155th Annual Grand Lodge Convention – 2026

The 155th annual convention of the Grand Lodge, Knights of Pythias of Missouri, was held Saturday and Sunday, October 10th and 11th, 2026, at the The Inn at Grand Glaize in Osage Beach, MO.  The convention was attended by our esteemed Supreme Chancellor Tim Van Boening.

At the convention, the Grand Lodge saw the election of Grand Chancellor Troy Steinert, Grand Vice Chancellor Patrick Hill, Grand Prelate Jesse Knipker, Grand Secretary Steve Glise, Grand Treasurer Randall Todd, Grand Master at Arms Edward Choate, and the appointment of Grand Inner Guard Mark Johnsen, and Grand Outer Guard Judy Woods.

Among the legislative proposals, all of which passed unanimously, was the release of Arkansas and the addition of Nebraska to the Missouri Domain, and the extension of the Grand Lodge Building Fund to include the option of funding a subordinate lodge building, as well as other general provisions for the Order in this domain.

This convention was also the debut of Rolla Lodge #447, represented by Past Chancellor James Sparks, which had been instituted just weeks prior in Rolla, Missouri.  Rolla Lodge #447 stood among representatives from Fraternal Lodge #14 of Carthage, Sicilian Lodge #39 of Independence, Syracuse Lodge #437 of Republic, and Moniteau Lodge #446 of California – all Missouri-based lodges.  Damascus Lodge #446 of Emporia, KS, did not send a delegation this year.

Supreme Chancellor Tim Van Boening.

L to R – Back row: Bro. Jim Woods, Bro. Patrick Hill, Bro. Ed Choate, Bro. Larry Caudle. Front row: Sis. Judy Woods, Sis. Barbara Ashworth, Bro. Troy Steinert.

L to R: Sis. Judy Woods, Bro. James Sparks, Bro. Ed Choate, Bro. Randy Todd, Bro. Steve Glise, Bro. Jesse Knipker, and Bro. Patrick Hill.