John was born on Christmas Eve 1923 and joined Titusville Lodge No. 754 in the Spring of 1946. He is 97 years old and a 75-year member and served as Worshipful Master in 1953. He is a member of Cyrus Royal Arch Chapter No. 236 since November 22, 1946 when you received both the Mark Master Mason Degree and the Most Excellent Master Masons and was exalted a Royal Arch Mason on January 17, 1947 which we celebrate and honor today as he is a 75-year member. Additionally, he served as Most Excellent High Priest two times 50 years apart plus was a Chapter Secretary for 40 years.
John is a member of Occident Council No. 41 Royal & Select Master Masons which he was received a Royal Master Mason and Select Master Mason on March 19, 1952. He was made a Super Excellent Master Mason on September 22, 1952. He served as Thrice Illustrious Master in 1956 and was appointed a Puissant District Deputy Grand Master District No. 3 for the Grand Council of Pennsylvania from 2010 thru 2016 and earned the honor and title of Past Puissant District Deputy Grand Master.
He is a member of Franklin
Commandery No. 44 and has served as Eminent Commander which completed a leadership position in all four Masonic York Rite Bodies which qualified him to be invited to join the Keystone Priory No. 26, Knight of the York Rite Cross of Honor (KYCH) on May 5, 1956. He is currently the oldest member of the Priory.
John also has received the honor of being nominated and received the Order of the Purple Cross by the Sovereign York Rite College which is a distinguished honor which is awarded to only 2 percent of the total membership.
He is an accomplished ritualist as he has conferred over 100 degrees on candidates for the Entered Apprentice Degree, Fellowcraft Degree, Master Mason Degree, Past Master Degree for the Symbolic Lodge, the Mark Master Mason Degree, Most Excellent Master Mason Degree, Royal Arch Masons Degree and the Order of High Priesthood for the Chapter, the Royal Master Degree and Select Master Degree in Council and the Order of Red Cross in the Commandery.
In 2020 he was awarded the Grand Holy Royal Arch Capitular of the Year Award for his dedicated service, having served as an officer either elected or appointed continuously since he became a member. He assisted and conferred degrees at the recent District wide Capitular Festival in Oil City. John is always available to help and mentor new members.
John is also a member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in the Valley of Oil City and Valley of New Castle which he joined recently as the Sovereign Grand Commander Illustrious John W. McNaughton signed his petition.
John is a veteran having served in the U. S. Army Air Corp in WWII and is very active in his church and community.
We are proud to recognize John M. Schultz, Sr. a humble servant for Capitular Masonry for 75 years.