THE GRAND LODGE OF TENNESSEE Call: 615-255-2625
Free and Accepted Masons
MAKING GOOD MEN BETTER

Grand Master
 
 

James Rhyne Arnhart

  • 2023 Most Worshipful Grand Master

  • Grand Lodge
    Free And Accepted Masons Of Tennessee

 


James Rhyne Arnhart, Jr. was born on July 15, 1954, in Murfreesboro Tennessee, the son of James and Bobbye (Brooks) Arnhart both natives of Knoxville, Tennessee. Jim’s early education was accomplished in the Murfreesboro City School System, and he was a member of the first graduating class of Oakland High School of Rutherford County Schools. After high school Jim joined the United States Navy and served honorably as a Naval Corpsman. After being discharged from the Navy, Jim worked in health care management throughout the United States until his retirement.
Brother Arnhart is married to the former Carol Ethridge, a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee. They have been blessed with two wonderful children: Wesley Rhyne Arnhart and Julia Brooks Arnhart and one beautiful granddaughter, Emily Elizabeth Arnhart.
On September 29, 2005, Brother Arnhart took his first step in Freemasonry, and on March 16, 2006, he was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in Red Bank Lodge 717. In 2016, Brother Arnhart was honored to have been elected and served as the Worshipful Master of Fidelity Lodge 558. He is presently a member of Chattanooga Lodge 199.  In 2018, Brother Arnhart served the Grand Lodge of Tennessee as Grand Steward. 
Brother Arnhart is a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Chattanooga, where he previously served as General Secretary, and is a plural member of the Valley of Nashville. Brother Arnhart is currently serving the Valley of Chattanooga as the Commander of Kadosh, Reunion Class Director, Festival Director for the Feast of Tishri, and has held several other appointed positions including Mentoring Chairman. He was recognized for his efforts and received the rank of KCCH, Knight Commander Court of Honor, in 2011. He was coroneted a 33rd degree Sovereign Grand Inspector Honorary in 2017.
Companion Arnhart was exalted in John Bailey Nicklin Chapter 49 Royal Arch Masons and is a plural member of Rhea Springs Chapter 83, having served as High Priest in both Chapters. Companion Arnhart is the recipient of the Order of High Priesthood and served a time as the Excellent Grand Recorder and Treasurer of the Order of High Priesthood. Companion Arnhart served the Grand Chapter of Tennessee as Right Excellent Grand Principal Sojourner.
Companion Arnhart was greeted in Mount Moriah Council 95 Cryptic Masons and is a plural member of Calvary Council 140, serving as Illustrious Master in both Councils. Companion Arnhart is the recipient of the Order of the Silver Trowel and served as Scribe and Treasurer of the Order of the Silver Trowel. On two occasions Companion Arnhart served the Grand Council of Tennessee as Illustrious Grand Marshall. Companion Arnhart is the recipient of the Ish Sodi award from the Grand Council of Tennessee. 
Sir Knight Arnhart was Knighted in Lookout Commandery 14 Knights Templar and is a plural member of Cyrene Commandery 42, serving as Commander in both Commanderies. Sir Knight Arnhart served the Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Tennessee as Aide de Campe to the Grand Commander and later served as the Eminent Grand Warder. Sir Knight Arnhart serves as the Grand Representative for the Grand Commandery of Georgia. Sir Knight Arnhart also served as Chairman of the Long-range Planning Committee. He was honored to be the recipient of the Knights Templar Cross of Honor from the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the U.S.A. Sir Knight Arnhart is the recipient of The Tennessee Knights Templar Meritorious Service Medal.
Frater Arnhart is a member of Tennessee College Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis as a 9th grade Magus, currently serving as Celebrant. He is a member of Frizzell York Rite College 146; St. Mathias Conclave Red Cross of Constantine, in which is he Past Puissant Sovereign; and Grand College of Rites of the United States of America. He received the Knight York Cross of Honor and is a member of Tennessee Priory 15 as well as a Knight Crusaders of the Cross. He has been knighted into the Royal Order of Scotland. Commander Arnhart was duly received into the Priestly Order of The Temple, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests. He is a Knight Commander of the Red Branch of Eri. Brother Arnhart is an Honorary Kentucky Colonel and a member of the Tennessee Squire Association.
Brother Arnhart was elected Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden in March 2019 and has advanced each year being elected Most Worshipful Grand Master in March 2023.


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Nashville, TN 37203
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