Side Degrees (Chair Degrees)

The Side Degrees of York Rite Masonry are also known as “The Chair Degrees”. The reason for this name is that in order to be eligible to receive the degrees, a candidate must have served in the East (or be currently presiding in the East) of the respective body.

The 2024 Chair Degrees will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Birmingham Metro York Rite Center for all qualified Companions/Sir Knights wishing to join 1, 2, or all 3 degrees.

To be eligible to join the Order of Anointed High Priests, you must have been a Past Excellent High Priest of your Chapter or currently in that position. An application can be filled out on that day with a onetime fee for a lifetime membership of $50, which includes the High Priesthood special edition of the King James Bible, please come early to register.

To be eligible for the Order of the Silver Trowel you must have been a Past Illustrious Master of your Council or currently in that position. A lifetime membership is $20 and the application can be filled out at this meeting. (You do not have to have either of the other two chair degrees to have this one conferred.)

To be eligible for the Order of Knight Crusader of the Cross, you must have been a Past Eminent Commander of your Commandery, or currently in that position. Your application and the $20 fee will get you a lifetime membership in this degree. (You do not have to have been conferred in the other two chair degrees to receive this degree, but will have to wait outside until it is time for this degree to be conferred.)

The agenda (subject to minor changes) is as follows:
12:30 PM – Candidates arrive for registration
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Order of Anointed High Priests degree
2:15 PM – 3:00 PM Order of the Silver Trowel degree
3:15 PM – 4:00 PM Knight Crusader of the Cross degree
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM Wrap up

These Chair Degrees are actually three distinct & separate bodies with separate successive lines. They are listed below:

Order of Anointed High Priests

Office2025-2026 OfficersDegree Team
Excellent PresidentMark Stillwell
Excellent Vice PresidentTed LogginsNick Barnes
Excellent ChaplainBrian AutreyPhillip Sherman
Excellent Master of CeremoniesTroy BrownJames. C. McGee
Excellent Conductor of the CouncilDavid WyattJason Crowe
Excellent HeraldJason CroweTed Loggins
Excellent StewardBobby JordanMark Stillwell
Excellent SentinelJoel Bryant
Excellent Treasurer/RecorderDoug BurfittBobby Jordan
Degree DirectorBrian K. Autrey

Order of the Silver Trowel

Office2025-2026 OfficersDegree Team
Thrice Illustrious MasterTed LogginsNick Barnes
Thrice Illustrious Senior WardenNathan GodwinDoug Burfitt, Jr.
Thrice Illustrious Junior WardenJohn MyersSid Cooley
Thrice Illustrious StewardWilliam A. CarterWilliam Carter
Thrice Illustrious SentinelBobby JordanTed Loggins
Thrice Illustrious Treasurer/RecorderWilliam J. “Doug” Burfitt, JrWilliam J. “Doug” Burfitt, Jr
Degree Director / King DavidThomas R. BassettThomas R. Bassett

Order of Knight Crusaders of the Cross

Office2025-2026 Officers2023-2024 Degree Team
Knight Crusader of the EastThomas R. BassettThomas H. Nesbit
Knight Crusader of the WestTed LogginsDoug Burfitt, Jr
Knight Crusader of the SouthJohn Myers
Knight Crusader of the NorthTroy BrownEmory J. "Smokey" Ferguson
Knight Crusader of the Holy CrossJoel BryantSid Cooley
Knight Crusader of the TempleWilliam A. Carter
Knight Crusader of the AsylumBobby Jordan
Knight Crusader Treasurer/RecorderWilliam J. “Doug” Burfitt, JrWilliam J. “Doug” Burfitt, Jr
Degree DirectorThomas H. NesbitThomas H. Nesbit