Bowling Named First Grand Historian

In a landmark vote, the Grand Chapter of Kentucky Royal Arch Masons unanimously approved a motion to establish the office of Grand Historian during its 209th Grand Convocation, held Wednesday, September 23, in Lexington.

The state presiding officer, J. Michael Heffington, officially named Breathitt Countian, Stephen D. Bowling, to serve as the first Grand Historian of the Grand Chapter of Kentucky Royal Arch Masons.

​Bowling brings a distinguished record of archival expertise and historical scholarship to the new statewide role.  The new Grand Historian has spent decades researching, cataloging, and safeguarding a plethora of local and state heritage.

​Royal Arch Masonry has been an integral part of Kentucky's civic landscape since the early 19th century, with local chapters playing prominent roles in community leadership, charitable work, and historical preservation.

The creation of the Grand Historian office provides a formal framework to ensure that the records, milestones, and individual contributions of Kentucky’s Royal Arch Masons are systematically documented, preserved, and made accessible to future generations.

​As Grand Historian, Bowling will oversee the curation of historical records, conduct specialized research into the fraternity’s heritage across Kentucky, and spearhead initiatives to document the Grand Chapter's ongoing legacy.