Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts

M∴E∴ Ernest A. Bean Biography

On October 30, 2020, Ernest Bean, of Tyngsborough Massachusetts, was installed as the 82nd Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts. He is following in the footsteps of Past Grand High Priests like Benjamin Hurd Jr. and Dana A. Jackson. The office of Grand High Priest is a volunteer position; the Grand High Priest is elected and installed on an annual basis. Tradition dictates that a first-year Grand High Priest is re-elected for a second and third year before another new Grand High Priest is elected.

As Grand High Priest, he presides over several thousand Capitular Masons and over 30 Chapters throughout the Commonwealth. The Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Masons in Massachusetts was chartered in 1798 and is one of the oldest Grand Royal Arch Chapters in the world.

The Grand High Priest has two distinct responsibilities. In this capacity, he has numerous ceremonial privileges. He ensures the activities taking place within the jurisdiction comply with the Constitutions and Regulations of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter. His second responsibility is leading the business of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter.

Ernie was brought up in Lexington, Massachusetts and graduated from Lexington High School and continued his education at Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology.  He worked for 25 years as an Automotive Technician and later changed his career and now works in the Information Technology field.

In 1986, he began his Masonic career by joining Simon W. Robinson Lodge in Lexington, Massachusetts. He served as the Worshipful Master, or presiding officer of the Lodge, in 1995-1996. He also served as Master of Caleb Butler Lodge in Ayer, in 2008. He is also a member of several other Masonic Lodges.

Ernie served the Grand Lodge when he was appointed District Deputy Grand Master for the 14th Masonic District in 2006. He received the Joseph Warren Medal for Distinguished Service in 2005.

Ernie began his York Rite journey in 2008 when he joined Houghton-Walden Royal Arch Chapter (now Concord Royal Arch Chapter) in Concord, Massachusetts.  He served as High Priest in Concord, from 2009 to 2011 and again in 2012. He has also served as Illustrious Master of Adoniram Council of Royal & Select Master Masons in Concord from 2017 thru 2020. He joined Boston Commandery No. 2 in Boston and is a Past Commander of Coeur de Lion Commandery No. 34 in Concord.

Ernie started his service to the Grand Royal Arch Chapter in 2012 when he was appointed Grand Master of the Second Veil. He later served as District Deputy Grand High Priest in 2016-2017. He was elected Deputy Grand High Priest in 2017 and served again in 2018. Ernie received the Benjamin Hurd, Jr. Medal for Distinguished Service in 2017. Ernie also served as Grand Captain of the Guard of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Master Masons in 2019. Ernie is a Grand Representative to Pennsylvania for the Grand Council.

Ernie has been active in several York Rite organizations in his lifetime. He is a member of the Massachusetts Convention of High Priests, The Grand Royal Arch Exemplification Degree Team,  Massachusetts Council of Thrice Illustrious Masters, Mayflower York Rite College No. 105, Colonial Council No. 19 of Knight Masons, St. Matthew’s Conclave Red Cross of Constantine, The Massachusetts Chapter of Research, Paul Revere Council No. 401 Order of the Allied Masonic Degrees, as well as a member of Massachusetts Priory No. 52 KYCH.

Ernie also belongs to the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction; he became a 32° Mason in the Valley of Boston and is also a member of the Valley of Lowell. He is a Shriner and belongs to Aleppo Temple in Wilmington.

Ernie has served as an Advisor for the International Order of Rainbow for Girls, and DeMolay, two Masonic youth organizations. He is a member and a three-time Past Patron of Ida McKinley Chapter No. 86, Order of the Eastern Star.

Ernie currently resides in Tyngsborough with his wife, Vivian. They have two adult children.

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