Benjamin W. Polston, II, 33°
Deputy of the Supreme Council in Georgia
Past Grand Master of Masons in Georgia (2024)
Illustrious Benjamin Wesley “Ben” Polston, II, 33°, is a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and lifelong servant-leader whose Masonic journey reflects steady dedication to the Craft, to charitable mission, and to principled leadership in Georgia.
In February 2026, he was appointed Deputy of the Supreme Council in Georgia for the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction, USA. In this role, he serves in statewide leadership for the Scottish Rite, helping strengthen the Valleys of Georgia and advance the Rite’s mission of education, fellowship, and charitable impact.
In 2024, he had the distinguished honor of serving as Grand Master of Masons in Georgia, the highest elected office of the Grand Lodge of Georgia. His year of service reflected a lifelong commitment to unity, ritual excellence, and leadership development across the jurisdiction.
Family & Personal Life
Ben was born in Dothan, Alabama, to Wes and Joy Polston and was raised in Marianna, Florida. Growing up on a family farm and cattle ranch, he learned the enduring values of discipline, work ethic, and stewardship at an early age — even operating a two-cylinder John Deere tractor by the age of nine.
He was active in Boy Scouts, JROTC, and FFA, representing his high school in Agriculture Mechanics and winning the State of Florida competition in 1980.
He earned an Associate of Arts from Chipola Junior College and later graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Economics.
Ben has been blessed with a 39-year career with Standard Motor Products, Inc., where he serves as a Territory Sales Manager. His wife, Tammie Steadham Polston, owns and operates a hair salon and two Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios.
Ben and Tammie are members of Rockdale Baptist Church in Conyers, Georgia. They are the proud parents of three daughters — Dana, Leigh, and Makenzie — and have three sons-in-law: Daniel Reddock, Kevin Skinner, and Creighton Segars. They are blessed with five grandchildren: Makinley, Bronlin, McKenzie, Penelope, and Foster. Together, they enjoy time outdoors hunting and fishing.
Masonic Leadership & Accomplishments
Ill. Polston’s Masonic service spans the Craft Lodge, York Rite, Scottish Rite, and numerous appendant bodies.
Craft Masonry
Past Grand Master of Masons in Georgia (2024)
Perpetual Member and Past Master, Golden Fleece Lodge No. 6, Covington, Georgia
Perpetual Member, Cottondale Lodge No. 206, Cottondale, Florida
York Rite
A Perpetual Member of the Covington York Rite Bodies, he has served as:
High Priest, Covington Chapter No. 71
Illustrious Master, Covington Council No. 41
Commander, St. Bernard Commandery No. 25
Secretary/Recorder, Covington York Rite Bodies
He was honored to serve as Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters for the State of Georgia in 2016.
His recognitions include:
Royal Arch Mason of the Year
Cryptic Mason of the Year
Knights Templar Cross of Honor
Knight Commander of the Temple
Order of High Priesthood
Order of the Silver Trowel
Knights Crusader of the Cross
He has also served as Webmaster for York Rite of Georgia and Editor of the Knights Templar Magazine Supplement for the State of Georgia, and continues to serve as Webmaster for the Atlanta Masonic Library / General Grand Chapter Library website.
Scottish Rite
Ill. Polston is a Perpetual Member and 33° of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction, USA, Valley of Atlanta.
He served as Venerable Master of the Lodge of Perfection in 2014 and currently serves as Degree Master for the 14th Degree. He is a Past President of the East Side Scottish Rite Association.
Additional Masonic Affiliations
His service extends across numerous Masonic and allied bodies, including:
Royal Order of Scotland (Life Member)
Red Cross of Constantine (Past Sovereign; Recorder; Intendent General, Northern Jurisdiction)
York Rite College (Charter Member and Past Governor; recipient of the Order of the Purple Cross, 2014)
Knights of the York Cross of Honor (Past Prior)
Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests (Past Preceptor)
Knight Masons
Allied Masonic Degrees (Past Sovereign Master of multiple councils)
Order of St. Thomas of Acon
Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis
Yaarab Shrine (Life Member; member of Knights of Mecca and Alcovy Shrine Club)
Royal Order of Jesters (Past Director)
National Sojourners (Life Member)
Order of DeMolay (Legion of Honor, 2023)
Tall Cedars of Lebanon
Sons of the Confederate Veterans
Sons of the American Revolution
Commitment to the Craft
Across decades of service, Ill. Polston’s leadership has been marked by steady devotion to ritual integrity, charitable stewardship, fraternal unity, and the mentorship of future leaders.
As Deputy of the Supreme Council in Georgia and Past Grand Master of Masons in Georgia, he continues to serve with humility, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the enduring principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.