1997 ST. JOHN'S DAY PARADE
On June 21, 1997, for the first time in well over a century, a Saint John's day parade was held in Knoxville. This parade was organized by the District 20 Officer's Association. Brother Denny Pressley, currently serving as Worshipful Master of Burlington Lodge #763, spearheaded the efforts to make this parade a reality.
It was estimated that there were over 800 participants in the parade, including Blue Lodges, OES Chapters, York Rite Bodies, Scottish Rite Bodies, Grotto, and Shrine units. High school bands also participated.
Shown at left are the Grand Officers marching in the parade. They are being led by W. Brother Tom Boduch, 1997 Grand Marshal.
The parade culminated a week long MASONIC FAMILY RENEWAL WEEK. A Saint John's day celebration was held at the Knoxville Scottish Rite Temple on Wednesday June 18 and was attended by over 300. Earlier in the week, Sister Betty DeLaney, Past Grand Worthy Matron OES, Ill. Brother Fred McPeake, Knoxville Scottish Rite Bodies Secretary, Grand Master's Historian, Ill. Brother Bobby Demott and District 20 Chairman Brother Johnny Stooksbury appeared on a Sunday morning Knoxville radio talk show, discussed the Saint John's day celebration and answered questions about Masonry in general.
Shown at right (from left to right) are some of the grand officers preparing to march in the parade: W. Brother Les Casteel, Grand Tiler, W. Brother Tom Boduch, Grand Marshal, W. Brother Jim Custer, Grand Steward, W. Brother Lloyd Heath, Grand Pursuivant, W. Brother Ben Richardson, Grand Sword Bearer and Brother Bobby Demott, Grand Master's Historian.