Royal Arch Masons of Tennessee

2024

Thomas Woodson Binford III was born in Columbus, GA, April 22, 1954.  He grew up in Nashville, TN and attended the Nashville Public School System graduating from John Overton High School in 1972.  He was a pre-med major at Tennessee Tech and graduated in 1976 with a double major in biology and chemistry.  After a call of God, he received a Masters of Divinity (MDIV) from Vanderbilt Divinity School and a Doctorate of Ministry (DMIN) from The School of Theology of the University of the South.

He is an Ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church and has served churches in Middle Tennessee for 45 years.  During this time he served on the Conference Board of ordained ministry for 24 years.

Companion Binford was Annual Conference Secretary for 8 years; a member of the Southeastern Jurisdictional Agency for Rehabilitation (SEMAR) trustees from 1999 – 2005; chaired from 2001-2005 in the 1980s; was General Church consultant for church and people with disabilities; member of General Conference Task force for language in the Discipline concerning people with disabilities; Chair of the Tennessee Conference UMC Resolutions committee; Finance Chair for the Clarksville District UMC and mentor to local pastors in the UMC. 

Companion Tom married Carolyn Parker Binford in 1981 and have enjoyed many wonderful years of life together.  They have one son, Levi Binford, two grandsons, and five great grandchildren.

He was raised a Master Mason in Wisdom Lodge No. 300 on January 26, 1990.  Transferred to Columbia Lodge No. 31 and served as Worshipful Master in 1997. He became a plural member of Portland Lodge No. 100 where he served as Worshipful Master in 2001. Companion Binford then transferred to Pulaski Lodge No. 101 in 2004 and subsequently transferred to John B. Garrett Lodge No. 711 on December 31, 2009, and became Worshipful Master in 2021.

In The Grand Lodge of the Great State of Tennessee Companion Binford served as Grand Chaplain in 1997, 2006, and 2010; Served on the Education Committee from 2005-2010 during which he chaired the Committee in 2010; And also served as Grand Representative to the Grand Lodge of Rio de Janeiro.

Exalted in Erin Chapter No. 192 on October 26, 1990 he became EHP in 1992 and then transferred to Nashville No. 1 in 1999 and was elected EHP in 2001 and 2002.  He received the Order of High Priesthood 1992 and served as Grand Chaplain of the Grand York Rite of Tennessee in 2000 and 2005. He became a plural member of Edward G. Corbitt-Doric Chapter #147 in 2022.  He is currently the Grand Representative to Italy.

He became a member of Erin Council No. 121 on October 26, 1990. and subsequently transferred to Nashville Council No. 1 in 1999 where he served as Past Illustrious Master.  Companion Binford received the Order of the Silver Trowel in 2004, served as Grand Chaplain in 2002 and was awarded the Grand Council Guy Thomas Garrett, Sr. Memorial Clergy Award in 2012 and 2019.

Companion Binford joined Clarksville Commandery No. 8 on November 10, 1990. He transferred to Nashville No. 1 in 1999 and served as Commander in 2003.  He became a member of the Knight Crusaders of the Cross on May 2, 2003 and served as Grand Prelate in 2004.

He joined the Order of the Eastern Star Royal Chapter No. 213 on May 3, 1990.  He then transferred to Columbia Chapter No. 287 where he served as Worthy Patron in 1995. After transferring to Rob Morris No. 237 he served as Worthy Patron. He then transferred to Pulaski No. 376 and served as Worthy Patron. He then transferred to John B Garrett No. 271 on December 28, 2008 and served has Worthy Patron.   He served as a Grand Chapter Memorial Committee Member from 2007 to 2008 and Dispensations, Charters and Bylaws Committee in 2020 and 2022.

He became a 32⁰ Scottish Rite Mason in 1990; A member of The Royal Order of Scotland in 2006; Gaelic Council No. 60 Knight Masons in February 10, 2001; Past Excellent Chief, Esra Council No. 89 Knight Masons; Tennessee Lodge of Research No. 894;  Allied Masonic Degrees Council No. 358 in 1999; Past Sovereign Master, 2013 and is currently Secretary/ Treasurer; Middle Tennessee York Rite College No. 143 January 27, 2001; Old Hickory Conclave Red Cross of Constantine, 2006 Sovereign in 2017;  Knight of York Cross of Honor 2006 (KYCH); 1861 Civil War Lodge of Research;  Al Menah Shrine, April 13, 1996; Hillbilly Degree Clan No. 24, 1997; National Sojourners, INC.  Andrew Jackson No. 385, September 24, 2002; Hermitage Camp Heros of ’76; Order of Athelstan; Knights Templar eye foundation, Inc. Life sponsor April 29, 1996; Order of Knight Commanders, Chattanooga, Asylum No. 2, November 30, 2006; Tennessee Past Masters Association, 2001; Order of the Bath, January 26, 2013; Order of Cork, January 25, 2004; Yellow Dog Degree.

In the Grand Chapter, Companion Binford was elected The Right Excellent Grand Scribe in 2022, advanced each year and was elected Most Excellent Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Tennessee on March 25, 2024.