RW Jeffrey S. Pennington
Right Worshipful Brother Jeffrey S. Pennington was appointed Grand Secretary in May 2016 by the Grand Master upon recommendation of the Grand Secretary Selection Committee who held interviews earlier the same year. He has served in the US Army, in both Active Duty and Army National Guard commitments for over 28 years. During his service to the Nation he served as an Infantryman, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician and a Military Policeman. His duty stations included Alaska, New York, New Mexico and Missouri. He also served as an automatic weapons instructor for the Cadet Basic Training course at West Point in 1994 and he is an Honor Graduate and Leadership Award Recipient of the Primary, Basic, Advanced and Senior Leadership courses. He culminated a lifelong career as a graduate of the US Army Sergeants Major Academy in Ft. Bliss, Texas with promotion and assignment as a Battalion Command Sergeant Major until he retired in 2014.
RWB Pennington served in Operation Uphold Democracy (Haiti) in 1994 with 3/14th Infantry (Golden Dragons), 10th Mountain Division and has 2 combat tours in Iraq between 2004 and 2009 on Operation Iraqi Freedom. In Iraq he was stationed north of Baghdad within the Sunni Triangle in the 1st Infantry Division (Big Red One) and 101st Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles). His unit was awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation for combat operations in 2004-2005 and he is a recipient of The Bronze Star and multiple Meritorious Service Medals.
He studied Computer Information Systems at Three Rivers College and New Mexico State University and has extensive background in Network Engineering, Administration and Database Operations.
Right Worshipful Brother Pennington has actively served the Craft as Master of Poplar Bluff Lodge No. 209 for the 2011-2012 Masonic Year, as Treasurer and Lodge Education Officer for the same from 2013 to 2016 and as the District Deputy Grand Master of the 41st Masonic District from 2013 to 2016. He actively participates in numerous events and ceremonies across the state and enjoys Ritual, mentoring and studying Masonic History.
He is a member of all three bodies of the York Rite in Poplar Bluff, MO. Royal Arch Chapter No. 114, Royal & Select Masters Council No. 27 and Commandery No. 67, Knights Templar. He is also a Member of Chapter No. 344, Order of the Eastern Star and a member of the Three Rivers Shrine Club in Poplar Bluff (Moolah Temple. In 2018 he was elected and initiated as a Master in the Missouri Grand Cross of Color (IORG) and the DeMolay Legion of Honor (Honorary).
He states that his greatest accomplishment and title that he says that he holds most dear, however, is Dad. He is very active in his Children’s education and activities and encourages their participation in the Masonic Youth Organizations. His son Scott served as Master Councilor of Divine Chapter Order of DeMolay in 2007 and his daughter Kirsten served as Worthy Advisor of Assembly #115, International Order of the Rainbow for Girls in 2013 and currently serves as the 2019-2020 Grand Worthy Advisor in Missouri’s Grand Assembly.