Sir Knight David J. Kussman, was born in Houston, Texas, on Easter Sunday morning, April 5, 1953. His father, Frederick J. Kussman, Jr. was an active Mason in Texas and later in California. His mother, Hazel E. Kussman, was active in both the Order of Eastern Star and the Social Order of the Beauceant, serving several times as President. Sir Knight Kussman is a graduate of Loara High School in Anaheim, California, and attended Fullerton College and August Vollemer University majoring in Criminal Justice. He received his teaching credential from the University of California in Los Angeles. He completed his ministry studies at Cottonwood Leadership College, School of Ministry and Leadership. Sir Knight Kussman was ordained in 2011 and has served as an associate pastor at Plaza Bible Church in Anaheim and Catch the Flame Ministries, Inc.
Sir Knight Kussman is a retired Police Sergeant from the Anaheim Police Department, completing thirty-four years of service.
Sir Knight Kussman was married to Lady Kimberly Ann (Schmidt) Kussman from 1988 until her passing in 2015. They were blessed with three children, two daughters and a son. His family currently now consists of six grandchildren: three boys and three girls.
Sir Knight Kussman met Lady Kimberly J. Burnett, PSWP, CT, of Columbus, Ohio at the 67th Triennial in Indiana. Ms. Burnett has served as Supreme Worthy President of the Supreme Assembly of the Social Order of the Beauceant. Their friendship has blossomed into a loving relationship and Ms. Burnett will be travelling with Sir Knight Kussman as often as her busy schedule permits.
In the Symbolic Craft Lodge, Brother Kussman was Initiated, Passed and Raised in Mother Colony Lodge No. 750, Free and Accepted Masons of California in 1979. In 1991, Mother Colony Lodge No. 750 and La Miranda Lodge No. 778 consolidated and became La Mirada Lodge No. 750 with Brother Kussman serving as the Worshipful Master. He transferred his membership to Anaheim Lodge No. 207 as an affiliated Past Master. Brother Kussman is also a member of the Southern California Research Lodge and the Southern California Past Master’s Association.
In York Rite, Capitular Masonry, Companion Kussman was Exalted in Fullerton Chapter No. 90, Royal Arch Masons, where he served as High Priest in 1987. He was Consecrated in the Order of High Priesthood, served as an Inspector for the Grand Chapter of California, and decorated with the Grand Chapter Meritorious Service Award and Grand High Priest’s Distinguished Service Medal.
In York Rite, Cryptic Masonry, Companion Kussman was Greeted in Santa Ana Council No. 14, Cryptic Masons, where he served as Illustrious Master in 1997. He received the Order of the Silver Trowel and served this body as Thrice Illustrious Master. He served the Grand Council as an Inspector and Assistant Director of Ritual. Companion Kussman was decorated with the Grand Master of Ish Sodi Award from the Grand Council and is a Companion of the Secret Vault within the Order of the Secret Vault of the General Grand Council Cryptic Masons International.
In York Rite, Chivalric Masonry, Sir Knight Kussman was Knighted in Fullerton Commandery No. 55, Knights Templar, where he served as Commander in 1986 and 1987. Ordained a member of the Past Commander’s Association serving as both Virtual Prior and Actual Prior. He served the Grand Commandery as Inspector and Assistant Director of Ritual. He also served as a member of the Drill Team Committee, serving on three different drill teams. He was honored after seventeen years as Drill Captain Emeritus form Orange County Commandery No. 36. Sir Knight Kussman received the Knight Templar Meritorious Award twice from the Grand Commandery of California and decorated with the Knights Templar Cross of Honor in 2005. Sir Knight Kussman was appointed to the Grand Commandery line in 2002 and served as Right Eminent Grand Commander in 2010-2011. During his term as Grand Commander, California hosted the first Grand Encampment Western States Easter Celebration in Los Angeles. For his efforts, the Grand Encampment Knights Templar, College of Honors, created him a Knight Commander of the Temple.
His service to the Grand Encampment Knights Templar of the United States of America began in 2012, when Grand Master David Dixon Goodwin, GCT appointed him as the Southwestern Department Commander for the 66th Triennium. Sir Knight Kussman was elected Grand Captain General for the 67th Triennium and decorated with the Knight Grand Cross of the Temple. He was elected Grand Generalissimo for the 68th Triennium. In August 2021, Sir Knight Kussman was elected Deputy Grand Master.
Sir Knight Kussman is a member of The Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor.
Ordained a Knight Priest in St. John the Baptist Tabernacle No. LXVI, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, where he served as Preceptor and Registrar. He holds the title of Knight Commander in the Order. He served the Grand College of America, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, twice as Grand Chaplain and is currently serving as Grand First Pillar.
In the York Rite College, Companion Knight Kussman was Initiated into Southern California York Rite College No. 110 and served as Governor in 2005. He was elevated to the Rank of Associate Regent (Order of the Purple Cross). Knight Companion Kussman served the York Rite Sovereign College of North America as Deputy Grand Governor and as Grand Governor of California.
Sir Knight Kussman is a Life Member of Los Angeles Priory No. 27 and Sierra Pacific Priory No. 71, where he served as Prior. Sir Knight was coronated a Knight York Grand Cross of Honor with one quadrant by the Convent General Knights of York Cross of Honor.
He received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in the Valley of Santa Ana, Orient of California. He is a Past Venerable Master of the Orange County Lodge of Perfection and Past Commander of Orange County Council of Knights of Kadosh. He served his Valley for ten years as Chaplain, and on the Investments Committee. Invested with the Rank and Decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honour and Coroneted a 33 ̊ Inspector General Honorary.
Created a Noble in Al Malaikah Temple, Oasis of California, now a member of El Bekal Temple.
In the invitational Masonic orders:
Installed a Knight Companion in St. Croix Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine, where he served as Sovereign. Is currently serving the United Grand Imperial Council as Intendant General for the Division of California-Southern.
Received and Admitted in California College, Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis, and holds honorary memberships Golden State College and Concordia College. He has received his IX˚ Grade, having served the High Council as Chief Adept for the three Colleges in California. He is currently serving as High Prelate and Deputy Treasurer General.
Cousin Kussman is a Past Excellent Chief of Brian Boru Council No. 38 Knight Masons and was honored with the Order of Brian’s Harp. He served the High Council Knight Masons of the United States of America as a Superintendent for California.
Charter Member of Signet Council No. 230, Allied Masonic Degrees, where he served as Sovereign Master, and is a recipient of the Red Branch of Eri. Appointed to the progressive line of officers of the Grand Council Allied Masonic Degrees serving currently as Junior Grand Deacon. Awarded the Knight Grand Cross of the Red Branch of Eri. Recipient of the 4th Grade in the Ancient and Masonic Order of the Scarlet Cord.
Advanced and Promoted a Knight Companion of the Royal Order of Scotland in the Provincial Grand Lodge of the United States of America.
Charter member of Lone Star Chapel No. 45 and a member of Trinity Chapel No. 12, Commemorative Order of St. Thomas of Acon.
Initiated into Santa Ana/El Toro Chapter No 250, and Camp William Biehl, Heroes of ’76, serving as Chapter President and Camp Commander. Currently serving as Chaplain. Dual Membership with Joseph H. Pendleton Chapter No. 243 and Pasadena Chapter No. 265.
Membership in appendant Masonic orders include:
Made a Fellow of the Grand College of Rites of the United States of America. Currently serving as Grand Chancellor of the Grand College awarded the Knight Grand Cross.
On March 12, 2022, a special conclave of the Grand Encampment was convened at which time Sir Knight Kussman advanced by succession and was installed as the 61st Most Eminent Grand Master of the Grand Encampment Knights Templar, USA.
Sir Knight Kussman is a retired Police Sergeant from the Anaheim Police Department, completing thirty-four years of service.
Sir Knight Kussman was married to Lady Kimberly Ann (Schmidt) Kussman from 1988 until her passing in 2015. They were blessed with three children, two daughters and a son. His family currently now consists of six grandchildren: three boys and three girls.
Sir Knight Kussman met Lady Kimberly J. Burnett, PSWP, CT, of Columbus, Ohio at the 67th Triennial in Indiana. Ms. Burnett has served as Supreme Worthy President of the Supreme Assembly of the Social Order of the Beauceant. Their friendship has blossomed into a loving relationship and Ms. Burnett will be travelling with Sir Knight Kussman as often as her busy schedule permits.
In the Symbolic Craft Lodge, Brother Kussman was Initiated, Passed and Raised in Mother Colony Lodge No. 750, Free and Accepted Masons of California in 1979. In 1991, Mother Colony Lodge No. 750 and La Miranda Lodge No. 778 consolidated and became La Mirada Lodge No. 750 with Brother Kussman serving as the Worshipful Master. He transferred his membership to Anaheim Lodge No. 207 as an affiliated Past Master. Brother Kussman is also a member of the Southern California Research Lodge and the Southern California Past Master’s Association.
In York Rite, Capitular Masonry, Companion Kussman was Exalted in Fullerton Chapter No. 90, Royal Arch Masons, where he served as High Priest in 1987. He was Consecrated in the Order of High Priesthood, served as an Inspector for the Grand Chapter of California, and decorated with the Grand Chapter Meritorious Service Award and Grand High Priest’s Distinguished Service Medal.
In York Rite, Cryptic Masonry, Companion Kussman was Greeted in Santa Ana Council No. 14, Cryptic Masons, where he served as Illustrious Master in 1997. He received the Order of the Silver Trowel and served this body as Thrice Illustrious Master. He served the Grand Council as an Inspector and Assistant Director of Ritual. Companion Kussman was decorated with the Grand Master of Ish Sodi Award from the Grand Council and is a Companion of the Secret Vault within the Order of the Secret Vault of the General Grand Council Cryptic Masons International.
In York Rite, Chivalric Masonry, Sir Knight Kussman was Knighted in Fullerton Commandery No. 55, Knights Templar, where he served as Commander in 1986 and 1987. Ordained a member of the Past Commander’s Association serving as both Virtual Prior and Actual Prior. He served the Grand Commandery as Inspector and Assistant Director of Ritual. He also served as a member of the Drill Team Committee, serving on three different drill teams. He was honored after seventeen years as Drill Captain Emeritus form Orange County Commandery No. 36. Sir Knight Kussman received the Knight Templar Meritorious Award twice from the Grand Commandery of California and decorated with the Knights Templar Cross of Honor in 2005. Sir Knight Kussman was appointed to the Grand Commandery line in 2002 and served as Right Eminent Grand Commander in 2010-2011. During his term as Grand Commander, California hosted the first Grand Encampment Western States Easter Celebration in Los Angeles. For his efforts, the Grand Encampment Knights Templar, College of Honors, created him a Knight Commander of the Temple.
His service to the Grand Encampment Knights Templar of the United States of America began in 2012, when Grand Master David Dixon Goodwin, GCT appointed him as the Southwestern Department Commander for the 66th Triennium. Sir Knight Kussman was elected Grand Captain General for the 67th Triennium and decorated with the Knight Grand Cross of the Temple. He was elected Grand Generalissimo for the 68th Triennium. In August 2021, Sir Knight Kussman was elected Deputy Grand Master.
Sir Knight Kussman is a member of The Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor.
Ordained a Knight Priest in St. John the Baptist Tabernacle No. LXVI, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, where he served as Preceptor and Registrar. He holds the title of Knight Commander in the Order. He served the Grand College of America, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, twice as Grand Chaplain and is currently serving as Grand First Pillar.
In the York Rite College, Companion Knight Kussman was Initiated into Southern California York Rite College No. 110 and served as Governor in 2005. He was elevated to the Rank of Associate Regent (Order of the Purple Cross). Knight Companion Kussman served the York Rite Sovereign College of North America as Deputy Grand Governor and as Grand Governor of California.
Sir Knight Kussman is a Life Member of Los Angeles Priory No. 27 and Sierra Pacific Priory No. 71, where he served as Prior. Sir Knight was coronated a Knight York Grand Cross of Honor with one quadrant by the Convent General Knights of York Cross of Honor.
He received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in the Valley of Santa Ana, Orient of California. He is a Past Venerable Master of the Orange County Lodge of Perfection and Past Commander of Orange County Council of Knights of Kadosh. He served his Valley for ten years as Chaplain, and on the Investments Committee. Invested with the Rank and Decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honour and Coroneted a 33 ̊ Inspector General Honorary.
Created a Noble in Al Malaikah Temple, Oasis of California, now a member of El Bekal Temple.
In the invitational Masonic orders:
Installed a Knight Companion in St. Croix Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine, where he served as Sovereign. Is currently serving the United Grand Imperial Council as Intendant General for the Division of California-Southern.
Received and Admitted in California College, Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis, and holds honorary memberships Golden State College and Concordia College. He has received his IX˚ Grade, having served the High Council as Chief Adept for the three Colleges in California. He is currently serving as High Prelate and Deputy Treasurer General.
Cousin Kussman is a Past Excellent Chief of Brian Boru Council No. 38 Knight Masons and was honored with the Order of Brian’s Harp. He served the High Council Knight Masons of the United States of America as a Superintendent for California.
Charter Member of Signet Council No. 230, Allied Masonic Degrees, where he served as Sovereign Master, and is a recipient of the Red Branch of Eri. Appointed to the progressive line of officers of the Grand Council Allied Masonic Degrees serving currently as Junior Grand Deacon. Awarded the Knight Grand Cross of the Red Branch of Eri. Recipient of the 4th Grade in the Ancient and Masonic Order of the Scarlet Cord.
Advanced and Promoted a Knight Companion of the Royal Order of Scotland in the Provincial Grand Lodge of the United States of America.
Charter member of Lone Star Chapel No. 45 and a member of Trinity Chapel No. 12, Commemorative Order of St. Thomas of Acon.
Initiated into Santa Ana/El Toro Chapter No 250, and Camp William Biehl, Heroes of ’76, serving as Chapter President and Camp Commander. Currently serving as Chaplain. Dual Membership with Joseph H. Pendleton Chapter No. 243 and Pasadena Chapter No. 265.
Membership in appendant Masonic orders include:
Made a Fellow of the Grand College of Rites of the United States of America. Currently serving as Grand Chancellor of the Grand College awarded the Knight Grand Cross.
On March 12, 2022, a special conclave of the Grand Encampment was convened at which time Sir Knight Kussman advanced by succession and was installed as the 61st Most Eminent Grand Master of the Grand Encampment Knights Templar, USA.