924 Ralph L. Gillett
1925 Nathan H. Fender
1926 Earl A. Du Bois
1927 Ernest Dewitt Dow
1928 J.E. Shepley
1929 Ernest V. Reed
1930 Gyp Hudspetet
1931 E.C. Austin
1932 Colon C. Parker
1933 O.E. Clark
1934 W. Paul Thomas
1935 John E. Simmons
1936 William A. Crosby
1937 W.C. Sessions
1938 F.M. Richardson
1939 F.L. Reams
1940 Charles H. Burts Sr.
1941 Jacob R. Fuhrman
1942 W.M. Dilsaver
1943 Kenneth R. Bailey
1944 William H. Walton
1945 A. Donald Fielding
1946 Anthony Muniz
1947 A.R. Wilcox
1948 Arthur B. Haverstock
1949 Ernest V. Reed Jr.
1950 Cleo B. Dortch
1951 Allan G. Moon
1952 John M. Friedel
1953 Krams F. De Sha
1954 James Mintzer
1955 Louis B. Mc Swain Jr.
1956 Jarvis O. Mc Swain
1957 Cornelius L. McAvoy
1958 Walter F. Harris
1959 James Vanders
1960 Howard M. Thomas
1961 Robert Henry Groh
1962 Jesse R. Knight
1963 Claire W. Cornes
1964 Nicio Vega
1965 Joe Giogianna
1967 Lester H. Smith
1967 George E. Griffith
1968 William R. Pennington
1969 Joseph Gruggino
1970 Homer H. Glass
1971 Clarence R. Meyer
1972 Theodore G. Cooper
1973 Kenneth K. Johnson
1974 Russell W. Wells
1975 Joseph R. Thomas
1976 James A. Wilson
1977 William B. Coonradt
1978 Roy M. Lee
1979 Peter J. Hirth
1980 James C. Downall JR.
1981 Richard A. Young
1982 Raul A. Reyes
1883 Keith W. Dean
1984 Kenneth E. Rudolph
1985 John S. Taffe
1986 Cohen B De Priest
1987 Julio R Pratts
1988 Lawrence R, Gowing
1989 Jose J. Camara
1990 Rex M. Meighen
1991 James R. Miller Sr.
1992 Thomas H. Adams
1993 Ludwig F. Karl
1994 Richard S Agster
1995 Joseph D. Coster
1996 Jermone E. Murray
1997 Roger W. Myers
1998 Robert I. Moore
1999 William H Stedham
2000 Ernest H. Fury
2001 Claudio Poccia
2002 James Vanders Jr.
2003 Donald C. Hawley
2004 David R. Meade
2005 Richard Ledger
2006 Kenneth P. Scott
2007 Scott Mc Alister
2008 Robert C. St John
2009 Stanly Rekita
2010 Guillermos Cerreras
2011 James McQueen
2012 Bruce Martin
2013 Steve Korda
2014 Charles Osborne
2015 Kenneth P. Scott
2016
2017 James T. Blum
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024 Ed Kneller
2025 Peter Cavalli
Tampa Council No. 8 – Cryptic Masons
Tampa Council No. 8 Royal & Select Masters was Chartered on January 21, 1910
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
| Committee | Chairman | Member | Member | ||
| Finance | Rob Nelson | Jeff Agan | Rob St John | ||
| Visitation | Paul Ippilito | Steven Jacobson | David Jones | ||
| Entertainment | David Jones | Jim Blum | Jeff Agan | ||
| Vigilance | Scott McAlister | Rob Nelson | Rick Agster | ||
| Delinquency | Rob St John | Jeff Agan | Rick Agster | Jim Blum | Jamie Vaccaro |
| Auditing | Rob Nelson | Jim Blum | Rick Agster | ||
| CMMRF | Jeff Agan | Rob Nelson | |||
| Trustees | Jeff Agan | Jim Blum |
List of Illustrious Masters
1910 George P. Sullivan
1911 George P. Sullivan
1912 George P. Sullivan
1913 George P. Sullivan
1914 F.I. Archibold
1915 F.I. Archibold
1916 F.I. Archibold
1917 F.I. Archibold
1918 F.I. Archibold
1919 F. Heinrich
1920 F. Heinrich
1921 W.C. Sessions
1922 Riley J. McMasters
1923 J. Mc Cants
1924 J.T. Banshaw
1925 Herbert S. Chiles
1926 W.J. Bennett
1927 M.V. Cole
1928 George H Leavitt
1929 Henry O. Snow
1930 Ernest V. Reed
1931 A.I. Tolbert
1932 S.E. Clark
1933 Earl A. Du Bois
1934 John E. Simmons
1935 G.T. Taylor
1936 C.A. Lewis
1937 R.A. Wilkins
1938 W.B. Stuart
1939 F.L. Reams
1940 F.M. Richardson
1941 A.W. Connor
1942 J.U. Rutishausen
1943 W.E. Perkins
1944 Jacob R. Fuhrman
1945 A.S. Boyer
1946 J.R. Manning
1947 J.G. Davidson
1948 R.C. Garn
1949 J.M. Flattery
1950 E.A. Tenn
1951 M.I. Smith
1952 Arthur B. Haverstock Sr.
1953 Cleo B. Dortch
1954 J.F. White
1955 John M. Friedel
1956 Allan G. Moon
1957 Krams F. De Sha
1958 James B. Vanders
1959 Louis B. Mc Swain Jr.
1960 Cornelius L. McAvoy
1961 Walter F. Harris
1962 Howard M. Thomas
1963 G.C. Mathews
1964 George E. Griffith
1965 C.W. J Corners
1966 Robert Henry Groh
1967 Joe Giogianna
1968 F.A. Abrahams
1969 Lester H. Smith
1970 Clarence R. Meyer
1971 Theodore G. Cooper
1972 William R. Pennington
1973 Kenneth K. Johnson
1974 Russell W. Wells
1975 V.A. Levy
1976 Joseph R. Thomas
1977 H.H. Glass
1978 James A. Wilson
1979 William B. Coonradt
1980 Richard A. Young
1981 Roy M. Lee
1982 K.W. Dean
1983 Kenneth E. Rudolph
1984 Raul A. Reyes
1985 Peter J. Hirth
1986 H. Yates Jr.
1987 John S. Taffe
1988 Julio R Pratts
1989 Cohen B De Priest
1990 Thomas H. Adams
1991 Richard Agster
1992 Jose J. Camara
1993 James R. Miller
1994 Ludwig F. Karl
1995 Roger W. Myers
1996 Joseph D. Coster
1997 Robert I. Moore
1998 John E. Daggett
1999 Darrett O. Atken
2000 Frank Potter
2001 Ernest Fry
2002 Claudio Poccia
2003 Howard H. Gardner
2004 Donald C. Howley
2005 James B. Vanders Jr.
2006 Vernon T. Clark
2007 Kenneth P. Scott
2008 Stanley Rekita
2009 Guillermos Cerreras
2010 Jerome F. Murray
2011 Robert C. St John
2012 James McQueen
2013 Scott Mc Alister
2014 Steve Korda
2015 Charles Osborne
2016
2017
2018
2019 James T. Blum
2020 James T. Blum
2021
2022
2023
2024 Ed Kneller
2025 Dave Forrest
2026 Jeff Agan
Tampa Ivanhoe Commandery No. 8 – Knights Templar
Tampa Ivanhoe Commandery was Chartered September 28, 1898.
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: Rick Agster
- Sword Bearer: Jim Blum
- Standard Bearer: Jamie Vaccorro
- 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
| Committee | Chairman | Member | Member | ||
| Finance | Rob Nelson | Jeff Agan | Rob St John | ||
| Visitation | Paul Ippilito | David Jones | Jeff Agan | ||
| Entertainment | David Jones | Jim Blum | Jeff Agan | ||
| Vigilance | Scott McAlister | Rob Nelson | Rick Agster | ||
| Delinquency | Rob St John | Jeff Agan | Rick Agster | Jim Blum | Jamie Vaccaro |
| Auditing | Rob Nelson | Jim Blum | Rick Agster | ||
| KTEF | Jeff Agan | Rob Nelson | |||
| Trustees | Jeff Agan |
List of Eminent Commanders
1899 Monroe D. Cushing
1900 Monroe D. Cushing
1901 Monroe D. Cushing
1902 Monroe D. Cushing
1903 G.A. Benjamin
1904 G.A. Benjamin
1905 G.A. Benjamin
1906 Melville W. Carruth
1907 John C. White
1908 Wilmot R. Fritts
1909 Riley J McMasters
1910 Henry O. Snow
1911 E.I. Archibald
1912 L.J. Lester
1913 H.B. Roberts
1914 F.E. Fletcher
1915 D.B. Givens
1916 J.W. Lann
1917 F.M. Williams
1918 O.G. Sext
1919 E.G. Moore
1920 J. McCants
1921 W.C. Sessions
1922 J.T. Ronshaw
1923 H.S. Childs
1924 N.H. Fender
1925 R.L. Gillett
1926 G.H. Leavitt
1927 M.V. Cole
1928 A.W. Barnes
1929 L.A. Gabel
1930 I. Passage
1931 C.C. Parker
1932 E.V. Reeds
1933 E.A. Dubois
1934 E.M. Riehardson
1935 C.H. Burt Sr.
1936 W.R. Springer
1937 W.W. Trice
1938 W.W. Trice
1939 John E. Simmons
1940 J.Q. Brantley
1941 Jacob R. Fuhrman
1942 A.S. Bouer
1943 H.S. Weber
1944 C.A. Lewis
1945 W.E. Perkins
1946 Kenneth R. Bailey
1947 W.H. Wheaton
1948 J.R. Maminot
1949 J.G. Davidson
1950 R.C. Carn
1951 Arthur B. Haverstock
1952 C.B. Dortch
1953 Allan G. Moon
1954 John M. Friedel
1955 Jarvis O. Mc Swain
1956 Krams F. De Sha
1957 Krams F. De Sha
1958 James B. Vanders
1959 Louis B. Mc Swain Jr.
1960 Cornelius L. McAvoy
1961 C.J. Lane
1962 Howard M. Thomas
1963 Walter F. Harris
1964 George E. Griffith
1965 Jesse R. Knight
1966 Robert Henry Groh
1967 Claire W. Cornes
1968 Lester H. Smith
1969 Clarence R. Meyer
1970 William R. Pennington
1971 E.A. Abrahims
1972 Theodore G. Cooper
1973 Russell W. Wells
1974 Kenneth K. Johnson
1975 M.L. Smith
1976 Joseph R. Thomas
1977 R.A. Katzfey
1978 James A. Wilson
1979 William B. Coonradt
1980 Roy M. Lee
1981 Richard A. Young
1982 Peter J. Hirth
1983 Raul A. Reyes
1984 Keith W. Dean
1985 Cohen B De Priest
1986 Kenneth E. Rudolph
1987 Lawrence R, Gowing
1988 J. Corwin
1989 Thomas H. Adams
1990 Ludwig F. Karl
1991 Jose J. Camara
1992 James R. Miller Sr.
1993 Rex M. Meighen
1994 Joseph D. Coster
1995 Richard S. Agster
1996 Roger W. Myers
1997 John E. Daggett
1998 Jermone E. Murray
1999 Coleman
2000 Claudo Poccia
2001 Frank Potter
2002 Donald C. Hawley
2003 James B. Vander Jr.
2004 Jim R. Armiloge
2005 Kenneth P. Scott
2006 Richard Ledger
2007 James T. Blum
2008 Scott Mc Alister
2009 James McQueen
2010 Bruce Martin
2011 Robert C. St John
2012 Charles Osborner
2013 Dale Bielser
2014 Steve Korda
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024 James T. Blum
2025 Ed Kneller
2025 Jeff Agan
2026 Jeff Agan