06/20/2026
Eastern Arkansas Scottish Rite Bodies Celebrate 52nd Anniversary with Record Attendance
The Eastern Arkansas Scottish Rite Bodies of Jonesboro celebrated their 52nd Anniversary Banquet on June 8, 2026, with an outstanding turnout of approximately 90 members, family members, guests, scholarship recipients, and friends. The event marked the largest attendance at the annual banquet in recent years and provided an opportunity to recognize both the rich heritage of the Scottish Rite and its continuing investment in future generations.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of membership service pins recognizing brethren for their years of dedication to the Scottish Rite. Recipients were honored for 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 years of membership, representing centuries of combined service and commitment to the fraternity.
Those present that were recognized included:
50-Year Members
Jerald Newton Burns, 33°
Marvin Edward Korton, 32°
Lee Roy Vent, 33°
30-Year Members
Russell Brock Hathcock, 32°
20-Year Member
Brian Jeremy Brake, 32°
10-Year Members
Barry Lynn Rudd, 32°, KCCH
Christopher Robin Wilcox, 32°
Charles Dee Wolfe, 32°
The banquet also showcased one of the Scottish Rite’s most important missions – supporting education through scholarships. This year, five graduating high school seniors were awarded college scholarships to assist them as they pursue higher education:
K’Myreah Collins, Forrest City High School
Taylor Douglas, Palestine-Wheatley High School
John David Horton, Riverside High School
Sarah Saulnier, Highland High School
Lucas White, Manila High School
In addition, two graduating seniors received the Stan Sims Memorial Trade School Scholarship, which was established to encourage students pursuing vocational and technical careers:
Jared Blaine Phillips, Valley Academy
Garrin James Smith, McCrory High School
The evening also included several special recognitions. Grandfather and grandson, Charles Wolfe and Caeden Wolfe, were presented First-Time Visitor Coins. Caeden Wolfe was additionally presented his Scottish Rite Patent, commemorating his completion of the Spring Reunion. In recognition of the 225th Anniversary of Scottish Rite Freemasonry (1801–2026), Charles Wolfe, Caeden Wolfe, and fellow Spring Reunion candidate Sterling Johnson were presented commemorative anniversary coins. These special coins are being presented to all candidates and their first-line signers during this anniversary year.
The 52nd Anniversary Banquet served as a meaningful celebration of fellowship, service, education, and tradition. From honoring longtime members for decades of dedication to recognizing outstanding young scholars and welcoming new Scottish Rite Masons, the evening reflected the enduring values that have guided the Eastern Arkansas Scottish Rite Bodies for more than half a century.
