Excellent Grand Principal Sojourner
Companion S. Jeffrey Baine was born in 1964 in Decatur, Illinois. He graduated from Mt. Zion High School and Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.
He married Tracy Baine in October 2020 and together they have six children, Brea, Tiffany, Emily (Nick), Shelby, Daniele and Matthew. They also have three grandchildren, Joey, Lenny and Scarlett. Companion Baine and his wife Tracy currently reside in Urbana.
Right Worshipful Brother Baine was initiated an Entered Apprentice on May 26, 1988, passed to the degree of Fellowcraft on July 6, 1988, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on August 10, 1988, in Western Star Lodge #240 AF & AM, Champaign, Illinois.
Right Worshipful Brother Baine served as Worshipful Master of Western Star Lodge in 2005. He is also a member of St. Joseph Lodge #970 where he served as Worshipful Master in 2015 and is the current Worshipful Master of St. Joseph Lodge. He is also a member of Mahomet Lodge #220 where he served as Worshipful Master in 2017 & 2018. Right Worshipful Brother Baine is an honorary member of several lodges. Right Worshipful Brother Baine served as District Deputy Grand Master for the 6th Eastern District from 2009 – 2011 and in 2015 was commissioned as a Certified Lodge Instructor.
Brother Baine was created a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Freemason and Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret in 1988 in the Valley of Danville, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite.
In 1997, he was created a Noble of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Noble of the Mystic Shrine in Mohammed Temple, Peoria and a former member of the Cornbelt Shrine Club where he was active in the clown unit. He is currently a member of Ansar Shrine and a charter member of Salt Fork Shrine Club.
Companion Baine was exalted to the supreme degree of Royal Arch Mason in Champaign Chapter # 50 where he served as High Priest from 2018 – 2019 and currently serves as the Royal Arch Captain. He is also a charter member of Admiration Chapter #282, Homer. In 2020 he was appointed as District Deputy Grand High Priest for the 8th District and served in that capacity until being appointed Grand Master of the Third Veil in 2022 and then was elected Grand Royal Arch Captain in 2022. In 2023 he was elected Grand Principal Sojourner. He is the General Grand Chapter Distinguished Service Medal in Bronze recipient for 2022. Companion Baine is also a member of the Order of High Priesthood.
Companion Baine was greeted as a Select Master in Urbana Council #19 of Cryptic Masons, where he has served as Thrice Illustrious Master from 2016 – 2018. And currently serves as Conductor of the Council. He is a member of the Illinois Council of Thrice Illustrious Master. Companion Baine was appointed District Inspector for District 11 in 2023.
Sir Knight Baine was dubbed and created a Knight of the Valiant and Magnanimous Order of the Temple Urbana Commandry #19 where he serves as Junior Warden.
Prophet Baine is a charter member of Illini Grotto, Mahomet, Illinois.
Companion Baine is a member of Eastern Illinois Council #356 Allied Masonic Degrees.
Companion Baine is a member of East Central York Rite College #81 where he serves as Chancellor.
Companion Baine has been a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer since 1985.