2024 Officers

Elected and Appointed Lodge Officers

From left to right: Bro. Ethan White (Senior Deacon) / WB John Dimon (Treasurer) / Bro. Celio Santos (Senior Warden) / WB Michael Barnes (Worshipful Master) / Bro. Mark Beneda (Junior Warden) / WB Brent Marriott (Secretary) / Bro. Julius Boatwright (Junior Deacon) / WB Eric BenSalah* (Chaplain)

* = Pictured in Grand Lodge attire as the Grand Marshal due to being Installing Master for the 2024 Installation of Officers.

Worshipful Master
WB Michael Barnes

Michael was raised at John J. Mercer Lodge in 2014. Bro. Barnes was awarded the Titanium Trowel in 2021 after a brief hiatus, thus returning to become an active and integral part of Mercer. Michael’s dedication to preserving the reputation of the Fraternity is cherished by its Brethren.

Senior Warden
Celio Santos

Bro. Celio received the Grand Master’s Proficiency coins for Full-Form Proficiency Excellence in 2019-20 and earned his Individual Proficiency in 2021. Celio often helps the Brethren find beauty in our ritual and light in our teachings of the Craft.

Junior Warden
Mark Beneda

Bro. Mark brings an air of pragmatism to Mercer. Mark ensures the Lodge building, as well as the Brethren are well cared-for and is often quick to offer his assistance to anyone in distress. Mark is a role model to us all in the way he gives of himself without request.

Secretary
WB Brent Marriott

WB Brent recently joined John J. Mercer Lodge No. 290 from Charity Zeredatha Lodge No. 189 in St. Joseph, MO where he served as Worshipful Master in 2004-05. Brent immediately dove into various projects at Mercer, sharing his expertise, time and talents creating a stronger masonic community. Brent also traveled with the Mercer Men to the 2023 Annual Communication before being an officer.

Treasurer
WB John Dimon

WB John Dimon is a trusted mentor (often being called “The Professor”) to the Mercer Men. John was appointed a Deputy Grand Custodian in 2018 and is often there with quiet, stoic words of wisdom or a joke that isn’t caught until later…usually giving the brethren a hearty laugh. WB John’s unwavering support of Mercer helps keep the Brethren all focused on doing what’s right for the Fraternity.

Chaplain
WB Eric BenSalah

WB Eric is a Past Master of Mercer (2020 & 2021) earning Master of the Year in 2021. Eric served as an elected officer at Mercer for five years (2019-23). He currently serves as the Grand Marshal for the Grand Lodge of Nebraska. Eric was appointed a Deputy Grand Custodian in 2021 and is currently slated to be Grand Master in 2028.

Senior Deacon
Ethan White

Bro. Ethan is one of the newest Master Masons, being recently Raised in December 2023. Ethan has had an impressive Masonic resume after only one year. He’s earned: all three Grand Master’s Full-Form Proficiency Excellence Coins, the Artificer Award and his Fellow Craft Individual Proficiency. Ethan continues to serve as a member of DeMolay until June 2024.

Junior Deacon
Julius Boatwright

Bro. Julius was Raised at Mercer in 2010. After having been inactive at the lodge for over a decade, Julius came by the Lodge one night, put on an apron to see a degree and became part of the officer corps, being appointed Junior Steward Pro-Tem in 2023. Julius recently earned the Titanium Trowel Award for his efforts in getting active again.

Temple Craft Committee

Elected Representatives

WB Kyle Beckner
2024-2026

Bro. Sasha Karcz
2024-2026

WB Ben Zaayer
2022-2025

Mark Beneda
2022-2025

Celio Santos
2023-2025

Nick Walsh
2020-2023

Ex-officio Members

WB Michael Barnes
Committee Chair

Celio Santos
Temple Craft Secretary

WB John Dimon
Treasurer