Meet The Divan Members
James Heineman
Potentate
I was initiated, passed, and raised in a Lodge in the Middle East and served as the Master in 2001/2002. After spending 22 years in Saudi Arabia as a Senior Process Control Technician, we returned to the U.S. and moved from Alvin, Texas to Buda Texas where I affiliated with Buda Lodge #800 and Live Oak Lodge #304.
While in Saudi, I served in the Jr., and Sr. Wardens, Secretary, and Worshipful Masters offices as well as District Deputy Grand Master of the 9th District East and Grand Marshal of the American Canadian Grand Lodge, with in the United Grand Lodges of Germany. I served as Secretary of the Buda Lodge for 10 years.
My wife, Janet and I also served as Worthy Matron and Patron of the Order Eastern Star twice. We were very active with the Masonic, Easter Star and the sorority, Beta Sigma Phi, that Janet was a member of.
My good friend, Chuck “Fester” Jones invited us to the Potentates Ball in 2017 which prompted me to petitioned to join and was initiated as a member of Ben Hur Shrine in 2017, served as Membership Chairman in 2018 and 2019. Chuck Jones was serving on the Divan and giving me gentle prods to run for the Divan, which I kept saying no. I believe he was approached by Ed Whitmore and Ed Bromstad who talked to him about asking me to run, which he told them he had talked to me about running and I kept saying “No” and told them to see what they could do. I did receive a call from the “Ed’s” and the rest is history. What was I thinking!? But really, the years serving on the Divan have been fun, rewarding and well worth the work, thank you Ill. Sirs, Chuck Jones, Ed Whitmore, and Ed Bromstad for giving me that push.
As we move into the future years, it is our hope that Ben Hur can grow, prosper, and have more FUN!
Fred Maynard
High Priest and Prophet
Fred Maynard grew up in Northeastern Kentucky where he married his high school sweetheart in 1986.
Fred served in the US Navy from 1986 - 1992. He completed the Navy’s nuclear power training program and qualified as a Submariner onboard the USS Gato SSN-615.
Fred attended the University of Phoenix where he obtained an Associates Degree in Nuclear Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Business. He has worked for AWC, Inc. since 1999 as an Application Engineer.
Fred was raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason on May 3, 2010, in Norton Moses Lodge #336 in Leander and is an Endowed Member. He served the Lodge as Worshipful Master in the 2014-2015 Masonic year and as Lodge Secretary from 2017 to 2019 and again in 2020/2021. Fred was awarded the Golden Trowel Award from Norton Moses on February 18, 2019. He is a member of the C.O. Jones York Rite Chapter & Council and the Burnet York Rite Commandery. Fred is also an Endowed Member of Leander Chapter #73 Order of the Eastern Star where he was Worthy Patron with his wife Traci as Worthy Matron in 2013-2014. He served again as Worthy Patron in 2016-2017. Fred joined Ben Hur Shrine in 2011 and immediately joined the Legion of Honor. He was the Adjutant for 7 years and has served as the unit Commander for 2022 & 2023. He also served as the Commander for the Texas Association Legions of Honor in 2023.
Charles Maddox
Assistant Rabban
Charles E. Maddox is an attorney for the Office of the Secretary of State of Texas. Prior to working for the Secretary of State, he served as an Assistant Attorney General for Texas, and was a budget analyst for the Legislative Budget Board of Texas. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Master of Public Affairs each from the University of Texas at Austin, a Doctor of Jurisprudence from St. Mary’s University School of Law, and a Master of Laws from Stetson University College of Law. He is admitted to the Bar in Texas, and every civilian federal court which has jurisdiction in and over the State of Texas. He, his wife Emily, and their daughter reside in the Austin Area. A proud eleventh generation Texan, Charles is a member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas and is an Honorary Admiral in the Texas Navy.
The Elected Shrine Leadership Board of Directors
Potentate – This is, the Chairman of the Board. It is an elected position. The Nobles, who are members, vote annually, for their choice of Potentate.
Chief Rabban – 1st Vice President. As with the Potentate, this is also an elected position.
Assistant Rabban – 2nd Vice President. This is also an elected position.
High Priest and Prophet – 3rd Vice President. Another elected position.
Oriental Guide – 4th Vice President – Yet another elected position.
Treasurer - Disburses approved funds
Recorder - Serves as secretary to the board, and conducts day-to-day operations and much more.
The elected Board of Directors is the management team.