2023 Honorees Elect

It is my distinct privilege to inform you of the election of the Austin Valley’s 2023 Honorees for the 2023 Biennial cycle. These appointments are made by the Supreme Council of the Southern Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite. The number of Honors recognitions are few by design. They are unique and special. I am delighted that we are able to recognize the following individuals:

Brother Eames has served Worshipful Master, Secretary and Treasurer of Round Rock and Robert Burns Lodges. He was Grand Master’s representative for Briscoe workshops in Central Texas. He is Past District Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District #47, He has been active in the International Order of Rainbow for girls.

Brother Eames is a past Venerable Master of the Austin Valley Thistle. He served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Austin Scottish Rite Children’s Theater. For the past 5 years he has been General Secretary for Austin Valley. He has diligently and expertly fulfilled the duties of his office and gone above the call of duty to provide extraordinary leadership to the Valley.

                                                                            Jim Smith

Brother Smith Is Past Potentate of Ben Hur Shrine in Austin.

He is Past Shrine Imperial Potentate of Shriners International. In addition to leading the entirety of the Shriners worldwide, he lead and served on the Board overseeing the world famous system of Shriners Hospitals for Children, the largest charity in the world. Brother Smith was a successful businessman and brought his executive experience to the management of the operation and holdings of the Shrine.Brother Smith is a true Brother. He is a friend of, and a staunch advocate for Blue Lodge Masonry and other appendant bodies.

                                               Knights Commander Court of Honor

Brother Hill is Past Master and current Secretary of Parsons Lodge. He is a Past District Deputy Grand Master. He lectures extensively on various Masonic topics. He is both a student and teacher of the Craft.

He is the current Venerable Master of the Thistle. He is active in the Scottish Rite degrees and Reunions, most recently serving as Reunion director. He has held numerous positions in the lines of the Scottish Rite Bodies and currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Austin Scottish Rite Bodies as Prelate for the Valley. He is an active member of the Board of Directors of the Austin Scottish Rite Dyslexia Foundation.

                                                              Byron Webster

Brother Webster is a Past Master of Austin Masonic Lodge #12, a Republic of Texas Lodge.

He is a member the Thistle and the Sandherin. He is actively involved in virtually every activity and meeting in which the Valley is involved. He is chairman of the VMAP committee, Director of Education, Past Venerable Master and degree Master of the 14^th Degree. For years Brother Webster has brought his original innovative presentation “Postcards from Pike” to our stated meetings, enlightening and delighting all Masons in attendance. Brother Webster’s professional expertise in business and strategic planning has provided the Valley and the Executive team valuable insights behind the scenes.

Brethren, the short resumes of these brethren do not begin to demonstrate their contribution to their community. Please join me in expressing our gratitude for their efforts and congratulating them in receiving these once in a lifetime Honors.

I am so proud to be associated with them.

Sincerely and fraternally,

Brian Vance