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
| Office | 2026-2027 Officers | Degree Team |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent President | Ted Loggins | |
| Excellent Vice President | Brian Autrey | Nick Barnes |
| Excellent Chaplain | Troy Brown | Phillip Sherman |
| Excellent Master of Ceremonies | David Wyatt | James. C. McGee |
| Excellent Conductor of the Council | Jason Crowe | Jason Crowe |
| Excellent Herald | Bobby Jordan | Ted Loggins |
| Excellent Steward | Joel Bryant | Mark Stillwell |
| Excellent Sentinel | Greg Parnell | |
| Excellent Treasurer/Recorder | Doug Burfitt | Bobby Jordan |
| Degree Director | Brian K. Autrey | Brian K. Autrey |
Order of the Silver Trowel
| Office | 2026-2027 Officers | Degree Team |
|---|---|---|
| Thrice Illustrious Master | John Myers | Nick Barnes |
| Thrice Illustrious Junior Warden | Nathan Godwin | Sid Cooley |
| Thrice Illustrious Senior Warden | William A. Carter | Doug Burfitt, Jr. |
| Thrice Illustrious Steward | Bobby Jordan | William Carter |
| Thrice Illustrious Sentinel | Troy Brown | Ted Loggins |
| Thrice Illustrious Treasurer/Recorder | William J. “Doug” Burfitt, Jr | William J. “Doug” Burfitt, Jr |
| Degree Director / King David | Thomas R. Bassett | Thomas R. Bassett |
Order of Knight Crusaders of the Cross
| Office | 2026-2027 Officers | Degree Team |
|---|---|---|
| Knight Crusader of the East | Ted Loggins | Thomas H. Nesbit |
| Knight Crusader of the West | John Myers | Doug Burfitt, Jr |
| Knight Crusader of the South | Troy Brown | |
| Knight Crusader of the North | Joel Bryant | Emory J. "Smokey" Ferguson |
| Knight Crusader of the Holy Cross | William A. Carter | Sid Cooley |
| Knight Crusader of the Temple | Bobby Jordan | |
| Knight Crusader of the Asylum | Greg Parnell | |
| Knight Crusader Treasurer/Recorder | William J. “Doug” Burfitt, Jr | William J. “Doug” Burfitt, Jr |
| Degree Director | Thomas H. Nesbit | Thomas H. Nesbit |