2014 Thomas W. Melham Humanitarian Award Recipient

Illustrious Sir Kurt R. Grosse, Past Potentate 1996

Ainad Shrine Temple - East St. Louis, Illinois

Born December 15, 1951

Graduated from Waterloo High School in 1970.

Attended Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville and Northern Illinois University in Dekalb.

Graduated from Eden Theological University with a degree in Licensed Ministry

Served on the Board at the Waterloo St. Paul's UCC Board as Secretary and as Deacon

He started out in the family lumber yard business as a third generation manager / owner.

Kurt is currently working for Roofing Supply Group of St. Louis, Missouri heading their residential division.

Youth membership included member of E.A. Weinel Chapter of DeMolay in Columbia. He received his Chevalier and Legion of Honor awards through the E.A. Weinel Chapter, Order of DeMolay. He was a member of the Belleville Black Knights Drum and Bugle Corps, and all DeMolay Corps and the Rosemount Cavaliers Drum Corps. He is a Past Dean and active member of the Egyptian Preceptory, Legion of Honor. He also was the Shrine Representative to the Illinois DeMolay Foundation Board, representing Ainad Shriners organization.

Joined Morris Lodge #787 in Waterloo in 1974 and served as the Worshipful Master in 1979.

Joined the White Shrine and served as Watchman of the Shepherd in 1999.

Joined the Granite City, York Rite Bodies in 1990. Granite City Chapter, No 221, R.A.M., St Clair Council, No 61, C.M., Emanuel Commandery, No 81, K.T.

Joined the Valley of Southern Illinois in 1974 and then joined the cast of several degrees including the 20th Degree. In 1980, he began doing the part of George Washington and has been doing the part ever since.

Served as Sovereign Prince of the Cahokia Council, Princes of Jerusalem in 1990.

Received his 33 Degree in Boston, Massachusetts in September 1993.

Served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Mississippi Valley Consistory for the years 2001-2003.

Served as the Deputy Representative of the Valley of Southern Illinois to the Illinois Council of Deliberation from 2005 to 2013

The Director General of the Supreme Council Session Northern Jurisdiction in Saint Louis MO in 2003

Joined Ainad Shriners in 1974 and became a member of the Drum and Bugle Corps and still serves as the units Treasurer and chairman of the annual golf tournament.

In 1985 he was Imperial Drum Corps Association President in Atlanta, Georgia and a current officer.

Appointed the Outer Guard of Ainad Shriners 1986 by Potentate Thomas Barschak.

He served as Potentate in 1996 as one of the youngest ever for Ainad and a life member

Served as circus site chairman, membership, steering and numerous committees

He has served as the Director General for several Potentates for trips and the 100th Anniversary celebration.

Appointed Director General for the Great Lakes Shrine Association by Steve Kibler

Kurt resides in Waterloo, Illinois with his son Kyle.

Kyle has been a 32 Degree Scottish Rite/Shrine / Mason since he turned 18 years of age in 2004.

Kyle is an active member of the Ainad Drum Corps