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 Chair Degrees are held the first Saturday of each October 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. It was held on October 8th, 2022.
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.)
These Chair Degrees are actually three distinct & separate bodies with separate successive lines. They are listed below:
Order of Anointed High Priests
| Office | 2022-2023 |
|---|---|
| Excellent President | Johnny Strickland |
| Excellent Vice President | Tommy Bassett |
| Excellent Chaplain | Ken Baker |
| Excellent Master of Ceremonies | Scott Wadsworth |
| Excellent Conductor of the Council | Nick Barnes |
| Excellent Herald | Ted Loggins |
| Excellent Steward | Mark Stillwell |
| Excellent Sentinel | |
| Excellent Treasurer/Recorder | Bobby Jordan |
Order of the Silver Trowel
| Office | 2023-2024 pending |
|---|---|
| Thrice Illustrious Master | Doug Burfitt, Jr |
| Thrice Illustrious Senior Warden | Scott Wadsworth |
| Thrice Illustrious Junior Warden | Mark Stillwell |
| Thrice Illustrious Steward | Ted Loggins |
| Thrice Illustrious Sentinel | Bobby Jordan |
| Thrice Illustrious Treasurer/Recorder | Nathan Godwin |
Order of Knight Crusaders of the Cross
| Office | 2022-2023 |
|---|---|
| Knight Crusader of the East | Johnny Strickland |
| Knight Crusader of the West | Mark Stillwell |
| Knight Crusader of the South | Doug Burfitt, Jr |
| Knight Crusader of the North | Scott Wadsworth |
| Knight Crusader of the Holy Cross | Tommy Bassett |
| Knight Crusader of the Temple | |
| Knight Crusader of the Asylum | Ted Loggins |
| Knight Crusader Treasurer/Recorder | Bobby Jordan |