2025 Fall Reunion

101st Reunion – September 27, 2025

The Eastern Arkansas Scottish Rite Bodies held their Fall Reunion on Saturday, September 27, 2025.

Our second reunion of the year is normally called the Summer reunion, and was traditionally called the Summer Reunion, so this was a landmark event this year.

It was dedicated to the memory of Ill. Hughie Gene Hightower, 33° who died on the 4th of July, 2021.

Brother Hughie was a member of the Scottish Rite since 1964 until his death. He was made a 32° Scottish Rite Mason on November 9, 1964 in Little Rock. He affiliated and became a plural member with the Eastern Arkansas Bodies on April 13, 1998. He was elected to the rank and decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor on October 4, 1999 and was coroneted a 33° Scottish Rite Mason on December 10, 2005.

Brother Hightower was the only known recipient of the 33° in recent history to be from Randolph County. He was also a Past Master of Randolph Lodge # 71 in Pocahontas and a member at Smithville Lodge # 29 in Smithville.

Brother Hightower was a barber by trade and was the owner of the oldest barber shop in Arkansas for a time. Sanitary Barbershop is still in operation today. He was also a retired teacher from the Pocahontas School District.

Brother Hightower was a very committed mason. He worked tirelessly with the Masonic Cemetery in Pocahontas until his death. He was a foundation block at his lodge and was respected by all. Brother Hightower was a Korean War Veteran but with his quiet nature would not talk much about it. Brother Hightower did not talk much but spoke volumes with his deeds.

He worked at every reunion with cheer and attended every meeting he could accompanied by his wife Joanne until his health started to fail him. Brother Hightower was the Class Director for the Valley of Jonesboro and was the degree master for the 23rd degree and insured it was performed flawlessly.

Written by Bro. Randy Gilless 32° KSA
Master of Kadosh & Degree Master 23rd Degree