Grand Lodge Officers

Brother PJ Roup is a Past Master of Plum Creek Lodge No. 799 and a warrant member of Lodge Ad Lucem No. 812, both of Pittsburgh. He served as District Deputy Grand Master of District 54, 2007-2016. In 2018, he was made an Active Member of the Supreme Council, NMJ, and is an Honorary Member of the DeMolay Legion of Honor.

PJ graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in mathematics. He owns Dreamscape Video Productions, which he founded in 2004, and is the Editor of The Northern Light, the magazine of the Scottish Rite, NMJ.

PJ is a member of Beulah Presbyterian Church, where he was a longtime member of the choir and Moderator of the Board of Deacons. He enjoys golf, mountain biking, fly fishing, cooking and creative writing.

PJ resides in Churchill, PA, with his wife, Gail.

Brother Lynn “Bud” Baker is a Past Master of Middleburg Lodge No. 619 and a plural member of Mifflinburg Lodge No. 370 and the Pennsylvania Lodge of Research. He served as District Deputy Grand Master of District 46, 2015-2023, and on the Committee on Academy of Masonic Knowledge. He is an Honorary Member of the DeMolay Legion of Honor.

Bud graduated from West Snyder School District and earned an associate’s degree from Williamsport Area Community College. He is the owner of Baker Forest Consulting, LLC.

Bud is a member of Saint Paul’s Reformed Church. He enjoys hunting, fishing and hiking.

Bud resides in his hometown of Beavertown with his lady, Holli. He has one son and one grandson.

Brother Eric T. Downs is a Past Master of Kennett Lodge No. 475. He served as District Deputy Grand Master of District 5, 2022-2025.

Eric graduated from Avon Grove School District. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Delaware and a master’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology from West Chester University.

An award-winning real estate agent, Eric began his career at QVC, Inc., and worked in a variety of financial, analytical and management positions.

He serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors for Brandywine Battlefield Park Associates and as the Advisory Council Chairman for DeMolay Centennial Chapter.

Eric resides in Kennett Square with his wife, Christina. They are the proud parents of three children.

His presentation as R.W. Junior Grand Warden will be held on Jan. 4, 2026, at 2 p.m., at Kennett Lodge No. 475.

Brother Adam C. Heese is a Past Master and past Trustee of Melita Lodge No. 295, Philadelphia, and is a dual member of King Solomon’s Lodge No. 346, Connellsville.

A licensed Certified Public Accountant, Adam is employed as a Senior Manager of Tax in Latrobe, PA. He has previously held positions with Deloitte & Touche and Air Products & Chemicals.

Adam earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Drexel University and a Master of Science in Taxation from American University.

Adam and his wife, Kelly, reside in Latrobe with their four children. He enjoys volunteering with his children’s many activities, including serving as treasurer for the swim club. He also enjoys DIY projects, shooting sporting clays and traveling with his family.

Brother Peter M. Kraus is a three-time Past Master of Oasis Lodge No. 416, Edinboro, and a warrant member of Spartan Traditional Lodge No. 817, Youngsville. He served as District Deputy Grand Master of District 24, 2013-2018. He serves as Chairman of the Committee on Membership and IT Services and formerly served as Chairman of the Organization Process and Strategy Committee and as Secretary of the Committee on Academy of Masonic Knowledge.

Pete was awarded the Grand Master’s Outstanding Service Medal on Dec. 27, 2021.

Pete graduated from Union City High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in physics from Edinboro University and attended graduate school for engineering at Gannon University.

Having served as Deputy Grand Secretary, 2024-2025, Pete was elected Grand Secretary in June 2025. He has worked in several scientific and technical sales positions, culminating in a partnership with an Italian firm to provide specialty valves and electromechanical sensors to customers in North America.

Pete attends First United Presbyterian Church of Edinboro, where he serves as an elder and assists with audio/visual needs.

Pete serves as a Board Member of the Erie Masonic Temple Association and enjoys working with his friends and brothers on projects that preserve the historic temple and its history.

An avid percussionist, Pete enjoys both rock and classical music.

Pete resides with his wife, Pauline, in Edinboro. They are the proud parents of five sons. As his sons rose through the ranks of Boy Scouts, Pete served as a Boy Scout Troop Committee member and Secretary. He is also a DeMolay Advisor and Legion of Honor recipient, and is equally proud of his sons’ leadership in the Order.