GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

Meet the men who lead our jurisdiction.

(2021–2024)

Grand Master

Richard J. Kessler

Richard J. Kessler was raised (the Masonic term for initiated) as a Freemason in April 1993 at Occidental Lodge No. 766. He’s the proud parents of two adult sons, Christopher and Jeffrey. 

Upon being raised, Most Worshipful (MW) Kessler immediately presided as Worshipful Master in 2000. His eldest son, RW Christopher Kessler, was raised in 2003 and followed in his father’s footsteps as both Master of his Lodge and High Priest of his Royal Arch Chapter. 

Richard J. Kessler was Initiated a Freemason in April 1993 at Occidental Lodge No. 766. He’s been happily married to his wife Joanne for 41 years. They are the proud parents of two adult sons, Christopher and Jeffrey. His eldest son, RW Christopher Kessler, was raised in 2003 and followed in his father’s footsteps as both Master of his Lodge and High Priest of his Royal Arch Chapter.

Brother Kessler was elected Master of Millennium Lodge (Now Renaissance Lodge No. 1188) in 2000. Brother Kessler served as Secretary of his Lodge for 14 years. He became active in the Erie Masonic District and served as President of the Wardens, Masters, Past Masters, and Purple Associations. His work in the district enabled him to serve as District Deputy Grand Master of the First Erie District in 2006. Brother Kessler also served as Grand Lecturer of the Grand Lodge from 2014 to 2018 and was elected as Deputy Grand Master thereafter. In 2017, Brother Kessler received the Wendell Walker Builder of Men Award.

Brother Kessler is a member of the Valley of Buffalo, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite (AASR), where he served as the Sovereign Prince Palmoni Council, Princes of Jerusalem. He also served as Treasurer of the Valley of Buffalo for four years. He is currently a Director of New York State Scottish Rite Charities, is a recipient of the Meritorious Service Award from the New York State Council of Deliberations, and was coronated as a 33rd Degree Mason, Honorary Member Supreme Council AASR.

 

He is also active in the York Rite. He served as Excellent High Priest of Tonawanda Keystone Chapter No. 71 and as Most Excellent High Priest New York Royal Arch Masons in 2013. He served as Illustrious Master in 2005 and Treasurer from 2006 to 2018 in Buffalo Keystone Council Cryptic Masons. He is a recipient of the Order of the Secret Vault from General Grand Council Cryptic Masons International and the Ish Sodi Award. He is also active in Commandery serving as Commander in 2011 and then as Recorder of Lake Erie Commandery No. 10, Knights Templar, from 2012 to 2018.

Brother Kessler also served in 2005 and 2006 as Monarch of Zuleika Grotto No. 10, Mystic Order of the Field Prophets of the Enchanted Realm (MOVPER). He is a member of many Invitational Bodies and is a recipient of the Order of Purple Cross (York Rite’s equivalent of 33rd Degree) Knight York Grand Cross Honor (KYGCH). He recently served as Deputy Grand Governor of New York in the York Rite Sovereign College of North America.

Deputy Grand Master

RW Steven Adam Rubin

Senior Grand Warden

RW Robert L. Hogan, Jr.

Junior Grand Warden

RW Peter C. Stein

Grand Treasurer

RW Joseph J. Saglimbene

Grand Secretary

RW Richard T. Schulz

Grand Marshal

RW John Haslam, Sr.

Deputy Grand Marshal

RW Peter Unfried

Senior Grand Deacon

RW Lawrence M. Kania

Junior Grand Deacon

RW Alberto G. Cortizo

Grand Standard Bearer

RW Donald G. Williams II

Deputy Grand Standard Bearer

RW Gustavo Teran

Grand Historian

RW Gary L. Heinmiller

Grand Lecturer

RW Richard C. Friedman

Judge Advocate

RW Michael G. Postiglione, Esq

Proctor

RW Mark J. Loughran

Grand Pursuivant

RW Richard W. Bateman

Grand Tiler

RW Christopher A. Kessler

Grand Organists

RW Donald C. Hammon

RW Eric S. Howd

RW Jordan I. Kaplan

RW Frank L. Miller

RW Francis K. Wilcox

RW stands for “Right Worshipful,” a title given to a senior Grand Lodge official, either elected by the members of Grand Lodge or appointed by the Grand Master to Grand Lodge service. MW or Most Worshipful is the title bestowed upon the election to the office of Grand Master of Masons. It is the highest official rank that can be earned by those who serve our Grand Lodge as its elected leader.