Biography of Andrew R. Jackson, FSA Scot

     Andrew Richard Jackson was born in Elkhart, Indiana on April 26, 1948. Andy graduated from Elkhart High School in 1966 and went on to graduate from Indiana State University in 1970 with B.S. degree in education and was a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity while studying at ISU.

    Andy graduated from the United States Department of Labor Apprentice Program in 1975. Nine months later Andy started A. R. Jackson Plumbing, Inc and has enjoyed working in the Central Indiana area to date.  He received a “Certificate of Approval” in September 1999 from the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs due to his support to the agency. He has also been involved as a real estate investor and developer.  He has graduated from many sales schools along with a course in Masonic Leadership from the George Washington National Masonic Memorial located in Washington D.C.

    Andy started his Masonic career on October 28, 1986 by being raised as Master Mason in Greenwood Lodge #514 located in Greenwood, Indiana.  In 1998 Andy affiliated and helped charter Century Lodge #764 located in Freemason’s Hall at Indianapolis, Indiana. He served as Worshipful Master of Century Lodge #764 in 2002.

     He was exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Indianapolis Chapter #5 RAM on September 29, 1987, served as High Priest in 1996; greeted a Select Master in Indianapolis Council #2 R&SM on April 16 1988, and served as Illustrious Master in 1999 and 2005. He was created a Sir Knight in Raper Commandery No. 1 on October 31, 1988, serving as Raper’s E. Commander in 2000. He is a York Rite plural member of the New Albany, Elkhart, and our Indiana Masonic Home York Rite Bodies in Indiana. He has also served a High Priest, Illustrious Master and E. Commander of the Greenwood York Rite bodies. He is currently serving as Illustrious Master of Ferrell Council No 113.

     Andy is a founding life member Knight Templar of The Preceptory and Priory of Bute No 179 located on the Isle of Bute, Scotland, UK  Andy was elected to a Fellow membership to Society of Antiquaries of Scotland located within the Royal Museum, Edinburgh, Scotland in November 2005.

      On April 18, 1998 he was inducted into the Grand Council of Knight Masons, Indiana No. 15 and is serving an top Officer. On April 24, 1999 he received the General Grand Council Cryptic Masons Meritorious Service Award. Also that year was awarded the General Grand Chapter, International, Bronze Award. Andy was also a 1996 recipient of the Indiana Grand Chapter RAM’s  High Priest of the Year  Award.  He has also server as a President of the Group 7E State York Rite Association.  He also has served as a Grand Council Group/Arch officer for many years.

     He holds and serves as a Life member, since April 11, 1997, in the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis, where he served for many years in the degree work. He now is serving as Chairman of the Wardrobe Committee and Chairman of the Historical Committee.  In October of 2005 he was honored with the Valley’s Meritorious Service Award (Red Hat). Andy has also been a life member of the Royal Order of Scotland since September 23, 1993. He joined the Scottish Rite, Knights of St. Andrews in 2005.

     He was inducted a Knight of the York Cross of Honour in Robert A. Woods, Priory No. 62 on January 25, 2003 and was awarded the International Order of DeMolay Legion of Honor on November 2, 2002.   He has served as Recorder of the Yeomen of York, Indianapolis #4 and was elected Honoree Director General on November 4, 2006.

     On October 5, 1999 he became a member of Greenwood Chapter #390 Order of Eastern Star; and, November 7, 1998 the Sahara Grotto. Andy is an Officer of St. Andrew Tabernacle No. XXXV Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests and a life member of the Indianapolis – Fort Harrison Chapter No. 66 and Indiana Masonic Home Chapter of the National Sojourners, Inc.  

     He is a life member and Past Governor of the Marvin L. Isley #129 York Rite Sovereign College. On March 23, 2000 he was presented the Award of Gold from the Sovereign College.  In 2004 he was elected to receive the Order of the Purple Cross and received the degree in Little Rock, AR in July of 2006. Andy has also been a member of St. James Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine since 2004.

     He is a Past President of the Indiana Masonic Home High 12 Club and Indianapolis High 12 Club where he served as the Charter President. He was commissioned a “Kentucky Colonel” by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 1999.

     Andy has served the Board of Directors of our Indiana Masonic Home for 5 years. He has served as the Indiana State Director of the Royal Arch Research Assistance. He received a membership in the General Grand High Priest’s Keystone Club on April 25, 1998. In the fall of 2002, he was appointed the Chairman of the Cryptic Masons Medical Research Publicity committee for the General Grand Council Cryptic Masons, International by MPGIM Perry Anderson. Andy has been a member of the Murat Shrine since December 5, 1987.

     Andy became a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland based in the Royal Museum in Edinburgh, Scotland in November 2005. He is serving as the W. Master of the Dwight L. Smith Lodge UD of Indiana and a life member of the Philalethes Society. He has served the York Minister Chapter Philalethes as 2003 President when the chapter hosted the Simi-Annual International Meeting in Indianapolis where he was awarded the Philalethes Award of Merit 2003 from Nelson King and the Philalethes Society. He is an active member of the United Kingdom “Jewels of the Craft” based in central England.

We must never forget his Patriot lectures of our wonderful country and servicemen each Veteran’s Day at our Indiana Masonic Home and else where around the world.

Sir Knight Andrew R. Jackson was elected Right Eminent Grand Commander at our Annual Grand Conclave in Indianapolis, Indiana, April, 2007.