Cryptic Masons of Tennessee

2017

Born on February 13, 1946 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He was born to Paul de and Reba K. Richards.

Paul attended West High School in Knoxville graduating in 1963. He later attended the University of Tennessee and Knoxville Business College (South College) where he received a degree in accounting.

Paul is an active member of Apostles Anglican Church in Knoxville.

He is retired from the Knox County Clerk’s Office after 40 years of service.

He was raised a Master Mason on October 1, 1973 in Cherokee Lodge 728. After transferring to Charles H. McKinney 433 and serving as Worshipful Master in 1987.

He joined the Scottish Rite in 1973 and was coronated a 33 degree in 2005.

He has been a member of Kerbela Temple A.A.O.N.M.S. since 1974.

He was exalted in Paxton Chapter 184 in 1974 and served as Excellent High Priest in 1982. He was greeted in Knoxville Council 75 in 1974 and served as Illustrious Master. He was Knighted in Cyprus Commandery 23 in 1974 and served as Eminent Commander in 1989. He was inducted into Tennessee Priory No. 15 KYCH in 1991 and the Knight Commander of the Temple in 1989.

Paul is a member of the York Rite Sovereign College of North America and received the Order of the Purple Cross in 1996.

Paul is also a member of the William B. Anderson Council of Knight Masons, E. Leslie Webb Jr. Council, Allied Masonic Degrees, St. Mathias Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine, Tennessee College Rosicrucian Society, and the East Tennessee York Rite Association and has served as it’s President.

Paul is also a member of several other appendant masonic bodies such as Knoxville Chapter O.E.S. Peace Court Order of the Amaranth, Zelmar Grotto M.O.V.P.E.R. and the Royal Order of Scotland.

He was elected Grand Captain of the Guard on March 24, 2014 and progressed through the chairs being elected Right Illustrious Deputy Grand Master, Cryptic Masons of Tennessee on March 21, 2016.