< Back Charlie Farnham Chief Rabban 2026 Charlie Farnham is a member of the Board of Directors of Ben Hur Shriners. He has been a member of Ben Hur since 1999 and was an active member of the Drum and Bugle Corps until its demise. He is currently a member of the Motley Brue and Golf Units. Charlie is a Past Potentate of Ben Hur, having served in that role in 2008. He is also a dual member of Hella Shriners in Dallas, Texas. Charlie was made a Master Mason in Colorado Masonic Lodge No. 96, located in Webberville, Texas, in 1998. He is an endowed member of Colorado Lodge and served as Worshipful Master during the 2006–2007 Masonic year. He is also a member of the Austin Scottish Rite Bodies. Born in Portland, Maine, Charlie attended the University of Maine, earning an Associate of Science in Agricultural Engineering, before moving to Texas in 1983. Upon arriving in Texas, he attended Lamar University in Beaumont, where he earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding and a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. During and following his time at Lamar University, Charlie worked for the Texas Department of Transportation, where he retired after 30 years of service in the fields of information technology and intelligent transportation systems. He currently works part time for the engineering consulting firm HNTB. Charlie is married to Betty Sprayberry, and they currently reside in Round Rock, Texas. TBD TBD

< Back Ricki Pierce High Priest and Prophet 2026 Ricki Pierce is a member of the Board of Directors of Ben Hur Shriners. He has been a member of Ben Hur since 1991, is active in the Directors Staff, Trailblazers, Charioteers & Golf Units, also the Motorcycle Club and served as President of the Directors Staff in 2025. He was also a member of Ararat Shriners in Kansas City, Missouri. He was raised in T. Neal Porter Lodge No. 1354 in Austin, Texas in 1978. He is currently a member of Liberty Hill Lodge No. 432 in Liberty Hill, Texas. Ricki was born in Bay City, Texas. He attended David Crockett HS in Austin and The University of Texas in Austin earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. He served in the United States Marine Corps 22 yrs attaining the rank of Master Sergeant, retiring 1998. He is married to Donna Prade, and they currently reside in Belton, Texas. TBD TBD

Travel Club about us Main Contact & Email Randy Anderson randerson07@gmail.com E-Mail Phone 254-423-5903 Location Various Locations Meeting Days 4th Thursday following Sunday of the month TBD Purpose Website Facebook

Throughout the many years, the Masons and Shriners have existed and there have been many famous Members. George Washington Franklin D. Roosevelt Clark Gable - Actor John Wayne - Actor Harry S. Truman - President Ernest Borgnine Gerald Ford - President Gus Grissom Warren G. Harding Thurgood Marshall Famous Masons & Shriners Through out the many years the Masons and Shriners have existed their has been many famous Members. See if you can identify any of them. Free Masons Symbol 1/40

Become a Shriner now. We would love to have you join our fraternity. You must be a Master Mason before you can join the Shriners. Learn more here. Become A Shriner Now To find out more and to be contacted by a virtual mentor Register at BeAShrinerNow.com Contact Mentor Why Join

< Back Sam Stimson Ph.D. Recorder 2026 Samuel Edward Stimson, PhD is a member of the Board of Directors of Ben Hur Shriners. He was created a member of Ben Hur on 2/11/1983 and remained a member until he demitted on12/29/1989. At that time his job at Dell Computers required him to travel frequently to Asia and he had no time to devote to the fraternity. After retirement he returned to Ben Hur in January 2010 and has remained active ever since. He served as Marshal of the Provost Guard in 2013 and as State Marshal in 2015. He was elected to the post of Recorder in 2012 when he served for 2 years and then 1 year as High Priest and Prophet. He took a couple of years off and then returned as Recorder in 2018. He completed his Emeritus year in 2025. He was raised in Austin Lodge No. 12 in October 1976. Entered the line as Junior Steward in 1979 and then served as Worshipful Master in 1983-84. Sam was born in Asheville, N.C. He graduated from RJ Reynolds High School in 1959 and joined the USAF in 1960. He served honorably for 20 years, with tours in South East Asia from 1964 – 1966. His final duty assignment was as a Division Superintendent at the TAC NCO Academy holding the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. During that time He studied with the University of Maryland and finishing his BAAS at Southwest Texas State University. His MBA came later from St. Edwards University and much later while working in China his DBA from University of Phoenix. His PhD was awarded from his thesis on Quality Methodology and the Deployment of Automated Statistical Controls in Li Ion Battery Production Facilities. He is married to Jeannette May Stimson and they reside in Austin, Texas. recorder@benhurshrine.org (512) 796-4179

Meet The Divan Members Charles Maddox Potentate Charles E. Maddox is an attorney for the Office of the Secretary of State of Texas. Prior to working for the Secretary of State, he served as an Assistant Attorney General for Texas, and was a budget analyst for the Legislative Budget Board of Texas. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Master of Public Affairs each from the University of Texas at Austin, a Doctor of Jurisprudence from St. Mary’s University School of Law, and a Master of Laws from Stetson University College of Law. He is admitted to the Bar in Texas, and every civilian federal court which has jurisdiction in and over the State of Texas. He, his wife Emily, and their daughter reside in the Austin Area. A proud eleventh generation Texan, Charles is a member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas and is an Honorary Admiral in the Texas Navy. Read More Ricki Pierce High Priest and Prophet Ricki Pierce is a member of the Board of Directors of Ben Hur Shriners. He has been a member of Ben Hur since 1991, is active in the Directors Staff, Trailblazers, Charioteers & Golf Units, also the Motorcycle Club and served as President of the Directors Staff in 2025. He was also a member of Ararat Shriners in Kansas City, Missouri. Read More Sam Stimson Ph.D. Recorder Samuel Edward Stimson, PhD is a member of the Board of Directors of Ben Hur Shriners. He was created a member of Ben Hur on 2/11/1983 and remained a member until he demitted on12/29/1989. At that time his job at Dell Computers required him to travel frequently to Asia and he had no time to devote to the fraternity. After retirement he returned to Ben Hur in January 2010 and has remained active ever since. He served as Marshal of the Provost Guard in 2013 and as State Marshal in 2015. He was elected to the post of Recorder in 2012 when he served for 2 years and then 1 year as High Priest and Prophet. He took a couple of years off and then returned as Recorder in 2018. He completed his Emeritus year in 2025. Read More Charlie Farnham Chief Rabban Charlie Farnham is a member of the Board of Directors of Ben Hur Shriners. He has been a member of Ben Hur since 1999 and was an active member of the Drum and Bugle Corps until its demise. He is currently a member of the Motley Brue and Golf Units. Charlie is a Past Potentate of Ben Hur, having served in that role in 2008. He is also a dual member of Hella Shriners in Dallas, Texas. Read More Mike Preece Oriental Guide Mike Preece is a member of the Board of Directors of Ben Hur Shriners. He was raised a Master Mason in the late 1970s, joined the Austin Scottish Rite in 1980, and became a member of Ben Hur Shriners in 1984. Read More Ricky Hayes Assistant Rabban Bio Information Goes Here Read More James Heineman PP Treasurer James Heineman is a member of the Board of Directors of Ben Hur Shriners. He has been a member of Ben Hur since 2017, and is active in the Travel Club, Motorcycle Club, Motley Brue Unit, and Directors Staff. Read More The Elected Shrine Leadership Board of Directors Potentate – This is, the Chairman of the Board. It is an elected position. The Nobles, who are members, vote annually, for their choice of Potentate. Chief Rabban – 1st Vice President. As with the Potentate, this is also an elected position. Assistant Rabban – 2nd Vice President. This is also an elected position. High Priest and Prophet – 3rd Vice President. Another elected position. Oriental Guide – 4th Vice President – Yet another elected position. Treasurer - Disburses funds for budgeted and approved expenses. Recorder - Serves as secretary to the board, and conducts day-to-day operations and much more. The elected Board of Directors is the management team.

< Back Mike Preece Oriental Guide 2026 Mike Preece is a member of the Board of Directors of Ben Hur Shriners. He was raised a Master Mason in the late 1970s, joined the Austin Scottish Rite in 1980, and became a member of Ben Hur Shriners in 1984. Mike has been an active member of the Directors Staff for many years. He served as President of the Texas Shrine Directors Association and later as President of the International Shrine Directors Association, representing the organization on the international stage. Mike was born on February 3, 1954, in Austin, Texas. He graduated from Lanier High School and completed several college courses while traveling and working throughout the country. In 1971, Mike enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly served four years before receiving an honorable discharge in 1975. Following his military service, he built a successful career as a pipeline welder before advancing to pipeline inspection and project consulting. Now retired, Mike enjoys spending time with his family and sharing life's experiences with his companion, Barbara George, while residing in Austin, Texas. TBD TBD

< Back Charles Maddox Potentate 2026 Charles E. Maddox i s an attorney for the Office of the Secretary of State of Texas. Prior to working for the Secretary of State, he served as an Assistant Attorney General for Texas, and was a budget analyst for the Legislative Budget Board of Texas. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Master of Public Affairs each from the University of Texas at Austin, a Doctor of Jurisprudence from St. Mary’s University School of Law, and a Master of Laws from Stetson University College of Law. He is admitted to the Bar in Texas, and every civilian federal court which has jurisdiction in and over the State of Texas. He, his wife Emily, and their daughter reside in the Austin Area. A proud eleventh generation Texan, Charles is a member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas and is an Honorary Admiral in the Texas Navy. Bro. Maddox, a fifth generation Freemason, was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason in Hill City Lodge No. 456 AF&AM in 2006, and served as its Worshipful Master in 2016-17; the lodge earned the Vanguard Award during his term. He is also a member and Past Master (2020-21) of the Texas Lodge of Research, and a member of Union Lodge No. 82 AF&AM, DeMolay Lodge No. 199 AF&AM, Texana Lodge No. 123 AF&AM, and Tranquility Lodge No. 2000. He was president of the Masters Wardens & Secretaries Association for Masonic District 50 (Austin/Travis County, TX) in 2022-23. He served as District Deputy Grand Master for then-Grand Master Ken C. Curry in 2021-22. He was appointed to a seven-year term to the Masonic Jurisprudence Committee for the Grand Lodge of Texas beginning in 2021; he served as Chair for the 2023-24 year. In Shrinedom, Noble Maddox was created in Ben Hur Shrine No. 58 in 2011. He is a Past Brew Master (President) of the Motley Brue Unit, and is a member of the SREKOJ (Clown) Unit. He was elected to the progressive Divan in 2021. In the Texas Shrine Association, he was elected to the progressive line in 2022. At the Imperial level, he was appointed an Imperial Outer Guard’s aide for 2023-24. Comp. and Sir Knight Maddox was exalted, greeted, and knighted in Lone Star Chapter No. 6 RAM, Austin Council No. 2 R&SM, and Colorado Commandery No. 4 KT, respectively, in 2009. He served as Most Excellent High Priest (2015-16), Thrice Illustrious Master (2014-15), and Eminent Commander (2017-18) of each body respectively. During each term he presided, the Chapter, Council, and Commandery earned the Zerubbabel, Life Preserver, and Cross and Crown awards, respectively. He was honored with the Cornerstone Award and Cryptic Triangle Award in the Chapter and Council respectively. He serves in the progressive line in the Order of the Silver Trowel and the Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor, chair organizations for the Council and Commandery respectively. He served as a District Deputy Grand High Priest for then-Grand High Priest Jackie W. Mathews in 2016-17, and as a District Deputy Grand Master for then-Grand Master Reese L. Harrison, Jr. in 2017-18 – the Grand Commandery of Texas does not have a District Deputy system. He serves five-year terms on the Jurisprudence Committees for the Grand Chapter, Grand Council, and Grand Commandery, including as Chairman in 2022-23 for the Grand Chapter, and 2020-22 for the Grand Council. He was invited into numerous York Rite Invitational organizations, including the Red Cross of Constantine, the Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, the York Rite Sovereign College of North America- which honored him with the Order of the Purple Cross, and the Knights of York Cross of Honour. He currently serves in the progressive line of the Grand Council of Knight Masons of the United States of America. As a third-generation member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Bro. Maddox was initiated in 2006 in the Valley of San Antonio Bodies, and is also an affiliate member of the Valley of Austin Bodies He serves as a progressive line officer in James D. Richardson Council of Knights Kadosh No. 4. He is a member of the Knights of St. Andrew. He is a graduate of the all the Master Craftsman Programs. He is an endowed member of the Scottish Rite Research Society. charlesemaddox@gmail.com (512) 567-6744

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