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Orient of Georgia

The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite
Orient of Georgia

ALBERT F. GARNER, JR. 33˚

Al Garner was born April 27, 1937 in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. He was educated in the public schools of Roanoke Rapids and in those of Whaleyville, Virginia. He furthered his education at Edwards Military Institute and Wake Forest University, graduating with a degree in history with minors in Political Science and Spanish.

After college, Al began a long career in the broadcasting and entertainment fields. Starting as a radio announcer, he worked as a “DJ”, news and sports announcer in Gainesville, Florida. Among other things, he announced the play-by-play for the Washington Senators in the summer “Grapefruit League” and later college sports in Baltimore and Houston. For fourteen years he managed a major music entertainer in concerts throughout the United States and Europe. He found time in this schedule to start and manage radio stations for this entertainer in Baltimore, Houston and Augusta, Georgia. In 1981 Al accepted a job with WCNN in Atlanta, and after eight years accepted a position as General Sales Manager for Joseph Broadcasting. He is now retired, using that term very loosely.

Our Brother is married to the former Gay Lynn Smith having united on July 12, 1958. They are the proud parents of three adult daughters: Julie, Lori and Allison. They have four grandchildren and two great grandchildren, all living in the Atlanta area. Al and Gay are members of the Methodist Church and reside in Decatur. Al was active in the Boy Scouts in North Carolina and Virginia and was president of his Jaycee Club in Pompano Beach, Florida.

In 1983 Brother Garner was Initiated, Passed and Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in Clarkston Lodge No. 492. He immediately became totally involved in the life of the Lodge. He earned and has held the White and Blue Cards of Proficiency in the Uniform Work for many years. In 1989 he served as Worshipful Master of Clarkston Lodge and led the Lodge to receive the Grand Master’s Cup as the Lodge of the Year in the State.

Brother Garner did not rest at the end of his term as Worshipful Master, but has continued his activity in the Lodge. In addition to serving as President of the DeKalb County Masonic Association, he has served as Chairman of the Fifth Masonic District Deputies to the Grand Master and also served as Custodian of the Uniform Work in the Fifth Masonic District. Brother Garner also served as Worshipful Master of the Fifth Masonic District Convention.

In recognition of Brother Garner’s extraordinary Masonic abilities, he was appointed by Right Worshipful Brother C. E. Horne to serve as Third Grand Steward of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Georgia in 1998. Faithfully advancing through the line of Grand Officers, Brother Garner was elected to the highest office in Freemasonry; that of Grand Master of Masons, serving Georgia Masons in the year 2005.

Brother Garner received the Scottish Rite Degrees in the Valley of Atlanta and immediately began active role in the valley. He has served in many areas: Degree Master, Ritualist and Class Room Director. For his faithful service and future expectations, Brother Garner received from the Supreme Council the Rank and Decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honour in 1995. He was coroneted 33˚ Inspector General Honorary in 2001. He is also a member of the Georgia 33^rd Degree Team. He is now the Personal Representative of the Sovereign Grand Inspector General in Georgia for the Valley of Atlanta.

Illustrious Brother Garner is also active in the York Rite having served as presiding officer of all the bodies of the Rite: Mt. Zion Chapter No. 16, Royal Arch Masons, Jason Burr Council No. 13, Royal and Select Masters, and Coeur de Lion Commandery No. 4, Knights Templar. He is a member of Cherokee Rose Priory No. 56, Knights of the York Cross of Honour; Luther G. Palmer York Rite College No. 123; He is an Officer and member of St. Ambrose Conclave Red Cross of Constantine; Past President and member of the Georgia Lodge of Research; Yaarab Shrine and a number of other Masonically affiliated organizations.

As Scottish Rite Masons we are pleased and honored to have the privilege of serving with such an outstanding Mason and gentleman, Most Worshipful and illustrious Brother Albert F. Garner, Jr. 33˚.

Valley of Atlanta Web Editor: Bill Byrd, 32º KCCH