Most Worshipful Grand Master James M. Barkdull

James M. Barkdull, the 156th Grand Master, was born in South Bend, Indiana on September 2, 1939. He was raised a Master Mason on March 12, 1981 in Plymouth-Kilwinning Lodge No. 149. He served as Worshipful Master in 1985. He also served his Lodge as Treasurer and Trustee.

He is a proud member of Bartimaeus Lodge U.D. He is also honored by all of the Honorary Memberships that he has received from the many Lodges throughout the State of Indiana.

Jim is a member of the South Bend Valley Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite and a Dual Member of the Valley of Terre Haute. He served the Valley as Thrice Potent Master of the Lodge of Perfection in 1996-97. His activities included: director of the 8th degree, Prologuist and Orator of the 14th degree and parts in the 31st and 32nd degrees. He has served as District Membership Chairman, President and Secretary of the Marshall County Scottish Rite Club. On September 28, 1999 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Jim was crowned a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33° at the Supreme Council, NMJ.

He is a member of the York Rite Council and Commandery in South Bend and the Royal Arch Chapter #49 in Plymouth. He served as High Priest of Plymouth Chapter #49 U.D. and High Priest of Nappanee Chapter # 155. He is a member of the Elkhart Yeoman of York, St. Hilary Conclave, and Red Cross of Constantine, Indiana York Rite College #55 and will receive the Order of the Purple Cross in July of this year. He is a member Royal Order of Scotland and Goose N Tater #101 and member of the Order of the Gordian Knot, Indiana Synod #1. He is a member of the Orak Shrine and Royal Order of Jesters Court #43 in Michigan City, a Charter member of Northern Indiana Chapter #544 National Sojourners and a member of the Heroes of “76”. Jim is a member of Plymouth Chapter No. 26, Order of the Eastern Star and has served as Worthy Patron several times.

In May of 2001, Most Worshipful Brother Richard W. Wierzba appointed Jim as Junior Grand Deacon in the Grand Lodge Officer line. In September of 2001, the Grand Lodge of Ohio appointed Jim as their Grand Representative in Indiana. He has advanced through the Grand Lodge line and on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 was invested with the purple of the fraternity as the 156th Grand Master of the Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of the State of Indiana.

The History of the Grand Master Pin