Most Excellent Grand High Priest

Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Illinois 2026–2027

Motto:

Fides • Familia • Fraternitas

Faith • Family • Fraternity

Personal Background

Companion Tracy W. Harris was born on November 28, 1970, in Carbondale, Illinois, to Val

Gene Harris and Wanda Zoella (Harrison) Harris. On July 7, 1990, he married the Kristina L.

(nee) Reeve Harris, whom he met while serving with the California Conservation Corps at the

Bay Area Center in 1989. Together they have been blessed with two sons, Tanin and Kevin.

Before returning to Illinois, Companion Harris served with the California Conservation Corps

(CCC) as a member of an emergency response crew based at the Bay Area Center in Richmond, California. During his service, he received certification in both wildfire suppression and flood response and participated in a wide variety of conservation and emergency operations throughout the state.

His assignments included wildfire suppression, reforestation projects, erosion control, park and trail development, flood mitigation, and environmental restoration on public lands. Working alongside state and local agencies, he gained firsthand experience in disaster preparedness, emergency response, teamwork, and public service under demanding conditions.

Following the devastating Loma Prieta earthquake on October 17, 1989, Companion Harris was

deployed to San Francisco's Marina District, one of the area’s most heavily damaged by the

disaster. There, he served in emergency response and security operations, assisting with public safety efforts, securing damaged neighborhoods, controlling access to restricted areas, and supporting local emergency personnel during the recovery. His service during one of California's most significant natural disasters exemplified the California Conservation Corps' mission of serving both the environment and the people of the state in times of crisis.

The discipline, commitment to service, and leadership developed during his time with the

California Conservation Corps would become defining qualities throughout his professional

career and his decades of service within Freemasonry.

Following his marriage, Companion Harris returned to Southern Illinois and began his career

with Olin Corporation's Ordnance and Tactical Systems Division in Marion, Illinois. During his career, the facility evolved from Olin Corporation to Primex Technologies following the spin-off of Olin's defense business and later became part of General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems after its acquisition by General Dynamics.

For much of his career, Companion Harris worked in the manufacture of solid rocket propellants and propulsion systems, serving as a Propellant Igniter Chief. In that role, he helped oversee the production of solid propellant igniters and energetic components used to initiate rocket motors and missile propulsion systems. These critical components are designed to perform with exceptional precision and reliability, ensuring the safe and dependable operation of military rocket and missile systems.

The Marion facility became one of the nation's leading producers of advanced energetic materials, tactical propellants, combustible cartridge cases, and propulsion technologies used by the United States Armed Forces. In addition to its work in solid propulsion systems, the plant manufactured medium- and large-caliber ammunition, including tank ammunition, artillery projectiles, mortar rounds, and naval gunfire systems supporting the nation's defense.

Throughout decades of technological advancement and corporate transition from Olin Corporation to Primex Technologies and ultimately General Dynamics, Companion Harris remained committed to producing products that support the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. His career reflects a lifelong dedication to service, integrity, and excellence.

Masonic Service

Ancient Craft Masonry

Companion Harris was Initiated, Passed, and Raised in Saline Lodge No. 339, A.F. & A.M., Goreville, Illinois, in 2007. He became a Certified Lodge Instructor in 2010 and has served Saline Lodge as Secretary (2010–2014; 2018–2019) and Worshipful Master in 2015. He also served as Worshipful Master of Anna Lodge No. 520, A.F. & A.M., in 2010 and 2011 and as District Deputy Grand Master of the Sixteenth Southern District from 2011 through 2013.

In 2020, Companion Harris affiliated with Germania Lodge No. 46, under the Grand Lodge of

Louisiana, strengthening his ties to one of the oldest and most historic Masonic jurisdictions in the United States. Through this affiliation, he has enjoyed the opportunity to experience another jurisdiction's customs and traditions while further broadening his appreciation for the universality of Freemasonry.

Capitular Masonry

Companion Harris is a member of Murphysboro Chapter No. 164, where he served as Excellent High Priest in 2019 and 2020 and has served as Secretary since 2021.

His service to the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Illinois has included Grand Master of the Third Veil (2020), Grand Principal Sojourner (2021), Grand Captain of the Host (2022), Right Excellent Grand Scribe (2023), Right Excellent Grand King (2024), Right Excellent Deputy Grand High Priest (2025), and Most Excellent Grand High Priest (2026–2027). He is also a member of the Holy Order of High Priesthood.

Cryptic Masonry

Companion Harris is a member of Murphysboro Council No. 49, where he served as Thrice

Illustrious Master in 2018 and 2019 and has served as Recorder since 2021. He received the Order of the Silver Trowel in 2019 and was conferred the honorary Order of the Knight of Ish Sodi in 2021.

Chivalric Masonry

Within Beauseant Commandery No. 86, Sir Knight Harris served as Eminent Commander in 2016, 2017, and 2019. He is also a member of the Illinois Chapter, Order of Knights Preceptor.

York Rite Invitational & Appendant Bodies

Companion Harris has long believed that the continued strength of York Rite Masonry depends upon education, fellowship, and active participation beyond the local Chapter, Council, and Commandery. His commitment to those principles is reflected through his membership and service in numerous invitational and appendant bodies.

He is a member of:

•  Southern Illinois York Rite College No. 33

•  Shamrock Council No. 43, Knight Masons

•  Little Egypt Council No. 400, Allied Masonic Degrees (Sovereign Master, 2023)

•  Pathros LVIII, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests

•  Illinois Priory No. 11, Knights of the York Cross of Honour (Knighted 2021)

•  Preceptory No. X, Yeomen of York

•  Prairie Land College, Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis (SRICF)

•  Saxa Rubra Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine

In 2021, Companion Harris was Knighted in Illinois Priory No. 11, Knights of the York Cross of

Honour. Membership in the Knights of the York Cross of Honour is extended by invitation to

Companions and Sir Knights who have served as the presiding officer of each of the four principal York Rite bodies: Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council, and Commandery, and who have demonstrated distinguished service to York Rite Masonry. The honor reflects his dedication to leadership, ritual excellence, and service throughout the York Rite.

His participation in these organizations reflects a lifelong commitment to preserving Masonic

tradition, encouraging fellowship, and providing opportunities for continued learning and personal growth.

Scottish Rite

Companion Harris is a 32° Scottish Rite Mason in the Valley of Southern Illinois, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. He is an active member of the Knights of St. Andrew and serves as Sovereign Prince of the Princes of Jerusalem. Through his service in the Scottish Rite, he strives to advance Masonic education, encourage fellowship, and inspire a lifelong pursuit of Light, complementing the teachings and traditions of the York Rite.

Other Honors

Among his civic honors, Companion Harris was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel by Governor Andy Beshear of the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 2025. The title of Kentucky Colonel is the Commonwealth's highest civilian honor and is bestowed by the Governor in recognition of noteworthy accomplishments, outstanding service to others, and dedication to the welfare of one's community.

Inspired by the ideals of service associated with the commission, Companion Harris helped

establish the Little Egypt Kentucky Colonels, encouraging fellowship, charitable outreach, and

community service among fellow Kentucky Colonels in Southern Illinois. He views the commission not simply as an honor received, but as a continuing responsibility to serve others with integrity, humility, and compassion.

Masonic Philosophy

Freemasonry has become far more than an organization to me, it has become a way of life. It has taught me that true leadership begins with service, that knowledge carries with it the responsibility to teach others, and that our greatest legacy is found in the lives we touch.

As both a York Rite and Scottish Rite Mason, I believe our duty extends beyond preserving our

traditions. We are called to strengthen our Lodges, Chapters, Councils, Commanderies, Valleys, and the many invitational and appendant bodies that enrich our fraternity. Our responsibility is not only to safeguard the teachings entrusted to us, but also to mentor future generations, support our Brothers and Companions, and leave our institutions stronger than we found them.

Whether serving in Craft Masonry, the York Rite, the Scottish Rite, or the many invitational and appendant bodies of our fraternity, our purpose remains the same, to make good men better through faith, education, fellowship, servant leadership, and a steadfast commitment to the principles of Freemasonry.

The theme of my Capitular year, Fides • Familia • Fraternitas (Faith • Family • Fraternity) reflects the principles by which I strive to live and lead. My hope is that my service will leave our fraternity stronger than I found it. Throughout my Masonic journey, I have remained convinced that education is one of the greatest gifts we can offer our fraternity, for an informed Mason is better equipped to serve his Lodge, his family, his community, and his God.