By Most Illustrious Companion William Powell
Past Most Illustrious Grand Master, Grand Council of Louisiana
William Powell
Most Illustrious Grand Master
Grand Council of Louisiana
Most Illustrious William Powell was born a Cajun/French Louisianan, raised by a set of great wonderful parents, and worked in the Southwest area my entire life. I graduated from both Sam Houston High School located in Moss Bluff, LA and McNeese State University located in Lake Charles, LA with a General Business Degree in 1975. At Sam Houston High I lettered in football and wrestling. I was a member of the Letterman Club, French Club, and worked many civic group gatherings. At McNeese State University I became of member of Delta Sigma Pi, National Business Fraternity and became a Life Member.
I began working for my father in 1969 until 1984 when he closed down our business. He started me as a laborer, assembly man of industrial and hydraulic hoses, v-belt sales and designs, truck deliver of forklifts, in-side and outside sales, Manager of Sales, VP of Operations, and part owner of K&D Services, Inc. and Forklift Rentals, Inc. I believe my father taught me to handle the many problems of business and management of working with the many situations employees will bring to work each day.
In April 1989, I began working for the State of Louisiana Charity Hospital System as the Purchasing Agent for the next 24 years until State of Louisiana abolished the Charity Hospital System under the management of LSU Health Care Services. The last Title that I obtained for my many promotions was Materials Management which I had the duties of management of Property Control, Warehouse and Cart Supplies, and Purchasing.
I was a member of a few civic groups that there to many to write here but I brought my Leadership to each organized group and was elected to their top leadership office. I was a member in good standing of Lions International and became the first 100% President of the local Lake Charles Downtown Lions and voted three times Tail Twister. I became a High School Football Official in 1972 and retired 2016. I became the #1 Umpire to be called by name to officiate many high school play-off games. The Southwest Football Association elected me as President for a one year term. Then the association changed the by-laws for me to serve one more year term along with changing the by-laws again for me to serve the first two year term due to my leadership and new ideas to promote better officiating. My leadership also brought me success with the Lake Charles Baseball/Softball Association by electing me President ten (10) years in succession.
I have been married to Sharon Marie (Lowrey) Powell for 45 years. We divide our time between home, Masonry, Eastern Star, Amaranth, traveling, my son’s family, and Grandchildren; Clare and Clayton. Sharon is a sweet person to get to know as many here in Louisiana enjoy being with her.
Fraternally,
William Powell
Masonic Bio
Leadership positions include:
Worshipful Master, Iowa Lodge #451 F&AM, State of Louisiana
General Secretary of South Central York Rite Conference (2014 – present)
Right Excellent Grand King, Grand Chapter RAM, State of Louisiana
Deputy Master Mason, Louisiana Old Capitol Assemblage, Operative Masons, USAM Region
Superintendent of Work, USAM Region
Grand Superintendent of Knight Masons USA in Louisiana
Chairman of Centennial Committee for the Lake Charles SSR Valley
Louisiana State Director of DBB and National Board of Directors DBB
DeMolay Scottish Rite Foundation Board of Louisiana
Masonic Resume’
Blue Lodge: Raised a Master Mason September 8, 1976, my Father William B. Powell was Master of Moss Bluff Lodge #462 F&AM and my grandfather William Edd Powell was there for my raising. Served as Worshipful Master 1982, 2004, 2006, and 2007, served Secretary for 4 years, and serving as Treasurer from 2009 to current.
York Rite: PHP Lake Charles #47 RAM; PIM Calcasieu #19 R&SM; PEC Malta #12 Commandery; Treasurer Lake Charles York Rite Bodies 2005-current
Grand York Rite: PGC Grand Commandery Knight Templars of Louisiana 2011; PIGM Grand Council of S&RM of Louisiana 2017; Grand King Grand Chapter RAM of Louisiana 2023
Grand York Rite honors: Chapter – Ephraim Award; Council – Oder of the Secret Vault; Commandery – Knight Commander of the Temple; College – Order of the Purple Cross.
York Rite honors: Red Cross of Constantine, past Sovereign; Allied Masonic Degrees, past Sovereign; York Rite College, past Sovereign; Order of the High Priesthood, past President; Order of the Silver Trowel, past TIM; Knights Preceptor, past Preceptor; Knight Crusader of the Cross, past Commander; KYCH, past Prior; and HRAKTP.
Scottish Rite: 33º – 2019; Scottish Rite Research Society, Life Member
Other Masonic affiliations: served Worthy Patron OES (8 times and current); WGP 2019-2021 (COVID service); served twice Royal Patron Order of Amaranth; 3-year term Grand Trustee Grand Court of Amaranth Louisiana; Secretary/Treasurer Amis Fous Grotto