Billy Jackson, PGM 2021-2022

Tommy Morrow, PGM 2020-2021

Van Tidwell, PGM 2018-2019

MW Grand Master Brother Van Kevin Tidwell was born on May 5, 1970 to Vander and Charlotte Tidwell in Haleyville, Winston County, Alabama. Brother Tidwell has three brothers, two of which are Master Masons. He was raised and spent his childhood and adolescent years in Haleyville, Alabama where he attended Haleyville City Schools and graduated in 1988.

Van and his wife Cynthia were married on May 23, 2009. They have one child, Jackson Wayne.

Brother Van has worked his entire adolescent years in the Manufactured Housing Industry since 1989, in the supply channels. He has proudly worked for the same family this entire time.

MW Brother Van started his Masonic Journey when he was initiated on June 24, 2002 at Haleyville Lodge #464, passed to the degree of Fellowcraft on July 23, 2002 and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on July 30, 2002.

Brother Van was elected and served Master of Haleyville Lodge #464 in 2005-2006.

Brother Van stood for examination and received his Grand Lodge Certificate of Proficiency on November 2, 2003. His certificate was signed by then Grand Master Brother Billy C. Ford, who was also a member of Haleyville Lodge #464.

He served as District Lecturer of District 6, Winston County from 2003 until 2010.

MW Ron G. Andress appointed Brother Tidwell to serve on the Grand Lodge Committee on Work, Group 2 in 2010. Brother Van continued to serve on the Committee on Work and was appointed Chairman of that Committee in 2014 by MW John R. Strickling.

MW Brother Tidwell was elected Junior Grand Warden in 2015, Senior Grand Warden in 2016, Deputy Grand Master in 2017 and elected Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Alabama on November 14, 2018 at the Annual Communication.

He is also a member of Haleyville Chapter #224, Order of the Eastern Star and Decatur York Rite Bodies, Decatur, Alabama.

David Tucker, PGM 2017-2018

MW Grand Master Brother David Wayne Tucker was born on January 27, 1955 to A. D. and Mary Tucker in Blountsville, Blount County, Alabama. He was raised and spent his childhood and adolescent years in Oneonta, Alabama where he attended Elementary and High school.

MW Brother David enlisted in the United States Army in 1972 and served until 1974; after active duty service he served in the Alabama National Guard for an additional seven (7) years.

David and his wife Connie were married on April 12, 1974. They have two (2) children, Timothy and Jennifer and reside in Cleveland, Alabama.

Brother David is retired from Blount County Schools.

MW Brother Tucker started his Masonic journey when he was initiated on August 9, 1984 at Dry Creek Lodge #626, passed to the degree of Fellowcraft on September 13, 1984 and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on October 6, 1984.

MW Brother David was elected Master of Dry Creek Lodge #626 in 1990 and served as Master of that Lodge five (5) times. In addition to this Brother David also served as Master of Clarence Lodge #708 six (6) times.

Brother David stood for examination and received his Grand Lodge Certificate of Proficiency in 2002.

He served as District Lecturer of District 9A/14, Blount County for a period of 6 years.

MW Teddy Grogan appointed Brother Tucker to serve on The Grand Lodge Committee on Work, Group 1 in 2008. Brother David continued to serve on the Committee on Work and was appointed Chairman of that Committee in 2013 by MW Lane Weatherbee.

MW Brother Tucker was elected Senior Grand Warden in 2015, Deputy Grand Master in 2016 and elected Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Alabama at the annual Communication in November 2017.

He is also a member of Cahaba (A.A.O.N.M.S.) Shrine, Huntsville, AL., Birmingham Metro York Rite Bodies and Red Cross of Constantine St. Dunstain Conclave.

Bobby Pitts, PGM 2016-2017

Grand Master James Robert “Bobby” Pitts, Jr. was born February 19, 1944 to James Robert and Virginia Alice Chavers Pitts in Mobile, Alabama. He was raised and spent his childhood and adolescent years in Eight Mile, Alabama. He attended Elementary School in Eight Mile and graduated high school at Vigor High School in 1962.  After graduating from high school MW Brother Pitts started his working carrier as a Millwright Apprentice, progressing to journeyman and then starting his own business as an Industrial General Contractor in 1984.  Brother Bobby was ordained a Deacon in 2005 at the Smithtown Baptist Church in Eight Mile where he and Carolyn attend church.

Bobby and his wife Carolyn were married November 7, 1964. They have 2 sons and 3 grandchildren. Bobby and Carolyn reside in Citronelle, Alabama.

MW Brother Pitts started his Masonic journey when he was initiated on April 14, 1969 at Bowen Lodge No. 240 passed to the degree of Fellowcraft on May 15, 1969 and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on June 5, 1969.

MW Brother Pitts was elected Master of Semmes Lodge No. 878 in 1977-80 and served as Secretary of that Lodge for 22 years. Brother Bobby stood for examination and received his Grand Lodge Certificate of Proficiency in 1974.

He served as District Lecturer of District 44, Washington and Clarke County from 1985 to 1990; also, serving as Lecturer for District 45, Mobile County from 1996 to 2012. MW Grand Master Charles Booker appointed Brother Pitts to serve as Chairman of the Grand Lodge Committee on Work in 2012. He was subsequently appointed as a member of that same Committee the following year 2013.

MW Brother Pitts was elected Junior Grand Warden in 2014, Deputy Grand Master in 2015 and elected Grand Master at the Annual Communication in November, 2016.

He is also a member of the following: ABBA (A.A.O.N.M.S.) Shrine, Mobile, AL., Scottish Rite Valley of Mobile, Mobile York Rite Bodies, Red
Cross of Constantine and York Rite College #51. Brother Pitts was coroneted a 33rd degree Inspector General Honorary Scottish Rite Mason on August 21, 2017 at the Scottish Rite Biennial Session in Washington D.C.

Greg Durr, PGM 2015-2016

Born January 5, 1956 in Natchitoches, Louisiana
Parents Boyd B. Durr and Vermel “Sis” Diseadier
Graduated Natchitoches Central High School 1974
While attending Northwestern State University, Greg worked in Law enforcement putting himself through college.
Moved to Fayette, Alabama in June of 1979
Worked in construction until joining the Fayette Police Department. In October of 1979, he worked his way up from night shift patrol to Chief of Police. Greg left the Fayette Police Department in
November 2000, and went to work for the Northport Police Department retiring in January, 2010.

Greg then began to work for the Tuscaloosa Sheriff ’s Department before retiring again in 2015. He is currently working for Alabama Restoration and Remediation.
Married to Patricia Ellis Durr
Three Children Barbara Quimby, Pamela Odom, and Matthew Durr
Nine Grand Children
Joined J. Collier Foster Masonic Lodge # 906
Initiated Entered Apprentice February 10, 2005
Passed to Fellow Craft March 14, 2005
Raised to Master Mason April 7, 2005
Other Masonic affiliations include:
Tuscaloosa York Rite Bodies
Alabama Priory No. 31 KYCH
Vulcan Council No. 22 Knight Masons
Saint Dunstan Conclave Red Cross of Constantine
Scottish Rite 32nd degree Valley of Birmingham
KCCH
Royal Order Scotland
Order of Easter Star Clara Blackman Chapter
Zamora Shrine
Dinar Grotto

John R. Strickling, Sr., PGM 2014-2015

John R. Strickling was born on May 6, 1947 in Woodsfield, Monroe County, Ohio to Guy W. and D. Jane Strickling. John graduated from Woodsfield High School in May, 1965, enlisted in the United States Navy and served from November 1, 1965 until August 27, 1969.

John petitioned Monroe Lodge #189 in Woodsfield, Ohio in the Spring of 1972 and was raised a Master Mason on September 26, 1972. John’s Grandfather Samuel M. Strickling, served as Worshipful Master of Monroe #189 in 1929 and his father Guy served as Worshipful Master of the same Lodge in 1949, 1953 and 1954.

John managed his family’s business from 1972 until February 1975. Moved to Decatur, AL in March of 1975.  Petitioned Rising Sun Lodge for dual membership in 1992. Served as Worshipful Master of Rising Sun Lodge #29 1999 – 2000. Received his Grand Lodge Proficiency Certificate in August 2000. Served as District Lecturer of District 5 from 2003 until 2007 and from 2008 until 2011.

Elected Junior Grand Warden in November 2011. Elected Senior Grand Warden in November, 2012. Elected Deputy Grand Master in November, 2013. Elected Grand Master in November, 2014.
A member of First Baptist Church Decatur where he volunteers in numerous capacities such as choir, kitchen duties, building maintenance, consulting, managing repair, renovation and remodeling projects.

A member of Decatur York Rite Bodies, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Huntsville Orient of Alabama, Cahaba Shrine, Past Worthy Patron, Mary Lou Dancy Chapter 320 Order of the Eastern Star, Royal Order of Scotland, Grand Priory of America.  Employed by Advanced Building Systems, Inc., a Decatur based General Contracting Company, as President and CEO from 1980 until 2011.  Managing Member of Greystone Properties of Decatur, LLC., a real estate development company from 2000 until present.

John and his wife Sue reside in Decatur, AL. John has 5 children and 8 grandchildren. His youngest son, Jason, is serving as Grand Orator this year and his youngest daughter, Michelle has edited the Masonic Newsletter the past two years.

Lane Weatherbee, PGM 2013-2014

On November 16, 2013, a reception was held at Lozahatchee Lodge No. 97 F&AM in Piedmont, Alabama, to honor Lane Weatherbee, following his election and installation as the Grand Master of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Alabama on November 13, 2013.

Lane was born in Gadsden, Etowah County, on May 11, 1943, to Cecil and Mabel Evelyn Lane Weatherbee. After graduating from Gadsden High School in 1961, he attended the University of
Alabama in 1961 and Jacksonville State University in 1962. He entered the work force as an insurance adjuster in 1963 with Gay and Taylor, Inc. He became manager of the Gay and Taylor office in Greenville, S.C., in 1964 and accepted the position of staff adjuster for Nationwide Insurance Co. in Birmingham in 1965. He left the insurance field to join his father at The Piedmont Journal, a weekly newspaper, in Piedmont, Ala.

He continued to work at this weekly newspaper until 1984, at which time he established The Piedmont Journal-Independent and served as the editor, publisher and CEO until March 2006 when
he retired and sold the business. He went to work for the City of Piedmont as the mayor’s administrative assistant. His duties consisted of creating and maintaining files on correspondence, industrial and commercial recruitment, actual recruiting of commercial and commercial prospects for Piedmont, providing creative financing for industrial and commercial projects, improving city
cemeteries, surveying streets, attending functions to represent the city in the mayor’s absence and any duties directed by the mayor. Following the employment with the city, he was the advertising agent for the state’s largest privately owned grocery chain. He gave up that position when he became the Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden. He attended a number of insurance claims schools and many seminars on journalism, journalism liability and photography. He served on the Alabama Press Association’s team to judge other newspapers and prepared seminars on secondclass mailing alternatives.

Mr. Weatherbee married Carol Ann Harper on December 20, 1969. She passed away on October 20, 2005. They had three children, two sons, Greg and Scott, and a daughter, Missie, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Lane is a member of The First United Methodist Church of Piedmont where he serves as chairman of the Usher Committee, a member of the Finance Committee and Assistant Church Treasurer.

Lane was raised a Master Mason in November 1969 at Lozahatchee Lodge No. 97, Piedmont, where he served as Worshipful Master 1998-99. During that year, the lodge began the bi-annual barbecue program that continues to be the largest fund-raiser and source of money for the lodge’s scholarship program. He earned his Calhoun County Masonic Conference Certificate of Examination on April 8, 1995, and was awarded a Grand Lodge of Alabama Certificate of
Proficiency on November 2, 1998. He served as District Lecturer in Calhoun County from November 1998 until November 2004.

He then became Chairman of the Grand Lodge Trial Commission in 2004 and served in that capacity until 2009. He was named to the Grand Lodge Committee on Work in 2005 and continued as a member until 2010, serving as chairman for one year.

Lane joined the York Rite in Lozahatchee Lodge 1975 and became a life member of the York Rite bodies of Anniston in 1986. He served as Grand Marshall for the Grand Chapter in 2003. He joined the Birmingham Valley of Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite and became a 32° Scottish Rite Mason in 1989. He was named a Knight Commander Court of Honor in 2005.

In April 1988, Lane joined Zamora Shrine Temple and immediately became a member of the Directors Staff. He created the Shrine License Plate program for Alabama in 1994, a program that has contributed nearly $800,000 to the Shriners Hospitals. He was appointed editor of the Zamora News in 1993 and created the current format for that publication. Lane was honored by being 2013] GRAND LODGE OF ALABAMA 133 named Zamora’s Shriner of the Year in 1994 and was elected Director of the Directors Staff in 1995 and 1996. He was appointed to the Zamora Divan as Temple Director in December 1998 and served until 2010.

In 2007, he was named Director General of the Shrine Directors Association of North America in 2007 in Charleston, S.C. Three years later, he was elected President of the Shrine Directors Association in 2010 in Milwaukee, Wisc., and presided over the SDA proceedings in 2011 in Omaha, Neb.

Lane was elected Junior Grand Warden, Grand Lodge of Alabama in November 2010, in 2011 he was elected Senior Grand Warden, and in 2012, he became the Deputy Grand Master.  In 2012, David P. Rebmann, Grand Monarch of the Grottoes of North America, proclaimed Lane a Prophet In Situ in Dinar Grotto in Birmingham.

On February 6, 2013 Lane was awakened by a phone call at 4 a.m. informing him that Most Worshipful Grand Master Charles A. Booker had passed away. According to the Alabama Masonic Code, in the event of the death of a Grand Master, the Deputy Grand Master assumes the duties and responsibilities of the Grand Master. At that point, Lane became the Deputy Grand Master and Acting Grand Master. He served as Acting Grand Master until his election as Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Alabama.

Charles A. Booker, PGM 2012–2013

Charles Arthur Booker was born in McKenzie, Alabama on February 10, 1937 to Royal and Pearl Booker. He attended McKenzie High School where he graduated in 1955. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served from 1955 to 1963. After his military ser¬vice he worked for CSX Railroad until his retirement in 2002.  The year 2002 was a good year for Brother Charles. He met Patricia Louise Hammons, and on September 6, 2002 they were married. From a previous marriage he has 5 children, 11 grandchil¬dren and 14 great grandchildren.

Charles was initiated an Entered Apprentice December 14, 1974, passed to the degree of Fellowcraft February 25, 1975, and raised to the degree of Master Mason March 29, 1975 in Garland Lodge No. 684, where he served as Worshipful Master 7 years and Lodge Secretary 4 years. He became a dual member of Carney Lodge No. 549 on October 14, 2003.

He joined the Valley of Mobile Scottish Rite on June 1, 1985 and was invested with the KCCH November 21, 2009. He has been a member of the Monroeville York Rite Bodies since July 24, 1987, and is a member of Abba Shrine in Mobile and the Order of the Eastern Star in Greenville, Alabama.

Brother Charles was examined for his Grand Lodge Certificate of Proficiency by Brothers Larry W. Stinson and C. B. Dodd, which he received October 13, 1988. Brother J. C. Brady appointed him as District Lecturer in Group 7, District 31 in 1989. In 1993 he served as Lecturer in Group 7, District 25, going back to 31 the following year. In 2000 when the Groups were combined to 5 state wide, he had his old District but it was now Group 5, District 40, which position he held until he was elected Junior Grand Warden in November 2009 and was planning to return to after his years serving in the Grand Lodge.

Brother Charles has served the Grand Lodge of Alabama in the following Offices:

• Elected Junior Grand Warden in 2009.
• Elected Senior Grand Warden in 2010.
• Elected Deputy Grand Master in 2011.
• And at the 2012 Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge was elected and installed Grand Master on November 14, 2012.

On December 8, 2012, he became a Knight Mason in Pensacola, Florida. Also in December, he was made a Prophet at Site in Al Hassan Grotto in Mobile.

Brother Charles Booker was for his entire Masonic career, a faithful servant of the Craft. He will be missed by all who knew him. On February 6, 2013, he was called by the Great Architect of the Universe to service in the Celestial Lodge above.

C. Sterling Hughes, PGM 2011-2012

Sterling was born in Dale County on July 30, 1937 to Houston and Hettie Snell Hughes. After graduating from Ozark High School in 1955, he attended Auburn University from 1955 to 1959. Mr. Hughes was employed for 32 years by B.F. Williams Construction Co. as a civil engineer and superintendent, and by the City of Ozark almost 13 years as Director of Public Works. Since his retirement, Sterling spends his spare time with his squirrel dog, “Trouble”

Mr. Hughes married Shirley Triplett Thornton on July 1, 1978. They have 6 children, 5 sons and a daughter, 6 grand children and 2 great-grand children. Sterling joined the Asbury United Methodist Church in 1946 and has been an active member since that time. He taught the Young Adult Sunday School Class for 15 years, served as the Treasurer of the church for 12 years and was the song leader from 1968 until 1994. Sterling currently is a member of the Sunday morning choir, member of the Finance Committee, Chairman of the Church Council and the lay delegate for the church to the Alabama West Florida Annual Conference.

Sterling is a Past Worshipful Master of the Clinton Masonic Lodge #287 in Skipperville, AL where he was initiated an Entered Apprentice on February 9, 1966, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft on March 9, 1966, and raised to the degree of Master Mason on April 28, 1966. He belongs to both the Scottish Rite and the York Rite bodies in Dothan, AL.

Sterling joined the Scottish Rite Valley of Dothan, AL in 1970, invested with the rank and decoration of a Knight Commander of the Court of Honour in 1985 and coroneted a 33° Inspector General Honorary in 1989. He has served also as Director of Works, Head of all Bodies, and Personal Representative of Karl Reed, SGIG.

After joining the York Rite Bodies of Dothan, AL in 1994, he has served as Past Illustrious Master, Past Commander, Past High Priest and Past Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Alabama. He is also a member of Allied Masonic Degrees (Past Sovereign Master), Red Cross of Constantine (Sovereign), S.R.I.C.F., York Rite College (Purple Cross), Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priest and Knight of York Cross of Honor (K.Y.C.H. ). He is also a member of the National Sojourners and the Royal Order of Scotland.

Sterling has served the Masonic Lodge of the State of Alabama as Junior Grand Deacon (1991¬1992 ), Grand Marshall (2001-2002 & 2006-2007), Junior Grand Warden (2008-2009 ), Senior Grand Warden (2009-2010), Deputy Grand Master (2010-2011 ), and elected and installed as Grand Master on November 16, 2011.

Ronald G. Andress, PGM 2010–2011

Ronald G. Andress was born 13 March 1948 in Fairfield Alabama to James F. and Pauline Andress and lived in Bessemer, AL until 1959, when he moved with his family to Tuscaloosa, AL. where he has resided ever since.  He came from a Masonic family with his parents fully involved in Masonry. His father was a Mason, York Rite, Scottish Rite, Shriner and Eastern Star member. His mother was an Eastern Star, and White Shrine member.

He started his Masonic career in the DeMolays when he joined the Black warrior Chapter. He went on to become a Chevalier, Cross of Honor and Legion of Honor. He joined Von Bayer Lodge #699 in 1969 and served as its Master twice. He later took a dual membership with Rising Virtue Lodge #4 and served as its Master also. He obtained his Grand Lodge proficiency certificate in 1998 and became District Lecturer of District 28; he advanced to the Committee on Work and served as its Chairman in 2006. He was elected Junior Grand Warden in 2007 and has progressed through the line to be elected to the office of Grand Master on 10 November 2010.

He became a member of the Birmingham Valley of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction in 1988 where he has served as Venerable Master and Commander of the Court of Honor, and is presently Director of Work for the Valley. He was honored with Knight Commander Court of Honor in 1993 and received the 33rd Degree in 1999.

He is a member of the Tuscaloosa York Rite Bodies where he has served as the head of all three bodies. He is a KYCH and is presently Grand Chaplain of the Grand Chapter of the Grand York Rite of Alabama. He is also a member of Zamora Shrine, Knight Masons, Dinar Grotto, Clara Blackman Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, Jerusalem Tabernacle XXXII, Royal Order of Scotland, and is presently Sovereign of the St. Dunstan Conclave Red Cross of Constantine.

He retired from BF Goodrich in 2008 where he worked for 40 years as an electrician and Metrology Lab Administrator, and served as coordinator of the Adopt-A-School program for 15 years. He also served on the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama’s Adopt-A-School Program.

He retired from the military as a Master Sergeant after 37 ½ years service. During his career, he served in several different specialties, mostly as an engineer, with his last assignment as Operations Sergeant of 62nd Troop Command in Montgomery.

He is a member of Alberta Baptist Church.