2025 Honorees Elect
It is my distinct privilege to inform you of the election of the Austin Valley’s 2025 Honorees for the 2025 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:
Thirty Third Degree Inspector General Honorary
Brother Carl Sizemore
Brother Sizemore has been a dedicated member of the Austin Valley for 30 years. He has served as presiding officer of all four Scottish Rite Bodies and served as the Governor of the Sanhedrin (stage Crew) for 16 years. He is a member of the Austin Valley Knights of St. Andrew and has contributed to the success of the Valley and to the upkeep of the physical Scottish Rite Temple. Brother Sizemore received the Double Eagle award in 2024 for service to the Valley and has received the Claymore award for outstanding service in the Knights of St. Andrew.
Brother Sizemore has donated numerous hours to repair and improvement of the Austin Scottish rite building, degree props, costumes, and stage drops.
Brother Sizemore is a past master of T. Neal Porter Lodge in Austin and has received the Golden Trowel award from that Lodge. He has been affiliated with Austin Lodge #12 and is currently affiliated with Parsons Lodge #222.
Brother Sizemore is a member of numerous York Rite Bodies and has served as presiding officer for many of these organizations.
Brother Sizemore has a long record of service to the Valley and has been diligent in his commitment to its success.
Brother Garth Weaver
Brother Weaver has been a steadfast and dedicated member of the Valley for 17 years. He has served on degree teams for most of that time and is the current degree master for the 32nd degree. Brother Weaver served as the Venerable Master of the Austin Valley Knights of St. Andrew and is an inspirational volunteer at most all Valley functions. He has served as presiding officer in the Lodge of Perfection and the Consistory.
Brother Weaver has donated his skills, time, and treasure to building props for the degrees and has enhanced the reunion experience with his creations. He leads by example and inspires members to serve especially on stage and in the degrees. Brother Weaver has received the Double Eagle award for service to the Valley and has received the Claymore award for outstanding service in the Knights of St. Andrew.
Brother Weaver is the current Sr. Warden of University Lodge #1190
Knights Commander Court of Honor
Brother Marc Siemes
Brother Siemes is currently serving as the Austin Valley membership chairman and reunion director. He sponsored the Austin Scottish Rite Book Club during the pandemic to improve online participation for the membership. He is currently serving as the Prior in the Austin Consistory and Junior Warden in the Lodge of perfection.
Brother Siemes has contributed greatly to the day-to-day operation of the Valley and has been instrumental in the administrative activities required for Valley operations. He has volunteered countless hours to plan, develop, and implement Austin Valley membership programs. Brother Siemes’ commitment to the success of the Valley and his hard work in the administration activities have yielded in his receipt of the Double Eagle award in 2024.
Brother Siemes is a valuable part of the Valley leadership team who contributes to the success and growth of the organization. He is involved in the Masonic community and is currently serving as the Secretary of Ausin Lodge #12.
Brother James Rader
Brother Rader has served the Valley for 44 years. He is a past master of University Lodge #1190. He has served the Grand Lodge of Texas in Masonic legal matters in district 50 and has served in the 32 degree team for years.
Brother Rader has served on the Austin Scottish Rite Dyslexia Foundation board since 2018 and was elected to serve as chairman of the board in 2021. He has been an exceptional leader for the Foundation and has accelerated the funding for training Central Texas teachers in the field of recognizing and educating children with dyslexia. His leadership of the foundation has resulted in the elevated success of the organization. He has been instrumental in fundraising and disbursement of funding to teachers in a large area of Central Texas.
Brother Matt Whitaker
Brother Whitaker has been a dedicated member of the Austin Valley who has exceptional attendance despite a 1.5 hour drive to and from the Valley meetings. He has provided exemplary leadership as the 30th degree master and as the governor of the Sanhedrin (Stage Crew). He currently serves as the Venerable master of the Austin Valley Knights of St. Andrew and has been affective in this role. Brother Whitaker has served as the master of Kadosh of the Consistory, the Wise Master of the Chapter of Rose Croix and is currently the First Lieutenant in the Council of Kadosh. He is often one of the first people in the building and ensures all is secure and in good order before leaving after an event.
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Brother Whitaker is a past master of Kingsland and Bertram lodges and holds an A certificate.
Brother Whitaker is an integral part of the success of the Austin Valley. He has worked tirelessly to coordinate the skills and efforts of the membership to accomplish the activities of the Valley including stated meetings, reunions, special events, degree rehearsals, or officer meetings. His hard work and willingness to lead by example has been an inspiration in the Austin Valley. Brother Whitaker received the Double Eagle award in 2024 for service to the Valley and has received the Claymore award for outstanding service in the Knights of St. Andrew.
Brother Andrew Gray
Brother Gray has served on the Austin Scottish Rite Children’s Theater board for six years. He has served as president and chairman of the Theater board for three years. In this position, Brother Gray has conducted all business of the Theater building including interacting with government entities, personnel management, rental contracts, and building upkeep. His efforts have allowed the Austin Scottish Rite to continue to meet in our building and to maintain a quality facility. His efforts occur behind the scenes but require him to conduct business for the organization constantly throughout the month.
Brother Gray serves in two degree teams and volunteers in the kitchen during stated meetings with our Garde Manger (Kitchen Staff). Brother Gray has received the Double Eagle award for service in 2024 and has worked diligently with all Masonic tenants at our facility to ensure they have a facility in which they can continue to expand Freemasonry in central Texas.
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,
Don Eames
