Introduction
Chartered on February 17, 1864, Giles Fonda Yates Council Princes of Jerusalem is the Valley of Boston body responsible for the 15th and 16th degrees.
Known as the historical degrees, these lessons follow the return from Babylonian captivity and the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. Through the story of Zerubbabel and his companions, they invite reflection on courage, perseverance, and devotion to truth.
The Council continues the Scottish Rite journey begun in the Lodge of Perfection, encouraging each Brother to put his convictions into practice.
The 15th–16th Degrees
Set in the time of Cyrus and Darius, these two degrees explore integrity in the face of temptation and the enduring strength of truth.
| Degree | Title | Theme for reflection |
|---|---|---|
| 15° | Knight of the East | Remaining faithful to duty and conviction when tested. |
| 16° | Prince of Jerusalem | Choosing truth above worldly ambition, with reverence for God. |
Leadership
The Sovereign Prince leads the Council, supported by its officers and the directors who guide its degree work.
| Office | Name |
|---|---|
| Sovereign Prince | James N. Orgettas, Jr., 33°, MSA |
| High Priest | Lester A. Davis, Jr., 32° |
| Senior Warden | Kenneth G. Sallale, 32° |
| Junior Warden | Richard J. McElhinney, 32° |
| Treasurer | Donald H. LaLiberte, 32° |
| Secretary | Thomas U. Kenney, 32° |
| Master of Ceremonies | S. Michael Yarosh, 32° |
| Master of Entrances | Sean F O'Meara, 32º |
| Captain of the Guard | Sergio R. DeAssis, 32° |
| Directors | Dana Lemieux, 33° Bruce H. Parker, 32° Paul W. Kaufman, 32° |
| Director of Work | Sean P. Quinlan, 32° |
Past Sovereign Princes
We recognize the men who have led Giles Fonda Yates Council Princes of Jerusalem and helped carry its work forward.
- 1864–1865 — John F. Currier, 32°
- 1865–1868 — John J. Dyer, 32°
- 1868–1875 — Oliver Ellsworth, 33°
- 1875 — Richard M. Barker, 33°
- 1875–1879 — William H. Chessman, 33°
- 1879–1886 — George S. Carpenter, 33°
- 1886–1889 — Joseph W. Work, 33°
- 1889–1892 — Eugene H. Richards, 33°
- 1892–1895 — Thomas Kellough, 33°
- 1895–1898 — John M. Raymond, 33°
- 1898–1901 — William A. Estes, 32°
- 1901–1904 — William H. Puffer, 33°
- 1904 — Howard K. Sanderson, 32°
- 1904–1907 — Charles A. Esty, 33°
- 1907–1910 — John E. Pierce, 33°
- 1910–1911 — Benjamin Taft, 32°
- 1911–1914 — Edward O. Hatch, 32°
- 1914–1917 — James D. Robertson, 33°
- 1917–1920 — Harry E. Stilphen, 33°
- 1920–1923 — Lawson W. Oakes, 33°
- 1923–1926 — Wilmot L. Marden, 33°
- 1926–1929 — Bert E. Holland, 33°
- 1929–1932 — Robert D. Webster, 33°
- 1932–1935 — Herbert M. Chase, 32°
- 1935–1938 — Edwin O. Childs, 33°
- 1938–1941 — Claude L. Allen, 33°
- 1941–1944 — Frank L. Cushing, 33°
- 1944–1947 — Ralph C. Curtis, 33°
- 1947–1950 — Kendall A. Sanderson, 33°
- 1950–1953 — Whitfield W. Johnson, 33°
- 1953–1956 — Arthur A. Sondheim, 33°
- 1956–1959 — Carroll B. French, 33°
- 1959–1962 — Lester B. Young, 33°
- 1962–1965 — James F. Farr, 33°
- 1965–1968 — Sten G. Nyberg, 33°
- 1968–1971 — H. Rushton Harwood, Jr., 33°
- 1971–1974 — Raymond A. Phillips, 33°
- 1974–1977 — Robert P. Beach, 33°
- 1977–1980 — Manson H. Carter, 33°
- 1980–1983 — Leonard Johnson, 33°
- 1983–1986 — Robert W. Custance, 33°
- 1986–1987 — Charles G. Gould, 32°
- 1987–1989 — Fred L. Morse, 33°
- 1989–1992 — Harvey J. Waugh, 33°
- 1992–1995 — Donald W. Gillis, Jr., 33°
- 1995–1998 — Kenneth J. Scott, 33°
- 1998–2001 — Charles M. Gore, 33° MSA
- 2001–2004 — Robert C. Abrahamson, 33° MSA
- 2004–2007 — Walter C. Brown, Jr., 33° MSA
- 2007–2010 — John C. Harris, III, 33°
- 2011–2013 — Richard T. Austin, 33°
- 2013–2016 — Arthur C. Bisenti, Jr., 33° MSA
- 2016–2018 — Richard W. Esancy, 33° MSA
- 2018–2021 — Richard J. Duhaine, 33°
- 2021–2024 — Richard B. Taylor, 33°
Learn More
Interested in the Council of Princes of Jerusalem or beginning your Scottish Rite journey? Contact the Valley of Boston Membership Committee to learn about membership and upcoming opportunities.