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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 Ron Speaks High Priest and Prophet Born a Kentuckian, Ron is proud Texan by choice! He is a Vietnam Veteran and after 7 years of active-duty 1968-1975, he continued working for the US Air Force as a DOD Civilian from 1975-2003, with multiple duty stations around the globe. His last assignment was Chief of Aircraft & Missile Maintenance Training Management, Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill AFB Utah. While stationed in Alaska, Ron was made a Master Mason at Tanana Lodge #3, became a 32°Scottish Rite Mason and a Noble of AL ASKA Shrine, all at Fairbanks, Alaska during Nov 1998 – June 1999. Later, during his Air Force time and after his 2003 retirement in Utah, he became York Rite Mason, served as Worshipful Master of George Washington Lodge #24, President of Ogden Shrine Club, President of EL Kalah Clowns, VP of the Ogden Temple Board, Finance Committee on the Salt Lake Shriners Hospital Board, Grand Pursuivant on the Grand Lodge of Utah. In 2002 Ron was appointed to Staff positions with EL Kalah Shrine, and was elected Oriental Guide, High Priest & Prophet and Assistant Rabban 2004-2006. 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 Ricki Pierce Oriental Guide 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 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.

Highland Lakes Shrine Club about us Main Contact & Email Ted Robertson ted_l_Robertson@yahoo.com E-Mail Phone 512-635-0631 Location China Kitchen, 705 1st Street Marble Falls, TX Meeting Days 2nd Thursday of the month 6:30 pm Purpose Website Facebook

Shrine Current Events is a variety of social activities available for the entire family, special interest clubs, and units to satisfy individuals. The privilege of being a part of the "World's Greatest Philanthropy," offers Shriners many opportunities to find personal fulfillment and satisfaction. Current Events A variety of social activities are available for the entire family at Ben Hur Shriners, with many special interest groups, units, and clubs to satisfy individual tastes. The privilege of being a part of the "World's Greatest Philanthropy," offering Shriners many opportunities to find personal fulfillment and satisfaction through supporting Shriners Hospitals. If you would like to conduct a fundraising activity please contact Ben Hur Shriners at (512) 480-0812 or email us at secretary@benhurshrine.org Purchase Tickets 1/0 Event Calendar Ben Hur Shriners and Shriners International are organizations that are dedicated to supporting children in need of medical care. The Shriners are a fraternity of men who share a common bond of brotherhood and work and have fun together to provide charitable services to their communities. Through their various event activities, the Shriners raise funds for medical research and treatment, as well as provide support to families in need. The Ben Hur Shriners, in particular, are based in Austin, Texas, and are committed to making a difference in the lives of children. Whether through parades, fundraisers, or other events, the Shriners are always working to make a positive impact on their community and beyond.

< 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

Shriners are a brotherhood of men committed to family, engaged in ongoing personal growth, and dedicated to providing care for children and families in need. Our backgrounds and interests are diverse, but we are bound together by our shared values. About Us WHO ARE THE SHRINERS? Shriners Believe in Brotherhood... Shriners are a brotherhood of men committed to family, engaged in ongoing personal growth, and dedicated to providing care for children and families in need. Our backgrounds and interests are diverse, but we are bound together by our shared values and a desire to have fun, do good and build relationships that can last a lifetime. To be a Shriner you have to be a Master Mason First. Learn more about our organization below: Learn about Freemasonry Learn about Shriners Learn about Shrine Hospitals WHAT’S A SHRINER? A Shriner is a man who professes a faith in God. As a man of faith, he uses the tools of moral and Ethical truths to serve mankind. A Shriner binds himself to like-minded men in a Brotherhood that transcends all religious, ethical, social, cultural, and educational differences. In fellowship, with his brothers, a Shriner finds ways in which to serve his God, his family, his fellow man, and his country. A Shriner is dedicated. He recognizes his responsibility for justice, truth, charity, enlightenment, freedom and liberty, honesty and integrity in all aspects of human endeavor. A Shriner is such a man!! WHAT’S A FEZ? Ben Hur Shriners is a part of, a fraternity that was founded in 1870. We are a fraternity of men dedicated to brotherhood, fun, and philanthropic activities. One of the most iconic symbols of our fraternity is the fez. Worn by members of Ben Hue Shriners, the fez is a red felt hat that is adorned with a black tassel and scimitar logo. It was chosen as our symbol by our founder. The fez is a symbol of our commitment to our international brotherhood and philanthropy. It stands out in a crowd and has become a well known symbol that represents a true Shriner. Contact Us Shriners International WHY SCIMITAR LOGO? The scimitar stands for the backbone of the fraternity, its members. The two claws are for the Shriners fraternity and its philanthropy. The sphinx stands for the governing body of the Shriners. The five-pointed star represents the thousands of children helped by the philanthropy each year. The emblem also bears the phrase “Robur et Furor,” which means “Strength and Fury.”

< 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

SREKOJ Clowns Unit about us Main Contact & Email Anthony DeFrancisis adefrancisis1@gmail.com E-Mail Phone 903-343-2363 Location Ben Hur Shrine Meeting Days Meetings: 3rd Thursday of the month 6:00 pm Purpose Website Facebook

Important Shrinedom Links to remember Shriners International Website Shriners International Facebook Shriners International LinkedIn Shriners International Instagram Refer A Good Man Be A Shriner Now WebFez Shriners Hospitals For Children Shriners Hospitals Linked In Shriners Hospitals Instagram Demolay https://www.benhurshrine.org/ Jobs Daughters Daughters of the Nile Important Links Shriners International Instagram Austin Valley Scottish Rite Be a Shriner Now Grand Lodge of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children Shriners International Cabiri Past Potentates York Rite Freemasonry Shriners Children Ladies Oriental Shriners International Facebook Shriners Hospitals LinkedIn Rainbow Girls Refer A Good Man East West Shrine Bowl East West Shrine Bowl Store Shriners Hospitals Instagram WebFez Shriners Videos Shriners International LinkedIn

< 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

Join the Shrine Lady Organizations. The ladies enjoy the Shrine through several independent organizations that women who are related to a Shriner are eligible to join. They include: Daughters of the Nile (DON) The Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America The Shrine Guilds of America Shrine Lady Organizations Shriners’ ladies enjoy the Shrine through several independent organizations that women who are related to a Shriner are eligible to join. There organizations support Shriners Hospitals for Children®