Masonic Biography for WB Matthew James Backus

Lodge:

  • Secretary, Garfield Lodge No. 569 (2021-),
  • Grand Master’s Award with High Distinction (2016)
  • Past Master, Garfield Lodge No. 569 F&AM of the Grand Lodge of Indiana (2015),
  • District 1 Educator, Grand Lodge of Indiana Masonic Education Committee (2011-13 / 2020-2023)
  • Ritualist Award Program, Master Award Recipient (2012)
  • Masonic Orator’s Award, Grand Lodge of Indiana (2011)

 

Chapter:

  • Recipient of the Distinguished Companion Award, RAM of IN (2025)
  • Chairman, Education Committee for the Grand Chapter, RAM of IN (2023)
  • Recipient of the General Grand Chapter Ritual Award (2015)
  • Royal Arch Deputy for District A, Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Indiana (2012-14)
  • High Priest of the Year, Grand Chapter, RAM of IN (2013)
  • Past Excellent High Priest, Hammond Chapter No. 117, Royal Arch Masons (2013)
  • Member, Valparaiso Chapter No. 79

Council:

  • Past Illustrious Master, Hammond Council No. 90, Cryptic Masons (2012)
  • Thrice Illustrious Master Degree (2012)
  • Member, Valparaiso Council No. 86

Commandery:

  • Grand Commander’s Club – GEKTUSA (2021)
  • Past Eminent Commander (2013), Hammond Commandery No. 41, Knights Templar
  • Past Commander’s Association (2013)
  • Recipient of the Indiana Grand Commandery Distinguished Service Award (2013)
  • Recipient of the Indiana Grand Commandery Certificate of Merit (2013)
  • Fellow, Newby-Avery Society (2013)
  • Member, Valparaiso Commandery No. 28

Knights of the York Cross of Honour:

  • Eminent Prior, J. Herbert Nichols Priory No. 76 (2025-26),
  • Knight York Cross of Honor, Life Member, J. Herbert Nichols Priory No. 76 (2016)

 

York Rite College:

  • Eminent Secretary, Northwest Indiana College No. 73 (2025-present),
  • Past Preeminent Governor, Northwest Indiana College No. 73 (2024-25),
  • Gold Award Recipient, York Rite Sovereign College of North America (2022)
  • Order Knight of York, Northwest Indiana College No. 73 (2013)

Allied Masonic Degrees USA:

  • 4th Grade: Councilor, Royal Order of the Masonic Knights of the Scarlet Cord (2024)
  • Secretary, Valparaiso Council No. 470 (2022-)
  • Knight Commander, Royal Order of the Red Branch of Eri (2016)
  • Past Sovereign Master, Valparaiso Council No. 470 (2015)

 

Societas Rosicruciana:

  • Magister (VIII*), High Council SRICF (2025)
  • 4th Ancient, Indiana College (2021-)
  • Adeptus Exemptus (VII*), Indiana College, SRICF (2020)
  • Adeptus Exemptus (VII*), East of Scotland College, SRIS (2019)

Knight Masons USA:

  • Scribe, Fírinne Council No. 115 (2026-)
  • Past Excellent Chief, Fírinne Council No. 115 (2024-25)
  • Scribe, Fírinne Council No. 115 (2022-24)
  • Charter Treasurer, Fírinne Council No. 115 (2014)
  • Life Membership, Fírinne Council No. 115 (2020)

Scottish Rite:

  • Orator, John Hazen White Chapter of Rose Croix, Valley of South Bend (2020)
  • Charter Member, South Bend Valley, Knights of Saint Andrew (2011)
  • Awarded “Ambassador” to the Valley of South Bend (2011)
  • Co-Chairman, Scottish Rite Research Guild, “COD Guild of the Year in 2011” (2010-12)
  • Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret, or 32°, Valley of South Bend (2001)

 

Tall Cedars of Lebanon:

  • Scribe, Adoniram Forest No. 209 (2013-2016)
  • Past Grand Tall Cedar, Adoniram Forest No. 209 (2012)
  • Charter Senior Deputy Grand Tall Cedar, Adoniram Forest No. 209 (2011)

Masonic Order of Pilgrim Preceptors:

  • Orders of Pilgrim and Preceptor (2024)
  • Charter Steward Preceptor, Æthelberht of Kent Conclave No. 49 (2024)

 

St. Thomas of Acon:

  • Charter Member, Canterbury Chapel No. 37 (2022)

 

Concordant & Appendant Bodies:

  • Red Cross of Constantine: Knight Companion, St. Basil Conclave (2025)
  • Royal Order of Scotland: Knight of Heredom of Kilwinning and of the Rosy Cross (2011), Life Membership (2016)
  • Yeoman of York: Knight Yeoman, Merrillville Preceptory No. 1 (2012)
  • Shriners International: Noble, Orak Shrine (2022)
  • Masonic Order of Athelstan: Member, Regius Cordis Court No. 110, (2022)
  • Grand College of Rites USA: Member (2022)