David Joseph Kussman, KTCH, KYGCH
R.E. GRAND COMMANDER 2010-2011
GRAND COMMANDERY KNIGHTS TEMPLAR
 OF CALIFORNIA

Sir Knight David Joseph Kussman was born on Easter Sunday morning, April 5, 1953 in Houston, Texas.  His parents, Frederick Joseph Kussman Jr. and Hazel Evelyn Kussman, were active in the Masonic fraternity in Houston, and also in Southern California, where they moved in 1955.  Sir Knight Kussman was raised in Anaheim, California, where he attended public schools and graduated from Loara High School in 1971.

Sir Knight Kussman began working for the Anaheim Police Department in November 1971 while also attending Fullerton College and August Vollemer University pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice.  He retired from the City of Anaheim as a Police Sergeant in July 2004.  He remained working as a Consultant for the Police Department, coordinating the Reserve Unit and Police Chaplains until July 2005.

Sir Knight Kussman met the former Kimberly Ann Schmidt, while she worked at the Police Department and they were married on June 18, 1988.  The Kussman’s were blessed with three children, Jennifer (21), Stephanie (19) and David Jr. (15).  The Kussman Family fellowships at Plaza Bible Church in Orange, California, where Sir Knight Kussman has served as an Elder and two terms on the Church Council.

In the Symbolic Blue Lodge, Sir Knight Kussman was Initiated, Passed and Raised in Mother Colony Lodge No. 750, Free and Accepted Masons.  His Lodge consolidated in 1991 where he served as Worshipful Master.  He now holds membership in Anaheim Lodge No 207.  He is a member of the Southern California Past Masters Association, Southern California Research Lodge, Orange County Research Lodge and Texas Lodge of Research.

In York Rite, Capitular Masonry, Sir Knight Kussman was Exalted in Fullerton Chapter No. 90, Royal Arch Masons and served as High Priest and Treasurer.  He was Consecrated into the Order of High Priesthood.  His service to the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of California includes, Ritual Instructor and Inspector.  Sir Knight Kussman was honored by the Grand Chapter Of California with the Meritorious Service Award and the Distinguished Service Award.

In York Rite, Cryptic Masonry, Sir Knight Kussman was Greeted in Santa Ana Council No. 14, Cryptic Masons and served as Illustrious Master and Treasurer. He was received as a Thrice Illustrious Master, and served as the Thrice Illustrious Master in the Order of the Silver Trowel.  His service to the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of California includes, Ritual Instructor, Inspector and Assistant Director of Ritual.  Sir Knight Kussman was honored by the Grand Council of California with the Ish Sodi Award.

In York Rite, Chivalric Masonry, Sir Knight Kussman was Knighted in Fullerton Commandery No. 55 Knights Templar and served as Commander and Treasurer.  He joined the Drill Team in Golden West Commandery No. 43 and was presented a lifetime membership.  He was Captain of the Drill Teams of Fullerton Commandery, now Orange County Commandery No. 36 for seventeen years and was honored with the distinction of Drill Captain Emeritus.  He is also a member of Los Angeles’ Commandery No. 9 award winning Triennial Drill Team.  Sir Knight Kussman was received into the California Past Commanders Association, and served a Virtual Past Commander and Recorder.  His service to the Grand Commandery of California includes, Ritual Instructor, Inspector, Assistant Director of Ritual, Committee on Competitive Drill, Committee on Uniforms and Jewels, Committee on Finance and Committee on Time and Place. He is the Representative to the Grand Commandery of Texas.  Sir Knight Kussman was honored by the Grand Commandery with the Meritorious Service Medal and by The Grand Encampment with the Knight Templar Cross of Honor.

Sir Knight Kussman received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in the Orient of California, Valley of Santa Ana.  He served as Master of Kadosh in 2008 and was selected as a Fellow by the Supreme Council of the Southern Jurisdiction for the term 2008-2010.  Sir Knight Kussman was invested with the Rank and Decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honour.

His membership in appendant and invitational orders includes:

- Ordained a Knight Priest in Saint John the Baptist Tabernacle LXVI, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests.  He served as Preceptor and was Ordained a Knight Commander; He is currently serving a Registrar.

- Initiated into Southern California York Rite College No. 110 where he served as Governor.  He was elevated to the Rank of Associate Regent (Order of the Purple Cross).

- Sir Knight Kussman is a life member of Los Angeles Priory No. 26 and Fresno Priory No 71. Knights of the York Cross of Honor. He is currently serving as Warder in Fresno Priory.

- Invited and initiated into Saint Croix Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine. He is currently serving a Viceroy.

- Sir Knight Kussman was Received and Admitted a IV Grade in California College, Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis.

- Sir Knight Kussman is a member of Brian Boru Council No. 38 Knight Masons, where he has served as Excellent Chief.  He was honored with the Order of Brian’s Harp.

- Sir Knight Kussman is a member of Orange Coast Council, Allied Masonic Degrees, where he has served as Sovereign Master and received the Knight Red Branch or Eri.

- Sir Knight Kussman is a member of Lone Star Chapel No. 45 Commemorative Order of St. Thomas of Acon.

- Sir Knight Kussman was advanced and promoted a Knight Companion of the Royal Order of Scotland, and is a member of the Robert the Bruce Association of California.

- Sir Knight Kussman is a member of Ami-Tai Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star.

- Sir Knight Kussman was elected and installed Grand Commander on April 28, 2010.

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