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Supreme Council Confers Tompkins Medal on C. Michael Watson, 33°

The Supreme Council was pleased to award Illustrious Brother C. Michael Watson, of the Valley of Dayton, the Daniel D. Tompkins Medal on April 15, 2023, for his distinguished service to the Masonic fraternity at large.

The Tompkins Medal may be conferred by the Supreme Council or the Sovereign Grand Commander upon a deserving Masonic or Scottish Rite Brother who has rendered exemplary service to his country or the Masonic Fraternity at large not often witnessed among the general membership.

The Tompkins Award

In the Scottish Rite, Ill. Bro. Watson served as Sovereign Prince of Miami Council, Princes of Jerusalem, Valley of Dayton from 1990-1992. He went on to become a trustee for the Valley of Dayton for many years and is now a trustee emeritus.

He served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Ohio from 1997-1998 and later served the Grand Lodge of Ohio as Grand Secretary for 11 years, retiring in 2021. While Grand Master, he was responsible for bringing the Masonic Model Student Assistance program to Ohio.

“Dad” Watson also served as Executive Officer for DeMolay in Ohio from 1999-2003, then as the Grand Master of DeMolay 20082009. He also provided national leadership to the Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees, serving as Sovereign Grand Master 20102011. In 2012, he was elected and installed Great Chief for the Grand Council of Knight Masons, USA.

“Along with his service to DeMolay, first as Executive Officer for Ohio, and then as Grand Master of DeMolay International, Mike has shown leadership and unwavering commitment to helping young people,” said Ill. Douglas N. Kaylor, Active Member for Ohio.

Brother Watson shared his thoughts after receiving the Tompkins Medal.

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