OFFICERS
GRAND LODGE MEMBERS
Our Grand Lodge Members are builders of character, craft, and community. Each Brother stands on the pillars of service, scholarship, and integrity—guiding the next generation while honoring the wisdom of those who came before.
GRANDMASTER
William Sykes 33°
Most Worshipful Grandmaster William Sykes is the founding pillar of the Tribe of Judah Grand Lodge, having established its rightful place among the Masonic family of Connecticut four years ago. With over a decade of service as Coordinating Manager of Volunteer Opportunities at HARC, he has dedicated himself to creating inclusive spaces for individuals with intellectual disabilities. For the past six years, he has also served as a Deacon at Liberty Christian Center International, where his faith and service continue to impact lives. Together with his wife, he remains a steadfast partner in both family and community outreach, united by love, faith, and a commitment to uplifting others.
Guided by the enduring principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, Grandmaster Sykes has worked tirelessly to strengthen the fraternity's impact and leave a legacy rooted in faith, hope, and charity. He believes that Freemasonry begins not in ceremony, but in the heart—where true obligation is born. For him, the most rewarding part of the Craft is the shared vision of like-minded brothers striving to uplift families and communities through unity, service, and sacred brotherhood.
DEPUTY GRANDMASTER
David Sykes
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GRAND SENIOR WARDEN
Oliver Brown
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GRAND JUNIOR WARDEN
Tylon Burris
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GRAND SENIOR DEACON
Anthony Reddick
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GRAND JUNIOR DEACON
Harry Bates
Harry Bates, a 57-year-old master barber from the Hartford area of Connecticut, is a skilled craftsman and creative with decades of experience behind the chair. Known for his precision, artistry, and ability to connect with people, Harry has earned the trust of generations of clients.
Beyond barbering, he is also a passionate artist and photographer, using his talents to capture beauty and tell stories through visual expression. A devoted husband and father, Harry balances his professional pursuits with a deep commitment to family, drawing inspiration from both his work and his loved ones
GRAND SECRETARY
Judah Makonnen
Boldly blending business, community, and the mystic, Judah is the visionary heartbeat of Artwurks Unlimited and Htfd Connect. Part entrepreneur, part designer, part spiritual seeker — he's as comfortable crafting a pitch deck as he is decoding ancient Rosicrucian symbols. Whether he's empowering youth through workshops, building bridges between local businesses, or drafting community codes of conduct, Judah operates with purpose and soul.
He’s Hartford-rooted, culture-driven, and never afraid to get hands-on — whether it's launching a 360° booth campaign, designing sacred manuscripts, or handing out laptops to future moguls. If creativity had a conscience, it would look like Judah Makonnen.
GRAND SENIOR STEWARD
Moses J. Jackson Jr.
Moses J. Jackson Jr. proudly serves as the Grand Senior Steward of the Tribe of Judah Grand Lodge. With a steadfast background in law enforcement and school security, he has dedicated his career to protecting and uplifting his community. His work as a mentor to youth reflects his deep commitment to shaping future generations with discipline, integrity, and purpose.
A devoted family man and a man of unwavering faith, Frater Jackson draws strength from his belief in his Heavenly Father and Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His spiritual foundation, combined with his service-minded heart, makes him a pillar both in the Lodge and beyond. He walks in humility, upholding the principles of brotherhood and seeking always to be a light in the lives of those around him.
GRAND TYLER
Carlos Gray
Brother Carlos A. Gray proudly serves as the Grand Tyler of the Tribe of Judah Grand Lodge, where he has been a dedicated member for the past two years. As a skilled event organizer, he brings structure, creativity, and precision to every endeavor—qualities that align seamlessly with the discipline and ceremonial responsibility of his Masonic office. An only child, Brother Gray shares a powerful bond with a close cousin, who he regards as a sibling, reflecting the fraternal spirit he values so deeply.
Brother Gray was drawn to the Craft by a desire to become a better version of himself—to seek light, guidance, and inner transformation. What he cherishes most is the brotherhood: a sacred space where like-minded men uplift and refine one another. His wisdom to those walking this path is reflective and profound: “When searching for answers, learn self. A lot of answers are within.” As Grand Tyler, he stands at the threshold of the Lodge—not just as a guardian of its door, but as a symbol of readiness, reflection, and purpose.
GRAND CHAPLIN
A. Remy
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GRAND MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Kenneth W. Blu
Brother Kenneth Blu serves as the Grand Master of Ceremonies of the Tribe of Judah Grand Lodge. Raised in a family with deep Masonic roots, the symbols of the Craft surrounded him from a young age. As a curious child, he often questioned his great-grands and grandparents about the meaning behind the Masonic rings, the regalia, and the dignified presence they carried. The only answer he received from his grandfather was, “Son, one day you will figure it out,” a response that stayed with him long after childhood.
Now standing tall on his own square, Brother Blu carries that legacy with honor and clarity. What once inspired awe and questions has now become a living truth—a sacred bond with a brotherhood of distinguished men. His journey from youthful curiosity to proud initiation is a testament to tradition, growth, and the enduring power of Masonic values passed through generations.
" THROUGH FELLOWSHIP AND FAITHFUL WORK, THEY ILLUMINATE THE PATH FOR FUTURE BROTHERS...
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HERITAGE⸻
Rooted in timeless principles and committed to a living legacy, our Grand Lodge Members uphold the craft with honor. They preserve tradition while advancing fresh solutions for today’s challenges—teaching, serving, and leading by example. Through fellowship and faithful work, they illuminate the path for future Brothers and strengthen the bonds that hold our community together.
SUSPENDISSE VEL FACILISIS⸻
Grand Lodge Members lead with vision and serve with consistency. Their efforts sustain mentorship programs, scholarships, cultural events, and community partnerships that create measurable impact across our city. By investing time, talent, and resources, they turn ideals into outcomes—supporting youth, empowering entrepreneurs, and uplifting families. We welcome partners who share this mission and invite you to stand with us as we continue to build brighter pathways and lasting change.