Most Excellent Past Grand High Priest (2018 – 2019)
Companion Byford O. “Bo” Cook was born in 1961 at Whiteman Air Force Base in Knob Noster, Missouri. Since being awarded a degree of Bachelor of Science in Education and Training from Southern Illinois University and a Master of Arts in Education from McKendree University, he has pursued a career in manufacturing and post-secondary education. His professional career includes Journeyman Tool and Die Maker, Certified Mechanical Inspector, First Line and Middle Management, all in the manufacturing sector. He has served as Department Head faculty over the Advanced Manufacturing Department of Wabash Valley College since 1995. On 25 September 1999, he married the former Abbi Lynn Bunting with whom he has a son, Elias. Bo also has a grown daughter, Olivia, from a previous marriage. The Cooks are active members of Little Prairie Christian Church in Albion.
Our MEPGHP was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in July 1983, in Triple Lodge No. 835 Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Illinois, in Granite City. He holds life memberships in Hermitage Lodge No. 356 and in Bridgeport Lodge No. 386 where he presided as Worshipful Master in 2013. Bo serves as a Member of the Grand Lodge of Illinois Leadership Committee.
Bo was exalted to the august degree of the Holy Royal Arch on 15 November 2008, in Henry Godeke Chapter No. 38 in Bridgeport, where he presided as Excellent High Priest in 2012. During his term, the chapter was awarded the Chapter of the Year and Arch of Excellence awards, and Bo received the High Priest Leadership Award. He was inducted into the Anointed Order of High Priesthood on 29 July 2011. He joined the Grand Chapter line on 29 July 2011 as Excellent Grand Master of the First Veil, and served as Excellent Grand Master of the Third Veil from July 2012 to July 2014. He was elected Excellent Grand Principal Sojourner on July 25, 2014. He is a perpetual life member of the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons International.
Companion Cook was greeted as a Select Master on 15 November 2008 in W.R. Lashbrook Council No. 55, Cryptic Masons of Illinois, in Bridgeport, where he presided as Thrice Illustrious Master in 2013. During his term, the council was recognized as an Honor Council. He received the degree of Past Thrice Illustrious Master on July 18, 2014. He was honored as Knight Ish Sodi at the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Illinois 2015 Grand Sessions.
Bo was dubbed and created a Knight of the Valiant and Magnanimous Order of the Temple on 15 November 2008 in Gorin Commandery No. 14, Knights Templar of the State of Illinois, in Bridgeport, where he currently served as Eminent Commander in 2014. He is a Life Sponsor of the Knights Templar Eye Foundation.
He received the degree of Knight of the East and West in Irish Sea Council No. 98, Knight Masons of the U.S.A., on 20 October 2010, in Equality, where he currently serves as Senior Knight.
Companion Cook was initiated into Wabash Valley Council No. 454, Allied Masonic Degrees, on 28 August 2010, in Albion. He served as Recorder/Treasurer in 2014.
Bo was elected and initiated as a Frater of Illinois College, Masonic Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis (Rosicrucian Society of the U.S.) on 2 December 2011.
He was created a Knight of York on 10 July 2010 in Southern Illinois York Rite College No. 33. He was received as a Knight Yeoman of York into Mt. Vernon Preceptory No. X on 13 November 2011.
Brother Cook was created a 32° Scottish Rite Freemason and Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret on 25 October 2008 in the Valley of Danville, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, where he was elected President of the Centennial Rose Croix class. He is a Past Sovereign Prince of the Walter Stevens Council Princes of Jerusalem presiding in 2014.
Our MEPGHP was created a Noble of the Mystic Shrine in Ainad Shriners, A.A.O.N.M.S., of East St. Louis, on 16 May 2009.