Welcome Randy Sanders!

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Robert H. Johnson

I've known Randy for a long time. Way back...I decided to visit the closest Valley that was Southern Jurisdiction of the AASR (Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite). I pulled into the parking garage and began to walk to the entrance of the building. I was met by a gaggle of Brothers having some cigars and just talking outside. 

It was a muggy day. The kind we complained about then, but look back on and wish for right now. Chris Tully was out there, being Chris. Goofy and serious and joking--all smiles. Jacob Thompson was there with his astute bowtie, a briefcase, and a stack of papers under his arm. Jacob looked like a frazzled professor running late for his next lecture.

That weekend was something else. After one of the degrees, Jacob Thompson was teaching a class about what we had just gone through. This is why I went down there, why I drove 5 hours to a reunion. Education! 

So there I was, sitting at a long table, on a metal folding chair, drinking black Folgers out of a styrofoam cup. Sitting next to me was this really friendly guy. How do I put this? Have you ever just met someone and, bam! You have a new super close Bro? That was Randy. I'll never forget that weekend.

Fast forward a bit and I meet Randy at more reunions, more conventions, more educational conferences. This guy was/is learning everything. The day I met Randy, we were students together. Now, Randy assists and teaches the classes along with Jacob. He does so much, including looking after the Valley of St. Louis's library--something I can't thank him enough for.

A few weeks ago, fellow managing editor, Darin Lahners said to me, "You think Randy would consider becoming a regular?" And it was a brilliant question. I asked Randy if he'd be interested and of course, he was in.

Welcome, Bro. Randy Sanders to the Midnight Freemasons as a Regular Contributor! I'm excited to read what Brother Randy brings to the mix as I know you all will be as well. 

Bro. Randy and his wife Elyana live in O'Fallon, MO just outside of St. Louis. Randy earned a

Bachelors in Chemistry with an emphasis in Biochemistry, and he works in telecom IT. He volunteers his time as a professional and personal mentor, is an NRA certified Chief Range Safety Officer, and enjoys competitive tactical pistol. He has a 30+ year background teaching Wing Chun Kung Fu, Chi Kung, and healing arts. Randy's Masonic bio includes lodge education officer of two blue lodges, running the Wentzville Lodge Book Club, active in York Rite AMD, Scottish Rite Valley of St. Louis co-librarian, Clerk of the Academy Of Reflection through the Valley of Guthrie, a trained facilitator for the Masonic Legacy Society. As a pre-COVID-19 pioneer in Masonic virtual education, Randy is an administrator of Refracted Light and an international presenter on esoteric topics. Randy enjoys facilitating and presenting Masonic esoteric education, and he hosts an open, weekly Masonic virtual Friday Happy Hour. Randy is an accomplished home chef, a certified barbecue judge, raises Great Pyrenees dogs, and enjoys travel and philosophy.